Cheltenham’s three-mile Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is shaping up to be a fascinating event and the Irish runners have a good chance of following up last year’s victory by compatriot Weapons Amnesty.
Willie Mullins’ Quel Esprit, fourth last season in the Festival Bumper behind the outstanding Dunguib, has looked better and better over timber in Ireland, most recently running out a very comfortable scorer in a Grade 3 event at Cork in December.
Mullins also seems likely to run the unbeaten Enterprise Park giving him a particularly strong hand in the race. Jockey bookings might be all important in suggesting to the betting public which of the handler’s candidates is most fancied.
Shinrock Paddy, trained by Paul Nolan, has won five of his six career starts and was tremendously impressive in trouncing his rivals in a Grade 1 at Navan in December.
It appears he won’t run again until the Cheltenham Festival itself, but on form seen so far, he seems to be the leading Irish hope.
For the home team, Tom George’s Tell Massini looks the leading hope. Twice a winner at Cheltenham this term (he is unbeaten in three starts under rules) he appears to go on any ground and is getting better with every run.
Highflyer Bloodstock paid €250,000 for classy French hurdler Najaf, twice a runner-up to Champion Hurdle dark horse Rock Noir.
Now under the care of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, any market move for the horse, who has yet to race in Britain, would be highly significant.
Overall, the horse racing cheltenham is set to host this year should be of the highest standard and punters are in for a real treat.