Pierse Hope Thrills Barrett

James Barrett expects a bold show from Barker when he unleashes the improving seven-year-old in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

After winning at Clonmel in November, the grey hacked up at Fairyhouse last month to earn a crack at the valuable two-miler.

Barrett said: 'He is an intended runner unless the ground comes up very heavy.

'All's gone well with him and he's fit and well. He's working well and he's good and healthy, so everything has gone according to plan.

'I'm just unsure at the moment as to who will be riding him as my regular jockey Martin (Mooney) won't be able to.

'Hopefully, I'll know soon.'

While trainers are often downcast when the handicapper reacts to easy successes, Barrett was happy enough with the recent raise handed to Barker.

'I was hoping he would win as he did last time so that he would go up in the weights,' explained the County Meath-based handler.

'He has plenty of ability and he's just kept improving from his runs.

'He went up 15lb but he probably deserved it and now he gets into the Pierse off a nice racing weight.

'We'll probably ride him a little bit handier as there will be plenty of pace on around Leopardstown.

'That should suit him as he stays two and a half miles but he has plenty of speed and jumps well.'

Colm Murphy is keen on the prospects of his potential runner, Total Victory.

The trainer made a couple of other entries for the prestigious handicap but his first choice is the five-year-old, who ran at the same track over Christmas.

He was only beaten a length in the controversial event in which Streets Of Gold was disqualified and Deutschland declared the winner.

'Total Victory may go for it, although I have not spoken to the owners yet,' said Murphy.

'He was fourth at Leopardstown on his first run back (from a short break) and I think he would have a great chance if he ran.'

Barker and Total Victory are widely available at 16-1 for the Pierse.

(C) PA Sport