2022 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

[TigerRolllllll]

Minella Crooner favourite just doesn't make sense.

Working on best RPRs run you are 100% right......not v exact, but reasonable guide to where betting should prob be...

Hillcrest - 146 (am sure yesterday was higher)
----------------
Cocooner - 144
Crooner - 142
Bardenstown - 142
H Games - 141
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Shantreusse - 138
Cl Getaway - 136
Bally griff - 136
Watdewant - 136
Nice Guy - 135
Stag - 135

The standouts for me at prices look Hillcrest and Bardenstown....both stay really well

[Faugheen_Machine]

After watching that yesterday, Hillcrest would be my fav I think

Are Hillcrest backers not worried about his hurdling? He bunny hopped 2 or 3 yesterday and not sure he'll get away with that in a grade 1. The lack of hurdles in the closing stages in the new course will be a help though.

[charlie]

Are Hillcrest backers not worried about his hurdling? He bunny hopped 2 or 3 yesterday and not sure he'll get away with that in a grade 1. The lack of hurdles in the closing stages in the new course will be a help though.

Yep it’s stopped me backing him. Jumping concerns and just looks a complete lump. Think he’ll want further and be done for toe

[Faugheen_Machine]

Yep it’s stopped me backing him. Jumping concerns and just looks a complete lump. Think he’ll want further and be done for toe

He's so big that I don't think he's in control of his feet. Just looks clumsy/awkward at his hurdles.

[DenmanSacre]

Yep,

He was already only 1lb lower than Ginto on RPR's and the second best RPR rated horse in the entries.

Yesterday over the trip, did his chances no harm at all.

His speed rating, even on bad ground was the best of the season, by any staying novice hurdler, by an absolute mile,

In fact, at 134 only Constitution Hill has equaled it all season in novice hurdles in GB/IRE.

The rest are 6lb and much further behind it, and in the Bartlett the nearest is 11lb behind it, the 2nd nearest 18lb behind it.

If he runs he probably goes off fav, unless some monster Irish gamble comes for one.

I know some of the speed ratings guys were amazed at his time. Absolutely blew away Wholestone and the Pertemps qualifier.

[DenmanSacre]

Working on best RPRs run you are 100% right......not v exact, but reasonable guide to where betting should prob be...

Hillcrest - 146 (am sure yesterday was higher)
----------------
Cocooner - 144
Crooner - 142
Bardenstown - 142
H Games - 141
--------------------
Shantreusse - 138
Cl Getaway - 136
Bally griff - 136
Watdewant - 136
Nice Guy - 135
Stag - 135

The standouts for me at prices look Hillcrest and Bardenstown....both stay really well

149 RPR for yesterday. Stag Horn will give him someone who can lead him but there is a danger they take each other on and ruin each others race.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Are Hillcrest backers not worried about his hurdling? He bunny hopped 2 or 3 yesterday and not sure he'll get away with that in a grade 1. The lack of hurdles in the closing stages in the new course will be a help though.

well he was a bit weird at a few I agree, but he don’t seem to give a toss!! He just powers on regardless.
I might be more concerned if it were a supreme we were talking about but not really concerned for this.

[Carnage at Taunton]

My main concern would be the Aintree mention.
I mean really?
The course ain’t going to bother him, and there’s no stand out opposition to be scared of.

[TigerRolllllll]

Are Hillcrest backers not worried about his hurdling? He bunny hopped 2 or 3 yesterday and not sure he'll get away with that in a grade 1. The lack of hurdles in the closing stages in the new course will be a help though.

Only couple hurdles in last mile on New Course.....just need a horse to power up that hill after long race....and Hillcrest looks standout to me

[Irish Rugby]

Let's hope Hillcrest comes here. Cheltenham has to be the best against the best. Anymore of this carry on about how Aintree will suit him best, then the season is going to be horses avoiding each other both pre Cheltenham and during March, for easier pickings at Aintree.

Racing has enough issues to deal with than adding another one such as this. Agreed, the AB has no stand out and Hillcrest has shown he can turn up with a strong realistic chance.

[TigerRolllllll]

Let's hope Hillcrest comes here. Cheltenham has to be the best against the best. Anymore of this carry on about how Aintree will suit him best, then the season is going to be horses avoiding each other both pre Cheltenham and during March, for easier pickings at Aintree.

Racing has enough issues to deal with than adding another one such as this. Agreed, the AB has no stand out and Hillcrest has shown he can turn up with a strong realistic chance.

Think New Course will suit him better than Aintree anyway

Aintree is just an easier race....and if ur Daly, then surely getting a Chelt winner does a LOT more to advertise his talent

[Saxon Warrior]

Think New Course will suit him better than Aintree anyway

Aintree is just an easier race....and if ur Daly, then surely getting a Chelt winner does a LOT more to advertise his talent

If the horse is fit and well, then its the advertising his stable with a Cheltenham Grade 1 winner that Henry will have in mind too.

He is the standout, for me, in the race now - though that position has changed two or three times in the last few weeks.

[Faugheen_Machine]

Think New Course will suit him better than Aintree anyway

Aintree is just an easier race....and if ur Daly, then surely getting a Chelt winner does a LOT more to advertise his talent

I can only think that the late Trevor Hemmings' love for Aintree has something to do with the post race quotes. No reason why he couldn't run in both.

[Quevega]

I can only think that the late Trevor Hemmings' love for Aintree has something to do with the post race quotes. No reason why he couldn't run in both.

He loved Cheltenham as well. and I think Saxon is correct, in that if he seems fit and well, I think this trainer would run.
If he's not quite right then they may not declare.
I'd be surprised if he's taken out at the 6 days.

[Mighty]

Just seen Bardenstown Lad has had a big haircut for this recently - into 11/1 from 20/1 antepost. Aside from the LTR pod tipping it up, any reason for this?