Just nine runners remain in contention for Saturday’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 wager.

Sea Moon is a leading chance for success in the 2014 Bart Cummings. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Having returned to peak form with an impressive last start victory, classy kiwi import Who Shot Thebarman has opened as and maintained status as outright favourite in Bart Cummings betting markets, currently available at $1.85 odds ahead of Sea Moon ($4.40) and clear punters’ pick Ibicenco ($5) at Ladbrokes.com.au.

Will Who Shot Thebarman justify his resounding favouritism and win the 2014 Bart Cummings, or will one of his classy rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

Sea Moon ($4.40)

While allocated a race-high 60kgs in the 2014 Bart Cummings, Sea Moon finished a strong second in this event in 2013, has been allocated the ideal barrier 2 and will be partnered by champion jockey Damien Oliver on Saturday and is therefore a great chance of delivering on $4.40 odds. beginning his racing career under the guidance of renowned British trainer Sir Michael Stoute before transferring to Robert Hickmott’s care in late 2012, the Beat Hollow entire performed well over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival; following up his second in The Bart Cummings with a strong win in the Group 3 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), but was unable to figure when 13^th in the Melbourne Cup. Having reportedly taken well to his time in the paddock and return to work, Sea Moon is well and truly worth consideration for a Bart Cummings bet.

2^nd

Who Shot Thebarman ($1.85)

A standout performer in major New Zealand staying events earlier this year, Who Shot Thebarman has been charged with overcome the outside barrier in the 2014 Bart Cummings but remains a leading chance of success. Winning two minor events over 2000m and 2500m respectively in November, the Yamanin Vital gelding finished second in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) before claiming back-to-back victories in the Group 2 Avondale Gold Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) most notably. Unable to figure in his Australian debut when ninth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m), Who Shot Thebarman has been set for a Melbourne Cup appearance this year and will have to win The Bart Cummings to keep his name in the mix.

3^rd

Ethiopia ($26)

Claiming one win and three minors over his 17 competitive starts so far, Ethiopia without doubt offers punters the best value for money in Bart Cummings betting markets and is worth consideration for a wager at $26 odds or $5.10 to run a place. A Group 1 winner having taken out the 2012 edition of the Australian Derby (2400m), the Helenus gelding performed well over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival without securing a race win, highlighted by a close run for fourth in the Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) and credible seventh in the Melbourne Cup. Eyeing another berth in the race that stops a nation, trainer Pat Carey has been pleased with the form of Ethiopia leading into his racing return and is confident of a strong performance in The Bart Cummings.

Do you agree with our tips for The Bart Cummings? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today and have your say with the best odds available online.