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14:10 Punchestown 23 November 2024 - Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m1/2f
Punchestown's Premiere Weekend meeting plays host to a plethora of quality races, including the feature Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle on Saturday.
Eight go to post, headed by the underrated State Man. The son of Doctor Dino has won twelve of fourteen starts for trainer Willie Mullins, including six Grade 1s. Whilst the form of his Champion Hurdle victory in March has been queried, it is hard to pick holes in the comprehensive manner with which he has dealt with opposition in this division since his arrival on the scene in 2022. Having run to ratings greater than 165 on a consistent basis, he remains a force to be reckoned with at the highest level.
While State Man will be seeking three consecutive victories in the race, stablemate Lossiemouth arguably represents the greatest threat to his domination. The Rich Ricci-owned five-year-old has been near-faultless since her arrival at Closutton and was in a league of her own in mares' company last season. She landed Grade 2 honours in facile fashion in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, which served as a springboard to victory in the Grade 1 Mares' Hurdle at the Festival. While possibly being more visually taking in her wins last year than State Man, the contest represents a far stiffer test than anything Lossiemouth has faced to date.
Brighterdaysahead is another mare that arrives with a big reputation. Five-from-six under Rules, she only blotted her copybook in a tactically run affair in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when carrying a penalty. The Gigginstown-owned five-year-old bounced back to justify favouritism at Aintree, conceding weight to the field in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle. While Gordon Elliot referred to her as Champion Hurdle material on seasonal reappearance at Down Royal, it will be interesting to see how she fares up against Lossiemouth; the clear rival for the Mares' Hurdle should their respective handlers choose to go down that route.
Willie Mullins is responsible for three of the remaining five entries - Daddy Long Legs, who runs in the silks of Joe Donnelly, has already been beaten by Brighterdaysahead at Down Royal and is seven pounds worse off against the same rival. Winter Fog will need to improve to make his presence felt at this level whilst Sir Gerhard, the Cheveley Park representative, has proven Graded form. Smooth Tom and No Looking Back are outsiders in the betting market and have plenty to find against a high-quality field.
WIN – STATE MAN
PLACE – BRIGHTERDAYSAHEA