Eric Bloodaxe and Freedom To Dream stand out in key Albert Bartlett trial

Monday: 2.05 Limerick
Lyons of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m7f | 4yo+ | RTE2/RTV

This race has been a major Cheltenham Festival pointer for the Albert Bartlett in recent years, although, on paper at least, the 2021 race arguably may not appear as strong as other runnings.

Vanillier became the latest festival winner to contest this Grade 2, finishing second behind Farouk D'Alene before going on to strike in March.

Fury Road, third to Monkfish in the 2020 Albert Bartlett, won the same event in 2019, while Delta Work was second at Limerick before landing that season's Pertemps Final in 2018.

Penhill plundered this prize on his way to Albert Bartlett glory in 2017, just as Faugheen and Martello Tower did in two of the three years before that.

Of the 2021 Limerick challengers, Eric Bloodaxe and Freedom To Dream are the only two quoted in ante-post markets for this season's Albert Bartlett, both available at 33-1.

Ginto's absence from the final declarations has opened up the contest significantly and Eric Bloodaxe, who proved no match for that rival last time in Grade 2 company at Navan, could be the one to capitalise.

This will be the Joseph O'Brien-trained six-year-old's first try beyond 2m4f, but he could be well suited by Monday's step up in trip and brings some high-class bumper form to the table.

His biggest challenge comes from the unexposed Freedom To Dream, who defied a 697-day absence to strike on his hurdles debut at Punchestown just under five weeks ago.

The step up to 2m7f is unlikely to be a problem for Freedom To Dream having won over 2m5½f last time. It is perhaps more of a question mark for Barnacullia, who saw the form of his Wexford win two starts ago boosted by the success of Mc Alpine at Cheltenham in November. He also enhanced his reputation when third to Hollow Games in the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle over 2m4f last time, for all it seemed that race turned into a sprint.

Angels Dawn and Brampton Belle could have more to offer, but they need to improve as they attempt to earn black type.

Fahey sweet on accidental purchase Freedom

It could be a massive afternoon for trainer Peter Fahey as he holds strong claims of pulling off a big-race double at Chepstow and Limerick .

The Big Dog is one of the leading players in the Coral Welsh Grand National, while the Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer is expecting a bold bid from Freedom To Dream in this Grade 2 highlight.

A win here would be the latest intriguing chapter in the Paul Leech-owned performer's story.

Fahey revealed in the aftermath of his Punchestown success that the promising stayer had been "bought completely by mistake at the sales".

Freedom To Dream (right): opened his hurdles account as a 12-1 shot at PunchestownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He explained that he had been rushing to buy a horse later in the catalogue and accidentally got involved with Freedom To Dream. The €25,000 paid for him as a three-year-old has already proved money well spent.

"He's a lovely horse and it was great to see him win last time," said Fahey.

"I think the step up in trip will suit and hopefully he can run a huge race.

"He's a real stayer and I don't think slower ground than last time will inconvenience him. At home it feels as though he's come on for his last run."

What they say

Mick Mulvany, trainer of Barnacullia
It was a good run from him last time at Navan over two and a half miles and we're going to see if he can get further. Keith Donoghue felt he probably would, but we'll see how he gets on. It's competitive but probably doesn't look the best Grade 2 ever. Ultimately, this horse is more of a chasing type than a hurdler.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Eric Bloodaxe
He goes there in good form. I didn't think he ran a bad race last time when second to Ginto in a Grade 2 at Navan and it's obviously a help to our chances that we don't have to face him again here. We're hoping for a good run.

Sam Curling, trainer of Angels Dawn
If she runs to her best form it'd be fantastic if she could be placed and anything after that would be a bonus. I think this trip should suit her well and she'll come on for her first start back – that was a bit of a messy race.

Peter Molony, racing manager to Kenny Alexander, owner of Brampton Belle
Soft ground and a trip is what she wants and what she'll get here. She's more of a chaser and whatever she does this season over hurdles is pretty much a bonus. It'd be great if she could nick some black type.

Read more Monday previews . . .

1.40 Chepstow: is there another star in this year's Finale? Graeme Rodway analyses the field

2.30 Kempton: Henderson confident Shishkin is ready for return – but has concerns over ground

2.50 Chepstow: Welsh Grand National – key trainer quotes as Secret Reprieve bids for rare double

Big-race analysis: Keith Melrose on why the Welsh National has always been a front runner's haven (Members' Club)

2.55 Leopardstown: essential insight and quotes for the Paddy Power Chase

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