ALBERT BARTLETT

NOVICES HURDLE

Gigginstown House Stud has a strong hand in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (83 entries) over three miles which they have won in the past with Weapon’s Amnesty and Very Wood.

Gordon Elliott’s duo Cracking Smart and recent Thurles Grade 2 winner Dortmund Park, who is an intended runner at Leopardstown today, are among their seven entries.

Samcro is entered but the Ballymore is his likely target.

Santini (Nicky Henderson) maintained his unbeaten record in the Grade 2 Ballymore Classic Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last week and could step up to three miles for the first time.

Tom George’s Black Op who was second in that race is also entered and could be a lively outsider at around 16/1.

Poetic Rhythm (Fergal O’Brien), victorious in the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury, is likely to run, along with recent Doncaster scorer Enniscoffey Oscar (Emma Lavelle).

IRISH CHALLENGE

Irish entries include Articulum, Debuchet, Delta Work, Minella Fair and Moyross for Noel Meade and Not Many Left for Jessica Harrington.

Willie Mullins chalolenge includes Ballyward, Brahma Bull, Carter McKay, Fabulous Saga, Next Destination, Real Steel and Scarpeta. Getabird is also entered.

BETTING

6/1 Cracking Smart, 5/1 Next Destination, 10/1 Santini, 14/1 Dortmund Park, Mr Whipped, Getabird, Fabulous Saga, 16/1 Black Ops, 20/1 Poetic Rhythm