Listowel 5:25 Result

This is a Mullins-trained bumper with the trainer's son Patrick riding, which is always a significant stable confidence angle in this sphere - the Mullins family have a formidable strike rate in these point-to-point-style flat races at tracks like Listowel. Berkstar's form figure of "2-" shows a runner-up finish last time, indicating solid ability already, and with 187 days off, this looks like a horse freshened up for a specific target rather than one racing without a plan. The pedigree (Berkshire out of a Thousand Words mare) fits the bumper/NH-store profile well. Most rivals here are unraced (Catalunya, Monegasque, Paulin, Veales Cross) or have modest form figures (Bravemans Call 3rd, Sierrascope 4-, Real Lark 4th last time), none of which match Berkstar's proven placed form at this level. Real Lark did run recently (13 days ago) which keeps her fitness sharp, but a 4th-place finish and lower weight allowance (157 vs 164) suggest she's rated below this. Veales Cross ridden by Derek O'Connor is interesting on connections given O'Connor's prolific placing in bumpers, but with no form to go on it's speculative. Overall, Berkstar's placed form figure, the powerhouse Mullins operation, and the booking of Patrick Mullins (an excellent big-race bumper rider) make this the standout form and stable combination in a race full of unknowns. I'll oppose the temptation to back an unexposed newcomer at a bigger price and go with the runner who has already proven he handles this level.