Potters Charm scores convincing win in Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham
Nigel Twiston-Davies saddles Fantastikas
Potters Charm secured a resounding victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.
Nigel Twiston-Davies' five-year-old has remained undefeated under rules following his initial second-place finish in his only point-to-point start.
Since then, he’s claimed victory in a bumper race and two hurdle events before advancing to compete at the Grade Two level.
Upon winning, Coral cut Potters Charm to 16-1 from 25-1 for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival in March.
Assistant trainer Willy Twiston-Davies said: “I felt a bit of a wally last time saying he’d win like that, but that is what we expect of him, he’s just very naturally talented.
“Sam just said he jumped a lot better again today, but what you have to remember is Valgrand jumps exceptionally well so his jumping had to sharpen up from last time going a faster pace. I’m sure he’ll get better again.
“For him to do that on that ground – I can’t wait to see what he does on ground with a bit of dig in it, which is what he wants. He quickens up really well on soft ground.
“I think we’ll let the dust settle, but I was talking to Sam and we’ll either go to the Challow Hurdle (Newbury) or maybe drop back to two (miles) on soft ground for the Tolworth (Formby at Aintree), we’ll just work back from the Festival and make sure we get him there in the best shape possible.”
He continued: “We’ve won a novice, won a novice here and now a Grade Two, he’s proved he’s a Festival horse. He doesn’t seem to have had the hardest race, but maybe that is his talent speaking.
“When you put a 140-rated horse away so easily like that you can’t help but be impressed. I feel a bit vindicated as he doesn’t show the most at home, but when he comes to the track he lights up. He’s come in and he’s not blowing.
“We’re very lucky to have a horse like this for these owners. They’ve had success with Dan and Paul (Nicholls) and now they’ve sent us two horses and both are nice.
“He’s shown a lot of speed there so I imagine he’s a Ballymore (Turners) horse. The Albert Bartlett can be a bit of a graveyard.”
