WE have the entries for the Grade 1 hurdle contests at the Cheltenham Festival and I like the each-way chances of CAPTAIN TEAGUE in Friday’s Albert Bartlett.
Paul Nicholls has entered him in the Baring Bingham too but I think the longer trip would suit him better.
Captain Teague has Cheltenham form and can give Nicholls a second straight win in the Albert Bartlett[/caption]He was an excellent third in the Champion Bumper last season on just his second start and was thrown into a Grade 2 at Chepstow for his hurdles debut.
He handled that challenge without breaking sweat to land a 10-length victory.
Then came a slight blip as he failed to give away 5lb when a still excellent second in a November Grade 2 at Cheltenham.
He then won yet another Challow Hurdle for Nicholls at Newbury last month where he appeared to have lots left in the tank over the extended 2m4f.
I know his trainer usually sends his good Challow horses for the Baring Bingham (used to be known as the Ballymore) but I hope the champ agrees that staying is the strong suit of this son of Doyen.
He is 16-1 with BetMGM for the Albert Bartlett but they are not non-runner, no bet so there is a slight risk.
Those who are going NRNB have him at 10s and you may want the security of that price but I’ll risk him ending up in the spud farmer’s race and get the better odds.
The Kim Muir may not be the first race that springs to mind when you think of the Festival but I think INCH HOUSE looks a fair each-way price at a general 16-1.
This seven-year-old has been in good form for Jonjo O’Neill this season, landing a couple of decent chases at Newbury after blowing away the cobwebs with comeback Chepstow third.
He went up in class at Cheltenham last time where the small field didn’t help as he likes to come from off a solid pace.
He was a mile back turning for home and just couldn’t reel in the winner Stumptown who is another with solid claims at the Festival.
Inch House will definitely prefer the guaranteed hustle and bustle of the Kim Muir and is surely guaranteed to get a run from his handicap mark.
He goes on pretty much any ground and has every chance of making the frame.
BETS: Captain Teague each-way for the Albert Bartlett 16-1
Inch House each-way for the Kim Muir 16-1
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