Henry Daly prepared to play waiting game with leading Cheltenham hope Hillcrest

Henry Daly will leave a final decision on the Cheltenham Festival participation of leading Albert Bartlett fancy Hillcrest until as late as possible.

Unbeaten when completing over hurdles, Hillcrest is the 100-30 ante-post favourite for the Albert Bartlett with Paddy Power and Sky Bet, having confirmed his festival credentials with a dominant Grade 2 win at Haydock recently.

On his first try over three miles, the seven-year-old galloped his rivals into submission on heavy ground and removed any stamina doubts heading into the notorious Albert Bartlett test, a race that has thrown up winners such as Minella Indo and Monkfish in recent seasons.