Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 20)

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 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maidens with all but two racing for the first time. The experience should be good enough. (2) GYEONGBOK ATOS trialed well and was a beaten favourite when 3rd over 1200M on debut on January 16th when only beginning fairly before being ridden up to the pace. He should have come on for the run and will be favourite again.  (9) NICE MYEONGGA has raced twice for a 2nd and a 4th, the latter at this distance. She should have a fitness edge on these and is a chance. Of the first timers, (3) GOLD POCKET took two goes to qualify but looked very well in the second of them, running an on-pace 2nd in a decent time. He draws well; Seo Seung-un is on, and he can put in a bold showing. (6) GAON PERFECT and (8) GIROL SIDAE hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(2) Gyeongbok Atos (9) Nice Myeongga (3) Gold Pocket (6) Gaon Perfect
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 3

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

(12) POWERFUL THUNDER has been getting closer across four starts so far culminating in 3rd place at this distance o February 27th when handy throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but should have enough about him to get to a prominent position again, and he looks ready to win. (10) YONGBI LEGEND was 2nd in a slow race two starts back over this distance. She has mixed her form across five starts but should be placing in this company. (6) MAGIC HAMMER too hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has a 3rd and two 4th places among four outings to date, and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (3) CHAMPUI HYANGGI and first-time starter (1) DOCTOR PUNCH are others who could play a role in the finish.

Selections(12) Powerful Thunder (10) Yongbi Legend (6) Magic Hammer (3) Champui Hyanggi
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 10, 11, 12

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

(9) FANTASTIC BOSS has a 3rd on his record and enters having been the beaten favourite on February 13th when 6th of eleven over 1400M. Coming up to the mile for the first time can suit, and he can win. He will have to overturn the form on (3) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL, who was 4th in that February 13th race, coming from a long way back. She has a 5th and two 4th places from three starts so far and while her times have been slow, she carries a featherweight, and having done her best work late, she should thrive at the mile. (5) NICE POWER beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 5th place on March 8th and makes a quick return here to strike while the iron is at least at room temperature. (4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN and (8) OASIS CHAMP could improve.

Selections(9) Fantastic Boss (3) Dolgyeok Special (5) Nice Power (4) Hwaeryeohan Sungan
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

(5) THE POINT enters off a maiden win that had been coming on February 13th when he scored from on pace at 1200M. Despite coming up in class he carries an additional kilo today, but that shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win again. (11) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN is the danger. He is similarly up in class following his maiden win, which in his case arrived at start four over this distance on January 18th when on pace all the way. He doesn’t get a weight break either and he draws wide, but Seo Seung-un stays on and he can measure up. (7) VICTORY STORY is yet to win in thirteen but has seven finishes between 2nd and 4th and can be there or thereabouts again. (10) DOCTOR ACE and (2) GREAT STAR others in the frame.

Selections(5) The Point (11) Boryeong Ultra Man (7) Victory Story (10) Doctor Ace
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start5, 7, 11,12

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

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CLEAN ONE ASSERTS SUPERIORITY IN HERALD BUSINESS

Clean One showed that his Grand Prix demolition job was no fluke as, emerging for the first time since leaving onlookers in awe of his nine-length win in the season ending finale, he pulled off a similarly dominant victory to win the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Clean One and Seo Seung-un win the Herald Business (Pic: KRA)

Ridden by Seo Seung-un for the first time, CLEAN ONE was sent off as the 1.6 favourite ahead of Gangpungma and Speed Young, but there were nerves at the start as Clean One reared in the gates just prior to them opening. Ultimately, Clean One broke fairly and made it to the front before the first turn.

Gangpungma, on the other hand, was a little better away this time compared with his poor start in the Grand Prix, which had him on the backfoot from the start that day. He settled back but well within striking distance.

Clean One would continue to lead down the back straight but as they turned for home, Jo In-kwon brought reigning horse of the year Speed Young up to challenge on his shoulder. The challenge didn’t last long as under minimal urging from Seo, Clean One quickened away, winning by four-lengths on the line from defending champion Success Baakpa. Gangpungma and Speed Young were 3rd and 4th.

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Korea Racing Report: March 13-15

THE REIGNING GRAND PRIX CHAMPION CLEAN ONE WAS THE STAR OF THE SHOW AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY BUT THERE WERE NINE OTHER RACES RUN AND WON ON THE CARD.

K N LIGHT (Testa Matta), as is his racing pattern, came right from the back of the field but unlike recent runs passed all of his rivals under Jeong Woo-ju landing the day at odds of 41.7 and in doing so became the second horse of the weekend at Seoul to win as the rank outsider.

The other class 3 contest on the card was the last and WE GO HIGH (Musket Man) returned from three months out to register his fifth win from eight starts by a comfortable five-lengths under Jang Chu-youl.

MUSKET CLEAVER (Musket Man) was an impressive eight-length winner of race 5 (1600M Class 4) and looks to have scope for more improvement going on the way he very easily accounted for his rivals.

The same can be said about CONCORD BLUE (Concord Point) who landed race 4 (1300M Class 5) by five-lengths under CC Wong for trainer Lee Shin-woo.

WHILST DOWN AT BUSAN ON SUNDAY UNJU GUY (Freedom Child) was an incredibly impressive winner of the concluding 1800M class 2 by an ever-extending nine-lengths. 

Unju Guy, who was second to Oasis Blue in last year’s Derby, had run into the likes of Young Skywalker and Oasis Red in recent starts, and was also sent up to Seoul for a crack at the President’s Cup in October, but appreciated not running into horses of that ability with what was visually the most impressive win of the day across the country and the style of his win surely wouldn’t have dented his confidence levels going forward.

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Herald Business – Stayer Series 1st Leg: Preview & Form Comments

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN

The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a who’s who of the distance ranks lining up in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3).

Clean One easily won the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)

Defending champion SUCCESS BAEKPA is back, but he is going to have his work cut out if he is to retain his title. A two-time Classic winner at three, Success Baekpa makes his five-year-old debut racing for the first time since finishing down the field in the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) at the end of November. Prior to that though, he was 3rd in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) and while that kind of form mixing has been a feature throughout his career, on his day he can mix it with the best. Jin Kyum is aboard for trainer Min Jang-gi.

The Grand Prix saw a display of domination by CLEAN ONE. The then three-year-old led early and had most of the field off the bridle, including Japanese raider Yumeno Honoo, with almost four furlongs left to run, ultimately winning by nine-lengths, the biggest margin in the race in three decades.  He hasn’t raced since but he trialed well a month ago and if he gets to the lead, could run away from them again. Clean One will be partnered for the first time by Seo Seung-un.

SPEED YOUNG is the reigning Horse of the Year and won the President’s Cup. The “Swiss Army Knife” returns to the racing around two turns having taken time out to win the Listed Segye Ilbo (1200M KOR-Listed) last month and will surely be in the finish again.

Runner-up in both the President’s Cup and the Grand Prix was GANGPUNGMA, and he is the best chance among horses trained in the capital. He hasn’t been the most fluent coming out of the gates recently which has put him on the backfoot but he was a smart winner at class 1 handicap level to round out the year and he will have plenty of backers. He starts for the first time having moved to the stable of Choi Bong-ju.

The Herald Business is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16.05:

1. GLOBAL SOCKS – Well back behind Gangpungma over this trip on December 28th and then midfield over 1800M in February. A long time since he last placed and a big outsider here.

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Herald Business Sunday: Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 15)

The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with an all-star line up of twelve facing the starter in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

Clean One races for the first time since his Grand Prix romp (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) CHAOS was ordinary on debut last October but was much better when returning on January 31st leading for most of the way around and finishing in 3rd place ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She should strip fitter for that run and with no other early speed in the race, is clear favourite here. (2) COWBOY QUEEN was a fair 5th on her debut on February 1st over this distance, settling midfield and finishing off well enough. She is under an apprentice claim again here and can improve. There are four debut makers. (11) ORATORIUM was 3rd in trial and looks the best placed to make an impact first up. (10) CLOVER ONE and (6) CHEONGGANG GYEOUL also hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(5) Chaos (2) Cowboy Queen (11) Oratorium (10) Clover One
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 8

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

(4) FIVE STAR has been knocking on the door over his five starts to date, with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both times coming from off the pace. He can get a bit far back but if Furkan can have him in touch in the straight, this race is there for the taking. (2) MR.CREDIT has mixed his form across four outings, but he did register a smart 3rd over 1200M in December. Things didn’t work out for him when he was midfield in a slow race over this trip on February 14th but he is worth another chance here. (9) KING SPICY has made progress each time, most recently a 4th place at 1300M and the slight step up in trip again can suit. (11) QUEENS FLYING and (10) PRIMERO are other place chances.

Selections(4) Five Star (2) Mr.Credit (9) King Spicy (11) Queens Flying
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

Franco Da Silva might not have retained the ride on Clean One in the G3 at Seoul today, but he can still have a very good day at Busan, and he kicks off with a very good chance in the shape of (3) VICTORIA CHUKJE. After a 2nd place on debut, she has registered a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts, at 1200M and most recently this distance on February 15th. From a good draw she can be expected to be further forward earlier, and she is the one to bet. (9) VELOCI QUEEN was 2nd at start two, narrowly missing out in a tight finish over 1200M on January 23rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and she is a danger. (4) SUPER HIT enters off her best to date when 3rd at this distance on February 1st and can match or better that here. (10) DIA X and (2) NORTHERN QUEEN are the other chances.

Selections(3) Victoria Chukje (9) Veloci Queen (4) Super Hit (10) Dia X
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5 ,12

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

Fillies and mares only (1) RAON THE BELMONT had a poor day at the office last time out February 8th when only making it to midfield and never traveling. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her class and distance win two starts back on December 28th and in this more limited company, give her another chance. (4) FINAL JILJU ran 2nd at big odds at class and distance on February 14th and while up 2kg in weight, can aim to repeat. (5) POETIC NUBI enters with recent form reading adequately and that’s enough to have her among the place chances. (7) HAKSAN DAESE and (3) RED DRAGON others who can pick up in what is a weak race and where all of what passes for early speed is drawn wide.

Selections(1) Raon The Belmont (4) Final Jilju (5) Poetic Nubi (7) Haksan Daese
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start8, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) SUCCESS DAY has been getting closer across his four starts so far, culminating in 2nd on hos first try at this distance on February 13th when handy throughout. He can be on pace here and can go one better. Solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL FASHION went through two trials, settling back in one and showing at the front in the other and finishing 3rd in both. He draws well to get forward early and can put in a bold showing in this company. (9) CARAT KING enters off a best to date 2nd at this distance on March 1st. He makes a quick return and an apprentice claiming 3kg keeps him competitive. (11) DOKKI TIGER and (6) ROYAL CRYSTAL others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Success Day (2) Wonderful Fashion (9) Carat King (11) Dokki Tiger
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

(10) CONCORD BLUE was a winner on debut over 1200M in January before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on February 8th. He draws wide here but should have enough about him early to get to the lead, and he is the one to beat. (9) ROAD TO STAR has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts at this level since getting his maiden win back in December. He can settle behind the early speed here and be a threat late on. (5) LOVERMAN comes up in class having scored his maiden win at this distance on February 14th. The time wasn’t quick, but he is down 2kg in weight and he can be competitive. (4) BLISS STAR and (6) THUNDER MARVEL are others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Concord Blue (9) Road To Star (5) Loverman (4) Bliss Star
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(9) BUNKER BUSTER got his maiden win at start two at the end of January and then came desperately close to following up when 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on February 27th. He comes up 1.5kg in weight, but he will be on pace, and he is favoured to go one better today. (1) BREEDO ARENA came from off the pace to win over this distance two starts back and while she only finished midfield over 1300M on her first try at this level two weeks ago, she carries a light weight and can be in the finish here. (11) DREAM RACER has beaten a couple of today’s rivals in both his latest two outings, most recently when 4th at this class and distance on February 1st and should beat plenty again. (12) SUCCESS COW and (3) TIP TAP others with place chances.                                                                                      

Selections(9) Bunker Buster (1) Breedo Arena (11) Dream Racer (12) Success Cow
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 14)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10.35 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time.  (5) BREEDO AQUA was an on pace 2nd over this distance on debut on February 7th, well beaten by a good winner, but posting a decent time. She should have come on for that and won’t need to improve by much to win this. (2) GANGHAN GAMMA has raced twice, finishing 5th on debut on January and then 3rd at start two over 1300M on February 15th. Her times haven’t been quick, but she can have a fitness edge on her rivals and be close again. Among the first timers, (3) MY DOLPUNG was 2nd from on the pace in her trial and draws well to lead again. (8) GOLD ID and (7) BEST SECRET others who showed promise in their heats.

Selections(5) Breedo Aqua (2) Ganghan Gamma (3) My Dolpung (8) Gold ID
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(2) GOLDEN DIVA has been consistent across her five starts so far, finishing in the top five on every occasion. In this company and from this gate, she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can go all the way. (1) BLAZING ENGINE has a 2nd and a 3rd from three starts so far, those sandwiching a poor effort when slow away and getting too far back at start two. He didn’t go down by much last time and a similar effort over this trip can see him home close. (6) INSPIRE beat Golden Diva as the pair finished 3rd and 4th at this distance on February 14th. That was a big uptick in form, and he can maintain it here. (10) GOLDEN SAVE and (9) PASA ACE other place chances.

Selections(2) Golden Diva (1) Blazing Engine (6) Inspire (10) Golden Save
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

(3) POWERFUL IMPACT was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 7th but copped a bump at the start and didn’t have much luck after as he trailed him 6th with three of today’s rivals ahead. Before that he registered a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance and with a smoother passage today, he has every chance. (10) MANGEUM CROWN has a 3rd and a 4th in two tries at this distance. He has a strong finish on him so the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he can challenge late here. (11) THE SUN COMING was 3rd to Mangeum Crown’s 4th when they raced each other on January 25th over this distance and while he comes up 4kg in the absence of an apprentice claim, he can be close. (6) STORM LIGHT and (8) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN were ahead of Powerful Impact on February 7th and can aim for decent finishes again.  

Selections(3) Powerful Impact (10) Mangeum Crown (11) The Sun Coming (6) Storm Light
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

(10) NAMSAN MINYEO has been ultra consistent across seven starts so far, with a 5th on debut her worst. She comes in fresh racing for the first time since just before Christmas and under a light weight she can make her way across to the lead and can win. (11) CHRYSOL DONGHAE has finished both ahead of and behind Namsan Minyeo and ran 2nd at 1700M two starts ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but has a strong finish and can be a danger late. (7) GEOMEUN SUP is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1400M. He ran 4th over 1700M on his first try at this class on February 14th and can get closer today. (5) SECRET WOLF and (8) GLORY QUEEN others in the frame.

Selections(10) Namsan Minyeo (11) Chrysol Donghae (7) Geomeun Sup (5) Secret Wolf
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 9 , 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 13)

Friday 13th racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11L15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(3) LIGHTNING FORCE ran 3rd on debut over this distance on February 13th, disputing the lead and finishing off fairly. He should have come on for that run and from a good draw he can be on pace and can win here. (2) OASIS GIJEOK raced three times last summer and also has a 3rd place on his record over this distance. He had a setback in late September and didn’t return to work until the start of February, but he looked well in a trial at the end of that month, and he can be a danger first up. (11) OVER RAINBOW has a pair of 5th places from his latest two and can get closer with an apprentice claiming 4kg. (1) GEUMBIT TODAY and (9) DUBAI CANDY are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Lightning Force (2) Oasis Gijeok (11) Over Rainbow (1) Geumbit Today
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(11) YURIM SPECIAL comes in off her best result so far over this distance on February 15th when he led for most of the way around and only went down narrowly. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a but of luck at the start, she can get forward again, and she can go one better. (2) EUNSEONG JILJU was 3rd in that race, coming from off the pace. It was a first try at the mile and while she is up 2kg in weight, Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time means she will probably be sent off as favourite to find the length and a half she needs to overturn the form on Yurim Special. That pair will fill out most quinellas because the form falls off precipitously. (3) PERFECT HAN has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume at this distance and that’s enough for him to be in the numbers. (5) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN and (10) YEOSU LOOK AT STAR the minor money chances.

Selections(11) Yurim Special (2) Eunseong Jilju (3) Perfect Han (5) Yeonggwangui Green
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (3) GRAND TREE got her maiden win at start two and enters off a close 2nd place on February 13th when overcoming the widest gate. She draws much better today and can win. (2) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win in eleven outings but has ten top five finishes with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this class and distance, most recently behind Grand Tree on February 13th.  She should be on pace here and today could be her day. (4) HIGH BEAUTY was a maiden winner at 1200M two starts back before showing on pace on her first try at this class on February 1st, ultimately finishing in 4th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. Up in class last start winner (11) BULBIT YEONGMA and (9) CHAMP GIRL can measure up.

Selections(3) Grand Tree (2) Dolphin Kick (4) High Beauty (11) Bulbit Yeongma
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) YEOUN was a winner on debut over 1200M in January when she led all the way, before running 4th on her first try at this class on February 13th having shown on pace throughout. She holds an entry for the Luna Stakes in three weeks, and at least placing here should be a prerequisite to getting in. Take her each-way. (1) HANEUL GOLD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class over 1400M and 1200M. His maiden win was over this trip, and he will probably be the betting favourite. (4) RACE MARINE has run 2nd in both his latest two over 1400M and a mile in contrasting styles. An apprentice claims 4kg here and that should put him in the frame. (2) FATE and (7) HOLY NIKE are other place chances.

Selections(9) Yeoun (1) Haneul Gold (4) Race Marine (2) Fate
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

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Korea Racing Report: March 6th – March 8th

IT WAS A LONG WAIT FOR THE FEATURE AT SEOUL RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY A class 1 affair over the 1200M for those who didn’t make the privilege of going to the G3 at Busan to get beaten by Vincero Cavallo, was the last on the card, but it didn’t disappoint as MAGIC POTION (Competitive Edge), the winner of last November’s KRA Sprint at Seoul, beat favourite Best Race by a length and a half in a fast time. 

The US-bred five-year-old, who was ridden by Lee Yong-ho, moved on to eight wins from fourteen starts and could be under consideration for a start in the next leg of the Sprint Series on April 12th. 

STUNNING MONEY (Gyeongbudaero) completed a riding treble on the program for Panamanian jockey Luiz Quiroz when winning the preceding ninth race (1800M Class 3) by two lengths.

It was a third victory over the Seoul 1800M for Stunning Money who accounted for Dragon Gate and Ultra Dragon whilst the three favourites in Tanseongui Banseok, BS Storm and Pasa Spurt were the next trio home.

The other victories on the program for Quiroz were ONEMO TIME (Peace Rules) who was the most impressive winner of the three maiden contests at the start of the card when justifying 2.3 favoritism by nine-lengths from the front, and in race 7 with a pick-up ride on STAY BIG (Stay Thirsty) who was the rank outsider at 60/1.

SHINING ROAD (Midshipman) was considered the danger to the 1.4 popular pick Pas de Cheval in race 8 (1700M Class 4) and he duly got first run on the favourite and held him off by a half-length. Pas de Cheval, who had won his previous two starts very softly, didn’t respond when first asked for the effort but eventually picked up in the straight; however, the line came up too quickly for his backers.

RAON FLORENCE (Musket Man) continued his consistent run of form when impressively winning by six lengths at even money under apprentice Woo In-cheol in race 6 (1200M Class 4).

GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) followed up his debut victory with a four-length score in race 4 (1400M Class 5) and looks like potentially a nice type going forward.

GRACE DAY (Race Day) followed up her front-running nine-length maiden victory with another front-running win, this time only by a half-length. It is likely it would have been by a bit further however if she wasn’t so green in the home straight as she hung out with 200 metres to travel before then ducking back in towards the running rail in the final 50 metres. Her victory completed a riding double for Jeong Jeong-hee who rode the opening winner FLASH JUDE (Flashback).

VINCERO CAVALLO WAS THE STAR DOWN AT BUSAN but there was plenty on the undercard too.

UNJU CHALLENGE (Revolutionary) came home two and a half lengths clear in the following 1800M Class 4. He dipped coming out of the gates but balanced up, found the lead and proved too good for Lime Tree whilst the 2.4 favourite Amazing One was a further five lengths away only managing third and never looking like getting near his two co-favourites. Son Gyeong-min was the winning rider and that apprentice completed a double after success in race 3 on board NICE GIRL (Afleet Express).

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VINCERO CAVALLO REASSERTS AUTHORITY IN SPRINT SERIES OPENER

VINCERO CAVALLO pulled off a successful and emotional defense of the first leg of the 2026 Sprint Series, winning the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on Sunday afternoon. The five-year-old was racing for the first time in the colours of Kim Hyun-kang, son of late owner Kim In-gyu, who passed away last month.

Two in a row for Vincero Cavallo (Pic: KRA)

Despite sweeping all three legs of the series a year ago, Vincero Cavallo didn’t get a huge amount of support form the assorted racing media prior to the race. After missing a summer prep race, he ran 6th in September’s Korea Sprint and was down the field in his only subsequent start of 2025. Punters kept faith though, sending off the defending champion a 4.8 second favourite to return to form

Return to form he did and in some style. Settling just behind the early speed, which was set by the fancied trio of Born Dia, Fantastic Kingdom and Yeonggwangui World, Vincero Cavallo was never too far away. In the straight, under Jo Jae-ro, he produced that familiar burst of speed that had been missing in the latter half of last year, to burst through the middle and go on to score by two-lengths.

Pre-race favourite Winner Clear was 2nd with Fantastic Kingdom in 3rd.

“When he won the Sprint Series last year, (Vincero Cavallo) was running once a month, and it was difficult to maintain that. I had really been looking forward to the Korea Sprint, but he wasn’t able to show his ability – he was basically telling us he needed a holiday” winning trainer Seo In-seok told KRBC.

“Today he was back to himself, and I think he has a good chance of matching his achievement (of sweeping the Sprint Series) from last year.”

“Born Dia bolted from the gate. If the race had been at Seoul, I might have hurried up to go with her but the Busan track is a little different and I knew I could be patient and just trust Vincero Cavallo” jockey Jo Jae-ro explained.

“I’ve been a jockey for about ten years now and I always dreamed of riding a horse like Vincero Cavallo. I think I need to work to improve my own ability to be worthy of riding horses like him.”

“Last year I came onto that podium for the first time and (owner) Kim In-gyu was there. This time when I went up there, I felt sad. I am sure that somehow he knows that we won again.”

Vincero Cavallo [Cowboy Cal – City Lass (by City Zip)] was purchased by Kim In-gyu for 30 Million Won at the December Yearling Sale on Jeju in 2022. With his latest victory, he moves on to eleven wins from twenty-four starts and prize money in excess of 1.7 Billion Won.

The Sprint Series moves on to Seoul on Sunday April 12th with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). Next weekend, attention shifts to the first leg of the Stayer Series and the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Emphatic Grand Prix winner Clean One makes his first appearance as a four-year-old and is set to face off with Horse of the Year Speed Young.

Sprint Series 1st Leg: Busan Ilbo Preview & Form Comments

SEE HERE FOR RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN

Not since Success Story in 2017 has a Busan-trained horse provided a home winner for its leg of the Sprint Series as Seoul has dominated the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). In that time visitors such as Silver Wolf, Eoma Eoma, Raon The Fighter and most recently Vincero Cavallo have been the most notable winners.  This year may be different though as the home track provides most of the probable favourites among the twelve-strong field.

Vincero Cavallo swept all three legs of last year’s Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

The defending champion is back though. VINCERO CAVALLO swept all three legs of the Sprint Series last year, but he didn’t hold his form for the rest of the year, missing a summer prep before running 6th in the Korea Sprint (1200M IG3) but was well back in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M KOR-G3) in October, and hasn’t raced since. He did though win a February trial.

Busan is dangerous this year. WINNER CLEAR and YEONGGWANGUI WORLD enter as the in-form horses. The former won the KRA Sprint Yeongnam in November and edged out BORN DIA at class 1 level in January. Yeonggwangui World meanwhile looked set to won the Segye Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) at Seoul three weeks ago before Speed Young, who skips this race in order to go to the opening leg of the Stayer Series next week, ran him down late on.

GANGSEO GIANT is another Busan trained horse who will be firmly in the market while FANTASTIC KINGDOM and veteran BLACK MUSK are others who may play a role in the finish. The Busan Ilbo Sprint, kicking off the Sprint Series, gets underway at 16:05 local time on Sunday:

1. BORN DIA – Class 2 winner at this distance in October and then led on January 11th only to be denied by Winner Clear in the final strides by a neck. Good draw and a 2kg mare allowance which brings her right in contention. Chance.

2. GANGSEO GIANT – Won the G3 Kookje Shinmun over 1400M in 2024 and was 3rd in the same race in 2025. Won at class 1 over 1200M in November and hasn’t raced since but looked well in a February trial. Likes to come from off the pace, Seo Seung-un is on, and she will be among the favourites.

3. WINNER CLEAR – Dueled with Clean One as a juvenile but has found his niche at 1200M where all seven of his wins have come. He won the KRA Sprint Yeongnam on Grand Prix weekend in emphatic fashion before just getting up to beat Born Dia on January. Comes from off the pace and has a fiendish turn of foot. He will be favourite.

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