LEOPARDSTOWN 15:10

Non Runners: TAKARENGO (IRE). Hurdles: 9.

Time: 3m 53s Closing Sectional: (5.65f): 76.2s (108%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 101.4%

A renewal that brought together 3 of the first 4 in the betting for Cheltenham in March, Constitution Hill the notable exception, with Honeysuckle bidding to join Istabraq as a 4-time winner of this event, though she was arriving on the back of her first career defeat and was unable to lower the colours of Ireland's new standard-setter in the division.

STATE MAN (FR) continued his winning sequence, now a 4-time winner at Grade 1 level, cementing his position as Ireland's top 2m hurdler, Townend keeping it simple; dictated, typically travelled well, not fluent first but jumped soundly thereafter, quickened approaching last, went clear; all roads now lead to Cheltenham, already with a Festival success under his belt and still open to improvement, though his form remains 10 lb or so short of what Constitution Hill achieved even in last season's Supreme.

HONEYSUCKLE is clearly still capable of very smart form, though her aura of invincibility had already slipped in the Hatton's Grace and she lost another of her 'crowns' here, lacking the gears to chase down a younger rival whose career is on an opposite trajectory; pressed leader, pecked 3 out, ridden soon after next, no impression on winner; in the immediate aftermath, her owner seemed to rule out a bid for a third straight Champion Hurdle, and, whilst she does hold an entry for the Mares Hurdle, the option of retirement may prove more palatable for connections.

VAUBAN (FR) isn't yet the finished article, plenty keen enough and not jumping with the same fluency as his rivals here, sure to have benefited from a stronger gallop, though the fact that he actually finished a length further behind State Man than in the Matheson tempers any enthusiasm for his chance in the Champion Hurdle, even without taking into consideration the additional looming presence of Constitution Hill; waited with, untidy first, not fluent fourth, took closer order after 2 out, awkward last, kept on.

PIED PIPER who'd had a legitimate excuse in the Matheson, seemed to excel himself, possibly flattered in a steadily-run race, though his good Cheltenham record gives some hope he could play a minor role behind the big guns; in touch, ridden after 2 out, not fluent last, one paced.

ZANAHIYR (IRE) runner-up to Honeysuckle in last season's renewal, avoided the mistakes this time and bettered recent efforts when competing over longer trips, though that wouldn't have been difficult, unlikely he'll be repeating his third-place finish in the 2022 Champion Hurdle next month; close up, not fluent third, ridden 2 out, dropped away before last.