Punchestown
Saturday, May 3, 2025Hurdle2m
Verdict
Verdict
A fascinating rematch between STATE MAN and Constitution Hill in prospect. The latter has blotted his otherwise glittering copybook by falling the last twice and State Man, who is bidding to win this race for the third year running, earns the vote. He was also a faller in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival (holding a five-length lead at the time of his departure at the final flight) but he is generally a sound jumper and is 5-6 at Punchestown. Stablemate Kargese also merits respect.
State Man
Constitution Hill
Kargese
2m Grd1 Hrd
2m Grd1 Hrd
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
- 2. Constitution HillJ: James BowenT: Nicky HendersonF: 1/11FF-
- Price History:
- 2.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 175
- Days Since Last Run:
- 29
VerdictExceptional hurdler who landed the 2023 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Missed that race last term (stable was under a cloud at the time) and lost unbeaten record over hurdles when falling in this year's renewal. Again failed to complete at Aintree since but he's still the one to beat. - 3. State ManJ: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 111/1231F-
- Price History:
- 2.50
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 168
- Days Since Last Run:
- 52
VerdictTop-class hurdler who took advantage of Constitution Hill's absence to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last March. Would've retained his crown in this year's renewal had he not crashed out at the final flight. Winner of the last 2 runnings of this and he's a huge player. 
5. Golden AceJ: Lorcan WilliamsT: Jeremy ScottF: 1111/4311-- Price History:
- 9.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 152
- Days Since Last Run:
- 52
VerdictUnbeaten in 4 novice hurdles during 2023/24 campaign, a haul which included the Dawn Run at the Cheltenham Festival. Scaled new heights when landing the Champion Hurdle at this year's Festival but she owed plenty to fortune that day (Constitution Hill and State Man were both fallers).- 6. KargeseJ: D. E. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 12122/121-
- Price History:
- 12.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- hood
- Official Rating:
- 148
- Days Since Last Run:
- 49
VerdictStrong-travelling mare was runner-up in 2024 Triumph before going on to land the Four Year Old Hurdle at this meeting. Turned over when odds on for her reappearance at Ascot but firmly back on song when landing the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Shouldn't be underestimated. 
4. Break My SoulJ: Keith DonoghueT: Ian Patrick Donoghue, IrelandF: 31/124224-- Price History:
- 67.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 140
- Days Since Last Run:
- 29
VerdictMatched pick of form for Nicky Henderson when second of 6 (first time tongue tie) in Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle starting out for new yard in February. Wasn't entirely disgraced in a Grade 1 at Aintree last time but she will need a career-best by some way in order to take this.
1. BottlersecretJ: Danny GilliganT: Aidan Melia, IrelandF: 11/235P0-- Price History:
- 101.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 137
- Days Since Last Run:
- 104
VerdictMade up into a useful novice last season but has failed to fire on 3 of his 4 starts since returning to action in October and he's out of his depth in this company.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite