Albert Bartlett favourite Minella Crooner to miss festival through injury

Minella Crooner, ante-post favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, will miss this year's Cheltenham Festival due to a pulled muscle, his trainer Gordon Elliott revealed on Wednesday.

Elliott described the setback as being "nothing serious" and is hoping to have the recent Grade 1 runner-up back in time for the spring festivals.

He said: "Unfortunately Minella Crooner has pulled a muscle and will have to miss a few days of work. He won't make the Albert Bartlett."

Elliott added: "It's nothing serious but, given how close we are to Cheltenham, he won't make it in time. I'd imagine he'll be back for the spring festivals."

Minella Crooner had been disputing favouritism for the Albert Bartlett with Hillcrest at a general 7-2 but some firms, including Paddy Power, had Elliott's runner priced up as the clear favourite at odds of 3-1.

Elliott could still run Ginto, now as short as 7-2 with Paddy Power, in the Albert Bartlett, while stablemate Hollow Games can be backed at odds of 10-1 with most firms for the race.

How does Minella Crooner's absence affect the Albert Bartlett?

Considering Minella Crooner was favourite for the race, perhaps Henry Daly will be swayed into committing Hillcrest to this rather than waiting for Aintree.

Hillcrest is the horse to beat after a stylish Haydock success which sets a clear standard on Racing Post Ratings.

However, there is a minor doubt about him backing up at Cheltenham just 27 days after putting up such a big figure on heavy ground.

Gordon Elliott still has claims of winning a Grade 1 novice hurdle which has so far eluded him with Ginto and Hollow Games.

The last-named is particularly interesting at 10-1 as he seems to have been crying out for three miles.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Sky Bet: 11-4 Hillcrest, 7-2 Ginto, 6 Journey With Me, Minella Cocooner, 7 Shantreusse, The Nice Guy, 8 Hollow Games, 9 bar

Read more on the Cheltenham Festival:

Star mare Honeysuckle to face maximum of nine rivals in Champion Hurdle

The seven horses for whom Cheltenham Festival targets remain unclear

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