Albert Bartlett 2018

On The Blind Side looked a real stayer this afternoon and course form doesn't harm him. Certainly not without a chance and I've had a small bet.

Just backed Blow By Blow 33/1 for this before he runs this afternoon

yeah was expecting a better performance than that despite winning, next destination looks dangerous

Next destination looks to me more like a Ballymore than a Bartlett type.I'd expect he'd go there and he's capable of putting it up to any of them.

I think if Samcro runs in the Ballymore/Neptune Next Destination would probably run here; Blow By Blow is Gigginstown owned, similarly Samcro, thus this race would more likely to be his main target. I believe OtBS is Ballymore/Neptune bound, according to Hendo.

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.

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.

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.

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!

OTBS will be going for the Ballymore though.

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

Betting for Naas suggests Samcro giving Next Destination a swerve

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Next stop Deloitte for him perhaps ftv?

I think he's their number one novice now.

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.