After a relatively slow start to the campaign for the French recruits, they have suddenly burst on to the scene, especially in Ireland. Its Bilbo and Karniquet have both won on their Irish debuts in the last 7-days and as the weather and more importantly the ground begin to turn, we are likely to see some of the better French recruits making their first starts for new connections. On Thursday at Thurles, Gigginstown House Stud have another nice recruit to the Willie Mullins yard making her first start in the shape of Karamoja. She has been off the track for over a year, but after a busy 3-year-old campaign it is perhaps not a surprise that she has been given some time to mature. Before you think this is another Mullins certainty, I would add a small note of caution that the headgear she wore at Auteuil has been discarded. She didn't shape like a filly who needed the hood, but given that she was clearly on the market, there is always a nagging doubt that she may have worn it to improve her chances of looking good in the shop window. Here's a look at the profile of Karamoja.
KARAMOJA
4YO AQPS Filly
Masked Marvel x Ame en Peine (Saint des Saints)
3rd Foal. Half-sister to AQPS Flat winners Haute Tension and Libre Pensee. Dam AQPS winner, half-sister to 9 winners including Hurdle/Chase winner Petit Tracy
Form: 323- €14,435 career earnings.
New Connections: WP Mullins, Gigginstown House Stud
Notes: 4YO Filly. Made the frame on both starts in AQPS Flat races at Corlay and Lion D’Angers. Finished 1-length behind Keeny on 2nd start, who went on to win a G3 AQPS at Craon on her next start (12-lengths back to the 3rd).
Sent hurdling in September 2023, making her debut over obstacles in the Listed Prix Finot (Pouliches) at Auteuil. Made the running, leading until the home turn when headed. Keeping on 3-lengths down at the last but unable to match the pace of the winner and 2nd, beaten 3.5-lengths. Winning time was 4s quicker than the 2nd division of the race.
Winner has only run once since this race and the 2nd (Venusienne) was also sold to join WIllie Mullins. Kind Lovely (5th) won her next 3 starts and the 6th and 7th have won races since.
*Wore a hood, tongue-tie and noseband at Auteuil
Key Races
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