2.10 2m. 148yds. 8 Declared. Unibet Morgiana H'dle (Grade 1) of €150,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €90,000.00 2nd - €30,000.00 3rd - €15,000.00 4th - €7,500.00 5th - €4,500.00 6th - €3,000.00
FormscanBy John O'Riordan - Champion Hurdler STATE MAN is hard to oppose in his bid for a third consecutive win in this race. Arguably better than ever last season, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding was unbeaten in all five starts. A horse who tends to run well fresh, he shouldn't be found wanting for fitness here despite having bigger long term targets. Stablemate Lossiemouth is likely to provide the greatest threat. A winner of eight of her nine starts, the mare has long been considered a genuine Champion Hurdle prospect. She gets an early opportunity to test the title holder here. Gordon Elliott's recent Down Royal winner Brighterdaysahead looks the one most likely to trouble the Mullins pair.
A hurdle for four years old and upwardsWeights - 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs