Unbeaten superstar Honeysuckle has been reported to be in "mighty form" as she prepares for her latest shot at history in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.
A brilliant winner of the race last year, Honeysuckle is an 4/9 shot generally to become the first mare to gain back-to-back victories in the Champion Hurdle. You can follow the action via our Sports Live Streaming platform.
Perfect record on the line
Trained by Henry de Bromhead for Kenny Alexander, the eight-year-old is a perfect 14 from 14 during a career that has garnered two festival successes and three victories in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
She reached the pinnacle in last year's Champion Hurdle when streaking clear under regular rider Rachael Blackmore to win by six and a half lengths from Sharjah and is regarded by many as the banker of this year's meeting.
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De Bromhead provides Honeysuckle report
With her mares' allowance, Honeysuckle receives 7lb from all nine of her rivals in the day one showpiece including the Willie Mullins-trained Appreciate It, who has not raced since winning the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday's card 12 months ago.
De Bromhead said: "She seems really well in herself. She's actually in mighty form and everything has gone great since you saw her last. It's all very positive. Is it her toughest test? Maybe it is, I don't know, but every time you run in a Grade 1 it's a tough test if you ask me.
"Obviously, Appreciate It is very good and it sounds like they are happier than ever with Epatante too so she will be asked plenty of questions. Let's see if she has the answers."
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