Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The River Don Novices' Hurdle) 2014

2.40 Doncaster

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The River Don Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £15,661

Advice: 1 pt win Timesremembered (9/2 general)

Salsulito Sunrise: Placed on first four starts under rules, including when third in good Cheltenham handicap over 2m5f; Two from two at this trip, making short work of Chepstow maiden hurdle before running out a good winner off 129 latest at Haydock; Should come forward again at this trip.

Timesremembered: Didn’t cut much ice on one bumper start or maiden hurdle win but looks transformed upped to this trip in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow; Couldn’t follow up in Cheltenham Grade 2 when giving 7lbs to runner up but clear best of the rest in Challow Hurdle latest when looking as if he would enjoy step upto 3m and fine form chance here.

Aerial: Very useful over both hurdles and fences, although best form has come over bigger obstacles; Opened hurdles account on eleventh occasion at Taunton latest but that was a very presentable opportunity at the time and much more needed.

Blakemount: Looks like there should be more to come upped in trip following latest win making all at Newcastle over 2m6f on soft ground; Would appear to have improved from defeat in decent race there the time before although yet more needed for that step up in trip today.

Racing Puluse: Deeply impressive when winning point and bumper in Ireland (10 and 14 lengths) before landing Newcastle maiden hurdle by 17 lengths; Lost unbeaten record at Cheltenham latest but that steadily run race may not have helped him giving away a lot of weight; Should go well here.

Urban Hymn: Made short work of fixed brush hurdle at Haydock latest, having previously been a well beaten favourite on hurdles debut; Impeccable jumping on that occasion but he really didn’t have much to beat; If reappearing in same form, should take the beating.

 Walk On Al: Took advantage of steep drop in class to win at Southwell latest but that well below required standard here and can’t see him being involved.

 Warden Hill: Off the mark over hurdles at Kempton in October and won with plenty to spare over here latest  but form of that win no more than fair and defeat off 124 in the middle of those two efforts rather off-putting.

 VERDICT: A fiercely contested event with a mix of promise and established form alike, and TIMESREMEMBERED brings both to the table with his seconds in Grade 2 and 1 company after an impressive Grade 1 win earlier in the season and the potential he has to improve for a step up to 3 miles. Racing Pulse, who  came out with credit despite losing his unbeaten record at Cheltenham latest, makes most appeal outside of him, while Salusito Sunrise has more to come at this trip and makes more appeal than Urban Hymn.