3.20 2m. 7f. 213yds. 22 Declared. Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £154,650.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €87,022.00 2nd - €32,786.00 3rd - €16,408.00 4th - €8,196.00 5th - €4,114.00 6th - €2,057.00 7th - €1,021.00 8th - €526.00
Formscan - The Irish have dominated this event over the last decade, winning seven times, and are likely to improve on that record based on the ante-post market. The leading English hope would have to be Kripticjim, who just prevailed in Grade 2 company at this course in January and this longer trip could bring out improvement. Out of the four Willie Mullins sends to post, Doctor Steinberg is the clear choice after beating Thedeviluno at Navan prior to bolting up at the top level at Leopardstown last month. The six-year-old should mount a bold bid in protecting his unbeaten record over timber, but the value may lie with SPINNINGAYARN. Gordon Elliott's gelding has shaped as if crying out for this step up in distance when winning comfortably at Fairyhouse and Punchestown the last twice, so with the potential for bundles of improvement, he looks the one to side with.