Trainer Chris Waller has declared Who Shot Thebarman in great form as he chases back to back wins in the Group 2 $300,000 Quayclean Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown on Saturday.
Who Shot Thebarman, above, is favourite to win back to back Zipping Classics at Sandown. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Jockey James McDonald stole the show last year with his brilliant tactical ride that saw Who Shot Thebarman circle the seven horse field from last at the 1400m to lead into the straight.
McDonald then gave Who Shot Thebarman full throttle and the Chris Waller trained stayer opened up to score a runaway seven lengths win over the Darren Weir trained Tall Ship.
Hugh Bowman has been on Who Shot Thebarman for his last three Spring Carnival outings and Waller is certain the he can live up to McDonald’s inspired winning ride last year.
“It was certainly a great ride and it was part of the success I am sure,” Waller said.
“I will be reminding him (Bowman).”
While Waller knows that Bowman will give the eight year old every chance of claiming back to back Zipping Classic, the champion trainer is also happy with the way Who Shot Thebarman has come through his last start fifth to Almandin in the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1.
“Last year’s ride probably flattered his win, but his Melbourne Cup form is terrific,” Waller said.
“But the horse is going really well. His run in the Melbourne Cup was fantastic with the big weight.”
“He has drawn gate one, he will get a nice run, he will position and be very hard to beat.”
“We are hoping he has a bit more speed than some of those horses, that’s probably hard to say because he is pretty one paced himself.”
“He is no going too bad, that is all we need to know.”
Who Shot Thebarman hasn’t visited the winner’s stall since winning last year’s Zipping Classic but has been placed four times since, including twice over the Spring Carnival.
The veteran stayer ran second to Hartnell in the Group 2 $200,000 Ascend Sales Trophies Hill Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on September 17 and second to stablemate Grand Marshal in the Group 2 $300,000 Antler Luggage Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on October 22 prior to running in the Melbourne Cup.
Who Shot Thebarman remains solid at the top of the market order for the Zipping Classic at $3.30 with Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of Robbie Laing’s three year old So Si Bon at $4.20, English stayer Big Orange at $4.80 and Beautiful Romance and Almoonqith both at $6.
