Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Preview – Cheltenham, 13 March 2026

A competitive 22-runner field lines up for this Grade 1 test at Cheltenham over two miles seven furlongs on soft ground. The Albert Bartlett traditionally sorts the wheat from the chaff at the Festival, and this year's renewal looks no exception.

The Selection: Doctor Steinberg

Doctor Steinberg stands out as the most cohesive package. His RaceMetrics combined score of 1575 leads the field, backed by a H Rating of 1590. Critically, he holds a perfect record in the exact distance parameters: 2 wins from 2 runs over 2m5f–7f. He's also 2 wins from 4 in Class 1 company, proving his credentials at this level. The form string (3-21511-1) shows recent consistency with a win last time. At 3.75, he's the market favourite for good reason.

The Dangers

Moneygarrow is the principal threat. His H Rating (1583) sits just behind Doctor Steinberg, and crucially he boasts 2 wins from 3 runs over 2m5f–7f, the exact distance. He also holds 2 distance wins on record. The Form Expert data confirms soft-ground capability (2 wins from 4 runs), and his form string (12-2351-1) shows a recent victory. Only 56 days off last run, he's likely to arrive primed. At 13.00, there's real value in the second-favourite position.

The Passing Wife merits consideration despite his longer price (9.00). His H Rating of 1607 is the joint-highest in the field, and he owns distance experience with a distance win recorded. Form Expert shows 1 win from 2 runs on soft going, a positive sign for today's conditions. The form string (14-2311-335-1) reveals a win two runs back, though he's 46 days without a run. At this price for a horse rated 1607 on RaceMetrics, he warrants respect.

At a Price

Espresso Milan (15.00) ticks multiple boxes: a perfect record on soft ground (1 win from 1 run), a distance win over 2m5f–7f, and a recent victory (form: 4-271-1). However, his Class 1 record remains untried, and he has no wins from 1 run in very large fields—this 22-runner contest may prove demanding.

Verdict

Doctor Steinberg to win.** Perfect at the distance, proven in Class 1, and the most obvious case backed by both rating strength and form record.