Is Who Shot Thebarman a Contender for the Caulfield Cup 2014?

Who Shot Thebarman is a proven stayer, having won the Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) in March this year, but does that make him a serious contender for the Group 1 Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup (2400m) this Saturday?

Who Shot Thebarman looks like a serious contender for this year’s Caulfield Cup title. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

The six-year-old gelding is one of four Chris Waller-trained runners confirmed for the $3 million race at Caulfield Racecourse following two last start wins but a wide draw and weight penalty puts his challenge in doubt.

Who Shot Thebarman has won more than half of his 14 career starts (8) and placed second in a further two.

The gelding is one of only five last start winners among of 18-strong field after winning the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington Racecourse on October 4 which followed a win in the Girls Day Out Handicap (2000m), both were won impressively by two and a half lengths.

The six-year-old has already proven successful in New Zealand and is now keen to prove himself in Australia with the 2014 Caulfield Cup.

Who Shot Thebarman opened the Caulfield Cup betting market at Ladbrokes.com.au with odds of $13 but has drifted out to $17 following a wide draw in barrier 16. However, the scratching of Gris Caro means the gelding will move in to gate 15, with a chance at starting from the more desirable gate 13 following the withdraw of emergencies.

So can the New Zealand import cause an upset in Saturday’s feature race and cement his place in Australian racing?

Caulfield Cup Horse Form: #11 Who Shot Thebarman

Barrier: 16 (into 13)
Weight: 55kg (including 1.5kg penalty)
Jockey: Glen Boss
Trainer: Chris Waller
Owners: Mr D M O’leary, Mr H T O’leary, Mr M J O’leary, Mr S C O’leary, Mrs J C Nugent-O’leary
Age: 6YO
Gender: Gelding
Breeding: by Yamanin Vital (NZ) from Ears Carol (NZ)
Career: 14:8-2-0
Win: 57%
Place: 71%
Last 6: 9X0711
Prize Money: $541,520
Track: 0:0-0-0
Distance: 1:1-0-0
Current 2014 Caulfield Cup Odds: $17

Why Who Shot Thebarman Can Be The 2014 Caulfield Cup Winner

Proven winner with higher weights, winning the Girls’ Day Out Handicap on 60kg and the Bart Cummings on 57.5kg
Despite receiving 1.5kg weight penalty for the Caulfield Cup will ride with just 55.5kg, his lowest weight since winning the Auckland Cup on 52.5kg
Won Avondale Gold Cup over the distance in February by 2.5 lengths
Bart Cummings was similar distance (2520m) which he also won by 2.5 lengths
Boasts the highest Win Rate (57%) and Place Rate (71%)
Ideal age as six-year-olds have won 7 times since 1983, including last two winners Fawkner (2013) and Dunaden (2012)
In-form following two last start wins
In prime condition having rested the ideal two weeks between races
Will likely move into gate 13, which has produced three winners in the past 31 years

Why Who Shot Thebarman Won’t Win the 2014 Caulfield Cup

No experience over the track
Only one start over the same distance
New to Australian racing
Drawn wider than many of his rivals

Judging by all this, Who Shot Thebarman looks like a serious contender for the 2014 Caulfield Cup crown.

If you want to back the dark horse to win, you’ll find the best odds with online bookmaker Ladbrokes.com.au.

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