Morgiana Hurdle preview: The champ returns and we're taking him on

Morgiana Hurdle preview: The champ returns and we’re taking him on

Liam Bramall

Published: November 22, 2024

Horse racing is in Liam's blood and his biggest passion is jumps racing. He can often be found at his favourite tracks; Chepstow and Cheltenham in the Autumn when the National Hunt action kicks off. In his own words: "I'm often referred to as a walking form book, a trait which comes in handy from time to time. My proudest tipping success to date was landing a whopping 682-1 accumulator at Epsom."

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.

Get £30 In Free Bets When You Place A £5 Bet

New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+. gambleaware.org

Main contenders and odds

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.

State Man

Analysis

null

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.

Lossiemouth

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.

Brighterdaysahead

Analysis

null

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.

Daddy Long Legs

Analysis

null

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.

Sir Gerhard

Analysis

null

Trends

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.

Free tip

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.

Brighterdaysahead

Analysis

null

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

Get £30 In Free Bets When You Place A £5 Bet

New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+. gambleaware.org