We are just a matter of weeks away from the Cheltenham Festival. Now is the time that us punters start to build our ante-post portfolio leading up to the best week of the year. Our horse racing expert Adrian Wall picked out a 7-1 tip for the Triumph Hurdle last week. He is back this week with his fancy for the Albert Bartlett, a Grade 1 novice hurdle race for the three-milers. Paddy Power and Betfair are offering NRNB at Cheltenham so make sure you take full advantage of these incredible offers below.
Ashdale Bob is a second-season novice and his experience could prove crucial once he graces the turf at Prestbury Park. He shaped better than his bare form would suggest in all three starts last season. I like when a horse is wrapped in cotton wool early in his career and progresses gradually. He is two wins from three this season, most recently an early faller at Naas in a race won by Bob Olinger.
In November, he started his campaign off with a nice win in a Navan maiden hurdle. He stepped up massively on that effort to win a Grade Two at the same venue. He jumped well on that occasion and can handle any ground. The third that day, Gabynako, came out and finished third in a Grade One since to boost the form. Considering he looks like a future three-mile chaser, we have yet to see the best of this boy.
There is a chance that he will go for the Ballymore but I firmly believe that the Albert Bartlett is by far the best option for him. He stays all day and will get three miles in his sleep. Paddy Power are only 12-1 and considering they usually know the craic with the Irish horses, they are very short. bet365 are 25-1 which looks a crazy good price at present.