Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 5)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. And at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16.55. The nation’s top sprinter, Vincero Cavallo, will step out for the first time since his defeat in May’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint in Seoul’s concluding feature race. Here are the previews:

Can Vincero Cavallo bounce back? (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has finished 4th on no fewer than six occasions across her twelve starts but she comes in off her best to date when 2nd on a filly maiden over 1400M on May 3rd. She’s had nine weeks off since and from a good draw, she can go one better today. (8) MR.CREDIT has a couple of 3rd places to his name and has also beaten a couple of these in his latest couple and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (1) COSMO JJIN ran 2nd three starts back at 1200M and was 3rd on her first try at this distance on May 10th when settling midfield and running on. She should be there or thereabouts again. (4) VALKYRIE and (6) P N S ME are the other place chances.

Selections(5) Wonderful Tune Up (8) Mr.Credit (1) Cosmo JJin (4) Valkyrie
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Not a strong maiden. (9) DONGJIN BIRYUONG ran fairly on debut for 5th of eleven in a slowly run race over 1200M on June 6th. He previously finished 2nd in a trial and having derived benefit from that first effort, he has as good a chance as any here. (8) ROAD TO PERFECT has been consistent with five of her six starts to date ending up in 4th or 5th. She likes to settle back and run on and she should be aiming to go much closer today. (6) LAVITA showed on pace last time before knocking up quickly but going on the 3rd and 4th she managed in her two previous outings, she can be given another chance. (5) SEONGSIL WINNER and (2) CHEONMA NUBI others in line for the minors.

Selections(9) Dongjin Biryuong (8) Road To Perfect (6) Lavita (5) Seongsil Winner
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(10) SPEED BUMP looks like she is finally figuring things out with a close 2nd place over 1200M on June 5th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (6) DUBAI CANDY has mixed her form across his seven appearances so far but on her best, demonstrated when 3rd at 1300M in April, she is a chance here. (8) FANTASTIC ONE was a much-improved 4th at start number three behind Speed Bump in that June 5th race when coming from well off the pace. Debut-makers (1) FANTASTIC CHEETAH and (2) DAEGIL HWANHO have to be given a chance given the strength – or lack thereof – of opposition.

Selections(10) Speed Bump (6) Dubai Candy (8) Fantastic One (1) Fantastic Cheetah
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(4) MEGA WIND has made progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1300M on June 14th when settling back and running on. In this company, and from a good gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (1) THE SUPER RUNNER hasn’t quite been super just yet but he does come in off his best so far when 2nd at this distance on May 10th, leading for much of the way. He too should be up with the speed and can be in this a long way again. (5) POWERFUL ARCTIC drops back in trip following a 2nd place over 1700M on May 23rd and she shouldn’t be far away. (2) WONDERFUL CATHY and (6) PNS GUNS others in the frame.

Selections(4) Mega Wind (1) The Super Runner (5) Powerful Arctic (2) Wonderful Cathy
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(5) JADE PALACE ran twice in early summer last year and then once in November when he managed to pick up a win over 1200M. He has had several setbacks since then but has been in regular work since May and he looked well when 2nd in a June trial. We know he can run well first-up and he is the one to beat here. (9) CHOEGANG LOUIS is yet to win in sixteen but enters off his best result at this class when 3rd at this distance on June 7th, showing handy throughout. He continues under a light weight and can aim to match or even better that here. (2) ROAD TO FIGHTER was 2nd at this class three outings ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but is a place chance here. (8) TRIPLE J and (3) PURE MARINE perhaps the best of a limited rest.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By- Race Preview (July 4)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

(6) G B ACE is a Luigi Riccardi prepared debutante that has had the one trial for a win on June 11 by one-length. The colt by Mr. Crow must be given the utmost of respect on debut under Furkan Yuksel. As must the Tony Castanheira trained, Kozzi Asano ridden (10) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA who has also had the one trial for a victory and that was also on June 11. In his case he scored by a half-length. (11) WHITE THUNDER is another that has had the solitary trial and it was also on the second Thursday of June where he finished second behind a runaway winner coming from midfield. Seo Seung-un rides the Hansen filly for Choi Yong-geon. The first three trials that were held at this venue from the eleventh of last month look to hold the key to the race with (9) GHOST SONIC another that has trialled once for a second on May 21. (7) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG rates next over (1) BLITZ CARA.

Selections(6) G B Ace (10) Tongkwaehanseungja (11) White Thunder (9) Ghost Sonic
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) BEONGAE LEWIS was an impressive twelve-length winner of his trial on June 11 and this Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old Uncaptured colt looks like he will be extremely hard to beat on his race debut. (9) GLOBAL DINO has only raced once and that was twelve months ago when finishing last but in a strong race. He finished fourth in a trial on May 14 and should be kept safe. (4) OPUS ONE has had the two trials for a sixth in November and a seventh in June. The Roshe combination of trainer Seong Sanghyun and owner Park Jae-yong combine and he should not be discarded on debut. (7) DAREURI YEOWANG has been just behind the placegetters in three runs and rates next along with (8) CHEONGGANG BOM and (5) GEUMSEONG QUEEN.

Selections(1) Beongae Lewis (9) Global Dino (4) Opus One (7) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11

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

(3) LOVELY JACKPOT has trialled since last racing and that effort saw him split Mujehan Geup, one of the top juveniles from last season, and Aman Barows, a subsequent impressive trial winner, so in what is the toughest of the three maiden races to assess that form is good enough to go close. (6) SAENAE RANIA was a beaten odds-on chance last time but was going well enough prior to be given another chance. (9) POWER MAGIC has the been clearly the most consistent of these so in a race with little form to go on she is the safest bet in the race each-way. (1) LOOM CHUKJE might be able to improve on her debut with (5) GOD SPEED and (2) PLAY STAY best of the rest.

Selections(3) Lovely Jackpot (6) Saenae Rania (9) Power Magic (1) Loom Chukje
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

July’s racing gets underway with an 8-race Friday card at Busan running from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(8) V-LINE won his trial in a quick time showing on pace throughout. He’s the only one in the field to have crossed the line first in a heat and with the quickest time among them too, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) MORNING ARIA ran 3rd in her trial, showing handy and running on. She draws nicely here and is a chance first-up. Not a lot to choose between the rest. (1) FOR THE VICTORY was fair in his heat but the trainer and jockey combination will put plenty on alert. (6) WORLD LION MAN and (5) POWERFUL WARRIOR are among others who have hinted at ability in the mornings.

Selections(8) V Line (3) Morning Aria (1) For The Victory (6) World Lion Man
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 0

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

(5) NOBLE WIND was 4th in his first two starts before running an improved 3rd over 1200M on June 12th when handy throughout and narrowly missing out in 2nd. Seo Seung-un stays on and in this field, today should be the day. (1) FLASH TO ME has only been ordinary in his latest three, all of which were contested over the mile. His best result to date has come at 1400M so the steep cut back in trip can suit. (6) WORLD EAGLE CAT has a 2nd place on her resume. She’s been back to trial since her latest race outing and having completed it in a quick time at the end of May, she can be a danger. (4) HIGH TENSION and second-up (3) CHAMPUI JEONSEOL, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Noble Wind (1) Flash To Me (6) World Eagle Cat (4) High Tension
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(8) BREEDO SHOOTER was a late starter and then took a couple of goes to figure things out but comes in having run 3rd in both his latest two at 1300M and 1200M, racing both handy and coming from midfield. In this company he can be on pace and today can be his day. (2) HUIMANG SPEED has similarly picked up in his latest two, with a 2nd over 1300M and a 4th at 1400M. He raced on pace in both and from a good draw, he can be in this a long way. (7) SUPER HIT has a 3rd place on her record, and while she was away slowly last time out he ran on for a fair 5th and with a better beginning, she can be closer today. (3) DIA KINGDOM and (9) BEOLMAUI GEOIN others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(8) Breedo Shooter (2) Huimang Speed (7) Super Hit (3) Dia Kingdom
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Small but competitive field. (2) CHAMP SONNY is in ultra consistent form with two wins and two runner-up finishes from his latest four, the last three at this class and last two at this distance. An apprentice stops his weight going up and that along with a good draw, can see him home on top today. He gets a big weight swing on (5) TIGER MONSTER who beat his as the pair finished 1st and 2nd at this class over a mile on June 5th. Tiger Monster too has been very consistent and the step up to 1800M for the first time can suit. (1) BARBELL MOMO is a two-time winner at this distance already, most recently his latest on June 7th when he led from gate to wire. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but warrants respect here. (6) RICH ONE and (8) STRIKE ZONE among others who should be competitive.

Selections(2) Champ Sonny (5) Tiger Monster (1) Barbell Momo (6) Rich One
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2 , 5, 8

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

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Korea Racing Report: June 26-28

WHILE ROSHE STOLE THE SHOW ON THE SOUTH COAST ON SUNDAY, AT HIS HOME TRACK OF SEOUL THE MAIN ACTION WAS A 2000M CLASS 1 WHICH WAS WON BY PEPPER X who justified evens favouritism under Lee Hyeok (writes Luke Humphreys).

Pepper X (Speightster) loves to lead and the last time he had led was his last victory which was a strong 1800M Class 1 score in February. He was reversing form with a few reopposing rivals after being behind them at his last couple of runs and whilst it looked as if he did not have much left early in the home straight, he had enough in hand to hold off his rivals by two-lengths. East West was 2nd with Vics Go in 3rd. The latter did not have the greatest of running room over the concluding stages, but it is hard to make a case that he would have run down the winner even with a clear run. Musket Day, winner of last month’s LR Sports Chosun Trophy was 4th, whilst Satang Sonyeo did not appreciate the drop in trip from her previous 2300M victory as she certainly made rider Jeong Jeong-hee earn his fee. She finished one place ahead of her stablemate G Motion who was 6th.

Six trainers across Seoul and Busan on Sunday (more on them later in the week). Woo Chang-ku’s final career runners in THUNDER MARVEL (Hansen) and Chang Chang Socks gave him the quinella in the concluding Race 10 (1400M Class 4) and they did it in great style with both coming from the rear of the field. Thunder Marvel beat Chang Chang Socks by three-quarters of a length with a half-length back to the 2.7 favourite Young Fighter who was 3rd. Lee Dong-ha was the winning rider on Thunder Marvel as he was in Race 5 (1300M Class 5) with GEUMJEOKSAN (Concord Point) who scored by one-and-a-half lengths as the 2.9 favourite, also for retiring trainer Woo.

Kozzi Asano was on the board riding 3.1 favourite MUNHAK CHUKJE (Blame) to an easy success in Race 8 (1600M Class 4). The Park Jae-woo prepared four-year-old colt was recording his third win at his thirteenth start.

JECHUK SANJIRO (Shackleford) landed Race 3 (1400M Class 6) under Ruan Maia, drawing clear to score by one-and-a-half lengths. He had been quite green in his previous races but was the most professional he has been to date.

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RAMPANT ROSHE ROMPS OWNERS’ CUP AND GOES SIX FOR SIX

A devastating kick in the early part of the home straight saw Roshe escape his rivals and establish himself as a serious force in Korean racing as the three-year-old was an eased down ten-length winner of the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Roshe (Pic: KRA)

Entering the race sporting a perfect five-from-five, the Song Sang-hyeon-trained three-year-old was sent off as the prohibitive 1.3 favourite, but the youngest horse in the race made that feel generous as after settling midfield under jockey Jang Chu-youl, he motored away from the field between the two and one furlong poles, putting the race to bed as a contest.

Such was the dominance of Roshe, it scarcely mattered who was behind him although the results pages will show that Best Race was 2nd and the veteran Star Matta was 3rd. True, neither they nor the thirteen others who made up the numbers here, could be considered truly elite opposition, but Roshe has made his statement.

Not that trainer Song Sang-hyeon was getting excited, agreeing with the former point rather than the latter. Song is just coming up to one year as a licensed trainer and with this his stable’s fourteenth winner, Roshe now accounts for six of them: “Roshe is a young horse, he was a bit exhausted after the journey (from Seoul). Yes, he won overwhelmingly but if you look at the race, compared to previous Owners’ Cups, it’s not exactly a strong field, is it?”

“So, if this guy (Roshe) wants to deal with truly outstanding horses in future, we have to get better in all aspects of training and get everything right. We’ll probably give him a rest for a couple of months now and then plan his future. Maybe he runs once or twice again this year.”

Owner Park Jae-yong, standing alongside the trainer added: “There are lots of horses that are good at two or three but don’t really make it in the same form to four or five-years-old, if they run at all. I see too many get injured before they can fulfil their potential, so we are going to take it slow. I thought long and hard before entering him in this Owners’ Cup because it wasn’t originally part of the plan. The real competition for him starts at four, let’s not push him too hard at three.”

Disappointing words perhaps for those who in the immediate aftermath of the race were debating whether Roshe would best suit a Korea Cup or Korea Sprint starting gate in September.

“When I saw his odds, I felt a bit of pressure” winning jockey Jang Chu-youl told KRBC. “But he is such a good horse, I thought let’s just get on with it.” As for tactics: “I didn’t really want to go to the lead as I thought the pace would be hot so I was happy to settle where we did, but the horse has such a good stride and just wants to run so I let him go and was able to ease him down at the end. It felt really good.”

Roshe is an American-bred three-year old by Rogueish and out of Hillary D (by Bellamy Road. He was a $10,000 purchase by K.O.I.D at the 2025 OBS Spring Sale and arrived in Korea two months later. He wasn’t straightforward though and there were plenty of setbacks before he debuted in October with a two-and-a-half length score over fellow imported maidens.

Prior to Sunday, his biggest win came over fellow three-year-olds in the Listed Sports Seoul over 1400M in March. He is yet to tackle further than a mile, but on the Owners’ Cup evidence, that should be well within his capabilities.

The calm words today from Roshe’s trainer contrast with what he said after that Sports Seoul victory when he commented that he could target emulating the achievement of Clean One in winning the Grand Prix at age three. There are no Stakes races for the next couple of weeks but Clean One himself should be action when they do resume with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday July 26th, the main lead up race for September’s International Korea Cup.

Owners’ Cup 2026: Preview & Form Comments

ROSHE, a perfect five-from-five and the latest hottest prospect in Korean racing, faces his toughest task to date as he travels away from Seoul for the first time and enters Graded Stakes company for the first time as he heads a full field of sixteen in the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.

Roshe (Pic: KRA)

The Owners’ Cup is the only all-aged open mile race in the country. With Seoul’s 1600M spur start being restricted to ten runners and the KRA Cup Mile and KNN Cup being only open to domestic-bred three-year-olds and fillies and mares respectively, the Owners’ Cup is the only time of the year an imported or older male horse can prove themselves at the elite level over a mile.

For ROSHE, a US-bred three-year-old, that opportunity comes quicker than most and as the only one of his age in the field, he will get a 3kg advantage over the rest. He has comfortably seen off all comers in five starts to date, most recently over a mile at class 2 level at Seoul on May 23rd when he sat behind the speed before effortlessly pulling clear in the home straight.

Against a field that isn’t hugely strong for the level, with most of the big-hitters keeping their powder dry for next Month’s KRA Cup Classic, Roshe’s greatest opponent may be, to use the tiredest of cliché’s, himself. Can he adapt to the travel, the new environment and the more punishing tempo that a Graded race generally has? If he answers yes to those questions, he can continue on his merry way. Jang Chu-youl will continue on board for trainer Song Sang-hyeon.

MUNHAK BOY and WONPYEONG STROM perhaps present cautionary tales. Both had outstanding starts to their careers but neither has managed to maintain their form – although Munhak Boy did at least claim a G3 win in the Kookje Shinmun last October. Jockey bookings on the pair are interesting. Lim Da-bin, who has partnered Wonpyeong Storm to six of his seven wins, returns for the first time in five starts, while former Selangor Turf Club champion Andre Luis Sa Dilva takes his first ride in Korea on Munhak Boy.

WONDERFUL GROOM, the SBS Sports Sprint runner-up is set to be among the second live of favourites after Roshe. DESPITE WIN and YOUNG SKYWALKER are others who will be in the market. Here is a full rundown of the field:

1. DAEHAN JILJU – The veteran is second up have returned from a near eight-month layoff to run 9th of fourteen in the SBS Sports Sprint over 1200M. Can strip fitter but this is a very tough test.

2. BEOLGYOUI KKUM – Solid 4th in the SBS Sports Sprint and then 7th in the SROA Chairman’s. He has only tackled the mile twice for a 2nd and a 4th, but he draws well to be on pace, and the jockey booking is a plus.

3. ROSHE – He is five for five and the most exciting three-year-old talent in racing. Easy winner over a mile at Seoul at class 2 level. This is his first time away from Seoul so there will be the question of how he travels and adapts but if he is fine with both then from a great draw, he should win.

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Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 28)

It’s Owners’ Cup day at Busan with Roshe looking to maintain his unbeaten record in the G3 feature over a mile. There are 7-races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Hangang Class won the 2025 Owners’ Cup in track record fashion (Pic: KRA)

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

Imported maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) MAHO went through two trials, running 2nd in a slow time in the first of them but then winning the second with an on pace effort (62.3 seconds on May 21st for those whose racecards don’t show it as it was a voluntary trial). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) KKUMUI YEONSOK trialed up alongside some experienced horses and didn’t look out of pace as he ran a close 4th in a decent time, and he shapes as the main danger. (11) SAUDI SOCKS and (5) LUCKYRINGMAN are the pair with experience having debuted together over 1000M on May 31st finishing 5th and 6th respectively and they can both have come on for the run. (8) SPEARS is another first-time starter who hinted at ability in two trials.

Selections(2) Maho (6) Kkumui Yeonsok (11) Saudi Socks (5) Luckyringman
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

Decent maiden win four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (5) ROAD TO CHAMPION, who after a good trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on May 30th, leading and only being caught late by the favourite. He should have come on for that run, he can lead again, and this time he can go one better. (4) VICAR DELLA raced handy throughout for 3rd on debut over this distance on May 16th. She too can have come on and can be even closer here. Of the first timers, (6) INTO THE GALAXY showed fairly for 2nd place in a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. (11) NURI YEOWANG and (9) RAPID STORM, the latter disappointing on debut but previously a trial winner, are the others who will have some backing.

Selections(5) Road To Champion (4) Vicar Della (6) Into The Galaxy (11) Nuri Yeowang
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. After winning a trial, (4) PACHOUI KKUM was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on May 24th and while she raced close to the pace, she ultimately had to settle for 2nd. She should have come on for that, she draws better today, and she will be expected to come out on top here. (5) MAEWU has made progress in her latest couple, most recently when 4th at this distance on May 22nd. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here. (8) PILSEUNG WINNER is similarly looking as though she is figuring things out and enters off a close 2nd at this distance on May 31st when on pace. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and she will have plenty if backers. There are a couple of debut makers and (1) SUPER CROWN performed fairly in two trials. (3) LOOKS GOOD another of the experienced ones who can improve.

Selections(4) Pachoui Kkum (5) Maewu (8) Pilseung Winner (1) Super Crown
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(1) CRUSH GIRL was 4th on debut and followed up with 2nd place over 1300M on May 17th. Both times she has come from off the pace, so the slight step up again can suit and third-up she can be peaking. (8) JECHUK SANJIRO has finished in the top five in all of his four starts so far and he enters off his best to date when 2nd in a slow run race over this trip on May 31st. He can sit just behind the speed here and challenge late. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK was ordinary in her first two, but she has been consistently close in six subsequent efforts, most recently when 3rd over 1700M on May 23rd. She was 4th on her previous try at this trip and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) BEST A ONE and (7) DYNAMIC FORCE others firmly in the frame.

Selections(1) Crush Girl (8) Jechuk Sanjiro (5) Semyeong Peak (10) Best A One
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

(2) STEALTH KINGMAN was 2nd on debut over 1300M in April and then won at the same distance at start number two on May 31st, both times racing on pace. He is up in class but is down in weight, nicely drawn, and he can win again. (6) BORYEONGUIKWAESOK is never going to be beloved by racecallers, but she won her only start to date all the way back last September over 1000M. She performed fairly enough in a late May trial and under a light weight, she could pick up from where she left off. (8) WHITE OIL beat four of today’s rivals when coming home an in excess of 20/1 winner at this class and distance on May 31st. He is up 3kg in weight but warrants more respect today. (11) HEUIMANG TAYO and (4) WORLD BOLD MAN others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Stealth Kingman (6) Boryeonguikwaeseok (8) White Oil (11) Heuimang Tayo
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 27)

Saturday’s racing sees 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Champion jockey Moon Se-young will have his retirement ceremony after race 5. Here are the previews:

Moon Se-young’s retirement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) ROYAL HOPE K was third in his one and only trial on May 21 and this son of Gaon Champ prepared by Moon Byeong-ki should go close under Seo Seung-un. (7) URIUI GIPPEUM is a To Honor And Serve filly that was third in her trial on May 14 after leading and she finished well ahead of (3) BEAT STAR who subsequently trialled again on May 21 and led throughout to score by nine-lengths. Both must be given the utmost of respect. (11) LEGEND MONSTER is a stablemate of Uriui Gippeum and under CC Wong rates next over (6) POWERFUL MR. and the Luigi Riccardi trained (2) K SOCKS. (5) GRAND POKPUNG should not be denied a chance either.

Selections(8) Royal Hope K (7) Uriui Gippeum (3) Beat Star (11) Legend Monster
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7, 11

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

(2) BIBA CHARM produced a good effort when first-up for ten months on June 13 coming from well back to run third. She can improve from that run and can go a few places better. (11) QUEENS TIGER ran well on debut similarly coming from well back and with some luck from the draw can go close. (1) WHITE JACKPOT was down the track on his debut but may be able to get an enjoyable time in front in a race where it is hard to work out where the early speed will come from. The extra 100M will not hurt (3) TOO BIRD HIT going on her debut run and she rates next over (4) GEOLJAK CROWN and (7) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA.

Selections(2) Biba Charm (11) Queens Tiger (1) White Jackpot (3) Too Bird Hit
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9

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

(11) KING SPICY has been the most consistent of these except for his debut run in September. Despite the wide draw he strikes a winnable race following his last start third place and can score. (1) THE QUEEN ROSE also comes off the best result of her career with a third at the beginning of this month when leading for most of the way. She can go close if able to hold her own from the inside which she should. (8) AREUMDAUN BIT has been close at her last two runs and rates next over (10) JISAN FOREVER, a debutante by Chrysolite, (4) ILGEUP BISUL and (2) SAMJEONG BLUE.

Selections(11) King Spicy (1) The Queen Rose (8) Areumdaun Bit (10) Jisan Forever
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11

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

(4) ARION QUEEN CAR has her quirks but also has ability and if she can be on her best behaviour she should be able to go close to recording her second victory. She almost refused to race when resuming from a two-month ban, for refusing to race, in March before picking up late for third and then chased home a smart horse last start. If she can learn how to be a racehorse she does have a future. (11) NUNI OLKKAYO is another smart enough type on his day that resumed with a second a month ago at this level beaten a neck. He was considered good enough to be close in the market to subsequent Derby winner Hwang Geum Eo Jang when taking him on in the winter and rates highly. (2) MONEY MOVE has done little wrong in three starts and broke through most recently. (6) STUNNING CALIBER was a thirteen-length winner of his maiden over course and distance last start and must be respected as should (7) WONPYEONG GANGJA, under Seo Seung-un, and (8) BREEDO CALEY in a decent race for the grade.

Selections(4) Arion Queen Car (11) Nuni Olkkayo (2) Money Move (6) Stunning Caliber
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / Horse Racing Crown Prince Moon Se-young’s Retirement Commemorative Race / (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 26)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race meeting from 11/35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time and while we tend to side with experience in these races, there are a couple of newcomers worth taking a chance on. (2) VICTORY TIME was very quick in his trial, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd. From a good draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) HERO HIT won her trial leading all the way. Her time wasn’t as quick as Victory Time’s but the track has been racing very fast in June so it was just as good an effort. If you prefer experience, then (4) RUBY GONGJU is the one. She ran a fair 5th of nine over this distance on debut on May 29th and should have come on for it. (7) OASIS ANGEL and (6) SERAPH are other first-timers who will attract some interest.

Selections(2) Victory Time (3) Hero Hit (4) Ruby Gongju (7) Oasis Angel
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(8) CHAMPUI HEUIMANG has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1400M on May 29th when he settled midfield and ran on. He was further forward than he was on his previous try at a mile in April when 4th and with similar tactics, he can win this. (6) OASIS TIME debuted over this trip on June 7th and ran a fair 4th of eleven, doing his best work late. He should have come on for that run and the sole juvenile in the field can be closer today. (5) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL has finished between 3rd and 5th in all eight starts so far with his two 3rd places coming over this trip, including beating Champui Heuimang and he should be in the mix again. (2) SO FAST and (3) RICH SKY others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Champui Heuimang (6) Oasis Time (5) Dolgyeok Special (2) So Fast
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

(9) FLEX KHAN ran once last year for 4th place and then didn’t reappear until April. He has a 3rd and most recently a 2nd place from his two starts back with the latter coming on his first try at this distance on May 29th when beating a few of today’s rivals. Third up he can be peaking, and he can go one better. (7) BEST TIGER didn’t do much on debut but was an improved 4th at start number two over 1300M on May 31st when ridden further forward. Expect similar tactics here and under an apprentice claim, he can be a threat. (8) STRONG WINNER has hinted at ability with three finishes in 4th or 5th place from five starts. He tends to get too far back but if he can be a bit handier earlier today, he should at least place. (2) I AM HAPPY and (6) HAENGBOK TREE others in the frame.

Selections(9) Flex Khan (7) Best Tiger (8) Strong Winner (2) I Am Happy
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 11

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

Competitive race. (1) SHIN STAR ONE broke through at each-way odds at start number three on May 29th when coming from off the pace over 1400M. He is up in class and up in trip, but while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, there can be more to come. Probable favourite though is (4) YEOUN. Her sole win came on debut, but she has held her form in four tries at this class including two runner-up finishes over 1400M, most recently on May 22nd. She comes up to the mile for the first time, but it can suit, and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests that today can be the day. (9) KING BLACK is up in class following his maiden win at this distance on May 10th and can measure up. (6) WORLD GOAT and (7) CARAT KING among plenty of other place chances.

Selections(1) Shin Star One (4) Yeoun (9) King Black (6) World Goat
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT: JUNE 19-21

IT WAS A STAKELESS SUNDAY IN KOREA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR MONTHS BUT THERE WAS A NAMED FEATURE ON THE CARD IN SEOUL AND THE 15TH SPORTS DONG-A CUP WAS WON BY ROYAL SOCKS under apprentice Kwon Jung-seok (writes Luke Humphreys).

However, the main talking point of the race was the late scratching of Di Ne, one of the country’s top three-year-old’s, his subsequent stand down from racing for twelve months. He did not look right on the way down to the start and was eventually withdrawn and a post-race physical examination found him to have a bowed tendon.

Whilst this year’s Korean three-year-old crop has produced some fine performances from the likes of Roshe, Hwang Geum Eo Jang, Funny Wild and Clearly Winner it has lost plenty of spark. Supex Winner sadly had to be put down after suffering a ligament and sesamoid injury in the week leading up to the KRA Cup Mile, whilst Geudaemaniddamyeon fractured a cannon bone whilst preparing for the YTN Cup. Di Ne, like Geudaemaniddamyeon, will no longer be seen in his three-year-old campaign.

This left Royal Socks (Hansen) to run the 2.0 favourite and he led for most of the way to score by four-lengths. He recorded his sixth career victory at start eleven and will now be up to Class 2 grade. Baro Danaeun was the other favourite, 2.7, but just like she did when last seen in the G2 Ttukseom Cup she finished 7th.

Royal Socks completed a riding double for Kwon Jung-seok after landing Race 2 (1700M Class 6) on the 3.8 favourite THE SUN COMING (Cowboy Cal) which after racing on pace won by four-lengths and was breaking through at the eighth time of asking. It also was part of a treble for trainer Kang Sung-o after success with BLACK SIDAE (Chrysolite) who won Race 6 (1800M Class 4) by an extending eight-lengths as the 5.2 second favourite before FEDAYKIN (Audible) proved too strong in Race 10 (1200M Class 4) running away late to score by one-and-a-half lengths as the 3.5 favourite.

Black Sidae was beating the 1.8 odds-on chance Ghost Chrysol into 2nd place in what was a slowly run race. Jockey Jo Jae-ro and Black Sidae put some pace into the race when taking off at the end of the back straight and they were never caught. Fedaykin broke through at the third time of asking after a 6th on debut in April before a 3rd in May.

Race 9 (1600M Class 2) was the highest graded race on the day, and SUPREME SOCKS (Flameaway) got the prize by a neck for Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi. The race was primarily dominated by the favourites with Tap Tier, 3.1, coming from a long last to run 2nd over Jeongsang Ace, 8.7, in 3rd with Useung Concord, 4.2, in 4th. Ace K, 5.8, was disappointing for the third consecutive time at Class 2 grade as he ran a long last of the nine runners.

Race 8 (1400M Class 3) was one of the more competitive races on the card and it saw TOHOMARKET (Revolutionary) get up late on to score by a half-length at odds of 29.6 over 15.5 chance Nano Masin with 7.1 fourth choice Cheonmahoryeong at her second 1400M attempt once again just getting caught in the closing stages finishing 3rd after leading. The other favourites were Magic Strong, 7.7, who was 6th, Navy Captain, 6.2, who finished 7th whilst the main two in the market Teukgeup Party, 4.1, and Free The One, 5.2, were 8th and 10th in the eleven strong field. The consistent Teukgeup Party produced the worst run of her career whilst Free The One, whose best form has seen him place behind Roshe at black type level, was disappointing for the second straight start.

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