Leopardstown best bet: State Man primed for Irish Champion Hurdle defence

14:45 Leopardstown: Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle (2 miles)  

Were it not for racing in the shadow of the incomparable Constitution Hill, then Willie Mullins’ State Man might be receiving similar accolades as one of the greatest ever hurdlers. 

The seven-year-old’s only defeat in his last ten outings came at the hands of Nicky Henderson’s charge in last year’s Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, but none of his other rivals last season and this have come within three lengths of him.

State Man won this race here last year and is clearly the one to beat again, but he can't afford to rest on his laurels with the likes of stablemate Impaire Et Passe lining up alongside him.

Unbeaten in four outings last term,  the six-year-old won the Ballymore at Cheltenham and the Grade 1 Champion Novice at Punchestown by a combined 14 lengths, and although comfortably beaten by State Man here five weeks ago, he still poses the biggest threat to the odds-on favourite. 

Of the other two starters, it’s hard to make a case for Echoes In Rain in this company, but one that should never be underestimated is Henry de Bromhead’s willing nine-year-old Bob Olinger, who is sure to give Rachael Blackmore a decent ride here.

Initially a hurdler and then a successful chaser a couple of seasons ago, he has relished his return to smaller obstacles with two wins from two outings this term, and was last seen landing the Relkeel Hurdle by an impressive seven-length margin at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

Blackmore is sure to give her charge every chance, but while Bob Olinger and Impaire Et Passe might battle out the minor places, they will probably need State Man to pull up or take a tumble for them to take his place in the winner’s enclosure.