EUNPA SARANG AND MOON SUNG-HYEOK LAND KOREAN DERBY

Eunpa Sarang stalked and then pounced, and then won the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Korean Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, at odds of 47/1. Not only was it a fine win for a hitherto undervalued three-year-old, it was also a redemption of sorts for jockey Moon Sung-hyeok.

Eunpa Sarang pulls clear in the Derby (Pic: KRA)

Having run 5th in the KRA Cup Mile, Eunpa Sarang settled right back among the fifteen-strong field, improving only in the back straight to race handy on the turn and then prove too strong by some margin at the business end. 20/1 chance World Dragon was 2nd, with KRA Cup Mile winner and pre-race favourite Success Baekpa in 3rd, the latter remaining in pole-position for overall Triple Crown honours.

“Is it true that I won? Am I right that we were first?” a disbelieving jockey Moon Sung-hyeok asked his in-house broadcaster KRBC inquisitor immediately after the race.

Last autumn, jockey Moon’s career seemed in the abyss after he mistook the 100M pole for the winning line and eased down what should have been an easy winner to an embarrassing beaten on the line 2nd. He served 3 months on the sidelines as a result.

Eunpa Sarang and Moon Sung-hyeok take the acclaim of the Seoul crowd (Pic: KRA)

“(Eunpa Sarang) was in great condition and after he was 2nd in the Sports Seoul Cup, he was 5th in the Cup Mile, but to be honest, he improved in that race” an enthusiastic Moon continued. “This horse is a slow starter, so I decided I will go outside and then wait for an opportunity. It came at the 3rd corner, and I thought that it was then or never, so I went for it. And he responded so well.”

Reflecting on his own comeback, Moon said “There weren’t many opportunities to ride, and it was hard to control my weight. Of course, it was my fault, but I had been worrying a lot about what I should do. I haven’t been able to show my good side. I am really grateful to those who supported me and to those fans who called my name out today.”

“It doesn’t feel real, but it feels good,” Trainer Seo In-seok told KRBC. “I thought Eunpa Sarang was improving, but I thought the same about a lot of the other horses here. I thought the jockey rode a great race and so we have won.”

(Pic: KRA)

Eunpa Sarang is by Hansen and out of Achim Sarang (by Broken Vow). He was purchased for just 10 Million Korean Won by his owner Lee Mi-gyeong in April 2023. The Derby was his third career win on his ninth start.

The final leg of the Triple Crown is the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Soeul Racecourse on Sunday June 16th.

Next week the focus shifts to the sprinting division and the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race which will have international Listed status for the first time.

KOREAN DERBY 2024 PREVIEW & FORM COMMENTS

A full field of sixteen will go to post for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR RACE-BY-RACE GUIDE.

Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

The field is headed by SUCCESS BAEKPA, who claimed the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile, at Busan on April 7th for trainer Min Jang-gi and jockey You Hyun-myung. They will be favourites to score again but it is a wide-open renewal.

Jockey Moon Se-young was the most relieved man on the peninsula last Sunday after he dropped his crop when clear in the Korean Oaks on Eclipse Berry. The filly just about managed to get him home in a photo-finish. He partners Sports Seoul Trophy (Seoul’s Classic Trial) winner NICE TIME, who ran 2nd in the Cup Mile. The only concern is the wide draw but they shape as big dangers.

Another threat is HANGANG CLASS. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but missed the start for the second consecutive race and was then always on the back foot. He did rally for a strong 3rd though and Franco Da Silva, who rode the winner of this race in 2018, is engaged. The widest gate will probably make the start moot in any case as different tactics may be required.

Trainer Kim Young-kwan has won the Korean Derby five times but it is one big race that still eludes top jockey Seo Seung-un. Seo partners WORLD DRAGON for trainer Kim and having won at this distance at class 4 level in April, they are not without a chance.

Last Year, Kim Hye-sun became the first female jockey to win a Korean Derby, adding to her Oaks score in 2017. Almost a year on and Global Hit has firmly established himself at the top of the Korean racing pyramid. This time around, Kim partners WONDERFUL LEAR for trainer Tom Gillespie. They combined to win Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, over 1400M in February, but weakened having shown on pace in the Cup Mile. Don’t rule out a return to form.

UMAPOY would be a popular winner. Running in the colours of Japanese owner Yoshiaki Kimura, and named with a certain racing based video game in mind, he has become the mascot horse of a sizeable portion of the young “MZ Generation” fan group. He has won twice at 1800M and is not without a chance although he is racing for the first time since early March and, like Nice Time and Hangang Class, has the challenge of a wide gate.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GEOLJAK ONE – The only filly in the race, she skipped the Oaks last week to come here. Won a Listed race for juvenile fillies last December and was 3rd in the Sports Seoul but well back in the Cup Mile when drawn gate 14. Much better draw today and CC Wong up. Potential value play.

2. MEGA DRAGON – Well back in the Sports Seoul but a smart winner at class 4 over a mile on March 24th. Ran 2nd at class 3 level on first try at this distance in a good time on April 20th. Likes to be on pace, gets a great draw and can make excellent each-way appeal.

3. MY CENTER – The highest rated in the race and the most experienced with twelve starts and five wins, his latest a valuable Trophy race at a mile. First time at 1800M but is by a Korea Cup winner over the distance and not impossible he can run a big race.

4. LAST DRAGON – Gets his chance after winning his last three, most recently over this distance on April 21st in a good time. Likes to settle midfield and run on and from a good gate, Choi Si-dae, who has won the Derby, can pick his spot. Will have support.

5. EUNPA SARANG – Ran a strong 2nd to Nice Time in the Sports Seoul and then 5th in the Cup Mile, making up excellent ground both times. The step up to 1800M should suit and while others are favoured, don’t rule out him running late into some money again.

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Korean Derby Day Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 12)

It’s Korean Derby day! There was rain on Saturday but things should be fine and dry for the greatest jewel in the Korean Triple Crown which is race 8 on the 10 race program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. The card runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun won the Derby a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) BEST WHIZ will be hot favourite in the opener. Yet to finish outside of the top-five in four starts, his best is a 2nd place over 1200M in January when racing on pace. His latest was only fair when 5th of eleven over 1200M but in this limited company, he should be on pace and should win. (5) MK LEE has hinted at ability across three starts so far with his best being his 4th place on debut. CC climbs up here and he has as good a chance as any of running 2nd. (8) RAON THE KLAMMER comes in off an improved 5th over this distance on April 13th and in this company, a similar performance will see him very much challenging for the places. (1) FLYING LION and (6) CALIPH other minor money hopes.

Selections(7) Best Whiz (5) MK Lee (8) Raon The Klammer (1) Flying Lion
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

(3) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG will be hot favourite. He has shown steady improvement across his six starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 24th when slowly away from this widest gate and then settling right back before running on. Drawn much better today, he is the one to beat. (4) P N S CAR is the only other one with a top-three finish on his resume, achieved two starts back when 2nd at this distance. An apprentice claims 4kg and that’s enough to make him the danger here. (6) CLOUD HEART was an improved 4th behind Beautiful Hwaseong in that March 24th race and can get close again. First time starter (10) BRIGHT QUEEN improved for a good 2nd in the latter of two trials and can be considered first-up. (7) GANGCHEOL DRAGON another place chance.

Selections(3) Beautiful Hwaseong (4) P N S Car (6) Cloud Heart (10) Bright Queen
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

We need to discard the latest effort of every single runner here if we are to give any of them a chance. We’ll go with (6) NEVER GIVE UP, who has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and races for the first time since a chastening experience at a mile in January. He looked well when trialling in April and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (1) CHOEGANG CHONGAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance back on March 15th and notwithstanding his last start 8th, that’s enough to make him the danger. (3) GREEN BULLDOZER has been back to trial since his latest start and performed adequately. She also has a 3rd place over 1200M and from a good draw should be on pace here. (8) SUPER KANEL and (4) BIG BOY are other place chances.

Selections(6) Never Give Up (1) Choegang Chongal (3) Green Bulldozer (8) Super Kanel
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) SOLAIRE enters having scored his maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 13th. He comes up in class but is down in weight and there is little to fear here. (4) MACALLAN was a winner on debut last August and then ran fairly for 5th place last September. He offered few clues in a March trial, but Franco’s booking is a plus and he may surprise on his return. (2) JAEWOO SIDAE is yet to win in twenty-two attempts, but she was 2nd in a similar class and distance race two starts back and this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (7) HANGANG GLORY and (8) BOSS BABY are others who can be considered for the minor money.

Selections(9) Solaire (4) Macallan (2) Jaewoo Sidae (7) Hangang Glory
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

Fillies and mares only here and it’s competitive. (7) BORAM enters having led every step of the way to get her maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1300M on April 12th. She comes up in class here but looks nicely in and she can repeat. (10) DYNAMIC WINNER has been a consistent type and enters off a fair 5th place at 1300M on April 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. She has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be in contention here. (6) SANGIM STAR is another who usually runs a decent race and comes in having finished 4th in a similar race at class and distance on April 26th with two of these behind her. She likes to come off the pace and she has the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance. The form drops off rapidly after those three with (3) ROAD STAR and (9) TWO TWO LIME possibly the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Boram (10) Dynamic Winner (6) Sangim Star (3) Road Star
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

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

It’s Derby-Eve! There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Nice Time will be among the Derby hopes on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) FLYING GLOW raced once last August finishing a fair 5th over 1200M. He hasn’t been seen since, but the Shackleford colt returned to training this Spring and looked well when a close 2nd on a trial on April 11th, leading for most of the way around. His early speed should see him to the lead here and he can win first-up. It took (6) MAX PARTY a few tries to qualify but once he did, he ran well on debut got 4th place over this distance on April 7th, coming from off the pace. He should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (5) DAEMYEONGJANG was an improved 3rd at 1300M at start number four and can continue to make progress here. (11) RAON THE PARTA and first-time starter (3) P N S OHOH are others to consider.

Selections(8) Flying Glow (6) Max Party (5) Daemyeongjang (11) Raon The Parta
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) KKUMUI HYANGGI was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 30th only to go down a very narrow 2nd. She should have come on for that run, Moon Se-young climbs up, and she will be expected to go one better today. (10) TESTA RUBY is the clear second pick. It took her a few goes to figure things out but her latest two when 4th and 3rd, both at this distance, suggest that she is finally getting there. She draws a touch wide but expect her to sit close to the speed and she has the fastest time among these for the distance. (1) SMILE GOLD also looks to be on the right trajectory and from a good draw, can be on pace here. (3) MISS CONCORD and (9) MAGIC SOUND are other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Kkumui Hyanggi (10) Testa Ruby (1) Smile Gold (3) Miss Concord
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) BEAT YEONGUNG stepped up to this distance on April 27th and ran a solid 3rd place, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The time was quicker than any of the others here have managed for the distance, and he is the one to beat here. With five top-five finishes from eight starts, (7) BLOOD MOUNTAIN has been getting closer, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on April 13th with three of today’s rivals back down the track. The time wasn’t quick, but he won’t need to improve much to be in the mix here. (9) COSMO KING. He finished 2nd ahead of Blood Mountain two starts back before finishing 4th behind him in that April 13th race. He isn’t favoured by the draw but is a place chance again. (2) YONGBICHEON and (1) MARUBYEOL are the other contenders for the minors.

Selections(6) Beat Yeongung (7) Blood Mountain (9) Cosmo King (2) Yongbicheon
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

Small field but many chances. (2) TRAUM KING was a winner at class 6 level last summer and then ran 3rd and 4th in two tries at this class. He hasn’t raced since last October but looked very well when winning an April trial, and from a great draw, he can go well first-up here. If there are concerns about race fitness, then (7) JEONGSEONGTIGER will be the one to go for. She got her maiden win at this class and distance in an all-filly race on April 6th, settling back and running on strongly. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but Harry remains on board and a repeat isn’t impossible. (5) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM ran 2nd in that April 6th race. She has three-lengths to make up on Jeongseongtiger but she gets a weight swing in her favour and shouldn’t be dismissed. (6) LADY TAEPUNG and (1) CLOUTER are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Traum King (7) Jeongseongtiger (5) Baedari Kwaegeom (6) Lady Taepung
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

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

It’s Korean Derby weekend with the big race set for Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

With plenty of top riders away in Seoul, Park Jae-i is set to be the jockey to follow at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

After an ordinary trial, (9) PRIME PARK wasn’t fancied at on debut over this distance on April 7th. She made light of that as well as a wide draw, to sit back and then run on strong for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of todays rivals. She should have come on for that run and will be much more respected here. There are three first time starters and one of them is the second pick. That’s (1) DREAMING BOY, who has been through his fair share of trials before finally making it to the track. He won a March trial before running a good 3rd in another heat last month, stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll go close. (8) GOLDEN AIR took a few goes to figure things out but enters off a 3rd and a 5th, most recently behind Prime Park and he can be in the mix again. (5) RAON THE LEGEND ran 4th on debut in the Prime Park race and similarly should have come on. (3) LASER GRIT another who could improve.

Selections(9) Prime Park (1) Dreaming Boy (8) Golden Air (5) Raon The Legend
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

Fillies only here and (4) FLYING BABY is the one to beat. After a couple of ordinary outings, she was ridden further forward at start number three over this distance on April 5th and run on for a solid 2nd place. She draws nicely here and can go one better. (3) SUNCHEON YEOWANG also has a 2nd place on her resume, recorded over 1200M two starts back. She came from well off the pace to run a fair 5th on her latest appearance at 1400M last month and she shapes as a potential danger here. (10) MARIA’S CALL has a 5th and a 3rd in two outings most recently over this distance on April 12th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can continue to make progress. (7) HAERANG JINJU and (9) WORLD PINK CAT others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Flying Baby (3) Suncheon Yeowang (10) Maria’s Call (7) Haerang Jinju
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) BLISS MARINE has mixed his form across four starts so far but has a 3rd and a 2nd among them, the latter on his most recent appearance when stepped up to the mile on April 5th. The distance seemed to suit, he draws well to be on pace again, and he is the one to beat here. (12) UNJU LEGEND also seems to suit the mile, having finished 3rd on both of her two tries at it. She is one of the quicker starters among these, but she doesn’t need to lead, and she can be working home well here again. (5) NANGMAN DAERO has four 4th place finishes but comes in off a solid 3rd over this distance on April 19th when he led for much of the way around. He draws well to lead again, and he should be in this a long way. (4) STORMY DAY and (9) BLAZING MAN are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Bliss Marine (12) Unju Legend (5) Nangman Daero (4) Stormy Day
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

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

(2) JANGSAN LEMON got his sole win to date over this distance and enters with a 3rd and two 6th places in three tries at this class, most recently racing alongside a couple of others who go here over 1300M on April 14th. He comes into a better gate today and back up at 1400M, can return to winning ways. That will mean overturning the form on (4) YEONYEIN, who ran 3rd in that April 14th race, settling midfield and running on well. He comes up just 1kg in the weights but should be prominent here. Tise two are the clear top picks. (6) GHOST AMAZON was a winner over 1200M at start number two before getting a bit far back on her first try at this class and distance on March 24th. She can be given another chance here. (3) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) DAEHOMA others in the placing hunt.

Selections(2) Jangsan Lemon (4) Yeonyein (6) Ghost Amazon (3) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

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Korean Oaks 2024 Form Comments

Eclipse Berry enters the second leg of the Triple Tiara as hot favourite to take out the most prestigious jewel in the series, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The Korean Oaks is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan with a local post time of 16:05. There is also a 10-race Sunday card at Seoul. SEE HERE FOR THE RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW.

Eclipse Berry (Pic: KRA)

The top-nine placegetters from the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) on March 31st all return, but with ECLIPSE BERRY having won that race by a cool seven-lengths, making all the running, she is going to be hard to oppose. She has already won over 1800M, the only one in the race to have done so, and that was on a wet track. Rain is forecast for Busan on Sunday afternoon. Moon Se-young returns to Busan to partner the Seo Hong-soo trained Shackleford filly.

GLOBAL TAEYANG was 2nd in the Luna Stakes and from a much better draw this time can get closer, while last year’s champion juvenile BAEKDUUI KKUM is not to be dismissed. WONPYEONG LIST had plenty of excuses in the Luna and is a class 3 winner already while BANG BANG BANG was a revelatory 3rd in the opening jewel of the Tiara and only four races into her career, still has plenty of scope for further development.

1. STAR CHANGER – Maiden winner at start seven at class 5 level over 1700M on March 30th making all. Well drawn but a big ask here.

2. GLOBAL TAEYANG – A winner up to a mile and class 4 level and 2nd in the Luna Stakes. Has seven-lengths to make up on Eclipse Berry but draws better this time and can get closer. Second favourite.

3. PERFECT ACTION – Won three of nine up to a mile and class 4 but was 8th in the Luna Stakes so plenty of form to overturn. Will race handy and may offer each-way value.

4. LOVE MUNMAK – Only win came at class 6 level but was a smart 2nd over 1700M at class 5 last time out when on pace. Plenty to find in this company but has a strong finish.

5. FLYING STAR – 5th in the Luna and was found to be slightly lame. Returned to work on April 19th. Has won at class 4 over a mile but a few too many question marks to recommend.

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Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

It’s Korean Oaks Day. The Filly Classic is race 6 on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry is hot favourite to return to winner’s circle in the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time, and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (4) UASEN looked very competent in her trial crossing the line in 4th place in a good time (albeit with a class 1 horse up front helping them to some fast fractions. She ran through the line well and 1200M can suit first-up. Of the experienced ones, (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has shown the most so far. She comes in following a runner-up finish over 1200M on March 24th when she settled midfield and ran on. That continued an upward trajectory in her recent appearances, and she should be close again. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has a 2nd place on her resume and in this limited company that’s enough to put her in the numbers while (2) SEMYEONG GHOST and debut-maker (5) TIZ THE FASHION look other minor chances.

Selections(4) Uasen (6) Beautywonderful (10) Hampyeong Jangmi (2) Semyeong Ghost
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

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

(3) NAOL INDY was a much-improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on April 5th, settling midfield and running on. That was a full ten months after his inauspicious debut last summer and he should strip much fitter for the run and from a good draw, is the one to beat. (7) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across six starts so far with a 3rd on his record and a last start 4th over this distance. In this small field and this company, he can be a little further forward than usual and can be in this a long way. (4) DANCING GANGJA enters off a much-improved 3rd place over 1200M on April 7th when racing handy throughout. He is drawn well to attempt similar here. (9) CHROMITE and (2) P N S JU are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Naol Indy (7) Galsaek Dojeonja (4) Dancing Gangja (9) Chromite
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Two debut-makers in this field and she looks interesting. (6) YOUR TURN has been through three trials, dating back to last September and has won two of them and finished 2nd in the other, all three in quick times. This is not an intimidating field to debut among and if she brings the trial form to the races, she can win. (7) STORM GRIT is the big danger. He was very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when coming from off the pace and almost getting there. He will be running on strong again here. The other first-timer is (9) NEW LEADER. She went through two trials, finishing behind Your Turn in the second of them. The time was quick though and a big first-up run can’t be ruled out. (3) DANCING BOY and (1) DONGBU CHOEGANG are other experienced ones who may have a say.

Selections(6) Your Turn (7) Storm Grit (9) New Leader (3) Dancing Boy
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(10) ECLIPSE HONOR will be a hot favourite. He ran 2nd over this distance on debut on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but nothing here has gone much quicker and with some natural improvement from his first start, he will be hard to beat. (7) EUMSEONG POWER was 5th behind Eclipse Honor on debut in that March 23rd race and has since come back out and run 4th, again at 1400M. He seems on the right trajectory and third-up can be peaking fitness-wise. (8) NONSTOP YEOLCHA enters off a solid 2nd at 1300M on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit. (4) TAENGGEURI and (9) MAGIC PRINCE others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Eclipse Honor (7) Eumseong Power (8) Nonstop Yeolcha (4) Tanggeuri
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

Fillies only here. (9) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win but has also never finished outside the top-four in seven starts. She loves finishing 2nd, which she has done on each of her last four outings, but she really should be stepping up here. On her latest she was a very close runner-up in a quick time over this distance and she won’t need to improve much on that to win. If she does find one too quick yet again, it could be (2) TROUBLEMAKER. She is one for one at this distance but has been slow away in her two subsequent tries at this class over 1400M. She draws nicely here and if she gets out of the gate even only fairly, then she can be a threat. (8) GREAT QUEEN got her maiden win over this distance on March 29th. She comes up in class today but can measure up. (11) BLACK JILJU and (10) RAID HIT among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(9) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Troublemaker (8) Great Queen (11) Black Jilju
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (3) FOUR ACE. She is yet to win in seventeen starts but she has come close on plenty of occasions including a smart 3rd place last time out on March 17th over this distance when, as she often does, she got a long way back. CC Wong climbs aboard today and if she can be a bit closer in touch, it can be her day. (6) BEST DAERO got his maiden win at stat number three over 1300M on March 30th, leading all the way. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and there could be more to come. (7) WONDERFUL SWEET got his maiden win at this distance on Christmas Day and has since run 4th in two tries at this class. He should be there or thereabouts today. (4) LEGENDSUN and (5) SEMYEONG LADY others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Four Ace (6) Best Daero (7) Wonderful Sweet (4) Legendsun
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(8) MONSTER DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M in January and has since run 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, both times settling handy and running on. Expect similar tactics today and this time he can come home on top. (2) SKY GRIT was a winner two starts back at 1200M before running 4th on her first try at this level at 300M on April 7th. She draws very nicely to be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (4) GRAY QUEEN was 3rd in that April 7th race having run on from midfield. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish again. (6) BIG WILD has won a trial since his latest showing and can be given another chance. (11) DOCTOR LEO another possible placer.

Selections(8) Monster Dragon (2) Sky Grit (4) Gray Queen (6) Big Wild
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) EUNPA PARTNER beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on March 31st when racing prominently throughout. That followed a 3rd place two starts back and suggests he is figuring things out. He draws very well in a race with not much early speed, and he should be on the front and in this a long way. (9) BLACK SPECTER will dispute favourite status. He debuted in that March 31st race coming home a very solid 3rd. He had been sent off as the favourite that day having won a trial, and he should have benefited from the run. (6) HIPPODROME was 4th on March 31st, marking an uptick in form. He’ll come from off the pace again and can be a danger late on. (5) SEGWANG JILJU and (7) SCALE KING others who may improve.

Selections(2) Eunpa Partner (9) Black Specter (6) Hippodrome (5) Segwang Jilju
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and it’s hard to go past (4) YONGBISU. She’s shown steady improvement across her five starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M on March 23rd when she led for much of the way around. In this company and having drawn well, she can lead again, and back at 1300M, she can go one better. Jockey Kim A-hyun rode out her apprentice claim last week, and she could go close here on (9) CRAZY SHAH. She enters off a close 2nd over 1200M on April 6th and the slight step up in trip may be to her liking. (2) THUNDER STORM and (8) B.K. BELLE both come in off last start 3rd place finishes and both can be in the hunt again. (5) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER another with at least a place chance.

Selections(4) Yongbisu (9) Crazy Shah (2) Thunder Storm (8) B.K. Belle
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

(9) YONGAM SESANG will be a short-price favourite. He enters here having run 2nd and 3rd in his two prior starts although there was a full eight months between them. He comes in having not raced since January, but he won a trial in fine order two weeks ago and if that is any indication of his fitness level, then given the standard of this opposition, he will be hard to beat. (7) SPARKLING took several trials to qualify and then raced fairly on debut a month ago. He should have come on for the experience and can get closer today. (5) ARCH ROCKET has a lot more experience – not necessarily a good thing in a maiden – but she comes in off a fair 5th of eleven over 1200M last time out and in this company should be closer. (1) GEUMSEONG POWER and (6) DANGCHAN NANGBO other potential improvers.

Selections(9) Yongam Sesang (7) Sparkling (5) Arch Rocket (1) Geumseong Power
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

None of these have raced over this distance before. (2) STUNNING FLATTTER comes in having got his maiden win at the third time of asking over 1400M on March 23rd. It had been coming too after a 3rd and a 2nd from his first two outings and while he comes up in class here, he is down in the weights, draws nicely, and the step up to two turns should suit. (5) SPECIAL HILL got his maiden in two starts back over 1200M and was then slowly away on his first try at this level before running on for 5th over 1300M on April 6th. He tackles two turns for the first time and looks the main danger. (6) E.H. COCO is yet to win but comes up in class following a second runner-up finish over 1400M on April 6th when on pace throughout. An apprentice keeps his carried weight light enough to make him competitive. (4) MAGIC WITH YOU and (1) WONDERFUL WISHING others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Stunning Flatter (5) Special Hill (6) E.H. Coco (4) Magic With You
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

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

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

It’s Korean Oaks weekend and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11: 50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Last year’s Oaks winner Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Ttukseom Cup last week (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (2) GRAND CHASER will be the one to beat. She ran 2nd on debut on Christmas Eve before running a fair 5th of eleven when favourite on her return in January when she was impeded in the straight. She comes in fresh here and from a good draw, should win. (11) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE has hinted at ability across three starts so far. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a bit of luck at the start, she can find a forward position and be in this a long way. (3) MOTHER WONDERFUL comes in off a (admittedly distant) 3rd place over 1300M at the end of last month and can be in the mix again. (4) QUEEN’S FLETAR and (6) ONE WAY others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Grand Chaser (11) Yeonggwangui Rose (3) Mother Wonderful (4) Queen’s Fletar
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

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

(3) WHITE FALCON returned from four months out to run a fair 4th over 1200M on April 12th having settled right back. She has bled in the past but has shown ability with her best being a runner-up finish back in December. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, Moon Se-young climbs up, and she should strip fitter for that outing three weeks ago. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (4) ONEULISUNGAN has a 3rd and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1400M. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and is a real chance here. (7) ALICE MARINE ran 2nd over this trip two starts back. She’ll be on pace here and should be in it a long way. (6) NAEPYEON and (5) GWANGSOKMA others to consider.

Selections(3) White Falcon (4) Oneulisungan (7) Alice Marine (6) Naepyeon
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) BLACK EAGLE enters off her best finish to date when 3rd over 1400M on March 29th. She settled right back that day and ran on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she will be the one to beat here in this limited field. (2) SEUNGNI GITBAL ran an improved 4th place when stepped up to this distance on April 5th, also settling back and running on, and that’s enough to make her the danger here. There is not early speed in the race so that may allow (7) ILCHUL GOLD to be further forward today and with Tanaka up, she can improve on recent performances. (4) JOJOBA and (1) FLYING ICE, the latter having been back to trial since an underwhelming debut, others in the frame.

Selections(9) Black Eagle (2) Seungni Gitbal (7) Ilchul Gold (4) Jojoba
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) MOUNTAIN DADDY got his maiden win in March when making all over a mile, before stepping up to this class and distance on April 5th and beating a few of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place. He comes up only slightly in the weights and from a good draw can be on or close to the pace here and will be expected to win. (9) WITH STAR loves coming home in 4th place, somethings he has done in each of her latest four starts and on seven occasions in total. She was (of course) 4th behind Mountain Daddy in that April 5th race but she has a sharp finish on her and really should be closer this time. (3) OVER THE TRIPLE and (4) QUEEN’S ROAD will need their respective latest efforts overlooked but both can be competitive in this company. (8) SEOGWI OREUM another place chance.

Selections(2) Mountain Daddy (9) With Star (3) Over The Triple (4) Queen’s Road
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

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JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG HARD TO OPPOSE IN TTUKSEOM CUP

Jeulgeounyeojeong will start an odds-on favourite to confirm her position as the nation’s top filly or mare in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES AT SEOUL & BUSAN.

Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)

Having swept all three legs of the Triple Tiara Series last year, Jeulgeounyeojeong went on to make inroads into the big filly and mare late season races too, culminating in victory in the brand-new Breeders’ Cup Queen race at Busan in December. She then had a welcome three-months of rest before tackling the first leg of the Queens’s Tour S/S, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M in March.

Sent off as the 1.5 favourite, Jeulgeounyeojeong came through that test although she was pushed hard by Wonderful Slew, who beat her in the Gyeongnam Governors’ Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan last October and got within a length of her in the Donga. However, with the distance dropping to one-turn, Wonderful Slew doesn’t take part this time, instead being sent out against the boys in last week’s YTN Cup over her favoured 2000M when she finished a creditable 5th behind Global Hit.

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