KOREA RACING REPORT – AUGUST 14-17 (ROOKIE STAKES)

IT WAS ROOKIE STAKES DAY IN KOREA LAST SUNDAY AND THE SEOUL VERSION SAW HOPE K record a second success in the race for owner Kang Gyeong-un after his colours were famously carried to success by Lala K three years ago (writes Luke Humphreys).

Dubai Heart claimed the Busan Rookie Stakes (Pic: KRA)

Hope K (Mitole) landed the prize in much distinct style to Lala K’s viral victory however as he led throughout to land the money by five-lengths for jockey Lee Dong-ha and trainer Moon Byeong-ki. Hope K was recording his second win at start three and beat the 4.4 second favourite, and previously unbeaten, Major Fury into 2nd. The other favourites were South Carnival, 5.0, who had beaten Hope K at the end of May, who finished 6th and the Luigi Riccardi prepared Johan Victoire ridden Kkumui Yeonsok, 2.3, who was the popular pick with punters after his sensational win on debut, but he was slow at the start and was never closer than second last.

Trainer Moon Byeong-ki completed a double when winning the concluding Race 10 (1200M Class 4) with PANGPANG DAERO (Frosted) who as the 4.2 second favourite led throughout from the inside gate to land the spoils by two-lengths at his first attempt at Class 4. Cheongsan Dolpung was 2nd whilst 3.9 favourite Sahara Khan did well to run 3rd after a poor start ahead of Ikkeulim, Ever Glory and Forever Gil in 4th, 5th, and 6th.

Whilst naturally the Rookie Stakes was the feature of the meeting Race 9 would have been the main race on the day on any normal card. It was an 1800M Class 1 and five-year-old mare GLADIUS (Boys At Tosconova) on her first run against the boys since February of last year, when she beat them by eight-lengths, proved way too good by a margin of nine-lengths despite being very wide throughout the contest. The grey mare is one of the most consistent horses in the country and no doubt her win would have been a huge confidence booster leading into the Queen’s Tour races this coming Autumn. Zetta Master, at this stage the only Seoul based horse entered in the Korea Cup, came from last as he always does to be 2nd whilst Musket Day, a Listed winner in May, was 3rd ahead of longtime leader No Problem in 4th. The disappointment of the race was the 2.9 favourite Best Race who had been best of the rest behind Roshe in the Owner’s Cup at his previous start. He had run over 1800M or further just twice in his career when 12th in both last year’s Derby and Minister’s Cup and the trip proved too far for him especially considering he was on pace in the run.

There were multiple trainers and jockeys that had winning doubles on the day, and they included Tony Castanheira who had a race-to-race double at that with HOT FEVER (Old Fashioned) in Race 3 (1300M Class 5) and BEONGAE LEWIS (Uncaptured) in Race 4 (1400M Class 5). Hot Fever was recording her first win at start ten and pinched the prize from the front under Kozzi Asano whilst Beongae Lewis followed up his twelve-length trial win and six-length debut win with a four-length score as the 1.6 favourite sixty-five minutes later and is a three-year-old colt to keep following.

Lee Hyeok was the winning jockey on Beongae Lewis, and he completed a double when YONGBIGYO (Nitrous) was a smart nine-length winner from the front in Race 7 (1600M Class 4) on her Class 4 debut. She comfortably accounted for the 1.8 favourite Raon Finalle who was finishing 2nd for the third consecutive start.

Kang Hwan-min trained a double with SAMJEONG YEOJE (Cowboy Cal) winning by four-lengths in Race 2 (1300M Class 6) before ONE DIA (Independence) won Race 5 (1400M Class 5) as the 2.8 favourite with Furkan Yuksel. The winning rider on Samjeong Yeoje was Kim Yong-geun and he completed a pair of wins on the day when NAMSAN ROCK (Known Agenda) scored by nine-lengths as the 1.9 favourite in Race 6 (1400M Class 4).

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Holiday Monday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17)

It’s a public holiday on Monday and that means a special 11-race Seoul card from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(2) GWANAKSAN BIGSTEP is a colt by Vics from the Song Moon-gil stable that won by a lazy thirteen-lengths in his one and only trial on July 16 where he led from start to finish in smart time. That will send him off as a long odds-on favourite for his debut. (5) BIG WIND is by Courvoisier with the in-form Lee Shin-woo stable and trialled once for a fourth on July 23 and rates as best of the rest under Andre da Silva. (9) TONNERRE DOS has never been better than midfield in two runs but rates next over (7) DU UM, who a similar comment applies to, with (6) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (1) SHARP GUY, a Moon Byeong-ki prepared Concord Point colt, potential place chances.

Selections(2) Gwanaksan Bigstep (5) Big Wind (9) Tonnerre Dos (7) Du Um
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 7

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

(2) INFLATION has taken a while to get to the races as he had two trials last year for a fifth in July and a front-running victory in December before most recently trialling on July 16, this year, when second beaten a nose behind Geosen Daero, fourth in last year’s Rookie Stakes. If this Medici Glory colt out of a Canadian mare is good to go, he can go close. (8) RAON THE RIPON has trialled once, also on July 16, for a thirteen-length second to Gwanaksan Bigstep. That horse will be the odds-on favourite in Race 1 so supporters of Raon The Ripon will be keeping a big eye on what happens twenty-five minutes before this Musket Man colt with Lee Kang-seo makes his debut. (1) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG has a runner-up and two fourth places from three runs and will go close whilst (11) STUNNING SKET has a second and a third from his pair of starts. (6) WONPYEONG DREAM looks the other key player with (3) SPICY JERRY best of the rest.

Selections(2) Inflation (8) Raon The Ripon (1) Geumbit Yeongung (11) Stunning Sket
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(1) MYUNG BRACING resumes since the winter when finishing second in a pair of maiden events in December and January. She was fifth in a trial on July 23 and should go close first up. (7) SILK SPECTER was fourth in a decent race for this grade two back and could be at decent value in this event. (2) GANGHAN GAMMA is a maiden who has struggled in two runs at this grade but had run minor placings just behind some decent winners in three of her maiden runs prior so should not be totally discounted. (6) EXCELLENT HANSEN has been third in each of her last two runs which have been at this level and rates as a solid chance as does recent dual runner-up (3) GEOLJAK TIARA, who will be well fancied, with (5) HAEMAJI best of the three outsiders.

Selections(1) Myung Bracing (7) Silk Specter (2) Ganghan Gamma (6) Excellent Hansen
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) MR. DOR and (4) CLUTCH DERBY have both had one trial for one impressive win and one race for one impressive win so this looks set to be an exciting race for the grade. The former came from well back to win his trial by seven-lengths before pulling Kozzi Asano’s arms out when he attempted to ride him with a sit in the early stages on debut before pulling him to the outside a long way from home and eventually recording a sixteen-length score. The latter has been arguably the most impressive looking juvenile we have seen this year to date with front-running victories in his trial by seven-lengths before a winning margin of nine-lengths on debut, yet we do not seem him in the Rookie Stakes twenty-fours earlier but in a Class 5 where he will not get it all his own way against a smart looking rival two years his senior. However, Clutch Derby will start favourite over Mr. Dor in what should be a top match race with the rest all battling out third to ninth with (6) POWER BEST and (7) THUNDER FIRE the best of the bronze chances over (9) HYEWONYONGMA and (8) FINAL JILJU.

Selections(5) Mr. Dor (4) Clutch Derby (6) Power Best (7) Thunder Fire
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 7

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

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Rookie Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

Seoul and Busan both hold their prep races for the Juvenile Series on Sunday as a small collection of the most promising two-year-olds at each track line up for the Rookie Stakes. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens although all but one have raced at least once before. (3) WONDER GRACE has raced twice, improving to 2nd at start two over 1000M on July 12th. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) ECLIPSE GOLDEN was 3rd on debut over this distance on July 19th, well beaten by the promising Clutch Derby, but nevertheless putting in a solid effort. He should have come on for the run and shapes as the main danger and possible betting favourite. (9) G B ACE was a beaten favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4th but showed enough in 4th place to suggest he is worth another chance here. (1) BONBON TIARA and (6) SEOGWI MENIQUEEN among others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(3) Wonder Grace (8) Eclipse Golden (9) G B Ace (1) Bonbon Tiara
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) SAMJEONG YEOJE enters off back-to-back 3rd places over 1400M racing on pace both times. She draws a touch wider than ideal but se won’t need to find much improvement to win this. (5) JS LOVE did nothing in her first two starts this spring but having gone back to trial, reappeared on July 18th with a close 2nd place at 1200M. She draws well here and can match or better that today. (1) HWARYEOHAN YUSAN was an improved 2nd over this distance on June 7th when racing on pace throughout. He can lead ere again and can be in this a long way. (3) GEOSEN HAMSEONG and (9) ILGEUP BISUL are among others who can be aiming for the places.

Selections(10) Samjeong Yeoje (5) JS Love (1) Hwaryeohan Yusan (3) Geosen Hamseong
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) SWEET MAN here. Since switching to racing on pace two starts back, he has a 2nd and a 3rd both over 1400M and while he comes up to a mile for the first time, he can get a soft lead here and go all the way. (9) RIVER RUN was beaten by a couple of these two starts back but comes in following a 3rd place over 1400M on June 21st when coming from off the pace. He comes up to the mile for the first time, and it may well suit. (10) SHINY KOREA was an improved 2nd at 1400M on July 19th and is another who can benefit from the extended trip today. (8) VIRAL HIT and (11) HANGANG BRAVO are the other main contenders on a place line.

Selections(1) Sweet Man (9) River Run (10) Shiny Korea (8) Viral Hit
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(2) WHIZ POINT hasn’t won but has two 2nd places and two 3rd places from four starts to date and was most recently runner-up at this class and distance on July 11th when on pace and only going down narrowly. He is up 3.5kg in weight, but he can break through here. (1) HOT FEVER is yet to score in nine but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M in April and May. She comes in having run 4th at this class and distance on July 19th and she can be closer today. (9) ONNURI BIT beat Whiz Point two starts back when the pair came home 2nd and 3rd and while that was her best finish so far, she can be a place chance again. (4) CLOVER ONE and (6) INSPIRE others firmly in the frame.

Selections(2) Whiz Point (1) Hot Fever (9) Onnuri Bit (4) Clover One
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

(1) PRIME JENNY was an all the way winner on debut over this distance on July 17th scoring with plenty in hand. She could have probably taken her chance in the Rookie Stakes later on, but instead is sent to face older rivals at class 5 and should really win again. (9) CLUTCH RUNNER has mixed his form since his maiden win, but he enters off a 3rd place over 1200M at this class on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and he will have backers. (10) SKYNEX was a maiden winner two outings back over 1400M before running a solid 3rd place over a mile on his first try at this level on July 12th. He is up 2kg but can be there or thereabouts again. (4) JEONGMUN FELIX is the best of the rest while (8) WONDERFUL LARK, racing for the first time since November 2024, is the wildcard having trialed fairly.

Selections(1) Prime Jenny (9) Clutch Runner (10) Skynex (4) Jeongmun Felix
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 34 Million

(3) BEONGAE LEWIS won a trial by a distance and then scored by six-lengths with a front-running effort on debut over 1200M on July 4th. He comes up in class and in distance, but he is down 2.5kg in weight and the manner of that victory means he goes on top again today. (8) HAKSAN PRINCE is a non-winner of twenty-four and that probably won’t change here, but he has placed on no fewer than nine occasions, including his latest over 1200M on July 18th. He has been runner-up over this trip four times and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (2) SINHAN ACE comes back in trip following 3rd place over 1800M on July 18th. He has a 3rd over this distance too and he will be running-on late again. (9) TEN BAGGER and (10) STUNNING SERVE are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Beongae Lewis (8) Haksan Prince (2) Sinhan Ace (9) Ten Bagger
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

A bit of a battle of the non-winners. (7) QUEEN PERFECT comes in off 2nd place at this class and distance on July 12th in what was arguably a stronger race than this. That was her first go at both the class and the distance and with that experience in her, she can go one better today. (9) DUBAI DREAM is up in class having 2nd over 1400M on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. He gets a 2kg weight drop and the step up in trip can suit. (4) KISS THE RAIN was 4th on his first try at both class and distance on July 5th and just like Queen Perfect, can have come on for that. He’ll be on pace and can be in this a long way. Veterans (1) DORAON SAMSON and (10) COLONEL FLYING also find themselves in a race where they can win a prize.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 15)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

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

(5) WHITE THUNDER was not far away on debut when sent off in the market and this Choi Yong-geon prepared Hansen filly can go close under Kozzi Asano. (7) QUEENS IMPACT was ridden by Asano in each of her two trials and her race debut which yielded a third to a subsequent winner and a subsequent runner-up. Franco da Silva picks up the mount and this Knicks Go filly looks the other key runner. (2) RAON POLIS has trialled once for a fifth beaten twelve-and-a-half-lengths and the Musket Man filly out of a Japanese mare with Lee Kang-seo rates next over (1) LOOM CHUKJE and (9) BLUE HORIZON who are best of the rest over (4) CITY OF DREAM.

Selections(5) White Thunder (7) Queens Impact (2) Raon Polis (1) Loom Chukje
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) CLAIR FREEDOM was out the back in each of her first three runs but looks to be knocking on the door with a second, third and fourth in each of her last trio of starts so under the in-form Kim Hyo-jung she can go close. (10) SAMJEONG BLUE is another that has continued to get better with more racing and has been just behind the placegetters of late. He gets a four-kilogram apprentice claim in this so that can help achieve an even better result here. (4) PERFECT GAME was second three back and finished fourth last start and Seo Seung-un rides whilst (5) THE QUEEN ROSE comes from the Luigi Riccardi stable and has been third at her latest two. Recent runner-up (1) ECLAIR WIND rates next over (6) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN.

Selections(3) Clair Freedom (10) Samjeong Blue (4) Perfect Game (5) The Queen Rose
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

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

(1) MR. KAI draws to hold a forward role and with Seo Seung-un to ride he will be one of the main fancies. (5) VICAR DELLA dropped out after leading last start but at her prior two career starts had finished in third after being on pace and can be given another chance. (2) BIBA CHARM can go close on his third place three runs ago whilst (7) DANAEUN RUBY was third at her most recent run. (11) SAHARA ROSE and last start runner-up (10) RISING WIND rate next.

Selections(1) Mr. Kai (5) Vicar Della (2) Biba Charm (7) Danaeun Ruby
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10

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

(11) POINT I has been consistent without winning and despite coming up to one win grade for the first time as a maiden can go close with a light weight. (9) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM comes off back-to-back wins over 100M further and shorter and despite rising seven pounds and two-and-a-half kilograms on last start can complete the hat-trick. (6) POWER MAGIC comes off a course and distance maiden win and rates as one of the chances along with (1) POMADE on his effort three back. (3) TRIPLE S won her maiden over (2) SAENAE RANIA two back whilst the latter has been behind the former as well as Power Magic at her last two but drops two kilograms by coming up in class.

Selections(11) Point I (9) Cheonggang Yeoreum (6) Power Magic (1) Pomade
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11

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

(7) CHAOS led throughout to break her maiden when resuming on July 26 following a second to the subsequent impressive debut winner Clutch Derby, who we see on Monday, in a trial on July 2. That form should stack up well as she comes up to Class 5 and she can make it two for two this preparation. (8) SEVEN KAISER is still a maiden and comes off a career worst performance, but he had been consistent prior and rates as an each-way hope. (2) NINE SPEAR was a two-and-a-half length course and distance maiden winner last month and rates as the other main player with (10) TURBO CHARGE, (6) QUEEN ABIGAIL, and (9) MIGHTY AMI best of the rest.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 14)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with nine of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) ACE CROW was a solid 2nd in her trial, stopping the clock in a good time. She draws well to get forward early here and she has every chance first-up. (6) WILD D’ORO recorded the quickest trial time among the newcomers. She was helped in that by being in the same heat as champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong, who she finished six-lengths in arrears of, but it was a good showing, nonetheless. In terms of the experienced pair, (11) DOCTOR ATLANTIC was a fair 4th on debut over this distance on July 10th and with some natural improvement, she can get close. (9) GOLDEN CODE was only 6th on her debut but previously ran well in trials and Seo Seung-un staying on will tempt plenty. (8) BREEDO GREEN is another debut-maker who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(2) Ace Crow (6) Wild D’Oro (11) Doctor Atlantic (9) Golden Code
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) PILSEUNG WINNER took a few goes to figure things out but has finished inside the top four in each of her latest four with her best a close 2nd two starts back over 1300M when racing on pace. She came from off the pace to run 4th at that same trip on June 28th and the step up to a mile can suit. (3) SO FAST was disappointing when 6th having been well-backed over this distance on July 26th. She got a bit far back that day and didn’t make ground (her jockey that day described her as one-paced and doesn’t ride today) but was going well prior to that and is worth another chance in this company where there is nothing in the way of speed. (9) MORE QUICKLY needs to take his own name’s advice a bit more literally when it comes to finishing off his races but enters off 3rd last time and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) NICE POWER and (4) MACH DASH others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Pilseung Winner (3) So Fast (9) More Quickly (11) Nice Power
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

(9) JOY OF QUEEN is still a maiden but was 2nd two starts back over this class and distance before running 4th having led in a race of upsets on July 19th. In this field, she should be on pace again and can win. The favourite will be (6) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE. Having scored on debut, she took a couple of goes to get used to this class but has run 3rd in her latest two, both at this distance and both times having led. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way and will be favoured market wise despite being beaten by Joy Of Queen two starts back. (7) THE POINT hinted at a return to form with a 4th place at this class and distance on July 24th. He is yet another who should be close to the speed. (11) BORYEONG ONE ROAD and (2) GLOBAL ONE PICK may offer some each-way interest.

Selections(9) Joy Of Queen (6) Road To Number One (7) The Point (11) Boryeong One Road
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (3) YEOUN weakened when stepped up to a mile at the end of June, but she previously ran 2nd at this class over 1400M in May. She has her fair share of weight to carry, but she draws well to be on pace, and this time she should stay on. (11) GLOBAL HEROINE is yet to win in twenty-five appearances but has no fewer than sixteen top five finishes including her latest two and this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (7) BACK TO THE DREAM was a maiden winner over 1400M two starts back but struggled with the pace when beaten by two of these on her hirst try at this class on July 19th. Nevertheless, with only four runs to her name, she is worth another chance here. (10) NICE MYEONGGA and (8) NORTHERN QUEEN are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Yeoun (11) Global Heroine (7) Back To The Dream (10) Nice Myeongga
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(2) JADE PALACE ran three times last autumn, getting his maiden win in the last of them over 1200M before suffering a setback that kept him off the track until this July 5th when e was 3rd at 1300M. He clearly has some echoes of his early talent and stripping fitter; he can add another win to his bow here. (6) WINNING TREE returned from a similarly lengthy absence on July 19th and made all to score over 1200M. He is only up 2kg in weight and he has every chance of a repeat. (1) SUCCESS GOLD was 2nd in an all-filly race at this class and distance on July 12th and under the same apprentice claim, she can go very close again. (3) NOBLE WIND and (8) WORLD FIGHTER MAN are the other main ones in the market.

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KOREA RACING REPORT: AUGUST 7-9

THE MAIN RACE THIS WEEKEND IN KOREA WAS THE CONCLUDING CONTEST AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY IN THE SHAPE OF A 1200M CLASS 1 HANDICAP AND WITH LESS THAN THREE-LENGTHS COVERING THE FIRST EIGHT HOME IN THE ELEVEN-RUNNER FIELD IT WAS KING HONOR who landed the prize completing a treble on the day for rider Kim Yong-geun (writes Luke Humphreys).

The consistent King Honor (To Honor And Serve) came from midfield to score at his very first attempt at the grade over 2.6 favourite Hansen Bracing with the ever-consistent Ziggurat in 3rd. One of the roughies in the field in Geosen Bangyeok looked the winner for most of the way down the straight before peaking on the run in the final 100M with Daehan Jilju, Mighty Look, Yongam Sesang, and J S Road, 4.0 second favourite, filling the next four places in an outstanding finale to the weekend.

The Oaks winner CATCH RACE (Afleet Express) bounced back to winning ways in Race 9 (1600M Class 3) with an effortless five-length victory as the 1.3 favourite. She had put the writing on the wall in the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas) prior to her last gasp Oaks victory before being beaten in similar fashion to the way she defeated Clearly Winner in The Oaks when 2nd to Sunrise in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She never looked like losing and defeated co-favourites Namsan Belt, 7.7, and longtime leader Baro Danaeun, 9.2.

MUJEOK HAMDAE (Mischieviously) scored for Furkan Yuksel as the 3.1 favourite in Race 7 (1800M Class 4), one of multiple wins across the weekend for trainer Lee Shin-woo. Mujeok Hamdae was first up since the beginning of April when chasing home Gwanaksan Sky and came from midfield to score by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

TIGER BULPAE (Power Blade) broke through at the ninth time of asking in Race 6 (1400M Class 5) and justified punters confidence winning by two-and-a-half lengths as the 1.7 favourite. The three-year-old filly had finished either 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th in each of her eight previous runs but finally was able to better all those results and did it well. Kim Yong-geun was the winning jockey and that was the first of his three wins on the day.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 9)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55 and at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16:55. Here are the prviews:

Oaks winner Catch Race is back on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Imported maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. The only southern hemisphere runner is (2) VICTORY LIFE. He looked good when 2nd in her trial in a decent time having been handy throughout. A concern is that was at the end of the April, and he has been lame since, but he has been back in work since the end of June and is worth a chance in this company. (5) A.K JUN looks the best of the experience. He raced handy on debut over 1000M on June 28th, ultimately running on for 4th place, albeit a long way behind a good winner. He beat two of today’s rivals in the proves and he will probably start as the betting faovurite. (8) ESSENTIAL FORCE is another debut-maker who looked well when an on pace 2nd in his trial and can go well first up while (4) NAREUSYA LUCKY went through two heats improving in the second and should be nice and fit for this. (1) BULTAOREUNE was a fair 6th of nine on debut and is the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Victory Life (5) A.K Jun (8) Essential Force (4) Nareusya Lucky
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

(9) STAR PLAY was sent off as the longest shot on the board on debut over 1000M on July 4th but made a mockery of that by coming from well off the pace to run a close 2nd. The additional furlong can suit and with some natural improvement, he can go one better. After an eye-catching trial, (4) BEAT STAR was sent off as the long odds-on favourite on debut on June 27th but while he led, he knocked up quickly and finished 4th. He should have learned a bit from that and can be given another chance here. Sole debut-maker (7) MAGIC TOUCH went through two trials and was much improved in the second of them (be aware that as a “voluntary” trial, it won’t appear in all race cards, but it was on July 9th) leading all the way and stopping the clock in 62.2 seconds. If he brings that form to the races, he is a big chance first-up. (8) BLITZ CARA was 5th on debut and then 3rd behind Star Play on July 4th. Third-up he can be peaking and he can be close. (2) K SOCKS can improve on an ordinary debut.

Selections(9) Star Play (4) Beat Star (7) Magic Touch (8) Blitz Cara
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the nine racing for the first time, but it’s the experienced ones who most will go for. (6) OASIS HEUIMANG has raced twice before, finishing 3rd on debut at the end of May and then 2nd when starting the odds-on favourite over 1200M on July 17th. He’ll be on pace here and will be an even shorter price to make it third time lucky. (8) HERO HIT came home in 4th place on debut over 1000M on June 26th, having shown on the speed. She previously won a trial, and she is the main danger here. (9) MORNING ARIA completes the trio wit prior experience. She too ran well on debut for 3rd place over 1000M on July 3rd and with some natural improvement, she can be in the mix again. Of the first timers, (2) ACE LOVE and (7) TWOTWO SPACE showed the most in trials.

Selections(6) Oasis Heuimang (8) Hero Hit (9) Morning Aria (2) Ace Love
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

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

(3) BREEDO EPIC didn’t do much on debut on May but was a much-improved 3rd at start number two over 1300M on June 21st. She comes up significantly in trip here but third-up she can be nice and fit, and she can make her breakthrough here.  (7) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been ordinary across seven starts so far but she returns to the distance at which she registered her best result to date at when 2nd – well beaten by a good winner – in May. She can settle midfield and will see out the trip. (10) CLUB MAN has almost identical form with his best also being 2nd over this distance two outings back. He can overcome the wide draw to be handy and can be competitive. (5) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (4) SINCHEON HEART both picked up in their respective latest outings and can continue to make progress.

Selections(3) Breedo Epic (7) Powerful Arctic (10) Club Man (5) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

(3) MAGIC TREE was anonymous on debut all the way back last July and then didn’t reappear until this May wen a fair 6th of nine over this 1300M. She returned on June 28th to run 2nd over this same trip when handy throughout and she’s favoured to go one better today. There is one debut-maker. (9) HEAR WE GO originally trialed last October but didn’t make it to the races. She looked a much better prospect when winning a heat in early July, showing on pace throughout and if she can bring that form to the races, this is a nice even to debut in. (2) SPEED BUMP was 2nd over 1200M two starts back and would have run better than 4th in her latest outing on July 5th were it not for a bad start and then laying in, as is her habit. She has been back to trial since and with better manners today, she can be a danger. (6) MAGIC OF ART and (8) MISS COCO are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Magic Tree (9) Hear We Go (2) Speed Bump (6) Magic Of Art
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

(8) ROYAL HOPE K was a winner on debut over 1000M on June 27th, settling handy before taking things up late on and winning comfortably. He comes up in class and in trip today, but neither should be a problem, and he is favoured to repeat. It’s not a strong race for the level so (7) COMPLETE FUTURE can measure up too. After a 3rd place in March, he got his maiden win in at the end over April over 1300M when on pace throughout. He hasn’t raced since but he has been in consistent work since mid-July and under a light weight, he can measure up. (4) AFLEET RUN is yet to win in nine but has been knocking at the door and looks a strong place chance in this company. (1) P N S NALA and (6) YEONGGWANGUI SKY are others who can trouble the scorers.

Selections(8) Royal Hope K (7) Complete Future (4) Afleet Run (1) P N S Nala
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 8)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

Twilight racing starts on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) HWANSANGUI LUNA was a trial winner on June 4 which led her to be sent off as an odds-on favourite on debut sixteen days later. She got terribly upset in the gate and delayed the start that day but was passed fit to run and finished third which was not a bad effort under the circumstances. Seo Seung-un rides and if she behaves better and does not use up all her energy before the gates crash, she can do better at attempt two. (1) GWANAKSAN WINDY has trialled once for a half-length second to (4) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA on June 11. The former gets a weight swing whilst the latter has had a race since but could only manage seventh. (4) POWERFUL MR. was third in a trial before a fifth on debut and is best of the rest over (10) NAMGYEONG SPINNING and (3) FULL STRIKE.

Selections(6) Hwansangui Luna (1) Gwanaksan Windy (8) Tongkwaehanseungja (4) Powerful Mr.
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6, 10

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

(9) MIGHTY CHAMP was last throughout in his first trial on May 14 but won a trial on July 2 beating a subsequent winner and that form clearly looks the best on offer in what looks a winnable maiden for this three-year-old colt by Girolamo on debut. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG has been in consistent in four runs and has been getting closer so on that basis he looks the best of the raced brigade. (2) KATARINARA was beaten seventeen-lengths into sixth when a 3.0 favourite on debut. She had run second in a trial prior however and rates next over (7) GUNJU MINSU, a debutante by Peace Rules with Seong Sang-hyun, (3) YEONDONG STAR and (5) GOSANBONG.

Selections(9) Mighty Champ (4) Dareuri Yeowang (2) Katarinara (7) Gunju Minsu
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / August 15 Liberation Day Commemoration / KRW 30 Million

(4) DUSON LIFE came the closest he has come to winning last start with a second place although he did not actually come close to winning at all in the scheme of things as he was beaten sixteen-lengths behind an impressive winner. However, that rates as good form and with Ruan Maia riding once again he can go one better. (1) CHEONMA NUBI has been getting closer and from a low draw rates as an each-way chance whilst from the opposite barrier (11) PNS WORK has been just behind the placegetters in two of her past three. (8) LOVING PURPLE is the only other hope with (6) AREUMDAUN BIT and (9) GOD SPEED best of the roughies.

Selections(4) Duson Life (1) Cheonma Nubi (11) PNS Work (8) Loving Purple
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10

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

(11) CHALLENGE SOCKS has been much improved at her last two starts and is worth an each-way investment at value in an extremely competitive race. She has a half-length to find with (3) BANK LINE from June 6 but a slight weight swing goes in her favour. The latter has raced subsequently finishing third behind the unbeaten Major Fury on July 5. (6) FLASH JUDE won her maiden three back and has been close in two runs at this grade whilst (7) ECLIPSE SUNNY broke her duck on June 14 before only managing fourth as an odds-on chance when running at this class for the first time. (8) TIGER REVENGER and (10) MIGHTY CAP are other chances along with (5) GLOBAL LAND, (1) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK and (9) MUNHAK FIGHTER.

Selections(11) Challenge Socks (3) Bank Line (6) Flash Jude (7) Eclipse Sunny)
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 7)

There are 8-races this Friday at Busan starting from the later time of 12:50 and finishing at 19.25. Here are the previews:

Into NiGHTS into Dreams (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut-maker.  (8) SUNNY WILD is a “full” brother to this year’s KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild, he looked very good in his trial, cruising around under a hold and crossing the line with an experienced racehorse who was asked for more. He can win first up. (3) GAME MAKER came from well back in his trial and again on debut over 1000M on July 24th when he finished 4th. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong should suit, and he will probably start as favourite. (11) OASIS ANGEL was 3rd behind Seraph on debut in a quick race over 1000M on June 26th. He too should have come on and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) LAVENDER CROWN ran on pleasingly in his trial despite getting kickback and can go well first-up. (5) GEORGE PRINCE another with experience who can improve.

Selections(8) Sunny Wild (3) Game Maker (11) Oasis Angel (1) Lavender Crown
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

(9) LOGIST QUEEN did nothing on debut but was much better when a very close 2nd on July 5th having led for most of the way over 1200M. Third-up, she can be peaking and from on pace again, could go one better in what looks a race of many chances. (10) ART TREE was 3rd on debut last October and didn’t run again until this July 17th when as the 1.3 market-elect, he got a long way back before finishing 5th getting a warning for laying out and the jockey commenting that the slow start and kickback were to blame. He can strip fitter for that run and is worth another chance. (3) OASIS KINGDOM also has a runner-up finish on his record over 1200M in June. That was sandwiched between 5th placings and from a good draw he can be on pace again and be in this a long way and will certainly be a short price. (4) HUIMANG SPEED and (8) FANTASTIC ONE are the main others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Logist Queen (10) Art Tree (3) Oasis Kingdom (4) Huimang Speed
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

(11) GIROL SIDAE was very ordinary in her first three starts but since being sent up to a mile, she has figured things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her two tries at the distance, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on July 10th when leading. Her draw is wider than ideal, but she had gate ten when 2nd two starts back so it shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win. (6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN was 4th in that July 10th race when ridden further forward earlier than in previous efforts. That continued a consistent run of form, and he should be aiming for best-to-date finish today. (2) STRONG WINNER has a best of 4th from six starts so far but he has finished off his races well enough and the step up in trip can suit. (9) LUXURY CHOICE and (8) FANTASTIC HONEY others who can be in the mix.

Selections(11) Girol Sidae (6) Yeonggwangui Green (2) Strong Winner (9) Luxury Choice
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(7) AEGIS CROWN was a second-up winner at this class and distance on July 10th, racing handy to the speed throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight today, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he will have plenty of supporters to go back-to-back and will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (6) HUIMANG TAYO returned from eight months out at the end of May and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class. He races best on pace so he comes into a much better gate today and third-up he can be peaking. (9) REIGN QUEEN was 3rd behind Aegis Crown when the latter got his maiden win in May and then beat a couple of today’s rivals when 4th on his first try at this class on June 28th and that makes him the logical third pick here. (3) SEONGSIL WORLD and (8) SAENAE HILL perhaps the best of a less than intimidating rest.

Selections(7) Aegis Crown (6) Huimang Tayo (9) Reign Queen (3) Seongsil World
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

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GANGPUNGMA TASTES GROUP GLORY AT LAST IN KRA CUP CLASSIC

He’s an enigma no longer. Gangpungma, the horse who always has an excuse, finally needed none as he roared clear of Global Hit, Success Baekpa and Speed Young, to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Gangpungma (Pic: KRA)

As the eleven-strong field entered the home straight, the four big guns of Korean racing – in the absence anyway of the clearly better but scarcely raced Clean One – fanned across the track having seen off the seven lesser lights. Defending champion Success Baekpa led, but it seemed set up for Global Hit, ominously showing signs of his best form, to take advantage, Speed Young meanwhile was close and dangerous.

Instead, the day finally belonged to Gangpungma. Back with trainer Kim Dong-chul, his trainer license restored, back with the pounds piled on and weighing in at 572kg, this time starting well and being much closer to the speed and avoiding traffic, Gangpungma broke his Group race duck at last.

“I’ve been riding him for three years now and for the last two I have thought he surely has a big race win in him, but something always seems to happen” winning jockey Jo Jae-ro, who has partnered him in all but one of his races, told KRBC. “Be it the race pace or bad luck, nothing seems to go right, but it has never been about ability with this horse.”

“Well done to the stable, they got him physically at his best, with the weight back on but in very good condition with it. The start was good this time, and we were able to get all the way to the third corner without using too much energy.”

“I thought just stay close to those three Busan horses (Success Baekpa, Global Hit and Speed Young) and then see what happens. 90% of the race went how we planned (and) Gangpungma did the rest at the end.”

Looking forward to the future, and September’s Korea Cup, the jockey was under no illusions that it would be as straightforward: “The Korea Cup will absolutely not unfold in the same way as today’s race.” said Jo. “The pace will be much stronger, and it will be all about choosing when to try to catch up to that pace. But I trust the stable to prepare well and we will give it a good go.”

After five months on the sidelines, Kim Dong-chul is training again and has Gangpuungma back as his stable star: “I always felt just a few percent had been lacking with him” Kim Dong-chul told KRBC. “2nd, 3rd, always just missing out. I think that today, he was where he should have been in the previous races, on the outside and close instead of stuck inside, and the jockey was quite firm about what he wanted to do this time.”

Gangpungma and Jo Jae-ro (Pic: KRA)

As for what’s next. “We’ll check how he is and then go for the Korea Cup or if not, the President’s Cup.”

A six-year-old, Gangpungma is by Peace Rules and out of Wonder Dreamer (by Hawk Wing). The victory moved him on to ten wins from twenty-eight starts.

Racing now takes a short summer break with all three tracks dark next weekend. Racing returns to Korea at Busan on Friday August 7th.