Punchestown hosts the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle on Saturday and Willie Mullins’ State Man will be looking to win it for the third time. There are a couple of really interesting opponents this year so we’ve previewed the big race. We’re taking on the short-priced favourite with a Gordon Elliott runner that will be looking to end the Willie Mullins dominance. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing and please gamble responsibly.
5. State Man
The Champion Hurdle winner has only lost once in the last two seasons and we can expect Willie Mullins’ star to be bang in the mix for obvious reasons.
8. Lossiemouth
She was a top-class juvenile hurdler two seasons ago and confirmed that promise with a fantastic performance in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Mullins’ mare looks more than ready for this sort of test.
7. Brighterdaysahead
Her trainer Gordon Elliott absolutely adores this horse and it’s obvious how highly he rates her. The daughter of Kapgarde looked good at Down Royal and is likely to be even better here.
1. Daddy Long Legs
One of the many Mullins runners, he’s a talented horse on his day but it would be a surprise if he was good enough to make the frame here.
3. Sir Gerhard
He’s a two-time Cheltenham Festival winner but he seems to have regressed a little in recent years. A 24-length fourth of four behind State Man when last seen, he’s up against it.
There’s only one trend that really matters here and it’s Willie Mullins. He has won nine of the last 10 renewals of this race with six different horses. Gordon Elliott is the only other trainer to win it in this time and Mullins has five of the eight runners this year.
Brighterdaysahead possesses tonnes of ability and she was a very impressive winner against the boys in a Grade 1 at Aintree last term. There was lots to like about her recent win at Down Royal and a fitness advantage could make the difference here.
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