ROSHE, a perfect five-from-five and the latest hottest prospect in Korean racing, faces his toughest task to date as he travels away from Seoul for the first time and enters Graded Stakes company for the first time as he heads a full field of sixteen in the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.
Roshe (Pic: KRA)
The Owners’ Cup is the only all-aged open mile race in the country. With Seoul’s 1600M spur start being restricted to ten runners and the KRA Cup Mile and KNN Cup being only open to domestic-bred three-year-olds and fillies and mares respectively, the Owners’ Cup is the only time of the year an imported or older male horse can prove themselves at the elite level over a mile.
For ROSHE, a US-bred three-year-old, that opportunity comes quicker than most and as the only one of his age in the field, he will get a 3kg advantage over the rest. He has comfortably seen off all comers in five starts to date, most recently over a mile at class 2 level at Seoul on May 23rd when he sat behind the speed before effortlessly pulling clear in the home straight.
Against a field that isn’t hugely strong for the level, with most of the big-hitters keeping their powder dry for next Month’s KRA Cup Classic, Roshe’s greatest opponent may be, to use the tiredest of cliché’s, himself. Can he adapt to the travel, the new environment and the more punishing tempo that a Graded race generally has? If he answers yes to those questions, he can continue on his merry way. Jang Chu-youl will continue on board for trainer Song Sang-hyeon.
MUNHAK BOY and WONPYEONG STROM perhaps present cautionary tales. Both had outstanding starts to their careers but neither has managed to maintain their form – although Munhak Boy did at least claim a G3 win in the Kookje Shinmun last October. Jockey bookings on the pair are interesting. Lim Da-bin, who has partnered Wonpyeong Storm to six of his seven wins, returns for the first time in five starts, while former Selangor Turf Club champion Andre Luis Sa Dilva takes his first ride in Korea on Munhak Boy.
WONDERFUL GROOM, the SBS Sports Sprint runner-up is set to be among the second live of favourites after Roshe. DESPITE WIN and YOUNG SKYWALKER are others who will be in the market. Here is a full rundown of the field:
1. DAEHAN JILJU – The veteran is second up have returned from a near eight-month layoff to run 9th of fourteen in the SBS Sports Sprint over 1200M. Can strip fitter but this is a very tough test.
2. BEOLGYOUI KKUM – Solid 4th in the SBS Sports Sprint and then 7th in the SROA Chairman’s. He has only tackled the mile twice for a 2nd and a 4th, but he draws well to be on pace, and the jockey booking is a plus.
3. ROSHE – He is five for five and the most exciting three-year-old talent in racing. Easy winner over a mile at Seoul at class 2 level. This is his first time away from Seoul so there will be the question of how he travels and adapts but if he is fine with both then from a great draw, he should win.
It’s Owners’ Cup day at Busan with Roshe looking to maintain his unbeaten record in the G3 feature over a mile. There are 7-races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Hangang Class won the 2025 Owners’ Cup in track record fashion (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) MAHO went through two trials, running 2nd in a slow time in the first of them but then winning the second with an on pace effort (62.3 seconds on May 21st for those whose racecards don’t show it as it was a voluntary trial). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) KKUMUI YEONSOK trialed up alongside some experienced horses and didn’t look out of pace as he ran a close 4th in a decent time, and he shapes as the main danger. (11) SAUDI SOCKS and (5) LUCKYRINGMAN are the pair with experience having debuted together over 1000M on May 31st finishing 5th and 6th respectively and they can both have come on for the run. (8) SPEARS is another first-time starter who hinted at ability in two trials.
Selections
(2) Maho (6) Kkumui Yeonsok (11) Saudi Socks (5) Luckyringman
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Decent maiden win four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (5) ROAD TO CHAMPION, who after a good trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on May 30th, leading and only being caught late by the favourite. He should have come on for that run, he can lead again, and this time he can go one better. (4) VICAR DELLA raced handy throughout for 3rd on debut over this distance on May 16th. She too can have come on and can be even closer here. Of the first timers, (6) INTO THE GALAXY showed fairly for 2nd place in a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. (11) NURI YEOWANG and (9) RAPID STORM, the latter disappointing on debut but previously a trial winner, are the others who will have some backing.
Selections
(5) Road To Champion (4) Vicar Della (6) Into The Galaxy (11) Nuri Yeowang
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. After winning a trial, (4) PACHOUI KKUM was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on May 24th and while she raced close to the pace, she ultimately had to settle for 2nd. She should have come on for that, she draws better today, and she will be expected to come out on top here. (5) MAEWU has made progress in her latest couple, most recently when 4th at this distance on May 22nd. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here. (8) PILSEUNG WINNER is similarly looking as though she is figuring things out and enters off a close 2nd at this distance on May 31st when on pace. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and she will have plenty if backers. There are a couple of debut makers and (1) SUPER CROWN performed fairly in two trials. (3) LOOKS GOOD another of the experienced ones who can improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) CRUSH GIRL was 4th on debut and followed up with 2nd place over 1300M on May 17th. Both times she has come from off the pace, so the slight step up again can suit and third-up she can be peaking. (8) JECHUK SANJIRO has finished in the top five in all of his four starts so far and he enters off his best to date when 2nd in a slow run race over this trip on May 31st. He can sit just behind the speed here and challenge late. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK was ordinary in her first two, but she has been consistently close in six subsequent efforts, most recently when 3rd over 1700M on May 23rd. She was 4th on her previous try at this trip and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) BEST A ONE and (7) DYNAMIC FORCE others firmly in the frame.
Selections
(1) Crush Girl (8) Jechuk Sanjiro (5) Semyeong Peak (10) Best A One
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) STEALTH KINGMAN was 2nd on debut over 1300M in April and then won at the same distance at start number two on May 31st, both times racing on pace. He is up in class but is down in weight, nicely drawn, and he can win again. (6) BORYEONGUIKWAESOK is never going to be beloved by racecallers, but she won her only start to date all the way back last September over 1000M. She performed fairly enough in a late May trial and under a light weight, she could pick up from where she left off. (8) WHITE OIL beat four of today’s rivals when coming home an in excess of 20/1 winner at this class and distance on May 31st. He is up 3kg in weight but warrants more respect today. (11) HEUIMANG TAYO and (4) WORLD BOLD MAN others in the hunt.
Saturday’s racing sees 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Champion jockey Moon Se-young will have his retirement ceremony after race 5. Here are the previews:
Moon Se-young’s retirement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(8) ROYAL HOPE K was third in his one and only trial on May 21 and this son of Gaon Champ prepared by Moon Byeong-ki should go close under Seo Seung-un. (7) URIUI GIPPEUM is a To Honor And Serve filly that was third in her trial on May 14 after leading and she finished well ahead of (3) BEAT STAR who subsequently trialled again on May 21 and led throughout to score by nine-lengths. Both must be given the utmost of respect. (11) LEGEND MONSTER is a stablemate of Uriui Gippeum and under CC Wong rates next over (6) POWERFUL MR. and the Luigi Riccardi trained (2) K SOCKS. (5) GRAND POKPUNG should not be denied a chance either.
Selections
(8) Royal Hope K (7) Uriui Gippeum (3) Beat Star (11) Legend Monster
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) BIBA CHARM produced a good effort when first-up for ten months on June 13 coming from well back to run third. She can improve from that run and can go a few places better. (11) QUEENS TIGER ran well on debut similarly coming from well back and with some luck from the draw can go close. (1) WHITE JACKPOT was down the track on his debut but may be able to get an enjoyable time in front in a race where it is hard to work out where the early speed will come from. The extra 100M will not hurt (3) TOO BIRD HIT going on her debut run and she rates next over (4) GEOLJAK CROWN and (7) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA.
Selections
(2) Biba Charm (11) Queens Tiger (1) White Jackpot (3) Too Bird Hit
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) KING SPICY has been the most consistent of these except for his debut run in September. Despite the wide draw he strikes a winnable race following his last start third place and can score. (1) THE QUEEN ROSE also comes off the best result of her career with a third at the beginning of this month when leading for most of the way. She can go close if able to hold her own from the inside which she should. (8) AREUMDAUN BIT has been close at her last two runs and rates next over (10) JISAN FOREVER, a debutante by Chrysolite, (4) ILGEUP BISUL and (2) SAMJEONG BLUE.
Selections
(11) King Spicy (1) The Queen Rose (8) Areumdaun Bit (10) Jisan Forever
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) ARION QUEEN CAR has her quirks but also has ability and if she can be on her best behaviour she should be able to go close to recording her second victory. She almost refused to race when resuming from a two-month ban, for refusing to race, in March before picking up late for third and then chased home a smart horse last start. If she can learn how to be a racehorse she does have a future. (11) NUNI OLKKAYO is another smart enough type on his day that resumed with a second a month ago at this level beaten a neck. He was considered good enough to be close in the market to subsequent Derby winner Hwang Geum Eo Jang when taking him on in the winter and rates highly. (2) MONEY MOVE has done little wrong in three starts and broke through most recently. (6) STUNNING CALIBER was a thirteen-length winner of his maiden over course and distance last start and must be respected as should (7) WONPYEONG GANGJA, under Seo Seung-un, and (8) BREEDO CALEY in a decent race for the grade.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race meeting from 11/35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time and while we tend to side with experience in these races, there are a couple of newcomers worth taking a chance on. (2) VICTORY TIME was very quick in his trial, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd. From a good draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) HERO HIT won her trial leading all the way. Her time wasn’t as quick as Victory Time’s but the track has been racing very fast in June so it was just as good an effort. If you prefer experience, then (4) RUBY GONGJU is the one. She ran a fair 5th of nine over this distance on debut on May 29th and should have come on for it. (7) OASIS ANGEL and (6) SERAPH are other first-timers who will attract some interest.
Selections
(2) Victory Time (3) Hero Hit (4) Ruby Gongju (7) Oasis Angel
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) CHAMPUI HEUIMANG has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1400M on May 29th when he settled midfield and ran on. He was further forward than he was on his previous try at a mile in April when 4th and with similar tactics, he can win this. (6) OASIS TIME debuted over this trip on June 7th and ran a fair 4th of eleven, doing his best work late. He should have come on for that run and the sole juvenile in the field can be closer today. (5) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL has finished between 3rd and 5th in all eight starts so far with his two 3rd places coming over this trip, including beating Champui Heuimang and he should be in the mix again. (2) SO FAST and (3) RICH SKY others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Champui Heuimang (6) Oasis Time (5) Dolgyeok Special (2) So Fast
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) FLEX KHAN ran once last year for 4th place and then didn’t reappear until April. He has a 3rd and most recently a 2nd place from his two starts back with the latter coming on his first try at this distance on May 29th when beating a few of today’s rivals. Third up he can be peaking, and he can go one better. (7) BEST TIGER didn’t do much on debut but was an improved 4th at start number two over 1300M on May 31st when ridden further forward. Expect similar tactics here and under an apprentice claim, he can be a threat. (8) STRONG WINNER has hinted at ability with three finishes in 4th or 5th place from five starts. He tends to get too far back but if he can be a bit handier earlier today, he should at least place. (2) I AM HAPPY and (6) HAENGBOK TREE others in the frame.
Selections
(9) Flex Khan (7) Best Tiger (8) Strong Winner (2) I Am Happy
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (1) SHIN STAR ONE broke through at each-way odds at start number three on May 29th when coming from off the pace over 1400M. He is up in class and up in trip, but while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, there can be more to come. Probable favourite though is (4) YEOUN. Her sole win came on debut, but she has held her form in four tries at this class including two runner-up finishes over 1400M, most recently on May 22nd. She comes up to the mile for the first time, but it can suit, and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests that today can be the day. (9) KING BLACK is up in class following his maiden win at this distance on May 10th and can measure up. (6) WORLD GOAT and (7) CARAT KING among plenty of other place chances.
Selections
(1) Shin Star One (4) Yeoun (9) King Black (6) World Goat
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
IT WAS A STAKELESS SUNDAY IN KOREA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR MONTHS BUT THERE WAS A NAMED FEATURE ON THE CARD IN SEOUL AND THE 15TH SPORTS DONG-A CUP WAS WON BY ROYAL SOCKS under apprentice Kwon Jung-seok (writes Luke Humphreys).
However, the main talking point of the race was the late scratching of Di Ne, one of the country’s top three-year-old’s, his subsequent stand down from racing for twelve months. He did not look right on the way down to the start and was eventually withdrawn and a post-race physical examination found him to have a bowed tendon.
Whilst this year’s Korean three-year-old crop has produced some fine performances from the likes of Roshe, Hwang Geum Eo Jang, Funny Wild and Clearly Winner it has lost plenty of spark. Supex Winner sadly had to be put down after suffering a ligament and sesamoid injury in the week leading up to the KRA Cup Mile, whilst Geudaemaniddamyeon fractured a cannon bone whilst preparing for the YTN Cup. Di Ne, like Geudaemaniddamyeon, will no longer be seen in his three-year-old campaign.
This left Royal Socks (Hansen) to run the 2.0 favourite and he led for most of the way to score by four-lengths. He recorded his sixth career victory at start eleven and will now be up to Class 2 grade. Baro Danaeun was the other favourite, 2.7, but just like she did when last seen in the G2 Ttukseom Cup she finished 7th.
Royal Socks completed a riding double for Kwon Jung-seok after landing Race 2 (1700M Class 6) on the 3.8 favourite THE SUN COMING (Cowboy Cal) which after racing on pace won by four-lengths and was breaking through at the eighth time of asking. It also was part of a treble for trainer Kang Sung-o after success with BLACK SIDAE (Chrysolite) who won Race 6 (1800M Class 4) by an extending eight-lengths as the 5.2 second favourite before FEDAYKIN (Audible) proved too strong in Race 10 (1200M Class 4) running away late to score by one-and-a-half lengths as the 3.5 favourite.
Black Sidae was beating the 1.8 odds-on chance Ghost Chrysol into 2nd place in what was a slowly run race. Jockey Jo Jae-ro and Black Sidae put some pace into the race when taking off at the end of the back straight and they were never caught. Fedaykin broke through at the third time of asking after a 6th on debut in April before a 3rd in May.
Race 9 (1600M Class 2) was the highest graded race on the day, and SUPREME SOCKS (Flameaway) got the prize by a neck for Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi. The race was primarily dominated by the favourites with Tap Tier, 3.1, coming from a long last to run 2nd over Jeongsang Ace, 8.7, in 3rd with Useung Concord, 4.2, in 4th. Ace K, 5.8, was disappointing for the third consecutive time at Class 2 grade as he ran a long last of the nine runners.
Race 8 (1400M Class 3) was one of the more competitive races on the card and it saw TOHOMARKET (Revolutionary) get up late on to score by a half-length at odds of 29.6 over 15.5 chance Nano Masin with 7.1 fourth choice Cheonmahoryeong at her second 1400M attempt once again just getting caught in the closing stages finishing 3rd after leading. The other favourites were Magic Strong, 7.7, who was 6th, Navy Captain, 6.2, who finished 7th whilst the main two in the market Teukgeup Party, 4.1, and Free The One, 5.2, were 8th and 10th in the eleven strong field. The consistent Teukgeup Party produced the worst run of her career whilst Free The One, whose best form has seen him place behind Roshe at black type level, was disappointing for the second straight start.
For the first time since February, there is no Listed or Graded action at either Seoul or Busan. There is still plenty to get stuck into though with 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17:55 and 7 from Busan between 11.25 and 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ten fillies and one colt in this maiden. (8) DREAM DIA looked set to breakthrough when sent off as favourite over 1400M but ultimately ended up in 3rd place having been handy throughout. That was her second consecutive time as the beaten favourite, but in this company, she warrants one more chance. (11) SPICY JERRY was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M in June 6th from a similarly wide gate to today. She should have come on for that run, and she can get closer today. The solitary colt, (1) PERFECT GAME, was disappointing from a wide gate when well supported last time out, but going on his 3rd place two outings back, has to be considered again. (9) CHARON EDGE and (10) EVER LOVELY are place chances.
Selections
(8) Dream Dia (11) Spicy Jerry (1) Perfect Game (9) Charon Edge
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI has drawn a blank in sixteen starts, but he is getting closer with his best results coming in his latest four with two 4th places sandwiched between a 2nd and a 3rd, the latter when beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1400M on May 17th. He wasn’t close in a previous try at this distance but could very well be ready for another go. It’s not an intimidating field. (9) THE SUN COMING has five finishes between 3rd and 5th and while he was behind Hwarangsan Jeonggi last time out, he shapes as a rival. (8) MAX MAN returned from five months out on May 16th and having run a fair 5th over 1400M, can strip fitter today. (10) SPICE BAND and (5) CLUB MAN are the other main chances.
Selections
(11) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (9) The Sun Coming (8) Max Man (10) Spice Band
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Since returning from six months out, (3) P.D SPECIAL has recorded a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back, most recently beating a few of today’s rivals in a front-running effort over 1300M on May 22nd. Third up, he can be peaking, he draws well to be on pace again, and he can win here. There is just one debut maker, but (10) GEUMA STUNNING ran well for an on pace 3rd in a trial in a quick time, and despite the wide draw, this is a nice race to debut in. (1) DIMENSION has had a stop-start career so far with just two starts last autumn but registering a 2nd place in the second of them over this distance in December. He hasn’t raced since and didn’t offer too many clues in a May trial but from the inside gate he should be a chance here. (7) DUBAI DREAM and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN, the other chances.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) EVERY TIME raced three times in late summer and autumn last year, finishing 2nd in all three of them up to this class and 1400M. He hasn’t been in action since the end of October, but he looked very well when blitzing a trial on May 28th from on pace in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (5) SUNGLASS hasn’t quite lived up to the promise shown in her impressive debut win and she wasn’t great over 1300M last time out. Down in trip and down in weight and with Luis on for the first time, she can go close. (8) AESUNI beat Sunglass as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance two starts back. She’ll be on pace and should be in this a long way. (6) HAEMAJI and (2) SILLAUI FIGHTER, perhaps the best or an ordinary rest.
Selections
(7) Every Time (5) Sunglass (8) Aesuni (6) Haemaji
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) IT’S LIT overcame a slow start to run 2nd on debut over 1200M on May 15th, well beaten by a good winner. He should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can go one better today. (8) GAON PERFECT has shown progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when 2nd on his first try at this distance on May 24th, running on from midfield. In this company he can be a little further forward a little earlier, and he is a big danger. (5) SUNDAY QUEEN has also got better over three outings. She comes back in trip following a 4th place over a mile on May 22nd and can continue to get closer. (1) WORLD TREE and (7) CHAMPUI YEONGGWANG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) It’s Lit (8) Gaon Perfect (5) Sunday Queen (1) World Tree
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (6) SUPER TTANGKONG, who was 4th on debut and then a comfortable winner at start two over 1200M on February 1st, leading all the way. She hasn’t raced since, but she looked very well when 2nd in a trial on June 4th, leading again, and she can be given every chance first up. (9) THE SUN MONSTER is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back 2nd places over 1200M in March and then ran 3rd over 1300M on April 25th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off and is the danger. (1) SAMJEONG LADY is two starts into a comeback following three months out and was 3rd over this class and distance on May 30th. She should strip even fitter here and be close. (10) AFLEET RUN and (5) MUHAN ARGO others in line for the minors.
Selections
(6) Super Ttangkong (9) The Sun Monster (1) Samjeong Lady (10) Afleet Run
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(7) SKY WIN WIN won back-to-back races in April and May over this distance at class 4 level and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class on May 22nd alongside plenty of others who return here. He likes to race on pace so today’s draw is better, and he can win. He will need to overturn the form on (8) HONORED KHAN, who was 2nd in that May 22nd race. That continued an excellent run of form for the five-year-old having won at this class and distance on May 1st, and while he continues to come up in the weights, he can be in the finish again. (6) FLYING THE KHAN is up in class after a close on pace win over this distance on May 10th and he can measure up in this company. (1) UNJU CHALLENGE and (2) CRAZY ARMY others in the hunt.
It’s set to be a wet Saturday for racing at Seoul. There are 10-races from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(6) HWANSANGUI LUNA was fourth in her first trial on May 7 before winning on June 4 by one-and-three-quarter lengths. She is one of two runners for trainer An Byung-ki and owner Hwan Sang-ma and is the choice of CC Wong. (10) BAEKSAN RACE was fifth and second in his two trials in May and rates as a chance. (11) DU UM came on from his appalling first trial on May 21 to win his second trial on June 4. However, he looks to be the secondary runner for the stable. (7) GEOLJAK YUNSEUL finished third in her sole trial and rates over (2) ECLIPSE SODA and (9) BLAZEMAN whilst (4) NAREUSYA LUNA was much improved in her second trial and should not be forgotten.
Selections
(6) Hwansangui Luna (10) Baeksan Race (11) Du Um (7) Geoljak Yunseul
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) TOUCH THE SKY is far from the soundest horse in the world but going on his sole start back in March 2025 when finishing a two-length second to We Go High he must be a huge chance of winning if he is good to go. He has been in and out of work this year but has been back in regular work since June 7. (3) TIGER MANGCHI is a debutante that was out the back throughout in his first trial before winning his second trial on May 21. (5) PIEONARI should be around the mark once more especially considering he only carries fifty-three kilograms as he gets a four-kilogram claim from apprentice Jo Seong-hwan. (4) NINE SPEAR also has that weight with a two-kilogram claim from Woo In-cheol whilst (8) MR. KAI, the mount of Seo Seung-un, and (10) THE SUN AMIR, the bottom weight with fifty-two kilograms, rate next.
Selections
(7) Touch The Sky (3) Tiger Mangchi (5) Pieonari (4) Nine Spear
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) PASA ACE has been third in each of his last two over 1300M and once again gets two-kilogram apprentice Woo In-cheol to ride. The extra 100M is no concern and he can go a couple of places better. (6) SMART RISE has been a beaten favourite in each of his last three starts but has not been far away and should be thereabouts again. (3) DELTA EAGLE was an improved effort at her third start most recently and the extra 100M should suit. (1) SKYLOR TAEHA has one minor placing from three starts and rates next over (7) LUGE, whose chances depend on how he begins, and (8) ENERGY POWER, who produced a clear career best last time.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) BEST SECRET was fourth on debut in March behind a subsequent winner before leading throughout to win her maiden impressively by eight-lengths a month ago. This is a strong race for the grade, but she will be hard to toss. (3) HWANSANGUI NARA is extremely hard to catch but her best form is good and if she can run to that she will go close. (1) CRAZY CHAMP led throughout to win her maiden over the course and distance last time and is a chance of doing so again. (2) DURAY SHOW is still a maiden, but the consistent four-year-old filly is worth an each-way investment under Seo Seung-un. (11) HANAM LASER and (8) HAKSAN HENNY rate next.
Selections
(9) Best Secret (3) Hwansangui Nara (1) Crazy Champ (2) Duray Show
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / Sergeant Reckless Commemorative Race / KRW 45 Million
Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8-races from 11.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A
Juvenile maidens here with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (10) TIPPING POINT, who after a good trial, ran 2nd on debut over this trip on May 29th, showing on pace throughout. She’ll be on pace again and she may just a bit further on in her development than the first-timers. The only other filly is (7) DUBAI HEART. She ran 3rd in her trial behind two experienced racehorses. They may have dragged the time up to be a bit quicker than other trials, but she didn’t look out of place, and she can go well first-up. It took (6) YONGBI CHEONMA two goes to qualify but he was much improved in the second of them and can continue to make progress on debut. (8) OASIS ROSE and (5) FLAME others who could make an immediate impact.
Selections
(10) Tipping Point (7) Dubai Heart (6) Yongbi Cheonma (8) Oasis Rose
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
6, 7, 8, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) GOLD ROGER looks to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1400M and showing on pace both times. He can lead again here, and he can stay the additional furlong to claim his maiden win. (5) THANKYOUFORTHETIME enters off her best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on May 22nd when coming from well off the pace. She can finish strongly again here and can be a danger. (2) SPACE GOLD had a poor day at the office when well backed over 1400M last time out but at the start before ran a fair 4th at that same distance and he can be given another chance over the extended trip today. (4) DOCTOR QUE SERA and (3) HANGANG BRAVO are other place chances.
Selections
(1) Gold Roger (5) Thankyouforthetime (2) Space Gold (4) Doctor Que Sera
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) SAENAE HILL has picked up significantly in her latest two, running 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1300M, that latter being her best to date, despite laying out in the early stages to the extent that she got sent back to trial. She came through the heat in good fashion, and she can go one better today. (1) YEOSU LOOK AT STAR also come sin off a best to date effort when 3rd over 1400M on May 17th. She’ll be on pace and she can be in this. (9) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE was a fair 5th of eleven over this distance on debut on May 15th and having come on for the run, she can go better here. Debut-maker (7) GLORYS DAY along with (3) NAGAN CHUEOK others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Saenae Hill (1) Yeosu Look At Star (9) Yeonggwanguirookie (7) Glorys Day
Next Best
3, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Competitive race. (2) BREEDO MIRACLE was an on pace winner at this distance on May 15th, her fourth success over the 1200M. She comes up in class, but she is down 3.5kg in weight and from a good draw, she can win again. (3) PACHAMAMA has run 3rd in each of her last four starts, all at this class and distance. Before that, she was a winner in January and with twelve top four finishes from fourteen starts, she will surely be in the finish again. (6) SPEED TOP beat Pachamama and a couple of others who return here on April 24th, overcoming a slow start to come from well off the pace. He has his fair share of weight here, but it would be no surprise if he won again. (9) BARAM DAERO and (5) JEOLDAE BOSS among plenty of others in the hunt.
For the first time in five years, a different filly has won each individual jewel of the Triple Tiara as Sunrise got the better of Korean Oaks winner Catch Race in a final furlong duel, to win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Sunrise bests Catch Race (Pic: KRA)
With Luna Stakes victor Clearly Winner skipping the race, Catch Race, who had got the better of her in a desperately close finish to the Oaks, was sent off as the 1.7 odds-on favourite for the final and longest test of the Tiara.
After early pacesetters Chief Star, Daebi Mama and Wild Magic gave way, Catch Race and jockey Seo Seung-un assumed the lead inside the home straight and looked set to go on score. But Under Jung Do-yun, Sunrise, who at 8.9 hadn’t exactly been missed by the market following her Oaks 4th place, loomed up from midfield and went by late to win by half a length on the line. A full six-lengths behind the first pair, Tiger Roar closed for 3rd.
It was a redemption of sorts for jockey Jung, who just a week ago had been demoted from 2nd to 3rd on Breedo Sol in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the colts’ Triple Crown. Not that he dwelt on that:
“It was the first time I had ridden (Sunrise) in a race” Jung Do-yun told KRBC. “But I rode her in training a few times and while there are always going to be a lot of variables in the final leg of the Tiara, I did think we had a good chance.”
“When she ran in the Oaks, she hadn’t previously gone any further than 1300M but as this was the second time, I thought she would come on for it and with only ten runners the positioning would be easier. It went exactly as planned and I felt the further we went, the stronger she got.”
(Pic: KRA)
Sunrise is trained at Busan by Ha Mu-seon and runs in the colours of owner Kim Geun-young. By Gemologist, she is out of Sun Crest (by Arch), who also did her racing in Korea, winning one of twenty-three starts.
“I felt really good coming in” winning trainer Ha Mu-seon said. “Sunrise really has no weaknesses, and I expected it to come down to her and Catch Race with our filly having a very good chance of winning.”
“As a stable, we won our first big race in the Breeders’ Cup Queen (with Ace High) last November so it’s good to carry that momentum forward and win today.”
Seo In-seok, trainer of Catch Race, wasn’t too downbeat. “I was hopeful for today, I don’t think she ran badly but Sunrise just ran a little bit harder. Running in these (Triple Tiara) races in three consecutive months isn’t easy so she will have a rest, and I think we will see her in some big races again.”
With a win and two placings from the three races, Catch Race is the comfortable winner of the Series in terms of points with Sunrise and Clearly Winner tied for 2nd. They will probably now move on to face their elders when the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter begins on September 20th with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3).
(Pic: KRA)
There is no Stakes action in Korea next weekend but there are still full programs at both Seoul and Busan. Group level racing returns with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the first instalment of the Premier Series, at Busan on Sunday June 28.
SUNDAY AT SEOUL SAW SUNRISE WIN THE CLOSING LEG OF THE TRIPLE ON THE UNDERCARD THE MAIN HANDICAP WAS WON BY THE PROGRESSIVE DRAGON KILLER (writes Luke Humphreys).
Dragon Killer (Power Blade) had been a beaten favourite in three attempts at Class 3 level before breaking through at that grade last time out. He went straight into Class 2 company with a dominant front-running display over the 1800M and while tiring late, had enough in hand to score by almost two-lengths. Dragon Killer was the 4.1 second pick and beat his co-favourites in Tanseongui Banseok, 3.0, and Zetta Master, 5.1, who both had too much to do from their rearward positions. The former was a neck ahead of the latter for 2nd and 3rd.
The victory of Dragon Killer completed a double for trainer Kang Hwan-min as he earlier prepared ONE DIA (Independence Hall) to win Race 7 (1400M Class 4) by two-lengths at odds of 17.2. That race saw Unju Prince start a 1.9 favourite, but he dropped out after having every chance in front.
PURGE STEP (Purge) bounced back to her best form in Race 6 (1800M Class 3) leading for the majority as the 3.3 favourite. She had won two in a row before taking her chance in the Listed Dong-a Ilbo Trophy against the best older Korean fillies and mares where she finished 13th of fourteen runners. Only 6th at her next start, she bounced back to winning ways in determined fashion after initially being headed by the eventual 2nd placed Storm Breaker halfway up the home straight.
COMPLETE STEP (Girolamo) struck a very winnable contest in Race 10 (1200M Class 4) as the only mare against the boy. A debutante was sent off as a 1.7 chance in Phantom Prince, but he had no match for Complete Step who drew clear for an easy seven-length success as the second favourite at 5.0.
RAON THE TONY (Musket Man) proved too good in Race 5 (1300M Class 5) leading throughout to break her maiden status at start six by one-length. Except for her previous start she had been consistent and paid an each-way price of 10.3.
FLYING SMART (Old Fashioned) had proven an enigma for favourite backers in her three starts prior to stepping out in Race 3 (1400M Class 6) with slow starts and rearward positions in the run doing her no favours. However, this time she began well and led under Kozzi Asano and the Tony Castanheira prepared filly scored by three-quarters of a length. Naturally, punters had not retained faith and sent her off as the 5.5 third market choice. Clair Freedom started favourite at 2.1 and finished 3rd.
Horse Racing in Korea 