Bradley Photographers
Evergreen New Zealand-bred and owned stayer Who Shot Thebarman will be contesting the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) for a fourth time next Tuesday, while a number of his compatriots will be relying on results from Saturday to make the 24 horse field.
The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Sir Charles Road all but secured his spot in next Tuesday’s race after placing in the Gr.3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on Wednesday, leapfrogging the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Zacada into 23rd spot in order of entry.
While Zacada currently remains within the starting line-up for the race, the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) runner-up’s spot could be taken by the winner of the Gr.3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) or Thinkin’ Big, who will contest the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m).
A number of Kiwi horses in the Lexus Stakes that could take his place include Rising Red, Yogi or Patrick Erin.
Meanwhile, there has been a set-back for Melbourne Cup hopeful Red Verdon.
The Ed Dunlop-trained entire, who is currently 20th in order of entry for the Cup, has been found with bruising to a foot and missed being worked on Thursday as a result.
“He’s got a bit of a pulse in a foot,” Dunlop said. “We have had the farrier in, he has a little bruise in his foot. The farrier has taken the shoe off and we are hot and cold pulsing it. It’s only a 24-hour problem, it’s just come at the wrong time with the Melbourne Cup coming up so quickly.
“He has missed a day’s work, but that will probably be the only problem.”