3m(2m7f213y) (New) Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
The Albert Bartlett has had some odd results over the years with it being a graveyard for favourites. In fact, only one favourite has been successful in the last 10 years, and it has paid to side with those that have the potential to show significant improvement for this type of test.
2m4½f(2m4f56y) (New) Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-145)
A race often targeted by Gordon Eliott, he runs six in this with possibly the most interesting being Hollow Games, who was expected to have a tilt at the Albert Bartlett. But he was firmly put in his place in Grade 1 and drops into this off a potentially workable mark of 143.
A horse that finished 10 lengths behind him at Leopardstown in a Grade 1 was FREEDOM TO DREAM for Pat Fahey. He travelled well before getting outstayed by some smart rivals in Minella Crooner and Minella Cocooner.
On his previous start he finished a good second to another Albert Bartlett runner in Eric Bloodaxe on heavy ground at Limerick and got off the mark the time before against a decent sort in Sam’s Choice. Lightly-raced thus far, Freedom To Dream had two placed bumper finishes including a fine second to Supreme winner, Appreciate It in 2019.
A mark of 135 for Freedom To Dream looks very interesting and he should relish this type of trip and ground conditions. At 22/1, he looks a nice each-way prospect for the lucky last.
1pt each-way Freedom To Dream @22/1, 17:30 Cheltenham, Friday (1-6 places, 1/5 odds with Skybet)