The Champion Hurdle suddenly looks wide-open - and this 100-1 shot is worth an interest

What a fascinating weekend of racing. Let's start with the Morgiana Hurdle and the defeat of State Man – his first since Constitution Hill beat him in the 2023 Champion Hurdle.

He is now a top-priced 4-1 to retain his crown at Cheltenham, while his conqueror here, Brighterdaysahead, ranges between 4-1 and 8-1. In the winner's case, you can see why there is uncertainty over her odds. She did a lot wrong in this race, not jumping brilliantly, and going out to her left repeatedly.

Going left-handed will suit her much better, and her tenacity can't be questioned, but at this stage her jumping might compromise her in a Champion Hurdle; you could understand why the Mares' Hurdle, for which she is 2-1 favourite, was floated by trainer Gordon Elliott after the race. That's a test which would suit her much better.