Samcro could face Faugheen showdown

Samcro could line up alongside former Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen in Sunday’s Unibet Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott’s charge Samcro has been confirmed for this weekend’s Grade 1 encounter as he looks to bounce back from his disappointing second-place finish upon his return earlier this month at Down Royal.

Before that, the six-year-old had a formidable record of seven wins from eight starts and he will be well fancied in the Morgiana.

However, Faugheen is one of the horses under consideration for Willie Mullins for the race as the experienced 10-year-old looks to defend the title he won in this contest last year.

It seems likely that Mullins will give the green light to a Samcro-Faugheen battle, although he also has Melon, Sharjah, Wicklow Brave and Laurina among the eight entries at this stage.

Punchestown Champion Hurdle winner Supasundae is also among the possible runners, while Tombstone makes up the list.