Can Champion Hurdle runner-up Sharjah make it four in a row for Willie Mullins?

Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap | 2m1f | 4yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Sharjah has form figures of 3004 and a rating of 94 on the Flat but, as we all know, that does not tell the whole story. Not even the first few chapters.

We are talking about the same Sharjah who would have been an emphatic winner of the Champion Hurdle in March had Epatante not been in it. The way he cut through the pack like a sharp knife through steaming hot butter coming down the hill told us he was a star hurdler. Not that it came as any great surprise. He won the Galway Hurdle back in 2018 and has since added three Grade 1 victories over hurdles. Now it is time to try to exploit some opportunities on the Flat.

This prestigious prize has been won by Willie Mullins for the last three years. Whiskey Sour (2017), Uradel (2018) and Great White Shark (2019) have seen Ireland’s champion jumps trainer make this Flat event his own of late and Sharjah is one of six potential runners for him in the race this year.

Jody Townend celebrates winning the Connacht Hotel Q.R Handicap on Great White Shark last yearCredit: Patrick McCann

Foveros, under two-time winning rider Aubrey McMahon, is only a reserve but would certainly warrant consideration were he to get a late call-up.

But Sharjah is without doubt his number-one hope. He warmed up for this with an eyecatching effort when fourth to Dalton Highway at the Curragh and no doubt Mullins left plenty to work on. This was the day that mattered and defying a mark of 94 is definitely not impossible.

Perhaps Mullins’ biggest challenge comes from brother, Tony, who saddles bloodless Curragh winner Princess Zoe.

She has gone up 13lb for that Curragh success and only has a 3lb claimer on board rather than one who claims 7lb, but the ease with which she won at the Curragh suggests she is capable of being competitive off her revised mark.

Two others to note are Takarengo and, in particular, De Name Escapes Me who got to the front far too soon at the Curragh last time and has the services of Derek O’Connor.

De Name Escapes Me appeals as a live each-way contender, but Sharjah could prove a class apart.

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sharjah, Great White Shark, Tiger Tap Tap, Zenon, Mister Blue Sky, Foveros
You have to say Sharjah would probably be my number one. It was a nice run for him at the Curragh and obviously, with the weight he has, it suits Patrick [Mullins] to ride him. I’m very happy with him. Great White Shark won the race last year and likes the track. Tiger Tap Tap is a talented horse on his day, as is Mister Blue Sky who has some decent form to his name over hurdles. Zenon is a nice horse, while I hope Foveros gets in as Aubrey [McMahon] has a great record in the race and it would be nice for him to have another crack at winning it.

Tiger Tap Tap (right) winning a maiden hurdle at Naas last DecemberCredit: Patrick McCann

Noel Meade, trainer of De Name Escapes Me
He’s a better horse on the Flat, as he’s a bit of a coward over jumps. He probably got there a bit soon the last day, but he ran well and you’d have to be happy with the way he travelled into the race. He’s in good form and I like to think he has a chance.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Mutadaffeq
I know he only won by a nose at the Curragh, but I actually thought he won a bit more in hand. He pricked his ears when he got to the front and ran around a bit. He’s gone up 6lb for that. I’m not saying he will definitely win or anything like that, but I do think he will run very well.

Tony Mullins, trainer of Princess Zoe
Not only has she gone up 13lb for winning at the Curragh, but we had a 7lb claimer on there and now a 3lb one, so that means she is basically running off a 17lb higher mark. This is a much better calibre of race and it won’t be easy, but I think the step up to two miles will suit here and the ground won’t be a problem. Sharjah is not the one I fear most, as I don’t think he’s as good on the Flat, but Takarengo, who I though ran a lovely race behind us the last day.

Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club