Place your bets

Kiwi maxi currently favourite for Aussie classic

Australians apparently will bet on any contest, including the battle for line honours in the 60th anniversary Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race that starts from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, 26 December 2004.

Centrebet, the online betting agency, has issued its betting market for the ocean classic, setting the New Zealand super maxi Konica Minolta as favourite ahead of Skandia after she outsailed the Australian boat in last Friday’s Canon Big Boat Challenge.

The Stewart Thwaites-owned Konica Minolta is trading at AUS$2.34 for a $1 outlay with Grant Wharington’s Skandia on $2.50. The as-yet un-raced Nicorette is third favourite, offered at $4.

AAPT is on the list at $12, Brindabella $34, Andrew Short Marine, Aspen1, Maserati and Nokia at $41, DHL-Getaway Sailing, Indec Merit and Seriously Ten $51, Aera $61, Broomstick $81, with $101 the fleet.

Centrebet is also currently offering odds on Australia to beat Pakistan in the cricket test, Lleyton Hewitt to win the Australian Open tennis, and Kylie Minogue for a Grammy Award in February.