It was a huge performance from KARAKONTIE’s Flying Mohawk at Churchill Downs on Sunday when the colt won a Maiden Special Weight by 5 ½ lengths.
Going off as the favorite in the 1 1/16-mile turf race, he raced two lengths behind the leader but was always a looming presence for that runner. Around the turn, he steadily moved closer without any encouragement and entered his bid for the lead into the stretch.
When jockey Tyler Gaffalione asked him to pick up the pace, the colt obeyed and pulled away to a 5 ½ length victory.
Trained by Whit Beckman, Flying Mohawk races for Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing, and Kaleta Racing.
The John O’Meara-bred is the first foal out of Bonbons Fleur, a half-sister to the Grade 3 winner and Grade 2-placed Change of Control among four winners out of the stakes placed America’s Blossom.
Bonbons Fleur foaled another colt by KARAKONTIE this year.
KARAKONTIE has another exciting crop of 2-year-olds this year with nearly 50% juvenile winners to runners.