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Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle 2018

Very nice. His jumping could have been better but Jacob barely moved a muscle on the horse.

A little late after billymag and others made a case beforehand but i'm now also on at 33's as well. I actually cannot understand why he is such a big price?! There will be plenty more horses with fancier profiles and connections mentioned for this race but I think his rather odd profile might be ideal for this race. It's always such a touch race and can catch even the best young hurdlers out and his campaign last year will help him plenty for such a test. He's only 5 as well.

I also think this race will become somewhat of a war of attrition, and Calett Mad has been hardened over his short career already, probably a reason why so many fancied runners of this race fail to hit the heights expected when it comes to competing in this. I don't think Calett Mad will be found wanting, should push come to shove and a battle ensues. Strange that only 2 bookmakers offer odds on him, hope this is the target race.
 
Still 33/1 for any race with Hills, which is slightly surprising
 
I find it odd too that bookies remain unchanged on odds for Calett Mad
 
I find it odd too that bookies remain unchanged on odds for Calett Mad

He was pushed in that race by d Jacob diddnt look to me like he had plenty in the tank at the finish, not without a chance and it's the race for him, but I can see why he's the price he is with so many novices yet to come out or being stepped up in trip yet. And calett mad's ability over both codes being good yet exposed
 
I think Calett Mad proves he stays but still to prove he has the class, maybe get a chance to prove it in the Grade 2 3mile novice back at Cheltenham in December. If he goes wins or goes well there then I might have an interest
 
Calett Mad got an RPR of 146 1lb lower than the RPR achieved by his stable mate Wholestone in last years Chelt festival when he finished third. FWIW I didnt think it suited the horse on Saturday to make his own running and I could see him running to a bigger rating when there are horses to aim at. Good ground is essential to him but even taking that into account 33/1 is the biggest value available in the antepost markets as they stand by a mile!!!!!!
 
Calett Mad got an RPR of 146 1lb lower than the RPR achieved by his stable mate Wholestone in last years Chelt festival when he finished third. FWIW I didnt think it suited the horse on Saturday to make his own running and I could see him running to a bigger rating when there are horses to aim at. Good ground is essential to him but even taking that into account 33/1 is the biggest value available in the antepost markets as they stand by a mile!!!!!!

Grinding it out from the front is a great test of character, and probably something they have done differently to last year when they had Wholestone, who mostly cruised in to contention before winning most of his pre-festival races well. It also shows enough speed to lead a race, so when the time comes tactics can be deployed how the jockey sees fit at the time. It's always good to have more than one string to your bow and Calett Mad looks a lively player in this race for me.

I still think he looks quite a heavy horse (it may just be me), maybe a reason why he was a bit untidy over some of his hurdlers, so I'm hoping, and I'm sure they will, have him ready just in time for the festival.

Lets not also forget, the 2nd in the race went close to winning a Listed Novices Hurdle in April this year too, so he's not too shoddy himself. All in all, at this VERY early stage, the form looks solid.

I keep going back, comparing Wholestone & Calett Mad, and the similarities in terms of preparation are becoming apparent in terms of dates they are being run. Wonder if we will see him at Cheltenham in November!
 
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You don't get many unexposed types winning the Albert Bartlett really?

That is one of the critisisms people had about Mullins (as he hadn't had much success in the race!) ... until last time, obviously.

I wouldn't mind the fact that Calett Mad is exposed.

33/1 I felt was a good bet prior to the race, and after it, I still think it is. I wouldn't go in again, but if I wasn't on, I'd get on.
 
Have added another one to my book for this race. Monbeg Legend (got 33s with Paddys). Having won his point back in 2015 (beating the very useful Barney Dwan in doing so), he didn’t make it to the track until June this year but quickly wrapped up three very taking hurdle wins. The form of those is strong to my eye, and he’s a massive horse whose hurdling really caught the eye. I’ve read that the Albert Bartlett should be his seasons objective, and should he remain sound and get there in one piece then I feel he’ll be a real contender
 
Poli Roi running again tomorrow over 2m6f... 1/2
 
Have added another one to my book for this race. Monbeg Legend (got 33s with Paddys). Having won his point back in 2015 (beating the very useful Barney Dwan in doing so), he didn’t make it to the track until June this year but quickly wrapped up three very taking hurdle wins. The form of those is strong to my eye, and he’s a massive horse whose hurdling really caught the eye. I’ve read that the Albert Bartlett should be his seasons objective, and should he remain sound and get there in one piece then I feel he’ll be a real contender
Off a rating of 133 with 3 runs in the book, could be one for the martin pipe.
 
Off a rating of 133 with 3 runs in the book, could be one for the martin pipe.

Could be a good shout. Be interesting to see where he goes next, thought step up in trip the logical move given point form and the fact he looked more of a stayer. Real galloping type and being out early doesn’t put me off - Penhill had a busy start to the season last year
 
Daryl Jacob on Calett Mad today confirming AB is the target

Calett Mad won the Junior Jumpers Novices' Hurdle on Saturday – he just galloped them into submission. Anthony Bromley decided to go down the hurdles route this season with him as he was still a novice and it looks a great call. We’ll probably head down the Wholestone path with him now, taking in the good graded novices over three and two-and-a-half miles there before heading to the Albert Bartlett in March.
 
Interested to see Cracking Smart run again today.

Really strong staying type, hoping he relishes this step up to 3m.

Plenty of 25-1 available. It's only Elliott's possible reluctance to have runners in this race which puts me off.
 
The runner-up was returned a 9/4 chance under Paul Townend for*Willie Mullins, while his stable mate*Fabulous Saga*was third.

Davy Condon, assistant trainer to*Gordon Elliott, said afterwards: "Whatever he does this year will be a bonus because he is a real chaser for next year. Like all horses Eddie (O'Leary) buys for Gigginstown he'll have natural progression over hurdles and is your ideal model for chasing.

"Jack said he is still a big baby and took plenty of grabbing a hold of him and said he is really a horse for next year. I doubt Gordon will overdo him over hurdles this year and will mind him away but is one to look forward to."

Won well but quotes would be enough to put me off at this stage. That would be the best 3 mile performer iv seen so far this season. Long way yet.
 
Yes, totally agree. Won't be going to Cheltenham by the looks of it...
 
Calett Mad entered over fences on Sunday
 
Cracking Smart won a listed hurdle at Cork yesterday in a nice fashion.

He could be worth watching.