SROA Chairman’s Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 17)

It’s “Owners’ Day” in Seoul this Sunday and in the feature race Vincero Cavallo will bid to complete back-to-back clean sweeps of the the Sprint Series. The SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) is race 8 with a local post time of 16:30. There are 10 Sunday races in Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GOLDEN WARRIOR has started to figure things out across her latest couple with a 5th and most recently a close 3rd place on April 18th at this distance when, as has been her habit, she was slow away before running on well. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win here. (6) CRUSH GIRL also came from a long way back to run a fair 4th on debut over 1200M. She should have derived benefit from that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she is a chance here. (4) NINE SPEAR enters off a 3rd place over 1200M on April 18th and can be in the finish again. (5) B.K. VIVACE and (9) DANAEUN RUBY are others who can be considered on a place line.

Selections(2) Golden Warrior (6) Crush Girl (4) Nine Spear (5) B.K. Vivace
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BEST FREEDOM has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times coming from just behind the speed over 1400M. There’s not much early speed in this race so he shapes as the potential leader here and he can win. (4) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI has eight top five finishes including each of his latest four, all over this distance.  He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be challenging late here. (8) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has mixed his form across his five appearances so far but if we go on his 2nd place at this distance at the start of March when he was on the speed, he has to be given a chance here. (6) THE SUN COMING is back in trip and comes out of a trial and along with (1) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU is another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Best Freedom (4) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Sunganui Fighter (6) The Sun Coming
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) POWERFUL BATTLE comes in off a much-improved narrow 2nd place to Powerful Thunder, who went on to win again on Friday (albeit after the favourite unseated his rider). Drawing the same inside gate he can be on pace again and this time he will be a short price to go one better.   There is one debut-maker. (5) FANTASTIC CITY is a half-brother to seven-time winner Baekduui Kkum and looked competent enough in the second of two trials, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough. This is a nice race to start off in. (8) NOBLE WIND was 4th on debut over 1200M on April 26th and with some natural improvement, can build on that here. (2) SAENAE HILL and (9) HIGH TENSION others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Powerful Battle (5) Fantastic City (8) Noble Wind (2) Saenae Hill
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) VINCENT KATHY obliged on debut on April 12th with an all the way score over 1200M. She is up in class here and doesn’t get a weight break but from the inside gate she can lead again and win again. (11) X TEN got her maiden win three starts back over 1300M and has a 5th and a 3rd in two subsequent outings at this level. Seo Seung-un, in town for the big race later, is an interesting booking, and she will be close. (6) GANGHAN GAMMA was 3rd in that April 12th race, settling back early before being ridden up to behind the speed. She is yet to win in four attempts but that was her third consecutive placing, and she can measure up in this company. (9) CHEONG WOL and (7) MIGHTY CAP among others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(1) Vincent Kathy (11) X Ten (6) Ganghan Gamma (9) Cheong Wol
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN enters off a very close 2nd place over a mile on April 19th. He also has a 3rd place at this distance and with Nam Jong-hyeok’s 2kg claim, he can make his breakthrough today. (8) SPACE GOLD has made progress across three outings so far with his best being his latest on March 1st when 4th over this distance. His times haven’t been quick, but he looks to have the potential for more and in this company, he can continue to get closer. (7) HANGANG BRAVO similarly comes in following is best to date when 4th over 1200M at the end of February. He comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and against this opposition should be aiming for better. (1) LIKE DRAGON and (2) GREAT POWER other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Hwaryeohan Sungan (8) Space Gold (7) Hangang Bravo (1) Like Dragon
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(4) AESUNI got her maiden win in convincing fashion on March 1st, leading all the way. She came close to repeating the trick on April 11th on her first try at this class, ultimately coming home 2nd. She does come up 3.5kg in weight here, but that’s balanced by a good draw and she can win here. The one she’ll need to beat is (7) GEUMJEOKSAN. She got her win at start two over this distance last November and has held her own in three outings since at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She is another who likes to be on pace and cutting back in trip, she is a big danger. (9) PANGPANG DAERO and (10) MUNHAK FIGHTER came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on April 18th. They both come up 2.5kg in weight, but it shouldn’t stop either from being competitive here. Up in class last start winner (5) HAKSAN TAEPUNG can measure up.

Selections(4) Aesuni (7) Geumjeoksan (9) Pangpang Daero (10) Munhak Fighter
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 16)

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

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

(4) DREAM DIA is the only horse engaged to have run into second place in their career to date and in her case, it was two runs ago on March 21 when grabbed in the last couple of strides. She dropped out and only beat one home last start, when an odds-on chance, which is a concern but if she runs to the form of two back, she can win. (1) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA has been fifth in two runs to date and can get a bit closer in this. (6) MAX MAN has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of his five starts to date and can be around the mark once more. (9) STUNNING CALIBER had two tenth places followed by three consecutive sixth place finishes before a career best third last time. (2) K-QUEEN is next best over (5) LOVELY JACKPOT.

Selections(4) Dream Dia (1) Bulgeun Yeojeonsa (6) Max Man (9) Stunning Caliber
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) BEST SECRET went off well in the market when fourth in a much stronger maiden than this on debut, the winner has subsequently won again, and whilst she was beaten nine-and-a-quarter lengths she can go a few places better. (8) HAKSAN HENNY is the only one in the field to have run second in a race and that came last start on March 22 when running Kia Ora to four-lengths. He has not been too far away in most of his runs to date and that should be the case again here. (5) VICAR DELLA is a Seo In-seok prepared Uncaptured filly on debut that has had the two trials with the best of those her most recent when second beaten one-length on April 23. (10) CHEONGGANG BOM rates next over (11) SMART TOUCH and the other of the two debutantes (2) PNS WINNER.

Selections(6) Best Secret (8) Haksan Henny (5) Vicar Della (10) Cheonggang Bom
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

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

(10) GEUMA ON POINT was having his first run since having “the ultimate gear change” last start and the Calandagan treatment seemed to do him well as he ran the best race of his career for second at odds of 113/1. It will be interesting to see if he can back that performance up. (4) WONDERFUL CHIEF has had the four runs with the best of those being a fifth two back and could go close for Jo Jae-ro and Seo In-seok, the winning combination from last week’s Oaks and of course the Vincero Cavallo jockey/trainer combination too. The Japanese owned (8) JEJU PRINCESS is a chance at her best. (9) PERFECT GAME comes off the best run of his career last start and gets a three-kilogram apprentice claim from Kwon Jung-seok. (2) WADALBI and (3) ILGEUP BISUL rate next.

Selections(10) Geuma On Point (4) Wonderful Chief (8) Jeju Princess (9) Perfect Game
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9, 10

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

(6) STORM LIGHT broke through at the sixth time of asking last start when leading throughout to win a course and distance maiden by four-lengths. This is a strong Class 5, but she can go back-to-back. (4) BLAZING ENGINE won his maiden two starts back on March 14 before finishing second in his first run at this grade last time. (2) NICE WINNER is yet to live up to his name as he is still a maiden, but he has the ability at his best. (8) AFLEET RUN has also got the ability but will need to improve on his most recent run back on March 7 when he was resuming from eight months away from the races. (7) KLIMT WORLD and (1) K SIMON are each-way roughie chances with (11) SSOARA HAHA next best in a good race.

Selections(6) Storm Light (4) Blazing Engine (2) Nice Winner (8) Afleet Run
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) GREEN JACKET has had the three starts for three second places, chasing home a couple of smart ones, and after running home hard last start he looks ready to win. The last 400M will be unknown territory but he should stay it out based on last time. (6) PRIMERO is a last start course and distance maiden winner where he led throughout to score by one-and-a-quarter lengths over the reopposing Yeomyeongui Sungan. He will race in a forward role and should be in the finish from there. (8) GANGCHEOL POWER came from well back to win at this grade in November but has not been quite as good since, however he did pull up lame in one of those runs. He however rates next over (9) KARA K, (7) SHARKTEN and (1) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN.

Selections(10) Green Jacket (6) Primero (8) Gangcheol Power (9) Kara K
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) WHIZ PERFECT ran The Sun Bulsajo to a neck when finishing second last start over the course, distance, and grade and whilst coming up four pounds and one-and-a-half kilograms for that minor placing he can go one better here with that piece of form just about the best on offer in this. (10) COMPLETE STEP also comes off a recent course, distance, and grade silver medal when beaten three-quarters of a length behind Gwanaksan Rickey on Derby weekend. That was his best run at Class 4 level for some time, his two prior starts where he ran third were Class 5 contests, and he can go well again. The Japanese bred (1) NARO MA STAR is yet to win but can be around the mark. (11) MUCHO MACHO RAPIDO has been midfield in three runs to date and rates next over (9) WINNERSUN whilst (2) HIDDEN DIA could potentially find this to be the easiest task of her career to date. (7) KOREAN DREAM is one that should not be discarded as well.

Selections(4) Whiz Perfect (10) Complete Step (1) Naro Ma Star (11) Mucho Macho Rapido
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / Kyushu Maju Association President’s Cup / KRW 75 Million

(7) WORLD BLAME has only won one race from twenty-one attempts which is a concern, as is his last start effort, but his efforts two and three back behind smart horses is the best form engaged in this race, so he gets the nod for Luiz Quiroz. (9) YEONGWON BIG MAN is a last start half-length course, distance, and grade winner and comes down one kilogram for that run with Kwon Jung-seok taking the three-kilogram claim, so he is an obvious chance. (6) BS STORM is yet to score at this level from three runs and comes off a poor recent effort at the end of March. His prior form was good however so he can be given another chance. (8) BLUE NELLO is a regular in these types of races and is regularly involved somewhere in the finish as well. (4) COLGIN rates next over (2) SUPER BLUEMOON.

Selections(7) World Blame (9) Yeongwon Big Man (6) BS Storm (8) Blue Nello
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) JJARITHAN HAENGBOK will have to do a lot better than what he did last start but he was knocking on the door for a win prior and the fact that Seo Seung-un comes up to headquarters a day earlier to ride this horse and this horse only prior to riding in Sunday’s sprint feature, as well as sacrifice rides from Busan’s Friday meeting to do so, must be a good lead. (4) NAMSAN ROCK comes off a 24/1 win at this level over 1400M when coming from midfield. This is not much harder, and he had not been far away in his three of his four prior runs leading up to his last start victory. (1) ANYANG GIPPEUM has finished in the top five in thirteen of her twenty-two starts but in five of her last six she has not. However, the other run was a victory so if on song she can be in the finish from the favourable low draw over the Seoul mile course. (7) BEOLGYO D Y and HEART K (3) can be around the mark with (5) MY THERN next best.

Selections(8) Jjarithan Haengbok (4) Namsan Rock (1) Anyang Gippeum (7) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) PURGE STEP won up to two in a row at Class 4 level on Grand Prix Day and January 11 over 1700M before stepping up in grade to run in the LR Dong-a Ilbo Trophy where she was always out the back and was last to complete the course. This is easier and although it is harder than her previous two victories one grade below this, she should be up to the task. (8) GLORY CITY has been third and eighth in two runs at this level following a win one level below this over course and distance on January 3. He rates as a chance as does (2) DRAGON KILLER although he has been a beaten favourite in all his three runs at this class. (4) THEME TANSAENG led throughout to win over the course and distance at Class 4 last time and now comes up to this level for the first time. (10) KING DIA, (7) K N LIGHT and (6) SEGWANG FIGHTER are each-way chances.

Selections(3) Purge Step (8) Glory City (2) Dragon Killer (4) Theme Tansaeng
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) DI NE looked unstoppable when putting together a hat-trick of wins across October through to January going from Class 6 to Class 5 to Class 4 with the average winning margin across those three scores being twenty-one and three-quarter lengths. However, it has not been smooth sailing since with his trial run for the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas) being too bad to be true before a slightly better effort, but still below what you would have hoped going on his best form, in the Guineas. He has been back in work for almost three weeks, and it will be interesting to see how he resumes over the sprint trip. (6) ROYAL SOCKS continues to progress and was a course and distance winner last start on April 12. He carries two-and-a-half kilograms more, but he can win again. (2) NAEGILUI WINNER is a consistent customer that will be doing his best work late whilst (2) RAON FLORENCE has never missed the top three and beat five reopposing rivals last time on April 19. (8) M J BEST is dropping right back in grade so is interesting with (10) REAL DEAL next best in what is the most interesting race of the day to close the card.

Selections(3) Di Ne (6) Royal Socks (5) Naegilui Winner (2) Raon Florence
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 9

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 15)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (1) CHAMPUI SARANG went through two trials racing fairly in the first and improving significantly in the second of them (which was voluntary so may not be in all racecards – be aware) when from the widest gate she crossed the line 2nd in a time of 62.6 seconds. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE went through two trials, showing plenty of speed in both. She should be nice and fit for this and can be a danger. Among those with experience, (7) NAGAN CHUEOK is the best. After an inauspicious debut, he was a much-improved 3rd at start two over this distance on April 19th when close to the speed throughout. (4) I’M THE ONE and (8) I AM QUEEN others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Champui Sarang (5) Yeonggwanguirookie (7) Nagan Chueok (4) I’m The One
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) DOCTOR HUNTER got his maiden win at start two over 1200M at the end of March before running 4th at 1300M on his first try at this class on April 26th when close to the pace throughout. He can be on the speed again here and can go one better. (6) WIND SWORD has placed three times in four starts at this class, all at this distance, since getting his maiden win back in January. His most recent was his second consecutive 3rd place on April 17th when he settled a bit handier than in recent outings. Expect similar tactics today and he should be in the finish again. (3) ONE WAY ROAD was the 20/1 winner of that April 17th race and warrants more respect today. The veteran (4) TAEYANG EUTTEUM, along with (8) CALM FAST are other place chances.

Selections(5) Doctor Hunter (6) Wind Sword (3) One Way Road (4) Taeyang Eutteum
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) INDIE TIGER won a trial and was then a smart winner on debut over 1200M on April 19th, racing on pace and stopping the clock in a quick time and scoring to the tune of six-lengths. He comes up in both class and in distance but has every chance of measuring up. So too does (6) BROWN CHOCO, who is also one for one. He settled midfield on debut over 1300M on April 12th before running on well for a three-quarter-length victory over Oasis Gijeok with the 3rd placegetter five-lengths back. The slight step up in trip can suit.  After a bit of a wobble in January, (7) SUCCESS COW has come back into form with a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two and he is a sild place chance in this company. (9) BURUI SINJEON and (4) HIGH GOLD BAR others who are better than their respective latest efforts suggest.

Selections(1) Indie Tiger (6) Brown Choco (7) Success Cow (9) Burui Sinjeon
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6


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

(4) POWERFUL THUNDER had been working towards a maiden win, and it arrived over 1300M on April 17th when he led all the way around, getting the better of Powerful Battle by a head with the pair eight-lengths clear of 3rd. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight and can win again. (1) OASIS HAPPY stepped up to a mile on April 26th and registered his maiden win at start four with three-length victory. He is up in class but is down 3kg in weight and can be on pace and in this a long way. (6) CARAT KING is yet to win in eleven, but he was promoted to this class after a few too many near-misses and proved that he can measure up with 3rd place over 1300M on April 10th when settling midfield and running on. He stays under a light weight and should be in the finish again. (7) HEUIMANG GUNJU and (2) VICTORY STORY others firmly in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Powerful Thunder (1) Oasis Happy (6) Carat King (7) Heuimang Gunju
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Korean Oaks 2026: Preview & Form Comments

There won’t be a Korean Triple Crown winner this year after KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild came home 3rd in the Korean Derby a week ago, but there could still be a sweep in the Triple Tiara as Luna Stakes victor Clearly Winner is set to start as favourite in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Kim Hye-sun and Park Jae-i seek to go again with Clearly Winner in the Oaks (Pic: KRA)

The wife and husband trainer and jockey combination of Kim Hye-sun and Park Jae-I scored their first big race success together in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) on April 5th when Clearly Winner pulled away to score by three-lengths, and the step up in trip in the Oaks will hold no fears. She’s only suffered one defeat – against the colts in the Gyeongnam Shinmun (1400M KOR-Listed) – in early March and she can win again.

Luna runner-up Fappi Babe has since gone lame, but five from the first jewel do re-oppose. Chief among them is CHIEF STAR, the highest rated filly in the race and a Listed winner as a juvenile. However, the Moon Byeong-ki trained Seoul raider has had a difficult relationship with Busan.

Boasting an unbeaten record, Chief Star was backed into favourite status ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) in November, but she reared up and over in the starting gate and had to be scratched. She returned to Seoul for a class 4 win and class 3 runner up (albeit not without some gate nerves) but then came unstuck at Busan again in the Luna Stakes when drawn wide and using up a lot of energy to get forward, setting some breakneck speed fractions.

Her final furlong was the slowest in the field but this time from a better gate and a more sensible pace, Chief Star is a chance. CATCH RACE was 3rd in the Luna at big odds but will be given much more respect this time. TIGER ROAR finished off strongly and is one of a number who may appreciate the step up in trip.

Six fillies who didn’t go in the Luna joint the Tiara trail for the Oaks, with the Seo Seung-un ridden Bayern filly RUSH WILD likely to be the best supported of them in the market.

The Korean Oaks is race 6 with a local post time of 16:05. Here’s a full rundown of the field:

1. RUSH WILD – A winner on debut over 1300M followed by 2nd at a mile and most recently 4th over this distance at class 5 level when ridden to the lead from a wide gate. Better draw today and one of few natural leaders. Seo Se ung-un aboard means she will have backers.

2. CATCH RACE – Sole win came in a maiden over 1400M, but she was a smart 3rd at big odds in the Luna Stakes, overcoming the widest gate and running on from an unpromising position. Better draw and on that effort has to be a place chance.

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Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

Sunday is the Korean Oaks at Busan. The second leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara series is race 6 on the 7-race card with a local post time of 16:05. Busan’s program runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Fantastic Value won the Oaks last year (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) WORLD VICS has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, racing on pace each time, most recently on March 29th. She’ll be on pace here and this time, she has every chance of going one better.  (5) CHAOS also has two 3rd place finishes, in her case in consecutive races, most recently when favourite on March 15th over this distance when she led for much of the way around. Jang Chu-youl gets off and on to World Vics, but CC is a more than adequate replacement and she too has winning claims. (4) POWER MAGIC has a 4th and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently behind World Vics on March 29th.  He draws well to be handy and should be in the finish again. (9) YEONDONG STAR and (11) DONGBAEK other place chances.

Selections(8) World Vics (5) Chaos (4) Power Magic (9) Yeondong Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) SUPERTRAMP has made steady progress across three starts so far with his best being his latest when 4th at 1300M on April 11th when slow away and running on.  While that was the second time he has taken the long way home, he is nicely drawn and can give a little bit more here. (2) SMART MINK has raced fourteen times and has never finished any better than 5th. She did that last time though on April 11th over this distance when coming from a wide draw and beating a couple of today’s rivals. This is one of the shallower fields she has been in so should be aiming for a best to date result. (5) COSMO JJIN has a 2nd place to her name two starts back over 1200M and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. It’s hard to make a case for any of the others, with perhaps (3) RISING WIND – who was 3rd back in January – and (7) VICAR DRAGON, the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Supertramp (2) Smart Mink (5) Cosmo Jjin (3) Rising Wind
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) KING BLACK arrested a run of four consecutive 4th place finishes with a strong 2nd place at this distance on April 5th when handy throughout. He comes into a better gate today and he will be favoured to go one better. (7) WORLD TREE was 3rh in that April 5th race, having led for much of the way throughout. After a 4th place at his previous start, that confirmed that he is figuring things out and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, means a few will fancy him to overturn the form on the favourite. (6) JEONGMUN SKIP has five top five finishes from seven starts and enters off a good 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 19th. Like the other two, he races best on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) LOOKS GOOD and (3) SKYNEX the next bests.

Selections(4) King Black (7) World Tree (6) Jeongmun Skip (1) Looks Good
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) SUPERDAY got his maiden win over 1300M in February and has held his form in two starts at this class with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place, again at 1300M, on April 5th when as usual, he raced handy to the speed. He comes up to 1400M for the first time, but it can suit and he will be a short price to score. (10) TOUR FELIX is yet to win in six attempts but comes up in class here following three placings, most recently a 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 4th. The class rise means a 4.5kg weight drop and that should be enough to make him competitive in this company. (9) SEUNGNI BAROWS had a hard time from an even wider gate last time out but going on his runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back, warrants another chance here. (6) STUNNING STEP and the down in class (2) HERO JEONSA others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Superday (10) Tour Felix (9) Seungni Barows (6) Stunning Step
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(3) BABEL FOLGORE has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M, both times racing on pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and drawing much better today, she can get an easier run to the front. (6) AEGIS CHEONMA ran a good 3rd on debut over this distance on April 10th, racing just behind the speed and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a good time. He should have come on for that run, and he will be disputing favourite status here. (10) GREAT LUCKY raced three times last year and was a much-improved 2nd in the last of those, all the way back in August. She ran well in an April trial and has every chance of a bold-showing first-up in this company. Among the three debut-makers, (1) KANGCHEOL YEONGMA was the best in trials and can be a minor money chance first up. (11) RANI, 6th on debut, can improve.

Selections(3) Babel Folgore (6) Aegis Cheonma (10) Great Lucky (1) Kangcheol Yeongma
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 9)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) MR.CREDIT was ahead of two reopposing rivals when a four-and-a-quarter length third when stepping up to this distance for the first time on April 12. On that basis he gets the nod. (2) PNS TWIN has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Mr.Credit from that race but must be a chance based on his four-length second over this distance on March 29. (7) JECHUK SANJIRO was an improved effort at his second run making up ground to finish third. He comes up three hundred metres in trip and is an interesting runner. (3) TOUR KING was behind Mr.Credit and PNS Twin last time but his half-length second to Fighter at his prior run, which was over this distance, is the best form on offer in this. They are the only four chances with (8) DIABIT and (4) SMART WARRIOR best of the outsiders.

Selections(9) Mr.Credit (2) PNS Twin (7) Jechuk Sanjiro (3) Tour King
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 9

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

(1) GOLDEN MATCH has been around the mark at each of her last two with a one-and-a-half length second to Flying Honor on March 7 followed by a six-and-a-half length fourth on April 18, where she was a 1.5 favourite. She can be given another chance from the draw and should go close. (4) EVER LOVELY was well beaten most recently but had placed at her previous two starts so on those runs she is a chance. (8) GLOBAL CARD only beat two home on debut but has been third the next two times and CC Wong is on board. (10) MISS CHRISTIE rates next over (3) POINT I and debutante (5) TIGER REVENGER.

Selections(1) Golden Match (4) Ever Lovely (8) Global Card (10) Miss Christie
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) MYEONG DREAM is not a surprise runner this weekend but a surprise runner at this venue instead of down at Busan for the Oaks on Sunday. She made up good ground from last to finish midfield in the Listed Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas) last start and whilst she would have had a place chance in the Oaks she would have been struggling to win whereas she will be struggling lost in this race. (5) POWER BAND was a half-length victor on April 12 over the course, distance, and grade ahead of two reopposing rivals and whilst rising seven pounds and three kilograms she can go close again. (1) FASHION STAR has been close-up in each of her last five and they have all been races under the same conditions as this. (8) QUEEN DIA has not been too far away either and rates next over (3) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (7) HEEMANGBAND.

Selections(4) Myeong Dream (5) Power Band (1) Fashion Star (8) Queen Dia
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) STUNNING BOLT put together three consecutive fifth places prior to a two-length third last start when making up ground. She should be in the finish and can break through. (1) HANAM LASER has gotten better with each start and must be a chance from the draw. (3) SMART RISE has been a beaten favourite at each of his last two but with a three-kilogram claim cannot be dismissed. (2) RAON KINGSMAN has been fifth in three of his five runs whilst (4) DELTA DAECHEON, whose best run was last start, looks the only other chance with (9) CLUB MAN best of the outsiders.

Selections(8) Stunning Bolt (1) Hanam Laser (3) Smart Rise (2) Raon Kingsman
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 8)

It’s Korean Oaks weekend on the south coast and while the big race for fillies is on Sunday, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive opener. (7) DOKKI TIGER is yet to finish in the top two but has four finishes between 3rd and 5th. She comes in following a 4th place over a mile on April 10th and she has as good a chance as any here. The danger is (2) GOLD ROGER. She raced fairly enough in her first two but was much improved at start three on March 29th when stepped up to this trip and running an on-pace 2nd. From a good draw she’ll be on pace again and she may well start as favourite. (8) SWEET POWER beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on April 10th and with a bang in form apprentice claiming 2kg, he can be in the finish again. (4) WORLD THUNDER CAT and (1) NICE POWER are the other main place chances.

Selections(7) Dokki Tiger (2) Gold Roger (8) Sweet Power (4) World Thunder Cat
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

After six winners last weekend, apprentice Nam Jeong-hyeok has the veritable Midas Touch and his 2kg claim can see (6) DIA X home on top. A seventeen-start maiden, he has been knocking on the door recently, he has the fastest time among these for this distance, and he can win here. (11) QUEEN PERFECT also benefits from an apprentice claim. She has been getting closer across her five starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on March 22nd, and she can be a danger here with the wide draw not likely to be a problem. (5) DUBAI CANDY enters off a 3rd place last time out and she too looks to be figuring things out. (9) DALBITWIE and (4) WONDERFUL BAND others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Dia X (11) Queen Perfect (5) Dubai Candy (9) Dalbitwie
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) WONDERFUL FASHION ran 2nd on debut before getting his maiden win at start two over a mile on April 10th, beginning steadily before making his way rapidly forward. He comes up in both class and in distance, but he looks to have potential for more and down in weight, he can win here. (6) SOMANGUIGIL is a non-winner of twelve but has ten top five finishes and comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this class over a mile. He was 5th on his only previous try at this distance but he should be closer today. (8) NEOM CITY beat Somanguigil in that previous go around this distance and while she hasn’t held her form, this is the kind of race she can go close in. (9) K ROYAL and (7) BEOLGYO SARANG are others who should be in the placing hunt.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fashion (6) Somanguigil (8) Neom City (9) K Royal
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) GRAND CRU got his maiden win at 1300M three starts back and has run 3rd in two tries at this level over a mile and most recently at this distance on April 10th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He really should have the beating of these. Nothing else enters in any form. (2) MUHAN NAREUSHA needs a line drawn through his latest when well back over a mile, but he has placed twice over this distance and he was 4th in Busan’s Classic trial at the start of March so he warrants another chance here. (5) THEIA too missed the start last time and is worth another chance in this company. (7) MAGIC MIRROR and (9) DOROTHY QUEEN others who may be better than their respective latest starts suggest.

Selections(4) Grand Cru (2) Muhan Nareusha (5) Theia (7) Magic Mirror
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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HWANG GEUM EO JJANG GOES ALL THE WAY TO WIN KOREAN DERBY

There will be no Triple Crown winner in 2026 with KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild having to settle for 3rd as Hwang Geum Eo Jjang proved too good in winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Hwang Geum Eo Jjang and Lee Dong-ha win the Derby (Pic: KRA)

With light rain having fallen since the early morning, wet conditions awaited the field for the Derby, which on Friday had been reduced to fifteen with the scratching of Hey Brother. Funny Wild was sent off as a 3.0 favourite locally.

With three wins already over 1800M, Doctor Chis was the second favourite but was crossed early and used up plenty of energy to get back to his favoured postion. He was ultimately one of the first beaten in the home straight.

The horse doing the crossing was HWANG GEUM EO JJANG who was ridden aggressively to the lead by jockey Lee Dong-ha. The 7.0 chance would go on to lead all the way around, comfortably seeing off a late challenge by Fantastic Force by a length and a half on the line with Funny Wild a further three-quarters back in 3rd.

Aside from Hwang Geum Eo Jjang and Funny Wild, the rest of the first seven finishers all came from well off the pace. Just like in the KRA Cup Mile, the other front-runners all fell away.

(Pic: KRA)

“It doesn’t feel real yet” winning jockey Lee Dong-ha told KRBC. “But it kept appearing in my dreams for the past three days. Good dreams and bad dreams, I just couldn’t wait to get to race day and fortunately it ended with a really good result. It feels so good.”

It was also a first Derby win for trainer Song Moon-gil. “I’ve been fortunate enough to win some big races, but I had never won the Derby before” he remarked to KRBC. “So it is kind of a dream come true.”

“We expected the number 1 (Doctor Chris) to go forward so the plan was to stick with him. I told the jockey to ride with confidence and without regrets, don’t’ worry about what the others are doing and we will have a good result.”

Song also revealed that he was behind Hwang Geum Eo Jjang’s unheralded sire, Nasca Prince, a horse who he trained to six wins, becoming a stallion.

“Hwang Geum Eo Jjang is by Nasca Prince, who actually won here at 2300M, leading all the way. Nasca Prince was from the final crop of Vicar, whose bloodline was disappearing from our country, so I suggested to the owner that he stand him as a stallion as he might get a good distance horse. Today was 1800M but I see no reason why (Hwang Geum Eo Jjang) won’t go further.”

Nasca Prince [Vicar – Rosa Rose (by Cryptoclearance)] is the first Korean bred and raced stallion to produce a Korean Derby winner. He has only covered nine mares and produced seven foals. Hwang Geum Eo Jjang’s dam is the American bred Meinertzhageni (by Stormin Cat).

Hwang Geum Eo Jang moves onto three wins from five starts.

Taking his final ever race ride, ten-time Champion jockey Moon Se-young rode Musket Cleaver to a creditable 6th place.

The third and final leg of the Triple Crown series is the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul in Sunday June 7th. Next Sunday it’s the fillies with the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2)m the second leg of the Triple Tiara, at Busan.

Korea Racing Report: May 1-3

IT WAS DERBY DAY AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY AND WHILST THE PRINCIPAL CLASSIC TOOK THE LIMELIGHT THE OPENING RACE WAS ALSO SIGNIFICANT WITH MOON SE-YOUNG WINNING ON THE SECOND LAST RIDE OF HIS STORIED CAREER ABOARD PARKA SHINE IN THE CLASS 6 1300M OPENER (writes Luke Humphreys).

Seoul Racecourse on Derby Day (Pic: KRA)

Ten-time Champion jockey Moon Se-young hadn’t ridden since a bad fall last December and recently announced his retirement ahead of taking up training duties this coming summer. However, wanting to go out on his own terms, Moon made a comeback for Derby weekend only and was able to get Parka Shine (Old Fashioned) up in the final 50-metres as the 2.2 favourite running down second favourite Hot Fever who led until the closing stages.

The closing Class 2 over 1200M was the main race bar the Derby and KING HONOR (To Honor And Serve) worked home strongly to deny the 1.5 favourite We Go High a front-running victory by one-and-a-three-quarter lengths. King Honor, the oldest horse in the field at the age of seven, had been in the minor placings at each of his two previous starts in similar races and Harry Kasim got him home to land the prize. Lala K, the viral 2023 Rookie Stakes winner, returned to form with a late closing 3rd beaten two-and-a-half lengths.

In Race 9 (1700M Class 5) WILD MAGIC (Triple Nine) was sent straight to the lead by Kim Hyo-jung and the three-year-old filly did not stop as she went on to record a comfortable six-length win in a decent time completing a double for Luigi Riccardi. It was her first win in seven attempts, and it will be interesting to see if she can be as impressive as what she was in her opening victory going forward.

The other victory for Riccardi was MASTER KWAIGON (Dynamic Dash) who was going up in trip by one-furlong and in class by one grade but that did not stop him from winning Race 5 (1400M Class 4) by two-and-a-half lengths under Jeong Jeong-hee. He continues to progress and has now won three races from eight starts.

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Korean Derby 2026: Preview & Form Comments

FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)

The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.

HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.

Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.

DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.

Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.

As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.

1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.

2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.

3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.

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