Who Shot Thebarman looking to create Melbourne Cup history

Who Shot Thebarman
Who Shot Thebarman basks in the crowd’s love after winning the Moonee Valley Cup. Pic: Racing.com

CONNECTIONS of nine-year-old Kiwi Who Shot Thebarman are aiming high ahead of the horse’s fourth and most likely final attempt at the Melbourne Cup after winning the Moonee Valley Cup in remarkable fashion.

The old stager, which won the race as an $8 chance at William Hill in superior staying fashion now looks set to compete in the feature staying race of the Melbourne spring in just under two-weeks time.

A win in the 2017 edition of the race that stops a nation would make the gelding the oldest horse to ever win the big one, and co-owner Sean O’Learly said the race team is looking to create Melbourne Cup history.

“We want to be the oldest horse to win the Cup,” O’Leary told HorseBetting.com.au.

“He looks as good we’ve seen him, he’s nine, but the way he is travelling suggests he’s going to be going into the race as a big chance for us.”

Trainer Chris Waller agreed in the aftermath of the race, stating he “would enjoy” a chance to create history in another Melbourne feature with the popular runner.

“This horse will be just as well-received winning or losing when he goes back home to the stable as Winx would be,” the trainer said.

“That’s how much (the Moonee Valley Cup) means.”

Barman owners
Sean O’Learly (left) and fellow owners celebrate Who Shot Thebarman’s win in the Moonee Valley Cup. Pic: Racing.com

The win was exactly what connections wanted to see as Who Shot Thebarman gears up for Melbourne Cup number four, but the owners are waiting to see how the horse recovers before rubber-stamping the entry.

“If he comes through today good hopefully he’ll do it again,” O’leary said.

Who Shot Thebarman is a $41 chance at Crownbet to win the 2017 Melbourne Cup after being at the $67 mark prior to Saturday’s race.

A change in conditioning looks to be the tonic for the nine-year-old, which strips fitter than it did this time last year.

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The only query for O’leary is whether the wear and tear of racing will take its toll in the 3200m feature

“He’s dropped 2kgs on last year, but the question is, does he know he’s nine? We’re not sure.

“He’s looked as good as he’s ever looked.”

The horse ran a gallant second in the Group One Sydney Cup to British invader Polarisation over the 3200m trip, and O’Leary believes the horse will fight over the staying trip until the moment they retire it.

“He’s a true two-miler, and he’s never had a problem covering the distance,” the co-owner said.

“So that’s his race. We’ll wait and see how he pulls up after the race but we are keen to have another go.”

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