Sharjah Backed For Cheltenham Champion Hurdle After Morgiana Victory

Sharjah has made a notable move up the betting for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham after an impressive victory in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.

The eight-year-old was backed into 6/4 favourite before the off and went clear of Zanahiyr after the last to land a second win in the race and a fifth career Grade 1.

The Willie Mullins-trained winner has finished one short in the last two runnings of the Champion Hurdle but has now been now cut into 11/1 from 20/1 to go one better next year.

Earlier on the card, Albert Bartlett winner Vanillier claimed a first triumph over fences and has since been backed into 8/1 joint favourite from 14/1 for the National Hunt Chase, while Threeunderthrufive is 14/1 from 25/1 in the same race after ending Paul Nicholl’s wait for Cheltenham winner in the opener at Prestbury Park.

Nube Negra later claimed Grade 2 honours in Cheltenham’s Shloer Chase and has plunged into 9/1 from 20/1 for the Champion Chase at the Festival in March.

Cheltenham Festival 2022 Betting.

*Prices correct at time of publication