Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55, and at Yeongcheon where there are 6 races from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

(10) GEOLJAK MARU was 3rd at start two over 1200M in August and was then given a run in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy where, as the longest shot on the board, he ran a creditable 5th of nine. That form is far superior to anything else here. (7) METAL INVADER hasn’t raced since finishing 4th over 1200M back in March. He’s been back in work a long time though and has been gelded since we last saw him. He showed at the front in a trial at the start of this month and while he did weaken, he couldn’t have a softer race to return in. (11) DANAEUN RUBY has a 3rd and a 4th to her name and that’s enough to put her in line for a place here. (1) INDIE MINISTER and (3) LOOM CHUKJE other contenders for the minors.

Selections(10) Geoljak Maru (7) Metal Invader (11) Danaeun Ruby (1) Indie Minister
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 23, 11

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

After running 4th on debut in July, (4) GOLD X has finished 3rd in two subsequent tries, both of them over this distance and both times coming from off the pace. Expect similar tactics today and he should be too good late on. (10) PNS LEAF comes in off a much-improved 3rd over 1300M on October 5thh when slow out and running on. The time was slow, but he steps up to 1400M for the first time today and it may well suit. (11) CHEONGGANG GYEOUL similarly was an improved 3rd last time when ridden forward much earlier than in previous efforts. She has the challenge of the widest gate this time but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be in this. (5) THUNDER RUN and (7) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG are the other main contenders.

Selections(4) Gold X (10) PNS Leaf (11) Cheonggang Gyeoul (5) Thunder Run
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

It took (1) GEOLJAK TIARA a couple of goes following her maiden win to get accustomed to this level, but she has been very consistent since, with two 2nd places and two 4th places from her latest two. In this company and from the inside gate, she can be on pace, and she can win. (6) SUNGANUI FIGHTER was a winner at this class and distance two starts back before running 3rd on September 12th, coming from off the pace. He is up 4kg from his win but can be challenging late again. (2) DONGBAEK comes up in class following and all the way win over this distance on September 19th. This is tougher, but the manner of that victory suggests that there can be more to come. (10) STORM CRUSH and (9) HOT FEVER are among plenty of other chances.

Selections(1) Geoljak Tiara (6) Sunganui Fighter (2) Dongbaek (10) Storm Crush
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) MAEUM HANA is a winner of five from eight so far, most recently at this class over 1200M in August. He weakened to 5th having led when tried at 1800M last time out on September but back down in trip he should be much more comfortable today and looks hard to beat. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII needs a line drawn through his latest but going on his 2nd place at this class and distance on August 29th, he is worth another chance here. (8) LUCKY FRANK was a beaten favourite last time out but is a multiple placer at this level and is also worth another chance. (5) DREAM HONOUR and (6) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL are others who can ave a say in the finish.

Selections(3) Maeum Hana (11) Raon Nizhinskii (8) Lucky Frank (5) Dream Honour
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only. (1) RACE NINE was 2nd on debut before getting her maiden win in a lightning quick time over 1000M at start number two in August. She was then 3rd on her first try at this distance on September 18th. She comes to Yeongcheon for the first time, she can be on pace, and she can win. (2) FANTASTIC QUEENS was an on-pace winner over 1000M in an all-filly maiden on September 18th. She is up in class and in trip but there’s nothing to suggest that she can’t measure up. (9) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE enters off a useful 3rd place at this class and distance on September 6th and can aim to match that here. (3) GOLDEN CODE, who got her maiden win last time out, is another contender. The form falls off after those four, with (5) BLACK WAVE probably the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Race Nine (2) Fantastic Queens (9) Yeonggwanguirookie (3) Golden Code
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 24)

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) NIGHT THUNDER was a trial winner in August before debuting over 1000M on September 19th and overcoming a slow start to motor home for 4th. The step up in trip should be very much in her favour and she will be a short price to win this. (2) GEOSEN BEONGAE similarly did his best work late on debut over the shortest trip on September 6th. He was the longest shot on the board that day after a couple of unimpressive trials, but he is another who can show more over a longer trip. (8) FLYING UNO looks the best of the first-time starters. He was an on pace 2nd in his trial and if he brings that form to the races, he should be firmly in this. (4) RISING KILLER beat a couple of these on debut and can improve while (6) VELOCE is a debut-maker who hinted at ability across two trials.

Selections(3) Night Thunder (2) Geosen Beongae (8) Flying Uno (4) Rising Killer
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile maiden although all but one have prior experience. (2) NAREUSYA GOAT was 5th on debut over 1000M in August before running 2nd at start number two over this trip on September 20th when he led for most of the way (before a very good winner cruised by) and beat several of today’s rivals. From the same gate he can lead again and this time he can go one better. (6) GRAND PAS CLASSIC has finished 2nd in both his starts so far, both over 1000M and both times showing on pace. He is up in trip and can be in the finish again. (3) ESSENTIAL FORCE was 3rd in that September 20th race. E only has a length to find on Nareusya Goat and comes into a much better gate. (7) FLASH BOLT and (1) CLASSIC AUTUMN are the other main contenders in a decent-looking race.

Selections(2) Nareusya Goat (6) Grand Pas Classic (3) Essential Force (7) Flash Bolt
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) INFERNO was a front-running 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 6th. He should ave come on for that run, Franco stays on, and he has every chance of going one better today. (3) BEAT STAR as a couple of 4th places and a 5th from three outings so far. From a good draw, he should be on the pace, and he should be aiming for a better finish today. (11) WONPYEONG DREAM looked good in trials and was then a close 3rd on debut over this distance in July when he came from well off the pace. He then went lame but has been back in full work for most of this month and can run well on return. (6) URIUI GIPPEUM was a much-improved 2nd on September 13th, with Beat Star back in 4th. He can build on tat here. Of the two debut-makers, (1) UNICORN PRINCE looked fair enough in trials.

Selections(7) Inferno (3) Beat Star (11) Wonpyeong Dream (6) Uriui Gippeum
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(5) SEOUL BIHAENG is yet to win in seven attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including his latest at this class and distance on August 29th when he raced handy throughout. He is up 2kg, but draws well and in this company, today could be the day. If he does find one too quick again, it might be (2) CRAZY CHAMP, who enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on October 11th when he led until the closing stages. He is up 3kg in weight but draws better to get an easier run to the front. (9) THUNDER MATA was an on-pace winner over 1000M on September 13th. He is up in class and in distance, but he can measure up. (7) HOLLY TIARA ran three times across the turn of the year, winning once at this distance. She hasn’t raced since January, but she looked well when winning a trial at the start of this month and she can be in this. (8) PARKA SHINE perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Seoul Bihaeng (2) Crazy Champ (9) Thunder Mata (7) Holly Tiara
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

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Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter 2nd Leg): Form Comments

The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter is set for Busan on Friday afternoon when the three-year-old generation gets another crack at their elders in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 9 RACES AT BUSAN ON FRIDAY.

Fantastic Value is a two-time Queens’ Tour winner already this year (Pic: KRA)

It was the established fillies and mares who came out on top in the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3), the first leg of the series a month ago as four-year-old FANTASTIC VALUE added the race to the Ttukseom Cup she won earlier in the year. Last year’s Oaks winner is set to be a short-price favourite to prevail again on Friday and in the process seal the title of Champion filly/mare with a race to go.

At six-years-old, RAON FOREST is the oldest in the race. Last year’s KNN Cup winner was 2nd behind Fantastic Value in the Jeju Governor’s a month ago and beat plenty of repeating rivals when winning the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy back in March. She has every chance of beating all her younger rivals again.

BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was 2nd in that Donga Ilbo. She has a habit of getting a long way back in her races and then taking too long to go through the gears in the home straight, but she is one of only two in the race to have won over the distance and her ability isn’t in question.

As for the three-year-olds, CLEARLY WINNER heads the crop. The Luna Stakes winner and Oaks runner-up was 4th in the Jeju Governor’s and looks to have scope to get better. Oaks winner CATCH RACE along with SUNRISE, who won the final leg of the Triple Tiara over the same 2000M distance as Friday’s race, are the other up and comers.

The race is the 6th on the 9-race Friday card with a local post time of 16.00. Here’s how they line up:

1. TIGER ROAR – 3rd in both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, coming from off the pace both times. 7th in the Jeju Governor’s last time out. She has only won once and that probably won’t change today but she will stay on and can beat plenty.

2. EXCELLENT MATTA – Won five starts back and but has been bouncing around in midfield worse at class 3 and class 2 over 1800M and 1200M in four outings since. Outsider here.

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Queens’ Tour Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 23)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter as the feature. There are 9 races at Busan from 11.15. to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Selections Summary

Race1st2nd3rd4th
Busan Race 110862
Busan Race 210478
Busan Race 398411
Busan Race 41526
Busan Race 51623
Busan Race 665139
Busan Race 771091
Busan Race 82968
Busan Race 92571

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Maiden for imported juveniles (and southern hemisphere three-year-olds) with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (10) SHOOT FOR THE SUN went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (running 2nd in a time of 62.2 seconds showing on pace from gate eleven). It was back in August but Seo Seung-un being booked may be the deciding factor for plenty. (8) MISTER BEYOND won his trial, showing handy throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he can be in the finish. (6) LUNA CROWN and (2) ALL CLEAR finished 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over 1000M on September 11th. There was only half a length between them, and both can have come on. (5) HONOUR SPECIAL, 4th on debut, another who can improve.

Selections(10) Shoot For The Sun (8) Mister Beyond (6) Luna Crown (2) All Clear
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(10) OASIS SONG has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this class and distance on October 2nd when on pace throughout. In the absence of an apprentice claim he comes up 4kg in weight, but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win here. (4) GREEN STORM was 3rd in that October 2nd, much improved from her debut. She has three-lengths to find on Oasis Song and with a weight swing and the better of the draw, she can get closer today. (7) MR. SUNSHINE has a 5th and a 6th in two starts so far, both in fair times over this distance. Tanaka climbs on and third-up, he can be nice and fit. (8) RUN FOR ME didn’t do much on debut but has since been back to trial and may be better this time around. Debut-maker (3) POWERFUL WINNER another to consider.

Selections(10) Oasis Song (4) Green Storm (7) Mr. Sunshine (8) Run For Me
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 10

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

(9) SHINY KOREA is yet to strike in ten attempts but has been knocking on the door in is latest three with a 2nd place at 1400M in July followed up with a 3rd, and most recently and 4th place over a mile on September 18th. In this company and from this gate he can settle back and run on and today can be his day. He will need to overturn the form on (8) MAGIC OF QUEEN, who finished 3rd in that September 18th race at big odds, settling midfield and running on. That was a big uptick in form, and with Seo Seung-un on, he will be much shorter this time around. (4) FANTASTIC ONE enters off a best to date 3rd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 6th. He is another who drops right back and can run on. (11) TIGER UPPERCUT and (2) SHINING CLUTCH among other chances.

Selections(9) Shiny Korea (8) Magic Of Queen (4) Fantastic One (11) Tiger Uppercut
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) MAGIC OF ART returned from six months out in August to beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place over 1300M. She has had eleven weeks off since, but she has been in regular work and stepping up to a mile for the first time, she can make her breakthrough. (5) MISS COCO was 4th in that August race and comes in having run a very close 2nd over 1300M on September 11th. She does her best work late and will be a danger. (2) RESPECTING GIRL was 2nd – well beaten by a good winner – two starts back over 1400M before finishing 5th on her first try at this distance on September 18th. From a good draw and with Tanaka on, she may be a bit closer a but earlier today and can challenge late. (6) TWOTWO SPACE and (9) CHAMPUI HYANGGI among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Magic Of Art (5) Miss Coco (2) Respecting Girl (6) Twotwo Space
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT: OCTOBER 16-18: VICTORY CHAMP, CLUTCH DERBY TAKE OUT JUVENILE SERIES SECOND LEGS / SEO SEUNG-UN REACHES 1000 WINNERS

Two-year-olds took centre-stage as both Busan and Seoul held their respective legs of the Juvenile Series. The south-coast kicked things off on Friday as VICTORY CHAMP won the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) at Busan while two days later in a rainstorm in the capital, CLUTCH DERBY took the honours in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

Clutch Derby goes clear in the wet (Pic: KRA)

Victory Champ (by Old Fashioned) was sent off as the 3.1 favourite for Busan’s Friday leg on the strength of his ten-length win on debut. He justified that and then some as he dominated the rest of the fourteen-strong field to win by two-and-a-half lengths. Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy runner-up Eclipse Vision was 2nd – for the fourth time – while another maiden, Doctor Atlantic was 3rd. Jin Kyum was aboard the winner for trainer Min Jang-gi in the colours of Korea’s most prolific owner Lee Jong-hun. Gangseo-gu winner Lavender Crown never got going and was a well-beaten 8th.

At Seoul the NACF Chairman’s Trophy was run in a torrential downpour on Sunday afternoon, and Clutch Derby (by Cairo Prince) began as a 2.1 favourite to overturn his defeat at the hands of Major Fury in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy a month ago. Overturn it he did, setting the early pace along with A.K Sun and the pair of them would go on to run 1st and 2nd, with Major Fury three lengths back in 3rd. Lee Dong-ha was aboard the winner for trainer Choi Yong-geon and owners Joa Contrutction.

Separate up until now, the Seoul and “Yeongnam” (Busan and Yeongcheon) branches of the Juvenile Series, will come together for the final leg, and Victory Champ and Clutch Derby will both be expected to be among those who face off in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul on December 6 to determine the champion juvenile of 2026.

Busan on Friday saw the other main story of the weekend as Seo Seung-un became just the fifth Korean jockey to pass 1000 career winners. The milestone occurred in the concluding race 9 (1200M Class 2) as Seo guided GEUMA ADPEPT (Complexity) to an all the way victory.  Seo debuted as a jockey in 2011, winning aboard his first race ride, and the “Little Giant” has scarcely looked back since with twenty-eight of those thousand victories coming at Group level.

Seo’s 1000 had been expected to be brought up in race 2 (1200M Class 6) with Seo aboard the 1.4 favourite Special First. However, they could only manage 3rd as B.K. RICH (Nitrous) took the win at odds of 18.8 under Jo In-kwon. Debut-maker Perfect Seogwi, a 66.4 outsider also beat the odds-on favourite with a smart 2nd place and may be worth a follow going forward.

Jin Kyum had a productive Friday as not only did he win on Victory Champ, he partnered BRAVO YOUNG (Race Day) to a six-length maiden win in race 3 (1300M Class 6) – also for trainer Min Jang-gi – and after winning the feature he wasn’t done, as he then rode 1.7 favourite GLOBAL PRINCE (Shackleford) to an all the way score in race 8 (1800M Class 3). Global Prince was the first of a late double for trainer Lee Sang-young, who also trains Geuma Adept.

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Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11-races from 10:35 to 17:55) and at Yeongcheon (6-races from 12:45 to 16:30). The feature is at Seoul where the capital runs its second leg of the Juvenile Series, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed), which is race 8 on the program:

Major Fury and Clutch Derby will clash again in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (10) SAVE QUEEN trialed up well before debuting on September 6th over 1200M and settling midfield before running on to finish 4th of eleven. She should have come on for that run and won’t need to improve much to beat this modest looking set of rivals. (5) HAKSAN SMARTY put in a fair effort on her debut on September 19th, starting slowly but quickening for 5th. She too should have derived benefit from that and can get closer. Turning to the debut-makers, (7) TIGER CHAMP was the best in trials, finishing a close 2nd in a decent time and if she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. (11) FLYING PARTY and (3) WONDER FLEX others who could make an impact.

Selections(10) Save Queen (5) Haksan Smarty (7) Tiger Champ (11) Flying Party
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) LUNA SOCKS has been a beaten favourite in both her starts to date, finishing 3rd on debut over 1000M in August and then 5th over this distance on October 5th when she used up a lot of energy to lead from a wide draw. She draws much better today, and she is well worth another chance. (7) BEST FRIEND only just scraped through a qualification trial but ran solidly on debut on August 29th for 3rd place over 1200M showing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and can be in this. (5) PUREUNDOLPUNG was an improved 4th at start number two in an all-filly maiden over 1200M on September 12th. Like Luna Socks, third-up she can be peaking and should be a threat. (11) GEOSEN GIPPEUM and (10) SISLI could also improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(4) Luna Socks (7) Best Friend (5) Pureundolpung (11) Geosen Gippeum
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) DAREURI YEOWANG enters off a best to date 2nd place over 1300M when coming from the widest gate and running on. She comes into a much better gate this time around and she is faovured to go one better. (11) MIGHTY POINT debuted back in March and ran a fair 5th of eleven. He hasn’t raced since but looked well enough when not asked for much in a September trial and Franco’s booking suggests he may be worth an each-way chance in a race that the favourite aside, isn’t very deep. (2) COMPASS FORCE was a fair 3rd last time out in a slowly run race over 1300M. Her one previous try at this trip was her worst so far but in this company she can be close. (5) GOSANBONG and (4) CHEONDUNGUIBULKKOT look to be the other chances.

Selections(3) Dareuri Yeowang (11) Mighty Point (2) Compass Force (5) Gosanbong
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(9) ANYANG LASER enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class both over 1800M and both times having led for much of the way. He cuts back in trip, an apprentice takes his weight down, and he could well win this. (10) ROYAL HOPE K was a winner on debut over 1000M in June and then followed up with a narrow score at this class and distance on August 9th. He was well back in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup on September 13th, but he returns to shallower waters today and will start as favourite. (3) WINNER NAMCHON is yet to win but is up in class following two consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently over this distance on September 13th and under a very light weight, she can measure up. (4) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK and (5) BEST A ONE others to consider.

Selections(9) Anyang Laser (10) Royal Hope K (3) Winner Namchon (4) Nasca Bulchunggaek
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After an emphatic win on debut over 1000M, (7) SERAPH was sent off as favourite for the Rookie Stakes in August when, in bad weather, she led but got caught late, and then again in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy on September 11th when she did exacrly the same thing. She comes into much shallower waters here, the short home straight at Yeongcheon may suit, and she really should stay the 1200M this time. (9) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE enters off a class and distance 2nd at Busan on September 6th. She has been very consistent across seven starts to date, and she should be in the mix again. Veteran (11) GOLDEN POINT showed a liking for Yeongcheon when running 2nd at this class and distance on October 4th and while up 2kg in weight, he can be close again. (8) OASIS HEUIMANG and (5) GREAT STAR other place chances.

Selections(7) Seraph (9) Road To Number One (11) Golden Point (8) Oasis Heuimang
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

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

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

(8) BLUE ROSE has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over this distance and both times settling handy and running on. Third-up he can be peaking and he can win here. (10) PARKA RACER came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on September 19th. He can have come on for that run, the wide draw should be no problem, and he can be a danger today. (11) GEOLJAK RUBY’s best performance to date was on debut when she finished 2nd of nine over 1000M. She has raced fairly for 6th and 5th in her latest two and should be aiming to go better today. (3) CITY OF DREAM and (5) BOLSTER are others who can have at least placing claims.

Selections(8) Blue Rose (10) Parka Racer (11) Geoljak Ruby (3) City Of Dream
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

(1) AREUMDAUN BIT has been knocking on the door for a while and has a 2nd and a 4th place from her latest two, both over this distance and both times coming from off the pace. There isn’t much speed in this race so she can be a little further forward earlier today and she has as good a chance as any. (11) CHEONSANGGEOMNYONG has got a long way back in both his starts so far but has run on pleasingly enough for 4th and 5th. Maia gets on for the first time and third-up he can be nice and fit. (6) TONNERRE DOS was 3rd over the minimum distance two starts back but has been finishing off his races well and may appreciate the step up in trip today. (5) SONGDANG JILJU and (8) YEONGWONHAN LUCEA among other chances.

Selections(1) Areumdaun Bit (11) Cheongsanggeomnyong (6) Tonerre Dos (5) Songdang Jilju
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the ten racing for the first time. The exposed form isn’t great, so we’ll take a chance on a newcomer and (6) FOREVER RUN. He settled midfield in his trial, running on to finish 4th in a fair time and he may not need to improve too much from that to win here. Among the aforementioned exposed form, (8) CUPID CHEONGUNG has the best. After an ordinary trial, he didn’t do much wrong when 5th of eleven on debut over 1200M on September 19th and can make some progress here. (7) GETTYSBURG was slow away on debut over this distance but finished off well enough. He previously led his trial and if he can address that start, he can get much closer today. (2) GOLDEN RISING and newcomer (5) ARIRANG STAR are the others to consider.

Selections(6) Forever Run (8) Cupid Cheongung (7) Gettysburg (2) Golden Rising
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) CRUSH GIRL has two 4th places and a 2nd from three starts so far, up to 1400M. Luis rode her to her best finish, and he returns to the ride today and the step up to two turns may well suit. (4) LEADERS PARTNER took a few goes to figure things out, but he has definitely taken to two turns with a 3rd and a 2nd in his two tries over this trip so far. He likes to settle back and run on and he can be a danger late here. (5) NURI EUTTEUM led for most of the way around on his way to a best to date 2nd place over this distance on September 20th and he can lead again here in a race where there is no obvious speed. (2) SMART GRAND and (9) ÉCLAIR WIND are among others who can compete for at least the places.

Selections(6) Crush Girl (4) Leaders Partner (5) Nuri Eutteum (2) Smart Grand
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 16)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9-races from 11:15 to 17:55. The juvenile series continues as Lavender Crown heads a full field of fourteen in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, race 6 on the card. Here are the previews:

Lavender Crown will bid to take out the second leg of the Juvenile Series (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) DUBAI TIME was a trial winner, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fair time. She draws nicely to lead again and has every chance first up. Among the experienced ones, (1) DANALDA is the only one who has raced twice and she has finished 3rd on both occasions, both at 1200M and both times racing handy to the speed. She should have a fitness edge on her rivals here and can win. (8) WILD MAY was the quickest in trials, running 3rd behind the experienced World Top Tier and if she brings that form to the races, she can be in the finish and that time may make her the betting favourite. (3) GLOBAL LUNA and (10) MIRACLE PACE ran 5th and 7th respectively when facing one another on debut over this distance on September 18th, and both can improve second-up.

Selections(2) Dubai Time (1) Danalda (8) Wild May (3) Global Luna
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) SPECIAL FIRST trialed well and was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on August 21st when he ran an on-pace 2nd. He should have come on for that run Seo Seung-un gets on, and he will be favourite to go one better here. (11) B.K RICH debuted over this distance on September 18th, showing close to the pace throughout and while beaten a full nine-lengths by winner Royal Pride, showing plenty of promise. He too can have come on for the run and be close despite the challenge of the widest gate. (10) UHANRYUNG and (4) CLUTCH POTTER both caught the eye in their respective trials and can be considered. (2) BUHWARUI SEOMAK was four-lengths behind B.K. Rich on debut on September 18th and can aim to get closer.

Selections(5) Special First (11) B.K Rich (4) Clutch Potter (10) Uhanryung
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11

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

Decent maiden. (1) BRAVO YOUNG was 5th on debut in August and then an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on September 11th when coming from off the pace. He was well beaten by a good winner, but he was doing his best work late and the slight step up in trip can see him home on top here although there may not be much speed to run at. The modestly named (3) INVINCIBLE debuted in June, finishing 3rd over 1000M in a race where the runner-up subsequently won and the winner has finished 2nd at class 5. He won a trial last week in a quick time and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he is a chance. (10) COWBOY LOOK returned from ten months off to beat three of today’s rivals over this distance on September 4th, and stripping fitter for that run, he can be a danger. (7) GYEONGBOK ARAMIS and (8) OASIS YEONGCHEON among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(1) Bravo Young (3) Invincible (10) Cowboy Look (7) Gyeongbok Aramis
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) HEAR WE GO was 3rd on debut in August and then 4th at start two over 1300M on September 11th when handy throughout. She draws well and third-up, she can be peaking. So can (5) MISS FALCON. She did nothing on debut over 1200M but came from a long way back to run 3rd over 1000M on August 28th in what was a very quick race. She steps up significantly in trip and it may suit. (7) GEORGE PRINCE seems to be figuring things out with a pair of 5th places from his first two, followed by a 4th over 1300M on September 4th and he can continue to make progress in this company. (2) DOCTOR PRINCE and (10) GEUMBIT SPRING others who may improve in a race were there is quite a big drop off in form after the first couple of favourites.

Selections(3) Hear We Go (5) Miss Falcon (7) George Prince (2) Doctor Prince
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

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GANGPUNGMA SOARS TO PRESIDENT’S CUP GLORY

Gangpungma backed up his July KRA Cup Classic victory with an even more commanding performance to win the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The “Big Four” who all skipped last month’s Korea Cup, filled out the first four positions with 2024 winner Global Hit in 2nd, 2025 winner Speed Young 3rd, and Success Baekpa 4th.

(Pic: KRA)

Ridden for the first time by Jang Chu-youl in the absence of the injured Jo Jae-ro, who had been his jockey in all but one of his previous twenty-nine starts, Gangpungma was sent off as the 2.3 market elect for the season’s penultimate Group 1 test.

Having settled right at the back of the field, Gangpungma eased into contention on the home turn and then cruised away seemingly effortlessly for a six-length win on the line. 

It was a first Group 1 success not only for Gangpungma but also for jockey Jang, trainer Kim Dong-chul and owner Park Nam-sung. At six-years-old, Gangpungma is the oldest President’s Cup winner since Triple Nine won his fourth in 2018.

“I felt very comfortable right from the start” winning jockey Jang told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “Really not a single moment of unease, (Gangpungma) traveled so well that I thought he was going to take off and start flying. The start was good and the pace was perfect so I could afford to take it easy. It was a lot of fun.”

(Pic: KRA)

Three-year-old Funny Wild was well supported as fourth favourite in the market but while the double Classic winner did set the early pace, he was among the first beaten when the established stars started to press, ultimately finishing in 9th place.

For Global Hit it was a 5th runner-up finish in as many starts in 2026, while Speed Young and Success Baekpa ran their usual solid races.

The seven-lengths between Success Baekpa and Giant Step, who led home the rest in 5th, was perhaps indicative of the gulf in quality that exists in the longer distance races at the moment. With no Clean One, there is little reason to believe that any others besides the big four (assuming that up and coming imported star Roshe does not run) have any serious winning chance the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1), the final Group 1 race of the season on December 6.

Korea Racing Report: October 9-11

GANGPUNGMA RULED THE SHOW GAINING GROUP ONE GLORY IN THE PRESIDENT’S CUP IN SEOUL ON SUNDAY BUT ON THE UNDERCARD AN 1800M CLASS 3 FOR DOMESTIC REARED HORSES WAS THE MAIN HANDICAP AND THE EVER-CONSISTENT FLYING HONOR proved he is only getting better and better with an outstanding runaway seven-length victory over two other smart three-year-old’s in Live Star and Concord Codie.

Flying Honor (To Honor And Serve) scored by seven-lengths, and it could have been further if jockey Johan Victoire wanted it to be, as the 4.1 second choice with Live Star who was the 5.8 third favourite finishing one-and-a-half lengths ahead of the 2.4 favourite Concord Codie in 2nd and 3rd places. Johan Victoire is the regular partner of Flying Honor and he was completing a double after a similarly easy victory on GEUPHAENG YEOLCHA (Union Rags) who lived up to her name in Race 7 (1600M Class 4) running away from her rivals like an express train in the home straight to score by six-lengths and in doing so the American bred filly was recording her first win at start twelve following multiple minor placings.

Race 11 (1400M Class 3) was the concluding contest and JJARITHAN HAENGBOK (Maximus Mischief) was another winner for the combination of jockey Kozzi Asano, trainer Choi Yong-geon and owner Woo Tae-yul which have a winning strike of almost 40% across the past couple of months. Jjarithan Haengbok was a winner at odds of 30.6 when ridden for the first time by Asano in August before a 2nd last month, where he attempted to bite the rival that kicked back to beat him as they crossed the line, but made no mistake here scoring by two-and-a-half lengths at odds of 4.6 over the Australian bred three-year-old South Carnival which was the 2.5 favourite. Cheongung Storm, who was the horse that Jjarithan Haengbok went to bite last month, was the 9.0 third choice and finished 6th after leading.

TIGER MANGCHI (Old Fashioned) was stepping right up in trip when running in Race 9 (1700M Class 4) and was also ridden very differently by Kim Yong-geun with front-running tactics applied but that did not stop the three-year-old gelding from bouncing back into the winners list by four-lengths as the 2.1 favourite. He only made his debut in June and is now the winner of three races from four starts.

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