Morgiana Hurdle betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field

We've got all you need to know about the Grade 1 contest – straight from the horse's mouth.

1. Faugheen – Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh (7-4)

Needs no real introduction. Mullins' superstar hurdler takes a huge step back in trip having last been seen winning over three miles at the Punchestown Festival. Had an inconsistent year previously and is now ten-years-old but still a force to be reckoned with. Could easily demolish this field if returning at the top of his game.

Willie Mullins on Faugheen

"He's in great shape and it's a track that he loves.

"I was wondering if I would run him in the Hatton's Grace over two and a half, but he's in good shape and he loves Punchestown and that means a lot when a horse likes a place.

"I've no concerns dropping him back in trip – he's working well."

2. Samcro – Gordon Elliott/Davy Russell (4-5)

Top novice last season who ended his season with a fall in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle. Difficult to know whether he would have won that or not but was disappointing when only second behind Bedrock on his return. Still a highly promising individual and would be no surprise to see him bounce back.

Gordon Elliott on Samcro

"He's going to have to improve on his Down Royal form, but I did think that the run there will have brought him forward so we'll see what happens on Sunday.

"This game is a great game and is all about opinions. He is going to have to improve on last year's form to win a Champion Hurdle, but we are not giving up on him yet.

"He just raced a little lethargic at Down Royal, but he came out of his race fine so he'll be there for another day.

"Shane McCann rode him Wednesday morning and he was happy with him, so I am.

"It will be a very good race, but that's the way it is in Ireland. In England you can duck and dive, but we take each other on every day and that is why we have the best racing in the world."

3. Sharjah – Willie Mullins/Paul Townend (20-1)

This year's Galway Hurdle winner put up a good effort when third behind Bedrock – when Samcro was runner-up – when last seen. That said, he lacks the class of the top two and it would be surprising were he to reverse the form with Elliott's main hope. A decent hurdler who just is just not quite top class.

4. Supasundae – Jessica Harrington/Robbie Power (6-1)

Harrington's eight-year-old is a very, very good horse on his day as he showed when winning the Punchestown Champion Hurdle when last seen. He had previously beaten Faugheen in the Irish Champion Hurdle and went on to finish second in the Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle. A talented horse who will give the top two a run for their money if he is fit and ready to roll.

Robbie Power on Supasundae

"He's in very good form. He ran twice last year over two miles and won two Grade Ones. He won the Irish Champion Hurdle and then won the Punchestown Champion Hurdle.

"He was second in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham and is a very good horse.

"We'll just have to have a think this season as to what route we go – Champion Hurdle or Stayers'.

"He's very laid back, so much so he probably takes a run or so before he's fully fit, and he probably will this season."

5. Tombstone – Gordon Elliott/Rachael Blackmore (66-1)

Won nicely over fences when last seen and his future looks to be a chaser so somewhat surprising he is back over hurdles. Not in the same league as his other rivals back over these smaller obstacles and would be a shock winner.

6. Wicklow Brave – Willie Mullins/Patrick Mullins (20-1)

A third string for the Mullins team, Wicklow Brave has been there and done it over the years. Fell when 2-7f at Galway when last seen and looks to just be making up the numbers providing the market leaders run their races.

Source: Read Full Article