Month: September 2017

Keeneland Korea Cup & Korea Sprint 2017: Full Preview & Race-By-Race Guide To Seoul & Busan (Sunday September 10)

Korea’s biggest day of racing of the year takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday with the 2nd runnings of the Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint. Ten overseas-trained runners are in the Korean Capital for the two races which have a combined purse of approaching $1.5Million. 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:55 to 17:00. Here is a full preview of the two big races and below a race-by-race guide to all 16 contests taking place in Korea on Sunday.

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Chrysolite won the Korea Cup in 2016 and seeks to defend his title today (Pic: Ross Holburt)

 

Seoul Race 7: The Korea Sprint (KOR G1) 1200M / KRW 700 Million

With the withdrawal of France-trained City Money, there are just four overseas contenders. If the trophy is to be Hong Kong bound once more then it’s up to LUCKY YEAR. The Danny Shum-trained 6-year-old arrives in Korea having rounded out last season at home with a very good win in the Sha Tin vase over this distance in May. It was the kind of run, getting very close to the early pace, that would be ideal here and he’s got the perfect draw, coming out of gate 4, to do it. It won’t be easy for him to get to the lead though. Nash Rawiller rides.

Japanese-trained horses haven’t tended to have the best of luck in Korean Sprint races but GRACEFUL LEAP, a solid dirt-track horse in the JRA and with Yutaka Take making his Korean debut in the saddle, must be respected. Likewise THE TRUTH OR ELSE, who becomes the first US-trained horse to run in Korea, can’t be completely ruled out coming out of gate 1. Kenny McPeek’s 5-year-old won the Sir Shackleton Stakes at Gulfstream Park April and subsequently performed well at Churchill Downs in the early summer. While his closing style may not be in his favour here, he has adapted very well and it’s not impossible.

The final visitor is Singapore-trained WIMBLEDON, who represents the China Horse Club, and he won’t be without backers. He’s a consistent type with the only question mark being how he takes to the sand track – though usually a turf horse, he did run well on the Kranji polytrack over this distance earlier this year.

The leading Korea-trained contenders, POWER BLADE and PERDIDO POMEROY drew the two widest gates but that may not actually be the calamity it first seems. Power Blade wasn’t likely to lead anyway while Perdido Pomeroy, who led this race last year, is so quick out of the gate that he will probably still get to the front along with BEOLMAUI KKUM. Last year’s Triple Crown winner and place-getter at the Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting, Power Blade was 4th in the Korea Cup last year and drops back to this distance for the first time in a long time but he enters in top shape and looks to have every chance. He can defy the track and win from behind.

PERDIDO POMEROY himself is in much better form than when he was 5th behind DORAONPOGYEONGSEON in the SBS Sports Sprint here at the same distance in June. DORAONPOGYEONGSEON got up late to win that race in a three-way photo finish and is nicely drawn in gate 2. SILVER WOLF probably wants further but there’s no denying she’s in great form while GASOKBULPAE could be the wildcard. He briefly held the track record for this distance last month and if he gets the lead, anything can happen.

As for the rest, TOHAMSAN is in good form but this is stiff for him while the trio of DROP THE BEAT, HAEYA and OPEN THE SKY all remain relatively unexposed. Drop the Beat especially turned in two eye-catching performances recently and could make for an interesting outside prospect. ZENTENARY on the other hand, is overmatched.

Selections (14) Power Blade (4) Lucky Year (7) Graceful Leap (15) Perdido Pomeroy
Next Best 10, 13, 6, 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 11, 15

 

Seoul Race 8: The Korea Cup (KOR G1) 1800M / KRW 1 Billion

Twelve months ago CHRYSOLITE absolutely romped home to win the first ever running of the Korea Cup by as many lengths as his jockey chose. He returns here as likely favourite to retain his crown.

Chrysolite has been lightly raced since then but comes in here with a win and two 2nd places from his three 2017 outings and he is the one to beat. There is a chance though, that he won’t get it all his own way. The race set up beautifully for him last time with a good draw and an early leader going too fast. The draw is not quite as ideal this time and the others will be very aware of him but nevertheless, if you beat Chrysolite, you are likely to be the winner. Yutaka Takes comes to Korea for the first time specifically to ride him.

The only one drawn wider than Chrysolite is LONDON TOWN. He was very impressive when breaking the 1700M track record at a sloppy Sapporo a month ago and could well be his compatriot’s biggest danger.

Any Hong Kong-trained horse warrants respect and that certainly includes CIRCUIT LAND. After recent near misses on firmer ground at Sha Tin it’s possible that he could be one of those horses who gets on well with the deep sand of Seoul. Under Nash Rawiller, he’s firmly in the hunt.

NIMR and SKIPERIA are both trained in France with the former looking to have the better claims although Skiperia has looked well in work. The US representative is the Linda Rice-trained PAPA SHOT, who spent the summer running creditably at Belmont Park and Saratoga and despite perhaps needing to find a bit to compete with the horses from Hong Kong and Japan, he can give a good account of himself.

As for the Koreans, last year’s 3rd place-getter TRIPLE NINE returns once more. Except for an always unlikely tilt at the Godolphin Mile, he ran well at the Dubai World Cup Carnival but has come up short on two starts back in Korea since. Both times he took just a little too long to get properly into gear. If jockey Lim Sung Sil can get him stoked up in time, a money finish is possible. CHAMP LINE saw a winning streak of five come to an end behind Triple Nine in July. He’s been off since and we’ll give the Thomas Gillespie-trained colt another chance today.

SHAMROCKER goes well too but does look overmatched against the visitors while since returning from a long spell out injured, BOLD KINGS hasn’t been quite the same horse he was when winning the Grand Prix Stakes, Korea’s most prestigious non-international race as a three-year old. Rounding out the field, DYNAMIC JILJU is a decent handicapper and could well opt to lead but is up against it here.

Selections (11) London Town (3) Circuit Land (10) Chrysolite (6) Triple Nine
Next Best 5, 1, 4
Fast Start 1, 7

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Competitive opener but (6) BULHUUI SEUNGJA looks to be the standout. She generally starts well, has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name and the champion jockey on board. The main danger is (2) JUNGJEON MAMA, who has been a rather one-paced 4th on both her outings to date but has shown enough to suggest she can beat plenty of these. While (10) (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 9)

It’s Korea Cup Eve! Head over to the official twitter (@KRAOfficial) for latest news and pictures. In the meantime, Saturday sees 12 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 featuring exchange races with Macao, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland and Japan. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Full field to kick things off with and (3) BLUE SHARK looks to be the pick. He was a much improved2nd at this distance on August 19th and can win from the front today. Joining him on the early speed will likely be the other two top contenders namely (2) SHARP RUBY and (7) STORMY PASSION, both of whom have acquitted themselves well in recent outings without really threatening to make a breakthrough. (1) DUAL CHEOGANG and (4) TOUGH TROPHY others with scope to go better.

Selections (3) Blue Shark (2) Sharp Ruby (7) Stormy Passion (4) Tough Trophy
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 7

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Only one of these has raced before and he’s almost certainly going to start as favourite. (8) P.K. TIME almost made all on debut on August 12th but got eventually taken down close to home. It was still a good performance and followed an impressive trial and (more…)

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

Korea Cup & Sprint weekend is well underway with the barrier draws having been made on Thursday. There is a big day of racing at Seoul on Saturday with five valubale Trophy races and then of course, the big races on Sunday. Visit the official site and twitter for the latest news and we will of course, have a full preview up in time for the big day. In the meantime, we have the pressing issue of 10 Friday races at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(12) BOUND TODAY put in a much improved performance on August 11th, comfortably defeating a couple of these and with a little bit of continued progress today looks to be the one they need to beat. (3) YES QUEEN put in a career best 2nd on her 19th start the same day and should be close again while in the same race (2) ACE WOMAN also showed improvement with a 4th place and should be in the placing frame here. (4) GIPPEUM SARANG led on her last start before fading for 5th and should be on pace again today while (7) CLOVER QUEEN was solid if unspectacular on debut a month ago and can build on that today.

Selections (12) Bound Today (3) Yes Queen (2) Ace Woman (7) Clover Queen
Next Best 4, 5
Fast Start 4, 11

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

With a 3rd and a 2nd from his first two starts and only just missing out last time at this distance, (10) DAL GEURIDA surely gets it right today. He hasn’t been especially quick out of gates but based on what he has shown so far, should be too strong in the closing (more…)

Indian Star Successfully Defends Jeju Governor’s Cup

Indian Star made it difficult for herself but had enough in the tank to win her second consecutive Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Strangely the defending champion, who returned to form with a very good 2nd place in a recent tough handicap at Busan, was’t sent off as favourite but under jockey Lim Sung Sil, Indian Star took the race by the scruff of its neck and raced into an early lead. At the top of the stretch, it looked set to be a procession, however, then the antics started.

First Indian Star ducked one way and then the other, losing her momentum and giving away her advantage. Bright Star attacked on one side and Chang Se on the other but jockey Lim managed to rouse Indian Star for one final push to get home on top by  a neck.

Indian Star, a half-sister to this year’s KRA Cup Mile winner Indian King, has now won 11 of 23 starts.

Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – September 3, 2017

1. Indian Star (KOR) [Adcat – Indian Diamond (Indian Charlie)] – Lim Sung Sil – 4.1, 1.7
2. Bright Star (KOR) [Menifee – L Vicar (Vicar)] – Franco Da Silva – 2.9
3. Chang Se (KOR) [Forest Camp – Daecheonpung (Fiercely)] – Johan Victoire – 8.8
Distances: Neck / Head
Also Ran: 4. Santa Gloria 5. Steal The Show Why 6. Pink Blade 7. Tour Rose 8. Lead Money 9. Super Blade 10. Uju Star 11. Jejui Haneul 12. Black Sapphire 13. Pinot Noir 14. Happy Sensation 15. Rain Sky

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

It’s Sunday and there’s just a week to go until Seoul Racecourse hosts the international Keeneland Korea Cup & Korea Sprint. Today, however, also sees G3 action at Seoul Racecourse with the Jeju Governor’s Cup. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.

A big field of 15 has been attracted by the big prize; 7 are trained in Seoul while 8 have travelled up from Busan. Those southern raiders include last year’s winner Indian Star (left) who is set to be favourite to retain the crown she won on a soaking wet track just under a year ago.

Among her rivals are the shock Oaks winner Jejui Haneul, who is joined by Bright Star and Uju Star, 2nd and 4th respectively in the fillies’ Classic.  Thomas Gillespie saddles Black Sapphire, a full sister of Triple Nine, while there is other foreign interest with Franco Da Silva partnering Bright Star, Djordje Perovic on Happy Sensation, Johan Victoire on Chang Se, Antonio Da Silva on Rain Sky and JP Guillambert riding at Seoul for the first time as he takes the mount on Pink Blade.

Notes on all races at Seoul are below:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

We’ll have a hot favourite to kick things off and that will be (4) DALLYEORA PACHYAI. He comes in following a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two and should have far too much for this lot, leading from gate to wire. The same owner/trainer combination also sends out (1) DORAON PACHYAI and that on can certainly challenge for a place, along with the main danger (5) ARABIA GONGJU. Of the remainder, (7) DEOGI has perhaps done the least wrong.

Selections (4) Dallyeora Pachyai (5) Arabia Gongju (1) Doraon Pachyai (7) Deogi
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 2

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(5) CLEO returned from three months off to run a decent enough 5th of 12 over 1300M at the end of July. Dropped back to the minimum and given a good start here, she should be the one they need to beat. (6) CHEON NOK did nothing wrong on debut, coming a much better than expected 3rd and looks in the frame for prize money again but there are other dangers. (9) KAISER QUEEN has shown signs of finally figuring things out over her latest two and has the benefit of Djordje Perovic on board today while (8) BLACK CASHMERE has also come close across her four outings to date an should be in the hunt once more.

Selections (5) Cleo (6) Cheon Nok (9) Kaiser Queen (8) Black Cashmere
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 1, 6

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Only two of these have raced before and while neither exactly pulled up trees on their respective debuts, that fact probably won’t stop them being favoured here as none of the first-timers leap out. That means (8) AMENDA, a reasonable enough 5th of 12 at this distance on August 13th, is likely to start as favourite. (2) AREUMDAUN SOPUNG, a Hansen filly was well-backed on her first racecourse appearance at the end of July but only managed to beat one home over 1000M. She had previously trialled well and should be given another chance. Of the first-timers. (5) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG, (6) EMERALD KING and another Hansen, (7) O.J.HWAK DAB look the pick.

Selections (8) Amenda (2) Areumdaun Sopung (7) O.J.Hwak Dap (5) Jeongsang Dolpung
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 5

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

She wasn’t ready on debut in January but having had six months off after that, (3) ECTON SINHWA has shown significant improvement in two starts back. She was 3rd of 12 at this distance last time, coming from well off the pace and she will be favourite today. The only concern is perhaps her not having demonstrated a very fast start and while she has a good draw today, if she does get caught out, the returning (4) RUBY BEOLKIN could be one to take advantage. She races for the first time since a 2nd place in April and put in an eye-catching trial last week. (1) UN SEO was well back behind Ecton Sinhwa last time but can improve while (8) SIMON RICH also has scope for progress.

Selections (3) Ecton Sinhwa (4) Ruby Beolkin (8) Simon Rich (1) Un Seo
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 4, 1

 

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

Good little filly race this. (8) EXCELLENT QUEEN does have a bit of a case of “second-it is” having been runner-up in four of six outings to date, but if anyone can cure her of it, it’s Djordje Perovic, who gets the leg-up on her for the first time. Her one previous outing at this distance resulted in her worst finish so far but it can be a different story today. She’ll be favourite but she’s no sure thing and (6) BRAVE UP, 4th at class and distance on July 23rd has claims as does (7) STAR PERFECT who, like Excellent Queen has never finished better than 2nd but unlike Excellent Queen, she has done it at the distance, beating a couple of these in the process. (1) SHINE QUEEN and (10) BONNET BLUE others in with a shout.

Selections (8) Excellent Queen (7) Star Perfect (6) Brave Up (10) Bonnet Blue
Next Best 1, 9, 2
Fast Start 9, 4, 5

 

Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Interesting contest again. (3) JEOKBYEOK SHINHWA was 3rd on debut on July 30th in a very quick time over 1000M having led for much of the way. He’s up in distance and the conditions are likely to be very different this time but he could well do it. So too could (4) TRICKER. He got his maiden win at the 7th time of asking on July 16th at 1300M but does carry an extra 3kg today. Nevertheless, he can repeat. There are others to consider too. (2) EOMJI GANGHO had a bad day at the office last time out but is worthy of another chance for at least a place while (12) CROWN ME BOSS gets the services of Moon Se Young and can improve on her three consecutive 5th placed finishes. There are also a couple of first-time starters involved and (5) BROWN CHAMPION can expect to attract some support first-up.

Selections (3) Jeokbyeok Sinhwa (4) Tricker (12) Crown Me Boss (2) Eomji Gangho
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 2, 4

 

Race 7: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It would be slightly unfair to accuse (9) BULHUUI MYEONGGOG of a severe case of second and even “third-it is” as the truth has been that he’s always come up against one or two a bit too good and has run to of above expectation each time. Today though, following three 3rd places and two 2nds, the expectation will be of victory. Taking on 1700M for the 2nd time and having beaten three of these on the first occasion, he should do it. If he’s to be stopped, it’s (7) CUPID BOY, who he beat last time who is perhaps the most likely to do it although (3) BIG SKY was also 2nd at the distance on his latest start and should be involved. Trying the distance for the first time is (8) COLORS QUEEN and although yet to win, she looks capable of challenging for the places.

Selections (9) Bulhuui Myeonggog, (7) Cupid Boy (3) Big Sky (8) Colors Queen
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 8, 11

 

Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) FIRE DREAM was a class and distance winner on July 23rd but up in the weights and in different conditions, he’s going to have to work very hard to repeat. Instead we have two standouts in the shape of (1) SPERO and (6) GANGDAEGANG. Spero is a class and distance winner in the past and comes in following two very solid outings at shorter distance while Gangdaegang comes in after a strong 2nd place at the distance last time. It’s tough to split them but well side with Gangdaegang and his slight weight advantage. Among the rest, (2) JIGONG BULPAE and (7) SUPER BROAD look to have the best claims.

Selections (6) Gangdaegang (1) Spero (4) Fire Dream (7) Super Broad
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 5

 

Race 9: Class Open (1400M) The Jeju Governor’s Cup / Allowance / KRW 350 Million

One of the most valuable races of the season for Korean bred fillies and mares sees eight from Busan travel up to capital to take on 7 from Seoul. Last year’s winner (12) INDIAN STAR returns to defend her title and she has every chance of doing so following an encouraging warm up race against stiff opposition in July. Thomas Gillespie’s (9) BLACK SAPPHIRE may be more suited to further but looks set to mount a strong challenge while Korean Oaks winner (14) JEJUI HANEUL also must be respected. 2nd in the Oaks was (2) BRIGHT STAR and she too has claims along with 4th placed that day (5) UJU STAR. Jockey JP Guillambert gets his first taste of Seoul and (4) PINK BLADE is one of a number of interesting outsiders in a fascinating race.

Selections (12) Indian Star (9) Black Sapphire (2) Bright Star (5) Uju Star
Next Best 14, 7, 15
Fast Start 10, 12

 

Race 10: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A few decent ones here but (6) IBAEGJEOM should have the beating of them. He was 3rd in a quick race over 1300M last start, his first try at this class and can go two better today. (4) SAMJEONG MAGNUM comes in following back to back 3rd places over 1000M and could well be ready to try further once more while (8) BLACK SUGAR was a decent 4th at class and distance on his last start a couple of months ago and looks in the placing frame too. The main danger, however, looks set to be (7) OUR CAT who makes his 40th starts today and enters in very solid form. He was a quick 2nd over 1000M last time out and should be looking to at least match it here.

Selections (6) Ibaegjeom (7) Our Cat (4) Samjeong Magnum (8) Black Sugar
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 2, 4

 

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(6) OP SEVEN was a very quick winner on debut and on July 30th and while he is up in both and class and distance today, he will be expected to score once more against this moderate opposition. He should really lead gate to wire. He’ll be a strong favourite and those with the best potential to get close to him will emerge from either end of the gate with both (1) CHEONJAEILU and (8) SMOKEY VALE having proven competitive in this kind of race. Meanwhile (2) ÉCLAIR HUMOR had a tough time on his first outing at this level back in July but could improve today.

Selections (6) OP Seven (8) Smokey Vale (1) Cheonjaeilu (2) Éclair Humor
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 5, 6

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 2)

We’re back to the daytime schedule at Seoul. 12 Saturday races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Small field to begin with and we’ll go with the most experienced, (3) HWANGGEUM YEONMEOT to make the breakthrough at what will be the 11th time of asking. She’s been 4th in both her latest two and looks to be figuring things out. (1) RUN AWAY has shown glimpses across seven starts so far while (8) MENI JILJU didn’t disgrace herself on debut either and they look next best. The two debut-makers trialled up together with (2) CHEONNYEON DIRE looking the pick of the pair.

Selections (3) Hwanggeum Yeonmeot (1) Run Away (8) Meni Jilju (2) Cheonnyeon Dire
Next Best 4, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 6

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another small field and there are two who standout. (1) VIVA GALLOPER manage a 2nd place back in February but was then out for four months, returning to some form with a 4th place over this distance last month. He can get on the early speed here without too much difficulty and could go all the way. Threatening late in the race will be (6) (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 1)

International horses have begin arriving for next weekend’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint with Hong Kong’s Circuit Land and Lucky Year, The Truth Or Else from the USA and Wimbledon from Singapore already in residence at the international stables Seoul Racecourse. We still have a weekend of racing to get through before our attention can turn to that though and it begins on Friday at Busan with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Time to get stuck in:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(5) HAEDONG YEOGEOL enters in the best shape having disposed of both (4) YEONGUNG JEWANG and (8) CHOEGOREULHYANGHAE on her way to 2nd place over this distance on August 6th. She was just beaten a neck that day and can finally get it right here. Yeongung Jewang should be on the early speed and could well be the biggest threat but there are others in with a chance too. (6) THUNDER DOME put in an encouraging debut in May before fading on re-appearance over 1200M. He’s had eleven weeks off since and gets a fresh start here. (2) OKDAN YEOGEOL also enters off the back of consecutive 4th places and can match those.

Selections (5) Haedong Yeogeol (6) Thunder Dome (4) Yeongung Jewang (2) Okdan Yeogeol
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 4, 8

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Nine of the twelve race for the very first time but it will be one of the three with prior experience who begins as favourite. That’s (9) HAWK KING, who was 3rd on debut four weeks ago, showing enough in the process to suggest that he has wins in him. (12) MAY STAR also demonstrated some ability on his debut and will need to be considered (more…)