SHARDAM’S position at the head of the market for tomorrow’s Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown strengthened yesterday, with Ladbrokes cutting the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding into 7-2 from 4s for the £150,000 showpiece.

THE Willie Mullins trained Alexander Banquet heads the weights for Saturday’s Betfred Gold Cup after 23 were left in the Sandown showpiece at yesterday’s confirmation stage.

Willie Mullins is juggling his options for the Racing Post Chase on Saturday week as he prepares a strong-looking team for this year’s Martell Cognac Grand National.

Beef Or Salmon has recovered from a slight setback and is on course for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Leading Irish stayer Alexander Banquet, trained by Willie Mullins, will miss the rest of this season through injury, it was revealed today.