HARRY COBDEN and his new Pall got on like old mates in a final pre-Festival schooling session.
And with James Bowen unsuccessful in his whip ban appeal yesterday, the champion jockey will now step in to take the ride on Palladium in the Triumph Hurdle.
Palladium is a general 12-1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle[/caption]
Nicky Henderson’s four-year-old was bought by Lady Bamford for a whopping £1.2 million last year and made a winning start over hurdles at Huntingdon.
The form of his debut run has worked out well and Hendo has not stopped purring about the colt, who also worked well under Bowen at Kempton last week.
Palladium is a 12-1 shot for the big Grade 1 at Cheltenham a week today and Hendo had no hesitation turning to the best available rider, even if he is old rival Paul Nicholls’ stable jock.
Cobden has only ridden for Henderson twice in his career and has yet to ride him a winner, but he popped Palladium over a few hurdles at Seven Barrows on Wednesday.
And the jockey said: “He jumped great and gave me a lovely feel. He’s a brilliant spare to pick up because these sorts of rides are bloody hard to come by.
“I’m gutted for James. It’s a tough one for him because he will have been looking forward to it and it’s the biggest week of the year.
“It’s great to pick up a nice spare up for Nicky, I’ve not ridden for him very much but the horse has definitely got a live chance.
“He obviously has Group 1 Flat form being the German Derby winner but he has taken well to hurdling and not all Flat horses do.
“There are a couple of serious ones at the top of the betting, James Owen loves East India Dock and Nicky’s other horse Lulamba looks a serious talent, but we are in there with a shout.”
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.
