We are getting closer to the start of the season 'proper' so I've decided, off the back of last seasons Champion Bumper 2nd, Heads Up, getting an entry at Listowel on Thursday, to create the 2026 novice hurdle thread.
On Heads Up, he created a very good impression in the Champion Bumper and almost stole it from the front. I see he's priced up for all three novice hurdle races, with best prices being 40/1 (Supreme), 33/1 (Turners) & 40/1 (Albert Bartlet).
For me it is the latter of the three that he interests me the most for, despite looking to start out over 2m.
They've ridden him in every bumper, bar his debut, like a stayer, from the front, and it paid off big time, winning 1 and finishing 2nd three times, including the big one at the festival.
I'm not convinced the Champion Bumper will hold up in terms of substance for races like the Supreme & Turners, but the Albert Bartlett generally requires that little bit less class and a little more guts for it, and I think Heads Up fits that profile.
Having already had 5 bumper runs he's already gained some vital experience and with a potential early start over hurdles, should he take up his engagement next Thursday, it looks as though they may be getting some experience into him over the hurdles too.
Assuming he is declared, whether he wins or not is not a massive factor at this stage of the season, especially where a Bartlett is concerned. A lot of horses have been beat during the season and gone on to win Bartletts, including the past three seasons winners.
John McConnell is no stranger to a Bartlett runner and seems to favour a runner in this race over other options.
I was going to add Heads Up in my list of horses to follow but haven't had the time to keep that up to date recently, so instead I decided to open up the 2026 Novice Hurdlers thread with him.
Will look forward to the obvious engagement on the other novice hurdle races and potential runners too. Mullins bingo welcome, much to some peoples dismay
On Heads Up, he created a very good impression in the Champion Bumper and almost stole it from the front. I see he's priced up for all three novice hurdle races, with best prices being 40/1 (Supreme), 33/1 (Turners) & 40/1 (Albert Bartlet).
For me it is the latter of the three that he interests me the most for, despite looking to start out over 2m.
They've ridden him in every bumper, bar his debut, like a stayer, from the front, and it paid off big time, winning 1 and finishing 2nd three times, including the big one at the festival.
I'm not convinced the Champion Bumper will hold up in terms of substance for races like the Supreme & Turners, but the Albert Bartlett generally requires that little bit less class and a little more guts for it, and I think Heads Up fits that profile.
Having already had 5 bumper runs he's already gained some vital experience and with a potential early start over hurdles, should he take up his engagement next Thursday, it looks as though they may be getting some experience into him over the hurdles too.
Assuming he is declared, whether he wins or not is not a massive factor at this stage of the season, especially where a Bartlett is concerned. A lot of horses have been beat during the season and gone on to win Bartletts, including the past three seasons winners.
John McConnell is no stranger to a Bartlett runner and seems to favour a runner in this race over other options.
I was going to add Heads Up in my list of horses to follow but haven't had the time to keep that up to date recently, so instead I decided to open up the 2026 Novice Hurdlers thread with him.
Will look forward to the obvious engagement on the other novice hurdle races and potential runners too. Mullins bingo welcome, much to some peoples dismay
