3.30 2m. 87yds. 8 Declared. Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £465,750.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €262,078.00 2nd - €98,739.00 3rd - €49,416.00 4th - €24,685.00 5th - €12,389.00 6th - €6,194.00 7th - €3,074.00 8th - €1,584.00
Formscan - A historic contest that may have lost some of its lustre with the defection of reigning champion Constitution Hill, it should allow STATE MAN, a superstar in his own right, to pick up the pieces. The seven-year-old was no match for Nicky Henderson's superstar in this race last year, but jockey Paul Townend has gone on record to say his mount was nowhere near his best on the day and preparations could not have gone any smoother this time around. An easy winner of all three starts at the top level, the son of Doctor Dino has swept all before him in Ireland and he looks an improved horse this year. A leading contender for the Stayers' Hurdles later in the week, connections have opted for this bigger prize with the highly-talented Irish Point, who could hardly have done it any easier in winning both starts this season. A strong traveller who should have no issue with softer ground, Gordon Elliott's charge looks the main danger to the favourite but still has plenty to find on the ratings, and is yet to score in a Grade 1 over this trip. With the form of his Betfair Hurdle win franked by the Imperial Cup winner on Saturday, the progressive Iberico Lord is an intriguing contender, having been supplemented by connections. He is highly likely to be fighting it out for a place with stablemate Luccia, Kingwell Hurdle winner Nemean Lion and Zarak The Brave.