Racing Post

Can State Man beat Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle?

This is a proper rival

He probably won’t, but he could. We will certainly get to find out exactly what Constitution Hill is made of now.

This is a proper rival for him. A powerful rival, who is jumping slicker and quicker bytheday.An uncomplicated rival, who goes out there and does his thing. A rival who is improving at a rapid rate.

State Man might not win but he shouldn’t be 3-1, and the closer the race gets the closer they will get in the market.

Nicky Henderson will be more nervous now than he was last week, that’s for sure. DAVID JENNINGS, DEPUTY IRELAND EDITOR

He’s the main danger

He’s the main danger, particularly as he is still unexposed, but Constitution Hill looks very special and I don’t quite think State Man is in that bracket.

He goes through his races professionally and has that bit of class, but Constitution Hill is as exceptional a hurdler as I can remember.

I would also be slightly hesitant over the form of those in behind. They were bunched up at the finish, with the 147-rated Pied Piper just behind two horses with marks in the 160s.

State Man will give him a test but I don’t think he will be the best horse on the day. JAMES STEVENS, REPORTER

Nothing can touch him

It’s possible but not probable.

In any normal year State Man would be a warm favourite for the Champion Hurdle after disposing of topclass performers like Honeysuckle and Vauban with such relative ease.

I reckon he would have won the last three Champion Hurdles on that form, so he clearly has a chance of upsetting Constitution Hill.

The problem is that, on what we saw at Cheltenham and Newcastle, Constitution Hill is the best hurdler since Istabraq and if he runs to his very best there isn’t a horse out there who can touch him. Even one as good as State Man.

GRAEME RODWAY,

DEPUTY BETTING EDITOR

YESTERDAY AT THE DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL

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2023-02-06T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-06T08:00:00.0000000Z

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