Cheltenham Festival - Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

The 2012 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle looks one of the classiest races at the Cheltenham Festival and the intended participants are headed by touted star Boston Bob after connections decided to forego the Neptune Hurdle in favour of this longer, staying test.

A Grade One winner in Ireland, Boston Bob has been one of the most well backed horses for the Festival ante post and his performances overall have left punters thoroughly anticipating a serious run at Cheltenham.

Trainer Willie Mullins, not usually renown for possessing a bullish attitude, has already suggested that nothing from his side of the Irish Sea will trouble the seven-year-old and the same thoughts have also been shared by a number of analysts leading up to the greatest show on turf.

But it is quite possible that a wrong decision may have been made and Boston Bob may be vulnerable to a few challengers who have already caught the eye over the three mile trip.

Sea Of Thunder leads the pack of potential dangers having almost completed a resounding Grade Two success over course and distance in December.

Charles Byrnes horse showed a truly remarkable turn of foot to shoot effortlessly clear of his rivals up the run in at Prestbury Park, only to get ahead of himself and reach too far for the final flight.

But that unlucky fall did not deter watchers who have backed Sea Of Thunder of the boards in recent weeks.

He may have subsequently been behind Boston Bob over two-and-a-half-miles at Leopardstown, however that run was inevitably used as a confidence booster and the trip was far from ideal.

Boston Bob will be entering unchartered waters over three miles at Cheltenham and Sea Of Thunder can topple the pre-race favourite having already demonstrated his superb staying ability and deadly turn of foot at the track.

In all truth, it seems hard to get away from that particular effort by Sea Of Thunder and his market support also enhances the confidence of his selection.

But there are others in the field, like Boston Bob, who have to be feared. Mount Benbulben from the Gordon Elliot yard showed massive potential and talent at the back end of the year until he was eclipsed by Boston Bob.

It remains to be seen whether or not that run was below par or a genuine measurement of his overall ability.

In case of the latter, Elliot’s raider looks easily held - but all things could change if the shrewd trainer manages to get Mount Benbulben to the Festival in top knick.

Birindisi Breeze from the in-form Lucinda Russell yard is also prominent in the betting and he demonstrated dour staying qualities on tacky ground in a trial for this race at Haydock.

Should the race develop into a real stamina test, Birindisi Breeze will be one to watch out for in the closing stages however he is unlikely to be quick enough if the contest is played out at a snail’s pace.

Fox Appeal and Rocky Creek may be in with a shout for Emma Lavelle and Paul Nicholls respectively, whilst the aforementioned Willie Mullins also carries a talented back up team in the shape of Terminal and Make Your Mark who cannot be totally ruled out.

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09/03/2012     © Frixo 2024