It’s Owners’ Trophy weekend at Seoul and the big race on Sunday afternoon (see full preview) is the highlight of a busy weekend of racing. Busan gets things underway with an extended eleven race card on Friday which culminates in a clash of Busan titans as Golding, Crafty Louis and Admiral Reigart face off over 1800 metres in the last race. The three big names will all carry over seven kilos more than the remainder of the field though, so an upset could be on the cards.
Sunday’s feature race at Busan is headlined by Procyon. After a dismal second half of 2008, the five year old has won two of his three outings this year. Among those going against him is Sky Star, the colt making his first appearance since a disappinting run in the Derby. To get back in contention, to take the trip back to Seoul for the Minister’s Cup later this year, he’ll need a big run here.
Saturday’s card at Seoul has a competitive feature race as Top Point, currently the leading older female, takes on Hongji, Gayasanseong, Tu Won and Lucky Seven over 1800 metres. Saturday could also be the day when Park Tae Jong becomes the first Korean jockey to land 1500 winners. He needs just one to reach the milestone and if he hasn’t already then Symphony Sonata in race 9 looks likely to get the job done for him.
Busan Race Park
Friday June 19: 11 races, first post 12:30
Sunday June 21: 6 races, first post 12:40
Seoul Race Park
Saturday June 20: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday June 21: 11 races, first post 11:20
Jeju Race Park hosts pony racing on Saturday and Sunday with a first post time of 12:10 on both days. It’s the Jeju Ilbo Cup on Sunday, one of the biggest races of the year on the Island. Jeju ponies are strong and the top weight Hanramyeongseng, who has won eleven of his eighteen races, willl carry 74 kilos for the four and a half furlong race.