Karbau keeps the ball rolling for Mullins After a double at Fairyhouse on Saturday and a treble at Naas yesterday, Willie Mullins kept up his impressive recent strike-rate when Karbau (1/2 fav) readily landed the 50,000 Euro BetVictor Graduation Bonus Series Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. The French bumper winner, owned by Barnane Stud, Partner & Temple Bloodstock, had been fourth on hurdling debut at Naas last month. The Cokoriko five-year-old made all under Paul Townend and eased clear on the run to the last to beat Captain Ryan Matt by 16 lengths. “That was a nice performance. He learned a lot from the first day and put it to good use,” said Mullins.  “He was taking about half-a-length out of most of them (at his hurdles). I’m very pleased with him. “He’s in the Supreme Novices’ and Turners. He’s a forward-going type and he likes to race and jump.  “If he finds a bit of improvement, he’s right up there. I’d be happy enough that he’s a good calibre horse. He loved that ground.   “Zillow ran well in third, I’d say he’s more of a spring ground horse.” Paddy Power shortened the winner to 20/1 (from 50s) for the Supreme and make him a 30/1 chance (from 33s) for the Turners. Quotes from Gary Carson
