County Hurdle hero State Man well backed to land maiden Grade 1 at Punchestown

Willie Mullins' seventh winner of the Cheltenham Festival was one of his most impressive – State Man delivering a performance of serious promise in the County Hurdle, under Paul Townend.

On Friday, State Man steps up in trip as he bids to land his first Grade 1 prize in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (6.00).

He takes on Aintree Grade 1 winner Three Stripe Life and his stablemate Kilcruit in an intriguing, competitive heat on day four of the Punchestown Festival.

The five-year-old has proven popular in the betting and he now touches odds-on in places having been well backed throughout Friday morning.

Flynn Goward, from Star Sports, said: "The one we have seen money for is State Man (6.00). We were laying that at 6-5 and 11-10, and now it's pretty much even money across the board.

"One horse at a bigger price is Passing Well (7.45), who was 18-1 this morning and now into 6-1. That would be the biggest gamble of the day."

Meanwhile Honeysuckle isn't for moving at the head of the Champion Hurdle market, according to Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield.

He said: "Mighty mare Honeysuckle is strong enough at the front of the market to break Willie Mullins’ stranglehold on the feature races at the Festival this week.

"There’s a few quid knocking around for Teahupoo which is perhaps a little surprising as you might think he’d need slower ground to have any chance of reversing the Cheltenham form with the favourite."

Can Honeysuckle extend her streak?

Unbeaten Honeysuckle will bid to stretch her incredible winning streak to 16 in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Champion Hurdle, the feature race on Friday.

Fresh from her Unibet Champion Hurdle win at the Cheltenham Festival last month, the Henry de Bromhead-trained mare will look to defend her crown on Friday.

The eight-year-old, owned by Kenny Alexander, will be partnered by Rachael Blackmore once again. Honeysuckle is as short as 1-5 to win the Champion Hurdle.

Her main challenge is likely to come in the form of Willie Mullins’ runners Saint Roi and Echoes In Rain, who have received support ahead of the race.

Teahupoo, trained by the in-form Gordon Elliott, will no doubt receive some backing as Robbie Power takes his final ride of a glorious career, after announcing his retirement on Thursday.

Non-runners

4.50: Daphne Moon
6.00: Highland Charge
6.35: Kitsilano
7.45: Sam Magee, Socialoccasion, Follow The Brave

Ground and weather

On Friday morning, the ground was described to be Good to Yielding, Yielding in places (Hurdle/Chase/Bumper).

In terms of the weather, it is expected to be dry for racing on Friday with sunny spells throughout the afternoon.

Market movers

Gevrey (EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase 4.15)
10-1 (from 11-1)

Teahupoo (Paddy Power Champion Hurdle 5.25)
14-1 (from 16-1)

State Man (Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle 6.00)
Evens (from 5-4)

Bring On The Night (SalesSense International Novice Hurdle 7.10)
7-2 (from 5-1)

Read these next . . .

'He could give her a fright' - can anyone dethrone the mighty Honeysuckle?

Top jockey Robbie Power set to call time on stellar career at Punchestown

Punchestown festival tips: Friday's best bets from Racing Post experts

GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter