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Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Tips, Odds, Free Bets, Betting Offers & Preview
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle was introduced to the Cheltenham Festival in 2005 and is run over two miles and five furlongs for promising horses in the staying hurdle and chase divisions of the future.
It was initially given Grade 2 status, but when the current sponsor, Albert Bartlett, took over, it became a Grade 1, and due to its sponsorship, many people jokingly refer to it as ‘The Potato Race’.
Although a relatively new race, it has quickly established itself as a top-quality contest that some well-known horses, including Wichita Lineman, Minella Indo, and Monkfish, have won.
Read on for Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle betting odds, tips and free bets for the 2024 race.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Friday, March 15th - 2:50pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £75,964 |
| Distance: | Three-miles |
| Race Type: | Grade 1 Hurdle |
| Age: | 4-Years+ |
| Course: | New Course |
| Weights: | 10st 11lbs (4yo), 11st 7lb (5yo+), 7lb allowance for fillies and mares |
| Where to Watch? | ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Betting Offers & Free Bets
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Tips
The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle is a tough stamina test for novice hurdlers. The horses that run here often become strong stayers, and if they have the quality, either Stayers Hurdle or Gold Cup contenders in the future.
Check out the thoughts of Charlie McCann on this year’s Albert Bartlett below.
Charlie McCann - Gidleigh Park (Each-Way)
I backed and recommended GIDLEIGH PARK Non-Runner No Bet for the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, and I am glad I did with Harry Fry rerouting his unbeaten novice who would not have got near Ballyburn here on Wednesday given the authority with which the latter won that G1 contest.
I was staggered by the route taken on Love Envoi in the Mares’ Hurdle here on Tuesday and I hope Johnny Burke does not give the gelding a similar ride out in lane eight on the selection who must prove his stamina for this three-mile trip but promises to do so and gets the each way vote.
The selection is unbeaten in his four starts and was workmanlike when scoring over an extended two-and-a-half miles in a slowly run race here on Trials Day. The runner-up – Lucky Place – finished an excellent fourth in the Coral Cup on Wednesday from a mark of 138, and the form of the two Willie Mullins’ trained favourites, Readin Tommy Wrong and Dancing City, was not boosted in the Gallagher midweek.
Captain Teague and Johnnywho are two other leading British-trained candidates, and the latter looks to be crying out for a step up to three miles for the first time. Both represent yards whose Festival runners have underperformed on the first couple of days, but they could easily play a part in what does not look like a vintage renewal.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Betting Odds
It’s a high-class renewal for this year’s Albert Bartlett with eight of the 15 runners winning last time out.
As expected, Willie Mullins holds a strong hand, including the current favourite Readin Tommy Wrong and the unbeaten High Class Hero, while UK hopes could lie with the Paul Nicholls-trained Captain Teague.
What Happened Last Year?
The Paul Nicholls-trained Stay Away Fay won an incident-packed Albert Bartlett in 2023 under jockey Harry Cobden.
Stay Away Fay looked set to be challenged up the hill by Corbetts Cross before the latter ran out at the final flight, allowing Stay Away Fay to see off the rest of the field and give Nicholls his first-ever win in the race.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Key Stats
- Nine of the previous 12 winners were priced at 11/1 or bigger
- Ten of the previous 12 winners were rated 136 or higher
- 11 of the last 12 winners had at least one win that season
Previous Winners of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
We’ve listed the last five winners of the Albert Bartlett in the table below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Stay Away Fay |
| 2022 | The Nice Guy |
| 2021 | Vanillier |
| 2020 | Monkfish |
| 2019 | Minella Indo |
FAQs
What time is the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle?
The Albert Bartlett race takes place on the fourth day of Cheltenham Festival. In 2024 this will be on Friday, March 15th, with a scheduled off-time of 2.50pm.
Has any horse won the Albert Bartlett and then won the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Bobs Worth won the Albert Bartlett in 2011 and won the Gold Cup in 2013.
What is the prize money for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle?
The 2024 prize money is still to be confirmed but the 2023 winner, Stay Away Fay, picked up £75,964.50 for last year's success.
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