The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival features the highly anticipated Champion Hurdle. This premier event for hurdlers from Britain and Ireland is one of the most fiercely contested Grade 1 races held at the iconic Prestbury Park venue each March.
Covering a distance of two miles and half a furlong, the Champion Hurdle is typically won by the standout performer of the era, and this year’s race certainly includes such a contender.
With a field of seven declared for Tuesday’s feature race, our expert has highlighted two runners worth following.
Champion Hurdle Betting Odds
- Constitution Hill – 4/7
- Brighterdaysahead – 2/1
- State Man – 17/2
- Burdett Road – 33/1
- Golden Ace – 33/1
- Winter Fog – 100/1
- King Of Kingsfield – 125/1
Odds last updated @ 10am on Tuesday 11th March from bet365
Top Picks:
Constitution Hill: The One to Beat
When CONSTITUTION HILL made his mark with an extraordinary 22-length demolition of Jonbon in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over this course and distance three years ago, it was clear a future superstar had arrived. Since then, he has lived up to all expectations.
His flawless campaign the following season concluded with a commanding victory over State Man in this very race, and he returned from a long absence to dominate the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton in December. However, his path to this year’s renewal hasn’t been without challenges.
After missing last year’s race due to a subpar gallop that raised concerns over his condition, he faced another setback when well beaten by Sir Gino in a racecourse gallop ahead of his scheduled Fighting Fifth return. It led many to question whether his dominance was coming to an end.
Yet, just as doubts crept in, trainer Nicky Henderson worked his magic, guiding him back to peak form for another decisive Christmas Hurdle victory. Despite not being fully fit that day, he comfortably dispatched Lossiemouth. A subsequent prep run in the International Hurdle in January saw him win effortlessly without needing to hit top gear.
Constitution Hill is a rare talent, head and shoulders above the rest of the division. Even if he doesn’t bring his absolute best, he should still emerge victorious. It’s incredibly difficult to oppose him for the win.
Tip One: NAP – Constitution to win the Champion Hurdle @ 4/7 with bet365
State Man: The Value Bet for a Place
While the battle for first place may already be decided, the fight for the places is much more open. Second-favourite Brighterdaysahead was well beaten on her only previous outing at Cheltenham, finishing behind Golden Ace, one of the outsiders in this race. Given that history, there are doubts about her suitability for the track.
That opens the door for an alternative selection, and STATE MAN looks the best option to chase home Constitution Hill.
Although he was a well-beaten second to Brighterdaysahead at Leopardstown over Christmas, he bounced back impressively to win the Irish Champion Hurdle at the same venue. His record at Cheltenham speaks for itself, having finished second to Constitution Hill in this race two years ago and previously winning the County Hurdle on the New Course.
Trainer Willie Mullins knows exactly how to prepare State Man for this challenge and has opted to fit him with first-time cheekpieces, which could encourage a sharper performance. Should Constitution Hill underperform, State Man could even spring a surprise.
Tip Two: Next Best – State Man to win the Champion Hurdle (E/W) @ 17/2 with bet365
