Month: May 2016

Derby Sunday Race Notes

It’s one of the biggest days of racing of the year; Korean Derby day! There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30.

Yeongcheon Ace 2

Yeongcheon Ace won last year’s Derby (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English Racecards are available here. Full preview of the Derby here. Three races from Seoul, including the Derby, will be shown on Sky Racing 2 in Australia. Here are notes on them:

Race 7: Class 2 “The Sports Kyunghyang Cup” / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 15:05 (KST)

(5) BLACK TRAIN has a knack of finding one or two too quick but he is a strong finisher and is slightly favoured to come from off the early speed to claim what would be his first win since last August. (10) DORGON defeated both Black Train and (7) SIMSIN JIRYEO when the three of them met in February and should be respected, however, the main danger looks to be (8) JINGYEOGUI GEOJANG. Unlike many of these, he is still on the way up and while the Aussie bred colt struggled on his first try at 1800M last month, he should be much happier back in a one-turn race today. He’ll look to lead early. (2) ILGI DANGCHEON and (11) SEUNGNIYEOJE look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Black Train (8) Jingyeogui Geojang (7) Simsin Jiryeo (10) Dorgon
Next Best 2, 11, 3, 9
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 1 – “China Horse Industry Association Trophy” / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 15:55 (KST)

(10) LUCKY LIGHT beat five of these when running 2nd over this distance on April 3rd and he looks to be the one to beat here. He is a fast starter and will look to lead straight from the gate. Among those he beat last time, (7) CHEONMANG got the closest to him and that one can also be considered for improvement today, however, it’s likely to be (9) SEONBONG who punters consider the greater threat. His 2016 hasn’t really got going yet but he is a very solid sprinter and he can come from just behind the speed here. (12) BRIG has the outside gate to deal with but like Seonbong, will likely be content to avoid the cavalry charge to the corner and will still have plenty of backers. (5) MAGIC DANCER has perhaps seen better days but remains a threat.

Selections (10) Lucky Light (12) Brig (9) Seonbong (5) Magic Dancer
Next Best 7, 8, 2, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11

Race 9: Class Open – The Korean Derby / 1800M / Allowance / KRW 700 Million / 17:00 (KST)

SEE HERE FOR A FULL RUNNER BY RUNNER PREVIEW

(12) POWER BLADE won the 1st leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile, last month by a facile four-lengths and will be strong favourite to add the second jewel today. He has drawn gate 12 but that won’t matter as his style is to be away patiently and then improve in the back straight. On all form, he looks the best. It’s wide open behind though. (3) STEALTH and (4) ZETTABYTE ran 3rd and 4th in the Cup Mile with the former slightly favoured again at the extra distance today. (1) BANJIUI JEWANG ran poorly in the Cup Mile but performed well at Seoul in the Breeders’ Cup last year and can be given another chance. The biggest threat to Power Blade though may come from his own stablemate. (13) WORLD CHAMPION didn’t get to the Cup Mile but comes to Seoul after four consecutive victories, the most recent of which was a gate-to-wire romp at this distance. He’ll get forward early and the favourite will have to come past him. (9) GONGRYONG and (10) WINNERS GLORY look to be Seoul’s best chances while (7) EVER IN EVER and (14) TOHAMSAN look decent outside bets. Another longshot angle is that (6) SISEON POCHAK has been moved to a new trainer specifically so that he can take part in this race (trainers and owners may not enter any more than two horses in the same race – he was with Power Blade and World Champion).

Selections (12) Power Blade (13) World Champion (10) Winner’s Glory (1) Banjiui Jewang
Next Best 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters 1, 10, 13, 14

The Korean Derby 2016: Runner-By-Runner

The second leg of the 2016 Korean Triple Crown takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Fifteen horses will line up for the 19th running of the Korean Derby. The winner of the first jewel in the crown, Power Blade heads the field and will be the strong favourite.

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KRA Cup Mile winner Power Blade will be strong favourite for the Derby

In all, there are eleven who have travelled up from Busan with just four from the capital competing. There are no fillies taking part as Ottug Ottugi, who was 2nd in the Cup Mile, is pointed to the Oaks in order to allow stablemate World Champion to take his chance here.

While Saturday was a warm, sunny day in Seoul, rain is forecast for Derby day. The race will be broadcast live in Australia on Sky Racing 2. Here is a full preview of each runner (Name [Pedigree] (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey):

The 19th Korean Derby (KOR GI) – Seoul Racecourse – 1800M – May 15, 2016 (17:00)

1. Banjiui Jewang [Ecton Park – Sweetoil (Broken Vow)] (6/4/1/0) PM Wolsley – Lee Hee Cheon
Disappointed in the Cup Mile ending up in 7th. He was 2nd to Power Blade in the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul last November. Those are his only two defeats so far. Her should get the distance and he should certainly get another chance here. That Cup Mile performance raised questions but he can go better and can place.

2. Cheonji Storm [Admire Don – Great Thought (Empire Maker)] (6/3/1/1) DK Kim – Ham Wan Sik
He was 3rd on his first try around two turns on his last start, beaten by the kind of horses you need to beat if you are going to win a Derby and he was well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and is likely to go forward from the gate, but he will be an outsider.

3. Stealth [Colors Flying – Missed The Tower] (9/4/0/2) SY Lee – Ikuyasu Kurakane
Comes into contention haign scored a very good 3rd in the Cup Mile, six lengths behind Power Blade and ahead of five of his rivals here. Tries the distance for the first time but that should be ok. He will be given a patient ride and can finish well.

4. Zettabyte [Menifee – Fight Back (Sakura Seeking)] (8/3/2/1) KM Lim – Lim Sung Sil
He was 4th in the Cup Mile, a length and a half behind Stealth having previously made all to win at that distance at class 4 in February. The extra distance may be a slight concern but he should be prominent early and could find the money.

5. Saeroun Stealth [Colors Flying – Captive (Mutakddim)] (5/2/1/1) SY Lee – Makoto Okabe
One of the lesser known quantities of the race, he is yet to compete at higher than class 5, at which he won over 1400M last month. Definite question marks over the distance and his ability to compete in such company make him an outsider. Shares an owner and trainer with Stealth.

6. Siseon Pochak [Colors Flying – Myeongseo Gongju (Carry The Flag)] (12/3/4/3) JK Min – Paolo Aragoni
Formerly with Kim Young Kwan, he was moved to a new trainer specifically so he could compete in this race with Kim already sending the maximum allowed number of two. He was a class 4 winner by a neck at this distance just three weeks ago and makes for an interesting outsider. One of only three to race at this distance already, he most likely settles behind the early leaders.

7. Ever In Ever (Sharp Humor – Habidongju (Silent Warrior)] (7/3/2/1) KY Baik – Yonekura Satoshi
Fifth in the Cup Mile having been sent off fifth in the betting. He beat Siseon Pochak over a mile in March but so far hasn’t shown enough to warrant being well fancied here. Settles in midfield and can be competitive but is an outsider. Good opportunity though for Japanese jockey Satoshi.

8. V Man [Volponi – Katemba (Faltaat)] (12/2/2/2) KH Choi – Lee Yong Ho
Another of the Busan outsiders, he was a class 5 winner at a mile in March and was then 3rd to Tohamsan at the same distance last month. He’ll not go forward and could pass some late on but there is little to suggest he can compete for the money.

9. Gongryong [Revere – Parisilton (Woodman)] (8/4/1/0) DS Bae – Moon Se Young
He was considered Seoul’s best hope for the Cup Mile but failed to deliver last month. He came from right off the pace to win at 1700M the time before that and he will probably go to the back of the field here and try to close. He should pass plenty and he will have some supporters.

10. Winners Glory [Strike Again – Luck And Fame (Western Fame)] (6/4/1/1) ST Shim – Kim Dong Soo
Third in the Breeders’ Cup race last November, he skipped the Cup Mile having been a seven-length winner over 1700M at the beginning of March. He has had a full ten weeks off since then, he will look to lead early and if he gets to the front, he could go very well.

11. Theme Deunggeuk [Menifee – Pilseung Giwon (Silent Warrior)] (8/2/3/1) JK Park – Park Eul Woon
He was a longshot in the Cup mile and did reasonably well; his 6th place making him Seoul’s best placed finisher. However, despite that, there is little to suggest he will be any more fancied today and another creditable run would suffice.

12. Power Blade [Menifee – Cheonmachong (Lost Mountain)] (7/5/2/0) YK Kim – Kim Yong Geun
The favourite. He easily won the Breeders’ Cup and KRA Cup Mile and has also won at class 3 over this distance. On form and achievement to date, it isn’t a question of whether he wins but how far he wins by. There are 14 others in the race though, anything can happen, but he is hard to oppose. He settles midway down the field, improves in the back straight, goes forward around the final turn and then runs away from them to the line.

13. World Champion [Didyme – Ascend The Throne (Silver Charm)] (7/5/2/0) YK Kim – Pasquale Borelli
Betting on Kim Young Kwan’s 2nd string is never a bad idea especially in a race where the trainer could have fielded five if he was allowed. If Power Blade is to be defeated, it would be no surprise if this was the one to do it. He comes in having won at class 3 over this distance last month, making all and will look to lead here. If and when Power Blade comes alongside, it could be interesting.

14. Tohamsan [Kwaedo Nanma – Bernice (Yankee Victor)] (5/4/0/0) KY Baik – Seo Seung Un
A bit of a wildcard, he was won three in a row very smartly indeed, beating V Man by ten lengths last month over 1400M. The distance is obviously a question mark but he can give a good account of himself. Satblemate of Ever In Ever

15. Seungniui Chukje [Captain Coltish – Call Again (Mr. Greely)] (3/1/1/0) SJ Kwon – Lee Sung Jae
The one with the least number of starts and the lowest rating. A visually impressive win against nothing much over 1000M in March which showed he has speed aside, there isn’t much to recommend.

Selections: 12, 13, 10, 1
Next Best: 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders: 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters: 1, 10, 13, 14

Busan Friday: Race By Race Preview

It’s Korean Derby weekend. KRA Cup Mile winner Power Blade heads a strong Busan contingent who are in the capital for Sunday’s showpiece, accompanied by all five of the track’s foreign jockeys. 

We’ll have a full preview of the big race tomorrow, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening at Busan today. English language race cards are here.

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

After debuting last November, (4) MUJEOK VICAR returned last month and ran 3rd of twelve over this distance, beating two of the others who go here and must surely win this very modest affair. (2) B.K. SUN will be quick out of the gate and has claims on 2nd with (1) YEOKDONGUI JILJU and (3) DESTINY others who are set to get their biggest payday to date here.

Selections (4) Mujeok Vicar (3) Destiny (2) B.K. Sun (1) Yeokdongui Jilju
Next Best 5, 8
Outsiders 6, 7
Fast Starters 2

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(9) IKSAN DAEWANG was 2nd on debut on April 15th and can come from off the pace to go one better here. That pace is likely to be set by (4) HAPPY JILJU, who hasn’t been far away in recent starts without really threatening a win and she can place again. Last time out, she beat (3) DAEJIUI HUIMANG by a couple of lengths and that one too can improve today. (2) PERFECT KING and the more experienced (7) CHASEDAE can also compete for the placings.

Selections (9) Iksan Daewang (4) Happy Jilju (3) Daejiui Huimang (2) Perfect King
Next Best 7, 6
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 2, 4

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

Big field but a clear favourite in the shape of (3) CHOEGANG DREAM. He’s up in class having been a four-length winner on what was his second career start on April 8th and should have too much for this lot. (9) SKY RUNNER and (11) GODAE are both also up in class following maiden victories last time and should be competitive while (2) SONATA ZONE and Shunsuke Yoshida’s (4) TAIL WIND are already experienced at this level and should go well.

Selections (3) Choegang Dream (4) Tail Wind (9) Sky Runner (2) Sonata Zone
Next Best 11, 5, 6
Outsiders 1, 7, 8, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4

Race 5: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

Perhaps the most competitive race of the day sees a couple of maidens both up in class having come close in each of their two most recent starts. (4) SMART KING was beaten a head by Godae (who we saw in race 4) last time out at 1300M having made all up to that point and has solid claims. (8) MACH BOLT is slightly less experienced but may very well appreciate tackling seven furlongs for the first time. (9) CHOEGANG EXCELLENT has already won and was 4th on his first try at this level just two weeks ago and will be a danger as will (2) GANGHO DREAM, who was half a length behind Choegang Excellent in that very same race two weeks ago. (10) IMPASSIONED MARINE is the other one with a big chance. She was 3rd last time out and looks to have a win in her at this level.

Selections (4) Smart King (8) Mach Bolt (9) Choegang Excellent (10) Impassioned Marine
Next Best 2, 3, 6
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 10

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(6) YEONGGWANGUI AGAIN was a 30/1 winner at class and distance on a wet track a month ago and while he must be respected here, others will be favoured. One of those he beat in that narrow finish and (1) CHOA is one of a number who will be on the early speed here and can go very well. (2) ALBERT VICAR is still looking for her maiden victory but dropped back to 1200M today should improve on the 4th she scored last start. (3) ONLY BLUE and Thomas Gillespie’s (7) MAJOR SLAM, who is up in class following a good win at this distance last month, are others to consider as is the other Yeonggwangui, (5) YEONGGWANGUISINHWA.

Selections (1) Choa (2) Albert Vicar (7) Major Slam (3) Only Blue
Next Best 5, 6
Outsiders 4, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Coming in looking for a hat-trick of victories, the verdict must go to (5) KWAEHAN JILJU. An almost three-length winner at this class over 1200M last month, he is hard to oppose here. (2) CHEONMA CHUPUNGO is yet to win or come 2nd but can score a career best finish here while (3) BETTER THAN YOU is one of three entrants here who races for the first time this year. He looks better than the other two. Down in class, the very experienced (4) GIMAKHIN SEONTAEK may be competitive for the first time in a while.

Selections (5) Kwaehan Jilju (2) Cheonma Chupungo (3) Better Than You (4) Gimakhin Seontaek
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 1, 8
Fast Starters 1

Race 8: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Peter Wolsley’s (6) JIBONG BLUE has won two of three starts so far and while up in class today, should be winning this. She will likely look to lead from the gate and can make all. (1) CHEONJUNGWANG struggled at 1800M a month ago but should be better today while (2) GOLD LINE was a good winner over 1200M three weeks ago and can build on that here. (3) WORLD QUICK was 2nd at class and distance on April 1st and must be respected here and although (4) HWARYEOHANHAMSEONG may only have a solitary victory to his name, he is a tough competitor and is rarely far from the money.

Selections (6) Jibong Blue (1) Cheonjungwang (2) Gold Line (3) World Quick
Next Best 4, 7
Outsiders 5, 8
Fast Starters 3, 6

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(5) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK suffered her only setback to date in an Oaks trial in March and got back to winning ways last month with a five-length victory over 1400M. She is up in class and also in distance today but there’s no reason why she can’t win again. The one who looks to have the potential to beat her is (7) DONGNAM CHEONHA. He is already a winner at this distance and has beaten some of these in recent starts. He should be looking to go better than the 3rd place he scored last time out. One race into a comeback, (8) BARAMUI JEONSEOL also looks backable for a place while (3) SEMPER FI and (6) YEONGGWANGUITAEPUNG can’t be ruled out.

Selections (5) Hoseungjibyeok (7) Dongnam Cheonha (3) Semper Fi (8) Baramui Jeonseol
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4
Fast Starters 3, 4

Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 19:00 (KST)

He’s five for five and (1) BIT BLADE finally returns today after just over a year out. He’s with Busan’s top stable and breezed through a barrier at the end of April in good style. He’ll look to make all here and has every chance of doing so. Also returning from a lengthy spell is (2) JIBONG SEUNGNI. He too looked sharp in trials and can go well first up. The main danger though could be (4) READY WHEN YOU ARE. He returned from a spell of his own a month ago to win a quick race at this distance and comes up in class today. (3) JILJU HWASIN and (5) CHOEGANG PLUS, the latter of whom beat three of those who go here in March, are others to look out for.

Selections (1) Bit Blade (4) Ready When You Are (2) Jibong Seungni (5) Choegang Plus
Next Best 3, 11, 9
Outsiders 6, 7, 8, 10
Fast Starters 1, 4, 8, 11

Jockeys Chisty & Satoshi Land First Wins / Rice Trebles / Dean Debuts

It was a busy week for the expanding foreign contingent in Korean racing at both Seoul and Busan. And there were successes too with jockeys Imran Chisty and Yonekura Satoshi both riding their first winners, Bart Rice training three winners across the weekend and Brian Dean making his long awaited Seoul training debut and scoring a solid 3rd place with Jangsan Jewang.

We’ll start with Imran Chisty. It would be fair to say he impressed all who saw him in work and on the three with no chance that he was given to ride on his debut on May 1st. It was therefore a little disappointing to see the Indian jockey only booked for one single ride across this past weekend. Chisty responded in the best possible manner.

Jeongsang Jeil, in race 1 on Saturday, was Chisty’s first mount with any semblance of a winning chance and win it he did, the 4/1 chance making all over 1300M. Hopefully connections will have taken note and Chisty’s weekends won’t be over by 10:55 on Saturday mornings anymore.

A day earlier at Busan, Japanese jockey Satoshi Yonekura landed his first winner on the peninsula, guiding Gold Blue to victory in race 8. Satoshi, who has been getting plenty of mounts, would follow up with another winner on Sunday with Lady Champ in race 2. Established in Korea already, Ikuyasu Kurakane and Djordje Perovic were also among the winners.

On the training side, it was a very good weekend Bart Rice. The South African saddled three winners across Friday and Sunday. He started with the previously winner-circle dodging filly Load Cell, who finally got things right at the sixth time of asking in race 5 after three runner-up finishes.

Another filly, Daehanuimyeongseong would be next in race 6, landing her second win in eight starts. On Sunday, Rice’s Triple Five would make all to comfortably win the class 3 race 5. That one now has two wins and three 2nd place finishes from five starts.

Thomas Gillespie would also weigh-in with a winner at Busan on Sunday, Jungang Yeoje in race 1, while up at Seoul, Aussie trainer Brian Dean, the first foreign trainer to be licensed in the capital sent out his first runner.

Actually that’s not quite true as Dean brought Valevole to the Asia Challenge Cup last August but on Sunday Jangsan Jewang became the first starter from his newly established Korean stable. Jangsan Jewang was one of three Brian Dean horses to win barrier trial two weeks and under another Australian, Dean Holland he set out to make all in the 1200M class 2 race 11.

It wasn’t quite to be with Jangsan Jewang being caught late on and eventually having to settle for a very solid 3rd place. It was a huge improvement on his two previous starts at class 2. The Brian Dean stable looks one to watch very carefully. There could be some very nervous fellow trainers on the Seoul backstretch right now.

Clean Up Joy & Dynamic Dash Take Seoul & Busan Features

Clean Up Joy confirmed his status as Seoul’s top horse with victory in the capital’s Sunday feature but at Busan, Grand Prix Stakes winner Bold Kings suffered a second successive defeat as Dynamic Dash claimed the win in the big handicap.

Making his first start for trainer Shim Seung Tae, Clean Up Joy was sent off the odds-on favourite for his third start of 2016, having already won class 1 events at 1200M and 1800M. At the latter distance once more and under jockey Ham Wan Sik, he saw off the challenges of Hwanggeum Tap and Bichui Wangja to take a comfortable victory.

Clean Up Joy is one of the main home-based hopes for the Korea Cup International Day in September. He came 3rd in last year’s Grand Prix Stakes but the winner of that race, Bold Kings, remains winless for 2016 as Dynamic Dash added another victory to his recent impressive run. Under jockey Lim Sung Sil, Dynamic Dash beat the up in class and full of potential Tongil Sidae in a good final furlong battle

Bold Kings was sent off as the favourite but in a race with plenty of early front-runners, wasn’t able to dictate terms from the outside gate and scarcely looked like mounting a challenge, eventually finishing in 4th, a full nine-lengths behind the winner and runner-up.

This coming Sunday, all eyes are on Seoul for the big one; the 2016 Korean Derby.

Sunday Seoul & Busan Race By Race Preview

Grand Prix Stakes winner Bold Kings suffered his first defeat last time out but he is back today and will be the favourite for the feature race at Busan. Clean Up Joy, 3rd in the Grand Prix, is among the runners at Seoul while also in the capital. Aussie trainer Brian Dean saddles his first runner in Korea.

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Bold Kings & Clean Up Joy (1st and 3rd in the Grand Prix) race today

We have to wait until the very last race at Seoul to see Dean’s Jangsan Jewang take to the track under jockey Dean Holland. The gelding, who has won six of ten starts to date has a solid chance of placing and perhaps winning the 1200M class 2 race 11.

The simulcast will have gone off air by then but eleven races will be sent overseas today. English Race Cards are here while below are race by race notes:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

We’re going to go for Peter Wolsley’s debut-maker (12) VICAR HOPE to make an immediate impact here. Decent in trials, if she brings that to the track, she should have too much for these. (4) NAMYANG TOWER was a decent 4th on debut a month ago and can build on that today while the more experienced pair of (1) LUCKY JILJU and (10) STRONG MYEONGUN will also be dangerous. (9) HAEGA TTEUNDA disappointed as favourite last start but can be given another chance today.

Selections (12) Vicar Hope (1) Lucky Jilju (10) Strong Myeongun (9) Haega Tteunda
Next Best 4, 7, 11
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
Fast Starters 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(6) GEUMGOKSEONG is up in class following his maiden win on her third start a month ago and while up in distance too, she will go forward from the gate and has claims here. She won’t be favourite though. (3) JOGUGUI DEUNGBUL could only manage sixth in what was a competitive race at class and distance at the end of March and should have better luck here while (8) GANGNAMGUL has come close in three races since returning from a spell and can go well once more. Those two will challenge Geumgokseong for the early lead. Others to look out for are (5) HAPPY FOREVER and (1) RECKLESS who can both improve on recent starts.

Selections (3) Jogugui Deungbul (8) Gangnamgul (6) Geumgokseong (1) Reckless
Next Best 5, 10, 7
Outsiders 2, 4, 9, 11
Fast Starters 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:45 (KST)

All fillies or mares here. A full ten months after his debut, (2) CAPITAL GANGJA returned to make her second career start on April 15th and ran out a three-length winner over 1200M. She’s up in class here but should have too much for this field and should lead from gate to wire. Main danger could be (4) SEONGHO JEONGSANG. It took her twelve races to get off the mark but she did so last time out at class and distance and she’ll be competitive again. (1) WONIL ROSE, (9) SUNDAY ROYAL and (8) ILMANGMUJE, who finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in a very similar race back in February are the other ones to look out for, along with (5) SAMDA GONGJU, who didn’t go well in that particular race but can perform on her day.

Selections (2) Capital Gangja (4) Seongho Jeongsang (8) Ilmangmuje (1) Wonil Rose
Next Best 5, 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 2, 8, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(2) DANGCHAN YEOGEOL beat two of these when finishing 2nd in a narrow finish at class and distance on April 2nd and is slightly favoured to go one better today. Less than a length behind in that race was (3) SUPER ANGEL and she will be a strong challenger here. (11) YAHO MIRACLE is yet to win in eighteen but come in following a creditable 2nd place over 1400M last month and can be respected while champion jockey Moon Se Young taking the mount will cause some punters to consider (1) HAPJAKPUM for improvement. Racing for the first time this year, (5) JAJINARI is up in class while (4) ECTON GAYA is another who can go close.

Selections (2) Dangchan Yeogeol (3) Super Angel (5) Jajinari (1) Hapjakpum
Next Best 4, 11, 7
Outsiders 6, 8, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Lightly-raced four-year-old (10) FURIOUS RUNNER looks the one to beat here. He was 3rd over 1400M last time out and will try to lead from gate to wire here with every chance of doing so. (2) MARUON was a long-shot class and distance winner last time but will struggle to repeat so that leaves (6) AMAZING DAEJI and (9) HOLY GANGTA as the most likely others to break their own maidens. (7) GANGJA BONSAEK and returning from a short spell, (8) PAMPAS FARM look next best.

Selections (10) Furious Runner (6) Amazing Daeji (9) Holy Gangta (8) Pampas Farm
Next Best 2, 7, 12, 1
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 11
Fast Starters 6, 10

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(10) TOTAL WALKER has beaten a number of these in recent starts and following a career-best 2nd place over 1700M on April 2nd, looks ready to finally win at the tenth time of asking today. He will look to come from just behind the early seed which will likely be set by (1) KWAESOK POWER and (8) HWANGGEUM CHEONHA, both of whom have claims to stay on and compete. The experienced (2) INSUJAE was 2nd over 1200M last month and can go well again while (7) CUPID BOY and (9) SUPER JJANG are others to consider.

Selections (10) Total Walker (1) Kwaesok Power (8) Hwanggeum Cheonha (2) Insujae
Next Best 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 8, 11, 12

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:45 (KST)

(6) BINGO STAR was the winner of a weak race at class and distance on April 3rd. She won well and had two seconds before it but the form of (5) DONGHAE CHANGA, unbeaten until she came a narrow 3rd in a very good race at 1200M at the end of March is the more impressive and it is her who is the pick here. Yet to win after twenty-nine outings, (1) MAGIC QUEEN comes in following her third 2nd place finish and can come close – but will probably miss out on victory – again. (8) MIRACLE LOVER and (11) BRIAN are others who should be competitive. (9) SAEJAE SARANG is up in class following victory at this distance last month but will need to find plenty here.

Selections (5) Donghae Changa (6) Bingo Star (1) Magic Queen (11) Brian
Next Best 8, 4, 2, 9
Outsiders 3, 7, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

Bart Rice’s stable was in good form on Friday and that can continue here with (3) TRIPLE FIVE, after a hat-trick of 2nd place finishes and having beaten three of these last start, the top pick to score here. (7) AJU CHOEGANG also beat three of these when running 2nd last start and is the main danger. Among the ones the pair beat, (4) YOU’RE HILARIOUS and (6) B.K. PHIL look to have the best chance of getting close today. (9) DANGDAE HWASIN could only manage 5th on her first try at this class last month but can be considered for improvement today.

Selections (3) Triple Five (7) Aju Choegang (9) Dangdae Hwasin (4) You’re Hilarious
Next Best 6, 12,
Outsiders 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 3, 6, 9, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

The smallest field of the day but competitive enough with the up in class (3) BLUE GUARDIAN favourite to score here. He has won at the distance before and can lead gate to wire. (4) LAKWING beat (6) MIRACLE CHUKJE and an out of sorts (1) VALLEY STAR over 1800M on April 10th. All can go well here although we’ll look to Valley Star to show the greatest improvement. Despite her most recent three, which have all been in races that didn’t suit her, be it in terms of distance or competition, (7) PUREUN GEOTAP can be much better here.

Selections (3) Blue Guardian (1) Valley Star (7) Pureun Geotap (4) Lakwing
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 5
Fast Starters 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Last year’s Grand Prix Stakes winner (11) BOLD KINGS suffered his first ever defeat at the hands of Triple Nine over 2000M at the end of March but he can be backed to return to winning ways in Busan’s feature race. There is plenty of early speed here but even from the outside gate, he should get forward early and can dominate this race. The up and coming (2) TONGIL SIDAE, who has won his last three, looks very dangerous while (1) DYNAMIC DASH beat three of these when winning at class and distance last month and must be respected. Also a class 1 winner just two weeks ago was Bold Kings’ stablemate (5) GOLIATH MARINE and he too can go well. Others to consider for the money are (3) BATHSHEBA PARK and (7) NOBODY CATCH ME, both beaten by Dynamic Dash last time.

Selections (11) Bold Kings (5) Goliath Marine (2) Tongil Sidae (1) Dynamic Dash
Next Best 3, 7, 4
Outsiders 6, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)

3rd to Bold Kings in the Grand Prix last December, (9) CLEAN UP JOY has won twice since at 1800M and at 1200M and is strongly favoured to strike once more today in what is Seoul’s feature race. (10) SAMJEONG JEGUK was beaten by (2) SPACE PORT in January, the latter going on to win again last month and both should be competitive here. (4) HWANGGEUM TAP and (6) BICHUI WANGJA look to be the others in with a chance.

Selections (9) Clean Up Joy (10) Samjeong Jeguk (2) Space Port (6) Bichui Wangja
Next Best 4, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 3, 4, 7

Busan Friday: Race By Race Preview

It’s the long holiday weekend in Korea – an unexpected one too as Friday was only officially designated a holiday last week! No rest for the races though with a ten-race card at Busan starting at 12:40pm.

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There was no racing on Thursday at Seoul but the track nevertheless was a popular “Childrens’ Day” destination

There is racing at Busan on Sunday as well with Seoul hosting cards on both Saturday and Sunday.  See here for English race cards. Notes on Friday’s Busan races 2-10 as below:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(7) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE was 2nd when odds-on favourite for his second career start on April 8th. He led from gate to wire but got overtaken by a fast finisher in the closing stages. Kim Yong Geun, who rode that winner, takes the mount on Choegang Adventure today and we will expect him to not get caught this time. (5) MAJOR SUN hasn’t pushed on after a promising debut in January but looks the main danger. He was beaten by (10) SEONGGONG PLAN last start and that one too can find the minor money. (2) EUNGDAPARA is the best of a limited rest

Selections (7) Choegang Adventure (5) Major Sun (2) Eungdapara (10) Seonggong Plan
Next Best 6, 9
Outsiders 1, 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 7, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(9) YEONGGWANGUI CAMP was a much improved 2nd on what was just his second start on March 18th and is the slight favourite to score here. He beat (1) DANCER by four lengths that day and that one, having put in a decent run since, is to be considered the main danger again. (2) DORAON GASOKDO also showed considerable improvement last time and can go well with (4) GAMSEONG POKBAL and (6) JEONSEOLUI LEGEND the others to look out for.

Selections (9) Yeonggwangui Camp (1) Dancer (2) Doraon Gasoko (4) Gamseong Pokbal
Next Best 6, 3,
Outsiders 5, 7, 8
Fast Starters 1, 9

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(10) BEOLMAUI SIN was beaten four-lengths into second over 1200M a month ago but should have come on for that and can get his maiden win here. The Kim Young Kwan-trained (6) BLACK SAPPHIRE registered a solid 4th on debut on April 3rd and can also improve while (12) PYGMY beat three of her rivals here when racing 2nd in weak company last time and can find the money again. (5) WINNING GILI comes in fresh and can at least match the two 3rd places she has already achieved while (11) KWAEHAN EUTTEUM beat (1) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK over this distance just two weeks ago and those two look to be the others to take into account.

Selections  (10) Beolmaui Sin (6) Black Sapphire (5) Winning Gili (12) Pygmy
Next Best 1, 11, 4, 3
Outsiders 2, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 6, 10, 12

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

With three 2nd places and a 3rd from her last four starts, Bart Rice’s (3) LOAD CELL looks ready to win and should claim this. She will go forward early and shouldn’t be beaten. There are rivals here with winning experience though. (11) OH MY CAPTAIN is up in class having made the breakthrough on his seventh start a month ago and can go well while (8) DAEHO GANGJA and (10) MYSTIC PARK can improve on slightly lacklustre performances last time. Racing for the first time this year is (7) GLOBAL KOREA. He showed plenty of promise in four starts last term and is the wildcard here. He was average in trials.

Selections (3) Load Cell (11) Oh My Captain (8) Daeho Gangja (7) Global Korea
Next Best 10, 2, 4, 1
Outsiders 5, 6, 9, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(10) BLACK TETRA gave herself too much to do when sent off the even-money favourite at this distance three weeks ago. She made it up to 4th that day and given more of a chance today, she can win this. Also capable is (8) MINE. She was 2nd over 1400M last time out and is more than capable of a repeat. The much more experienced (3) SORICHYEO is a capable money winner at this level and can at least match his 3rd place of two weeks ago while (2) FOREVER VICTORY is yet to win in nine outings but in this company can be aiming for the money. (1) POWER CHAMP returned from six months out to get his maiden win on April 8th and while up in class here, can also be considered.

Selections (10) Black Tetra (8) Mine (3) Sorichyeo (1) Power Champ
Next Best 2, 9, 7
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 11
Fast Starters 6, 9

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Open contest this but (11) HAEUNDAE GISANG comes in looking for a hat-trick of wins and is the slight pick to do just that. She beat two of these last time at 1300M and can come from just off any early pace to strike again. (4) KKEUTPAN DAEJANG keeps threatening to add to his two wins and enters here after back to back 2nd places while (5) BYEOLMURI is up in class having won a decent class 5 race at 1300M on April 10th. Both are dangers as is (12) MUHAN SPEED. (8) JAYU DAERO has been beaten by both Haeundae Gisang and Kkeutpan Daejang recently but should himself beat plenty of the rest of these.

Selections (11) Haeundae Gisang (5) Byeolmuri (4) Kkeutpan Daejang (8) Jayu Daero
Next Best 12, 7, 3, 1, 2
Outsiders 6, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 9

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(10) BADA STAR beat four of these when running 2nd over 1300M four weeks ago. That was just his second start with his debut having been all the way back last June and he can have come on for it and can win here. (3) ARION METAL was 3rd that day, a length behind and can challenge once more while (8) GLORY DAYS beat (4) USEUNG BEONJJEOK as the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1200M three weeks ago and both should be competitive here. Bart Rice’s debut-maker (11) WONIL BULPAE could well provide the stiffest test though, having looked very sharp in his trial.

Selections (10) Bada Star (11) Wonil Bulpae (3) Arion Metal (8) Glory Days
Next Best 4, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 9
Fast Starters 8

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(7) OTTUG OTTUGI was 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, a month ago but misses out on the Derby with her stable opting to end two others. Instead she tries 1800M for the first time here and will be strong favourite to lead from gate to wire. The distance is perhaps the one thing that can beat her and if it does then (5) JUNGANG DAEHAE and (2) WONDERFUL TODAY, who raced 2nd and 4th at this distance on April 1st look best placed to take advantage. (1) BADA GANGJA and (4) FURIOUS PARK are next best.

Selections (7) Ottug Ottugi (5) Jungang Daehae (2) Wonderful Today (1) Bada Gangja
Next Best 4, 9, 3
Outsiders 6, 8
Fast Starters 3, 7, 9

Race 10: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(1) SEORABEOL GONGJU has finished no worse than 3rd in each of her last seven outings, winning two of them and can maintain that solid form today. She’s the favourite here. (4) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR returns to action for the first time since last August. He won three of his fist seven starts and looked sharp enough in a trail last week to merit serious consideration here. (7) SMART GENTLEMAN was out of his depth in the KRA Cup Mile last month but got to within a head of Seorabeol Gongju over 1200M in March and can go close once more. (3) SEUNGNI WAVE races for the first time since last September and can be a danger.

Selections (1) Seorabeol Gongju (4) Sangseung Junior (7) Smart Gentleman (3) Seungni Wave
Next Best 5, 10
Outsiders 2, 6, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7

Success Story 3rd as Gamdonguibada Wins Busan Ilbo Cup

Success Story was sent off the slight favourite on his return to racing in Korea but just like in his two starts at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, he had to settle for 3rd as Gamdonguibada romped to a five-length victory in the Busan Ilbo Cup, the first leg of the 2016 Korean Sprint Series at Busan this afternoon.

The race was expected to be dominated by a pace duel between Success Story and Beolmaui Kkum, both fast starters and difficult to split at the head of the market. That would always be fine for Gamdonguibada who was well-backed by punters who suspected she might be able to take advantage of the favourites potentially over-racing early.

Gamdonguibada did exactly that. However, others were not content to let the favourites dictate and Indian Star, Daepungnyeon and Perdido Pomeroy shot out of the gate leaving Success Story and Beolmaui Kkum back in an unfamiliar 4th and 5th as the race settled down.

Entering the straight, Beolmaui Kkum offered nothing and while Success Story rallied, he had too much to find as Gamdonguibada and Choi Si Dae went through the gears and cruised away from the field, racing on for a dominant five-length win on the line. Perdido Pomeroy and Kim Yong Geun ran on for a strong second with Success Story and Paolo Aragoni a further three lengths back in a strung-out finish.

Gamdonguibada (Werblin) is a quite remarkable mare. A $31,000 purchase at the Ocala Two-year-old sale in 2011, she won the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup and then the Grand Prix Stakes, Korea’s most prestigious race as a three-year-old. She didn;t win any Stakes races in 2013 but then as a five-year-old in 2014 she won two legs of the Queens’ Tour for fillies & mares to be crowned the series champion. Connections (thankfully) rejected the bonus that was on offer to retire her immediately for breeding and brought her back in 2015.

Gamdonguibada won the Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s Cup, Busan’s richest race for older horses before running poorly in Singapore at 1200M just three weeks later.There was talk once more she would be retired. She wasn’t.

The win is yet another for the Kim Young Kwan training machine that continues to churn out winner after winner at Stakes level. The next leg of the Sprint Series is the SBS Korea/Japan race at Seoul in early June. The final leg is, of course, the Korea Sprint on International Day on September 11th. Gamdonguibada has staked her claim to be there.