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Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle 2026 Tips - Two outsiders to side with on Gold Cup day

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Thu 12 Mar 2026 12:38

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Jon Vine 12 Mar 2026

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Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
This Grade One takes place on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on March 13th
King's Bucks (25/1) and Jalon D'Oudairies (20/1) feature in our selections

Expired

The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. (Getty)

The traditional build-up race for the Gold Cup is the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, the longest of three Grade One races for first-season hurdlers at this famous meeting.

We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Albert Bartlett tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.

Last Updated: 25.02.2026

Race Info

Race	Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Date	Friday, March 13th, 2026
Start Time	3:20pm
Status	Grade One
Distance	3m
First Prize	£84,405
Going	NA
Runners	23
Favourite	Doctor Steinberg (3/1)

2026 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Runners

Jasmin De Vaux proved a class above his rivals in last year's Albert Bartlett, and Willie Mullins will be hoping for something similar from Doctor Steinberg. Paul Townend's mount cruised to victory in the Nathaniel Lacy at the Dublin Racing Festival, and seems much more likely to run here than in the Turners.

Thedeviluno leapt into Albert Bartlett contention with an effortless Grade Two triumph at Doncaster last month, and Paul Nolan's star has form behind Doctor Steinberg. As does Gordon Elliott's Kazansky, who claimed Grade Two honours at Limerick on Boxing Day before a runner-up finish behind the favourite at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Maiden winner Espresso Milan and Grade One placer Sortudo feature towards the top of the betting for Willie Mullins. Gordon Elliott looks set to field a strong hand too, with Spinningayarn and Theflyingking also sitting prominently in the market.

Noel Kelly will run Ayr winner Apache Tribe here at the Cheltenham Festival, despite his lack of experience over obstacles. Klimt Madrik will try to advertise the Challow Hurdle form over this longer trip. Prestige Novices' Hurdle winner, Dalston Lad is a possible runner for Dan Skelton, along with the progressive Moneygarrow.

Fruit De Mer looks set to represent Henry de Bromhead after his third-place finish in the big Grade One at Naas. Kripticjim and Mondoui'boy have impressed in recent starts and could bolster the home challenge. Doctor Du Mesnil, Saint Baco, Hipop De Loire and Laurets d'Estruval are dangerous outsiders for that man, Willie Mullins.

2026 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Tips

Bet Type	Name	Odds (25/2/26)
Value Bet 1	King's Bucks	25/1
Value Bet 2	Jalon D'Oudairies	20/1

Note: These selections are subject to change. All of my selections will be finalised once the fields have been confirmed.

Prior to last year's renewal, the average SP of the Albert Bartlett winner was around 16/1, and I've had plenty of success in this race by tipping outsiders. Doctor Steinberg is clearly a classy animal, but I have zero interest in backing any horse at a single-figure price for the Bartlett, and there are a couple that I like at monster prices.

My beloved Minella Indo was a maiden when he won the Albert Bartlett. Henry De Bromhead will be represented this year by another maiden in KING'S BUCKS (25/1 (40/1 SP), whose form looks solid and he gained valuable experience around the course at Cheltenham's November Meeting.

A winning point-to-pointer who finished second to an impressive winner on his sole bumper start, King's Bucks finished a one-paced fourth on his hurdles debut at Galway - where both the ground and trip were too sharp for his liking. Despite that defeat, De Bromhead still sent his six-year-old to Cheltenham for the Hyde Novices' Hurdle.

No Drama This End was never going to get beaten in that Grade Two. King's Bucks was held up by Darragh O'Keeffe and came home strongly up the hill, getting within a neck of catching the runner-up Heads Up - a Listed winner since - and putting four lengths between himself and fifth-placed Moneygarrow.

King's Bucks was beaten at odds-on at Limerick over Christmas. Yet, Mike O'Connor's mount was only narrowly touched off by Willie Mullins' You Proof - who sat prominently in the betting for the Turners Novices' Hurdle after that win, and was due to run in the Nathaniel Lacy before meeting with a season-ending setback.

With Darragh O'Keeffe likely to choose Fruit De Mer, Mike O'Connor will get the chance to renew his partnership with King's Bucks on the Cheltenham Festival stage. Three miles should be ideal, and soft ground seems to be essential for his chances.

jasmin de vaux — Jalon D'Oudairies (centre) finishing just behind Jasmin De Vaux in the 2024 Champion Bumper. (Getty)

I always like to back one of Gordon Elliott's novices in the Albert Bartlett - especially if the ground is soft. JALON D'OUDAIRIES (18/1) ran a screamer when third in the 2024 Champion Bumper, and was beaten by Sortudo on his hurdles debut at Cork in November, having spent a season off the track.

Danny Gilligan's mount should have won at Leopardstown over Christmas, but was outmuscles late on by the far more experienced Frankie John, as the top two pulled a long way clear of the field. Jalon d'Oudairies claimed a much-needed victory at Naas last time out, where he faced nothing in terms of competition, but looked good when claiming a 27-length win on soft ground.

Similar conditions on Friday would certainly suit this former Champion Bumper placer, and I expect he'll improve plenty for this step up to three miles.

Live Stream

Visit our Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day four of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.

Albert Bartlett 2026 FAQs

When is the Albert Bartlett 2026?

The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle will take place on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 13th March, 2026.

What time does the Albert Bartlett go off?

The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle is scheduled to start at 3:20pm on March 13th.

Who will win the 2026 Albert Bartlett?

Doctor Steinberg looks to have an outstanding chance in this year's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. This Grade One is known for shock results, though, so maybe outsiders like King's Bucks and Ubatuba could challenge for the victory.

Where can I watch the 2026 Albert Bartlett?

The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.

Verdict

2026 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

King's Bucks is yet to win over hurdles, but his form is solid and Henry De Bromhead has history in the Albert Bartlett.

Jalon D'Oudairies finished a close third in the 2024 Champion Bumper, and his hurdles form has been good since missing a year through injury. If the ground is soft, he's got a chance.

King's Bucks

2026 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

@25/1 - 5 Units

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

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Jalon D'Oudairies

2026 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

@20/1 - 5 Units

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

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