3.10 2m. 5 Declared. Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion H'dle (Grade 1) of €200,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €114,000.00 2nd - €40,000.00 3rd - €20,000.00 4th - €10,000.00 5th - €6,000.00 6th - €4,000.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - Honeysuckle's unbeaten record came to an end last time and while she's been an outstanding performer in recent years she may be vulnerable here against a classy young pretender. The mare stopped quickly enough at the last when third to Teahupoo in the Hatton's Grace and may have needed the run but it's the first sign of a chink in her armour and connections even raising the possibility of retirement afterwards isn't the most positive sign. STATE MAN really looks on an upward curve and it's hard to knock what he has done this season with two cosy victories in the Morgiana and Matheson Hurdles. He hasn't really been tested to date and it will be fascinating to see how he fares if Honeysuckle does recapture anywhere near her best. Willie Mullins was delighted with the run of Vauban when he chased home State Man here over Christmas and there looks sure to be plenty of improvement from him. It would be no surprise if he played a bigger role now.
A hurdle for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 11st 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs