Who Shot Thebarman has returned to winning form in particularly impressive fashion at Sandown this afternoon; producing an exceptional staying effort and late sprint to take out the featured Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) by ten lengths.

Popular stayer Who Shot Thebarman delivered a handy field a resounding defeat in the Group 2 Zipping Classic this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Who Shot Thebarman continued to receive plenty of support in the hours leading up to the Zipping Classic, but did his chances no favours when missing the start and forced to settle at the rear of the paddock past the post the first time.

Sertorius, Rising Romance and Do You Remember were setting only a fair pace at the fore of the field which led to jockey James McDonald to pull the Yamanin Vital gelding off the rails and push forward over the back straight; hitting to lead with 1200m to run.

Rounding onto the final straight with a clear lead, McDonald immediately asked Who Shot Thebarman for an extra effort; who responded with a huge turn of foot to continue to open a big gap to his rivals and savage the line for success.

McDonald delivered a typically brilliant ride aboard Who Shot Thebarman to win the 2015 Zipping Classic and was quick to lay all the praise on trainer Chris Waller, Victorian foreperson Justine Hales and the class of the talented gelding.

“It’s a great team effort by Chris and Justine has done a great job,” McDonald said after crossing the line.

“I hoped on him with plenty of confidence, I knew he’d stay the trip really well and I rode him like that.

“I did no work for the first four furlongs and I thought I’m never going to win trying to outsprint them, so I rolled forward and the horse enjoyed it – he pricked his ears and had a good time of it.

“I went down the dip and up the dip. He’s genuine and it’s good to see him get another win on the board.”

Hales was on hand for Who Shot Thebarman’s returned to winning form in the 2015 Zipping Classic and confirmed he will return to the paddock ahead of a likely 2016 Autumn Carnival preparation.

“It was a great ride by James – he summed it up really well because we knew we couldn’t out-sprint Rising Romance and we had to get rolling,” Hales said.

“We wanted to be a bit handier but he was playing up in the gates and missed the kick, but James just got him into a rhythm and he got to the lead so easily.

“He’s won the Auckland Cup from the lead so we knew he could do that. Once he warms up and gets into stride he’s got such a big stride and is an easy-going horse.

“I think we’ll just sit down with the owners and figure out what we’re doing for the autumn.”

In taking out the 2015 Zipping Classic, Who Shot Thebarman has now posted an impressive nine wins and four minors through only 26 career starts.

2015 Zipping Classic Results