Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Bristol Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 1.69s

Conman John⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: D R Fox| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 135| CD

11/10

£170,000 point recruit who showed promise in a couple of bumpers and unbeaten both starts over hurdles, well served by step up to 3m when successful here in October. That is the best form on offer and there should be more to come.

Form: 3125-11

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Big Cadillac⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: C Gethings| T: D Skelton| D

25/1

Fetched £95,000 after winning sole start between the flags in 2024 and, despite looking green and racing keenly, he followed up in a Chepstow bumper (2m, heavy) on Rules debut in January. Fairly low-key hurdles bow post breathing operation in October but he will do better.

Form: 1/1-6

Carlenrig³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| D

4/1

Point winner who shaped well from an unpromising position when second of 10 in a Chepstow maiden hurdle a month ago (19.5f) clear of the rest. Sure to build on that for leading stable.

Form: 1-2

Kasino Des Mottes³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| D

13/2

£130,000 Irish point recruit who shaped with promise when fifth to Conman John on Rules debut here in October and he showed a willing attitude when off the mark in an easier race at Kempton a month ago. Second that day has won since and he can do better still.

Form: 4/1-51

Reckless Spending²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

10/1

Cost 200,000 gns after finishing runner-up sole in an Irish point in October 2024 and displayed ability amidst inexperience when third in a Worcester bumper in May. Winner that day successful since and he made a fair start to his hurdles career when third of 4 at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Up in trip.

Form: 2-33

They Call Me Hugo³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy

6/1

€30,000 4-y-o, Doyen gelding. Dam (b66), ran once in bumpers/over hurdles, half-sister to useful hurdler/fairly useful chaser (stayed 2¼m) Publican. Easy winner of a point and also had a bit up his sleeve when making successful hurdles bow at Ffos Las a month ago. Can leave bare form behind.

Form: 3/21-1

Intosomethinggood²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 125

18/1

Won 3 times during the summer and went down all guns blazing when finding just one too strong in Carlisle novice (2½m, soft) last month, a solid effort considering that he was attempting to concede 7 lb to the winner. Well held in a Grade 2 here last time and lacks the scope to improve. Up in trip.

Form: 121528

Forecasts

Conman John (11/10), Carlenrig (4/1), They Call Me Hugo (6/1), Kasino Des Mottes (13/2), Reckless Spending (10/1), Intosomethinggood (18/1), Big Cadillac (25/1)

As you would expect, there's plenty of potential on show so conceding weight all round won't be easy for CONMAN JOHN but he created a very favourable impression when winning here in October. He therefore could well be up to the task, though They Call Me Hugo and Carlenrig seem sure to leave the bare form of their opening hurdles efforts behind.