Kiwi stayer Who Shot Thebarman has been penalised two kilos for the Group 1 $1m Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 19 after his win in the Auckland Cup on Wednesday.
Who Shot Thebarman is on the fourth line of betting behind Opinion, above, in the Sydney Cup. Photo by Steve Hart.
The Mark Oulaghan trained Who Shot Thebarman was sent out the $2.50 favourite for the Group 1 NZ$500,000 Barefoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie and duly saluted for jockey Matthew Cameron.
The five year old is racing in outstanding form and went into the Auckland Cup on the back of a win in the Group 2 NZ$100,000 Go Racing Syndications Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie on February 15.
Racing New South Wales chief handicapper Damian Hay raised Who Shot Thebarman’s benchmark rating from 100 to 105 and subsequently increased his Sydney Cup weight from 52kgs to 54kgs.
“He’s on the up and he’s a Group I winner over two miles and that’s an important factor,” Hay said.
Oulaghan is considering a trip to Sydney with Who Shot Thebarman and will make a decision after studying the weights again.
“I guess we’ll have to look at it,” Oulaghan told the Informant.
Winning jockey Matthew Cameron said that the five year old was strong at the end of the 3200m and had plenty in reserve when he was challenged by runner up Celtic Prince at the 200m.
“When he caught sight of the other horse he kicked again,” said Cameron.
“It was the same as he did in the Avondale Cup.
“It’s a privilege to ride a horse like him that can sprint away at the end of two miles. I’ve won the Wellington Cup (on Willy Smith) when it was two miles, but winning this is better. He’s the best stayer I’ve ridden.”
Who Shot Thebarman in on the fourth line of betting at $11 for the Sydney Cup with Ladbrokes.com.au who have the Chris Waller trained Opinion the current favourite at $8.50.
Melbourne stayer Sertorius, who resumed for an eye catching second to Moment Of Change in the Group 1 $500,000 Cathay Pacific Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22, shares the next line of betting with the Gai Waterhouse trained The Offer at $11.
