Weekend Irish tips: State Man can see off young pretenders in Morgiana Hurdle
Victorious in 12 of his 14 completed outings over hurdles, State Man can complete a Morgiana Hurdle hat-trick at Punchestown on Saturday. Picture: Healy Racing
Two exciting young mares are amongst the eight runners declared for the Grade One Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, the feature race on Saturday’s card in Punchestown, but both are likely to struggle to contain Champion Hurdler State Man, who is bidding for a third consecutive win in the race.
Willie Mullins’ leading light is a no-frills performer who has won 12 of his 14 completed outings over hurdles, and since joining current connections his only defeat in a completed start came at the hooves of Constitution Hill. His record suggests he can be close to his best on return from a break, and at seven years of age there is no reason to expect a decline has begun. A thorough professional, he can see off the young pretenders.
