Osana was backed at 299-1 on Betfair when the 2008 Champion Hurdle market was opened hours after Sublimity swept to victory at Cheltenham last year, and now he finds himself only third to that rival and Harchibald in the betting for next March’s renewal. 

And that £2.50 bet at 299-1 was no isolated trade, as every price down from 269-1 on Betfair has also seen action about David Pipe’s rapid improver.

Sublimity is out to 5-1 after his seasonal reappearance today, with Harchibald at 7-1.

To win Champion Hurdle – Betfair bet: 5-1 Sublimity, 7-1 Harchibald, 8-1 Osana, 9-1 Katchit, 10-1 Sizing Europe, 23-1 Farmer Brown, 25-1 Straw Bear, Aitmatov, 28-1 Jazz Messenger, 31-1 Catch Me, 35-1 Blythe Knight.