15:50 Haydock
Saturday 18 February 2017
All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:2016:55
Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)
- 5YO plus  |  Class 1  |  2m 6f 177y  |  Good to Soft  |  7 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 15:50Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 39.38s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Has enjoyed a very progressive campaign, winning four of his last five starts, including beating the 143-rated Born Survivor by over six lengths at Newbury last time (received 17lb). Beaten nine lengths when stepping out of handicap company into the Listed Gerry Fielden at Newbury, though remains unexposed at this trip and could go very well again on ground that is likely to suit.
Entered for the race of the same name at Cheltenham, for which he is currently 33/1, after wins in both a maiden and novices' hurdle (2m3f both times) in similar conditions to those forecast. Runner-up in that recent success has come out and won next time and with the yard in tremendous form, this unexposed, promising stayer looks sure to go well.
The winner of five of his nine starts, three on good to soft and two over a very similar trip to this at Kelso. Still going well when falling last time and has gone up for that, but remains feasibly treated and unlikely to look out of his depth now pitched in at this level.
Good effort to turn over odds-on hotpot at Leicester last time (2m4f, soft), which has seen his official rating rise by 10lb. This is another step up for this former point-to-point winner who looks likely to stay this longer trip and a follow-up success would not be a surprise.
Gets on well with his pilot, who has ridden him on all five starts, winning three, including at Kelso (2m6f, heavy) last time. Bypasses handicaps to head straight for this Graded race, suggesting that his handler thinks plenty of him, though also looks like he would ideally prefer a drop more rain.
Four and a half length runner-up to Coo Star Sivola in a Listed Cheltenham contest (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Day and although that opponent did nothing for the form next time, the third that day ran well enough behind the talented Wholestone back at Cheltenham. Sole win under rules came on good to soft and also won a point-to-point, suggesting that this trip may elicit further improvement.
Went close when stepped up into this grade both at Cheltenham in December and at Doncaster last time, making the frame each time. Improving son of Craigsteel, who looks entitled to go very close at these weights.
Forecasts
No Hassle Hoff (9/4), The Worlds End (11/4), Report To Base (4/1), Theligny (13/2), Ballyarthur (8/1), Progress Drive (20/1), Another Bill (25/1)
In what is as good a race as any on the card, several of these could enhance their claims for the Grade One Cheltenham version of this event next month and NO HASSLE HOFF might be the one for today. Dan Skelton's charge is one of a number who look set to improve again today, though he may not need to do so as much as some others due to the race conditions. Report To Base, Theligny and The Worlds End can battle for the minor honours.
1. No Hassle Hoff
2. Report To Base
3. Theligny
Prize Money
1st: £16,938.002nd: £6,387.003rd: £3,192.004th: £1,593.005th: £801.006th: £399.007th: £201.00
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