Likely non-runners make Irish pair attractive in Albert Bartlett Hurdle
WITH only 24 days to go until the start of this year’s Cheltenham Festival, the majority of ante-post markets are beginning to reach a stage of maturity where there may be better value waiting until the day.
That said, the next 48 hours or so will see the reputations of many well-fancied hopes either seriously enhanced or smashed to pieces. Long Run (Gold Cup), Sprinter Sacre (Arkle) and Bobs Worth (RSA Chase) are just three high profile runners all having their prep runs this weekend.
However, one race that really catches the eye from a trading perspective is the more unfashionable Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle run over three miles on the last day of the meeting. The current market is headed by two horses that are by no means guaranteed runners meaning there must be some value lurking below them in the list.
Philip Hobbs came out this week and stressed that Fingal Bay (as short as 5/1) is being aimed at the Neptune Investment Hurdle, while that race is also under consideration for current favourite Boston Bob (as short as 4/1). My gut feeling is that Willie Mullins may also opt to run him in the Neptune as he tends to aim his best at that particular contest.
So, with every chance that neither will make the line-up on the day, the obvious place to start the search for value is the next pair in the market, but neither make much appeal. Mount Benbulben’s form is all on soft ground (only once in 20 years has the ground been soft on Gold Cup day) and his jumping was awful last time. I’m sure many people will also be interested in the Paul Nicholls’ trained Rocky Creek as he was mightily impressive at Doncaster recently. However, I’ve just got a sneaky feeling that form may be a little bit suspect.
That leaves Irish raiders SEA OF THUNDER and FOLSOM BLUE as the two that make the most appeal as both are guaranteed stayers and even though they are both Gigginstown Stud-owned, they don’t hold multiple entries.
The former had a Grade Two over the course and distance in the bag before Christmas when tipping up at the last. He relished the good ground that day and showed no ill effects from that fall when chasing home Boston Bob on terrible ground over an inadequate two and a half miles last time. He can still be backed each-way at 14/1 in places and will surely start nearly half that price if lining up on the day.
As for Folsom Blue, he is another progressive staying hurdler who is looking for a fourth win on the bounce. He showed a lovely attitude when winning on desperate ground over two miles and six furlongs last time and the step up to three miles looks ideal. He is available at 16/1 with Willam Hill and Paddy Power when other firms are already as short as 8/1.
On the subject of Cheltenham, there are still a couple of team places available for the official Cheltenham Golf Day at Celtic Manor on Monday 12th March. For more information or to book, contact Fairway to
Furlong’s Sam Krume by emailing [email protected].
POINTERS…
SEA OF THUNDER e/w 14/1 Albert Bartlett (Cheltenham Festival)
FOLSOM BLUE e/w 16/1 Albert Bartlett (Cheltenham Festival)