Connell likes Tower's prospects

Owner Barry Connell feels Martello Tower is a major player in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Mags Mullins-trained seven-year-old has only been beaten twice when he has completed under Rules, and one of those was his last outing in a Grade Two at Leopardstown.

He was beaten just over three lengths, giving 5lb to Willie Mullins' Outlander but that was over two and a half miles.

"Martello Tower must have a right chance," said Connell.

"At the weights the last day he came out of it just as good as Outlander.

"The step back up to three miles is what he wants and the hill will be in his favour, too.

"He's in good shape and I have no worries about the ground at all, he won at Killarney in May on good ground.

"What he wants is a test of stamina which brings his guts into play.

"The Albert Bartlett usually turns into a war of attrition and that should suit him perfectly."