Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle 2018

[jono]

Sorry to go on about this horse, but im all in with him, but thought it was worth mentioning that Calett Mad is declared tomorrow with a recent wind operation which im assuming is the reason for his recent absences and poor run. Still cant believe they arent going for the Pertemps, he would be festival banker material!!!!!!

What did you make of his run today billy?

 

[Faugheen_Machine]

I still like Ballyward for this and hope to see him stepped up in trip time out.

Cracking Smart is my only bet in this as things stand (OTBS a likely NR)

Hopefully Ballyward can put in a decent performance today and put himself in the picture for this race.

 

[Andy62]

Hopefully Ballyward can put in a decent performance today and put himself in the picture for this race.

My anti post could do with a boost so I certainly hope so.

 

[Andy62]

My anti post could do with a boost so I certainly hope so.

A better performance than on debut but nothing to suggest AB winner to me though step up in trip could bring about further improvement.

 

[Kevloaf]

I can't see him running in the Albert Bartlett at all. Henderson too cautious and will have his future in mind.... would take NRNB if I was going to back Santini

Henderson on Santini: "He'll get an entry in the Albert Bartlett, and if you're not in you can't run, but unless we change our minds I think we are all leaning against it at the moment. I think he wants another year and come back as a chaser."

Glad to hear that, impossible not to like the horse but not the right profile or trainer for this race, this season.

 

[Faugheen_Machine]

Ballyward (9-10 favourite) could have booked his place at Cheltenham when completing the treble.

Mullins was impressed with the six-year-old, who kept As You Were at bay by half a length in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

Mullins said: "I think that was a hell of a race. I'd be tempted to bring him for either the Ballymore or the Albert Bartlett after that sort of performance.

"The two horses pulled right away from the others, and our fellow was at it up there all the way through the race.

"I don't know if we have time to give him another run before bringing him across (to Cheltenham). He'll probably have to go on that run."

We are still in with a chance of a run Andy.

 

[JackieMoon33]

Glad to hear that, impossible not to like the horse but not the right profile or trainer for this race, this season.

I would have said his profile is perfect as he's the archetypal chaser for next season. Also, the race has a fairly limited history but Henderson did have the first two home a few years back in Bobs Worth and Mossley.

However, it seems they will look after him and that's why the top trainers get the best horses.

 

[Kevloaf]

I would have said his profile is perfect as he's the archetypal chaser for next season. Also, the race has a fairly limited history but Henderson did have the first two home a few years back in Bobs Worth and Mossley.

However, it seems they will look after him and that's why the top trainers get the best horses.

I meant not the right trainer because he minds his horses so won't throw them in to a 'tough' race... Not that he isn't capable.

On the 'profile', BW had at least 3 runs that season... and 2 the season before in bumpers ... So had the profile of a much more experienced horse... which is definitely what is important. Santini has had 2 runs in NH, so I'm not surprised at all he won't be running

 

[JackieMoon33]

I meant not the right trainer because he minds his horses so won't throw them in to a 'tough' race... Not that he isn't capable.

On the 'profile', BW had at least 3 runs that season... and 2 the season before in bumpers ... So had the profile of a much more experienced horse... which is definitely what is important. Santini has had 2 runs in NH, so I'm not surprised at all he won't be running

He's going to be frustratingly short when they open up next years Novice chase markets that's for sure.

 

[Folski]

Think ye may well be onto something with Ballyward lads. I don't think this race is any place for a 5 year old (Verywood, Mossley, African Gold etc). This turns me off Dortmund Park and if he was mine he would not be running here. I think 6/1 Cracking Smart NRNB is a great price other than that. They would be my 2 at this moment in time.

 

[Kevloaf]

He's going to be frustratingly short when they open up next years Novice chase markets that's for sure.

Yes 100% agree.

One of the most difficult ante post types of horse... one that starts shorter than they deserve to be, if they don't make mistakes they're never a backable price.

On The Blind Side almost certain to be the same too next year... although I imagine this years festival could affect his price!

 

[billymag]

Just got back from Cheltenham, as always this one turns out to be a heavy weekend. Calett just didnt run any kind of race and Im left hoping that its the result of something slightly wrong with the Twister runners, they all ran well below par. However even if that is the reason its getting too close to the festival for that to be a decent outcome. Very disappointing from Calett Mad, now wheres the next qualifier for the pertemps!!!!!!!

 

[ComplyOrDie]

Just got back from Cheltenham, as always this one turns out to be a heavy weekend. Calett just didnt run any kind of race and Im left hoping that its the result of something slightly wrong with the Twister runners, they all ran well below par. However even if that is the reason its getting too close to the festival for that to be a decent outcome. Very disappointing from Calett Mad, now wheres the next qualifier for the pertemps!!!!!!!

There were 4 races in February last season, I assume there are 4 again this season where he can qualify. I'd imagine the latest run won't harm his mark too much either, was 141 prior to Saturday, so that will probably drop slightly. PP won off 146 last season.

 

[Liam301287]

Unlucky Billymag being saving up for the festival this year. Why being doing so many ante post bets online from early August time instead. Of for two days In March this year Tuesday and the Wednesday.

 

[kinloch brae]

How easy would this be if Henderson had a change of heart and sent On The Blind Side here? If the horse is well it would look akin to something of a penalty kick, at least compared to Ballymore. Sadly, I don't think we are going to see another Bobs Worth, mainly because it appeared to be the trainer's baby to go the Ballymore route when pretty much everyone else had viewed him as a thorough stayer prior to Sandown.

 

[Kevloaf]

How easy would this be if Henderson had a change of heart and sent On The Blind Side here? If the horse is well it would look akin to something of a penalty kick, at least compared to Ballymore. Sadly, I don't think we are going to see another Bobs Worth, mainly because it appeared to be the trainer's baby to go the Ballymore route when pretty much everyone else had viewed him as a thorough stayer prior to Sandown.

I wouldn't say it was a penalty kick for OTBS because Cracking Smart and potentially Next Destination would be tough and talented horses...

Looking at the market now
Confirmed runners are
Cracking Smart 7/1
Dortmund Park 16/1
Chef Des Obeaux 16/1
Poetic Rhythm 20/1

Potential runners
Next Destination 8/1
Mr Whipped 16/1
Fabulous Saga 20/1
Ballyward 25/1
Slate House 25/1
Blow By Blow 33/1

Unlikely runners
On The Blind Side 12/1
Santini 14/1
Samcro 16/1
Getabird 16/1

I'll have missed a few there but there must be plenty of value to be had still here!

 

[kinloch brae]

I wouldn't say it was a penalty kick for OTBS because Cracking Smart and potentially Next Destination would be tough and talented horses...

Looking at the market now
Confirmed runners are
Cracking Smart 7/1
Dortmund Park 16/1
Chef Des Obeaux 16/1
Poetic Rhythm 20/1

Potential runners
Next Destination 8/1
Mr Whipped 16/1
Fabulous Saga 20/1
Ballyward 25/1
Slate House 25/1
Blow By Blow 33/1

Unlikely runners
On The Blind Side 12/1
Santini 14/1
Samcro 16/1
Getabird 16/1

I'll have missed a few there but there must be plenty of value to be had still here!

I think On The Blind Side's Sandown win is this season's best bit of novice form, quite a bit better than anything from either Cracking Smart or Next Destination. Don't get me wrong I think he can see off Samcro but this would be easier task. Although to be serious there are no real penalty kicks, he would be a clear favourite for this if confirmed. Henderson has some promising novices but this is the best and I suspect the others will be shuffled around to fit in with his target.

 

[cwright23]

Be interesting to see the GiGi jockey bookings for this.. will Davy be on Dortmund park? Have both him and CS covered for this

 

[Kevloaf]

Be interesting to see the GiGi jockey bookings for this.. will Davy be on Dortmund park? Have both him and CS covered for this

Probably have Kennedy with Cracking Smart and Davy on Dortmund Park.... seems like Jack gets the choice on hurdles horses and Davy they go to for fences... I think Davy's fences record is much better than his hurdles record everywhere, including Cheltenham.

 

[opatcho]

Cracking Smart for me here, appears to be improving and step up in trip should bring best out of him