Nicky Henderson is set to hand a debut to the most expensive Jumps horse in history at, er, Huntingdon on Thursday afternoon.
German Derby winner Palladium was purchased for €1.4million (£1.2m) by Lady Bamford and sent to Seven Barrows in anticipation of a National Hunt campaign last October.
The Triumph Hurdle – sponsored by ownership connections via JCB – is the season’s big aim and the Class 4 Pertemps Network Maiden Hurdle at Huntingdon represents the first step on the road to the Cheltenham Festival for the Gleneagles colt.
Speaking about Palladium, Henderson said: “Let him start quietly and have a nice time. I don’t know if he will have a nice time, he’s got to prove it there. I fully realise that all eyes will be on him, but we’ve just got to get on and do our job.
“I don’t think I’ve had one with that price tag before, but we’re very happy with him, we’re ready to go.
“There’s no comparison at all with him and [Triumph Hurdle favourite and stablemate] Lulamba – he’s going to be a strapping chaser, hopefully.
“We’ll have to cross the bridges as we go, Lulamba is an all-out chaser but Palladium is to go back on the Flat. We’ll have a look at the Triumph if that is suitable, but if not we’ll head back to the Flat, I’ve always thought the Hardwicke [at Royal Ascot] or something like that would be suitable.
“You have to remember, he is still a colt!”
Huntingdon 12.47 tips
Timeform: German Derby winner PALLADIUM has been well touted as a juvenile to follow and, now making his belated start in this sphere, he’s likely to account for some average rivals. Jack Hyde could feature if he builds on his hurdling debut and Karton Plein’s point form gives him some hope despite an underwhelming start under Rules in a bumper.
Huntingdon 12.47 live stream
You can live stream Palladium’s debut on paddypower.com and the Paddy Power app.
Once you’ve logged in to your Paddy Power account or signed up then head to the Horse Racing page, find the Huntingdon 12.47 betting tab and click the button that says ‘Watch Live’.
It’s that simple – and you don’t even have to place a bet!
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