Barker Continues Mullins Domination Barker obviously relishes heavy ground as the Pierse Hurdle hero of 2008 came good again on another big day with the ground riding very deep, landing the Cathal Ryan Memorial Novice Chase by an impressive fifteen lengths. The grey just failed behind Aran Concerto in the Powers Gold Cup last time and he now took his score since joining Willie Mullins to three wins from four efforts. Favourite, Forpadydeplasterer was pulled wide to deliver his challenge in the straight but he would have struggled to pick up Barker, even if he hadn't pecked at the second last. The David Casey-ridden winner, who had taken over four out, went away to score with ease. Mullins said: "I thought coming here today that two miles was a bit sharp for him but he is a spectacular jumper and jumped himself into the lead. David did the right thing by letting him go and he is improving all the time. I thought after his last run at Fairyhouse that we'd go up to three miles. Looking forward to next season and we've plenty of options now distance wise. "The team have been in great form all season and the main reason is that they've stayed healthy for so long. We've hardly had a cough or any illness. We've a good team at home and Jackie is more involved this year in the running of the yard. We do a lot of tests on the horses. Everyone knows what they are doing and a lot of the staff have been with me a good few years." Jessies Dream, Fiveforthree and Barker made it a treble on the day for Mullins. He has now had three Grade 1 winners, Hurricane Fly, Fiveforthree and Barker and his tally for the week stands at seven. Barker got a 16/1 quote from Boylesports for next year's Champion Chase. Meanwhile Ruby Walsh was fourth aboard Deutschland in this two miler.
