Mullins looks to get Barker back on track

DOWNPATRICK PREVIEW:RUBY WALSH teams up with the 2008 Pierse Hurdle winner Barker at Downpatrick this afternoon where the horse has his first start for new trainer Willie Mullins. The ex-James Barrett-trained grey lines up for the novice chase and although the drying-out ground will be welcome for many it is causing Mullins some concern.

“I would be slightly concerned if the ground gets too good but he is a previous winner at Downpatrick,” Mullins said yesterday. “I think he was just off form in his last few runs but his work has been good since joining us. He’s doing everything right at home,” he added.

Mullins also runs the Fairyhouse runner-up Hammersmith in the bumper and there should be improvement from his 16-length second to Fly Vic. Ballytrim is the Mullins runner in the Powers Ulster Grand National but Walsh will be on board Selection Box leaving Paul Townend to wear the Archie O’Leary colours.

Even on the drying going this three and a half miles will be a stamina test and although carrying a big weight Beantown could provide a touch of each-way value. Walsh looks a significant booking for Jim Lambe’s runner in the handicap hurdle, Catherines Verse. This one returned from a long lay-off to run behind Crerum at Down Royal and can be expected to have come on for that outing.