'He goes with a lovely chance' - Nicholls excited for Albert Bartlett trial

Saturday: 3.00 Cheltenham
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (New) | 3m | 4yo+

This Grade 2 provides a first glimpse of the staying novice hurdle scene in Britain and regularly unearths a future star to get excited about.

Headlining the last ten winners are two horses who subsequently landed this race's Grade 1 namesake at the Cheltenham Festival, a prospective RSA Chase scorer, and even a future Gold Cup victor.

However, for every Unowhatimeanharry, Kilbricken Storm, Blaklion and Coneygree, we have a Rockpoint, a Redford Road and a Make Good. Reputations are yet to be established, although this season's favourite Weveallbeencaught has already demonstrated his above-average talent with a keeping-on third on his hurdling debut in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham.

That run came over 2m5f and the way Weveallbeencaught finished indicated three miles will be optimal, although improvement is required as he ranks lower than two of his rivals on Racing Post Ratings.

Outlaw Peter recorded a 136 at Exeter last time and Thomas Mor registered a 135 at Wincanton recently.

Paul Nicholls already has a line into the ability of Outlaw Peter through Hermes Allen, who shares the same ownership and beat Weveallbeencaught by ten and a half lengths when sauntering home at Cheltenham.

Outlaw Peter took four hurdle runs to break his duck, but is on a sharp upward curve now and brings Grade 2 form to the table having placed in the Persian War two starts back.

Experience is crucial here as 2021 winner Blazing Khal is the only horse in the last decade to capture this prize on their second hurdles start. Three in that timeframe have won it on their third and Thomas Mor, the only unbeaten runner in the field, meets that standard.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

'Weveallbeencaught is an exciting horse'

Nigel Twiston-Davies compared Weveallbeencaught to his Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander after his winning debut at Newbury, and the five-year-old bids to further boost his reputation in this Grade 2.

The Irish point-to-point winner, who cost £210,000 in January, was third behind Hermes Allen and Music Drive in the Grade 2 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle here last month on his first start over obstacles.

"The step up to three miles will be right up his street," said Twiston-Davies. "He's an exciting horse. All he was lacking last time was a bit of experience and some extra distance. We're confident of a big run."

The early betting suggests his main rival will be Outlaw Peter, who like Hermes Allen is trained by champion trainer Paul Nicholls. The six-year-old has had six runs over hurdles, including when third behind Constitution Hill in novice company at Sandown last December.

After finishing second on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow in October, Outlaw Peter justified odds-on favouritism when scoring by 19 lengths from Sporting Ace in a novice hurdle at Exeter last time.

"He goes there with a lovely chance," said Nicholls, who last won this race in 2011 with five-year-old Deireadh Re, ridden by Ruby Walsh. "I've saved him for this race and he should love the good ground."

His jockey, Harry Cobden, has been in flying form with nine winners from his last 30 rides before racing on Friday and also won the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase last Sunday.

What they say

Simon Torrens, rider of Grand Soir
He seems to appreciate nice ground so hopefully conditions will suit him. He's been improving in his last couple of starts. Fingers crossed he'll come forward again and run a nice race.

Samuel Drinkwater, trainer of Max's Champ
He might be a bit outclassed but it's a local track and he's very well at home so we'll take our chance. He's suited by good ground.

David Pipe, trainer of Thomas Mor
He won easily at Wincanton last time but the race probably fell apart. He's going up in grade now but deserves to take his chance, he'll like the ground and track. I don't think he really wants winter deep ground, so when that does come along at some point I expect he'll have a break. He's one who goes under the radar a little bit so we're not sure how good he is, but he goes about his work well. Now we'll see if he's up to this level.
Reporting by Jonathan Harding

Saturday's previews:

1.30 Doncaster: 'I'll be disappointed if he doesn't take the beating' - Harris in bullish mood

1.50 Cheltenham: 'He's crying out for this trip' - key trainer quotes for the December Gold Cup

2.25 Cheltenham: Twiston-Davies 'pretty confident' - but can I Like To Move It down Epatante?

2.40 Doncaster: Can James Ewart strike gold again with another promising French youngster?

Newcastle: 'He had a great time last season' - all you need to know for Newcastle