KOREA RACING REPORT (JULY 17-19) – HERO FIGHTER, BIWOL CLAIM CLASS 1 VICTORIES / SLING STAR MAKES IT FIVE IN A ROW / MOON SE-YOUNG TRAINS FIRST WINNER

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY A HYBRID CLASS 1 WAS THE MAIN EVENT WITH HERO FIGHTER landing the prize for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira (writes Luke Humphreys).

Hero Fighter (American Freedom) scored by a narrow margin over One Punch Dragon who was returning to form after a couple of average runs following five consecutive wins last season. Vet Captain, who was dropping back in trip after racing over further in better races at his previous two starts, was a never nearer 4th whilst the 1.4 favourite G B Vault disappointed at his first Class 1 run only running 5th and never really looking like a winning chance.

SPARK THUNDER (Hansen) was a two-and-a-half length winner for Andre da Silva in Race 7 (1600M Class 3) proving too quick for the Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s 3rd placegetter Tiger Roar who was a two-and-a-half length 2nd as the 1.6 favourite. Tiger Roar after not the cleanest of starts was ridden through to lead from the inside gate by Jo Jae-ro, who was riding for the first time, but was eventually caught for speed over a distance short of her best. To her credit she did kick back in the final 200M after looking unlikely to get anywhere near Spark Thunder.

The victory of Spark Thunder completed a double for trainer Lee Shin-woo after the in form YONGBIGYO (Nitrous) earlier won Race 4 (1300M Class 5) from the front as the 2.0 favourite and that was the first of two wins on the day for owner Jung Sung-jin who later had YONGBI HERO (Goldencents) score in Race 8 (1400M Class 4). Yongbi Hero had gotten close to Sling Star, to be mentioned later, and Comeback Holymoely at his previous two starts and continues to race in good form. Kim Yong-geun was the winning rider on Yongbi Hero and he completed a double when SMILING PRINCE (Smiling Tiger) was a soft three-length winner of Race 10 (1400M Class 3). Lala K could not follow up his previous 1200M victory as he finished 9th of the ten runners.

Owner Lee Kang-woon had a race-to-race double on the card in Race 2 and Race 3 with his charges winning both divisions of the 1300M Class 6 maiden with BROWN JACKPOT (Shackleford) landing the first of them by five-lengths under Kim Hyo-jung, who has bounced back from injury in good form, before WHITE JACKPOT (Hansen) was a four-length winner for Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi.

An exciting juvenile prospect was unleashed in Race 1 (1200M Class 6) with this year’s Derby winning jockey Lee Dong-ha riding CLUTCH DERBY (Cairo Prince) to a brilliant nine-length front-running victory in impressive time. Clutch Derby only pulled further clear from his rivals and followed up his trial victory on July 2 where he led and won by seven-lengths. The Choi Yong-geon prepared colt looks one to keep a close eye on. 

Lee Dong-ha followed up in Race 6 (1400M Class 4) on RAON NIZHINSKII (Shackleford) which drew clear late to score by five-lengths over 3.3 favourite Flutter who attempted to lead throughout and was looking to bounce back to winning ways after defeats in his previous two starts, including the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas), with Kim Hyo-jung returning as his rider but was grabbed in the last 200M and finished 2nd.

AT BUSAN ON SUNDAY WHAT WILL EFFECTIVELY BE THE BUSAN TRIAL RACE FOR THE KOREA SPRINT TOOK PLACE AS RACE 7 AND THE PROGRESSIVE BIWOL scored by two-and-a-half lengths as the 5.6 second favourite.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 19)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (10.25 to 16.55). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience is generally good, but we have an eagerly awaited debut-maker in the form of (1) CLUTCH DERBY. He was an easy trial winner, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fast time and if he brings that form to the races, he wins.  Helpfully for us, three of the ones who have raced before debuted together over 1000M on June 13th. (10) GEOLJAK RUBY was the best of them in 2nd place finishing well having previously won a trial, and the step up in trip can suit. (5) CHEONDUNGUIBULKKOT and (8) NEWBAL SOCKS were 3rd and 4th respectively in that race and both can have come on for their runs. Returning to the newcomers, (11) ECLIPSE GOLDEN trialed up fairly behind the experienced JD Gangja, and is another who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Clutch Derby (10) Geoljak Ruby (5) Cheondunguibulkkot (8) Newbal Socks
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BLUE RIBBON has made solid progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 3rd over 1400M and ridden further forward earlier than in his first two. That was back at the engining of May, so he has had eleven weeks off, but he can win here. Probably betting favourite will be (11) DAEDONGYONGMA. That follows a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 13th when on pace throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to improve much, if at all, on that effort to having winning chances. (5) HERO DRAGON has hinted at figuring things out in her latest couple, and she gets a 4kg claim here. (2) VIVA CISSIMO and (8) NIGHT CAPTAIN are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(3) Blue Ribbon (11) Daedongyongma (5) Hero Dragon (2) Viva Cissimo
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(2) GYEONGBOK PORTAS has been getting closer over his latest couple with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 5th. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim today but Park Jae-I climbing on for Kim Hye-sun suggests that he is ready to win. (10) OASIS KINGDOM has also been getting closer and took a big leap last time out at start four when a close 2nd over 1200M on June 12th. A previous try at this trip wasn’t great but he should be ready for another crack here. Those two are the standouts though (3) ONE PLUS ONE does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him on a place line here. (9) OVER RAINBOW and (4) SMART YULIM others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Gyeongbok Portas (10) Oasis Kingdom (3) One Plus One (9) Over Rainbow
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(1) PALPALNARA did nothing in four starts across the turn of the year but returned from over four months out on June 21st to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance, showing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for the that run and she can go one better today. (8) WHITE JACKPOT didn’t do much on debut at the end of May but was a strong 2nd at start number two on June 27th over this distance, showing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be a danger here. (4) SONNY K came from off the pace to run 4th on debut in May before finishing 2nd when handy throughout on June 7th and he will have plenty of backers to go close again. (6) VICAR DELLA and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others who can compete for the places.

Selections(1) Palpalnara (8) White Jackpot (4) Sonny K (6) Vicar Della
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race. (5) WONDERFUL MUD has been quietly getting closer and most recently ran 3rd over 1300M on June 21st, settling midfield and running on. Franco gets on for the first time, and she may well be available at an each-way price. (3) GAON PERFECT has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far with a 2nd place over this distance two outings back his best. He can settle just behind the speed and run on, and he can be in the finish again. (7) DUBAI DREAM was 4th to Wonderful Mud’s 3rd on June 21st. That was his first run since last November so he can strip fitter here and has every chance of going closer. (1) DOCTOR QUE SERA and (2) THANKYOUFORTHETIME are the other main chances.  

Selections(5) Wonderful Mud (3) Gaon Perfect (7) Dubai Dream (1) Doctor Que Sera
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

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

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

(7) BONBON TIARA comes from the Tony Castanheira stable which has produced some impressive debutante winners in recent weeks so with this filly by Old Fashioned having had the one trial for a second beaten a nose there is every chance she can be another newcomer winner for the French trainer. (1) GRAND POKPUNG has not been far away in two race starts and can close under Ruan Maia from the lowest draw. (8) WHIZ CROWN will be looking to give former champion jockey Moon Se-young his first winner with his sixth runner as a trainer and can do so as she finished fourth in her one and only trial in May. (6) A. K SUN and (9) ROAD SOCKS both won trials on June 25 and rate next over (4) MIGHTY MULAN with (3) NAREUSYA LUNA not hopeless.

Selections(7) Bonbon Tiara (1) Grand Pokpung (8) Whiz Crown (6) A.K Sun
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

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

(5) SAEROUN BISUL comes off a nose trial victory on June 18 where he defeated Bonbon Tiara, who looks hard to beat in Race 1. He chased home some start types in his three juvenile starts last year and his most recent race in November where he split Mr. Taeyang, subsequent Group Two runner-up, and Comeback Holymoely, subsequent multiple winner, is the best form on offer in this maiden by a long shot. (1) AMOS JEONSA did nothing in his first trial in June but looked good when leading throughout to win last week by four-lengths so on that this debutante by Race Day rates as the danger. (2) MY DOLPUNG was a beaten odds-on chance on debut but was not far away and can go close again. (10) DU UM, (11) BIBA CHARM and the second of the newcomers (8) WONPYEONG DREAM are next best.

Selections(5) Saeroun Bisul (1) Amos Jeonsa (2) My Dolpung (10) Du Um
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) DAEBI MAMA has been beaten a long way in two of her three starts however those two runs were against good opposition including at Group Three level last time in the last leg of the Korean Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies. Her second-place effort to Purple Korea at the second of her three starts to date would give her a good chance in this. (4) INSPIRE has been consistent enough so far without winning and strikes a winnable maiden to go close in. (10) SAMJEONG BLUE has been just behind the placegetters of late and can be around the mark once more. (1) GRAY PHANTOM, (6) DELTA CHOEGANG and (8) LUGE rate next.

Selections(3) Daebi Mama (4) Inspire (10) Samjeong Blue (1) Gray Phantom
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(2) ARION QUEEN CAR is by far the most untrustworthy commodity in this field, but she is also the one with by far the most ability on her day. She has refused to race in effectively two of her past four starts with the other two runs yielding a good second splitting The Excellent and Raon Blaide, subsequent winner, but also a disappointing seventh. She gets the nod on her best ability, but just the same she is far from a safe bet. (4) GOLDEN VENTUS is a two-year-old that won on debut on June 13 and with just fifty-one-and-half kilograms on his back he must be given a strong chance. (6) TIGER MANGCHI came from the other side of Seoul when winning on his debut and whilst that was a bizarre race in many ways, he would have to be given a hope on that effort. (11) SEVEN KAISER has been the most consistent of the raced brigade in the line-up that have never won and rates over (7) BEOLGYO EMPEROR and (1) MUHAN ARGO.

Selections(2) Arion Queen Car (4) Golden Ventus (6) Tiger Mangchi (11) Seven Kaiser
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.15 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) OASIS HEUIMANG was a beaten favourite on debut on May 29th leading close to home over 1000M. That day’s runner-up Tipping Point went on to win last week and from a good draw and with a very good apprentice claiming 2kg, it should be his turn today. Tipping Point’s subsequent win was on June 19th. (5) GLOBAL TOP TIER ran 4th in that race on debut and with some natural improvement can go closer today. Among the first timers, (6) HIT THE RUNNING is probably the best coming out of trials where he was handy throughout and 4th in a fair time. (7) JANGGO KING and (1) SUPEXNIKKE trialed together and hinted at ability.

Selections(3) Oasis Heuimang (5) Global Top Tier (6) Hit The Running (7) Janggo King
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(10) ART TREE debuted all the way back on October of last year when he ran a very solid 3rd over 1000M in a juvenile maiden. After that he had a procession of setbacks, including a chip fracture. He has been back in regular work since the end of April and looked very well when winning a trial on June 25th and he can make a winning return here. (9) WONDERFUL PAS pretty much stopped late on debut over 1300M on May 31st to the extent she was sent back to trial. She came through the same heat as Art Tree and was less than half a length behind and could be a much different prospect. (7) RIVER RUN was an improved 4th over this distance on June 19th when coming from midfield and beating a couple of today’s rivals and he can continue to make progress. (6) NAGAN CHUEOK and debut maker (5) OASIS SHACKLE among others who could go well.

Selections(10) Art Tree (9) Wonderful Pas (7) River Run (6) Nagan Chueok
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Good race for the level. (4) GYEONGBOK ATOS was a winner at start two over 1300M in March when leading all the way before running 4th over 1400M on his first try at this level over 1400M in April. He came back into work on June 18th and while up in trip, he can be a big danger first up. (1) MAGIC MIRROR finally broke through at start number nine on June 5th when handy throughout. It came at this class and distance and while he is up a full 4kg in weight, he may well start as the betting favourite again. (8) TAKE RACE was a winner on debut over 1300M in May and then ran a solid 3rd at a mile on June 12th on his first try at this class. The additional furlong shouldn’t pose many problems, and he can be in the finish again. (6) CHAMPUI HEUIMANG and (2) REGINA VINCIT among plenty of others with at least place chances. Nine of the eleven finished in the top four in their respective latest outings.

Selections(4) Gyeongbok Atos (1) Magic Mirror (8) Take Race (6) Champui Heuimang
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 10

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

(7) WILD REAL is two for two having won over 1200M on debut in April before scoring at this class and distance on May 31st, leading all the way both times. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but can lead again and can complete his hat-trick. (5) NINETEEN NINE WON broke through at start number three over 1200M on April 10th. She had a couple of months off but came back into work in the first week of June and while up in class and in distance, she is down in weight and has every chance.  (10) BUGYEONG TRIPLE got his maiden win at start number eleven over 1300M on June 5th. It was at this class and he previously has a 2nd place to his name over this distance so only coming up 1kg in weight, he has to be in the hunt again. (2) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL is winless and up in class but has rarely been far away and under a light weight and drawn well may offer some each-way appeal. (4) JEONGMUN FELIX another in the frame.

Selections(7) Wild Real (5) Nineteen Nine Won (10) Bugyeong Triple (2) Dolgyeok Special
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT: JULY 10-12

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY TWO 1400M CLASS 3 RACES WERE THE MAIN EVENTS ON THE CARD AND THE CONCLUDING RACE OF THE PAIR WAS WON BY GREAT STORM, who despite being the outsider of the field bar one got the prize by one-and-a-quarter lengths (writes Luke Humphreys).

Great Storm (Overanalyze) was an important winner for both jockey Jo Seong-hwan and trainer Lee Kang-seo with his one-and-a-quarter length victory proving enough to beat the 3.9 favourite Cheongryongui Cal. Great Storm was down in class but will presumably find himself straight back to class 2.

Latin American riders had a race-to-race double on the card with Luis Quiroz riding 23.2 chance THUNDER A ONE (Thunder Moccasin) to victory in Race 8 (1600M Class 4) whilst fifty minutes earlier Andre da Silva recorded his second Korean victory on his eighth ride with BLUE PIORA (Take Charge Indy) who landed Race 7 (1400M Class 3) by an impressive eleven-lengths in a time that was 2.2 seconds faster than standard for the class and grade.

The last victory for jockey Kim Hyo-jung before a trackwork injury in early June wason THE SUN STORY (Shackleford) on May 30. As it turned out her first weekend back of riding saw The Sun Story take his place in Race 5 (1700M Class 5) and they duly scored by three-lengths. The Sun Story had no issues with the extra 300M in distance and will now be up to Class 4 grade after completing this hat-trick of wins.

Kim Hyo-jung completed a double when riding HIGH FOLLY (The King) to an upset victory in Race 9 (1800M Class 4). That race saw 2.1 favourite Musket Cleaver, who had run a great 6th in the Derby in May in what was the final ride for Moon Se-young, run a disappointing 5th.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 12)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16.55). There are no Listed or Graded races or even class 1 events, but there is still plenty to get stuck into. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) MORNING CHIEF was the best of the newcomers in trials, racing handy for a close 3rd in a decent time. From a central gate she should be prominent early and she can win. Of the experienced ones, (7) WONDER GRACE was the most convincing on debut when he came from gate ten to sit midfield and run-on for a not too distance 6th. He can strip fitter for that run and have an edge on plenty here. (8) SEVEN FORCE took a few goes to qualify but looked well enough when he did and can be given a chance.  (11) UNICORN ACE and (10) CITY OF DREAM others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Morning Chief (7) Wonder Grace (8) Seven Force (11) Unicorn Ace
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (1) STORM CRUSH was 2nd at start two over this distance in April before putting in an ordinary effort on June 7th over 1300M. We’ll draw a line through that and back at 1200M, he can break through. The sole gelding is (6) RAON EXTREME, He debuted all the way back last November, running 3rd over 1200M after which he had surgery for a chip fracture. During his time out he was gelded and he finally returned to work in May. He led in his June trial before finishing midfield and can be competitive. (4) NINE SPEAR recorded back-to-back 4th places at 1300M in May and early June before parting company with her jockey coming out of the gates on June 20th and galloping around herself. So long as she came out of that ok, she should match or better those 4th places. (5) WINNER NAMCHON and (7) LOVING PURPLE others in the frame.

Selections(1) Storm Crush (6) Raon Extreme (4) Nine Spear (5) Winner Namchon
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(4) SWEET MAN has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on June 5th when ridden much handier than in previous runs. Expect similar tactics here and he has every chance of going one better. (7) LOOKS GOOD enters off a best to date 3rd place at 1300M on June 28th when close to the pace throughout. She makes a quick return here and should be challenging for the lead from the start. (3) SHINING CLUTCH has got a bit far back in his races but gets a 2kg claim today and going on his 4th place at 1200M two outings back, has to be given a chance to improve in this company. (9) RESPECTING GIRL and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN other place chances.

Selections(4) Sweet Man (7) Looks Good (3) Shining Clutch (9) Respecting Girl
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

One debut-maker here and (5) MR. DOR certainly caught the eye in his trial, settling back before pulling away to cross the line seven-lengths to the good. The way he finished off suggests that 1400M can suit first up and he can win. (1) CLAIR FREEDOM looks to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, showing on pace both teams and beating a couple of these in the process. In the absence of much early pace in this race, she can get an easy run to the lead and can be in the finish. (2) CLUB MAN was a much-improved 2nd at start six over 1700M on June 21st. He has raced handy in each of his last two and back in trip should do the same with every chance of another place. (9) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN and (7) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Mr. Dor (1) Clair Freedom (2) Club Man (9) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

New cafe open in the Seoul Racecourse infield park (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) GRAND PAS CLASSIC trialled well prior to his first race with a front-running four-length success before a decent second on debut. He was one-and-three-quarter lengths and one place ahead of the reopposing (6) HOPE K that day and can confirm the form. However, it would be no surprise if the latter were to reverse the deficit. He won his trial prior to his first start by ten-lengths where he led throughout. Both horses raced a bit greenly when taking each other on in their debuts and the one that races the most generously will win. They will be the two favourites by a fair way. (9) MIGHTY SAVER was fourth behind these two horses in the same race on debut and rates next over (8) CASTELLA, which is an Australian bred debutante by Prince Fawaz, (5) CLASSIC AUTUMN and (4) DAEHANUI YEONGUNG.

Selections(7) Grand Pas Classic (6) Hope K (9) Mighty Saver (8) Castella
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7, 9

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

(7) KATARINARA has trialled twice for a seventh on May 7 before making up ground for second on June 25 beaten four-lengths. She was ridden by Ruan Maia in the most recent of those trials and he retains the ride for her first race and is the one to beat on that trial effort in a very winnable event. (8) POINT I has not been far away in three runs to date and that form is more than good enough for this despite being a beaten odds-on chance last time. She has the most consistent form of the raced brigade along with (5) DELTA DAECHEON so the latter obviously also rates as a strong chance. (9) WALLSTREET has had four runs and run deplorably in three of them, but the other run saw her only beaten four-and-three-quarter lengths by Concord Blue. They are surely the only four chances with (4) ROYAL MANSE and (2) FIRENZE GOLD best of the outsiders.

Selections(7) Katarinara (8) Point I (5) Delta Daecheon (9) Wallstreet
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(3) GOLDEN WARRIOR has been around the mark in most of her runs so in a tough race she gets the nod from an each-way perspective. A similar comment can be applied to (7) ECLAIR WIND who should also not be far away and (1) RACE DIVA must have as good a chance as any for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira as she has been getting better with each start. (5) YEONDONG STAR rates next over (4) QWAEGEOL CHUNHYANG with (8) SAMJEONG YEOJE and (2) JEJU PRINCESS not hopeless either in a race where you could make a case for every runner.

Selections(3) Golden Warrior (7) Eclair Wind (1) Race Diva (5) Yeondong Star
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 8

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

(2) BULGEUN POKPUNG has been second in two of his past four with one of those runner-up finishes being a one-and-three-quarter length defeat behind subsequent Derby fifth placegetter Concord Codie which naturally reads as strong form for this. (1) GWANAKSAN CHAMP won on debut last year before finishing in the second half of the field in feature juvenile races. He has been knocking on the door for a win this season and could get it in this. (8) FINAL CHUKJE has been consistent enough to rate as an each-way chance. There are a lot of other hopes which include (4) MAX PARTY which could improve on recent runs and of course (5) RAON BLAIDE which has both the ability and Seo Seung-un to ride but he has a big weight as well. (10) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG rates next.

Selections(2) Bulgeun Pokpung (1) Gwanaksan Champ (8) Final Chukje (4) Max Party
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

The monsoon season has started but 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 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. The experience is good though as (10) DUBAI HEART led for much of the way over this distance on June 19th, before ultimately going down by a head to Tipping Point. That experience can give her the edge here. (6) GOLDEN CODE went through two trials showing on pace in both and running 2nd in both in decent times. She should be nice and fit for this and can be a danger. (5) RACE NINE similarly led in her trial before finishing three-lengths 2nd behind the experienced Doctor Louis. Seo Seung-un rode and while he gets on Golden Code, Race Nine should be in this a long way. (7) SUPER WEEK and (9) DOCTOR ATLANTIC others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(10) Dubai Heart (6) Golden Code (5) Race Nine (7) Super Week
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

(6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN seems to be figuring things out having run 3rd in both his latest two at this distance and most recently over 1400M on June 14th when he beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, he can settle behind the speed and run on and with Seo Seung-un up for the first time, today could be the day. (3) GIROL SIDAE did nothing in her first three starts but was much better when stepped up to this distance for the first time on June 6th when she led for the first time and ran 2nd. She can build on that here. (7) MORE QUICKLY also led for the first time on June 19th over this distance and finished a best to date 3rd. She can aim to match that here. (4) FANTASTIC GREEN and (8) WORLD HANI other place chances.

Selections(6) Yeonggwangui Green (3) Girol Sidae (7) More Quickly (4) Fantastic Green
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(11) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE was a winner on debut 1200M in February, making all and has been getting closer in three subsequent starts at this level, most recently on June 12th when having led again, she beat a couple of today’s rivals when finishing 3rd.  Her win came from gate ten so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can win. It’s been a long time since (3) BLACK JILJU’s solitary salute but her recent form reads well with two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and she should be around the mark again. (8) SONGJEONG TODAY beat Black Jilju when winning at this class and distance on June 7th. She is up 4.5kg in weight and she has been a bit of an all or nothing horse so far but she clearly has some talent. (7) AEGIS CROWN should strip fitter second up, while (9) WHITE OIL is another in the frame.

Selections(11) Road To Number One (3) Black Jilju (8) Songjeong Today (7) Aegis Crown
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

(5) POWERFUL MENIFEE debuted in last year’s Rookie Stakes, finishing last, and then didn’t reappear until May 1st. He was a winner on return before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on June 5th showing on pace throughout. He can be on pace again today and this time can win. (4) BULBIT YEONGMA won at start two over 1200M and after a pair of 5th places to start life at class 5 has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two coming from well off the pace and she should be close again here. (3) DOCTOR CHAMP is yet to win in eight attempts but has three runner-up finishes including one at this class two starts back. He was a bit one paced last time out when 5th but is worth another chance in this company. (11) WORLD FIGHTER MAN and (6) DORAON SAMSON others in line for the minors.

Selections(5) Powerful Menifee (4) Bulbit Yeongma (3) Doctor Champ (11) World Fighter Man
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Korea Racing Report: July 3-5

SUNDAY AT SEOUL SAW A 1200M CLASS 1 AS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND AND THE POSSIBLE LAST RUN FOR SOME OF SEOUL’S BEST SPRINTERS BEFORE SEPTEMBER’S INTERNATIONAL KOREA SPRINT AND IT SAW KOREA’S BEST SPRINTER BOMB OUT WHILST THE ENIGMATIC NICE FORCE showed that on his day, he can really match it with the best of them as he produced a win from the top under Ruan Maia (writes Luke Humphreys).

Nice Force (Mor Spirit), 9.6 fourth favourite, had gone into the inaugural running of the KRA Sprint on Grand Prix Day last year as an odds-on favourite but bombed out and had been inconsistent in five runs since. On Sunday he showed his best form and it was good enough to run the legs off his rivals and score by three-quarters of a length. Haksan Speed, who had run very well in the Busan Ilbo and SBS Sports Sprints, put his poor SROA Chairman’s Sprint run behind him with a 2nd place finish as the 4.3 second choice with Something Lost in 3rd. The 4.9 third favourite Crown Hamseong has been up and down in form this year and was only 6th after receiving every chance in the run.

However, the talking point out of the race is the performance of Korea’s best sprinter Vincero Cavallo who was never closer than midfield and ultimately finished 9th of ten. He got himself out of a tricky rearward position on the rail in the run to finish a never nearer 3rd in the SROA Sprint and was in a similar position in this race, but there appeared to be fewer excuses this time. Vets found no abnormalities.

SU BU TAI (Concord Point) came from off the pace to score in Race 6 (1400M Class 5). The 7.4 chance provided the first Korean winner for former Selangor Turf Club champion jockey Andre Luis Da Silva, the pair overturning the favourite and long-time leader Pasa Queen in the last half-furlong. The Brazilian rider landed 72 winners in Malaysia in 2025, a full twenty-seven clear of his nearest rival. It had been a lengthy visa and insurance process for Da Silva who has now hit the ground running in a license that initially runs to the end of this year.

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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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