THE wait to see Nicky Henderson’s gigantic Cheltenham Festival gamble Lulamba will go on – after Kempton abandoned their Saturday card.
The Seven Barrows boss’ four-year-old has been absolutely obliterated from 25-1 to 4-1 for the Triumph Hurdle.
GettyLegendary trainer Nicky Henderson looks to have an absolute monster on his hands in Lulamba – but the juvenile’s intended debut under his care has been abandoned[/caption]
And he was all the rage for his intended debut at the Surrey track too.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact [email protected]
But with freezing temperatures decimating the jumps action this week – and Lingfield’s all-weather card being abandoned on Friday – the decision was taken early to cut Kempton’s action.
Lulamba, who is owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly of Sir Gino and State Man fame, has no other immediate entries.
A statement from Kempton read: “Racing on Saturday, January 11 has sadly been abandoned due to frozen ground after this morning’s inspection.
“With overnight temperatures dropping to -6.5C, a forecast of temperatures to drop to -2C tonight and no temperatures above 2C forecast for the next two days, we have taken the unfortunate decision to abandon.”
Lulamba, who won his sole race by five lengths at Auteuil last October, would have been lining up against Paul Nicholls’ much-fancied Sauvignon.
Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily podcast, Henderson urged a bit of caution to those still rushing to get a price on Lulamba.
The trainer, who also has £1.2million world-record purchase Palladium at his yard, said: “It’s hard to tell what he’s beat and though he did it nicely in France, you have no idea what was in there.
“He’s a very nice, straightforward, scopey animal.”
On comparisons to Sir Gino, he said: “Sir Gino was always very freaky, very speedy from the word go – they’re pretty different.”
Asked if Lulamba was more a chaser in time than burning up the gallop, he said: “Yes.”
Coral have been hammered by the amount of cash whacked on Lulamba.
The firm’s David Stevens said: “Lulamba was put in our JCB Triumph Hurdle betting as a 25-1 shot back in November, but in recent days his price has absolutely collapsed.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
