Barker makes first start for Mullins Willie Mullins is looking forward to saddling Barker for the first time in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase at Downpatrick on Wednesday. The eight-year-old won the 2008 Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown when in the care of James Barrett but has failed to reach those heights on four starts over fences. Mullins has been impressed with the gelding's work since he arrived at his County Carlow base - although the trainer is slightly concerned conditions may not be testing enough for the mudlark. "I think he was just off form a bit on his last few runs but his work has been good since he joined us," said the champion trainer. "I would be slightly worried the ground might be too good for him but he is a previous winner in Downpatrick so he has course form. "There are very few beginners' chases at less than two miles, six furlongs over the next couple of weeks so we have to take our chance. "He's doing everything right at home so I'm hoping for the best."
