Can John McConnell pull off another British raid with Albert Bartlett seventh?

British EBF William Hill Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle (Listed Race) 3m | 5yo+ | RTV

John McConnell has saddled 31 winners in Britain in the last five seasons and 13 of those have come this campaign from 55 runners.

McConnell is back for more here as his Albert Bartlett seventh Mahler Mission bids to get back to winning ways following his 23-length defeat at the hands of The Nice Guy at Cheltenham.

Mahler Mission was awarded a Racing Post Rating of 134 on that occasion, which equalled the figure he was given for his victory in the River Don at Doncaster on his previous start.

That leaves him equal bottom rated on RPRs here, so improvement will be needed if he is to continue his trainer's fine record on the British side of the Irish Sea.

It is the mare Galia Des Liteaux who is clear on RPRs. She has 4lb in hand when you include her female allowance but that rating is based on her wide-margin victory over subsequent Listed winner Fonzerelli at Wetherby in December and she was a disappointing favourite when last seen at Ascot.

She is a 3m point-to-point winner, so the step up in trip promises to suit the Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old.

Complete Unknown: claims for the Paul Nicholls inmateCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Complete Unknown could be the joker in the pack. He is another who looks sure to improve for this trip in a race full of promising types.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

John McConnell, trainer of Mahler Mission
He came out of the Albert Bartlett okay and ran a respectable race. This has been the target since and we're hoping for a big run.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of The Goffer
He ran in a competitive race at Cheltenham, ran some very good races before that and we're hoping for a good run.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Complete Unknown
He won well at Sandown and three miles will suit him. Hopefully they put a little bit of water down, which will then be ideal conditions for him. It's a tough-looking race, but he's progressive. We won this last year with Threeunderthrufive and he's a similar type.

Ben Pauling: trainer runs Del La Mar RocketCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ben Pauling, trainer of Del La Mar Rocket
I think he’ll love going three miles. They’re saying it's going to be the soft side of good to soft and if it is we'll run. He wants cut in the ground and is a very nice horse with unlimited ability if he gets into his rhythm. He's been very good on occasions and also found it hard work on occasions, but he’s in good order.

Nicky Richards, trainer of Famous Bridge
It’s an interesting race, probably all progressive horses, all nice ones for next season, and my lad’s one of them. We’re looking forward to it and he hasn’t had a bad year, but hopefully it’s not over. There’s no doubt stepping up in trip is going to help; I expect he'll stay well.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Galia Des Liteaux
She's definitely got a chance. She's got some nice form from the start of the season and I've given her a nice break since her last run. She was always hopefully going to come here and I think the trip is good for her.
Reporting by Harry Wilson

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