Lulamba to come through new test in winning style

IT will be a major surprise if Lulamba does not make a successful start to his career over fences in the Royal Oak, Heavitree ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginners’ Chase at Exeter.

- By ASHLEY IVESON

An impressive winner on his only start in France, the four-year-old looked every inch a top-class recruit when winning on his British bow at Ascot and he was only narrowly denied by Poniros when filling the runner-up spot in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

He reversed that form in some style at Punchestown in the spring and connections would have had every right to head down the Champion Hurdle route this season, but have ultimately opted for the larger obstacles.

Lulamba faces several rivals in the form of Fingle Bridge, Salver and Tripoli Flyer but in receipt of the four-year-old allowance he can stamp his class.