15:20 Cheltenham Tips: McConnell spot on with his approach in Albert Bartlett

It's day four of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and the Albert Bartlett is one of the most competitive races on the card. 

A big field of novices will assemble for the precursor to the Gold Cup and Clive provides us with his Runners Guide and his Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Tips...

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Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Runners Guide

Argento Boy (Willie Mullins/Rachael Blackmore) 14/1  

Relished a first crack at three miles at Punchestown last time, but may want softer ground and stable have better-fancied runners.  

Ballybow (Gordon Elliott/Sam Ewing) 12/1  

Grade 3 winner at Cork last time and represents last season’s winning connections. Type to appreciate this sort of test.  

Derryhassen Paddy (Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox) 11/1  

Yard won this in 2012 and this point-to-point winner is unbeaten under rules. Highly regarded but lacks experience for a race of this nature.  

First Confession (Joe Tizzard/Brendan Powell) 40/1  

Point-to-point winner who struggled in the Challow but back to form last time. Lots to find but should improve for a strong test of stamina.   

Fishery Lane (Willie Mullins/Sean O’Keeffe) 20/1  

Ran a cracker when fifth in the Champion Bumper last season despite lacking experience. Ground concerns but has an engine.  

Flicker Of Hope (Mark Fahey/Keith Donogue) 12/1  

Ultra-progressive staying handicapper and more battle-hardened than most. May appreciate softer ground, but good claims otherwise.  

Inn At The Park (Willie Mullins/Danny Mullins) 40/1  

Same connections as 2022 winner The Nice Guy. Lacks the form to be a serious player, but may take a leap forward. 

Intense Approach (John McConnell/Sean Bowern) 16/1  

Connections like to target this race and he has a nice profile for it. Will love the surface and has bags of experience.   

Jasmin De Vaux (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend) 15/2  

Last season’s Champion Bumper winner has lacked fluency over his hurdles. Going a stride slower over a longer trip may help in that regard.  

Jax Junior (Lucinda Russell/Tom Cannon) 25/1  

Loves to front-run and has a touch of class. May struggle to dominate over this trip in a field this big, however.  

Jet Blue (David Cottin/James Reveley) 15/2  

Course and distance trial winner in December and has accrued plenty of experience. This is a different ballgame, but this French raider will have more knowhow than most.  

Jig’s Forge (Ben Pauling/Ben Jones) 40/1  

Smart in point-to-points and impressed in his maiden hurdle before struggling in Doncaster Grade 2. Has plenty to find. 

Ma Shantou (Emma Lavelle/Harry Cobden) 33/1  

Teak-tough stayer who has untapped potential over three miles. Interesting going this far for just the second time.  

Nativehill (Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville) 40/1  

Expensive recruit who represents top connections, but lacks experience and may find this coming too soon in his development.  

Port Joulain (Willie Mullins/Brian Hayes) 22/1  

Held a big reputation in points and bumpers but a slow burner over hurdles. Unlikely we’ve seen his best and should stay.  

Sounds Victorious (Willie Mullins/Patrick Mullins) 20/1  

Cracking fourth in the Champion Bumper last term, but work on to reverse Dublin Racing Festival form with a couple of these.  

The Big Westerner (Henry de Bromhead/Daragh O'Keeffe) 4/1  

Doubtless a talented mare and strong galloper, but lack of a recent run and inexperience are off-putting for a yard enduring a testing season. 

Wendigo (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) 7/1  

Eyecatching second in the Challow Hurdle to The New Lion, who franked the form in the Turners. Everything points towards improvement for the new trip.  

Wingmen (Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy) 8/1  

Third in back-to-back Grade 1s over shorter and will be at home over this longer trip. Respected for top stable. 

Yellow Car (David Killahena and Graeme McPherson and Nick Slatter) 25/1  

Grade 2 winner on latest start but held by Jet Blue on meeting here in December. Seems to have improved since and will like the surface.  

Verdict 

Intense Approach @ 16/1 (e/w)

John McConnell likes to target this race and Intense Approach catches the eye each-way with the ground in his favour. 

He was progressive last summer and picked up where he left off following a break with a taking victory at Musselburgh in November. 

Stamina is assured and he has an experience edge over most of his opposition.