THE demise of reigning champion Constitution Hill makes the Champion Hurdle (3.30 Cheltenham) look an absolute shoo-in for last year’s distant second State Man, but I am very happy to let him win at odds of around 1/3 and the huge value each-way call here has to be the rapidly improving IBERICO LORD, ironically trained by the Hill’s handler Nicky Henderson.

Winner of the Greatwood Hurdle over this course and distance and the hurdle at Newbury, he still has about some 21lbs to find with the favourite on my private ratings, but I think this is more his track and a double figure price makes him a profit-maker even if he just hits the first three.

We are sure to have another odds-on favourite in Lossiemouth in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at 4.10, but she still has to prove that she stays two-and-a-half miles, and I am sure a few of these will try to test that stamina to the full.

And like in the feature race of the day, the each-way call has to be last year’s fourth ECHOES IN RAIN. This classy mare, both on the flat and over jumps, has been plying her trade against the very best over the minimum trip, but that distance is simply too sharp for her and this extra half mile should make her a massive player if the short priced favourite doesn’t get home.

The Arkle Challenge Trophy at 2.10 has a possible interesting favourite in Gaelic Warrior and the drop to two miles could well be his domain, but there is little doubt that the Willie Mullins-trained gelding would prefer to go right-handed, and in the circumstances I much prefer the claims of both QUILIXIOS and outsider Master Chewy. Winner of the 2021 Triumph Hurdle, the selection was hugely impressive in landing a novice chase at Naas and I think there is loads more to come from this seven-year-old having just his fourth start over fences.

Of the handicaps I have a sneaking suspicion that old boy LORD DU MESNIL has a massive chance at an enormous price in the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase at 2.50. Weveallbeencaught is interesting off his light weight of 134, and along with Famous Bridge (if he puts in a clear round) is a player as well.

Finally, have a second look at Paul Nolan’s PALAMON in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 4.50. This will only be his third career start over timber and I love the way he shaped at Naas when third to Ndaawi. SALVADOR ZIGGY is the value play over Embassy Gardens and Corbetts Cross in the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup at 5.30.