The phrase “time-honoured” isn’t one that can often be used unironically in Korean racing, but it applies at least in name to the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer which will be run at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday with a full field of sixteen to take their chance.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.
Raon Forest won the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer (Pic: KRA)
Ttukseom was the home of Seoul Racecourse from 1954 until the move to the present location in 1989 when the race, named in honour of the old course, was run for the first time. That old racecourse has never been built on, although it is now the location of one of Seoul’s best downtown parks and this week the bronze statues of a driving finish located at the park’s entrance were adorned with saddlecloths and caps marking this year’s race.
The conditions have changed numerous times over the years and some of the nation’s biggest stars have won the race, including Kwaedo Nanma (2002), J.S. Hold (2007) and Dangdae Bulpae (2011).
However, since 2012 it has been for fillies and mares only. Appearing in the “international blue book” in 2015 it was won by Japanese raider Esmeraldina although she is to date, the only internationl visitor to compete. There are none this year either, but there will be a new name on the trophy this time around as Jeulgeounyeojeong, who won the last two editions, is not sent out in pursuit of a third.
RAON FOREST won the first leg of the series, the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-L) in March and she will be among the favourites to prevail again. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN and ONEULDO SMILE are among others with strong chances while SATANG SONYEO and GLADIUS are also very capable performers.
The Ttukseom Cup is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul: Here’s how they line up:
1. TIARA SUA – Since figuring things out, she has at least placed in each of her last eight starts and comes in off a win over this distance at class 3 level on March 29th when she led. Much tougher company today but can lead and be in this a long way.
2. CATCH THE DREAM – Races for the first time since last October when well beaten by plenty of these but she is a winner of five from eleven and was an on-pace winner in a very quick time in a March trial. Draws nicely to put in a big effort first-up. Place chance.
The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer headlines Seoul on Sunday with the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2). There are 10 races in total at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 while at Busan there are 7 races from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
The bronzes in Ttukseom sporting caps and saddlecloths this week
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BEAT FRESH was ordinary on debut but since has a 4th and two 3rd places, most recently over this distance on March 8th when racing handy throughout. She should be on or close to the pace here and shapes as the one to beat. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest final furlong average time among the field and can be coming on strong late. (2) COMPLETE FUTURE did precisely nothing in his first three starts but was a significantly improved 3rd on March 22nd over this distance. He draws well and can build on that here. (4) LOVING PURPLE and (6) PASA ACE are others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) NAOL AURORA has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and both times running through the line well. She steps up in trip for the first time but that shouldn’t be a problem, and she should be coming out on top today. (1) P.P. JJANG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on March 8th when he didn’t get quite as far back as he did in his first two disappointing efforts. With similar tactics today, he can be in the finish again. (11) GLOBAL LAND was a beaten favourite last time out, but she does have a 3rd place to her name and CC returning to the ride can be in her favour here. (7) DELTA CHOEGANG and (6) VALKYRIE are others in line for the minors.
Selections
(10) Naol Aurora (1) P.P. Jjang (11) Global Land (7) Delta Choegang
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
2, 8, 10, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-debut makers here and we’ll side with one of them (2) WILD REAL went through two trials, improving significantly in the second one when on pace throughout and crossing the line a very close 2nd in a quick time (61.4 seconds – it was a voluntary trial so it won’t be in every racecard but it was on April 2nd). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will win. (5) FLEX KHAN ran 4th on debut all the way back last September. He went lame ahead of a planned start in November but has been back in work since the start of March and looked well in a quick trial on April 2nd. He can go well first up today. (8) NORTHERN QUEEN has made progress across five starts so far and was a solid 2nd at this distance on April 10th. She makes a quick reappearance here and while up 3kg in weight, she should be close again. (10) UNJU DAEBAK and (3) P.D SPECIAL others who can improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (5) URUS SABBIA came from the widest gate to sit just behind the speed and then run on to win over 1300M on debut on March 21st. He comes up in class and slightly in trip and while he doesn’t get a weight break, he can win again. (7) CHOWOLMA got his maiden win at 1300M in January and while his first go at this class was nothing special, he improved to 2nd behind Young Fighter on March 22nd. He tackles the 1400M for the first time and is up 2kg in weight (to the same weight under which he won) but he can be a big danger. (8) MIGHTY CRIS ran 2nd on his first try at this class over 1700M on March 22nd. He returns to the distance at which he got his maiden win and while up in weight, he can be competitive. (4) STUNNING SERVE and (10) COWBOY SOCKS others in at least the placing picture.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an inauspicious debut, (2) OASIS HAPPY has registered a 2nd and a 4th at 1300M and 1400M, settling just behind the leaders both times and running on. The step up to the mile can suit and from a good draw in a race with no early speed, Seo Seung-un can go to the front and stay there. (8) WIN NOW has a 3rd and a 4th from two outings to date, bot over 1400M and both times beating a couple of today’s rivals. Franco climbs on and given the way he finished off those races, the extended trip can be in his favour too. (1) I AM HAPPY returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on March 27th. He should have come on for the run and can match or better that today. (6) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL and (7) WORLD TRIPLE CAT others who can be around the mark.
Selections
(2) Oasis Happy (8) Win Now (1) I Am Happy (6) Dolgyeok Special
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) FIGHTER got his maiden win over 1700M at the end of February before running 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on March 28th, showing close to the pace throughout and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He comes up 3.5kg in weight, but that shouldn’t be a problem, and he is the one to beat. (2) LUCKY JOY was an on-pace winner over 1700M on March 29th. He is up in class but draws well to lead again and he can measure up. So too can (1) BREEDO CALEY. He’s still a maiden but has run 2nd in both his latest two and he may well appreciate the increased trip today. (4) SHARKTEN and (8) JISAN FRIEND are the other main contenders.
Selections
(10) Fighter (2) Lucky Joy (1) Breedo Caley (4) Sharkten
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL showed a decent turn of foot in his trial, settling midfield and finishing off well for a close 3rd in a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he is a chance. (8) STEPPING STONE went through two trials, improving in the second of them when he came out on top having raced handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for his debut. (1) BEAUTIFULLY similarly had two trials, running second in the latest of them. From the inside gate she has a real chance too. With the three with experience not having impressed, other debut-makers (2) STUNNING SKET and (11) MASK GIRL look the most likely.
Selections
(6) Naegiluiwonderful (8) Stepping Stone (1) Beautifully (2) Stunning Sket
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) UHANGSANGSTAR came from the widest gate and a long way back to run 2nd on debut over 1200M back at the end of January. She then went lame so she hasn’t raced since but she came back into full work on April 12th and if her fitness is up to scratch, she should make a winning return. (6) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI looks to be figuring things out with his latest three finishes being his best, including a close 2nd place at this distance. He had an apprentice claim in all three of those, which he doesn’t get today, but in this limited company, it shouldn’t matter and he can be close again. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has been knocking on the door of the places in recent outings and can be in the mix again. (4) K N STORM and (7) BLUE DRAGON other minor money chances.
Selections
(9) Uhangsanstar (6) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Cheongryong Giun (4) K N Storm
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (1) BLACK MAMA has a couple of 4th places to her name, most recently on March 29th when she was ridden further forward than previously. She draws well for the same tactics here, Maia is on for the first time, and she can win. (7) ORATORIUM was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 15th when from a wide gate, she settled midfield and finished off well. She draws better today and if she has come on for the run, she has every chance. Continuing the pattern of last start 4th places, (2) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU improved to finish there at start two on March 29th and can continue to make progress here. (6) STUNNING BOLT and (9) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO are the other place chances.
Selections
(1) Black Mama (7) Oratorium (2) Cheondungui Jilju (6) Stunning Bolt
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) GOJU ILCHEOK has made steady progress across his latest couple of outings and comes in having stepped up to 1700M for the first time on March 14th and recording his best result to date when 2nd having been ridden much further forward much earlier than in previous starts. He draws well for a repeat of those tactics, and he is the one to beat. (3) SKYLOR TAEHA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1400M at start number two on March 22nd. The step up to two tuns can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (6) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts but comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and she can be there or thereabouts again. (11) BLACK SUN and (9) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(4) Goju Ilcheok (3) Skylor Taeha (6) Bulguksidae (11) Black Sun
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11.15 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) DELTA FORCE has a pair of 3rd places among three starts to date, most recently at 1200M on March 29th when handy throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He comes into a much better gate today, and he has every chance. (11) KISS THE RAIN was a well-beaten favourite on March 22nd when doing himself no favours by laying out throughout. Prior to that, he had a 2nd and a 3rd and with better manners, he can be given another chance. (1) MAGIC HAMMER got his second 3rd place finish over 1200M on March 20th and from the inside gate can be aiming to match or better that here. (7) SUPER HIT and (5) ONNURI PARTY others in the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Delta Force (11) Kiss The Rain (1) Magic Hammer (7) Super Hit
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) BACK TO THE DREAM was 3rd on debut and then 2nd at start number two over 1300M on March 27th when handy throughout. He does have the challenge of a wider gate this time but third-up he can be peaking, and he can win. (8) RIVER RUN took plenty of trials to get to the races and was accordingly unfancied on debut over 1200M on March 3rd. He got a long way back, but he ran on pleasingly for 5th and with some natural improvement, as well as the extended trip, he could be the danger. (9) VIRAL HIT was an improved 4th at this distance on March 22nd, settling midfield and running on and she can build on that today. (12) SWEET MAN and (2) WONDERFUL SMART others who could have a say in the minors.
Selections
(11) Back To The Dream (8) River Run (9) Viral Hit (12) Sweet Man
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 11, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (7) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE has only missed the top four once and even then, two starts back, she beat a couple of today’s rivals. She enters having been the beaten favourite in a similar race to this on March 23rd when taken down late by Sunrise, and she can go one better today. (3) DUBAI SEONMUL was slow away in that race from the widest gate and never playing a role. She was a smart maiden winner at her previous start, but from a much better gate, she is worth another chance today, (12) SEONGSIL WORLD got her maiden win two starts back over 1300M, showing on pace, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on March 20th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here, but she can be in the finish again. The form falls off after those three with (8) MAGIC SHOW and (2) THIS WAY probably the best of the rest.
Selections
(7) Lampyojeonggeenie (3) Dubai Seonmul (12) Seongsil World (8) Magic Show
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After finishing 4th on debut, (10) LIGHTNING FORCE has won two in a row, both over 1200M and most recently at this class on April 3rd when leading all the way. He comes up 2kg in weight and draws wider than he has before, but neither should be insurmountable and he can complete his hat-trick here. None of the rest enter in much form. (4) ISIMNYEON JIGI has been around the mark with three 4th places at this class since his maiden win. He got a bit far back from a wide gate last time on March 22nd out but can be better today. (5) BULBIT GANGJA went even worse in that March 22nd race but prior to that ran 3rd at class and distance in February and can be given another chance here. (3) GAON BOSS and (8) THEIA other minor chances.
Selections
(10) Lightning Force (4) Isimnyeon Jigi (5) Bulbit Gangja (3) Gaon Boss
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Success Baekpa took the YTN Cup by the scruff of the neck and never let go to hold off a late challenge from two-time defending champion Global Hit to win the 2nd leg of the Stayer Series (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Success Baekpa holds off Glocal Hit in the YTN (Pic: KRA)
Under Jin Kyum, Success Baekpa was ridden up from the gate to sit outside pacesetter Vet Captain, taking things up in the home straight and opening up an unassailable advantage. Global Hit loomed up late and got withing a length with Speed Young and pre-race market-elect Gangpungma 3rd and 4th.
“I wanted to avoid kickback, so I was happy to go forward and then just sit outside the leader and then manage the pace” winning jockey Jin Kyum told KRBC. “After consulting with the trainer, we decided to go to the front and while I could see Global Hit coming up into my view, I never thought that we would lose.”
“The horse really showed his best today…I feel that he has grown to the next level now and I really think on this form he can win a President’s Cup.”
Trainer Min Jang-gi was also satisfied that Success Baekpa was back at his best. “As you know, he had a break after the Grand Prix when he didn’t run well – there simply weren’t any suitable races for him. I was happy with his comeback in the Herald Business, and he lifted from that today.”
Min confirmed that he will be targeted solely at the biggest races for the rest of the year. “There is nowhere for him to go in regular (handicap) races because he would have to carry 60kg. So, it will be the Graded races all the way to the Grand Prix.”
Success Baekpa [Purge – Baekpa (by Revere)] is a five-year entire who is out of a Korean oaks winner and who himself won two legs of the Triple Crown in 2024, missing out only in the Derby where he was 3rd. While Sunday’s victory was only his eighth in twenty-two starts but it was his fifth in Group company with those two classics followed up with victory in last year’s Herald Business and KRA Cup Classic.
It has been a long time since Global Hit was sent off as low as fifth in the betting (at least in a Korean race) but while the Global Hit of old would probably have cruised past Success Baekpa, he showed that he is still a top line horse, despite his injury setbacks. Speed Young did what Speed Young does and ran a very solid race for yet another placing.
As for Gangpungma, it may be that it isn’t going to happen for him at Group level He came into the race weighing almost 50kg heavier than any of the others and while he was sent off as favourite, he never looked like winning. Meanwhile Graded level proved too much just yet for Young Skywalker, with the only four-year-old in the race running an anonymous 6th, eight lengths behind the last of the top-five.
The final leg of the Stayer Series is the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on May 24th and it won’t be a straightforward task for Success Baekpa to follow-up as Herald Business winner and the reigning Grand Prix champion Clean One, who was kept out of the YTN Cup for workload management reasons, is expected to return.
Next week, focus turns to the filly and mare division with the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer.
AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY SUCCESS BAEKPA WAS THE ONE THAT MADE THE MOST OF NOT HAVING TO COMPETE WITH CLEAN ONE IN THE YTN CUP BUT ON THE UNDERCARD THE CLOSING CLASS 2 WAS THE MAIN HANDICAP AND TRAUM KING completed a treble on the program for jockey Jang Chu-youl .
Traum King (To Honor And Serve) was 5th at LR level in the Ilgan Sports Trophy last year prior to three runs at Class 2 level for a 3rd, 7th and 8th however broke through at attempt four recording his fifth win from nineteen starts with an extending three-length victory. Blue Lemon did the chasing in 2nd whilst the 2.9 favourite Eldorado Nolbu ran his usual honest race but was a never nearer 3rd ahead of Silver Rain in 4th.
RAON FLORENCE (Musket Man) was sent off a short-priced favourite at 2.5 in Race 8 (1200M Class 3) but confirmed his favourite status however only just, with victory in the last couple of strides by an extending half-length. Star Trek was ridden confidently from the front by Johan Victoire but was collared in the dying stages by Raon Florence whilst the 4.3 second choice Cheonmahoryeong was a further half-length away in 3rd. Raon Florence and Cheonmahoryeong have had a good rivalry, and the score is now 3-1 in favour of the former.
WONDERFUL LORD (J P’s Gusto) came from the second half of the field to grab victory late in Race 9 (1400M Class 3) by one-length over Seobu Champ with the 4.6 favourite Gold Catcher being caught late in 3rd after attempting to lead throughout under Johan Victoire.
Trainer Kang Sung-o, on the back of winning half of the program at this meeting seven days ago, had a race-to-race-to-race treble early in the card with DAEHAN COCO’S (Mischieviously) leading throughout to win Race 3 (1400M Class 6) by three-lengths before ECLIPSE THE QUEEN (Shackleford) followed up her course, distance, and grade victory last month with another 1400M Class 5 victory in Race 4 as the 3.1 favourite. The horse to complete the treble for Kang was DAEHAN POWER (Power Blade) who came from well back to storm home and win Race 5 (1300M Class 5) by four-lengths, not quite in the manner of his extraordinary March 21 victory but impressive, nonetheless. That gave his owner Lee Jong-su a double, owner of Daehan Coco’s, as well as being the second of the three victories on the day Jang Chu-youl who started the treble in the opening 1200M Class 6 when scoring on board LAST K (Cowboy Cal).
3kg apprentice Kwon Jung-seok was the winning jockey on the aforementioned Eclipse The Queen and followed up in Race 6 (1800M Class 4) on board THEME TANSAENG (Take Charge Indy) which led throughout to score by one-and-a-half lengths. 7.6 fourth pick Black Sidae was the best of the four horses in single digits in the betting finishing 2n with 5.9 third choice Fashion Star in 3rd. The 2.3 favourite Ghost Chrysol and 4.5 second market choice My Munnings never got warm finishing 5th and 7th.
There won’t be a clean sweep in this year’s Stayer Series as Clean One, the dominant winner of the opening leg a month ago, swerves this Sunday’s YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse, but in his absence a top set of runners make for a very competitive race.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
Global Hit is bidding for a third YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
After winning the Grand Prix by a full nine-lengths before scoring in a facile manner in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3 on March 15th, Clean One has established himself as the top horse in the division. Connections, however, are plotting his 2026 campaign carefully with tilts at the Korea Cup and a defense of the Grand Prix being his priorities.
With the final leg of this series being at Clean One’s home track of Busan, traveling for the YTN is the one that has been given up.
There is a two-time defending champion. GLOBAL HIT won the race as a four-year-old in 2024 and then upheld local pride by seeing off Japanese raider Yumeno Honoo a year ago. Given his recent injury struggles, a third victory seems unlikely, but his underlying ability remains, as evidenced by his close 2nd when conceding weight to YEONGGWANGUIFIRST in February.
It could be the best chance for GANGPUNGMA to get a Group win on the board. A revelation in his five-year-old campaign he was 2nd to Speed Young in the President’s Cup and to Clean One in the Grand Prix with his habit of being slow out of the gate hindering him both times. 3rd in the Herald Business, he will start as favourite.
SPEED YOUNG has the same owner as Gangpungma and the “Swiss Army Knife Horse” is the most versatile in the race, able to compete in Group company at any distance. It would be a huge surprise if he did not at least place.
In the absence of much early speed, SUCCESS BARKPA may be taken forward. He was 2nd in the Herald Business, and while his good days are interspersed with ordinary ones, he isn’t to be dismissed.
The up and comers were set to be headed by Geudaemaniddamyeon. However, the country’s highest rated three-year-old suffered a condular fracture last week and underwent surgery that will keep him out for the rest of the season.
Instead, it is four-year-old YOUNG SKYWALKER who is the youngest in the race. Last time he was in Seoul, he ran a fair 6th of twelve on the President’s Cup, but he has constructed a three-race winning streak since then.
The YTN Cup is race 7 at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 15:40.
1. GANGPUNGMA – Runner-up in the G1 President’s Cup and G1 Grand Prix, then a smart class 1 winner over 2000M before running 3rd in the G3 Herald Business. The start has been his undoing but if he gets away better, even if there is no speed on, this really should be his day.
2. VET CAPTAIN – A revelation at six-years-old coming in off two strong wins at a mile and 1800M. He has never raced over 2000M before, nor has he tackled such company at level weights, but he is a front-runner and they will need to go past him. Minor money chance.
Sunday’s feature is the second leg of the 2026 Korea Stayer Series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
The great Winner’s Man was YTN Cup winner (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) IKKEULIM returned from four months out in January to run a close 2nd over this distance having led for most of the way. He weakened late on his latest outing on March 7th over 1300M, but slightly back in trip and in this company, he should have too much and can make his breakthrough. (1) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut in February and then an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when handy throughout. He looks to have scope for more progress here and from the inside gate, can be on pace early and in this a long way. (9) THUNDER RUN enters off back-t-back 4th places and against this lot can be aiming for better. He hasn’t raced since January but looked well when finishing (where else?) 4th in a trail two weeks ago. (4) ONNURI BIT and (5) LEGEND MATCH others in the placing frame.
Selections
(6) Ikkeulim (1) Cowboy Queen (9) Thunder Run (4) Onnuri Bit
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) PLAY MATCH was a good 4th on debut over 1200M back on February 7th when settling midfield and running on well. It has taken him a while to get back though he has been in regular work since the start of this month and with some natural improvement, he can win this. (3) BINNALEEDS has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd at 1200M on March 8th when for the first time she raced on pace. She comes up to this trip for the first time, and she should be a danger. (1) MEGA WIND got a long way back from the widest gate on debut but ran on well enough for 6th. With that experience under his belt and with a much better draw, he can improve today. (7) SINCHEON HEART and (5) SPICE BAND other place chances.
Selections
(2) Play Match (3) Binnaleeds (1) Mega Wind (7) Sincheon Heart
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (5) INDIE TIGER trialed last May without making it to the races but came back this March and won a heat in a quick time, settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance. (2) PERFECT POINT didn’t do a lot on debut last November but has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts since at 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times. Under an apprentice claim he comes down in weight and drawn well to lead again, he can be in this a long way. (12) CHAMPUI HYANGGI has finished 5th in both starts so far, coming from off the pace, and should be aiming to be closer this time. (4) DREAM BIG and (1) MUHANDAE BIT finished 4th and 5th respectively in a March 19th trial and look the best of the rest.
Selections
(5) Indie Tiger (2) Perfect Point (12) Champui Hyanggi (4) Dream Big
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) DREAM DIA has been working towards a win across her eight starts so far, with her latest being her best when an on pace 2nd over this distance on March 21st. She draws the same gate and from on the speed again, she should win this time. (2) DUSON LIFE came from off the pace to run 3rd in a very weak maiden last time (for non-placers of at least five). This race isn’t much stronger and from a better draw and Kozzi on for the first time, he can get closer. (7) DAEHAN COCO’S has a 3rd and four 4th place finishes to her name, and she should be there or thereabouts again. (3) EUNPA SWEET returned from eight months out on March 15th but had a hard time after a bad start. She should strip fitter for that run and be closer today. (1) BROWN SUGAR another who could improve.
Selections
(4) Dream Dia (2) Duson Life (7) Daehan Coco’s (3) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) HAENGBOK TREE was a fair 4th on debut last November but then didn’t reappear until March 22nd when she was a strong 2nd over 1400M racing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for that run, and while she comes up to the mile for the first time, it can suit. (4) RESONANCE MARINE stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 27th and uncharacteristically led. It paid off as she ran a best to date 3rd, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process, and she can back that up here. (2) JEONGMUN SKIP is up to a mile for the first time but gets a better draw than in his latest two and he should be close. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK was 4th in that March 27th race and in this company, looks a good chance of making the minors again. (3) THANKYOUFORTHETIME another in the placing frame.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After showing on pace then weakening on debut, (5) GOLDEN MATCH stayed on at start number two for a solid 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd in a good time. He draws well to lead again, and it can be third time lucky here. (6) PURPLE KOREA has raced twice for two 3rd place finishes, both times over this distance and both times showing on the early speed. She too can be nice and fit for this and will be challenging for the lead from the start. (8) JEJU BLUE was a much-improved 2nd in his second start over this distance in March 2nd when leading for much of the way around. Another who will be competing to get to the front form the start, he can be in this a long way. (4) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK is half-sister to Jeulgeounyeojeong and showed well in two trials. The only debut-maker, she can make a good impression here. (1) K-QUEEN another in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Golden Match (6) Purple Korea (8) Jeju Blue (4) Nasca Bulchunggaek
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ten fillies and one gelding here. (3) CALL ME SKY was a quick 2nd on debut but was well beaten when sent off as a 1.2 odds-on favourite for start number two on February 8th. He missed the start that day and was always up against from there ultimately finishing in 6th. Following that he missed some work with back pain but has been back in regular work since the start of this month and with a better start today, is the one to beat. (6) DAJEONGHAN enters off a 3rd place over 1400M on March 21st when beating two of today’s rivals. She can settle behind the speed here and be in the finish. That solitary gelding is (11) SUN RISE KING, who improved to a close 2nd at this distance on March 22nd. He has the challenge of the widest gate but can be a danger. (5) GOLDEN WARRIOR and (7) JEJU PRINCESS others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Call Me Sky (6) Dajeonghan (11) Sun Rise King (5) Golden Warrior
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A maiden for horses who have raced at least five times without placing so something here is going to win for the first and almost certainly only time. That might be (3) LUGE, who returned from four months out to run 5th of ten over 1300M on March 2nd, beating two of today’s rivals in the process. He has a 4kg claim again and won’t need to improve any to win this. (5) M J VET was 6th in that race having been sent off at a considerably shorter price than Luge. She has run fairly at this trip before and that can help her try to overturn the three-lengths she has to find. It’s tossing darts with the rest. (1) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO led over 1700M so the combination of dropping back in trip and the inside gate can be in his favour. (4) STAR KILLER comes out of the March 2nd race where he was 7th but this time gets an apprentice claim bringing him down 3kg. (6) BITCHUI SUNGAN is one paced but that may be enough to run into some minor money here.
Selections
(3) Luge (5) M J Vet (1) Beolgyosamjoko (4) Star Killer
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A couple of maidens go on top here. (9) MASTER PLAN has mixed his form over seven starts but proved he is competitive at this level with a 2nd place over this distance on March 8th when settling midfield and running on. Three of his four placings have come over 1400M and he has a chance of breaking through here. So too does (3) GEOMEUN SUP, who will get the nod from those favouring consistency. While yet to win in seven outings, he has finished no worse than 5th and has run 3rd (dead-heating) and 4th in two tries at this class at 1700M and 1800M. He drops back to the trip at which he got his best results so far and from a good gate can lead early. (1) TAEGISAN KING has won a race and while he has mixed his form in five starts at this level since, he enters off a very close 2nd at class and distance on March 21st, and a similar effort will see him in the finish again. (10) JIJON BULPAE and (8) HAKSAN SWORD other place chances.
Selections
(9) Master Plan (3) Geomeun Sup (1) Taegisan King (10) Jijon Bulpae
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) GOLD POCKET was on pace on debut over this distance on March 20th when beating a couple of these on her way to 2nd place behind a good winner. She should have come on for that run, she should be on pace again, and she will be a short price to go one better. (2) OASIS KINGDOM has raced twice and was an improved 5th over 1400M on March 29th. He makes a quick return here and possible peaking fitness wise, he can get much closer. (1) GAON PERFECT ran 3rd on debut in that March 20th race behind Gold Pocket. He has seven-lengths to find on the filly, but it wasn’t a bad effort and he can improve. (11) OVER RAINBOW and debut-maker (5) STEALTH KINGMAN others who can be in the finish.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The second division of the opening maiden and there will probably be an equally strong favourite. (2) POWERFUL THUNDER has made steady progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on March 20th. He draws a much better gate than in any of his last three so he should get an easier run to the front and then take some beating. (10) VELOCI QUEEN has impressed in all three outings with a 4th, a 2nd, and a 3rd. She has a strong finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she will be a big danger late. (4) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA was 2nd on debut all the way back in July last year and then finally returned to run a fair 3rd on March 8th when leading for much of the way. He’ll be challenging for the speed again and can be in the finish. Those three will be at the top of most tickets, with (11) DIA X and perhaps the sole first-time starter (5) BUTTER CRASH others to look out for.
Selections
(2) Powerful Thunder (10) Veloci Queen (4) Success Pyeonghwa (11) Dia X
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 5
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(6) TRIPLE SINHWA stepped up to this distance for the first time last November and was a solid winner at class 4 level. Since then, he has raced three times at this class, all again over the 1800M and has finished 2nd all three times, most recently racing handy on March 6th. He has his fair share of weight but Seo Seung-un stays on, and he is favoured to return to winning ways. Second favourite will be (4) BEST BOY. Remarkably, at start number thirty, he is racing at both this class and distance for the very first time, but he enters in very good form, winning over a mile three starts back and following up with a 3rd and a 2nd. That brings him up in class, but he is down a full 5kg in weight and that should make him very competitive. (2) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG could only manage 6th of twelve last time out on March 20th but she was a winner at this distance in January and under a light weight, she can be in the finish. (8) GASOK JEIL and (5) VEREUDA will need passes on their respective latest efforts to be best of the rest.
Selections
(6) Triple Sinhwa (4) Best Boy (2) Tohamsan Taeyang (8) Gasok Jeil
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 