Albert Bartlett 2018

Next Destination into 4/1 and shortest price of anyone for this race with Paddy and out to 8/1 for the Ballymore with them.

A noticeable move imo.

Much will depend on what else Willie has as usual, and he will split them all up to give them a good chance in each race. I dont think the picture will become clear until much nearer the Festival.

But Cracking Smart was fav for the AB before yesterday and I thought he ran a good race. ND beat him out of sight over 2m4f on heavy ground at Navan, which is comparable to 3m on spring ground in my view. He would have this race at his mercy and as a 3m point winner by Flemensfirth, who can switch off as well as he does, I think he would have this race at his mercy. They will have to be very brave to not go for it imo.

Samcro, If the Cap Fits, On The Blind Side, Getabird all look Ballymore bound... and that looks the hottest novice race of the week to me.

I also think Getabird and ND are Willie's two best novices and will be split up.

Just watched his win yesterday and the AB looks the more suitable race assuming normal ground conditions at Cheltenham.
It's just such a hard race to weigh up, even on the day - a mixture of favourites and real long shots have won it and it's the first time the young horses have had to run a really hard 3m with a big field and strong pace as oppossed to the usual small field slowly run graded races leading up the Festival.

Good shout @ 16/1 either way CCM.

Cheers uncle you're much more sensible on this part of the forum

I have an ew trixie ND at 16/1 for this, Mengli Khan at 25/1 for the Supreme and Hollowgraphic at 33/1 for the Bumper to win a life changing sum. Starting to get pretty excited about it!

whereas N.D and On The Blind Side struggle in that area

easy. I know you are Samcro's number one fan, but ND doesnt struggle in any dept.

Travels, hurdles well, picks up, stays. The horse has the perfect temperament.

That's a cracking bet CCM and I would love to see you land it and the very best of luck.

I really fear for the ND part of the bet as I cannot see him going the Bartlett route.That race has to be the toughest of all at the festival given that its for novices. The typical profile of AB winners is all against Next Destination. Mullins eventually cracked it this year after having quite a few inexperienced hot pots turned over in previous years. Penhill was a battle hardened horse who had run in 6 hurdles and before that was a decent,seasoned flat handicapper. Unowhatimeanharry had run about 20 times and had won some good handicaps that season.Past winners such as Berties Dream,At Fishers Cross and Martello Tower were all tough battle-hardened campaigners when they won.

WPM has a different perspective on the race now and I couldn't see him running ND here on the back of maybe 3 hurdle runs.He's very much a creature of habit when he finds a winning formula. He'll have other options for this race which fit the profile much better. Ben Button is the one I'm drawn to. He's run 12 times over hurdles and since joining WPM he's improved from a mark of 109 to 136. His current mark at this time of year puts him right in the picture and I would imagine there's plenty more improvement to come.

Cheers ftv.

I must admit I would have agreed with you 24 hours ago! And I accept all those points are more than valid. But PP have a very impressive history of getting it right with Mullins runners and their targets, and their change of heart with his odds today is really striking for me... and they have given me my confidence back!

Obviously much can change, but as I posted, I am convinced Getabird and ND are his two best novices, and they will be split up at all costs. If Reel Steel and Sayar dont prove up to the Supreme, then there is every chance Getabird will be dropped back in trip for that race, and ND will go for the Ballymore, but if they do prove up to making the Supreme, then I will be more than happy tbh.

And to be honest, more than all of that, I just think he's the perfect type for the race. He's just stuffed the horse that was antepost fav for the race, so why complicate matters and move him to the hottest novice race of the week instead?

Of the other Mullins runners, Brahma Bull would be the other one I like for the race. Inexperienced as well, but a 6yo, and looks perfect for the trip.

I like trends I must admit, and these are what I have in my notes from the excellent Gaulstats for the race:

Summary

Race Distance - about 3 miles. Going 12 years. Winner to be 6 or 7 years old. Has won hurdle race over at least 2m 4f. May not have already run over 3 miles. Al least 3 runs over hurdles. 1st or 2nd last time out in Graded Class. Hasn't come from the Flat. Irish trained have recently punched above their numbers. Course winner or Graded course form if given the chance. Irish Bred. Any price. Not beaten favourite last time unless placed in Graded shorter trip.

ND fares very well there... The only negative is that I have also made a note that WPM has a dreadful record in the race. But maybe he's determined to put that right?! I dont think he is the type of trainer to dodge the race because it hasn't gone well for him previously. Last year might have turned the corner for him!

Hi. C.C.M, he is just not in the same league as Samcro.... if Samcro goes injury free then he will take some beating.... But I agree that`s only one horse in a race and things happen in races that we all know that can go wrong.

If he avoids Samcro he has a good chance in A.B but I would rather OTBS of those two.....

Best of Luck with your bet.... Take Care

OTBS will be going for the Ballymore though.

Had a little bit on Ravenhill Road

Taken 33 Kilbricken Storm.
See how he gets on today.

Well not great,but at least Jockey says hes looking forward to riding him in the AB.
Should get a run at least.

Betting for Naas suggests Samcro giving Next Destination a swerve

Next Destination won workmanlike at Naas earlier today. And despite his trainer Mullins nominating the Ballymore/Neptune as his likely Cheltenham target - he's also entered here - I think he'll more likely end up running here instead. Then again, previous winners of Mullins' eg McKinley and Bellshill had run in a handicap race and the Supreme at the Festival respectively.

I can see them trying Getabird over 3m then devising. But as we stand I'd fancy Ruby's rides are likely to be Sharjah in the Supreme, ND in the Ballymore and Getabird in the AB assuming he looks ok at the trip. If not they could switch the last two around.

I do think Cracking Smart looks perfect for this race. Backed him after ND beat him last time and he got pushed out to 20's but have topped up at 10's today.

Not sure which race Next Destination will be in at the festival, but whichever race it is,his jumping should not let him down.
One of the best displays of jumping i have seen from a novice hurdler for some time.
He looks to me like a horse that will relish the ground we normally get at the festival.
Maybe they should go for the race with the most hurdles!!

Haha. Totally agree Budd. For a big strong staying type, I was amazed at how slick and economical he was at his hurdles. A huge asset for Cheltenham for sure.

Yes it is a huge asset mate,
Hes a big player in his chosen race for sure.
Not got a bet on him,but will be keeping a close eye on things.

Might Next Destination go to the Supreme? Similar to Champagne Fever and I think they might try and dodge Samcro

Maybe, but I don't think they need to dodge any horse.
Gut feeling is he will end up in the Neptune.

I think the Supreme is unlikely for Next Destination given Sharjah whose owner is the principal patron at Closutton stable. Similarly, despite what his trainer Mr Mullins had alluded to the Neptune is also less likely, in my opinion, given the presence of Samcro who, I believe, would eat him for breakfast, if so. But, he'd have more of a winning chance in the Albert Bartlett, I think.

You're saying he won't run in the Supreme because RR owns Sharjah? Complete nonsense.

Can you please find me a single year where Willie hasnt had runners for multiple owners in the Supreme please... even when RR has had a market principal?

Its beyond argument they like to be mob handed in the big races.

Sky are 14/1 about ND and that's NRNB. Seems a no brainer to anyone who can get a bet on with them.

Very open looking Supreme this year and he'd probably be fav if they opted for this race... his hurdling is so slick and he isnt short of pace.

Agree CCM that's a cracking bet for anyone who can get on.

Next stop Deloitte for him perhaps ftv?

I think he's their number one novice now.

14's......very interesting!!

Next Destination is now 10/1 with Skybet.

Getting back to the Albert Bartlett, Cracking Smart is going to take a lot of beating and can see him powering up the hill.  8/1 is still a fair price when you look at the potential opposition.  Next D. OTBS and Samcro unlikely to turn up on what's been said. So it's 20/1 bar Cracking Smart. Seems a good EW bet still.

Of the others 50/1 looks too big for Jetz.  Harrington has said he stays for ever and don't think he wanted to lead yesterday.  Stayed on really well previous race at Navan behind ND and Cracking Smart.  Can't see any other race for him so I've had a tickle at 50/1. Probably finish behind CS but I doubt he will be far behind looking at the Navan race.

Agree with everything you've posted there Shockster... CS looks absolutely ideal for the race, and think Jetz has improved no end this season.

Not a race I like to back a short one in so I've backed Jetz @ 50/1 e/w on the Sportsbook.

Been behind Samcro and then Next Destination / Cracking Smart on his last few runs but the step up to 3m at Cheltenham will help. He is related to Jetson who twice ran really well in the Pertemps final so hopefully the track and ground will suit and Jessica Harrington is a dab hand at priming them for the big day.

Oopps - just seen Shockster posted much the same.

was very impressed with Chef Des Obeaux earlier today at Kempton and he is still available at 25s for this (with vc mind) and that would have to bring in Santini on the Newbury run when he beat Chef Des Obeaux over 2m 4f and the further he went the better he went, is the same price as well with them

Elliotts good novices getting scarce.

Mr. Whipped was impressive I thought on Saturday, travelled all over them right through the race and although he didn't win by far I thought he just idled in front (did the same at Newbury)and was value for a lot further, he looks like the further the better and how he travels would be a big asset in the AB.

Dortmund Park impressive at Thurles

Still available at 20-1

Gigginstown hoss
Not sure if he is their no 1 hoss

Couldn't agree more re DORTMUND PARK for the ABOVE. 20/1 NRNB for the race is massive.

Gigginstown paid quite a few pound for it. Not sure it will go to the AB after Elliott's comments. Personally I think he'll keep it for the Martin Pipe as he still has cracking Smart

Does Dortmund Park need that heavy ground? Travelled beautifully on it yesterday

roll on this with Santini now, as at Newbury doing his best work at the finish

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."

Wow absolutely shocked by Henderson's quote and it makes zero sense to me, I will probably be ate for this post and asked along the lines of "how many festival winners have I trained?" or told I am pocket talking as I have quite a few quid on him for the festival but here goes.

The race Santini won yesterday is the best Albert Bartlett trial won in the past by Wichita Lineman, At Fishers Cross and Henderson's own Bobs Worth (went on to then win an RSA and Gold Cup). The horse clearly wants a step up to 3 miles as he has been doing his best work at the end and hit the line hard in both his races at Newbury and Cheltenham. In my opinion he would be the one they all have to beat stepping up to the 3 miles and the form of his debut win over Chef Des Obeaux could hardly have been franked more by the second.

Granted I do agree he looks to have everything you want to make a top class chaser and the way he jumps hurdles suggests he will take to fences it puzzles me why you cannot take this years festival in along the way, it didn't harm Bobs Worth or loads of other horses for other stables down the years.

And now to the biggest mystery of all to me, if the plan was always to skip the spring festivals and put him away for the year they why in gods name did they run him yesterday on bottomless ground when they have already admitted they did not think he would like the ground, well that makes me scratch my head in bewilderment.

If he doesn't race again this year it will be a pity (for me especially) but he is going to be one really exciting novice chaser to look forward to new season.

come on, we all know not to believe a word that comes out of Henderson's mouth!

I think Henderson is right to leave Santini until Spring or next year. The AB is naturally a hard race and i can't remember the last horse to win it having just two runs. Chef des obeux would definitely be a contender after the Kempton run.

I think Henderson's Mr. Whipped would be a big player in the AB...super impressive in that good Warwick festival trial I thought.

Yeah, when Hendo really likes one for the future he will prefer to miss the festival.
I remember that he didn't want to run Sprinter in the Supreme, knowing that he was one for the future and that he was just a shell of what he would become. He may well feel the same about Santini, who is a tall type with a fair bit of filling out to do. It's exciting to think that there's one that highly thought of at Seven Barrows.
As others have pointed out, Hendo isn't short of ammo in the novice hurdles anyway. I've backed Mr Whipped for both AB and Ballymore, with bigger prices the latter - so would prefer he went there, but will be happy with a run either way.

Apparently Mr. Whipped is another chaser in the making also.

hoping Nicholas has had a change of heart "Mr Whipped, who along with Santini would be my most interesting ones for the Albert Bartlett"

didn't mention Chef Des Obeaux in regards to the race though

Have followed others here and added Mr Whipped for the AB at 10 NRNB and also Carter McKay at 14 NRNB. Plus have covered Carter McKay NRNB for the Ballymore at 33.

If CM wins today he'll shorten massively for both and would have a live chance in either and boost Getabird's form at the same time. Same with Mr Whipped, if he wins well tomorrow, he could be joint fav.

Jetz not entered in the AB - another antepost bet bites the dust.

Cashed out the Carter McKay Ballymore bet and hoping to do the same with the AB one.

Shame Jetz isn't entered ran well today.

CM AB bet cashed out. Strange that B365 allow you to cash out bets to the same stake with no penalty.

More unbelievable that JETZ never got an entry!!!!!!

Paddy have cut Next Destination to 3/1 fav and pushed out Cracking Smart.

Looks like this could well be the race!

Not surprised Mullins is avoiding Samcro tbh

c'mon Nicky, with Santini and Chef Des Obeaux you've some hand, run both please!!

Cracking Smart a goner, jeez fingers crossed everything has gone to plan perfectly to plan in this race for me so far

Still much prefer ND for the Ballymore - e/w bet to nothing @ 9/2 nrnb imo.

Absolutely gutted about CS. First hammer blow for my book. Was on at 20/1, 16/1 and 14/1

I had CS in some life changing multiples witnout NRNB so they are scupperred.

Next Destination (ND) was a one-time jf with Cracking Smart before the former was all the rage for the Ballyore/Neptune just a few days ago; Cracking Smart (CS) has since been scratched for this race, and now ND a drifter in the Ballymore/Neptune - a re-think perhaps by connections post CS's scratching?

There was an initial spike downwards in ND's price when the news about CS came out but that was just the arbers and he is now back out to 12/1 for the AB - unless the ground really dries up the Ballymore looks the more likely race, and who knows he may yet not even have to beat Samcro if the going is testing.

Anyone any idea what the plan is for Dortmund Park?

AB I thought?

p_r_e_m_i_e_r__f_a_n_t_a_s_y • February 17, 2018 4:41 PM GMT
c'mon Nicky, with Santini (9/2fav) and Chef Des Obeaux (6/1) you've some hand, run both please!!

And no Next Destination or Duc Des Genievres to worry them.

Aye luckily I felt the Newbury race on Dec 1st was top class and when Chef Des Obeaux hacked up at Kempton got stuck in. They've still got to turn up and back up my confidence in them as I am not planning on laying any of it off.

Is Santini (S) definite runner? Could Chef Des Obeaux (CDO) overturn form with (S) over 4f more?

Henderson has said they both go for it with Mr. Whipped

Unless Chef Des Obeaux has improved more than Santini I don't see why he would reverse the form at Newbury, the further they went that day the better Santini went and we seen how he powered up the hill on trials day. The one think in Chef Des Obeaux's favour is he will love the ground while they say Santini wants better ground but he handled it alright trials day.

Thanks. I'm looking for a bet to replace OTBS scratched from the Ballymore/Neptune.

CDO was fav against S in that race. Might be a toss of coin between these two improving individuals.

Mar 8, 2018 -- 6:03PM, Tractor wrote:

Anyone any idea what the plan is for Dortmund Park?

AB was definitely mentioned during the Betfair Preview night on Saturday for him. Pity as I liked the look of him for the Martin Pipe race!

Mar 12, 2018 -- 7:27PM, impossible123 wrote:

Thanks. I'm looking for a bet to replace OTBS scratched from the Ballymore/Neptune. CDO was fav against S in that race. Might be a toss of coin between these two improving individuals.

Im liking the look of Callet Mad and Poetic Ryhthm for the race. 2 battle hardened individuals who'll have no fear of the trip and/or ground.

Things not looking good for Santini

seen that and will be devastated when the news that seems obvious now breaks

Been on DORTMUND PARK for a while, but his Grade 1 defeat LTO has left him a very large price still. Wind Op may suggest the yard think he has a chance to improve from last race.

What's happened with Santini?

the market, out to double figures, nothing looking to get on, Chef Des Obeaux and Chris's Dream blue all over oddschecker

hope it's nothing but doesn't look good, should not be the price it is on here

It certainly does not look good. Hope itis not another OTBS. I think I'll hold fire until final decs.

Is Santini entered or what?/

https://twitter.com/festivalracing?lang=en

entered according to that ^^

Powers have him in, Boyles have him out ??

In, Nico up, only 9 in Triumph

Fehily on Chef Des

yes with Nico up

thanks

Santini looks an exciting long term prospect but that type doesn't always do well in this. Chef Des Obeaux doesn't jump well enough for me.

Looking for a boil over I have gone for Beyond The Law. Trained by Mouse Morris who doesn't tend to tilt at windmills and it's his only runner this week.
A few quid at Betfair SP.

Uncle, thought chef Des Obeaux jumped well at Haydock and gained ground on the runner up all up the straight over the hurdles.

I'd take him winning but it's all about Santini for me.

Trends don't back it up though

a lot of big priced winners down the years in this race....the soft ground and a step up in trip makes robin waters a interesting runner at a nice price

Your right PF - just watched it back and is jumping, bar the last, was perfectly decent at Haydock.

Aye he made an ass of the last for sure

@ Deepingfox, brother just phoned regarding that one,he desn't know one end of a horse from the other and aware of tips in Ireland being 10 a penny at time time,still i took a bit of notice.
No interest in the race beforehand,maybe Santini again ahead of CDO,Chris,s Dream is now in a different league and Ballyward on jockey bookings looks the pick of Mullins,Mr Whipped and Tower Bridge despite prices weren't out of it, thought it was too trappy overall.
Between phonecall and the wind op as you mentioned,(it was a tame finish albeit G1 last time for Dortmund) i changed my mind and had a little ew,hoping for a decent pace which he ought to get,gl with your picks.

like deepingfox am quite strong on dortmund park think trip will suit and course ,had a wind op ,went out like a light close home so op could be significant trainer red hot and davy up.

I have seen all the Henderson horses run at Newbury in the flesh and the one that impressed me most was Mr Whipped, if you take away his below par run lto he would be single figures and he wouldnt be the Henderson horse that ran below form a month before the festival.

Go with the Flow didnt get home in the Ballymore , but was getting 7lb from Paisley Park LTO and the latter should be suited by the extra trip , though it needs to jump .

money coming for dortmund !

Sonko

I agree with Mr. Whipped, really impressed with him at Newbury and at Warwick very smooth classy traveler, doesn't do a lot in front a slight concern, deffo overpriced.

Another complete skinner for the bookies.

skinner !

30 Dec 17 13:36 
Taken 33 Kilbricken Storm.
See how he gets on today.
buddeliea    30 Dec 17 14:39 
Well not great,but at least Jockey says hes looking forward to riding him in the AB.
Should get a run at least.

Sorry, just could not help myself.
Dont happen for me that often!!
Same price !!

^^Very well done! A jolly good winner, and at a massive price too.

Well done budd...enjoy it mate

Thanks lads....had a pretty desperate week at times.
But that was enjoyable.

WD Bud - bet that came as a nice surprise.

Thanks uncle, yeh it was a surprise,although i had not written the bet off,cos after his run at Cheltenham in soft ground when he finished really well, i was hopeful he would relish conditions.

Well done buddeliea