Karalee makes chasing debut at Tramore High-class mare Karalee kicks off her career over fences in the opening race at Tramore on Saturday. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old finished third in the Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April of last year and it was a little disappointing that she failed to register a single victory during the recent campaign. However, she has kept good company over hurdles and perhaps a switch the larger obstacles for the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Annual Members Mares Beginners Chase can help her rediscover winning ways. She might not have it all her own way, though, with the Mick Winters-trained course winner Granny Biddy similarly rated over timber. Danny Mullins takes the ride on Karalee and could be in for a good afternoon, with Dark Outsider an obvious contender for the following Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Directors Handicap Chase. James Dullea’s inmate was awarded a race in the stewards’ room here 10 days ago and must have every chance of following up despite a 4lb hike. The August Racing Festival 16th-19th Maiden Hurdle looks a very ordinary race on paper. Edward O’Grady’s 95-rated Shakeytry could well get off the mark if he can bounce back from being pulled up at Ballinrobe last month. The Shay Barry-trained Smitty Bacall won a bumper at Tramore a couple of years ago and following consecutive placed efforts, can return to the winner’s enclosure with victory in the www.tramore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle. Recent point-to-point victor Isabel’s Gold makes her rules debut in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race. She may have most to fear from Mullins’ newcomer Dramalarma Lucy. The daughter of Yeats bids to provide the Supreme Horse Racing Club with a second bumper success this week following Robin De Carlow’s triumph at Ballinrobe on Monday.
