After Constitution Hill set down a serious marker in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Thursday, it’s time for the reigning Champion Hurdler in State Man to lay down his marker. Still, he first must reverse form with Brighterdaysahead.
This has the makings of cracking renewal that could blow the roof off Leopardstown like the days of Hurricane Fly.
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Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle runner by runner betting guide
Now it’s time to take an in-depth look into runners of the Neville Hotels Hurdle and the best horse racing bookmakers to help you make a winning bet.
5 State Man
Age: 7 Weight: 11st 12lb Form: 1111-2 Rating: 169 Jockey: Paul Townend Trainer: Willie Mullins Odds: 8/11The reigning Champion Hudler was turned over by Brighterdaysahead in the Morhiana Hurdle at Punchestown last month. He will need to set the record straight today if he has any chance at Cheltenham.
State Man is, and will always be, a horse who does not get the respect he deserves for one reason or another.
Can he reverse placings with Brighterdaysahead today? Yes, I believe he can.
That was his first run of the season, and it looked as if he would come on plenty for it. He loomed up as if he was going to take up the running and go away after the last, but a messy jump at last halted his momentum, and he could not get back up to pass the mare.
His only defeat at Leopardstown came when he fell in his maiden hurdle, but besides that, he is flawless around here.
He’s not much of a betting proposition, but if he shows that he is back to his best, he should get the job done today.
Reigning Champion Hurdler Ten-time Grade 1 winner Unstoppable at Leopardstown
Beaten by Brighterdaysahead last time out
Star rating:
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7 Brighterdaysahead
Age: 5 Weight: 11st 5lb Form: 121-11 Rating: 155 Jockey: Sam Ewing Trainer: Gordon Elliott Odds: 11/4This superstar mare has already gotten the better of State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle when making the most of her race fitness.
That performance can be marked up, given that she was less than fluent at her hurdles and tended to jump out to her left on occasions.
The return to a left-handed track is a plus for Brighterdaysahead, and there is no reason why this top-class five-year-old mare can not take her to the next level if cutting out the mistakes.
Armed with the valuable seven-pound mares allowance, State Man will need to be on top of his game to beat Brighterdaysahead.
Has the beating of State Man Improving with each run Return to a left-handed track
Tends to flatten hurdles
Star rating:
Bet on Brighterdaysahead with Sky Bet
4 Mystical Power
Age: 5 Weight: 11st 12lb Form: 1211-6 Rating: 154 Jockey: Mark Walsh Trainer: Willie Mullins Odds: 16/1Having come into this season as one of the Champion Hurdle hopefuls coming through from the novice ranks last season, Mystical Power’s season started with a whimper in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
He never looked comfortable at any stage of the race and ended up a remote sixth behind Sir Gino.
That was not his true running, but he will need to leave that well behind him and find even more improvement than he showed last season to mix it with the top two here.
I’m a big fan of Mystical Power, but after his last run, he needs to show that he can mix it at this level.
Has shown that he could be capable at this level
Bombed out a Newcastle
Star rating:
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6 Winter Fog
Age: 10 Weight: 11st 12lb Form: -41433 Rating: 150 Jockey: Brian Hayes Trainer: Willie Mullins Odds: 33/1Despite being ten years old, Winter Fog has shown that the fire still shines bright, but he may struggle to get to the places here.
He will give you a run for your money for a long way, but when push comes to show, the younger legs may get the best of him.
Third behind Brighterdaysahead and State Man last time
Will find a few too good
Star rating:
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3 King Of Kingsfield
Age: 6 Weight: 11st 12lb Form: 304-22 Rating: 144 Jockey: Danny Gilligan Trainer: Gordon Elliott Odds: 40/1It’s a shame that only seven runners have been declared for today, as I would consider King Of Kingsfield a great bet to grab third place each-way money.
He is a horse who does all his work on the bridle and this is a race that would set up for him to come past beaten horses and grab a place.
If either of the top two falters, don’t be surprised if King Of Kingsfield takes second place.
The betting without market might become interesting with King Of Kingsfield.
Will be played late to nick a place Second to Brighterdaysahead at Down Royal
Doesn’t find off the bridle
Star rating:
Bet on King Of Kingsfield with Betfred
2 Fils d’Oudairies
Age: 9 Weight: 11st 12lb Form: 10134- Rating: 144 Jockey: Jordon Gainford Trainer: Gordon Elliott Odds: 50/1Fils d’Oudairies has a decent strike rate over hurdles but has been well held in better company, including being well beaten by State Man twice last season.
It’s hard to see him getting involved today.
A decent strike rate over hurdles
Well held by State Man
Star rating:
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1 Daddy Long Legs
Age: 5 Weight: 11st 12lb Form: -50135 Rating: 147 Jockey: Danny Mullins Trainer: Willie Mullins Odds: 66/1A one-time favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Daddy Long Legs has since gone on to disappoint time after time.
His last two runs have seen him finish over nine lengths and 33 lengths behind Brighterdaysahead, and there is no reason why he will be able to get much closer here today.
Daddy Long Legs is easily dismissed here.
Once a promising hurdler
Well held by Brighterdaysahead
Star rating:
Bet on Daddy Long Legs with SBK
Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle Verdict
With Willie Mullins’s horses not running great this week, today’s race between State Man and Brighterdaysahead may be a lot closer than people expect, but I see STATE MAN just having enough to hold off the mare.
If either of the top two fails to run their race, the King of Kingsfield may be the one to take advantage and grab a place finish.
About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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