Shardam shortens for Betfred

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.

Shardam, who unseated Tom Scudamore at the third fence in the Martell Cognac Grand National, has been reported to be in good form since his Aintree mishap.

Gunther McBride, who was as short as 7-1 in some books, was the only surprise withdrawal from the race at yesterday's final declaration stage.