The Albert Bartlett Moves North
The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle has found a new home at Carlisle, and what a field has assembled for this £154,700 Grade 1 prize. Originally a Cheltenham Festival stalwart, this staying novice test attracts the cream of the three-mile hurdling division, and Friday's renewal promises fireworks.
Twenty-two have stood their ground for this marathon, with Willie Mullins predictably mob-handed. The Closutton maestro fields five runners, including the intriguing Doctor du Mesnil who arrives without an official rating. That's either a masterstroke or a massive gamble – with Mullins, it's usually the former.
The going has dried out nicely to good, good to soft in places. Perfect conditions for a proper test of stamina over this extended trip. I've walked this Carlisle course many times, and it's fair but demanding – no hiding place for the faint-hearted.
The Mullins Battalion
Let's start with the obvious – Willie Mullins' quintet. Doctor Steinberg heads the market on a mark of 150, and P. Townend getting the nod tells you everything. This son of Getaway has the class and the engine for this trip. His hurdle form reads like a who's who of Irish novice racing, and he's bred to stay all day.
Doctor du Mesnil is the wildcard. No rating suggests he's either a complete novice or something special being kept under wraps. Danny Mullins takes the ride, and the tongue-tie goes on for the first time. In my experience, when Mullins produces an unrated runner at this level, sit up and take notice.
Espresso Milan gets the vote of confidence from Mr P. W. Mullins himself. The boss's son doesn't get leg-ups in Grade 1s for fun. Rated 140, he's got scope for improvement, and the Mullins family clearly fancy their chances.
Hipop de Loire is the veteran at nine years old but comes here in great heart. Harry Cobden making the trip from England suggests connections are serious about this one. Sometimes experience trumps youth in these staying tests.
The Challengers
Gordon Elliott won't be giving Mullins an easy time. Kazansky looks the pick of his trio on a mark of 143. This Kayf Tara gelding has the right profile for this trip – bred to stay and improving with each run. Jordan Gainford knows him well, and Elliott's runners always come here fit and ready.
Spinningayarn is another Elliott inmate worth serious respect. Jack Kennedy in the saddle is a positive, and this one's been aimed at a big target for some time. The 140 rating might underestimate his true ability.
From the home team, Thedeviluno represents Paul Nolan and carries the distance winner flag. That's significant over this marathon trip. Sean O'Keeffe has done nothing wrong on him, and at 143, he's got the rating to be competitive.
The Passing Wife for Gavin Cromwell is another with solid credentials. Keith Donoghue's booking suggests they're not here to make up the numbers, and this one's proven at the trip.
Value Hunting and Dark Horses
In a field this competitive, value is hard to find, but Kripticjim catches the eye at likely odds. Joe Tizzard's charge is a course winner – that's gold dust in a race like this. Brendan Powell knows Carlisle like the back of his hand, and the tongue-tie suggests they're pulling out all the stops.
Moneygarrow for the Skelton team deserves respect. The distance winner tag is crucial, and Harry Skelton's 10% strike rate this season shows he's riding with confidence. Dan Skelton's horses have been in flying form lately.
Don't overlook Park Princess either. The only mare in the field gets the 7lb allowance, which is significant over this trip. Anthony Honeyball doesn't travel north for the fun of it, and Sam Twiston-Davies booking suggests she's got a real chance of troubling the boys.
Johnny's Jury represents the each-way value. Jamie Snowden's charge is on a workable mark of 129, and Gavin Sheehan's booking is a positive. Sometimes these smaller yard runners can spring a surprise when the big guns are busy watching each other.
The Verdict
This is Mullins' race to lose, but picking the right one from his battalion is the challenge. Doctor Steinberg gets the vote on ratings and jockey booking, but I can't shake the feeling that Doctor du Mesnil might be the stable's secret weapon.
For the selection, I'm siding with experience and class. Doctor Steinberg has proven himself at the highest level and gets Townend, which usually means business. The 150 rating gives him something to find with the others, but class often tells in these Grade 1 contests.
Each-way, Kripticjim offers solid value as a course winner with proven stamina credentials. The Tizzard team know how to win big races, and Powell's course knowledge could prove decisive.
Who is the favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle?
Doctor Steinberg heads the market as the likely favourite, given his 150 rating and the fact he gets P. Townend in the saddle. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has proven himself at the highest level and looks the one they all have to beat.
Which horses have the best chance at the trip?
Several runners carry the 'distance winner' flag, including Moneygarrow, Thedeviluno, The Price of Peace, and Park Princess. These horses have proven stamina credentials over similar trips. However, breeding is equally important – horses by stamina influences like Kayf Tara (Kazansky) and Getaway (Doctor Steinberg) should relish the marathon test.
Can any British-trained horses challenge the Irish raiders?
The home team faces a stiff task against the Mullins and Elliott battalions, but don't write them off entirely. Kripticjim's course-winning form gives him a real edge, while Moneygarrow for the in-form Skelton team and Park Princess with her weight allowance both have realistic chances of hitting the frame. British racing loves an upset, and Carlisle has seen plenty over the years.
