Marie's Rock team unafraid of Honeysuckle in 'race of the meeting' at Cheltenham

The team behind Mares' Hurdle favourite Marie's Rock have said the presence of last year's Champion Hurdle one-two Honeysuckle and Epatante would not deter them from defending their crown, believing their horse is the one to beat on this season's form.

On Tuesday Marie's Rock was given the option of the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, for which she is a best-priced 12-1 and is only 8-1 with BoyleSports, who offer the non-runner, no bet concession.

However, Middleham Park racing manager Tom Palin said she is "99.5 per cent" likely to attempt to become the first horse since Quevega to land back-to-back wins in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle.