Nicky Henderson opens door for Lulamba to run this weekend with crucial piece of work key to decision

Lulamba and Palladium have been described as "high class" by Nicky Henderson after the trainer left the door open for them both to feature in the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.

An impressive winner on his stable debut at Ascot last month, the Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned Lulamba is 7-4 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 14, while stablemate Palladium, who also won on his first start for the yard last month, is a general 9-1 shot.

The Triumph Hurdle picture could become much clearer at Kempton on Saturday, although an important piece of work at Seven Barrows on Tuesday will determine Henderson’s weekend plans.

He said: "Lulamba is terribly well and would have to have a racecourse gallop. They’ll both work tomorrow and we’ll decide.

"Lulamba looks very good and is very laid-back. He’s got a lovely attitude, but he’s had just two runs in his life. With the way Palladium has been working and schooling, does he really need to run again? He’s done a mountain of racing, but we’ll see this week."

The two Seven Barrows runners remain on course to meet at the festival next month before they split off in different directions, with German Derby winner Palladium expected to pursue a career on the Flat.

Henderson said: "Palladium has a fantastic temperament and that makes it very easy. He went away for a bit of loose schooling, which we always do with the horses coming off the Flat, and he enjoyed that. He’s been terrific. 

"He’s very high class. You could take him anywhere and he’d win a prize. I think they’re both high class and if you only had one [for the Triumph] you’d be happy. 

"Lulamba is very laid-back at home, but he’s still very raw. You could see him jumping a fence next year, but that’s a long way off yet. You couldn’t see Palladium jumping a fence – I think he’ll be winning the Melbourne Cup!"

East India Dock, second favourite for the Triumph, is expected to head straight to the Grade 1 for trainer James Owen, but Henderson is not ruling out the Irish challenge.

He added: "East India Dock looks the main danger. I’m not sure how strong the Irish division is, but they usually come up with something on the day. Willie [Mullins] probably has one in each pocket."

Ladbrokes Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2.25 Kempton, Saturday)
Ladbrokes: Evs Lulamba, 13-8 Palladium, 5-2 Mondo Man, 8 Opec, 12 Sauvignon, 12 St Pancras, 20 Mambonumberfive, Miss Altea Blue, 25 Las Canals, 66 Bursinel

Grand National fancies set for Kempton battle on Saturday

Iroko: could warm up at Kempton this weekend for the Randox Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Randox Grand National contenders Iroko, Hyland and Kandoo Kid could all feature in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Kempton on Saturday with 18 runners confirmed for the £150,000 handicap.

Iroko is the general 12-1 third favourite for the Grand National after the weights for the race were unveiled last week. Should he line up on Saturday, it would be his first outing since running at Cheltenham last month after which connections were asked to explain the horse’s performance.

Alongside Iroko at the head of the weights for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Trophy is Kandoo Kid, who was successful in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on his most recent run. He is a 25-1 shot for the Grand National, half the price of Hyland, who was last seen finishing second in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas.

Hyland's stablemate Jingko Blue was entered for the Pendil Novices’ Chase. He had been the odds-on favourite for last weekend’s Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot but unseated rider Nico de Boinville at the third fence.

In the VirginBet Eider Handicap Chase, last year’s winner Anglers Crag features among 22 confirmations. The market for the race is headed by O’Connell, who is seeking a four-timer.

On Sunday, Nemean Lion is one of six entries for the Grade 2 Star Sports National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell. Trained by Kerry Lee, Nemean Lion was a non-runner in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock and could be redirected to Fontwell, where his potential rivals include Blueking D’Oroux and Salver.

Ladbrokes Trophy Chase Handicap (3.35 Kempton, Saturday)
Ladbrokes: 3 Iroko, 4 Hyland, 7 Lowry’s Bar, 8 Beachcomber, Kandoo Kid, Katate Dori, 10 Our Power, 12 Bowtogreatness, 14 In D’Or, Tahmuras, 16 Charlie Uberalles, Golden Son, Heltenham, 20 bar

Virgin Bet Eider Chase (2.10 Newcastle, Saturday)
Coral: 5 O’Connell, 7 Anglers Crag, Collectors Item, 8 Passing Well, 10 Egbert, Jacks Parrot, 12 Bodhisattva, Choosethenews, History Of Fashion, Iron Bridge, Sporting Ace, 16 bar

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