A MAN OF DESTINY
NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 STATE MAN 2 IBERICO LORD 3 IRISH POINT
STATE MAN will surely take full advantage of Constitution Hill’s absence to better his second of 12 months ago.
Last year’s runner-up has spent much of his career in the reigning champion’s shadow, but that shouldn’t mask the fact he’s an outstanding performer in his own right.
Since taking a fall two out at Leopardstown on Boxing Day 2021 when making his debut for Willie Mullins, the seven-year-old has suffered just one defeat – when nine lengths behind Constitution Hill in last year’s Champion Hurdle.
Four outings since have yielded four victories for Paul Townend’s partner – and all at the highest level.
Having rounded off last season with a bloodless dismissal of stablemate Vauban at Punchestown, Doctor Dino’s son returned to Co. Kildare in November to humble another Closutton trainee, Echoes In Rain, by five lengths in the Morgiana Hurdle.
Over Christmas it fell to another Mullins-saddled runner, Impaire Et Passe, to chase home State Man in Leopardstown’s Matheson Hurdle.
And last time out he proved too strong for Bob Olinger when defending his title in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.
There is a significant gap between the hot favourite and his rivals, and it will rank as the upset of the week if State Man fails to deliver Mullins a fifth triumph in the Champion.
After being forced to withdraw Constitution Hill, Nicky Henderson has supplemented Iberico Lord and, while the Betfair Hurdle victor has a few pounds to find on the figures, he’s a long way from the bottom of the barrel and has his favoured soft ground.
He can fill second, with Irish Point preferred to Zarak The Brave and Nemean Lion for third.