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THE opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most anticipated days of the racing year and this year’s feature event on day one, the Champion Hurdle (4.00) looks like a cracker as former champion CONSTITUTION HILL takes on the up-and-coming mare Brighterdaysahead and last year’s winner State Man.

This promises to be a real test at the trip with King of Kingsfield and Greatwood Hurdle winner Burdett Road set to make the early fractions. It will then be a case of when Jack Kennedy goes for gold on the mare and how long De Boinville can sit on the selection before pressing the finishing button.

I think Nicky Henderson’s charge will take another big step forward from his Christmas Hurdle success and regain the crown.