2026 Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices Hurdle Betting Odds at Haydock Park racecourse

Saturday, 14 February 2026

The Haydock Park Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices' Hurdle is the fourth race on the card this Saturday and it offers punter an intriguing betting encounter. Dalston Lad is sure to run a big race for the in-form Dan Skelton, with the horse having been in the winners' enclosure on the previous two occasions, while Reckless Spending has also looked good this term.

The latter obliged for Nicky Henderson last time out and could be an each-way bet to nothing, with Ubatuba having secured a couple of smart victories this season. Bally Free is trading at a bigger price and could have claims for Gordon Elliott, with Whiskey Yankee a five-year-old with an opportunity to progress for Sam Thomas.

2026 Prestige Novices' Hurdle Betting Tips

Dalston Lad has looked impressive this season and is likely to go off favourite in the Haydock Park Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices' Hurdle. The 5/2 favourite was able to oblige at the same course in January, with that coming over three miles, half a furlong. That came after an impressive Boxing Day success where the runner obliged by thirteen lengths.

Reckless Spending came into super form last time out, with the six-year-old trained by Nicky Henderson and obliging at Kempton in early February. The manner of the victory was very flashy thanks to a fifteen-length success, with that coming over two miles and five furlongs. It was a big improvement after finishing last at Cheltenham.

Ubatuba has landed successive victories, with Olly Murphy training a horse who was last seen winning at Leicester Racecourse. The runner was able to win by a monster distance when travelling well over two miles, four and a half furlongs on heavy ground. That came after a previous win at the Midlands track when scoring on a soft surface.

Bally Free came through with a victory of his own in a previous showing. Gordon Elliott's six-year-old was able to notch a win at Fairyhouse in December. The 100/30 shot went really well on soft ground over three miles, with that coming after a solid effort at Punchestown when the horse ran really well over two miles and six furlongs.