Month: July 2016

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 15)

Eight of Busan’s best three-year-olds have traveled up to Seoul to contest the final leg of the Triple Crown on Sunday but it is at the South Coast track itself where the weekend’s action gets underway on Friday with 10 races from 14:30 to 21:00.

The Unions are strong here and their jockey members who have the temerity to ride in a big Stakes race at the other track on a Sunday are not permitted to ride at their own track on the other days. That means a number of top jockeys are absent on Friday. That leaves Seo Seung Un as the jockey to follow this afternoon although the Italian pair of Paolo Aragoni and Pasquale Borelli have opportunities too.

English racecards are here.  Here are notes on all races 1-10:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance (2yo) / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Nine of these two-year-olds make their racecourse debut here. (2) SEGI GANGJA is a half-brother to top sprinter Cheongu and looked good in a trial last month. He’ll be one of the favourites as will (3) ADELEUI BOM, a trial winner in May and (9) GOLD FLYING. The other fancied ones have raced before albeit only once. (4) FIRST SUN and (10) ZENITH COUNTY were 2nd and 4th respectively at this distance a month ago with both showing promise. The former is favoured today.

Selections (4) First Sun (2) Segi Gangja (3) Adeleui Bom (10) Zenith County
Next Best 9, 7, 5, 1, 11
Outsiders 6, 8, 12
Fast Starters 2, 10, 12

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Weak race and in such circumstances we’ll give another chance to (8) RED YOUNG MYEONGUN who hasn’t raced since a dreadful performance back on March 25th. He’d shown potential before that and looked ok in a recent trial and with a top trainer and jockey combination makes him favourite. (6) DYNAMIC DIVA struggled a little on a sloppy track last start when reasonably well backed and can improve today while (2) BOUND QUEENS should have progressed from an indifferent debut last month. (5) HWAJEONG and debut-maker (9) URI GIPPEUM are others to look out for.

Selections (8) Red Young Myeongun (6) Dynamic Diva (2) Bound Queens (9) Uri Gippeum
Next Best 5, 7, 1
Outsiders 3, 4
Fast Starters 6

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:45 (KST)

He’s not been too far away and it’s about time (8) DORAON GASOKDO stepped up here. Jockey Borelli should take the initiative and lead and if he does, he can win. (2) CHEONGMA DAEJANGUN was a solid 5th of 12 last time out, is a strong finisher and so long as he isn’t left with too much to do, can go close while (7) TAEGWON MISO is similar and also looks to have scope for improvement. (9) GOYOHAN JILJU was an unexpected 4th last time out and is capable of finding the money in this company while we will look for improvement from (1) GERMAN JEONCHA who was a touch disappointing when well supported on debut last month.

Selections (8) Doraon Gasokdo (1) German Jeoncha (2) Cheongma Daejangun (9) Goyohan Jilju
Next Best 7, 5, 4
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 1, 8

Race 4: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:35 (KST)

(6) THE QUEEN beat a couple of these when easily winning a modest race at class and distance back in April and while she has been slightly disappointing when well-backed in two starts since, she is the fastest o these and can return to winning ways here. The main dangers look to be (3) SAEBYEOK BADA, who actually beat The Queen in May and should be happy back at 1000M today and (9) BIO BLUE who raced for the first time this year two weeks ago and should build on the 5th place he scored that day. Third behind The Queen in April, (1) GIPPEUM HAE is capable of finding the money at this class while (7) GOLD SKY gives apprentice jockey Jung Do Yun his first ever race ride and is not without a chance.

Selections (6) The Queen (9) Bio Blue (3) Saebyeok Bada (7) Gold Sky
Next Best 1, 8
Outsiders 2, 4, 5
Fast Starters 2, 6

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25 (KST)

(2) LIMITLESS WIN won on debut last year before suffering an injury and undergoing surgery. He returned in June with a 5th place, looked good in a trial last week and can win here. It won’t be easy. (4) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE has finished no worse than 3rd in four outings to date and was 2nd in a good event at class and distance on June 17th, having led for much of the race. He’ll be on speed again here and is a big danger. (5) REALLY ONE has beaten both Limitless Win and Choegang Adventure and must be respected here while (1) CAPE MAGIC is up in class following his maiden win and should be competitive. (6) CHOA may also be considered for at least a place.

Selections (2) Limitless Win (4) Choegang Adventure (1) Cape Magic (5) Really One
Next Best 6, 9, 12, 3
Outsiders 7, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 12

Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:05 (KST)

(1) THE STARS and (2) BAEDARI HAENGUN were 2nd and 3rd – a full twelve lengths behind a very good winner – over a mile last time and they look to be the top picks here. Both like to come from off the pace with The Stars slightly favoured once more. (9) LUCKY HANMA is getting to grips with this class, could well get an uncontested lead in a race which doesn’t contain much early speed and can go close while (3) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG struggled last start but can be given another chance here. He struggled in a race in which (7) SHARP WIN was the shock winner. He must be respected today but he does carry an extra 5kg today and the odds are against him repeating. The up-in-class (6) EUNGNIBYEOSU makes for an interesting outsider.

Selections (1) The Stars (2) Baedari Haeungun (6) Eungnibyeosu (9) Lucky Hanma
Next Best 7, 3, 5, 4, 8
Fast Starters 9

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:45 (KST)

(3) SAMIL STAR beat (5) BLUE STORM by half a length at 1300M on June 24th. Samil Star was a 25/1 outsider that day and while he’ll be nothing like that long today, Blue Storm can overturn that form. He led until close to home and back at 1200M can get it right this time. Another fast starter is (9) POKPUNGUI JEWANG. The Aussie-bred colt was a class and distance winner on June 19th, beating a couple of these in the process and can continue his good form today. (1) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL and (2) DAEHO GANGJA look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Blue Storm (3) Samil Star (9) Pokpungui Jewang (1) Sangseung Mulgyeol
Next Best 2, 12, 11, 10
Outsiders 4, 6, 7, 8
Fast Starters 2, 5, 9

Race 8: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35 (KST)

(3) WISH ME LUCK was a twelve-length winner at this distance on June 17th (beating The Stars and Baedari Haengun, who we saw in race 6 into 2nd and 3rd) and following a 14-point bump in rating, is accordingly up in class here. He’s favourite to lead all the way again here although he does face (4) OCEAN LINE, who beat him at this distance in May. Bart Rice’s (1) DAEHANUIMYEONGSEONG comes in after back to back 3rd place finishes at this class and equalling those should be a minimum requirement today while (10) FIRST KING and (11) HWARYEOHANHAMSEONG are both capable at this class.

Selections (3) Wish Me Luck (1) Daehanuimyeongseong (4) Ocean Line (10) First King
Next Best 11, 6, 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 8

Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 20:30 (KST)

(1) MIRACLE BOLT was over-matched – and going significantly further than suitable – when a distance last in the Korean Oaks on June 12th. Back down at a sprint distance today, she should be a different prospect. (2) RISING CHAMP won on his second start back last December but was then injured and underwent surgery. He looked very sharp when breezing through a trial at the end of last month and looks dangerous first-up here. (4) ULTRA MAGIC is up in class following a battling win at this distance in June 26th while (7) ILLYUCHEON and (8) KWAEHAN JILJU look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Rising Champ (1) Miracle Bolt (8) Kwaehan Jilju (4) Ultra Magic
Next Best 7, 5
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 1, 2

Race 10: Class 2 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 21:00 (KST)

(1) BAEKDU was a very impressive winner on his first try at class 2 on June 24th and while he is top weight here, he looks in fine form and can win again. Peter Wolsley’s (5) TURNPIKE is up in class following two eye-catching successes, both at this distance and he looks to be the main danger. Baekdu and Turnpike both beat (6) DAEJONGCHEON in May but that one finally got his maiden win at the fourteenth attempt on June 24th. He is up in class here but he is consistent and should be competitive. Last year’s Derby winner (3) YEONGCHEON ACE, still yet to return to the winner’s circle since that day and (4) CHEOGANGIJI are others to look out for.

Selections (5) Turnpike (1) Baekdu (6) Daejongcheon (3) Yeongcheon Ace
Next Best 4, 8, 9
Outsiders 2, 7
Fast Starters 5

Power Blade Bids For Triple Crown In Minister’s Cup

Power Blade will on Sunday seek to become the first horse to sweep the Korean Triple Crown in its current form. The KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner heads a field of eight – all from Busan – who will line up for the final jewel of the 2016 crown, the Minister’s Cup at Seoul Racecourse. 

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Power Blade in a soaking wet Derby Winner’s circle in May (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Also in attendance will be Power Blade’s stablemate Ottug Ottugi. She was runner up in the Cup Mile but skipped the Derby in favour of last month’s Oaks, a race she won easily. Unbeaten Kkeutpan Hero, who missed the Cup Mile and Derby, also takes his chance.

The Triple Crown has been won before, by J.S Hold (Ft. Stockton) in 2007. However that year, it consisted of the Ttukseom Cup, Derby and Minister’s Cup and was only open to horses trained at Seoul. From 2008 onwards, Busan horses became eligible and the KRA Cup Mile, at the south coast track, was designated the 1st leg (and became informally known as the Korean 2000 Guineas).

Sangseung Ilro won two legs of the Crown in 2009 but so far the complete set has remained elusive. This year, however, with the Minister’s Cup being run in July instead of in September or October – which previously gave late bloomers time to appear on the scene – there was always a chance it would be a little different. The Power Blade emerged. He’ll be strong favourite to complete the Crown on Sunday.

The race has had to be moved to the early time of 2:20pm. This is because the actual Minister (of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – sadly “MAFRA” and not “FAFF” anymore) will be attending. While unavoidable bearing in mind the domestic politics involved, it is unfortunate as it jeopardizes the race’s chances of being available for betting through some of the overseas simulcast partners.

We’ll have a full runner by runner preview of the race on Saturday. In the meantime, here are the runners and riders:

The Minister’s Cup (KOR GII) – Seoul Racecourse – 2000M – July 17, 2016 (17:00)

1. Saeroun Stealth (KOR) [Colors Flying – Captive (Mutakddim)] (7/3/1/1) Sang Young Lee – Makoto Okabe
2. Kkeutpan Hero (KOR) [Colors Flying – Ya Ya Sunshine (Elusive Quality)] (3/3/0/0) Sung J-Kwon – Chae Sang Hyun
3. Stealth (KOR) [Colors Flying – Missed The Tower (Woodman)] (10/4/0/3) Sang Young Lee – Ikuyasu Kurakane
4. Ottug Ottugi (KOR) [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] Filly (10/7/2/0) Young Kwan Kim – Choi Si Dae
5. Siseon Pochak (KOR) [Colors Flying – Myeongseo Gongju (Carry The Flag)] (14/3/4/3) Jang Ki Min – You Hyun Myung
6. Baedari Bobae (KOR) [Colors Flying – Geumgang Gongwon (Pacificbounty)] (11/3/5/1) Chung Yul You – Lee Sung Jae
7. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] (8/6/2/0) Young Kwan Kim – Kim Yong Geun
8. Zettabyte (KOR) [Menifee – Fight Back (Sakura Seeking)] (9/3/3/1) Keum Man Lim – Lim Sung Sil

Weekend Review: Shamrocker, Saengil Gippeum Step-Up

A couple of imports stepped up in class at Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoon and turned in the star performances of the weekend.

At Seoul, Shamrocker [Dublin – Portera (Lemon Drop Kid)] may only have been winning for the third time in eleven starts but since he’s begun racing at distances around two turns, that figure is now three from four. On Sunday he stepped up to class 2 for the first time and cruised home from off the pace under jockey Lee Chan Ho to win the 1800M event by four lengths. Shamrocker is a 3-year-old colt who was a $30,000 purchase from Ocala last Spring.

Down at Busan Diferent Dimension, who beat Triple Nine last start, was sent off as favourite for Sunday’s feature handicap – a class 1 test for horses rated no higher than 100 – however, he never traveled well and instead it was left to the up in class pair of Saengil Gippeum and Dongbang Daero to battle it out. On the line, Saengil Gippeum got the best of their battle, taking advantage of a light weight and apprentice jockey (Lyu Gwang Hee) to win by a head.

Saengil Gippeum [Parading – Minny’s Niece (Quiet American)], purchased for $18,000 from Fasig-Tipton as a yearling in 2014, has now won five of his last six starts.

In other news, a couple of apprentice jockeys debuted at the weekend. At Busan, Lee Hyo Sik and Choi Eun Gyeung both had one ride each and were unplaced.  At Seoul, Lee Dong Ha had four rides across the two days with a 5th place finish being the best of them.

This coming Sunday, a little bit of Korean racing history is up for grabs as KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Power Blade returns to Seoul looking to win the Minister’s Cup and become the first winner of the Korean Triple Crown in its current form. Not a single Seoul horse is set to compete so Power Blade will be up against seven other visitors from Busan including stablemate and Korean Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi in the 2000M race. Full previews of the race to follow.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

It’s a hot weekend on the peninsula with temperatures reaching the mid-thirties during Saturday’s twilight card at Seoul. It’s daytime racing today. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:00.

English language racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

Three of these are up in class and Kim Young Kwan’s (3) GABO STAR is favoured to go on to take victory once more having been impressive eon his return from surgery in June. (7) ELISHA and the more experienced (4) KARIN JJANG may also be considered following their maiden wins over 1000M but do have slightly more to find. Among those with experience at this class, (2) MUJEOK VICAR, a good 2nd ahead of (1) BIHO JILJU last time, looks the main danger.

Selections (3) Gabo Star (2) Mujeok Vicar (7) Elisha (4) Karin Jjang
Next Best 1, 6, 5
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

There are four debut-makers here but we’ll look to the experienced ones first. (4) REWARD HIGH has beaten several of these in recent outings and looks to be ready to win following a 4th and a 3rd from his last two. He’ll look to come from just off the pace. (9) KAIZEN FORCE comes in with very similar form and looks the main danger – she actually beat Reward High back in April. (12) SENSATIONAL faded badly last start when well backed but can be given another chance today. (7) CARRIER has been beaten by Reward High in each of her last three starts but can beat plenty while among the debut-makers, the most promising look to be (2) HIPPOCRENE and (3) SPIRIT OF HANSEN.

Selections (4) Reward High (9) Kaizen Force (2) Hippocrene (12) Sensational
Next Best 7, 3, 10, 8
Outsiders 1, 5, 6, 11
Fast Starters 5, 11, 12

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

(7) ÉCLAIR HUMOR was a disappointing 7th on his first try at this class and distance at the end of May but comes in reasonably fresh and showed enough promise in prior outings to be given another chance in this modest company. (2) PERFECT LOVER likewise didn’t go well in his first at class 5 and should improve. The others look distinctly underwhelming with perhaps (1) RISING FUTURE and (8) ROLLING STAR most able to improve.

Selections (7) Éclair Humor (2) Perfect Lover (1) Rising Future (8) Rolling Star
Next Best 3, 4, 5, 6
Fast Starters 1, 7

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

After back to back 3rd place finishes, (8) HWANHUIUI BYEOL is a warm favourite to record his third win here. He will look to lead from the gate and could well go all the way. (5) AJU PUJIMHAN has been back down at class 4 for two races now and one suspects she won’t be at this level for long and she looks the main danger along with (6) SECRET ROSE, who struggled at domestic class 4 last start but looks nicely in here. (2) TAEGWON CHAMP comes in following a much improved 2nd last start and can build on that here.

Selections (8) Hwanhuiui Byeol (5) Aju Pujimhan (6) Secret Rose (2) Taegwon Champ
Next Best 7, 9, 4
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 8, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(5) SUPER ANGEL has won just once in nineteen prior outings but she hasn’t missed the money in seven starts so far in 2016 and following 2nd places in her last two, beating a couple of these along the way, she’s favoured to get back in the winner’s circle here. Third at class and distance on June 11th, (9) LAKE LOUISE looks well placed to go better here while (6) SO ARA YEOWANG, who could only manage 9th behind Super Angel last start, can go better here. (7) HUIYANGSAN and (3) SINBIJEONGSANG look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Super Angel (9) Lake Louise (6) So Ara Yeowang (3) Sinbijeongsang
Next Best 7, 1
Outsiders 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 4, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20 (KST)

Competitive race with two standouts. (3) STEAL THE SHOW WHY was last seen running 6th in the Korean Oaks last month. She’s a proven money winner at this level and dropping back to a sprint distance should be hard to beat. (5) MAD POWER saw his unbeaten record come to an end last start, his first try at this level but he should have come on for the experience. He was beaten by (1) ILMANGMUJE among others that day and his 2nd in the race, albeit a long way behind a good winner, also showed promise. Apprentice jockey Choi Eun Gyeong has her first ever race ride on (8) FOR MY SIS and Bart Rice’s mare is a reliable type who is more than capable of finding some prize money. Best of the rest is (6) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE.

Selections (3) Steal The Show Why (5) Mad Power (8) For My Sis (1) Ilmangmuje
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 4, 7
Fast Starters 3, 5

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(5) ACME returned from almost six months out on June 10th to run a creditable 3rd at class and distance. He should have come on for that run and has every chance of making all here. (4) CAP IN ALL missed almost two years but finally showed signs of getting back some of his old form when racing 2nd over 1400M on June 19th and can build on that today while (6) SANBANG TRAIL also looks nicely in here dropping back in distance after a couple of goes at further. (2) MACHU PICCHU tries the distance for the first time and may be considered while (7) WINNING NUMBER has suddenly burst into form at age 5 and while up in class today, he’s nicely in the weights and could score an unlikely third consecutive victory.

Selections (5) Acme (4) Cap In All (6) Sanbang Trail (7) Winning Number
Next Best 2, 1, 3
Fast Starters 3, 5

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

(7) JEWLERY PARK is up in class having won four of six starts to date and looks to have good potential. The trouble is, she’s racing at 1400M and last time she did that she was beaten (4) SINGGEUREOUNBOM and while it’s been a long time since the older filly actually won a race, she has come very close recently and will be favoured here. Those two should dominate the betting but (6) SMART CAPTAIN was a class and distance winner last start – he carries five extra Kilograms today – and (3) DAEDOLPUNG and (5) ARGO CHAMP could make for interesting outsiders.

Selections (4) Singgereounbom (7) Jewelry Park (3) Daedolpung (6) Smart Captain
Next Best 5, 1, 2
Fast Starters 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(1) DIFERENT DIMENSION beat Triple Nine by a head – and three of his rivals here too – on May 22nd and despite carrying equal top-weight, is a deserving favourite here. He’s up to 2000M for the first time but that should suit. That May race was Diferent Dimension’s first at class 1 and the time before, in April he beat (5) DONGBANG DAERO by four-lengths over 1800M at class 2. Dongbang Daero himself steps up in class and distance today following a commanding five-length win on May 20th. In 2nd place that day was (7) SAENGIL GIPPEUM and he in turn has now been promoted to this level after a good win last month. Very nicely in the weights here, Saengil Gippeum is a contender. (10) NOBODY CATCH ME may still have a win in him at some stage but at joint top-weight here it is going to be difficult once again while (11) BATHSHEBA PARK always gives a good account of himself and should be close by.

Selections (1) Diferent Dimension (5) Dongbang Daero (7) Saengil Gippeum (10) Nobody Catch Me
Next Best 11, 3, 8, 2
Outsiders 4, 6, 9
Fast Starters 1, 6, 7

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30 (KST)

It took (9) SHAMROCKER eight goes to get his maiden victory but since trying longer distances he’s now won two out of his last three and despite being up in class today is the pick to score once more. He’ll try to come from off an early pace that’s likely to be set by (3) LION STAR, who comes in following back to back 3rd places and can go well again here. Main danger though could be (5) THE QUEEN SILVER, a class 3 winner at this distance in April and then 2nd in last month’s Selangor Turf Club Trophy. (6) LUCKY MUSIC disappointed in that race but can be given another chance today while (10) ILJIN HWARANG looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Shamrocker (5) The Queen Silver (3) Lion Star (6) Lucky Music
Next Best 10, 1, 7, 11
Outsiders 2, 4, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(1) PINOT NOIR won a Listed and then a Graded race in February and March this year and returns to the track for the first time since. She usually aims to the the front rounding the final turn and has a strong finish. Another very experienced mare, (6) MY DAY looks to be the main danger. She hasn’t won in five outings in 2016 but has been coming closer and looks to be in form. (7) SAMJEONG JEGUK has had a couple of months off since meeting trouble in running last start and should go better with the up in class (5) DIVINE SEEK looking best of the rest.

Selections (1) Pinot Noir (6) My Day (7) Samjeong Jeguk (5) Divine Seek
Next Best 3, 4, 2
Fast Starters 3, 5

Dallao’s Delight: Noble Warrior Is American Owner’s First Winner

“I think he could hear me screaming at the finish line” said Joe Dallao after watching – energetically – his horse Noble Warrior get the best of a tight finish to race 6 at Busan on Friday afternoon. It was the American’s first winner as an owner in Korea.

Joe Dallao is a long-time resident of Korea and took a possibly unique route into thoroughbreds by way of pigeon racing. Believe it or not, the birds have a Studbook and Dallao, from his Ilsan base, turns out to be one of the foremost pigeon racers on the peninsula. A few years ago Dallao, an executive at an American company in Seoul, decided to look beyond the loft and turned his attention to racing. He first took an interest in racehorses in his native United States with Barry Irwin’s Team Valor and at the same time started to investigate the possibility of owning in his adoptive country.

The trouble was that foreigners – even those living in the country – were unable to own racehorses. Dallao lobbied and lobbied and finally in 2014, as the KRA put its internationalization program into action, a small number of foreigners were permitted to own. Joe Dallao was in the first group to be granted a license.

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The English language Korea Racing Broadcasting Channel was launched today – and Noble Warrior was one of the first winners

Teaming up with South African trainer Bart Rice, Dallao bought two horses last year. They were a Whywhywhy filly called Majestic Beauty and a Biwa Shinseiki gelding named Noble Warrior. Both took a long time to get ready with Noble Warrior running just once as a 2-year-old and Majestic Beauty not at all.

Bart Rice – who is in sparkling form these days and will send his horse Triple Five to Singapore for the KRA Trophy later this month – got them right though and Majestic Beauty has shown promise with a 4th and a 2nd in two starts over the past couple of months. Noble Warrior meanwhile began placing and has been getting better as the distances have lengthened. Today, on his second start at class 5 and his second at a mile; benefiting from a slight weight advantage and a ground saving ride by You Hyun Myung, he got it spot on. Noble Warrior hit the front at the top of the stretch and gamely battled on to win by half a length. It was his 7th career start.

Joe Dallao was active at the Jeju sales again this Spring and then plans to import a horse from the US later in the year. Whatever they achieve and no matter what Noble Warrior goes on to do from here, no doubt today will have been special.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 8)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon with ten races from 14:30 to 21:00. Seoul runs on Saturday with just the nine events from 15:15 to 21:00 while both Seoul and Busan run their usual daytime cards on Sunday with a first post at Seoul of 10:50 and Busan of 13:00.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on today’s races 1-8 at Busan below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Three debut-makers and we’re going to make one of them, (11) SUPER JJANGJJANG the pick having looked sharp in trials. Unfashionable trainer and jockey combination and the outside gate may dissuade some but he should be too good. (3) ACE GLORY looked promising in a couple of starts around the turn of the year and returns having been gelded. He looks the main danger along with (4) SKY WINNER, who has a 3rd place to her name. The other two debut-makers (7) HWARYEOHAN YONGSA and (10) CHEONGCHUN CHAMP must be considered in this company.

Selections (11) Super Jjangjjang (3) Ace Glory (4) Sky Winner (10) Cheongchun Champ
Next Best 5, 7, 8, 2
Outsiders 1, 6, 9
Fast Starters 3, 8, 9, 11

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Four newcomers here with the pick of them looking to be (2) STAR LINE who beat two of the others in trials and looks nicely in for his debut here. One of those he beat in the trial was (3) SHINE STAR and that one, coming as he does from Kim Young Kwan’s stable, will also have supporters. The other market leaders will be drawn from the experienced ones. (5) CHASEDAE got a career-best 3rd last start a month ago and can build on that here while Barry Irwin’s (8) SWOOP returns for the first time in January and looked promising in a trail a couple of weeks ago. (11) SEORABEOL DOLPUNG is another with potential to improve.

Selections (8) Swoop (5) Chasedae (2) Star Line (3) Shine Star
Next Best 11, 9, 1
Outsiders 4, 6, 7, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:20 (KST)

(3) BAROGA has come close in both his last two finishing strongly on each occasion. He steps up to 1300M for the first time today and looks the one to beat, coming from off the pace once more. (6) RAON BENTREE has been consistent if unspectacular in seven prior outings and can go close once more while (7) TAEYANG GWANGSOK has shown improvement in her two most recent outings and she can continue that here. Those two are the main dangers with none of the others entering in any form. (5) CAPI RUN, who has had just the one run prior to today, is perhaps the longshot pick.

Selections (3) Baroga (6) Raon Bentree (7) Taeyang Gangsok (5) Capi Run
Next Best 1, 4
Outsiders 2, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(5) SUPER BLADE and (6) FEISTY are both up in class following maiden wins on what was for both of them, their second starts last month. They both made-all and they should be battling this one out. We’ll go with Feisty to continue to improve. It’s no two-horse race though. (3) OH MY CAPTAIN was an improved 3rd in a decent a race at class and distance a month ago and should be looking to at least match that today while (1) CHOEGANG DREAM was 4th in a similarly tough race last time out and comes in fresh after eight weeks off. (10) SUNSHINE ALPHA is another proven money winner at this level and can’t be ruled out.

Selections (6) Feisty (5) Super Blade (3) Oh My Captain (1) Choegang Dream
Next Best 10, 9, 7
Outsiders 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 5, 6, 10

Race 5: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Small but good quality race here and (2) SPECIAL ROOKIE, 4th in the Korean Oaks on her most recent start should be winning it. She’s already a class and distance winner, is very nicely in the weights and should have too much. The experienced (6) SAMDA GONGJU looks to be the main danger while the up in class and distance (7) BAEKDU YEONGUNG looks to have scope for further development. (4) FOUR STAR and (1) SKY SUN look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Special Rookie (6) Samda Gongju (4) Four Star (7) Baekdu Yeongung
Next Best 1, 5, 3
Fast Starters 2

Race 6: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:50 (KST)

(3) NOBLE WARRIOR has three 3rd places and a 4th from his last four outings. The 4th was at this class and distance and while he was a long way behind a very good winner, the distance clearly suited and with a slight weight advantage, he looks to be the one to beat here. Two who are up in class and distance for the first time are the main dangers. (5) KWAESEOK BOLT and (7) DANGCHAN JILJU both come in having been 2nd in races over 1300M last month and both should be competitive at a mile. (4) EUNHA and (2) JEONSEOLUI LEGEND are others to look out for while (1) POWER CHAMP, who has actually beaten three of these at 1300M in the past, is the wildcard in what is a competitive event.

Selections (3) Noble Warrior (5) Kwaeseok Bolt (7) Dangchan Jilju (2) Jeonseolui Legend
Next Best 1, 4, 6
Outsiders 8
Fast Starters 6, 7

Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(3) BLACK SAPPHIRE left her jockey in the gate when well fancied for what would have been her first try at this class last month. She’s the full-sister to one of Korea’s top horses and had won two of her three outings before that mistake last time. She’s the one to beat here. (4) GREAT SONG has shown steady progress in three prior outings and should make the early pace. He tries 1400M for the first time but should stay on and be competitive. (1) SONATA ZONE is up in class following three consecutive 2nd places at domestic class 5 and can go well once more with (2) OHHWAMA and (7) PAMPAS FARM others to consider.

Selections (3) Black Sapphire (4) Great Song (1) Sonata Zone (2) Ohhwama
Next Best 7, 8
Outsiders 5, 6
Fast Starters 4

Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:10 (KST)

Two for two this year and up in class today, (8) LUCKY TIME is the favourite here. He’ll be on speed early and should have too much. Also up in class is the far more experienced (3) SORICHYEO, who is in the best form of his career and can be competitive once again. (4) WORLD QUEEN was 2nd at c lass and distance last start and can repeat with front runner (2) WIN GO MAN and (6) IMPASSIONED MARINE others in contention.

Selections (8) Lucky Time (4) World Queen (3) Sorichyeo (2) Win Go Man
Next Best 6, 5
Outsiders 1, 7, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7, 8

Shin Woo Chul Retires From Training / Several Jockeys Retire Or Relocate / New Apprentices Set To Begin At Seoul & Busan

A couple of weeks after Tough Win had his retirement ceremony it was the turn of his trainer for his biggest wins, Shin Woo Chul, to have a retirement ceremony of his own at Seoul Racecourse last week. The 63-year-old trainer has reached the mandatory retirement age for trainers and will not apply to renew his license. 

Shin Woo Chul

Shin Woo Chul (Pic: Sports Chosun)

Shin has trained more winners than any other trainer in Korea – although that record will almost certainly be passed shortly by Kim Young Kwan at Busan – seeing his horses return victorious on 1149 occasions from a total of 8713 starters dating back to 1983.

Tough Win was his best horse although he also trained two-time SBS Cup winner High Point and 2003 Grand Prix Stakes winner Habidongju. Shin’s stable had been winding down recently with only 6 winners from 140 starters in his final 12 months.

Current leader of the Seoul Trainer’s Championship is Seo In Seok with 24 winners although only 8 winners separates him from 10th placed Bae Dae Sun in the ever noncompetitive capital. By contrast at cut-throat Busan, Kim Young Kwan leads with 66 with Peter Wolsley in 2nd on 36.

The end of June is the time when many licenses expire or come up from renewal and there are plenty of comings and goings this year.

Seoul jockeys Seo Do Soo, Kim Seok Bong, Kim Young Jin, Kho Sung Yi and Shin Dae Jun all surrendered their licenses at the end of June after careers of varying length and indifference. Some are likely to apply for training licenses. From Busan, Seo In Sub and Park Sung Kwang have also retired from the saddle.

For reasons recently reported,  a higher than usual number of riding vacancies have recently arisen in the pony racing on Jeju Island and along with a slew of new apprentices, Busan’s Jo Hee Won and Seoul’s Yoo Mi Ra have relocated to the island to become pony jockeys. For both it looks to be a good opportunity to revive careers that had been drifting somewhat.

Five riders have successfully graduated from the academy and have become apprentice thoroughbred jockeys. Two  will begin riding at Seoul shortly. They are 21-year-old Lee Dong Ha, who will be apprenticed to trainer Ha Jae Heung and 27-year-old Lee Cheol Kyung, who will be with Seo In Seok.

At Busan there are three new apprentices. 20-year-old Lee Hyo Sik will be with Kim Nam Joong. Jung Do Yoon, also 20, is apprenticed to An Woo Sung while the first Korean female jockey to be ride full-time at Busan since 2010 is 19-year-old Choi Eun Kyung. She gets a great opportunity to learn, having been placed with South African trainer Bart Rice.

Beolmaui Kkum Wins Big At Last

He is one of the most naturally gifted horses to have ever run in Korea and on Sunday afternoon in the rain at Busan, Beolmaui Kkum finally came right on the big stage, defeating a host of other top names in Korean racing to win the Busan Mayor’s Cup.

He didn’t just win it, Beolmaui Kkum romped it, taking advantage of the soaking wet conditions and a favourable draw to get the early lead and dominate the race, stretching away from the field to win by a full five lengths on the line.

Pre-race favourite Triple Nine was 2nd ahead of Success Story who had to settle for yet another 3rd place finish. Clean Up Joy was Seoul’s best finisher in 4th with the Peter Wolsley pair of Macheon Bolt and Bold Kings defying poor draws and the unsuitable distance to come home in 5th and 6th respectively. Last year’s winner and this year’s 3rd favourite Gamdonguibada had a disappointing race and ended up 12th of the 16.

It was Beolmaui Kkum’s 16th win in 27 outings but his first Group race triumph. Arguably over-trained and over-raced in the early part of his career, he was sent off as favourite in the 2013 Grand Prix at Seoul but faded badly, something that would be repeated in subsequent big races. Six months off after last year’s running of this race though seems to have extremely beneficial. Since returning, Beolmaui Kkim had won 2 out of three races with his only defeat coming at 1200M in the first leg of the Sprint Series.

He therefore came in fresh and with the track condition favouring front runners and the distance not leaving the likes of Triple Nine any margin for error, punters ended up kicking themselves for allowing Beomaui Kkum to start at odds approaching 20/1.

For jockey Kim Yong Geun it was another big race win in what is shaping up to be a great year with the prospect of Power Blade completing the Triple Crown later this month. For owner Lee Jong Hun it was profitable two minutes as well – he also owns Success Story.

Beolmaui Kkum [Put It Back – Wild Dixie Girl (Wild Event)] is a 6-year-old horse. He was a $20,000 purchase from the Fasig Tipton Kentucky yearling sales in 2011. The winning time was a new track record. Could Beolmaui Kkum go up to Seoul and repeat the trick at the same distance in the Korea Cup in September?

Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Racecourse – 1800M – July 3, 2016

1. Beolmaui Kkum (USA) [Put It Back – Wild DIxie Gal (Wild Event)] – Kim Yong Geun – 19.9, 5.1
2. Triple Nine (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] – You Hyun Myung – 1.3
3. Successs Story (KOR) [Peace Rules – Power Pack (Lil’s Lad)] – Paolo Aragoni – 3.4
Distances: 5 lengths / Neck
Also Ran: 4. Clean Up Joy (USA) 5. Macheon Bolt (KOR) 6. Bold Kings (USA) 7. Dymanic Dash (USA) 8. Winning Andy (USA) 9. Space Port (USA) 10. Heba (USA) 11. Gumpo Sky (KOR) 12. Gamdonguibada (USA) 13. Rush Forth (USA) 14. Damyang Chukje (USA) 15. Dongbanjaui Gijeok (USA) 16. Clean Up Cheonha (USA)

Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

It’s Busan Mayor’s Cup day at Seoul. Full preview of one of the biggest races of summer is here. There is plenty going on. Seoul has 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00 while Busan runs 6 from 13:00 to 17:30.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13:00 (KST)

With two wins from six (5) HUIMANG QUEEN beat three of her rivals here when finishing 3rd at class and distance a month ago and should have too much for this limited opposition. (9) BIO BLUE returns for the first time since last November and if he is anything like his former self, he will be the main danger. The experienced pair of (6) JOINER CAPTAIN and (7) DAEHOYEOJANGGUN are capable of winning money at this level while (8) AUCKLAND TEUKGEUP, disappointing behind Huimang Queen last start, looks best of the rest.

Selections (5) Huimang Queen (9) Bio Blue (6) Joiner Captain (7) Daehoyeojanggun
Next Best 8, 1, 4
Outsiders 2, 3, 10
Fast Starters 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(1) WORLD MARK could only manage 7th when well supported for her first try at class 5 and at 1300M last start. That game off the back of a decent win at 1000M in May and back at the minimum today, she looks hard to beat in this all-filly affair. Similarly poor on stepping up in distance was (8) PEARL QUEEN and she should also be a different prospect back at this distance today. (5) BALGEUN NAEIL is yet to win in seventeen attempts but is capable of placing here following a decent 3rd last start while (7) HAENURI and (9) FRENCH KING are others to look out for. The returning (4) BEST SHOOTER didn’t impress in trials.

Selections (1) World Mark (8) Pearl Queen (7) Haenuri (5) Balgeun Naeil
Next Best 4, 9, 6, 2
Outsiders 3, 10
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:50 (KST)

10) ACE MAN debuted almost a year ago, finishing 2nd behind a filly who went on to win this year’s Korean Oaks. He suffered a fracture after that but has made a full recovery and looked good when trialling last month. He’s favourite. The rest look a bit average. You can’t ignore Kim Young Kwan trained debut-makers so (1) JERAJIN, who really showed very little in trials, will have backers. (2) JEOKDOUI HWASIN hasn’t exactly impressed in six prior outings but can improve here with (6) DYNAMIC DIVA and (7) SAMHYEONGJE in a similar situation. (9) OFFICER LADY was highly thought-of a year ago but hasn’t been seen since and looked indifferent in trials.

Selections (10) Ace Man (1) Jerajin (6) Dynamic Diva (2) Jeokdoui Hwasin
Next Best 4, 7, 5
Outsiders 3, 8, 9
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:15 (KST)

Second last time out at the end of May, his best finish in ten outings to date and first under champion jockey Moon Se Young, who takes the mount again today, (6) WANGUI DAERO is the pick to get it right this time. (10) NICE AND GOOD beat (9) SUPER JJANG but they both underperformed when racing against each other on June 4th. We’ll expect better from both today with the latter slightly favoured. (1) HEART STORM and Brian Dean’s (4) SUPREME LEADER the best of the rest.

Selections (6) Wangui Daero (9) Super Jjang (10) Nice And Good (4) Supreme Leader
Next Best 1, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 5, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:40 (KST)

(7) CHALLANHAN ACE will be favourite here having secured her maiden win at the fourth time of asking over 1300M in March. She’s had three months off since and can lead from gate to wire. If she is to be stopped (11) GOLD SUN could be the most likely following a promising 3rd at this distance on June 3rd, which suggested she may have a win in her at this level at some stage. (9) LOVE QUEEN is another one who should be on pace and can come close with (1) WORLD FLASH and (12) MUJEOK CHEONHA others to consider, at least for the places.

Selections (7) Challanhan Ace (11) Gold Sun (9) Love Queen (1) World Flash
Next Best 3, 10, 12, 6
Outsiders 2, 4, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Another one up in class can be made favourite here with (5) SEONGUN MARU coming in after back to back victories. He is up in class today but that’s no real cause for concern and three in a row is highly possible. (9) DOUBLE J beat (2) NONEUN ACE when the pair raced 2nd and 3rd at class and distance on May 28th. They look to be the main dangers here with Double J favoured once more. Among the rest, (3) SUBAEKYANG and (6) SSONSALGACHI look best placed to improve on recent outings.

Selections (5) Seongun Maru (9) Double J (2) Noneun Ace (3) Subaekyang
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 1, 4, 8, 10
Fast Starters 2, 5

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (6) HANEOLUI JILJU was 4th on his first try at this class three weeks ago having won his previous two. If he gets to the front from the gate – and he should – he’ll be difficult to beat and he’s the pick here. Japanese import (10) WHITE CASTLE showed much improvement last start when running 2nd at 1000M, coming from well off the pace and can go well once more while (2) SUPER EAGLE was 8th on debut at the end of May and with a top jockey booking can also improve. (1) YONGGAM MUSSANG and (3) MISS HERO the best of the rest.

Selections (6) Haneolui Jilju (10) White Castle (2) Super Eagle (1) Yonggam Mussang
Next Best 3, 5
Outsiders 4, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 6

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Competitive event this one. (8) HAPPY SENSATION is the slight pick having been 2nd at this class over 1300M last time. She steps up to two turns for the first time and looks an interesting prospect. She probably won’t be favourite though as that will be (5) JISANG BIHAENG. He is yet to win in nine outings but has four 2nd places to his name including one at this distance. Another yet to win in (7) YAHO MIRACLE but he has proved himself capable of placing at this level and can do so again. (2) SPASTAR likewise can beat plenty at this level and can be considered with (4) STRONG SHINE looking the best of the rest.

Selections (8) Happy Sensation (5) Jisang Bihaeng (4) Strong Shine (2) Spastar
Next Best 7, 9, 4
Outsiders 1, 3, 6
Fast Starters 5, 8

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR GIII) / 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 500 Million / 16:30 (SIN)

The most prestigious race of summer at Busan has drawn a top class field from both tracks. (8) TRIPLE NINE went down to a shock defeat in May but can be favoured to put things right today. He’ll look to settle just behind the early speed and if he runs to his best, he can win here. (5) CLEAN UP JOY is widely recognised as Seoul’s best horse. He was 3rd in the Grand Prix Stakes last December and has won all three starts this year. Winner of that Grand Prix was (16) BOLD KINGS. He has been beaten by Triple Nine and by (13) DYNAMIC DASH in two subsequent starts and does have to overcome gate 16 but he should still come close. (2) GAMDONGUIBADA won this race last year (when it was run at a mile) and beat plenty of these in a big sprint race in May, must be respected at any distance and will have plenty of supporters. (10) SUCCESS STORY landed two 3rd places at the Dubai World Cup Carnival earlier this year and while he could only manage 3rd to Gamdonguibada in that sprint, if he gets to the front early – which he failed to do that day – he will be tough to overtake. Last year’s champion mare (3) HEBA, (7) BEOLMAUI KKUM and (14) GUMPO SKY are among others to consider in what is a very competitive race.

Selections (8) Triple Nine (5) Clean Up Joy (2) Gamdonguibada (16) Bold Kings
Next Best 10, 7, 14, 13, 15, 1, 11, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 9, 12
Fast Starters 7, 10, 14

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Having won two of his last three and beaten a number of these along the way, (2) LUCKY LIGHT is the one to beat here. He’s a front-runner and at this distance he should make all. It’s hard to oppose the favourite but if we are looking for an upset, (5) BEST GUY, a class and distance winner at the end of May could be best placed to provide it. He beat (1) STRONG ROAD in the process and that one can look to improve today. (8) SINGYU GANGJA beat (4) DIPLOMATIC MISSION when they finished 3rd and 5th at class and distance on May 21st and both can come close again.

Selections (2) Lucky Light (5) Best Guy (4) Diplomatic Mission (8) Singyu Gangja
Next Best 1, 11, 7, 10
Outsiders 3, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(12) I ONE has won, twice, in two starts so far and was utterly dominant over 1300M at the end of May, beating (8) MABEE FLASHY by seven lengths. Up in class and slightly in distance today but he’s a good prospect and he should be winning this. Five of these faced each other at this distance on June 5th and (4) NAGASINDA rather unexpectedly came out on top among them, finishing 2nd. As a result, he must be respected today although (2) AJU CHOEGANG and (5) YOU’RE HILARIOUS, who finished in 3rd and 5th respectively that day, will be favoured to overturn that form here. (7) DYNAMIC TANK struggled at a mile last start but should be more comfortable today as should (11) SOUL BLADE.

Selections (12) I One (2) Aju Choegang (5) You’re Hilarious (7) Dynamic Tank
Next Best 4, 11, 8, 10
Outsiders 1, 3, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 (KST)

It took (4) CHOEGANGJA a couple of races to figure out what to do but this Silver Train colt has been developing very nicely, winning at 1200M in May and was then 3rd on his first try at this class on June 12th. He can win here.  Main danger looks to be (8) GAENARI who returned from a six-month layoff to score her maiden win in a very quick race over 1000M in May and she can be considered here too. (6) SKY JEWANG and (7) POWER BISEUL are both also up in class following victories and the latter looks best equipped to handle this level right away. (2) JEONMUHUMU, already a winner at this class is also capable of going well.

Selections (4) Choegangja (8) Gaenari (7) Power Biseul (2) Jeonmuhumu
Next Best 6, 11, 10, 3
Outsiders 1, 5, 9
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Mayor’s Cup: Runner-By-Runner Preview

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is one of the highlights of the Korean racing season and this year’s event, which will be run at Busan Racecourse over nine furlongs on Sunday, has attracted a strong field.

DSC_3289-select (1)

Bold Kings beat Gumpo Sky and Clean Up Joy in the Grand Prix last December. The top five that day square off again on Sunday

Sometimes known as the “Summer Grand Prix” all top five place-getters from last December’s actual Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul will be in attendance as will Korea’s best known racehorse, Success Story. Seven of the full field of sixteen have traveled down from Seoul for what looks an intensely competitive race.

Here’s a runner-by-runner preview. All will carry 58kg except for the two mares, last year’s winner Gamdonguibada and Heba who will carry 56kg. (Name [Pedigree] Age Sex (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey)

Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Racecourse – 1800M (Weight for Age) – Sunday July 3, 2016 (16:30)

1. Clean Up Cheonha (USA) [El Corredor – Loh Callado (More Than Ready)] 5 H (18/8/6/2) ST Shim – Lee Chan Ho
5th in the Grand Prix and hasn’t raced since winning at 2000M in January. Came through a trial well last month and he will be handy early but he will be the lesser fancied of the two Clean Ups.

2. Gamdonguibada (USA) [Werblin – Radyla (Country Pine)] 7 M (35/15/5/8) YK Kim – Choi Si Dae
Winner of this race last year at a mile, she also won the first leg of the Sprint Series in May before being beaten in the 2nd leg at Seoul last month. As good as ever at 7, she’ll likely settle just behind the early speed  and she has a chance here.

3. Heba (USA) [Peace Rules – Sue’s Temper (Temperence Hill)] 6 M (41/9/7/3) SJ Kwon – Song Keong Yun
Last year’s champion Mare is yet to win in 2016 and has been beaten by Triple Nine on three occasions already. As we say every time she runs, she would perhaps benefit from a spell but always puts in a solid performance and can find the minor money.

4. Damyang Chukje (USA) [Good Reward – Strategy (A.P Indy)] 7 H (33/6/3/4) HJ Bae – Jo Jae Ro
Has lost to a lot of these in recent starts and looks to be overmatched once more here. Generally slow away he will most likely have too much to do.

5. Clean Up Joy (USA) 5 G [Purge – Greta’s Joy (Joyeax Danseur)] (17/9/5/1) ST Shim – Ham Wan Sik
Seoul’s best horse, he is three for three since finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix nehind Bold Kings and Gumpo Sky last December. He usually settles towards the rear of the field and has a strong finish. He can win this.

6. Dongbanjaui Gijeok (USA) [Half Ours – Feisty Cherokee (Cherokee Run)] 6 H (36/5/6/3) BC Lim – Kim Cheol Ho
Big outsider who finds it tough at class 1 at Seoul so will certainly find it tough here.

7. Beolmaui Kkum (USA) 6 H [Put It Back – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] (26/15/3/2) KY Baik – Kim Yong Geun
Extremely talented but has never quite lived up to it in the big races. Only Clean Up Joy is rated higher.It’s been a long time since he took on this distance, he is a front-runner and he must be considered.

8. Triple Nine (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke(Pleasant Tap)] 15/9/5/0) YK Kim – You Hyun Myung
The President’s Cup winner at Seoul last year, he was 4th in the Grand Prix Stakes before avenging Bold Kings back at Busan in March. Surprisingly beaten last time at this distance at the end of May, he is a cut above most of these though. He should settle just behind the early speed and if he runs to his best, he won’t be beaten.

9. Space Port (USA) 6 H [Pleasant Tap – Space City (Carson City)] (43/4/10/3) CK Woo – Yoon Tae Hyuk
A perennial runner-up, he beat Winning Andy last time as the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over 2000M in a Seoul Stakes race. This is much harder though and he will be an outsider.

10. Success Story (KOR) [Peace Rules – Power Pack (Lil’s Lad)} 5 H (19/10/2/3) JK Min – Paolo Aragoni
Two 3rd places at the Dubai World Cup Carnival gained him international recognition but he struggled on his return to Korea behind Gamdonguibada in May. Got a bad start that day, he needs to be on pace early and then save energy. If he can do that, he must be considered.

11. Winning Andy (USA) [Cowboy Cal – Belvedere Miss (Pleasant Colony)] 5 H (31/4/7/6) IS Seo – Jo Sung Gon
Busan’s 2015 champion jockey makes a rare return to the south-coast but it’s unlikely to be a winning one. Solid competitor who can give a decent account of himself but looks overmatched here. Goes right back at the start.

12. Rush Forth (USA) [Rush Bay – Fourth Quest (Norquest)] 6 G (30/5/4/6) DY Hong – Kim Ok Sung
Returned to some semblance of form with a 3rd place over 1200M at the end of May but little to suggest he can be competitive here.

13. Dynamic Dash (USA) [Pleasantly Perfect – See Rock City (Tapit)] 4 C (18/9/5/1) BH Kim – Lee Hee Cheon
He comes in off the back of two superb wins over 1800M beating first Gamdonguibada and then Bold Kings. He was able to come from just off the early pace and lead rounding the home turn both times which won’t be so easy in this crowded field but he’s on the up and is to be respected.

14. Gumpo Sky (KOR) [Vicar – Perfect Storm (Didyme)] 5 H (30/10/8/4) SJ Kwon – Lim Sung Sil
He was 2nd to Bold Kings in the Grand Prix but was indifferent in his first three outings this year, losing to six of these in the process. He returned to winning ways last month, beating a small field at this distance. He will be on the early speed as usual.

15. Macheon Bolt (KOR) [Old Fashioned – Beech Bag (Devil’s Bag)] 4 G (12/8/7/1) PM Wolsley – Chae Sang Hyun
This stablemate of Bold Kings has eight wins from twelve including two at class 1. He goes around two turns for the first time, has plenty of potential and could challenge.

16. Bold Kings (USA) [Afleet Express – Bold Arrival (Gilded Time)] 4 C (9/7/1/0) PM Wolsley – Ikuyasu Kurakane
Winner of the Grand Prix Stakes last December after which he was seven for seven. He hasn’t managed to follow up so far this year beaing beaten twice, first by Triple Nine and then by Dynamic DashThe outisde gate didn’t help him last time and probably won’t here eitherbut he looked sharp in a trial last week and can’t be ruled out