Finding particularly competitive form over the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, classy kiwi import Who Shot Thebarman is so-far the punters’ pick of trainer Chris Waller’s three-pronged attack, firming noticeably in Melbourne Cup betting markets just over 24 hours from the Flemington feature race.

Who Shot Thebarman has firmed for success in 2014 Melbourne Cup betting markets. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Securing a commendable race record of eight wins and two second-place finishes from just fifteen starts so far, Who Shot Thebarman began his racing career under the guidance of kiwi trainer Mark Oulaghan before transferring to the care of Waller at the beginning of the season.

Stamping his claims as a serious racing contender from his maiden preparation through the 2013 autumn, Who Shot Thebarman comfortably took out a minor over 1600m on debut before repeating the dose in a four-length victory in another minor race over a mile at Trentham in May.

Running second to Just Ishi in the Gourmet Stay (1600m) first-up in October 20^th, the Yamanin Vital gelding was unlucky to be blocked for a run and fourth in a minor over a mile on October 26^th, but responded in the best way possible in winning the Perfect Packaging BM75 (2000m) and Airpark Canterbury BM85 (2500m) back-to-back through November.

Completing a successful transition to black-type racing when second to Military Move in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) on December 21^st, Who Shot Thebarman charged home to secure a comfortable victory in the Group 2 Avondale Gold Cup (2400m) on February 15^th this year before more than announcing his claims as a serious 2014 Melbourne Cup contender when breaking through for a maiden victory at the highest level of racing in the Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 5^th.

While unable to figure in contention on the rain-soaked Randwick surface when ninth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in his final run under Oulaghan in April, the gelding out of Ears Carol beat just one runner home in the Canterbury Hurlstone RSL Handicap (1400m) first-up this time, but was far-more convincing when displaying a keen turn of foot late to finish seventh in the Listed Premier’s Cup (1800m) on August 30^th.

Jumping as an outsider in the Sofitel Girls’ Day Out Handicap (2000m) on September 13^th, Who Shot Thebarman was settled in prime running position by veteran jockey and confirmed Melbourne Cup partner Glen Boss and kicked well in the final straight to finish close to three lengths in the clear of closest rival Jacquinot Bay; repeating the dose in the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) on October 4^th.

While failing to match the late pace of Admire Rakti when 13^th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) last time out, punters have responded to Boss’ confirmation for the ride, the allocation of a central barrier and the six-year-old’s requirement to carry just 55kgs; instilling Who Shot Thebarman at current odds of $21 for success in Melbourne Cup betting markets, having opened at a quote of $26.

A proven performer over the distance, Who Shot Thebarman offers punters exceptional value for money in Melbourne Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes Australia.