There’s a big Stakes Race Sunday in prospect in Korea. However, both the Sports Chosun Cup at Seoul and Busan Ilbo Cup at Busan, which will both be run over 2000M, are set to feature strong favourites.
Gumpo Sky (black cap) was just beaten in last year’s Minister’s Cup. Can he get his first Stakes win in the Busan Ilbo Cup? (Pic: choi9036903)
Not that there’s anything especially wrong with that although field size for both is disappointing to put it mildly. At Busan, just six will line up for the Busan Ilbo Cup and the aforementioned favourite will be Gumpo Sky. The four-year-old hasn’t had much luck in Stakes company so far, coming very close on two occasions last year, including the final leg of the Triple Crown. Most recently he ran 6th in the Busan Mayor’s Cup over a mile.
He should have too much for his five rivals tomorrow though. If he is to be beaten, Ildeung Hanghaesa or Goliath Marine look like the ones who can do it. Yeonseung Daero and Gyeongbudaero are two previous winners of the race meaning that the winner has big hooves to fill.
A couple of hours earlier at Seoul, eight will have gone to post for the Sports Chosun Cup. Favourite to come back in front will be Brig, a five-year-old who was 4th in the Korean Derby in 2013, and has gone on to become one of the most consistent performers in the capital and who was an 11-length class 1 winner over 1800M on his most recent start.
Brig has never won over 2000M before – this is only his 2nd start at the distance – and if that continues, then Haemaru or Busan exile Magic Dancer are perhaps best placed to take advantage.
Click here for full English language race cards at the KRA’s website
Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Sunday August 16
Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 13:00 to 17:45
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 16:20 to 20:00
Horse Racing in Korea 