Five-year-old galloper Camorra, currently trained by Ger Lyons in Ireland, has become the latest purchase from Europe by owners wishing to go for the Melbourne Cup on November 1.
David Spratt of the previous ownership group will retain 20% of the horse. Jarred Magnabosco has bought the larger 80% share.
Irish St Leger Next Before Australian Adventure
Camorra, a son of close runner-up to Frankel, Zoffany, was a big-race winner on his last start. Ger Lyons’ gelding ran out a good winner of the Group 2 Curragh Cup, his fourth win in 16 starts.
Now, Jarred Magnabosco’s Best Bloodstock has bought the horse and he will be aimed squarely at the Melbourne Cup. One thing’s for sure; the 3200-metre distance should pose no problems for him.
Ger Lyons will now keep Camorra in his yard for the time being. The master trainer will prepare the horse for his main prep race; the Group 1 Irish St Leger on September 11 back at the Curragh.
After Irish Champions Weekend, Camorra will then head to Australia. Once settled, he joins Ben and JD Hayes at Lindsay Park. The Hayes’ will then prep the gelding for Flemington from quarantine at Werribee.
Tough 2400m Win the Reason for Purchase
Magnabosco has spoken out of late to say why he went for Camorra initially. His interest in the horse began last September in fact.
Back then at Leopardstown in Ireland, Camorra took down a 2400-metre Group 3 carrying 61 kilos. He did so by making all the running at a strong gallop, seeing them off with great tenacity.
That’s what brought him to the attention of Magnabosco and co.
The form lines Camorra ties in with also clearly tempted Magnabosco in. After his tough win, he resumed his career this year with a 7½-length fifth behind Kyprios. That horse has gone on to beat Stradivarius twice in Britain’s top staying races, meaning he’s been battling with the right types in Europe.
After that, he was prepared to more or less peak for the Curragh Cup which he won nicely. His new connections will need to eke some improvement out of him, but that remains possible.
Not All About Galloping for New Owners
As well as that toughness shown at the Curragh, and the fact that staying the Melbourne Cup distance doesn’t appear to be a problem, Camorra possesses something else of interest to Magnabosco.
The new majority owner reckons he shows a fine turn of foot. That’s something always needed at Flemington track, including in the Cup.
The potential for that burst of speed is that last ingredient needed. At least, on the track. Some luck with the barrier draw will also be important come the big day and until then, we look forward to seeing his next run at Leopardstown.
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