Just nine runners remain in the final field for this weekend’s Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington Racecourse, offering punters exceptional value from a betting standpoint and several key opportunities to place a winning bet.

Who Shot Thebarman currently leads markets for success in the 2014 Bart Cummings. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Having returned to slick form with a last-start victory, classy Kiwi import Who Shot Thebarman has opened as and maintained status as outright favourite for success in Bart Cummings betting markets, currently available at $1.90 odds with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au.

Securing seven wins and two minor places from just 13 competitive starts so far, Who Shot Thebarman was a standout performer in major New Zealand staying events over summer and autumn; finishing second in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) before securing back-to-back victories in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m).

Disappointing when ninth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in his first Australian appearance on Day 2 of The Championships, the Yamanin Vital gelding has steadily built to the task over three starts this time in; beating just one runner home in the Canterbury Hurlstone Handicap (1400m) on August 16^th and finishing seventh in the Listed Premier’s Cup (1800m) prior to his win in the Sofitel Girls’ Day Out Handicap (2000m) on September 13^th.

Charged with overcoming the outside barrier, punters may find value in including Who Shot Thebarman as a selection in a Bart Cummings trifecta or quinella bet.

Receiving some attention from punters in the early hours of Bart Cummings betting markets, Sea Moon has maintained status as sole occupant of the second line of betting; currently available at $4.40 odds.

Purchased by renowned owner Lloyd Williams as a Melbourne Cup prospect, Sea Moon contested an ideal lead-in to the 2013 Race that Stops a Nation; finishing second in The Bart Cummings and winning the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), but was unable to match the late pace of Fiorente in his major target and finished 13^th.

Allocated the ideal barrier 2, champion jockey Damien Oliver has been confirmed to partner the Beat Hollow entire this weekend and is more than worth consideration for a 2014 Bart Cummings bet.

Interestingly figuring as the only other runner currently offered at odds of less-than $10 for success, Ibicenco has so far received the greatest market share of wagers for success in Bart Cummings betting markets, cutting in from an opening quote of $6.50 to currently register as $5 third favourite.

Owned by Simon O’Donnell’s OTI Racing syndicate, Ibicenco was a notable performer over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival; winning both the Listed Slickpix Stakes (1700m) and Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on his way to a Melbourne Cup berth; albeit unsuccessful.

Quickly building to the task over two starts this time in, the Shirocco entire arguably offers punters the best value for money in Bart Cummings betting fields, and is likely to receive the run of the race on Saturday from the ideal barrier 1.

Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today to gain access to the best odds available online for The Bart Cummings!