Korean Derby 2026: Preview & Form Comments

FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)

The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.

HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.

Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.

DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.

Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.

As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.

1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.

2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.

3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.

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Korean Derby Day Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

It’s Korean Derby day and general admission is free to Seoul Racecourse. The big race is set for 4.30pm. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Final Boss was a fine Derby winner (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(9) PARKA SHINE was a disappointing 7th of eleven when well backed over 1200M on March 1st getting away slowly and then always on the backfoot. Prior to that he looked as though he was figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd and he can be given another chance here with The Moon aboard on his final day. (4) HOT FEVER was an improved 2nd at 1200M on April 5th settling back and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M, and it would be no surprise if he started as favourite. (10) TAEGUK WANGJA enters off a smart 3rd place over this distance back at the end of January. He has had some issues since that kept him in the swimming pool rather than on the track, but he has been in regular work since April 10th and should be ready for this. Those three will fill out most quinellas, with (7) TWOTWO MAGIC and (5) SMART GRAND, perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Parka Shine (4) Hot Fever (10) Taeguk Wangja (7) Twotwo Magic
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only in this maiden. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has raced eleven times and has never finished any better than 4th, but she has done this on no fewer than six occasions. She settles back and runs on and in this company, unless she automatically stops when she has three left to pass, she really should go by them all and win. It’s hard to make a winning case for the others. (11) SINCHEON HEART ran 4th over this distance two starts back and has as good a chance as any of being in the finish. (1) THE SUN STORY improved to 6th at start number two on March 1st and can continue to improve. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG was 6th on debut on March 29th having got a long way back. Natural improvement and the extended trip can see her closer. (7) NURI QUEENS another minor money chance.

Selections(3) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Sincheon Heart (1) The Sun Story (4) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

(3) POWER TIGER could not justify the odds-on favouritism on debut, but he gets an even better chance to here in a very winnable maiden. He may have let punters down at his first start but regardless that piece of form is the best on offer in this race by a long way and he can go one better for Masa Tanaka and Kim Hye-sun. (11) BREEDO SHOOTER has five-lengths to find with Power Tiger from April 3 but with a 3kg claim from Nam Jeong-hyeok he can make up some ground. (10) BRAVE RUN put together three consecutive 4th places prior to finishing down the track last time. (6) PILSEUNG WINNER produced the best effort of her career last start so that is a positive. (9) WONDERFUL WIND has been around the mark a few times whilst (1) GRAND HERO was 2nd in a trial but has only been 8th in two starts.

Selections(3) Power Tiger (11) Breedo Shooter (10) Brave Run (6) Pilseung Winner
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) BLISS STAR has chased home a couple of nice winners in his seven-start career, and they include Musket Cleaver and Concord Blue who we see in the Derby later. He is close to a win and is a chance of breaking through in this. However, he will have to contend with (11) KIA ORA who comes off a four-length maiden victory on March 22 when coming from midfield. Based on that win, she can make it back-to-back. (5) BROWN MAMMA won his maiden before winning at this level across the winter. For his second run at this level, he went up 3.5kg and was beaten as favourite. He carries the same weight here so that is a concern, but he has the ability. (3) CUPID K has been just behind the placegetters of late and rates over (7) MANGEUM CROWN, who makes his first run at this grade, and (10) ROYAL BEST.

Selections(8) Bliss Star (11) Kia Ora (5) Brown Mamma (3) Cupid K
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8, 10

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

(2) NEWWORLD TIARA has had the two starts for a five-length 4th on debut in March before halving the beaten margin when 3rd last month. She clearly goes on top as she brings the most consistent form, albeit from just two starts. (7) QUEEN THE GOLD ran the best race of her career last time when coming from midfield to run a one-and-a-half length 2nd. If she replicates that performance, she could go one better. (6) WONDERFUL PREACH has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of her seven starts and it is a similar story for (5) BREEDO CAPTAIN. (1) GREAT CHAMP and (4) THANKYOUFORTHETIME head the rest.

Selections(2) Newworld Tiara (7) Queen The Gold (6) Wonderful Preach (5) Breedo Captain
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(5) FLYING CONCORD returned from over nine months out to run 2nd at this class over 1200M on April 5th when leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can go all the way. (2) RAON SAPPHIRE is a winner of two from four, most recently at this class and distance on March 28th when coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she can be a danger again. (11) REFLECT was 4th behind Raon Sapphire in that race, continuing a consistent run of results at this level and he should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class last start winners (7) CLOVER ONE and (3) QUERENCIA, the former scoring on debut, both probably have a bit to find at this level but shouldn’t be ruled out.  

Selections(5) Flying Concord (2) Raon Sapphire (11) Reflect (7) Clover One
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 2)

Saturday is Derby-Eve at Seoul and there are 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Oasis Blue won last year’s Derby (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) WHIZ POINT was sent out as a 1.3 favourite for his debut on April 5 after finishing a one-and-a-half length second in his trial on March 5 but could only manage third beaten six-and-a-half lengths. Johan Victoire, who rode him in the trial, hops on board for the second race of this Shackleford colts’ career and he will get his chance to go a few places better in this type of race. (8) BARAMGAEBI looks the potential danger as he hasn’t been far away in his two starts to date behind decent winners, who have both subsequently won. (3) HAKSAN WINNER was a much better run at her third start and is clearly next best. All three of these horses will race on pace. (4) PIEONARI, (1) MIDEUMUI JILU and (10) GEOSEN HAMSEONG are three of the six debutantes and are best of the rest.

Selections(6) Whiz Point (8) Baramgaebi (3) Haksan Winner (4) Pieonari
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(9) MONEY MOVE has been placed in each of his two starts to date on January 31 and March 21 and must be a good chance of breaking through at attempt three. It will be interesting to see where he lands in the run but regardless of where he is he is a good chance of coming home in front. (6) NINJA TIGER was out the back on debut but has been much better at his next two with a pair of third places and can be in the finish again. (4) MEGA WIND has been midfield in both starts to date; he was a beaten odds-on favourite last time on April 19 and he does have one-and-a-half lengths to find with Money Move from March 21. (8) ECLAIR WIND has had the two starts and been just behind the placegetters on each occasion. She rates next over (10) INSPIRE and (11) CHEONGGANG BOM.

Selections(9) Money Move (6) Ninja Tiger (4) Mega Wind (8) Eclair Wind
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11

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

(6) BEST JOY comes into this following the best run of his career finishing second beaten four-lengths on April 11. He gets the nod over (11) DAEHAN SIDAE which is the only other horse to have a second placing against their name and in his case his defeat was only by a nose back on April 4. (7) SEOPOKCHAT has been around the mark with one third place finish alongside three fourth places. (10) CHRYSOL POSH hasn’t been far away at her latest two and rates next over (9) CHEONJI JACKAL and (3) SPICE BAND.

Selections(6) Best Joy (11) Daehan Sidae (7) Seopokchat (10) Chrysol Posh
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11

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

(6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM finished midfield on debut before racing on pace throughout to win a 1200 metre maiden on April 5. Based on her last start there is no reason why she can’t go back-to-back. (2) QUEENS FLYING led throughout to win her maiden, on the same day and that was over this distance so she will be up there for a long way. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI is yet to win and has been hard to catch but if everything went smoothly, she could break through. (1) POETIC NUBI was out the back last time but was around the mark prior and rates over (11) HAKSAN DAESE, which brings similar form, and (9) SMART MARU, who is a last start winner at this level but comes up five pounds and three-and-a-half kilograms for that victory which was by a nose.

Selections(6) Cheonggang Yeoreum (2) Queens Flying (3) Gyeoul Jangmi (1) Poetic Nubi
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 1)

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

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

(3) BYEOLBIT SONATA won a trial before finishing 4th on debut over this distance on April 3rd when leading early. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can win. Enough was thought of (8) POWERFUL MENIFEE that aside from being bestowed with quite the name, he was also sent out on debut in the Rookie Stakes last August. He finished last and then went lame and has been in and out of work ever since without making it to the races. He trialed up in super fashion at the start of April, blitzing his heat in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be close. (9) SIERRA GOLD showed well in his trial and can debut well under Franco. Another first-timer (6) ROAD FIGHTER, along with (2) ANY WIN, who improved last time out, are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Byeolbit Sonata (8) Powerful Menifee (9) Sierra Gold (6) Road Fighter
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

After some underwhelming trials, (6) GWANGSEON DAERO was sent out at big odds on debut on April 3rd but from a wide gate and settling back, she finished off very well to claim 4th place. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she will be much shorter this time around. (9) BIG SMILE has made steady progress across five starts to date with her best being her latest when 2nd over this distance on April 3rd. In this small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and an apprentice claim keeps her under a light weight. (3) HUIMANG LOGI has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from her latest two and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) MISS COCO and (4) FANTASTIC GREEN are others who can potentially improve in a race where there is no obvious early speed.

Selections(6) Gwangseon Daero (9) Big Smile (3) Huimang Logi (5) Miss Coco
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) VEGAS JEONTU almost made his breakthrough when favourite over this distance on March 27th when on pace throughout but ultimately going down 2nd to Baram Daero (who was 2nd at the same class last week). He draws the same gate today and this time should go one better. (6) SHACKLE LAUD returns to action for the first time since January. A two-time winner and five-time placer over this distance, she looked very well in a trial on April 9th, and she can be a danger first-up. (5) WIN WIN enters off three consecutive class and distance 3rd place finishes and he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) BRIGHT MARINE and if she can get a lead which won’t be easy from her gate, (9) DOCTOR KAREN, others to consider.

Selections(3) Vegas Jeontu (6) Shackle Laud (5) Win Win (7) Bright Marine
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(1) PORT MORE got his maiden win over a mile three outings back and has a 6th and a 5th in two starts since at this class over 1800M and then again at a mile. He drops back to a trip at which he ran 2nd on his only previous try and from the inside gate, he can be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) D’LOVELY KING is yet to win, nor even match the three consecutive runner-up finishes that he began his career with, but he hasn’t raced badly of late, especially his 3rd place at this class three starts back. He can settle back and run on here and he may have more improvement in him. (11) SHINING ONE was a well beaten favourite on April 5th when further back than usual and seemingly resenting the kickback. He comes down 4.5kg in weight today, assisted by an apprentice claim and while drawn wide, he is worth another chance here as his form prior to last time was good. (7) GUKDAE HERO and (5) GLOBAL HIGH perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Port More (4) D’Lovely King (11) Shining One (7) Gukdae Hero
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

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FANTASTIC VALUE ERASES TIARA HEARTBREAK WITH UPSET WIN IN TTUKSEOM CUP

Fantastic Value returned to the scene of where she fell agonizingly short of completing a clean sweep in last year’s Triple Tiara and this time held firm to deny the filly who came part her that day, and win the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Fantasic Value holds off Boryeonglightqueen and Raon Forest (Pic: KRA)

A five-length winner of both the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks a year ago, Fantastic Value was sent off a 1.3 favourite to claim the final jewel, but she ultimately ran 2nd as Boryeonglightqueen swept past at the end of the 2000M Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup.

Fantastic Value hadn’t won a race since and having run down the field in the Donga Ilbo over 1800M, the first leg of this series last month, she was accordingly sent off as a 72.2 outsider in the Ttukseom. But if her heart had been broken in the Seoul sand last June, it was fixed on Sunday.

Oneuldo Smile, runner-up to Fantastic Value in last year’s Oaks, set the pace along with Crown Hamseong, but it turned out to be a hot one and ultimately unsustainable. As expected Boryeonglightqueen and Dong Ilbo winner Raon Forest launched their runs from the back but it would be Fantastic Value, starting her challenge from a little further forward in midfield, who would beat them all. The ever-dependable Gladius was 4th.  

“I’ve actually never won a race in Seoul before” winning jockey Song Kyeong-yun told KRBC. “So, it is very meaningful to do it in such an important race.”

“I felt more confident going into the Donga Ilbo, but that race didn’t plan out as I had hoped, today I didn’t force it too hard, we found a good position and she finished off well. I actually think the 1600M will be better for her” he said referencing the KNN Cup, the final leg of the series next month over the Busan mile.

Trainer Lim Keum-man was naturally pleased with how his charge rebounded. “It’s a 1400M sprint so I thought first of all, the start was important. There were several horses who could go ahead, (Fantastic Value) wasn’t one of them so I was just hoping she could be tacked on somewhere, and the jockey did a great job” he said to KRBC.

“She had a bit of trouble with her hooves last year, and I think that held her back a lot, but the hoof disease is now completely gone. In the previous race at 1800M (Donga Ilbo) we were disappointed, but she had shown a very good performance in the regular race before at 1400M before that, so I thought the Ttukseom would be a bit different, and she lived up to our hopes.”

The beaten riders didn’t offer many excuses. “The pace of the race was a bit faster than I expected” Jung Do-yun, jockey of runner-up Boryeonglightqueen explained to KRBC.

“But Boryeonglightqueen is a horse with a fast finish and one who needs the fast pace to then collapse. I felt had we been a bit smoother around the bend and just a little closer then we might have got there.”

Jo Jae-ro, partner of Raon Forest said similar: “They went fast and catching up was a little harder than I expected. But I wasn’t worried because I knew they would come back and we were able to find a good position on the inside but maybe we were just a bit too far back. (Raon Forest) hasn’t achieved great results at 1400M, so I am still really proud of her for making it up into 3rd.”

The final leg of the Queens’ Tour, the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) is at Busan on Sunday May 31st. Next week it’s the big one, the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul.

Korea Racing Report: April 24-26

THE GIRLS TOOK CENTRE STAGE AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY WITH THE COUNTRY’S PREMIER RACE FOR OLDER FILLIES AND MARES BUT IN OTHER RACES THE MAIN RACE WAS THE VERY LAST AND THE CONSISTENT J S ROAD, after chasing home Geudaemaniddamyeon and Eclipse Berry at his previous two starts, recorded his first win since December 2024 getting the better of Wonpyeong Sket and More Than Joke in a close finish between the three popular picks.

J S Road (Twirling Candy, under a perfectly timed ride from gun apprentice Woo In-cheol grabbed the long-time leader and talented but stamina-challenged three-year-old filly Wonpyeong Sket in the dying strides to win by an extending half-length with More Than Joke a neck away in 3rd.

The victory of J S Road completed a training double on the day for Song Moon-gil, who also prepared the progressive URUS SABBIA (Overanalyze) to make it two wins from two in Race 3 (1400M Class 5). The victory was by five-lengths, but it could have been even further had he not been so green in the home straight the same as on his debut. He needs to improve his manners, but the ability is there.

Kim Yong-geun rode a race-to-race double on the card and that began when BREEDO CALEY (Revolutionary) led throughout to win Race 4 (1800M Class 5) by four-lengths after two 2nd places at his prior two starts. That race saw the 2.5 favourite Fighter finish a well beaten 8th after effectively being beaten from the halfway stage. Fifty minutes later Kim rode SLING STAR (To Honor And Serve) to land Race 5 (1700M Class 4) by one-length as the 1.9 favourite. Sling Star completed a hat-trick of victories and continues to progress.

Race 8 (1600M Class 3) saw the impressive MAEUM HANA (Gaon Champ) somehow start the 5.2 third elect but despite being written off by punters he made it four consecutive wins going up in grade by one level on each occasion. With Geudaemaniddamyeon, the country’s highest rated three-year-old at present, out for the remainder of the season and his future career in doubt, Maeum Hana may just be one to keep things ticking over in the classic ages ranks for the combination of CC Wong, Choi Yong-geon and Woo Tae-yul. The race saw Free The One and Best Pitch, 3rd and 4th in the Sports Seoul Trophy respectively, start the 2.3 and 4.4 popular picks but they were both bitter disappointments with Best Pitch always towards the rear finishing 8th whilst Free The One knocked right up and was last of the 10 runners to complete the course.

Maeum Hana was the second impressive winner of the day for Choi Yong-geon as NAOL AURORA (Musket Man) was a smart winner of Race 2 (1400M Class 6) leading throughout to score by six-lengths.

In Race 9 HANGANG PERFECT (Old Fashioned) landed a competitive 1800M Class 3 as the 6.8 fourth market choice accounting for the incredibly consistent Morning Wonder by a head. The 2.5 favourite Dragon Killer could only manage 7th after being unable to lead and therefore working hard in the run.

MEANWHILE DOWN AT BUSAN ON THE SAME DAY THE CLOSING CLASS 2 LOOKED A VERY COMPETITIVE HANDICAP BUT 1400M SPECIALIST BRUG KINGMAN made the race anything but as he roared away in the closing stages to land the spoils by five-lengths.

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Ttukseom Cup 2026: Form Comments for the 2nd Leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer

The phrase “time-honoured” isn’t one that can often be used unironically in Korean racing, but it applies at least in name to the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer which will be run at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday with a full field of sixteen to take their chance. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Raon Forest won the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer (Pic: KRA)

Ttukseom was the home of Seoul Racecourse from 1954 until the move to the present location in 1989 when the race, named in honour of the old course, was run for the first time. That old racecourse has never been built on, although it is now the location of one of Seoul’s best downtown parks and this week the bronze statues of a driving finish located at the park’s entrance were adorned with saddlecloths and caps marking this year’s race.

The conditions have changed numerous times over the years and some of the nation’s biggest stars have won the race, including Kwaedo Nanma (2002), J.S. Hold (2007) and Dangdae Bulpae (2011).

However, since 2012 it has been for fillies and mares only. Appearing in the “international blue book” in 2015 it was won by Japanese raider Esmeraldina although she is to date, the only internationl visitor to compete.  There are none this year either, but there will be a new name on the trophy this time around as Jeulgeounyeojeong, who won the last two editions, is not sent out in pursuit of a third.

RAON FOREST won the first leg of the series, the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-L) in March and she will be among the favourites to prevail again. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN and ONEULDO SMILE are among others with strong chances while SATANG SONYEO and GLADIUS are also very capable performers.

The Ttukseom Cup is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul: Here’s how they line up:

1. TIARA SUA – Since figuring things out, she has at least placed in each of her last eight starts and comes in off a win over this distance at class 3 level on March 29th when she led. Much tougher company today but can lead and be in this a long way.

2. CATCH THE DREAM – Races for the first time since last October when well beaten by plenty of these but she is a winner of five from eleven and was an on-pace winner in a very quick time in a March trial. Draws nicely to put in a big effort first-up. Place chance.

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Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer headlines Seoul on Sunday with the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2). There are 10 races in total at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 while at Busan there are 7 races from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

The bronzes in Ttukseom sporting caps and saddlecloths this week

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

(7) BEAT FRESH was ordinary on debut but since has a 4th and two 3rd places, most recently over this distance on March 8th when racing handy throughout. She should be on or close to the pace here and shapes as the one to beat. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest final furlong average time among the field and can be coming on strong late. (2) COMPLETE FUTURE did precisely nothing in his first three starts but was a significantly improved 3rd on March 22nd over this distance. He draws well and can build on that here. (4) LOVING PURPLE and (6) PASA ACE are others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Beat Fresh (5) Semyeong Peak (2) Complete Future (4) Loving Purple
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(10) NAOL AURORA has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and both times running through the line well. She steps up in trip for the first time but that shouldn’t be a problem, and she should be coming out on top today. (1) P.P. JJANG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on March 8th when he didn’t get quite as far back as he did in his first two disappointing efforts. With similar tactics today, he can be in the finish again. (11) GLOBAL LAND was a beaten favourite last time out, but she does have a 3rd place to her name and CC returning to the ride can be in her favour here. (7) DELTA CHOEGANG and (6) VALKYRIE are others in line for the minors.

Selections(10) Naol Aurora (1) P.P. Jjang (11) Global Land (7) Delta Choegang
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

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

Three-debut makers here and we’ll side with one of them (2) WILD REAL went through two trials, improving significantly in the second one when on pace throughout and crossing the line a very close 2nd in a quick time (61.4 seconds – it was a voluntary trial so it won’t be in every racecard but it was on April 2nd). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will win. (5) FLEX KHAN ran 4th on debut all the way back last September. He went lame ahead of a planned start in November but has been back in work since the start of March and looked well in a quick trial on April 2nd. He can go well first up today. (8) NORTHERN QUEEN has made progress across five starts so far and was a solid 2nd at this distance on April 10th. She makes a quick reappearance here and while up 3kg in weight, she should be close again. (10) UNJU DAEBAK and (3) P.D SPECIAL others who can improve.

Selections(2) Wild Real (5) Flex Khan (8) Northern Queen (10) Unju Daebak
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

Competitive race. (5) URUS SABBIA came from the widest gate to sit just behind the speed and then run on to win over 1300M on debut on March 21st. He comes up in class and slightly in trip and while he doesn’t get a weight break, he can win again. (7) CHOWOLMA got his maiden win at 1300M in January and while his first go at this class was nothing special, he improved to 2nd behind Young Fighter on March 22nd. He tackles the 1400M for the first time and is up 2kg in weight (to the same weight under which he won) but he can be a big danger. (8) MIGHTY CRIS ran 2nd on his first try at this class over 1700M on March 22nd. He returns to the distance at which he got his maiden win and while up in weight, he can be competitive. (4) STUNNING SERVE and (10) COWBOY SOCKS others in at least the placing picture.

Selections(5) Urus Sabbia (7) Chowolma (8) Mighty Cris (4) Stunning Serve
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

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

After an inauspicious debut, (2) OASIS HAPPY has registered a 2nd and a 4th at 1300M and 1400M, settling just behind the leaders both times and running on. The step up to the mile can suit and from a good draw in a race with no early speed, Seo Seung-un can go to the front and stay there. (8) WIN NOW has a 3rd and a 4th from two outings to date, bot over 1400M and both times beating a couple of today’s rivals. Franco climbs on and given the way he finished off those races, the extended trip can be in his favour too. (1) I AM HAPPY returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on March 27th. He should have come on for the run and can match or better that today. (6) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL and (7) WORLD TRIPLE CAT others who can be around the mark.

Selections(2) Oasis Happy (8) Win Now (1) I Am Happy (6) Dolgyeok Special
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(10) FIGHTER got his maiden win over 1700M at the end of February before running 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on March 28th, showing close to the pace throughout and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He comes up 3.5kg in weight, but that shouldn’t be a problem, and he is the one to beat. (2) LUCKY JOY was an on-pace winner over 1700M on March 29th. He is up in class but draws well to lead again and he can measure up. So too can (1) BREEDO CALEY. He’s still a maiden but has run 2nd in both his latest two and he may well appreciate the increased trip today. (4) SHARKTEN and (8) JISAN FRIEND are the other main contenders.

Selections(10) Fighter (2) Lucky Joy (1) Breedo Caley (4) Sharkten
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 25)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL showed a decent turn of foot in his trial, settling midfield and finishing off well for a close 3rd in a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he is a chance. (8) STEPPING STONE went through two trials, improving in the second of them when he came out on top having raced handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for his debut. (1) BEAUTIFULLY similarly had two trials, running second in the latest of them. From the inside gate she has a real chance too.  With the three with experience not having impressed, other debut-makers (2) STUNNING SKET and (11) MASK GIRL look the most likely.

Selections(6) Naegiluiwonderful (8) Stepping Stone (1) Beautifully (2) Stunning Sket
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

(9) UHANGSANGSTAR came from the widest gate and a long way back to run 2nd on debut over 1200M back at the end of January. She then went lame so she hasn’t raced since but she came back into full work on April 12th and if her fitness is up to scratch, she should make a winning return. (6) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI looks to be figuring things out with his latest three finishes being his best, including a close 2nd place at this distance. He had an apprentice claim in all three of those, which he doesn’t get today, but in this limited company, it shouldn’t matter and he can be close again. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has been knocking on the door of the places in recent outings and can be in the mix again. (4) K N STORM and (7) BLUE DRAGON other minor money chances.

Selections(9) Uhangsanstar (6) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Cheongryong Giun (4) K N Storm
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (1) BLACK MAMA has a couple of 4th places to her name, most recently on March 29th when she was ridden further forward than previously. She draws well for the same tactics here, Maia is on for the first time, and she can win. (7) ORATORIUM was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 15th when from a wide gate, she settled midfield and finished off well. She draws better today and if she has come on for the run, she has every chance. Continuing the pattern of last start 4th places, (2) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU improved to finish there at start two on March 29th and can continue to make progress here. (6) STUNNING BOLT and (9) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO are the other place chances.

Selections(1) Black Mama (7) Oratorium (2) Cheondungui Jilju (6) Stunning Bolt
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) GOJU ILCHEOK has made steady progress across his latest couple of outings and comes in having stepped up to 1700M for the first time on March 14th and recording his best result to date when 2nd having been ridden much further forward much earlier than in previous starts. He draws well for a repeat of those tactics, and he is the one to beat. (3) SKYLOR TAEHA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1400M at start number two on March 22nd. The step up to two tuns can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (6) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts but comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and she can be there or thereabouts again. (11) BLACK SUN and (9) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(4) Goju Ilcheok (3) Skylor Taeha (6) Bulguksidae (11) Black Sun
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 24)

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

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

(2) DELTA FORCE has a pair of 3rd places among three starts to date, most recently at 1200M on March 29th when handy throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He comes into a much better gate today, and he has every chance. (11) KISS THE RAIN was a well-beaten favourite on March 22nd when doing himself no favours by laying out throughout. Prior to that, he had a 2nd and a 3rd and with better manners, he can be given another chance. (1) MAGIC HAMMER got his second 3rd place finish over 1200M on March 20th and from the inside gate can be aiming to match or better that here. (7) SUPER HIT and (5) ONNURI PARTY others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Delta Force (11) Kiss The Rain (1) Magic Hammer (7) Super Hit
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

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

(11) BACK TO THE DREAM was 3rd on debut and then 2nd at start number two over 1300M on March 27th when handy throughout. He does have the challenge of a wider gate this time but third-up he can be peaking, and he can win. (8) RIVER RUN took plenty of trials to get to the races and was accordingly unfancied on debut over 1200M on March 3rd. He got a long way back, but he ran on pleasingly for 5th and with some natural improvement, as well as the extended trip, he could be the danger. (9) VIRAL HIT was an improved 4th at this distance on March 22nd, settling midfield and running on and she can build on that today. (12) SWEET MAN and (2) WONDERFUL SMART others who could have a say in the minors.

Selections(11) Back To The Dream (8) River Run (9) Viral Hit (12) Sweet Man
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 11, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE has only missed the top four once and even then, two starts back, she beat a couple of today’s rivals. She enters having been the beaten favourite in a similar race to this on March 23rd when taken down late by Sunrise, and she can go one better today. (3) DUBAI SEONMUL was slow away in that race from the widest gate and never playing a role. She was a smart maiden winner at her previous start, but from a much better gate, she is worth another chance today, (12) SEONGSIL WORLD got her maiden win two starts back over 1300M, showing on pace, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on March 20th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here, but she can be in the finish again. The form falls off after those three with (8) MAGIC SHOW and (2) THIS WAY probably the best of the rest.

Selections(7) Lampyojeonggeenie (3) Dubai Seonmul (12) Seongsil World (8) Magic Show
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 12

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

After finishing 4th on debut, (10) LIGHTNING FORCE has won two in a row, both over 1200M and most recently at this class on April 3rd when leading all the way. He comes up 2kg in weight and draws wider than he has before, but neither should be insurmountable and he can complete his hat-trick here. None of the rest enter in much form. (4) ISIMNYEON JIGI has been around the mark with three 4th places at this class since his maiden win. He got a bit far back from a wide gate last time on March 22nd out but can be better today. (5) BULBIT GANGJA went even worse in that March 22nd race but prior to that ran 3rd at class and distance in February and can be given another chance here. (3) GAON BOSS and (8) THEIA other minor chances.

Selections(10) Lightning Force (4) Isimnyeon Jigi (5) Bulbit Gangja (3) Gaon Boss
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 10

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

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