While he swept all three legs of the Sprint Series last year, Vincero Cavallo’s form fell off in a disrupted second half of 2025 and that led him to only be second in the market when he returned from a four-month layoff to join the rest of the sprint division for the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast on March 8th.
The doubters – and there were plenty – were silenced as under a patient Jo Jae-ro ride, Vincero Cavallo emphatically announced he was back in form with a two-length win to put him in pole position to sweep back-to-back series.
So, who can stop him? WINNER CLEAR was sent off as favourite in the Busan Ilbo, and he was the one who ultimately got closest. He and Vincero Cavallo were in adjoining gates in Busan too but this time they are much wider. That should be of less concern to Winner Clear, and the start will be key. Seo Seung-un is on board.
BORN DIA led the Busan Ilbo, setting a strong pace before ultimately running 4th. Drawing the inside gate once more, she can lead again but only two horses were slower than her in the final furlong in Busan so making sure there is something left in the mare’s tank will be a key concern for jockey Masa Tanaka.
MAGIC POTION is a newcomer to the elite level. A winner of eight from fourteen, he won the KRA Sprint (Seoul) at the end of November. That was for horses rated 80 and down but he has since gone on to win twice at class 1 level. Winner Clear won the corresponding race at Busan the same day.
Veteran BLACK MUSK along with WONDERFUL GROOM are the other main hopes for at least the places. The SBS Sports Sprint is race 7 at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.
1. BORN DIA – In the best form of her career with a class 2 win over this distance last October followed by a desperately close 2nd to Winner Clear in January when she very nearly led from gate-to-wire. She was 4th in the Busan Ilbo, racing on pace, and from the inside gate, she can be on pace and cause a lot of problems here and her 2kg mare allowance may help her late.
2. BEOLGYO VERITAS – Remarkably has the fourth fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning at class 2 in December, settling, as is his style, in midfield and running on. All six wins have come at this distance, but he is yet to race at higher than class 2 and he will need to lift here but he draws very well and will probably seek to lead.
Sunday sees the second leg of the 2026 Sprint Series with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Meanwhile at Busan there are six international trophy exchange races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55 and 7 at Busan from 11.25 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) GANGHAN GAMMA has made steady progress across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place in a filly only race over this distance on March 14th beaten seven-lengths by Breedo Aqua. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong late on. (3) RACE DIVA was 6th behind Ganghan Gamma in that March 14th race. That was a slight improvement from her debut and from a much better gate she can continue to get better here. (9) BEST THE ON ran three times last autumn with a best of 2nd over this distance. He hasn’t raced since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be in this first-up. Debut maker (2) VINCENT KATHY went through two trials, winning the second of them. She draws very nicely to be on pace and can put in a bold showing. (11) DONGBAEK among the other place chances.
Selections
(5) Ganghan Gamma (3) Race Diva (9) Best The On (2) Vincent Kathy
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (2) SAENAE RANIA came from a wide gate to lead on what was her first try at this distance on March 8th and ultimately finished a solid 3rd. This race is no harder and from a much better draw, she can win. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG has four top four finishes from five starts with his best being a close 2nd to Saenae Fighter at start two last November. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he can finish strongly and be a danger late here. (6) GEOSEN MUJEOK was ridden a bit further forward on his first try at this distance on March 22nd and finished a fair 5th. With similar tactics here, he can get closer. (3) NICE WINNER and (7) YONGBIGYO are the other main chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / “New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Trophy” / KRW 30 Million
Interesting maiden to open things on the south coast and (3) OASIS GIJEOK gets the nod. He raced three times last year for a best of 3rd and then didn’t reappear for another six months. His return on March 13th saw him beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1200M and stripping fitter for that run, he can go one better today. The main danger could well be the debut maker one gate to his inside. (2) FLASH COCO first trialed in October of 2024 but never made it to the races after a chip fracture and several other setbacks. Her owner/breeder has persevered though and she looked good when 2nd in a trial in March showing handy throughout. From a good draw, she can make an immediate impact. (7) RESPECTING GIRL was an improved 4th behind Oasis Gijeok on March 13th and can continue to make progress here. (1) POWERFUL RUBY and (5) SKY BOY others in the frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) SAMJOGO led early in the Listed Sports Seoul on March 1st before being overwhelmed late and finishing a well beaten last. Prior to that he was an all the way winner at this class over 1300M and returning to shallower waters today, he can return to winning ways. (9) KOREAN DREAM enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 21st when handy throughout. In this company he should be on pace, and he shapes as a big rival. (1) STAY BIG was a 60/1 winner at this class over 1400M on March 8th, coming from off the pace. He only comes up 1kg in weight and warrants significantly more respect this time. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII and (6) SAHARAMOND among other place chances.
Selections
(4) Samjogo (9) Korean Dream (1) Stay Big (11) Raon Nizhinski
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / “Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy” / KRW 60 Million
(3) BUNKER BUSTER has won two of four so far with his others ending in 2nd and 3rd. He is up in class having scored over 1400M on March 15th when he led all the way around and while he was 3rd on his only previous try at this distance, he draws well to lead again, and he will take some beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (9) GRAND MORE came home in 2nd and 3rd place respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on March 6th. The draw here is more favourable to Doctor City although he comes up 1.5kg. Both have ever chance of being in the finish again. (11) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK returns to action for the first time since last November. She has won at this trip, and she looked well enough in a March trial to suggest she can put in a good effort here. (8) BREEDO MIRACLE another firmly in the frame.
Selections
(3) Bunker Buster (2) Doctor City (9) Grand More (11) Nakdong Myeongjak
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 17.55. The cherry blossoms are almost over but the festival is scheduled to continue and there is a drone show after races. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) GLOBAL CARD was ordinary on debut but improved to 3rd place at start number two on March 1st, beaten just over six-lengths by a good winner, but not far off 2nd. In this company and well-drawn, he should be on pace and third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise. (3) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG won a January trial and then came from the widest gate to run 4th on debut over this distance on February 28th. He should have come on for that run and from a much better draw, he can get closer today. (4) STORM CRUSH was a fair 5th on debut at 1200M on March 7th and can similarly make some progress here. Debut-maker (1) P.K. BEST along with (10) HAKSAN TAEPUNG, the latter having registered a 2nd on debut before a couple of ordinary follow-ups, are other chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
All but two are fillies or mares and (2) STORM LIGHT took a few goes to figures things out but has a 2nd, a 5th and most recently a 3rd from her latest three, the latter two over 1700M with the former at this distance back in January. Her best performances have come when she has been on pace, and she draws well to do precisely that. (7) BEST FREEDOM came from a wide draw to run a best to date 2nd over this distance on March 7th. He should get an easier run to the speed here and can be close again. (6) WONDERFUL TUNE UP hasn’t finished in the top three in ten attempts, but she has no fewer than five 4th place finishes and, in this company, can be aiming to finally better that. (1) BEST JOY should contest the lad and along with (5) SAHARA ROSE can contest the minors.
Selections
(2) Storm Light (7) Best Freedom (6) Wonderful Tune Up (1) Best Joy
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) ECLIPSE SUNNY was a solid 3rd on debut in a filly only maiden over 1200M on March 14th when she raced handy throughout and finished off very nicely. She has the challenge of the widest gate, and she doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, but she should have come on for the run, and she can win. (6) INSPIRE was ordinary in his first couple but he has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both over this distance. He’ll be on the speed today and can be a big danger. (1) CRAZY CHAMP was a much-improved 3rd at start three over this distance on March 7th and can back that up here. (3) SUPERTRAMP has raced just twice and looks on the right trajectory with a 5th last time out. For the first time he draws an inner gate and can continue to make progress. (5) RAON KINGSMAN another in the wider placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) STUNNING DOLPHIN got her maiden in convincing fashion at start two before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on February 28th when going down by a just a neck late on. She is up 3kg in weight and has the widest gate, but she can overcome both and she can win here. It’s a competitive race though. (5) GOLDEN DIVA is yet to win in five tries but has been close and comes up in class after two 2nd places from her latest three, most recently when on pace over this distance on March 14th. She can measure up in this company. (8) RAPTURE has won twice, including last time out in a very similar race to this at class and distance on March 7th. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she should be in the finish again. (3) WONDERFUL SEEKING and (2) POWERFUL PRADO among plenty of others who can be in the hunt.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with three of the ten racing for the first time. (4) NINETEEN NINE WON has raced twice and finished 2nd twice in filly only maidens, both over this trip, first showing handy and then coming from midfield. She should be on pace and against this set of opponents, she should have far too much. (3) NORTHERN QUEEN has a 4th place on her record and while she only managed 7th of twelve last time out over 1300M when she was on pace, she did beat a couple of today’s rivals. Back in trip today, she should be closer. (1) SO POWERFULL did nothing in three starts last year and not all that much on his return on March 13th. He should strip fitter for that run though and can improve. Debut-makers (9) AEGIS CHEONMA and (8) UNJU DAEBAK are two debut-makers who hinted at ability in trials.
Selections
(4) Nineteen Nine Won (3) Northern Queen (1) So Powerfull (9) Aegis Cheonma
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (5) OASIS HAPPY did nothing on debut at the end of last year but agter going back to trial, was a much-improved 2nd on March 15th when he ran on from midfield and beat three of today’s rivals. He stays under an apprentice claim, and he can go one better today. (4) NICE MYEONGGA has a 2nd and two 4th places from three starts so far, finishing off her races well. She comes up to the 1400M for the first time, and it can suit. (11) THEMIS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 6th and recorded her best finish to date when an on-pace 2nd. She has the challenge of a wider draw this time, but she can be in the finish again. (1) WONDERFUL BAND and (6) STRONG WINNER among others firmly in the frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After two good trials, (9) WONDERFUL FASHION ran 2nd on debut over 1400M on March 15th, racing handy throughout and beating a couple who re-oppose here. He should have come on for the run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he is favoured to go one better today. (10) DOKKI TIGER was one of those back down the field on that March 15th race when she got a long way back from a wide draw and never threatened. We’ll go on her 3rd place two starts ago and give her another chance here on what is her first try at a mile and Seo Seung-un’s first time up. (5) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL comes in off three consecutive 4th place finishes, most recently on her first try at this distance on March 20th and she can be aiming to at least match that here. (1) QUEEN THE GOLD and (12) DOCTOR CARA can arrest recent slumps.
Selections
(9) Wonderful Fashion (10) Dokki Tiger (5) Dolgyeok Special (1) Queen The Gold
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) ROAD TO CLEO was a winner on debut last October before rounding out her juvenile campaign with two very average runs and was lame after the latter. She looked very well when going through a March 26th trial and first-up from a good draw, she has every chance. (10) MAGIC SWEETIE got her second career win at start twenty-nine in January before following up with 2nd place ahead of a couple of these on March 8th. She carries 3.5kg more than when she won, but she’s clearly in form and can be close. (3) B K. SPIRIT has been well backed on both her last two starts but has disappointed both times with not a huge amount of excuses bar a wide gate last time. He was 2nd at this class and distance in December and from a good draw can get forward and go much better. (5) TAEYANG EUTTEUM and (9) STORM POINT perhaps the best of an out of form rest.
Selections
(2) Road To Cleo (10) Magic Sweetie (3) B K. Spirit (5) Taeyang Eutteum
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Trainer Kim Hye-sun and jockey Park Jae-i became the first wife and husband to win a Korean Stakes race together as CLEARLY WINNER produced a comfortable victory in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guineas” – the first leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Clearly Winner with Park Jae-i and Kim Hye-sun (Pic: KRA)
After a fair start, CLEARLY WINNER travelled easily behind a pace set by CHIEF STAR, who jumped the favourite despite her previous troubles with the barrier. Clearly Winner easily went past a tiring Chief Star and the game SHACKLE SUN in the final furlong to ease away to win by three-lengths. Long-shots FAPPI BABE and CATCH RACE arrived from well off the pace to run 2nd and 3rd.
Clearly Winner won her first two races in fine style at the end of last summer but then suffered a setback and didn’t race again until this February. By that time, her original trainer Kim Hyo-seok had handed back his license and Kim Hye-sun, who had been waiting for boxes since passing the trainer’s exam, had an unexpectedly fast promotion from the riding to the training ranks.
Now under Kim Hye-sun’s care, Clearly Winner returned to action in style, winning at class 4 before finishing 3rd behind Clutch Winner and Hey Brother in the Gyeongnam Shinmun (1400M Listed) at the start of March.
For jockey Park Jae-i, it was a fourth Stakes race win having a G3 and G2 along with another Listed race already to his name. For his trainer – and his wife – Kim Hye-sun, it was a first Stakes race win since getting her training license at the end of last year.
“I think it’s harder to watch than to ride, so from a viewer’s perspective I was very nervous” Kim Hye-sun told KRBC.
“I saw (Clearly Winner) move back a bit on the corner, so for a moment I wondered if she had got tired or maybe there was something we hadn’t thought about, but at the same time, it didn’t look as though the two in front would keep going at that speed.”
“I’m married to the jockey, so we were able to have plenty of opportunities for a somewhat detailed conversation as to the race but today I didn’t say much, and we got a good result.”
As for jockey Park, he admitted to having some pre-race concerns: “She had only raced up to 1400M, and I had a feeling the pace would be strong early so there was a chance of kickback” but, he added “it went well.”
Clearly Winner is by Hansen and out of Pokpung Hero (by Henny Hughes). She was bred by Jang Yong-seok of Yujeong Farm and races in the colours of owner Shin Woo-cheol.
The second leg of the Triple Tiara is the big one, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) back at Busan on Sunday May 10th. Next week the Sprint Series resumes with Vincero Cavallo set to head the field as he defends his title in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul.
CUPID IT bounced back to his best with an outstanding front-running win over the 1200M in the last race on Sunday and in doing so recorded his first Class 2 victory (writes Luke Humphreys).
Cupid It (Hansen) bounced back from a couple of disappointing efforts since being promoted to this level to trounce a competitive field by four-lengths as a 2.6 favourite. He looks class 1 bound sooner or later.
The victory of Cupid It meant a double on the card for jockey Lee Hyeok who also landed race 2 (1300M Class 6) with the 2.1 favourite QUERENCIA (Concord Point) which in contrast to Cupid It came from back in the field.
In the penultimate race, the Luigi Riccardi prepared WHITE CARLA (Old Fashioned) led throughout to land race 9 (1800M Class 3) holding off the challenge of favourite Blue Nello by a half-length to make it two wins from his last four starts both of them over the Seoul 1800M.
Riccardi prepared a double on the program after earlier success in race 5 (1200M Class 5) with MASTER KWAIGON (Dynamic Dash) who scored by two-lengths as a 2.2 favourite.
THE EXCELLENT (New Legend) was a big winner of race 6 (1300M Class 5) coming from near last to win by an extending two-and-a-half lengths under Yoo Seung-wan. He adopted his usual racing pattern of coming from towards the rear and stormed home to account for the 1.9 favourite Superday.
There was multiple success on the card for Lee Joon-chel who for the second consecutive day had a race-to-race training double thanks to the victories of QUEENS FLYING (Chrysolite) in race 3 (1400M Class 6) and DANAEUN STAR (Afleet Express) in race 4 (1400M Class 5).
Danaeun Star bounced back after being behind three opposing rivals when last seen at the end of February and led throughout to win by two-lengths as a well supported 3.3 favourite over Mighty Beat, the late closing Gwanaksan Champ and Raon Blaide.
BUSAN HAD THE FEATURE RACE OF THE WEEKEND ON SUNDAY WITH CLEARLY WINNER SCORING IN THE LUNA STAKES BUT ON THE UNDERCARD WOLFS KING MAN was a marathon winner of the afternoon’s principal handicap.
Wolfs King Man (Great Success), who started the 3.2 second favourite, sat on the outside of the leader Unju Challenge, 1.8 favourite, and put him to the sword at the top of the straight. He got tired late after doing all the work in the 1800M Class 3 contest but held on just from the late challenge of Tamna Super who failed by a head. The time of 1:52.9 was only just outside of the class record on the fast track.
A week ago, Funny Wild snared the first jewel in the Triple Crown, the three-year-old fillies start their own bid for glory with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guineas” – the first leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.
Chief Star (KRA)
The Tiara is a relatively new series, with the Luna – named after the mare who ran at Busan shortly after the track’s opening – only becoming part of the calendar in 2020. However, in that short time two fillies, Golden Power and Jeulgeounyeojeong, have won the race and then gone on to also capture both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup.
Who can join them this year? A full field of sixteen will line up, with six traveling down from Seoul and unlike the KRA Cup Mile, where Seoul wins are a rarity, precisely half of the Luna Stakes to date have been won by fillies trained in the capital.
Among the visitors is CHIEF STAR. She’s the highest rated in the race after four wins including at juvenile Listed level but her previous trip to Busan did not go well as she went over in the gate prior to the start of the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie and had to be scratched. She draws concerningly wide here and while her ability is not in doubt, her temperament issues are a concern.
Kim Hye-sun has made a fair start to her training career with six winners from sixty-five starters heading into the weekend and she saddles CLEARLY WINNER in the Luna. The Hansen filly comes out the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun over 1400M where she finished a solid 3rd and she is set to be a main player here. With Park Jae-I riding, it would be the first case in Korea of a wife and husband trainer/jockey combination winning a Stakes race.
After Chief Star, TWIN RAINBOW is the highest rated in the race as jockey Seung-un looks to complete a KRA Cup Mile/Luna Stakes double, while WORLD DANCER CAT enters off a close 2nd place over 1800M at class 4 level and will be among the favourites in the market.
The Luna Stakes is race 6 on Sunday’s seven-race card at Busan. There are also ten Sunday races at Seoul:
1. QUEEN MAKER – Two 2nd places and before getting her maiden win at start three over 1300M in a quick time at class 5 over 1300M on February 27th. Front runner, she could be on pace and Tanaka is a plus.
2. SHACKLE TOWN – All the way winner at class 5 and 1400M in February, she missed the kick and then resented the kickback on her latest outing and finished well back. If she gets a better start and can get to the lead, she can be in the finish. Chance.
The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed). That’s part of the 7-race program at Busan which runs from 11.25 to 16.55. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55 as the capital track’s cherry blossom festival continues:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those newcomers will be the favourite. That’s (5) WHIZ POINT, who led from much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (2) CRUSH GIRL also impressed in her trial. He showed handy and crossed the line 2nd in a fair time, and she too can be considered first-up. Among the experience, (6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM ran 6th on eleven on debut over this distance on March 7th but wasn’t far away from 4th. She should have come on for the run, and she can be closer here. (8) FLYING MACH and the more experienced (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can be in this.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) QUERENCIA here. He comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M at 1400M, coming from off the pace both times and while he has plenty of weight to carry, today should really be his day. (3) MANGEUM CROWN is the only other one in the field who has placed, something he has done twice. He comes back to racing at one turn for the first time since finishing well back in Listed Juvenile company last October and he can be close today. (11) BEAT CODE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and while she had to trial after her lates, she can continue to make progress. (4) B.K. VIVACE and (2) DELTA DAECHEON are others who can at least challenge for the places.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old filly maidens and it is competitive. (7) NEWWORLD TIARA ran 4th on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 6th, settling close to the speed and not having enough late on. She should have derived benefit from that run and can get it right today. She will need to overturn the form on (5) POWERFUL DEVIL, who ran 2nd in that March 6th race, coming from off the pace. She has shown steady progress across three starts so far and can continue that here. (8) GOLDEN TIARA was an improved 2nd at start three over 1200M on March 1st and while well beaten by a good winner, can aim at least for the places again. (10) BABEL FOLGORE and (12) HUIMANG LOGI are among plenty of others who can step up.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (9) FLYING SMART won a January trial and then came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1300M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 1st. She should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, she can win this. (7) BLACK SUN is yet to get inside the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th including her latest on March 8th when she beat a couple of these on her way to 4th at this distance. She can get a bit far back in her races, but she should be a danger late here. (1) CHEONJI LADY had hinted at ability prior to an almost eleven-month layoff. She should have come on for her run in February and from the inside gate can be on pace today. (4) QUEENS FLYING and (6) ROAD TO SPEAR are others in the hunt.
Selections
(9) Flying Smart (7) Black Sun (1) Cheonji Lady (4) Queens Flying
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an ordinary debut, (8) KING BLACK has gone on to run 4th in four consecutive races, most recently stepping up to the mile for the first time on March 8th and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests today can be the day. (2) DIA X is a fifteen-start maiden but has been knocking on the door with no fewer than ten finishes between 2nd and 5th. He steps up to the mile for the first time and at this stage, it can suit. (9) NICE POWER comes in off her best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on March 20th and she can aim for the places again. (11) WORLD TREE and (12) FANTASTIC CAPTAIN others with place chances.
Selections
(8) King Black (2) Dia X (9) Nice Power (11) World Tree
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After three consecutive 3rd place finishes, (7) RAON BLAIDE broke through on his first try at this class and distance on February 28th when on pace throughout. An apprentice claim means his carried weight only goes up by 1kg and he can win again. (2) MIGHTY BEAT only managed 6th of eleven last time out when well supported but prior to that he had a win and two placings over this trip and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is worth another chance. (11) SEUNGNI BAROWS was 2nd behind Raon Blaide in that February 28th race and while he has almost two-lengths to make up, he can be in the finish again. (4) DANAEUN STAR and (9) GIDAEHARA can also be considered on at least a place line.
The blossoms are out at Seoul Racecourse and the festival gets underway on Saturday. There are 11 races from 10.35 to 17.55 and a drone show after races as well as the usual food-trucks etc. Here are the previews:
That time of year again
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maidens and we’ll take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but looked assured when he did, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time behind an experienced rival. From a nice draw he can lead and he can win. After a couple of trials, (1) PEGASUS KING was a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on January 17th, settling back and running on. He’s had eleven weeks off since then, but he should have come on for that and will probably start as favourite. (8) NAOL AURORA was 3rd on debut over this distance on March 7th and can build on that here. (10) MANGEUM DAON, who races for the first time since his debut last October, and (5) ÉCLAIR WIND are the other main chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DRAGON MIJIN was slow away on debut over 1200M on January 17th but recovered well to run on for 3rd place, seven-lengths behind a winner who has gone on to score twice more (Maeum Hana). He didn’t return to work until mid-March but with a better start, he should have too much for this lot. (10) POWER BEST is second-best. He has finished in the top five in each of his last four starts, most recently 3rd on February 14th. In this company he should be on pace and a similar effort will see him place again. (2) PARAIBA has two 3rd places on her record and while she only managed 6th of ten last time out, she comes into a better gate today and should be closer. (8) SEOPOKCHAT and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Dragon Mijin (10) Power Best (2) Paraiba (8) Seopokchat
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 9, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) SMART RISE has finished 3rd in both his latest two, most recently beating two of today’s rivals over this distance on March 7th. That was his second placing over 1400M, and he won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) TOUR FELIX has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times doing his best work late. He comes up to this distance for the first time, and it may well suit. (9) DAEHAN SIDAE looks to be figuring things out with a 5th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the speed and he can be in this a long way. (5) SU BU TAI and (2) NAEGEROWAJWO are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(6) Smart Rise (3) Tour Felix (9) Daehan Sidae (5) Su Bu Tai
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (3) LOVE IN SEOUL got her maiden win at start number three, leading all the way over 1300M, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance in a similar filly and mare race on March 2nd behind Raon Finalle who goes in tomorrow’s Luna Stakes. She draws nicely to lead, and she can go one better. (2) POMADE had been working towards her maiden win, and it duly arrived at start number six over this distance on March 1st. She comes up in class but can keep her momentum going here. She will be competing for the lead from the start. Those two will top most tickets as the rest have patchy recent form. (7) DURAY SHOW has a 3rd place at this class as recently as January and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (11) MACHEON WORLD and (8) POETIC NUBI others who can challenge for the minors.
Selections
(3) Love In Seoul (2) Pomade (7) Duray Show (11) Macheon World
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17: 55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and a couple of the newcomers catch the eye. (7) POWER TIGER was very quick in trials, posting 61.8 seconds when 3rd behind two experienced horses, showing handy throughout. That form on race day can be winning. (6) BYEOLBIT SONATA won his trial, racing close to the speed throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. Seo Seung-un’s booking will tempt plenty. Of the experienced ones, (9) BEST VALUE was an improved 3rd at start two over 1200M on March 1st when leading for much of the way. She should be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) BREEDO SHOOTER and (8) POWER HIT are others who can get better.
Selections
(7) Power Tiger (6) Byeolbit Sonata (9) Best Value (10) Breedo Shooter
Next Best
8, 12
Fast Start
6, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Very ordinary maiden, although that means from a punting perspective, there are plenty of chances. (6) LIKE DRAGON has a 3rd place as recently as three starts back at this distance and enters off a fair 5th in a stronger event than this. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and today could finally be the day. (3) BIG SMILE beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place on March 6th coming from well off the pace. That was her best so far and with only four starts under her belt, she may more to offer. (11) DALBITWIE ran 2nd at 33/1 over 1300M two weeks ago. That was his first race since last August and it’s not impossible that he can strip fitter with a quick turnaround. (12) JEONGMUN SKIP and (7) PILSEUNG WINNER are others who could compete for the minors.
Selections
(6) Like Dragon (3) Big Smile (11) Dalbitwie (12) Jeongmun Skip
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) MAENGNYONG was a class and distance winner on February 6th, leading all the way to score narrowly over Nice Buddy. Since then, he has been through a trial, in which he continued to look well, and while he comes up 3kg in weight and draws the widest gate, he can win again. (8) HUIMANG RANI is generally slow away but was even slower than usual when brushing the gate on exit on her return from over three months out on March 13th. She can strip fitter and has proven competitive at this level. (5) LEMON PIE hasn’t done much in two starts back from a lengthy absence but has won at this distance and in this company and third-up, she can be given a chance. (1) TTANBONG QUEEN and (2) JEOLDAE BOSS other place chances.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only. (2) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE won a trial in January and then scored on her debut over 1200M on February 27th, leading all the way. She is up in class here and slightly in trip, but she comes into a much better gate, and she can lead again and win again. (1) MOMENTUM struggled when tried over a mile on March 13th, settling handy but knocking up fast and only beating two. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 2nd place two starts back at this trip and give her another chance today. (4) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win but has placed twice at this class and distance this year already and can be in the mix again. (8) ARE YOU READY and (9) QUEEN WIND both broke through on their respective fourth starts and can be competitive at this level.
Selections
(2) Road To Number One (1) Momentum (4) Dolphin Kick (8) Are You Ready
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 