Seven year old breaks Billion Won barrier / Baekpa second
Favourite Myeongmun Gamun stormed to his second consecutive President’s Cup at Seoul Race Park this afternoon and in doing so broke the Billion won mark in career earnings. In front of close to 60,000 people on a beautiful autumn day in Seoul, it was Dashing Champ, course record holder at 100 metres below today’s 2000 metre distance, who got to the first corner in front. Flying Cat, making his 71st start followed along with Sports Chosun winner Natural Nine. This was how it stayed through the back straight but, as they reached the third corner, Cho Kyoung Ho on Myeongmun Gamun asked his mount for some effort.
The response was instant as the gelding cruised from sixth to third. Dashing Champ fell away and as they turned into the home straight, Flying Cat was hanging on with Myeongmun Gamun on his shoulder. It wouldn’t last long as an extra turn of pace at the two furlong pole put the defending champion into the lead. Now the only question was where was Baekpa? The filly had been at the back of the field as they began the final turn but Park Tae Jong finally managed to find a clear run and the grey began to eat into the lead. It was too late. While Choi Beom Hyun pulled off a remarkable manoeuvre to bring Triple Seven out wide to come from last to third in the final furlong, Myeongmun Gamun and Cho Kyoung Ho were President’s Cup winners again.
Later, under the lights, Supernatural was looking to get back to winning ways after some disappointing recent outings in the feature handicap. It wasn’t to be though as Crocap held off the favourite’s late charge to take his first win for well over a year. Much earlier in the day, however, things went to form for Something New, the three year old stepping up one class but still winning by nine lengths in race 4. Something New is not the best looking of geldings but looks set to progress further throughout the winter.
While Cho Kyoung Ho took the most prize money, for the second Sunday running, Choi Beom Hyun was jockey of the day in terms of numbers. The in-form Choi again landed four winners with the pick being the odds-on Tu Won in race 10.
Meanwhile at Busan, Procyon was heavily backed to end his dismal run of form in the feature handicap. He looked good to do so as he comfortably led the field through all four turns of the 2000 metre race. Unfortunately, when Chae Gyu Jun asked the four year old to kick on in the straight, there was nothing left in the tank and the field came past with Yongdu Baram taking a half length win on the line from Scramble. Formerly the number one horse at Busan, Procyon is without a win – and has only been placed once – in five starts.
Today, however, was all about Myeongmun Gamun, who retained his trophy in imperious fashion:
President’s Cup (G1) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – 16 Nov, 2008
1. Myeongmun Gamun (KOR) [Future Quest – Guided Dancer (Incinderator)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 1.6
2. Baekpa (KOR) [Revere – Grey Crest (Gold Crest)] – Park Tae Jong – 3.8
3. Triple Seven (KOR) [The Groom Is Red – Impudence (Grand Lodge)] – Choi Beom Hyun – 16.1
Distances: 3 lengths/1.5 lengths – 9 ran
Horse Racing in Korea 