The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is more Grade 1 action from the Cheltenham Festival on Friday. It’s another big feature of the entire festival which sees the runners go into a duel over a 3m trip.
Last year it was the Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore’s partnership on Minella Indo that did the business from a massive 50/1 SP. The trainer and jockey team up for another crack at the Albert Bartlett with Cobbler’s Way.
Cheltenham Friday 14:50
Latest Exhibition 64/1
Thyme Hill 4/1
Monkfish 7/1
Harry Senior 10/1
Fury Road 12/1
Ramses De Teillee 12/1
Janidil 14/1
Cobblers Way 14/1
Sempo 16/1
Lieutenant Rocco 20/1
Redford Road 25/1
Aione 25/1
Cat Tiger 40/1
The Cashel Man 50/1
Kiltealy Briggs 66/1
House Island 66/1
Foxy Jacks 66/1
The Wolf 100/1
Oscar Academy 100/1
* (betting odds taken from bet365 at 14:03 GMT on Thursday, 12th March 2020)
Horse Racing Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Latest Exhibition
There was a lot of money going towards the Latest Exhibition on Thursday night ahead of Friday’s Albert Bartlett. He has been trimmed into the 4/1 favourite position* (betting odds taken from bet365 at 14:03 GMT on Thursday, 12th March 2020).
He has beaten out some of his Albert Bartlett competitors recently, taking down Cobbler’s Way and Fury Road in a Grade 1 battle at Leopardstown in early January. That was his second hurdle success in a row after striking at Navan. Looks to have all the pieces.
Thyme Hill
Philip Hobbs has Thyme Hill in contention and he has made a seamless transition to the hurdles. He has been progressing very well with wins at Chepstow, Cheltenham and Newbury. So there is a good chance that he can get in the frame.
Thyme Hill was in last year’s Champion Bumper where he was third behind Envoi Allen. He’s coming along very well although he has drifted a little from favourite to 4/1 JF* (betting odds taken from bet365 at 14:03 GMT on Thursday, 12th March 2020). This will be his first attempt at 3m.
Key Facts – Albert Bartlett Novices Betting Tip
- 6 or 7-year-olds have won 12 of the 15 renewals
- 9 of the 15 winners had previously run at Cheltenham (7 won)
- 11 of the 15 winners had won a 3m trip previously
- Horses with double-figure odds have won the last six renewals
Monkfish
Monkfish, trained by Willie Mullins, looks to be getting better and better all the time. He debuted over the hurdles with a second-place at Fairyhouse before striking a win there in December. Monfkish was out at Thurles towards the end of January and claimed a win in Novice Hurdle.
He was just commanding and had it easy from a couple out. It appears that he has plenty in the tank and is a definite contender at the 7/1 quote* (betting odds taken from bet365 at 14:03 GMT on Thursday, 12th March 2020).
Cobbler’s Way
Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore are teaming up again after pulling off a success last year. They have Cobbler’s Way entered. It’s been mixed form from him over the hurdles, with a win and two second-place finishes from three attempts.
He perhaps has just looked a little bit short of a finish and this will be a step up in trip for him. Cobbler’s Way is a 14/1 shot having already been beaten by Latest Exhibition this year* (betting odds taken from bet365 at 14:03 GMT on Thursday, 12th March 2020).
Worthy Mentions
Fury Road was fourth on his last trip, behind Latest Exhibition and Cobbler’s Way. But he does look as if he possesses the staying power to make a decent fist of this against the familiar company, but at 2 lengths further. Fury Road had won his first three over hurdles before the Leopardstown fourth.
Harry Senior, trained by Colin Tizzard may be able to push for some place considerations. He has been progressing over hurdles, but the rate of progression has perhaps been a little bit on the slower side compared to some of the others in this field. He should have the stamina, but not sure about the beating of some quality opposition.
Ramses De Teillee is a robust, versatile battler who could stay on over the distance. He’s familiar with Cheltenham as well. He’s won all three hurdles trips this season and to recall his great second place at the 2018 Welsh National, he has the staying power as he’s easily more familiar at this trip than most of the field.
Predictions & Tips
We keep going back to that January Leopardstown contest where Latest Exhibition handled himself extremely well in beating both Cobbler’s Way and Fury Road. He is rapidly improving and even though this is his first crack at 3m, he looks solid.
There are a couple of longer-priced options that do pique some interest and the recent trend has been for double-figure winners in the Albert Bartlett.
A well-seasoned hurdler Janidil is going on an unfamiliar long trip, not having been further than 2m 2f before. But the Willie Mullins-trained runner does look an exciting prospect.
Ramses De Teillee brings something different to the table and the hardy runner could just stick things out. Monkfish carried himself superbly well in his win at Thurles but will be facing stiffer competition.
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