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Klepht has Bartlett option

Tue 3rd Mar 2015, 11:33

Klepht (nearest)Klepht (nearest)
© Photo Healy Racing

Talented chaser Klepht could revert to the smaller obstacles for a tilt at the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday week.

The 10-year-old has been plying his trade in some of the most competitive handicap chases this season, finishing down the field in the Kerry National, the Munster National and the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Klepht has had just three starts over hurdles, but was successful in that sphere when last seen at Killarney last summer and is set to skip handicap options for a shot at Grade One honours.

Trainer Tom Mullins said: "Klepht can only go for the Albert Bartlett if he goes. He is way out of the handicap for the Martin Pipe (Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle).

"He would go for that if he could get in, but he won't get in.

"He might take his chance in the Bartlett but we will see, it is only 50-50." Princely Conn is another Mullins inmate under consideration for the trip across the Irish Sea.

"Princely Conn is the only other one from my yard that might go," said Mullins.

"He is in the Coral Cup and the County Hurdle. He ran well the other day and we will see how he is at the end of the week."