Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 17/03/2017

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 17, 2016 14:50pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 7f 213y

Grade: 1

Runners: 15

Winner: £71,188

Going: Good (Soft in places)

All the buzz in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle is around the Gordon Elliott-trained Death Duty. This horse just keeps improving and should head off as clear favourite in the Friday`s three-mile race.

The son of Shantou kicked of his hurdle`s career with an eight-length win at Roscommon back in October. He followed that with a Grade 3 win at Navan, and returned to the track just before Christmas to add a Grade 2 to his CV. Last time out, he secured a top-level victory at Naas, cruising home by nine lengths. The extra half mile should not be too much of a concern for a horse that always seems to have more in the tank.

Likely challengers include Wholestone who has won three of his four starts at this venue and was placed second in the other. The course, distance and ground will all suit the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained six-year-old who could pose a real threat to the favourite. At 6/1, this horse seems to offer some value.

In a field full of solid runners, these two seem to be a level apart. However, one horse that could surprise is the highly-rated The Worlds End. He is a progressive horse, who can handle the distance but there are questions marks as to whether this is a step up too far. Might be worth an each-way punt at 10/1 or more

Betting odds and tips

Wholestone just gets the nod over Death Duty but it is a really close call.

You can back Wholestone at a best price of 6/1, while each-way punters might consider The Worlds End at !0/1 with Bet365.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Cheltenham races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

Albert Bartlett Novices` Hurdle winners - Last three years:

2014: Very Wood (5) - Paul Carberry (Noel Meade)

2015: Martello Tower (7) - Adrian Heskin (Margaret Mullins)

2016: Unowhatimeanharry (5) - Paul Carberry (Noel Meade)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/03/2017 09:11:56) but are subject to change.