Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 12)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Small field in the opener. (7) GWANGSEON DAERO has run 4th in both starts so far, both at 1400M, and both times coming from well off the pace. She can be peaking fitness, wise here, Seo Seung-un stays on, and she has as good a chance as any. (6) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL has raced seven times, finishing between 3rd and 5th on every occasion with two 3rd places at a mile her joint best. She can settle behind the speed and be a danger late here. (5) SKYNEX ran 2nd on debut over 1200M in March and has run fairly for 7th and 5th in two starts since. Last time out she raced on pace and will probably do the same here with every chance of being in the finish. (1) QUEEN PERFECT and (2) TAESAN SHINHWA other place chances.

Selections(7) Gwangseon Daero (6) Dolgyeok Special (5) Skynex (1) Queen Perfect
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

(4) NOBLE WIND has run 4th in both starts so far, at this distance and over 1300M, showing close to the speed both times. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, he can be on pace again, and he can make it third time lucky. (1) CHAMPAGNE WINNER didn’t do much in two outings last year but returned from over six months out to run 4th over this distance on May 10th, showing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (3) SEOGWI GREAT only beat one home on debut in February and was so slow, she got sent back to trial. She was much better on her return on May 15th when 3rd over this distance and she too can be fitter here. (8) OASIS KINGDOM and debut-maker (7) AFLEET CAPTAIN others who can be involved.

Selections(4) Noble Wind (1) Champagne Winner (3) Seogwi Great (8) Oasis Kingdom
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

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

(5) JOY OF QUEEN has raced five times for two 2nd places and most recently a 3rd place at this class and distance on May 10th when leading for much of the way. She can lead again and this time can come out on top. (4) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE was a winner on debut over this distance at the end of February and while she was only ordinary on her first try at this class in April, she was an improved 5th on May 10th. Both times were over 1300M and both times she led so the slight drop back in trip can suit. (1) AEGIS CROWN won at start two last November and returns to action for the first time since January. He looked well when winning a trial at the end of May and can go well first up. (6) GLORY GANGSEO and (7) WORLD FIGHTER MAN have similarly trialed since their latest appearances and can be considered on a place line.

Selections(5) Joy Of Queen (4) Road To Number One (1) Aegis Crown (6) Glory Gangseo
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) D’LOVELY KING is yet to win in nine attempts, but he has been getting closer, most recently with a very close 2nd place at this class over 1400M on May 1st when closing strongly from off the pace. The step up to a mile can be what he needs to finally make the breakthrough. (5) GEUMA PANTHER enters off consecutive 4th place finishes at a mile, most recently on April 17th. He laid out ungenerously in the home straight to the extent that he was sent back to trial but if his manners are better today, then he can be in the mix. Veteran (6) ALICE MARINE enters off a 5th place at class and distance on May 17th, and this is the kind of race she can hit the placings in. (8) STRIKE ZONE and (4) UNIJOA others in the hunt.

Selections(9) D’Lovely King (5) Geuma Panther (6) Alice Marine (8) Strike Zone
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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FUNNY WILD SECURES “DOUBLE CROWN” WITH MINISTER’S CUP WIN

There may not have been a Triple Crown at stake, but a “Double Crown” was secured on Sunday afternoon as KRA Cup winner and Korean Derby 3rd placegetter Funny Wild added the final jewel of the series, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2), to his collection at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But there was controversy behind with the second and third placings reversed in the Stewards’ room.

Funny Wild held on in the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Sent off  among a full field of sixteen as the 2.5 market favourite, despite doubts over his staying ability after a lackluster final furlong in the Korean Derby, jockey Seo Seung-un was able to ease Funny Wild from an excellent draw in gate six to sit behind early pacesetter Clutch Magic. Funny Wild took the lead as Clutch Magic faded in the early home straight and he stayed on to grind out a half-length victory.

“I wasn’t confident about this one” winning jockey Seo Seung-un admitted to KRBC. “It was a very competitive race, and I thought there were any number of possible winners, so I had to ride hard, and the horse was able to keep going all the way. As expected, the horse on the inside (Clutch Magic) led and I was able to settle in 2nd, and it was smooth from there.”

“I still have some regrets about the Korean Derby, we got a bad draw and then some bad luck between the first and second corners, but we were able to avoid all that today.” As for the future, Seo was circumspect. “He is good, but he was against other three-year-olds here. It will be challenging when he faces older horses.”

The drama was behind though. Breedo Sol got the closest to Funny Wild, just half a length in arrears on the line, however, in his drive for the finish, jockey Jung Do-yun had allowed his charge to veer across and into the path of Mr. Taeyang, who was finishing the fastest of any in the field. An Inquiry was called and with the margin between the pair only a neck, the placings were reversed. A blameless DOCTOR CHRIS, the disappointment of the Derby a month ago, was a close 4th.

Funny Wild was perhaps fortunate. Even with the interference from Breedo Sol, Mr. Taeyang, completed the final furlong more than half a second faster than the winner and jockey Choi Bum-hyun was of the opinion that he could have won:  “Ultimately it is a part of racing, a loss is a loss, and this is one of many ways to lose a race. But of course, I wonder what could have been if not for the interference.”

Jung Do-yun, who was adjudged to have caused the interference on Breedo Sol accepted responsibility and the resulting five-day ban. “I didn’t mean to do it, but I was only focused on winning and I lost my line.” Jung was also keen to talk up his mount. “(Breedo Sol) is talented. He is light on his feet, has good balance and he stayed really well. We have to settle for 3rd this time, but I am excited about his future.”

Funny Wild is by Bayern and out of Funny Sunny (by Sharp Humor). He was bred by his owner Choi Sang-il, who stands Bayern at Great Hill Farm on Jeju Island. He is trained at Busan by Choi Ki-hong, of Winner’s Man fame.

Next weekend the filly Triple Crown reaches its conclusion with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Only ten remain in the field but they do include the Korean Oaks winner Catch Race.

Korea Racing Report: June 5-7

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY THE 26TH RUNNING OF THE MINISTER’S CUP PRODUCED A DRAMATIC FINISH WITH FUNNY WILD PRODUCING A VERY GAME PERFORMANCE TO SCORE BUT, ON THE UNDERCARD, THE MAIN HANDICAP WAS THE CONCLUDING CLASS 2 AND REMEMBER AGAIN ran out an easy five-length winner under CC Wong (writes Luke Humphreys).

Remember Again (Chrysolite) had failed at his first run at Class 2 level in April when using too much petrol in the run, but under a conservative ride by CC Wong, who was aboard for the first time, he pulled away to score. King Honor continued his recent good form with a 2nd place finish for him whilst The Player was a neck behind him in 3rd. The 1.9 favourite More Than Joke could only managed 6th.

Whilst Funny Wild was the star of the day the most well-known horse running on the day was LALA K (Hansen) and he recorded his first victory since his famous juvenile days when holding on to win Race 9 (1200M Class 3) by a head as the 2.6 favourite.

Lala K went viral on the internet when winning the 2023 Rookie Stakes coming from an incredibly long last and had only won once since in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy later that year. That changed on Sunday as he raced on pace and fell in to score, the total opposite of his famous Rookie Stakes victory. Haksan Dark Horse, attempting to replicate his course, distance, and grade victory from April, was narrowly denied whilst the Japanese bred Gwanaksan Rickey, 4.2 second choice, did his chances no good with a horrible start and was a never nearer 5th.

CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG (Shackleford) had been knocking on the door for a victory after chasing home some decent types in recent starts and he got his elusive first win in Race 3 (1200M Class 5) with a comfortable four-length score as the 2.0 favourite. Fifty minutes later in Race 4 (1300M Class 5) LOVERMAN (To Honor And Serve) took advantage of the leaders going too fast too soon with a last to first victory at much bigger odds of 22.0 completing a race-to-race double for jockey Jang Chu-youl and trainer Lee Gwan-ho. That race saw the 3.0 favourite Stepping Stone miss the start before being rousted up to take a forward role and was one of the first beaten finishing 9th of the eleven runners.

Jang Chu-youl completed a treble in Race 6 (1600M Class 4) on SLING STAR (To Honor And Serve) who was excellent in completing four victories in a row with a one-and-three quarter length score under the topweight of 58kg. Yongbi Hero was 2nd and is surely close to a win whilst the 3.2 favourite Mighty Choice was 3rd.

The victory of Sling Star completed a double on the day for trainer Kim Dong-kyun as STUNNING BOLT (Cowboy Cal) scored for him and Furkan Yuksel in Race 2 (1300M Class 6).

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Minister’s Cup: Preview & Form Comments

The Triple Crown trail comes to an end on Sunday with the final jewel, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2), at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild (Pic: KRA)

There may be no Triple Crown on the line and there isn’t even a Derby winner on show as Hwang Geum Eo Jjang, winner of May’s Classic, wasn’t declared for the race after a piece of work on Wednesday morning. Nevertheless, the sixteen-strong field looks very competitive and full of intrigue.

Favourite is likely to be FUNNY WILD. The Bayern colt won the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) with an on pace effort and was accordingly sent off as favourite for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) on May 3rd. That day he had to contend with gate fourteen, but he made it to the front and ultimately ran 3rd. He has won over 1800M although he hasn’t always been convincing in the final furlong, and Seo Seung-un will have to make sure he stays the extended trip

That step up in trip could conceivably bring even more improvement out of FANTASTIC FORCE. He came from a long way back to run 5th in the Cup Mile and then 2nd in the Derby. He has only won once but the Lim Keum-man trained runner looks to be seeking further and under Franco Da Silva, he may well oblige.  

KING MASTER skipped the Cup Mile but was a revelation when 4th in the Derby and is another who could relish the 2000M. MR. TAEYANG and CLUTCH MAGIC missed both the Cup Mile and Derby but are among plenty of others who can make an impact.

The Minister’s Cup is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. Here is a run down of the full field:

1. THE EXCELLENT – Has won his latest two most recently over 1400M at class 5 level. Didn’t go well in previous try around two turns but has come on since then. Big ask here though.

2. CLUTCH MAGIC – All the way winner over 1700M at class 4 on May 2nd making it three wins from five. Looks a progressive type and while this is his sternest test, he can be on pace from a good draw and be in this a long way.

3. MR. TAEYANG – Strong winner over 1800M on May 2nd, settling behind the speed and proving too strong. 2nd behind King Master two starts back. Getting better with each run, and he can be a danger.

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Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

The Triple Crown series draws to a close on Sunday and while there isn’t a sweep on the line, or even a Derby winner in the field, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) has drawn a full field of sixteen three-year-old colts and it should be a very tricky puzzle. There are 10 races at Seoul on Sunday between 10:35 and 17:55 as well as 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

My Dream Day thwarted a Triple Crown bid a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive opening maiden. (5) STUNNING SKET came from off the pace to run a strong 2nd on debut over 1200M on April 25th. He should have come on for the run, the additional half furlong can suit, and he can win. (1) STORM CRUSH was 5th on debut and then 2nd at start number two over this distance on April 11th. She too has been doing her best work late so can continue to improve at 1300M and she should be very fit. (10) BARAMGAEBI has two 3rd places and a 4th from three outings to date and while he needs to contend with the widest gate, he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) NINE SPEAR and (4) DUKE SOCKS are other place chances.

Selections(5) Stunning Sket (1) Storm Crush (10) Baramgaebi (7) Nine Spear
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 7,10

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

Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (4) STUNNING BOLT has been around the mark in her recent outings with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both over this distance. She has generally settled back and run on but has raced on pace before and with little early speed in this race and from a good draw, she can be further forward than usual and she can win. Solitary colt (9) SONNY K ran a fair 4th on debut over 1200M. He was well back behind the placings but should have come on for the run and can improve here. (5) NIGHT CAPTAIN enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes in contrasting styles and can be matching or bettering those in this company. (10) AREUMDAUN BIT and (8) YEONGDONG STAR are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Stunning Bolt (9) Sonny K (5) Night Captain (10) Areumdaun Bit
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

After a 3rd, a 4th and most recently a 2nd place when stepped up to this distance for the first time on April 26th, (1) WIN NOW could be ready to do just that. In his latest two, he has got a long way back from wide draws but should be further forward today and can be the one to beat. (6) OVER RAINBOW has mixed his form across five starts so far with his 3rd place over 1200M two outings back his best. His racing style suggests that the extended trip today can suit.  (9) GRAND HERO was much improved when a close 2nd over 1300M on May 3rd and can continue to make progress here. (2) NICE POWER is another one in the placing hunt while watch the market with debut-maker (8) OASIS TIME. His trial didn’t stand out but his stable is known for sending their juveniles around big distances very early and often pick up a few wins.

Selections(1) Win Now (6) Over Rainbow (9) Grand Hero (2) Nice Power
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

(7) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG is yet to win but has never finished any worse than 5th and has four runner-up finishes, including his latest on May 2nd when beating three of today’s rivals when suffering a narrow reverse. He is up 2.5kg on that but in this company, today can be his day. (4) YEONGGWANGUI SKY returned from four months out in April and has since run 5th twice, most recently on May 9th when beating a couple who re-oppose today. An apprentice takes 3kg off his back and third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) GEOLJAK TIARA was 5th to Cheongsan Dolpung’s 2nd on May 2nd and from a good gate and under a very light weight, she can get closet today. (6) BLACK SPECTER and (3) DAEWONYONGMA others who are perhaps better than their respective latest outings suggest.

Selections(7) Cheongsan Dolpung (4) Yeonggwangui Sky (2) Geoljak Tiara (6) Black Specter
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) WIND SWORD enters off two 3rd places and a 5th from his last three outings, all at this class and distance and each time coming from off the pace. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim here but he beat a couple of today’s rivals last time and he can beat all of them today. The apprentice claim goes to (5) BLACK JILJU. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class and distance, most recently in a very quick time on May 3rd when racing on pace. On that form, she is a winning chance here. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE got a long way back before running on last time out. She was a class and distance winning in January and was 2nd in March and can be given another chance here. (2) B.K MAGIC and (8) SAMJEONG TODAY others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Wind Sword (5) Black Jilju (4) Magic Sweetie (2) B.K Magic
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

(10) STEPPING STONE won a trial and then won on debut on April 25th over 1200M, starting steadily but then quickly ridden up to be handy. He is up in class but down 3kg in weight, the additional half furlong can suit, and he can win again. (6) P N S NALA returned from seven months out to run a fair 5th over this distance on May 17th, showing on pace before weakening late. He should strip fitter for that run and can get closer today. (3) JOY CHEONHA is yet to win in fourteen but has seven top five finishes, including a last start 4th on May 2nd. He has placed twice over this distance and well-drawn and under a lightweight, he can be in the mix again. (2) WONDERFUL SPIRIT and (1) LUCKY SUNNY are the other main chances.

Selections(10) Stepping Stone (6) P N S Nala (3) Joy Cheonha (2) Wonderful Spirit
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 6)

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

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

(4) MY DOLPUNG is a Seo In-seok prepared Old Fashioned filly that has trialled three times with the most recent of those resulting in a third on May 21 beaten a length. She can go close on debut as can (5) DONGJIN BIRYUONG who is by Mischieviously and is from the stables of Moon Byeong-ki and Johan Victoire is on board. His best trial was his latest and that was a second place. (10) SPICY JERRY has trialled twice for a seventh and fourth and is trained by Lee Shin-woo and is a daughter of Indie Band. The Luigi Riccardi prepared (3) DYNAMIC FORCE rates next over (11) P.K. BEST and (6) TIGER REVENGER.

Selections(4) My Dolpung (5) Dongjin Biryuong (10) Spicy Jerry (3) Dynamic Force
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9, 11

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

(4) GLOBAL LAND has been a beaten favourite on a couple of occasions but in better maidens than this and she strikes a winnable race here so she can break through. (3) SPICE BAND drops down in trip after making a mid-race move to take the lead last start before finishing fourth. She is getting better and can go close. (7) THE QUEEN ROSE made up some ground to finish fifth last time which was the best run of her career to date. (9) TAEGEUK WANGJA has also come from well back at his last two to run third and fourth respectively and rates next over (6) PNS WORK and (5) MR.CREDIT, which is down in trip by 300M on his last two.

Selections(4) Global Land (3) Spice Band (7) The Queen Rose (9) Taegeuk Wangja
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

(2) POINT I was midfield on debut before finishing second on May 9 beaten two-and-a-half lengths and that form is good enough to go very close to winning this. (5) RACE DIVA has gotten closer in each of her three runs to date and has been behind some smart winners each time and she gets the chance to run into the placings for the first time if not win. (3) POWER MAGIC is another that has been just behind the placegetters in three starts and is another that can place for the first time let alone win. (11) EVER LOVELY draws wide but rates next over (10) PLAY STAY and (1) RAON FLARE.

Selections(2) Point I (5) Race Diva (3) Power Magic (11) Ever Lovely
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11

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

(4) MUNHAK FIGHTER has only won once from thirteen attempts but has only missed the top five twice so he is consistent and after finishing second in two of his past three he can be involved in the finish once more and potentially get the prize. (2) BANK LINE was midfield at big odds in her first run at this class last time but ran a subsequent winner to a length at her previous start so she is worth being given a chance. (8) HOT FEVER comes to this grade for the first time after back-to-back second places in maidens. (5) HAPPY TOGETHER beat Bank Line at her only victory back in January and will be around the mark with (11) CHALLENGE SOCKS and (6) SMART MARU next best.

Selections(4) Munhak Fighter (2) Bank Line (8) Hot Fever (5) Happy Together
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 5)

June’s racing kicks off with an 8-race Friday card at Busan running from 11.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

We’ll take a chance in one of the three debut-makers. (10) LOGIST QUEEN raced handy in her trial, crossing the line in 3rd place in a decent time. The draw shouldn’t be a problem and if she brings the trial form to the races, she can win. (9) BREEDO SHOOTER has made progress across four starts so far with his latest being his best when an on pace 3rd over 1300M on May 3rd. In the absence of an apprentice claim, he carries 3kg extra, but he also has Seo Seung-un aboard and that means he will almost certainly start as the betting favourite. (2) SO POWERFULL beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th on May 10th and can continue to make progress here. Debut-maker (1) CHAMPUI JEONSEOL along with (4) WORLD THUNDER CAT are others who can have an impact.

Selections(10) Logist Queen (9) Breedo Shooter (2) So Powerfull (1) Champui Jeonseol
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

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

After an ordinary trial, (8) CORE TIGER came from off the pace over 1200M on debut on May 10th and ran a good 3rd. He should have come on for the run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be the one to beat here. (10) SWEET MAN has made progress over three starts so far, culminating in 4th place over this distance on April 24th. He had the widest gate that day too and in a race with very little early speed, he can make his way to a prominent position early and can be a danger. (7) HUIMANG SPEED was a much-improved 2nd at 1300M on May 8th, showing on pace, and he can build on that here. (3) DUBAI CANDY and (6) GYEONGBOK PORTUS are the others who will be in the market.

Selections(8) Core Tiger (10) Sweet Man (7) Huimang Speed (3) Dubai Candy
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 10

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

(2) POWERFUL MENIFEE debuted last August without distinction and then didn’t race again until this May 1st. It was a winning return over 1200M and while he is up in class without a weight drop, he draws well, and against limited opposition, he can win again. (4) BEOLGYOUI HIM will be the second favourite. It took him a while to get to grips with this level following his maiden win but going on his very close 3rd over this distance on May 10th, he has to be given a chance here. Next in the market will be (3) BUGYEONG TRIPLE. He enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on May 1st when handy throughout. In this company, he can be on pace and in this a long way. The form falls off rapidly after those three. (5) BAEDARI BOSEOK and (7) SOMETHING ELSE may compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Powerful Menifee (4) Beolgyoui Him (3) Bugyeong Triple (5) Baedari Boseok
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

Since returning from a six-month layoff, (4) CHAMP SONNY has won two of three, most recently at this class and distance on May 8th when close to the pace throughout. He comes up 2.5kg in weight, but he can win again for the in-form Gillespie stable. (7) TIGER MONSTER ran 2nd in that May 8th race, beaten just a length on what was his first try at a mile. He gets a weight swing, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he reversed the form. (9) SEOBU CAPTAIN had a poor day at the office when favourite over 1400M two weeks ago, showing on pace early but quickly beaten. He has won at this distance in the past and is worth another chance under a lighter weight. (6) FLYING CROWN and (5) RACE MARINE others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Champ Sonny (7) Tiger Monster (9) Seobu Captain (6) Flying Crown
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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NICE BUDDY DISRUPTS THE ELITE WITH ALL THE WAY KNN CUP VICTORY

Nice Buddy made light work of the widest gate to cruise to the front and stay on to win the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer for fillies and mares at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Nice Buddy (Pic: KRA)

Having finished as runner-up in both prior legs of the series, Boryeonglightqueen was sent off as the favourite, with defending champion and Donga Ilbo winner Raon Forest and Ttukseom Cup winner Fantastic Value the only other two in single digits in the market. Nice Buddy wasn’t exactly missed by punters, but having drawn the widest gate, she started as the sixth choice.

Just as with Born Dia in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint two weeks ago, the wide draw proved to problem for Nice Buddy as she followed Oneuldo Smile across and into a remarkably easy lead. From then on, jockey Lee Hyo-sik was able to control the tempo and still have plenty left for the home straight, where they saw off the late challenge of Gladius, with Yeosu Super Star coming home in 3rd.

Boryeonglightqueen launched her usual late run but could only manage 4th. Fantastic Value was 6th while with no pace to run at, Raon Forest was back in 8th. In terms of the overall Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer series, Boryeonglightqueen and Fantastic Value topped the table with 600 points apiece.

“I thought Oneuldo Smile would be quick away so I wanted to go with her and then the pace was a bit slower than expected so I decided it would be ok to take over the lead” winning jockey Lee Hyo-sik told KRBC.

“Even though she’s a filly, she has the strength of the colts but while I was happy to be with her for the KNN Cup, I didn’t put our winning chnaces at higher than twenty or thirty percent as there were so many other contenders and this was (Nice Buddy’s) first time in a Graded race.”

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Korea Racing Report: May 29-31

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY THE 2300M START WAS IN USE FOR THE FIRST OF THREE TIMES ANNUALLY AND THE PRINCIPAL RACE ON THE CARD WAS WON BY THE HORSE THAT WAS BY FAR THE BEST STAYER ON THE DAY IN SATANG SONYEO for Jeong Jeong-hee and Luigi Riccardi (writes Luke Humphreys).

Satang Sonyeo (Girvin) has always looked a long-distance type and as per usual she showed little to no early speed but under encouragement from Jeong Jeong-hee eventually took a role closer than normal just behind the pacesetters, who did too much down the straight on the first occasion. Satang Sonyeo struck the front at the top of the straight the second time around, and the 3.2 favourite held off the challenge of the 4.8 third choice Pepper X who was a game 2nd with East West eleven-lengths away in 3rd.

The victory of Satang Sonyeo completed an outstanding weekend for trainer Luigi Riccardi after multiple successes twenty-four hours earlier.

Kim Tae-hun had a riding treble on the card beginning with TRIPLE S (Revolutionary) who got up late on to win Race 3 (1400M Class 6) by a head as the 9.3 third pick, over the 5.7 second choice Jechuk Sanjiro with the 1.4 popular pick Saenae Rania only 5th. POWERFUL PRADO (Colors Flying) the got the better of her co-favourites to land Race 5 (1300M Class 5) by a neck as the 6.2 third choice with Nuni Olkkayo, 2.7 popular pick, beaten a neck into 2nd and Brown Mamma, 2.8, a head away in 3rd. DONGGANGUI STAR (Old Fashioned) was the last of the trio in Race 6 (1700M Class 5) getting up in the concluding stages to win by a half-length.

The victory of Powerful Prado was the beginning of a double for trainer Lee Joon-chel as in Race 9 (1800M Class 3) KEIDRAGON (Goldencents) was an eye-catching winner from the top by eleven-lengths under Kim Yong-geun. The four-year-old Canadian bred gelding was having his third run this time in and ran his rivals off their feet. The two favourites in Airforceone, 3.0, and Major Crown, 2.6, were disappointments in 6th and 8th places respectively with the former losing his chance after a slow start whilst the latter didn’t stay.

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KNN Cup Preview & Form Comments

The big hitters have drawn wide as the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer reaches its conclusion in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. Defending champion Raon Forest gets gate thirteen while Ttukseom Cup winner Fantastic Value has gate ten. Boryeonglightqueen and Gladius similarly will contend with double-digit gate numbers. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT BUSAN AND SEOUL.

Fantastic Value (Pic: KRA)

FANTASTIC VALUE was a revelation as she returned to form with victory in the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul last month. After winning last year’s Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks before missing out on sweeping the Triple Tiara with defeat to Boryeonglightqueen in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup last June, Fantastic Value hadn’t won again. She was accordingly sent off in excess of 70/1 for the Ttukseom but made a mockery of that with a half-length victory. The mile of the KNN Cup may suit her even better.

BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN roared home from off the pace in that Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup almost a year ago and repeated the trick in the Jeju Governor’s Cup last September. She hasn’t won since but was a fast-finishing 2nd in both previous legs of this series, the Donga Ilbo over 1800M and the Ttukseom over 1400M. She may start as favourite.

Seoul raider RAON FOREST won this race a year ago and also took out the first leg of this series, the Donga Ilbo. The highest rated in the race, she will be a big danger again. Others traveling down from the capital with chances include GLADIUS and ONEULDO SMILE.

As for the lesser established ones, NICE BUDDY is a winner of five from eleven but must contend with the widest gate of all. YEOSU SUPER STAR was one of the winners from the draw and should be among the early pace-setters.

1. INDY GHOST – Races for the first time since throwing her jockey as the gates opened in the Donga Ilbo. She has subsequently won a trial, but she was in excess of 60/1 for the Donga and while a solid class 2/3 competitor, will probably be similar here.

2. GOLD CATCHER – A winner of four from twelve and one for one at this distance. She hasn’t won at higher than class 4 so this is a big test, but she draws well to at least be on the speed and of not a winning chance, she can be in this a long way.

3. HAENGBOKAN SEUNGJA – Joint 4th highest rated in the race, she returned from almost six-months off to run 2nd at class 1 level over 1400M on May 10th. She hasn’t won at a mile but has placed four times and while not among the top line of favourites at level weights, can run well.

4. QUEEN TYCHE – A winner up to class 3 and 1400M, she ran a big 5th in the Ttukseom Cup at odds in excess of 100/1. Has never run at a mile before but struggled at 1800M. Not as long a shot as before, but still an outsider.

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