With reigning champion Constitution Hill ruled out of the race, the way is clear for State Man to add his name to the Champion Hurdle roll of honour.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse is priced at 2/5 on most horse racing betting sites and it is difficult to imagine any of his rivals troubling him on Tuesday.
State Man ticks each of the boxes in the key trends we have highlighted – the only question remaining is which horses will fill the places?
Irish Point is the second favourite after being rerouted to this race from the Stayers’ Hurdle, but there is a suspicion he will be tapped for toe over this shorter distance.
A likely each-way contender could be Zarak the Brave, who returned to form by winning the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas in January.
Mullins touted the horse as a potential Champion Hurdle contender after he won the Galway Hurdle last August. He could be worth an each-way punt at odds of 22/1 on several betting apps.
Iberico Lord could also run well for trainer Nicky Henderson. He has improved massively over the past year and may be capable of running into a place on Tuesday.
