2.45 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Bob Olinger: Nine wins from 14 starts, only out of the first three twice in his life. Has rediscovered his old spark this season, fending off Zanahiyr when winning the Lismullen Hurdle before showing far too much pace for Marie’s Rock, Brewin’upastorm and Strong Leader in the Relkeel at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Connections have experimented with trips in the past, and perhaps mid-range distances are his optimum, but well worth dropping down in trip based on the speed he showed last time. Will need to bring his ‘A’ game and more to lower State Man’s colours, however.

Fils D’oudairies: Not a top-tier performer but took advantage of small fields to collect €12,000 for his third in the Morgiana and €7,500 when a distant fourth of four in the Matheson last time. More prize money coming his way with a clear round but won’t be threatening to land the big cheque.

Impaire Et Passe: Too keen for his own good when outstayed by Teahupoo (effective over three miles) in the Hatton’s Grace on his seasonal comeback, beaten only a length. Given his win in last season’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham came over two miles and five furlongs, arguably wasn’t seen to best effect being dropped in towards the rear of the Matheson field last time, unable to quicken up to the same extent as proven two-miler State Man and beaten three and a quarter lengths. Improvement required regardless but interesting to see if connections try different tactics.

State Man: Remarkably consistent and professional, only beaten once in his career with Willie Mullins when staying on his feet. That defeat came at the hands of Constitution Hill when second in last season’s Champion Hurdle, which is clearly nothing to be ashamed of. Has beaten each of these rivals at least once before, with the exception of Bob Olinger, who is officially rated 8lb lower than him. If able to produce his usual no-nonsense performance, he will be tough to topple.

Echoes In Rain: Classy dual-purpose mare has been set some tough assignments this season behind State Man in the Morgiana and Matheson, even finishing eight lengths adrift of Impaire Et Passe here over Christmas. Will probably appreciate reverting to mares-only company in time but has the chance to earn more Grade 1 blacktype here, and strong prize money.

Conclusion:

It will be fascinating to see how this plays out tactically. Impaire Et Passe will hardly beat State Man if replicating the same tactics as last time, and if he is instead ridden more positively it could turn this into a greater test of stamina on the whole. Bob Olinger stays further than this and seems to have more gears than Impaire Et Passe, so could ask a different question of the favourite. That said, State Man usually has the answers to every task posed of him, and he can join the likes of Hurricane Fly, Istabraq, Honeysuckle and Brave Inca as multiple winners of the race this century.