With more than 2000 nominations received each year, competition for the Golden Slipper field is always fierce. The final field and barriers for the 2013 Golden Slipper will be announced in the days leading up to the big race on April 6th. There are typically between 15 and 18 horses included in the final field, with some barriers more desirable than others.
Like most big horse racing events, barrier selections can make a big difference to the final results. While the importance of specific barriers is debatable and always related to certain horses and track conditions, there is no doubting the fact that some barriers have been more successful than others in the Golden Slipper over the years.
When you take a detailed look at the historical data associated with barriers in the Golden Slipper, it is easy to see why some punters put so much importance on barrier numbers. Some barriers are much more likely to win and place than others, with certain barriers never or rarely producing winners.
ONE – The most successful barrier in Golden Slipper history is barrier one, which has produced eight winners. Crystal Lily was the last horse to win from barrier one in 2010.
TWO – Barrier two has produced two winners since 1957, with the latest being Dance Hero in 2004.
THREE – This barrier has been the second most successful in Golden Slipper history with six wins. Catbird was the last winner from barrier three in 1999.
FOUR – Barrier four has produced five winners, making it the third most successful barrier overall with barriers eight and ten. However, the most recent winner from this barrier was Century Miss back in 1979.
FIVE – This barrier has produced four winners, with the latest being Sebring in 2008.
SIX – Barrier six has produced three winners throughout history, with Stratum being the last in 2005.
SEVEN – Two winners overall, including Miss Finland in 2006.
EIGHT – The third most successful barrier with barriers four and ten, producing five winners overall including latest winner Bounding Away in 1986.
NINE – Three winners overall have come from barrier nine, including the latest winner Sweet Embrace in 1967.
TEN – Barrier ten is equal third with barriers eight and four, with five winners overall. The latest winner from barrier ten was Danzero in 1994.
ELEVEN – Three winners, including the latest, Ha Ha in 2001.
TWELVE – Two winners, with the latest being Inspired in 1984.
THIRTEEN – no winners, unlucky thirteen?
FOURTEEN – Four winners, with the latest being Polar Success in 2003.
FIFTEEN – Only one winner ever, Star Watch in 1988.
SIXTEEN – Only one winner, Phelan Ready in 2009.
