Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Bristol Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

The Kelso win (2m5f, good) on hurdling debut was a narrow one but he was made second favourite for a 13-runner novice here (3m, good) seven weeks ago and scored with authority, making most and asserting in grand style; gives weight all round but could prove tough to beat.

Won his only Irish point (3m, heavy) in February 2024 and turned over a talented odds-on rival at Chepstow (2m, heavy) in January in his only bumper; however, had wind surgery in July and put in his place in a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las (2m4f, soft) in October, so has major work to do even though 3m can help; looks stable second string.

Easy winner of a British point (3m, soft) last December; 11-2 from 8-1 for hurdling debut in a maiden at Chepstow (2m4f, good to soft) over five weeks ago and shaped nicely behind an odds-on winner, the pair a long way clear; looks sure to improve (as he needs to) and stable first string.

Bought for £130,000 after his Irish point win in March; never involved behind Conman John on hurdling debut here (3m, good) in October, beaten nearly 20l, but showed some promise that day and grabbed a six-runner novice close home at Kempton (2m5f, good) 16 days later; can improve again but needs to in a major way.

£200,000 buy after his Irish point second; third in a bumper at Worcester in May and maiden hurdle at Ascot (2m3f, again on good) three weeks ago, in just a four-runner race last time but it looks serious form in this context and he surely brings potential, including for this trip.