Matheson Hurdle: Sharjah bidding for five in a row

Sharjah was beaten by State Man on his return to action this term, with last season’s County Hurdle winner four lengths too good in last month’s Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.

Mullins admits it will be hard to close the gap on his much younger stable companion, who is the 8/13 favourite in the Matheson Hurdle betting odds.

“I was a little bit disappointed with him in the Morgiana, more that I had to come off the bridle to get by Saldier, but then I liked how he finished the race and he chased State Man to the line,” said the assistant trainer and jockey.

“I’ll need him to improve from that but I would hope that he will. I’ve four lengths and four years to find!

“It won’t be easy and we’ll be the underdog, but I’m looking forward to giving it a go.”

In the same Susannah and Rich Ricci silks is last season’s Triumph Hurdle winner Vauban (pictured below), who was not expected to run in the race but is the 5/1 third favourite.

“Vauban had the option of running against his own age at Limerick, but Willie decided he wants to find out where he lies with the big boys,” said Mullins.

Pied Piper (11/1), third to Vauban in the Triumph, runs for Gordon Elliott after two comfortable wins at Cheltenham and Down Royal this season.

Joey Logan, racing manager to Pied Piper’s owners Caldwell Construction Ltd, said: “He has to step up now and see where we are, but his work is very good at home and Gordon is very happy with him.

“This is going to tell us if he’s a Champion Hurdle horse or a Coral Cup horse or whatever. We’ll know more after this, that’s for sure.”

Norman Lee’s 150/1 outsider She Is Electric completes the field.

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All odds and market correct at date of publication