Bookies now wary of day one Mullins blitz
THE ONE TO BEAT: State Man and Paul Townend win the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. Picture: Healy Racing
Constitution Hill's Cheltenham Festival absence has left bookmakers fearing an avalanche of cash on State Man, with Willie Mullins' star two-mile hurdler now the overwhelming Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite.
Nicky Henderson's defending champion obliged as the 4-11 favourite on the opening day of the Festival 12 months ago and was expected to do the double — especially after showing his well-being at Kempton on St Stephen's Day in the Christmas Hurdle.
