Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

New cafe open in the Seoul Racecourse infield park (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

(7) GRAND PAS CLASSIC trialled well prior to his first race with a front-running four-length success before a decent second on debut. He was one-and-three-quarter lengths and one place ahead of the reopposing (6) HOPE K that day and can confirm the form. However, it would be no surprise if the latter were to reverse the deficit. He won his trial prior to his first start by ten-lengths where he led throughout. Both horses raced a bit greenly when taking each other on in their debuts and the one that races the most generously will win. They will be the two favourites by a fair way. (9) MIGHTY SAVER was fourth behind these two horses in the same race on debut and rates next over (8) CASTELLA, which is an Australian bred debutante by Prince Fawaz, (5) CLASSIC AUTUMN and (4) DAEHANUI YEONGUNG.

Selections(7) Grand Pas Classic (6) Hope K (9) Mighty Saver (8) Castella
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) KATARINARA has trialled twice for a seventh on May 7 before making up ground for second on June 25 beaten four-lengths. She was ridden by Ruan Maia in the most recent of those trials and he retains the ride for her first race and is the one to beat on that trial effort in a very winnable event. (8) POINT I has not been far away in three runs to date and that form is more than good enough for this despite being a beaten odds-on chance last time. She has the most consistent form of the raced brigade along with (5) DELTA DAECHEON so the latter obviously also rates as a strong chance. (9) WALLSTREET has had four runs and run deplorably in three of them, but the other run saw her only beaten four-and-three-quarter lengths by Concord Blue. They are surely the only four chances with (4) ROYAL MANSE and (2) FIRENZE GOLD best of the outsiders.

Selections(7) Katarinara (8) Point I (5) Delta Daecheon (9) Wallstreet
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(3) GOLDEN WARRIOR has been around the mark in most of her runs so in a tough race she gets the nod from an each-way perspective. A similar comment can be applied to (7) ECLAIR WIND who should also not be far away and (1) RACE DIVA must have as good a chance as any for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira as she has been getting better with each start. (5) YEONDONG STAR rates next over (4) QWAEGEOL CHUNHYANG with (8) SAMJEONG YEOJE and (2) JEJU PRINCESS not hopeless either in a race where you could make a case for every runner.

Selections(3) Golden Warrior (7) Eclair Wind (1) Race Diva (5) Yeondong Star
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) BULGEUN POKPUNG has been second in two of his past four with one of those runner-up finishes being a one-and-three-quarter length defeat behind subsequent Derby fifth placegetter Concord Codie which naturally reads as strong form for this. (1) GWANAKSAN CHAMP won on debut last year before finishing in the second half of the field in feature juvenile races. He has been knocking on the door for a win this season and could get it in this. (8) FINAL CHUKJE has been consistent enough to rate as an each-way chance. There are a lot of other hopes which include (4) MAX PARTY which could improve on recent runs and of course (5) RAON BLAIDE which has both the ability and Seo Seung-un to ride but he has a big weight as well. (10) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG rates next.

Selections(2) Bulgeun Pokpung (1) Gwanaksan Champ (8) Final Chukje (4) Max Party
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

The monsoon season has started but 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 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. The experience is good though as (10) DUBAI HEART led for much of the way over this distance on June 19th, before ultimately going down by a head to Tipping Point. That experience can give her the edge here. (6) GOLDEN CODE went through two trials showing on pace in both and running 2nd in both in decent times. She should be nice and fit for this and can be a danger. (5) RACE NINE similarly led in her trial before finishing three-lengths 2nd behind the experienced Doctor Louis. Seo Seung-un rode and while he gets on Golden Code, Race Nine should be in this a long way. (7) SUPER WEEK and (9) DOCTOR ATLANTIC others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(10) Dubai Heart (6) Golden Code (5) Race Nine (7) Super Week
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN seems to be figuring things out having run 3rd in both his latest two at this distance and most recently over 1400M on June 14th when he beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, he can settle behind the speed and run on and with Seo Seung-un up for the first time, today could be the day. (3) GIROL SIDAE did nothing in her first three starts but was much better when stepped up to this distance for the first time on June 6th when she led for the first time and ran 2nd. She can build on that here. (7) MORE QUICKLY also led for the first time on June 19th over this distance and finished a best to date 3rd. She can aim to match that here. (4) FANTASTIC GREEN and (8) WORLD HANI other place chances.

Selections(6) Yeonggwangui Green (3) Girol Sidae (7) More Quickly (4) Fantastic Green
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE was a winner on debut 1200M in February, making all and has been getting closer in three subsequent starts at this level, most recently on June 12th when having led again, she beat a couple of today’s rivals when finishing 3rd.  Her win came from gate ten so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can win. It’s been a long time since (3) BLACK JILJU’s solitary salute but her recent form reads well with two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and she should be around the mark again. (8) SONGJEONG TODAY beat Black Jilju when winning at this class and distance on June 7th. She is up 4.5kg in weight and she has been a bit of an all or nothing horse so far but she clearly has some talent. (7) AEGIS CROWN should strip fitter second up, while (9) WHITE OIL is another in the frame.

Selections(11) Road To Number One (3) Black Jilju (8) Songjeong Today (7) Aegis Crown
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) POWERFUL MENIFEE debuted in last year’s Rookie Stakes, finishing last, and then didn’t reappear until May 1st. He was a winner on return before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on June 5th showing on pace throughout. He can be on pace again today and this time can win. (4) BULBIT YEONGMA won at start two over 1200M and after a pair of 5th places to start life at class 5 has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two coming from well off the pace and she should be close again here. (3) DOCTOR CHAMP is yet to win in eight attempts but has three runner-up finishes including one at this class two starts back. He was a bit one paced last time out when 5th but is worth another chance in this company. (11) WORLD FIGHTER MAN and (6) DORAON SAMSON others in line for the minors.

Selections(5) Powerful Menifee (4) Bulbit Yeongma (3) Doctor Champ (11) World Fighter Man
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Korea Racing Report: July 3-5

SUNDAY AT SEOUL SAW A 1200M CLASS 1 AS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND AND THE POSSIBLE LAST RUN FOR SOME OF SEOUL’S BEST SPRINTERS BEFORE SEPTEMBER’S INTERNATIONAL KOREA SPRINT AND IT SAW KOREA’S BEST SPRINTER BOMB OUT WHILST THE ENIGMATIC NICE FORCE showed that on his day, he can really match it with the best of them as he produced a win from the top under Ruan Maia (writes Luke Humphreys).

Nice Force (Mor Spirit), 9.6 fourth favourite, had gone into the inaugural running of the KRA Sprint on Grand Prix Day last year as an odds-on favourite but bombed out and had been inconsistent in five runs since. On Sunday he showed his best form and it was good enough to run the legs off his rivals and score by three-quarters of a length. Haksan Speed, who had run very well in the Busan Ilbo and SBS Sports Sprints, put his poor SROA Chairman’s Sprint run behind him with a 2nd place finish as the 4.3 second choice with Something Lost in 3rd. The 4.9 third favourite Crown Hamseong has been up and down in form this year and was only 6th after receiving every chance in the run.

However, the talking point out of the race is the performance of Korea’s best sprinter Vincero Cavallo who was never closer than midfield and ultimately finished 9th of ten. He got himself out of a tricky rearward position on the rail in the run to finish a never nearer 3rd in the SROA Sprint and was in a similar position in this race, but there appeared to be fewer excuses this time. Vets found no abnormalities.

SU BU TAI (Concord Point) came from off the pace to score in Race 6 (1400M Class 5). The 7.4 chance provided the first Korean winner for former Selangor Turf Club champion jockey Andre Luis Da Silva, the pair overturning the favourite and long-time leader Pasa Queen in the last half-furlong. The Brazilian rider landed 72 winners in Malaysia in 2025, a full twenty-seven clear of his nearest rival. It had been a lengthy visa and insurance process for Da Silva who has now hit the ground running in a license that initially runs to the end of this year.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 5)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. And at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16.55. The nation’s top sprinter, Vincero Cavallo, will step out for the first time since his defeat in May’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint in Seoul’s concluding feature race. Here are the previews:

Can Vincero Cavallo bounce back? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has finished 4th on no fewer than six occasions across her twelve starts but she comes in off her best to date when 2nd on a filly maiden over 1400M on May 3rd. She’s had nine weeks off since and from a good draw, she can go one better today. (8) MR.CREDIT has a couple of 3rd places to his name and has also beaten a couple of these in his latest couple and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (1) COSMO JJIN ran 2nd three starts back at 1200M and was 3rd on her first try at this distance on May 10th when settling midfield and running on. She should be there or thereabouts again. (4) VALKYRIE and (6) P N S ME are the other place chances.

Selections(5) Wonderful Tune Up (8) Mr.Credit (1) Cosmo JJin (4) Valkyrie
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not a strong maiden. (9) DONGJIN BIRYUONG ran fairly on debut for 5th of eleven in a slowly run race over 1200M on June 6th. He previously finished 2nd in a trial and having derived benefit from that first effort, he has as good a chance as any here. (8) ROAD TO PERFECT has been consistent with five of her six starts to date ending up in 4th or 5th. She likes to settle back and run on and she should be aiming to go much closer today. (6) LAVITA showed on pace last time before knocking up quickly but going on the 3rd and 4th she managed in her two previous outings, she can be given another chance. (5) SEONGSIL WINNER and (2) CHEONMA NUBI others in line for the minors.

Selections(9) Dongjin Biryuong (8) Road To Perfect (6) Lavita (5) Seongsil Winner
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) SPEED BUMP looks like she is finally figuring things out with a close 2nd place over 1200M on June 5th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (6) DUBAI CANDY has mixed her form across his seven appearances so far but on her best, demonstrated when 3rd at 1300M in April, she is a chance here. (8) FANTASTIC ONE was a much-improved 4th at start number three behind Speed Bump in that June 5th race when coming from well off the pace. Debut-makers (1) FANTASTIC CHEETAH and (2) DAEGIL HWANHO have to be given a chance given the strength – or lack thereof – of opposition.

Selections(10) Speed Bump (6) Dubai Candy (8) Fantastic One (1) Fantastic Cheetah
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) MEGA WIND has made progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1300M on June 14th when settling back and running on. In this company, and from a good gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (1) THE SUPER RUNNER hasn’t quite been super just yet but he does come in off his best so far when 2nd at this distance on May 10th, leading for much of the way. He too should be up with the speed and can be in this a long way again. (5) POWERFUL ARCTIC drops back in trip following a 2nd place over 1700M on May 23rd and she shouldn’t be far away. (2) WONDERFUL CATHY and (6) PNS GUNS others in the frame.

Selections(4) Mega Wind (1) The Super Runner (5) Powerful Arctic (2) Wonderful Cathy
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) JADE PALACE ran twice in early summer last year and then once in November when he managed to pick up a win over 1200M. He has had several setbacks since then but has been in regular work since May and he looked well when 2nd in a June trial. We know he can run well first-up and he is the one to beat here. (9) CHOEGANG LOUIS is yet to win in sixteen but enters off his best result at this class when 3rd at this distance on June 7th, showing handy throughout. He continues under a light weight and can aim to match or even better that here. (2) ROAD TO FIGHTER was 2nd at this class three outings ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but is a place chance here. (8) TRIPLE J and (3) PURE MARINE perhaps the best of a limited rest.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By- Race Preview (July 4)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(6) G B ACE is a Luigi Riccardi prepared debutante that has had the one trial for a win on June 11 by one-length. The colt by Mr. Crow must be given the utmost of respect on debut under Furkan Yuksel. As must the Tony Castanheira trained, Kozzi Asano ridden (10) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA who has also had the one trial for a victory and that was also on June 11. In his case he scored by a half-length. (11) WHITE THUNDER is another that has had the solitary trial and it was also on the second Thursday of June where he finished second behind a runaway winner coming from midfield. Seo Seung-un rides the Hansen filly for Choi Yong-geon. The first three trials that were held at this venue from the eleventh of last month look to hold the key to the race with (9) GHOST SONIC another that has trialled once for a second on May 21. (7) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG rates next over (1) BLITZ CARA.

Selections(6) G B Ace (10) Tongkwaehanseungja (11) White Thunder (9) Ghost Sonic
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) BEONGAE LEWIS was an impressive twelve-length winner of his trial on June 11 and this Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old Uncaptured colt looks like he will be extremely hard to beat on his race debut. (9) GLOBAL DINO has only raced once and that was twelve months ago when finishing last but in a strong race. He finished fourth in a trial on May 14 and should be kept safe. (4) OPUS ONE has had the two trials for a sixth in November and a seventh in June. The Roshe combination of trainer Seong Sanghyun and owner Park Jae-yong combine and he should not be discarded on debut. (7) DAREURI YEOWANG has been just behind the placegetters in three runs and rates next along with (8) CHEONGGANG BOM and (5) GEUMSEONG QUEEN.

Selections(1) Beongae Lewis (9) Global Dino (4) Opus One (7) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) LOVELY JACKPOT has trialled since last racing and that effort saw him split Mujehan Geup, one of the top juveniles from last season, and Aman Barows, a subsequent impressive trial winner, so in what is the toughest of the three maiden races to assess that form is good enough to go close. (6) SAENAE RANIA was a beaten odds-on chance last time but was going well enough prior to be given another chance. (9) POWER MAGIC has the been clearly the most consistent of these so in a race with little form to go on she is the safest bet in the race each-way. (1) LOOM CHUKJE might be able to improve on her debut with (5) GOD SPEED and (2) PLAY STAY best of the rest.

Selections(3) Lovely Jackpot (6) Saenae Rania (9) Power Magic (1) Loom Chukje
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

July’s racing gets underway with an 8-race Friday card at Busan running from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(8) V-LINE won his trial in a quick time showing on pace throughout. He’s the only one in the field to have crossed the line first in a heat and with the quickest time among them too, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) MORNING ARIA ran 3rd in her trial, showing handy and running on. She draws nicely here and is a chance first-up. Not a lot to choose between the rest. (1) FOR THE VICTORY was fair in his heat but the trainer and jockey combination will put plenty on alert. (6) WORLD LION MAN and (5) POWERFUL WARRIOR are among others who have hinted at ability in the mornings.

Selections(8) V Line (3) Morning Aria (1) For The Victory (6) World Lion Man
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 0

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) NOBLE WIND was 4th in his first two starts before running an improved 3rd over 1200M on June 12th when handy throughout and narrowly missing out in 2nd. Seo Seung-un stays on and in this field, today should be the day. (1) FLASH TO ME has only been ordinary in his latest three, all of which were contested over the mile. His best result to date has come at 1400M so the steep cut back in trip can suit. (6) WORLD EAGLE CAT has a 2nd place on her resume. She’s been back to trial since her latest race outing and having completed it in a quick time at the end of May, she can be a danger. (4) HIGH TENSION and second-up (3) CHAMPUI JEONSEOL, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Noble Wind (1) Flash To Me (6) World Eagle Cat (4) High Tension
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) BREEDO SHOOTER was a late starter and then took a couple of goes to figure things out but comes in having run 3rd in both his latest two at 1300M and 1200M, racing both handy and coming from midfield. In this company he can be on pace and today can be his day. (2) HUIMANG SPEED has similarly picked up in his latest two, with a 2nd over 1300M and a 4th at 1400M. He raced on pace in both and from a good draw, he can be in this a long way. (7) SUPER HIT has a 3rd place on her record, and while she was away slowly last time out he ran on for a fair 5th and with a better beginning, she can be closer today. (3) DIA KINGDOM and (9) BEOLMAUI GEOIN others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(8) Breedo Shooter (2) Huimang Speed (7) Super Hit (3) Dia Kingdom
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Small but competitive field. (2) CHAMP SONNY is in ultra consistent form with two wins and two runner-up finishes from his latest four, the last three at this class and last two at this distance. An apprentice stops his weight going up and that along with a good draw, can see him home on top today. He gets a big weight swing on (5) TIGER MONSTER who beat his as the pair finished 1st and 2nd at this class over a mile on June 5th. Tiger Monster too has been very consistent and the step up to 1800M for the first time can suit. (1) BARBELL MOMO is a two-time winner at this distance already, most recently his latest on June 7th when he led from gate to wire. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but warrants respect here. (6) RICH ONE and (8) STRIKE ZONE among others who should be competitive.

Selections(2) Champ Sonny (5) Tiger Monster (1) Barbell Momo (6) Rich One
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2 , 5, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Korea Racing Report: June 26-28

WHILE ROSHE STOLE THE SHOW ON THE SOUTH COAST ON SUNDAY, AT HIS HOME TRACK OF SEOUL THE MAIN ACTION WAS A 2000M CLASS 1 WHICH WAS WON BY PEPPER X who justified evens favouritism under Lee Hyeok (writes Luke Humphreys).

Pepper X (Speightster) loves to lead and the last time he had led was his last victory which was a strong 1800M Class 1 score in February. He was reversing form with a few reopposing rivals after being behind them at his last couple of runs and whilst it looked as if he did not have much left early in the home straight, he had enough in hand to hold off his rivals by two-lengths. East West was 2nd with Vics Go in 3rd. The latter did not have the greatest of running room over the concluding stages, but it is hard to make a case that he would have run down the winner even with a clear run. Musket Day, winner of last month’s LR Sports Chosun Trophy was 4th, whilst Satang Sonyeo did not appreciate the drop in trip from her previous 2300M victory as she certainly made rider Jeong Jeong-hee earn his fee. She finished one place ahead of her stablemate G Motion who was 6th.

Six trainers across Seoul and Busan on Sunday (more on them later in the week). Woo Chang-ku’s final career runners in THUNDER MARVEL (Hansen) and Chang Chang Socks gave him the quinella in the concluding Race 10 (1400M Class 4) and they did it in great style with both coming from the rear of the field. Thunder Marvel beat Chang Chang Socks by three-quarters of a length with a half-length back to the 2.7 favourite Young Fighter who was 3rd. Lee Dong-ha was the winning rider on Thunder Marvel as he was in Race 5 (1300M Class 5) with GEUMJEOKSAN (Concord Point) who scored by one-and-a-half lengths as the 2.9 favourite, also for retiring trainer Woo.

Kozzi Asano was on the board riding 3.1 favourite MUNHAK CHUKJE (Blame) to an easy success in Race 8 (1600M Class 4). The Park Jae-woo prepared four-year-old colt was recording his third win at his thirteenth start.

JECHUK SANJIRO (Shackleford) landed Race 3 (1400M Class 6) under Ruan Maia, drawing clear to score by one-and-a-half lengths. He had been quite green in his previous races but was the most professional he has been to date.

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RAMPANT ROSHE ROMPS OWNERS’ CUP AND GOES SIX FOR SIX

A devastating kick in the early part of the home straight saw Roshe escape his rivals and establish himself as a serious force in Korean racing as the three-year-old was an eased down ten-length winner of the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Roshe (Pic: KRA)

Entering the race sporting a perfect five-from-five, the Song Sang-hyeon-trained three-year-old was sent off as the prohibitive 1.3 favourite, but the youngest horse in the race made that feel generous as after settling midfield under jockey Jang Chu-youl, he motored away from the field between the two and one furlong poles, putting the race to bed as a contest.

Such was the dominance of Roshe, it scarcely mattered who was behind him although the results pages will show that Best Race was 2nd and the veteran Star Matta was 3rd. True, neither they nor the thirteen others who made up the numbers here, could be considered truly elite opposition, but Roshe has made his statement.

Not that trainer Song Sang-hyeon was getting excited, agreeing with the former point rather than the latter. Song is just coming up to one year as a licensed trainer and with this his stable’s fourteenth winner, Roshe now accounts for six of them: “Roshe is a young horse, he was a bit exhausted after the journey (from Seoul). Yes, he won overwhelmingly but if you look at the race, compared to previous Owners’ Cups, it’s not exactly a strong field, is it?”

“So, if this guy (Roshe) wants to deal with truly outstanding horses in future, we have to get better in all aspects of training and get everything right. We’ll probably give him a rest for a couple of months now and then plan his future. Maybe he runs once or twice again this year.”

Owner Park Jae-yong, standing alongside the trainer added: “There are lots of horses that are good at two or three but don’t really make it in the same form to four or five-years-old, if they run at all. I see too many get injured before they can fulfil their potential, so we are going to take it slow. I thought long and hard before entering him in this Owners’ Cup because it wasn’t originally part of the plan. The real competition for him starts at four, let’s not push him too hard at three.”

Disappointing words perhaps for those who in the immediate aftermath of the race were debating whether Roshe would best suit a Korea Cup or Korea Sprint starting gate in September.

“When I saw his odds, I felt a bit of pressure” winning jockey Jang Chu-youl told KRBC. “But he is such a good horse, I thought let’s just get on with it.” As for tactics: “I didn’t really want to go to the lead as I thought the pace would be hot so I was happy to settle where we did, but the horse has such a good stride and just wants to run so I let him go and was able to ease him down at the end. It felt really good.”

Roshe is an American-bred three-year old by Rogueish and out of Hillary D (by Bellamy Road. He was a $10,000 purchase by K.O.I.D at the 2025 OBS Spring Sale and arrived in Korea two months later. He wasn’t straightforward though and there were plenty of setbacks before he debuted in October with a two-and-a-half length score over fellow imported maidens.

Prior to Sunday, his biggest win came over fellow three-year-olds in the Listed Sports Seoul over 1400M in March. He is yet to tackle further than a mile, but on the Owners’ Cup evidence, that should be well within his capabilities.

The calm words today from Roshe’s trainer contrast with what he said after that Sports Seoul victory when he commented that he could target emulating the achievement of Clean One in winning the Grand Prix at age three. There are no Stakes races for the next couple of weeks but Clean One himself should be action when they do resume with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday July 26th, the main lead up race for September’s International Korea Cup.

Owners’ Cup 2026: Preview & Form Comments

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.

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Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 28)

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 Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 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 Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 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.

Selections(4) Pachoui Kkum (5) Maewu (8) Pilseung Winner (1) Super Crown
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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 Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 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.

Selections(2) Stealth Kingman (6) Boryeonguikwaeseok (8) White Oil (11) Heuimang Tayo
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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