14:40 Cheltenham – Grand Vision to spring a surprise
Published:Grand Vision’s latest success at Haydock is already working out well from a Cheltenham Festival point of view and he can be backed to upset the well-fancied Boston Bob at 25/1 in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
Although running off a feather weight in the 3m contest, he had the likes of Cape Tribulation, Alfie Sherrin and Sunnyhillboy behind, all of which have already triumphed at this year’s Festival.
The fact that this race was run over 3m and on ground classified as heavy is ideal preparation for the Albert Bartlett, given that a horse’s stamina will almost certainly be called into question.
Boston Bob has largely been considered the best Irish novice hurdler of the season and this glowing reference is the logical reason why he is as short as 5/4 to win the Albert Bartlett.
However, the fact the horse has never attempted 3m before is a major concern, given that five of the last seven winners of the Albert Bartlett were proven up the trip.
The same question mark can be labelled at fellow Irish raider Mount Benbulben, who chased home Boston Bob on his latest racecourse appearance.
Mount Benbulben is 6/1 to win the Albert Bartlett and the fact he jumped right continually when losing to Boston Bob is a big concern on a left-handed track like Cheltenham.
All barring one winner of the Albert Bartlett have come from the first five in the betting and Brindisi Breeze may be preferred by those looking to side against the Irish duo.
He is 9/1 to triumph and has won on both his starts in 2012, with these two successes over 3m coming by a combined 25 lengths.
The one concern is that he will almost certainly be sent out to make all and he may be collared by something running on from the rear approaching the final hurdle.
