As the excitement builds towards the Cheltenham Festival in March, the racing world is abuzz with ante-post analysis following a series of informative trial events. While Cheltenham Trials Day has passed, offering valuable insights, it is a performance from Doncaster that has truly captured attention and reshaped the betting landscape for one of the Festival's premier novice hurdles.
Thedeviluno Shines in Grade Two Victory
Last Saturday's racing action at Doncaster proved pivotal, with the Grade Two River Don Novices' Hurdle serving as a key indicator for future success. The race was won in impressive style by Thedeviluno, trained by the accomplished Paul Nolan, who has previously celebrated three winners at the Cheltenham Festival. This victory marked the horse's first attempt over the three-mile distance, and he handled it with remarkable ease.
Observers noted that Thedeviluno travelled supremely well throughout the contest, showcasing excellent stamina and jumping ability. A particularly great leap at the final hurdle allowed him to power clear on the run-in, securing a smooth and convincing win. This commanding performance immediately caught the eye of bookmakers and punters alike, leading to a significant shortening of his odds for the upcoming Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Albert Bartlett Betting Prospects
Following his Doncaster triumph, Thedeviluno has been cut to 12/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, a price that represents excellent each-way value according to many racing experts. In the current ante-post market, he trails only Doctor Steinberg, the 6/1 favourite trained by Willie Mullins. The two horses have already met this season, with Thedeviluno running creditably in defeat, staying on strongly from an unfavourable position behind Doctor Steinberg.
That earlier performance looks increasingly significant in light of subsequent events. Thedeviluno's maiden hurdle form has strengthened considerably, as he previously had the beating of Skylight Hustle, who went on to win the Grade One Future Champions Novice Hurdle, and Thedeviluno also outperformed The Passing Wife, who has since impressed in breaking his maiden. This suggests that Thedeviluno is a horse of considerable potential, particularly when stepped up to longer distances.
Over three miles, he appears to be an entirely different proposition, combining proven staying power with the ability to handle any ground conditions. If he can maintain his current rate of improvement, he is poised to be a genuine contender at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The 12/1 odds offer substantial upside for each-way backers, making him a compelling betting proposition.
Trainer's Festival Pedigree
Trainer Paul Nolan brings valuable Festival experience to the table, having saddled three previous winners at Cheltenham. His expertise in preparing horses for the unique demands of Prestbury Park adds further credibility to Thedeviluno's prospects. Nolan's ability to peak his charges at the right time could prove crucial as the Festival approaches.
With Cheltenham Trials Day now concluded, the focus shifts squarely to the main event in March. Thedeviluno's emergence as a serious Albert Bartlett candidate has injected fresh intrigue into the novice hurdle division, offering racing enthusiasts an attractive each-way option at generous odds.
