Odds-on favourite Constitution Hill will probably win today’s Unibet Champion Hurdle.
But, to do so, the unbeaten Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old is likely to need a career-best performance to see off Ireland’s leading hope State Man – a three-time Grade 1 winner.
Realistically, the Champion looks a straight match between the apparently flawless Constitution Hill, who has won his five races by an aggregate of 77 lengths and who produced an awesome display to land the Supreme Novices here last year, slamming stable-companion Jonbon by 22 lengths.
He has been described as a ‘freak’ and is being ranked as one of the best hurdlers in history. But he still has to go and get the job done in today’s showpiece.
He has been supremely impressive in his two outings this season, demolishing stable-companion and 2020 Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante in both the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle (won by 12 lengths) and Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle (17 lengths).
A fascinating tactical battle is in store between two star hurdlers and jockeys Nico de Boinville and Paul Townend.
And State Man, in the colours of Joe and Marie Donnelly, must not be under-estimated and is a serious threat to Constitution Hill,
bidding to give Henderson a ninth Champion success, a record stretching back to triple-scorer See You Then in the mid-eighties.
A Grade 1 horse in a handicap, State Man won the County at the Festival last year, progressed to win a Grade 1 novice at Punchestown and, this season, has gone from strength to strength.
He has won the Morgiana at Punchestown, and both the Matheson and Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, beating last year’s Triumph winner Vauban on his two most recent starts. And should do so again today.
The six-year-old Closutton gelding dictated the pace and beat dual-champion Honeysuckle last time.
He looks tactically versatile and, no matter how he’s ridden, will at least make life difficult for the jolly.
It’s hard to see Vauban turning the tables on State Man while I Like To Move It, winner of the Elite at Wincanton last time, has more solid place credentials than Gordon Elliott’s Zanahiry, third in the race last year, but well held by the Willie Mullins (inset) pair on Leopardstown form.
The Champion Hurdle’s loss is the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle’s gain as Honeysuckle, champion for the last two years, is set to have her swansong in the chief supporting race, facing 2020 winner and multiple Grade 1 winner Epatante, last year’s winner Maries Rock and runner-up Queens Brook, in addition to the Mullins trio – Brandy Love, Echoes In Rain and Shewearsitwell – and Harry Fry’s classy performer Love Envoi.
Honeysuckle relinquished her unbeaten record when third to Teahupoo in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse and was no match for State Man in her bid for a fourth Irish Champion.
She might not be the force of old but, hopefully, she’ll register her fourth Cheltenham success and end an amazing career on a high.
Peter O'Hehir's tips for Tuesday:
1.30.Facile Vega
2.10.El Fabiolo
2.50.Corach Rambler
3.30.Constitution Hill
4.10.Honeysuckle
4.50.Tekao (NAP)
5.30. Gaillard Du Mesnil
Longshot : Diverge (1.30)
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