Albert Bartlett 2019

[ComplyOrDie]

He's an 7yr old I can't imagine they will hold him back for the bumper again.

I think he meant as in just the one race prior to the festival and not them specific races, could be wrong though.

Does he even qualify for the bumper?

[SeanRock]

We surely can’t fancy a horse going into the Albert Bartlett off one run, or even worse a debut. Doubt he runs.

I still have faith, haven't seen anything so far this season that I think would have him in trouble. The lack of racing is an obvious negative but I'm sure Willie is getting plenty of work into him on the gallops.

[SeanRock]

I think he meant as in just the one race prior to the festival and not them specific races, could be wrong though.

Does he even qualify for the bumper?

Ahhh right, misunderstood. Probably not...

[Scooby91]

I think he meant as in just the one race prior to the festival and not them specific races, could be wrong though.

Does he even qualify for the bumper?

Qualifies for punchestown bumper. Not chelt

Like Archie said in general. Your better waiting for the 2nd Feb now before running him over hurdles.

[ComplyOrDie]

Qualifies for punchestown bumper. Not chelt

Ah OK, could be an option then!

[Stormez]

I’m just going to look at carefully selected as a pleasant suprise if he runs!

[Innoko]

Nicky, will Dickie Diver go to Cheltenham or will it come to soon? Thanks

We have discussed it and I think we will put him in the Albert Bartlett. He ran a very good race at Chepstow and will have come on plenty for it but will have another run and then we’ll see what happens. I’d be keen to take the winner on again as our horse would have needed that experience and is a very bright prospect.

[Saxon Warrior]

Birchdale’s RPR of147 from yesterdays Win is only behind Champ 150, Aramon 148 and Dinons 148 in all Novice hurdles in UK and Ireland this season. This was on his second start, whilst the other three needed more runs to achieve their figures.

I note JP McManus has nothing close to Birchdale’s form for the Albert Bartlett, at the moment, and It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to see Birchdale run in this race if the ground was good to soft.

Next weekends two Novice Hurdle Grade 1’s in Ireland will be deeper races than anywhere else this season no doubt produce the leading form pre-Cheltenham in March.

[TimRiggins]

Birchdale’s RPR of147 from yesterdays Win is only behind Champ 150, Aramon 148 and Dinons 148 in all Novice hurdles in UK and Ireland this season. This was on his second start, whilst the other three needed more runs to achieve their figures.

I note JP McManus has nothing close to Birchdale’s form for the Albert Bartlett, at the moment, and It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to see Birchdale run in this race if the ground was good to soft.

Next weekends two Novice Hurdle Grade 1’s in Ireland will be deeper races than anywhere else this season no doubt produce the leading form pre-Cheltenham in March.

Pretty sure Henderson doesn't think he needs 3 miles.

[jono]

I was impressed with Dream Conti today. Currently 25/1 for this race.

Won over 2m3 at Naas. Noel Meade said this after:

I'd say he'll get 3 miles, he'll make a lovely chaser. I might put him in the 3 miler (Albert Bartlett) and see.

I thought he was my best chance of a winner at Leopardstown at Christmas and I think we over played him a bit. We let him roll a bit too strong, and I know today’s race was easier.

Has had 3 runs already so a fair level of experience with this race in mind. Yet to run over 3 miles but has run over the middle distance on all three starts so far this season, he travels and looks like 3 miles should suit and as above his trainer thinks so too and it could very well be the plan. Disappointed over Christmas at Leopardstwon in 3rd when a beaten favourite but the second (The Big Dog) came out and won easily Thursday just gone. His debut was a fair effort as well in 3rd beaten 6.5L by behind Tornado Flyer. Think todays race may work out quite well as the second place horse (another JP purchase) Envol Pierji looks a nice type too.

Based on the comments i'm happy to wait until after next weekend and the DRF but very much one on the list for here now.

[The Beast]

Nicky, will Dickie Diver go to Cheltenham or will it come to soon? Thanks

We have discussed it and I think we will put him in the Albert Bartlett. He ran a very good race at Chepstow and will have come on plenty for it but will have another run and then we’ll see what happens. I’d be keen to take the winner on again as our horse would have needed that experience and is a very bright prospect.

Comparing DD against Birchdale on which one would be suited to 3m , I have no doubt DD at this stage on careers is the one. Birchdale classier and ran in the better race. Just like how DD came home after last and a few more furlongs will bring out any amount of improvement.

[The Don]

Could Pym come into the mix for this tomorrow?

[Adam93]

Could Pym come into the mix for this tomorrow?

Will be interesting to see. I'm quite keen on the Martin Pipe for him personally but will depend on how today goes I suppose.

[ComplyOrDie]

Could Pym come into the mix for this tomorrow?

Could be a fair shout. Will only be his 4th run of the season today, but overall his profile is solid.

Has stamina in his pedigree too.

I've backed him 'any race' so I'd be happy enough should he make it here or even a handicap.

[bobbyvalentino]

Birchdale - cash, no cash? I can’t really see him winning but cashing a market fav feels odd. Thinking about entries as well