Favourite recovers from first corner wobble
Jeolho Chance recovered from an early scare to score a commanding win in the Korean Oaks at Busan Race Park this afternoon and in doing so, cemented her place as the nation’s top filly.

Breaking out of stall nine, Jo Chan Hun took Jeolho Chance out quickly with the intention of leading into the first corner. It so nearly went wrong though as the 1.7 favourite ran wildly off line at the corner allowing most of the field to pass. Jo kept his head, however, and shook Jeolho Chance back into position. As they entered the back straight she was in front and from then on, it was simply a matter of time before she kicked away from the field.

The inevitable happened as they turned for home. Jeolho Chance translates into English as “Perfect Timing” and when she went, the rest had no answer. Arch Racer (13.7), under Toshio Uchida, emerged from the field to give chase but Jeolho Chance showed her class to sprint away for a five length win. Seoul horses Gate Way (20.2) and Baram Queen (11.9) were a further two lengths back in third and fourth respectively.

On a baking hot day in Busan, with temperatures in the low thirties, Jeolho Chance moved onto six career wins from twelve starts. Although they were never likely to win, it was a good day for the two Seoul entrants, redeeming some of the capital’s pride after Busan’s monopoly on the placings in the season’s earlier classics.

It was also another masterful ride by Toshio Uchida on Arch Racer, weaving through the field and timing his run to perfection. Only there was one exceptional filly who they were never going to have a chance to catch.

Korean Oaks (G II) – Busan Race Park – Aug 10, 2008 – 15:45
1. Jeolho Chance [Didyme – Harboring (Boston Harbor)] – Jo Chan Hun – 1.7
2. Arch Racer [Archer City Slew – Trixable (Tax Collection)] – Toshio Uchida – 13.7
3. Gate Way [Psychobabble – Rich Emotions (Rizzi)] – Lim Sung Sil – 20.2
Distances: 5 lengths / 2 lengths

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN