Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

3.40 Cheltenham
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Bristol Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £14,252

Pick: Mossley (win)

Badgers Cove: Point winner who responded strongly from 2 out when making a winning start under Rules in Ludlow novice hurdle last month; This tougher but trip will suit, should improve and come from yard that produced Restless Harry last year.

Stoutly bred sort who was always going to improve for a good test so no surprise that he drew so far clear of field in maiden hurdle at Chepstow; Will only improve for experience and stiffer test again so one of main players.

Highland Valley: Bumper winner; Gave a strong indication of better things to come when scoring easily over 21f on hurdling bow at Exeter last month (giving 7lbs to second and winning by 10 lengths); That marks him down as Graded class.

Mossley: Hasn’t come off bridle to land Worcester bumper and 2m4f novice hurdle at Huntingdon; More improvement to come (one of numerous horses bred to relish step up to 3m) and well worth second look.

Rif: Looked smart when landing 3m novice hurdle at Towcester in October; May have more to offer but this much harder.

Teaforthree: Has been slick with his jumping given that he’s only had 2 starts so far and unextended to land Ffos Las Novice Hurdle last tie; Another useful prospect and comes from a respected combination.

Galant Nuit: Made up into a useful handicap chaser last season, winning the Servo Trophy Handicap Chase before a third in the Kim Muir; Has ability to make presence felt but likely to need this badly.

Join Together: Let down by lack of experience when third to a smart prospect on hurdling bow at Exeter last month; Booking of David Cottin fascinating but has a lot of ground to make up on basic form.

Old Wigmore: Wasted little time fulfilling bumper promise when landing 2¾m Hereford novice hurdle in November and booking of Tom Scudamore very good sign but up against it here.

Smooth Classic: Up against it.

Sybarite: Made nearly prefect start to hurdling when second in 2m5f Grade 2 at the Open Meeting, coming second behind Champion Court; Should improve plenty for the experience and major player here.

VERDICT: A useful looking contest, with 4 horses looking likely to dominate. MOSSLEY hasn’t been extended for powerful looking connections and may be able to beat off Sybarite, who is already tested at this level, Highland Valley, who is usrely up to this level based on his two wins, and the stamina bred Golden Chieftain.