HE bolted up in a County Hurdle but was firmly put in his place by the brilliant Constitution Hill.
Today, back at Cheltenham, we finally find out whether Ireland’s star hurdler is more State ‘Boy’ than State Man.
So people it’s finally here. Cheltenham 2024 gets under way and it’s D-Day for State Man.
With defending champion and last year’s nemesis Constitution Hill not turning up for the gig, many simply expect State Man to bolt up in the feature Grade 1 Champion Hurdle over an extended two miles.
I do too.
But it’s worth pointing out State Man is not a horse who does anything by distances — he’s more Sea The Stars than Frankel.
That all said, the facile Irish Champion Hurdle hero should get his moment to shine for Willie Mullins — bidding for a fifth Champion Hurdle victory — and Paul Townend, who hopes to secure the prize for the first time.
If you are looking for an each-way poke with the dead eight line-up I think NEMEAN LION (3.30) is the bet.
He was fifth in the Greatwood, giving Iberico Lord a stone, second in the Lanzarote and landed the Kingwell last time.
He’s consistent and stays for Kerry Lee and Richard Patrick.
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As always the Festival gets under way with the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over an extended two miles.
There is an element of guesswork here but I have long been a fan of JERIKO DU REPONET (1.30) and we get a price because the Nicky Henderson stable is under a cloud.
Jeriko Du Reponet looked a class prospect in two wins at Newbury and then stepped up to Grade 2 company at Doncaster and stayed on well — having hung left — to deny Lump Sum and Fiercely Proud who upheld the form to a degree at Kempton in the Dovecote.
I suspect Nico De Boinville’s mount is much better than we saw at Doncaster and he will stay strong. I’d be very disappointed — provided he’s healthy — if he doesn’t finish in the first three.
Another top class Grade 1 in the Arkle Novices’ Chase.
Many will oppose GAELIC WARRIOR (2.10) because he wants to go right-handed.
However, I’ve no doubt he’s the most talented horse in this race and he’s going to be banged out hard on the front end with the hood on.
A competitive Handicap Chase in the Ultima. I’ve long been a supporter of CHIANTI CLASSICO (2.50) for this race and I still expect a huge run from the Kim Bailey-trained gelding.
David Bass’s mount is most progressive and followed staying wins at Chepstow and Ascot with a fine second at Kempton where he was wide of the field for much of the race and I got the idea he would be happier going left-handed.
I loved the way he kept on at Kempton against a course specialist and he will get an aggressive Bass ride. An eachway chance.
The Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle should go to LOSSIEMOUTH (4.10) provided she doesn’t bounce after one run following a long lay-off.
Next up is the Boodles, the Juvenile Handicap over a smidgen further than two miles.
I’ll be honest, there’s nothing that grabs me here but I will chance ROARING LEGEND (4.50) each-way for Sean Bowen and Olly Murphy who had the big Imperial Cup win with Go Dante over the weekend.
I hope he will be dropped out and come late as he didn’t do much in front when suffering a shock defeat at Market Rasen.
Day One closes with the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup for Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase over three miles and six furlongs. A small field and none of these are certain stayers.
SALVADOR ZIGGY (5.30) did nothing in America last time but it’s fairly easy to forgive him that run and I’ll chance him for Gordon Elliott and Robert James.
Before the US effort he stayed on well to finish second in the Kerry National.
Good luck and Yeeehaaa!
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