Month: January 2018

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 28) Segye Ilbo Cup Day

The first Korean Listed or Stakes race of 2018 takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and a good one it is too as thirteen runners, including last year’s Derby winner Final Boss, go in the Segye Ilbo Cup over 1200M. In total there are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Always Winner

Always Winner won the Segye Ilbo Cup last year but he’ll have a hard time defending it (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

An improved 3rd on what was her third start on January 6th leads us to put (9) SEOUL STORY on top in this all-filly (and one mare) event. She raced prominently that day and seems to be figuring things out. The primary danger is (12) BURUI SOKDO, 2nd on debut a full twelve-lengths behind the promising Galaxy Power but nevertheless showing promise herself. The wide draw is perhaps not ideal but can certainly be overcome. (1) ROAD WOMAN and (5) ORANGE SOCKS have shown some glimpses of potential talent and may improve while among the four first-time starters, (11) QUEEN FORCE ONE is the standout. She looked good in trials and has a top jockey on board first-up.

Selections (9) Seoul Story (12) Burui Sokdo (11) Queen Force One (1) Road Woman
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) GLOBAL NEWS will be overwhelming favourite to win this. He was a very solid 2nd to Nam Son and ahead of one who won yesterday in what is turning out to have been a very decent race on debut in December and if he runs anything like that, there is nothing here that can challenge him. He should get and easy lead and an easy win. Slim pickings among the rest. (4) GRAND DOLPUNG was well down the track debuting in that very same race as Global News but may improve while of the debut-makers, (2) HAPPY MAUNTAIN and (3) SKY STORM perhaps have the best chance of doing well in their first outings.

Selections (5) Global News (4) Grand Dolpung (2) Happy Mauntain (3) Sky Storm
Next Best 8
Fast Start 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million 

(9) GUREUM SONJITHAE managed a decent 2nd place back in November over 1300M which led him to be sent off as favourite for his reappearance over the same trip just before Christmas. It didn’t quite work out as she came home 5th but stepped back to the minimum today and with seemingly slightly softer opposition, she can win this. (1) RAON DOLPUNG was an improved 3rd when tried at this trip for the first time on Christmas Eve and should be the main threat, likely joining the favourite on the early speed. (2) JEWANGUI BYEOL was a creditable 5th on debut in a different race on the same day and can build on that today. (4) EMERALD KING and (8) AREUMDAUN CHEONSA both went poorly last start but can improve.

Selections (9) Gureum Sonjithae (1) Raon Dolpung (2) Jewangui Byeol (4) Emerald King
Next Best 8
Fast Start 1, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million 

(8) BRANDON beat (3) STRONG MAN as the pair raced 1st and 3rd at class and distance on a very wet track on Christmas Eve. Both were outsiders that day and the conditions will be very different but both are very much in the frame again. (12) LUCKY BONGHWA may be yet to win in six attempts but he’s never been any worse than 5th and has generally been beaten by decent types. He’ll be looking to get into a forward position early from the widest gate and if he manages it, he can be close. (5) DAECHEON ACE is perhaps the one who enters in the best form though. 2nd and 3rd in his last two, both competitive contests at this class, he’s ideally drawn to get the early lead and can go all the way this time.

Selections (5) Daecheon Ace (12) Lucky Bonghwa (8) Brandon (3) Strong Man
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 5, 7, 8, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Aussie import (4) PRINCE MEMORY led for much of his debut on December 17th but just came up short over 1200M. The Sepoy gelding drops back to the minimum distance today and has solid claims for a maiden victory here. (1) TONGIL DAERO steps up in class following an all the way win over the distance at domestic class 5 three weeks ago and can follow-up. Those two will likely be contesting the early lead. (11) BEST YEJI was a (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 27) – Cheongdam Dokki!

It’s been a bitingly cold week on the Korean peninsula but the worst seems to be over and there is a good 12-race card at Seoul on Saturday with the 1st at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. And what better way to warm up than with the 2018 season debut of Cheongdam Dokki? He goes in race 11. Here are the previews:

Cheongdam Dokki 2

Cheongdam Dokki makes his 2018 debut on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Just fillies here and plenty in with a shout. (6) SEONGBUL CHAMP has shown some ability in three starts so far including a good 5th of 12 in tougher company than this last start. She trialled up nicely a couple of weeks ago and is a prime contender here. (5) BETTINA’s best result so far came on her only prior outing at this distance and with Djordje Perovic on board, she too looks to have a strong chance. (1) HWANSANGUI BIT showed improvement on her second start and can maintain it here while (9) RUBY FALLS and (12) MORAN DONGBEAK are others who can get close.

Selections (6) Seongbul Champ (5) Bettina (1) Hwansangui Bit (9) Ruby Falls
Next Best 12, 2
Fast Start 1, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG led for much of the way round over 1300M last start and dropped back to the minimum distance today, is the one to beat. He previously ran 4th at this trip in a tougher race than this and can get it right this time. (3) BIG AURORA has shown some talent, principally when running 2nd at this distance in October only beaten half a length by Ji Seoni, who went on to win again. He’s disappointed as favourite in two losing efforts since but gets another chance here. (1) CHEONGDAM QUEENS and (4) SAE DIXIE are likely to challenge Jeongsang Dolpung for the early lead and can stay on until the business end of the race while (2) BIG THUNDER did nothing particularly wrong on debut and can improve.

Selections (9) Jeongsang Dolpung (3) Big Aurora (1) Cheongdam Queens (2) Big Thunder
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

With a 4th and a 2nd in her two starts to date (4) MASYA will be strongly favoured to finish on top here. In both those races, she’s come from well back and finished strongly and that’s what she’ll be looking to do here. Should she leave herself too much to do though, (10) HANSEN BAROWS can take advantage. He could well get an easy lead early on and that’s going to put pressure on the favourite. He could conceivably stay on all the way around. (1) THE FINAL has been 3rd in both her races so far, the latest at this distance and she has every chance of continuing that run today. (5) MACH SEUNGNI and (7) PALDO GANGTA looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Masya (10) Hansen Barows (1) The Final (7) Paldo Gangta
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 10 


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

A winner on his debut in November and then a close 3rd behind Sinui Myeongryeong and Mask in a valuable race on Christmas Eve, (6) COMPLETE SWEEP is strongly favoured. He made all in that first-time win and should be able to get on or close to the early speed today and should win. (11) SEUNGRI SIDAE was one-paced on his latest on a (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 26)

It’s Friday! It’s Busan! We have 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not a bad opener this. (2) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN debuted in October with a useful 3rd place at 1200M and looked competent enough when trialling up just last week alongside a set of decent horses and must have a chance here. (5) DANCING VICAR showed ability on her return just before Christmas and should be on the early pace here while (7) BAENGNYEON SIDAE has been close in each of his last four starts and could make the breakthrough today. (1) RANKING TOP has looked great in trials but less so on the racecourse so far. Still early days so we’ll give her another chance. (10) STORM GOLD showed ability in three outings and returns after almost a year out while (11) SAENURI CHOEGANG is worthy of some consideration following his 2nd place at the distance three weeks ago.

Selections (2) Gamdongui Sungan (5) Dancing Vicar (7) Baengnyeon Sidae (11) Saenuri Choegang
Next Best 3, 1, 10
Fast Start 1, 5, 11

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

(2) YUSEONG SPEED was a very solid 2nd on debut on December 30th beaten four lengths by Uju Daewang, who went on to confirm her ability by winning again at a higher class last week. She should be on or close to the pace here and is a warm favourite to win this time. There are some useful others though. (3) SINBIHAN BYEOL looked encouraging on debut a month ago behind a couple of decent types and can build on that today while David Miller’s (4) THUNDER STRUCK may have only managed 3rd when favourite at the distance in a different race on the same day but is worth another chance. A couple of debut-makers of note here in the shape of (5) MUCHO and (8) FELAROF. Both caught the eye in trials and it may be wort watching the market with them.

Selections (2) Yuseong Speed (3) Sinbihan Byeol (8) Felarof (5) Mucho
Next Best 4, 10, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 7, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

No fewer than six of these raced each other over the distance on December 31st. The filled placings 3rd through 8th in a filed of nine and it was (5) CHEOLBI who headed them finishing strongly but still five lengths adrift of a decent winner. That’s probably enough to make Cheolbi favourite here but she is a vulnerable one. (1) SEORABEOL YEOJE and (6) PEACE TOUR came home 4th and 5th in that race and both can look to improve with (more…)

Trial Reports (January 19/20)

20180120_104749-1

Seoul – January 19 (5 trials)

The track was running very slow at Seoul last Friday morning (and for much of the weekend) so times weren’t important but three-year-old gelding Jilpung Gangho (Hongji) looked comptent enough with an untroubled performances in heat 1, finishing on the bridle eight lengths ahead of eight other unraced three-year olds.

Sun Start (Gemologist) ran twice at the tail-end of last year without distinction and was subject to a warning having hung inwards last time out in December. The US import displayed marginally better manners running on to finish 1st in trial 2. Behind him eight unraced horses went around with four of them managing to qualify.

Japanese owner Mizutani Masateru has been the most successful foreign owner so far in Korea and his colt Two M Okay (Sharp Humor) looks like he knows what he’s doing with a very comfortable looking qualification. He’d previously trialled last September but looks a totally different prospect this time around. Leader’s Camp (Limitless Bid), who will be the ninth foal out of NZ bred Oktong-i to run in Korea, stayed with him throughout but was ridden more vigourously.

The latest “Blade” won trial 4. Meni Blade (Menifee) is a half-sister to Winner’s Glory (7 wins from 15) and will likely be well-backed when she debuts having run on pleasingly enough.

In the final trial of the morning, eight-year-old Space Port (Pleasant Tap), who last raced in December 2016, re-qualified. He’s won 5 of his 49 races with a further 10 runner-up finishes to his name. He finished 1st ahead of a number of others of varying experience and ability who were re-qualifying.

Busan – January 20 (3 trials)

Catch Nine (Eurosilver) took trial 1 by five lengths. She’s the first foal out of Easing Along mare Screwey. Eight of the nine entrants qualified from the heat in what was the first of three well-run trials and the only one to contain mostly unraced horses.

Miracle Iji (Parading) is a winner of 3 from 15 and last raced in May 2017. He’s moved to David Miller’s stable and having already re-qualfied in December, kept ticking over winning heat 2.

Baekmunbaekdap (Tapizar) was a $50,000 purchase from OBS last March and having had a few setbacks, the Kim Young Kwan-trained gelding finally trialled in the final heat. He looks good and finished alongside established class 1 winner Tongil Sidae (Munnings) in a fast time. Thunder Dome (Thunder Moccasin), winner of 2 from 8 so far, re-qualified having been sent back to trial following a disappointing showing when favourite at the end of last year.

 

 

 

Weekend Round-Up: Haeya Strikes At Busan But Choinma Stumbles on Season Debut At Seoul

Haeya sprinted her way to success for the 6th time in 12 career starts as the lightly raced five-year-old mare took victory in Sunday’s feature at Busan.

Haeya

Haeya, seen here at the Korea Sprint, was a fine winner on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

A good field assembled for the 1400M “Road To G1” contest on the South Coast with Haeya joined by big name sprinters such as Perdido Pomeroy and Drop The Beat. King Of Ace made his second start since returning from surgery while Macheon Bolt, 2nd in the Korea Sprint in 2016 also returned for the first time in almost a year. Diferent Dimension also made his first start since moving to the stable of Kang Byung Eun.

Not many of them went well. Neither King Of Ace nor Macheon Bolt looked fully ready while Diferent Dimension showed early but then faded. Perdido Pomeroy as ever set the pace but Haeya was always handy and under You Hyun Myung, she struck the front in the home straight, running on to win by a comfortable two and a half lengths. Outsider Stealth and Thomas Gillespie’s Party Again came home strongly late to take 2nd and 3rd.

Haeya [Flatter – Luxaholic (Macho Uno)] was 2nd in last year’s Ttukseom Cup and 3rd in the KNN Cup, both times behind Silver Wolf and looks set to be a contender in those and other big races up to a mile later in the year.

With victories in the Gyeonggi Governor;s and Gwacheon Mayor’s Cups followed by 2nd place to Ecton Blade in the Breeders’ Cup, Choinma was the biggest earning juvenile in Korea in 2017 and widely expected to play a big role in the Triple Crown series this year. He stepped up to 1700M for his first outing of 2018 at Seoul on Saturday and was sent off the prohibitive favourite in a class 3 handicap. It didn’t quite go to plan as not for the first time recently, a long-shot got on pace early and couldn’t be caught .

This time it was 45/1 Jeongan Kingdom who made all and while Choinam rallied late on, he was still a full two and a half lengths adrift in 2nd place on the line. It wasn’t the most auspicious beginning to his three-year-old career but it’s early days and conditions will likely be very different once we reach the KRA Cup Mile in April.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 21)

There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. The day’s feature is at Busan in the shape of a “Road To G1” event over 1400M which features the likes of Haeya, Perdido Pomeroy, Drop The Beat, Diferent Dimension and the returning Macheon Bolt. Only Seoul is on overseas simulcast so here are the capital’s previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) NEUL SACHAN is a rare runner by one of the most popular Korean racehorses of the early 2000s, Baekgwang and she looks a decent prospect too. 3rd on debut over 1000M a month ago running on nicely, she can benefit from the additional trip today and can win. Main danger is (3) RAON MIRACLE, who already has a 4th and consecutive 3rd place finishes at this distance. She’s not been quick but looks like she has a win in her at some point. (9) CHEON BYEOL and (11) FLYING HERA came home 6th and 6th respectively when they raced each other over the distance on December 16th. For both it was their second career start and for both it showed improvement and they can go close today. (8) SINUITAB is more experienced and while limited, she could match the 4th she managed behind Neul Sachan last time.

Selections (4) Neul Sachan (3) Raon Miracle (9) Cheon Byeol (11) Flying Hera
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 8, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field here but it’s nicely competitive. (8) EAST KINGDOM led for much of the way over this distance on what was his second career start on December 16th only to ultimately have to settle for 2nd place and he has every chance of going one better today. (3) DUSON WANGJA has been getting closer across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd at 1200M last time and should take to the additional half furlong well. Both outings so far for (4) RAON SIRIUS have been at this distance and his 3rd place last time was promising while (2) DREAM INDY steps up in trip following 3rd on debut over 1000M and maybe has a little more to find. (6) CHEON MONG, also up in trip after coming 2nd over 1000M when favourite last month, is another in the frame.

Selections (8) East Kingdom (3) Duson Wangja (4) Raon Sirius (6) Cheon Mong
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A class 6 winner at the distance on November and then a close 2nd on his first try at this class on Christmas Eve, (9) GEUMSUN YOU is the one to beat here. He was favourite last time but it was sloppy conditions and this time he should make no mistake. (11) SHARP KAYLAN has performed creditably in two goes at this level so far and steps back up the distance at which he registered his solitary victory to date and can push the favourite. (1) SISPUMA WINNER and (4) BROWN BOMBER enter having run 3rd and 4th over class and distance on December 17th and should be in the placing frame again with (6) MALAKAS, up in trip following an decent 2nd place over 1000M last month also in with a shot.

Selections (9) Geumsun You (1) Sispuma Winner (11) Sharp Kaylan (4) Brown Bomber
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 8, 9, 11, 12

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) THE QUEEN GRACE was an easy winner on debut back in September but her only start since then was in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup at the end of October. She didn’t go well, fading without trace in the closing stages, but returns here following twelve weeks off and provided she gets a good start – and she’s ideally drawn to do so – she can return to winning ways here. Not an easy race though and (4) GOLD LEG could thwart her. She almost led the whole way around in a similar contest over 1300M on Christmas Eve and dropping back to the minimum today, should be a threat. (1) MENI PARK showed some early talent but had a troubled 2017. She trialled up very nicely in December though and jockey booking catches the eye. (7) ROYAL ACE struggled last time but is worth another go in this company today while it’s a similar story for (8) NAMWON QUEEN.

Selections (6) The Queen Grace (4) Gold Leg (1) Meni Park (7) Royal Ace
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not exactly one to get the pulses racing this but at the same time, tricky enough to make it interesting betting-wise. None of these are very good but three of them did come home 2nd, 3rd and 4th over the distance on December 23rd. (5) NANGMAN STAR was the best of them that day, ahead of (3) WIDAEHAN BALJAGUK and (4) BAEKDU POWER but there was only a length separating them and all three should have a good chance of going close here. (2) SAMDA BULKKOT also comes in having been 3rd at the distance last start. He is a slow starter but has shown he’s capable of staying on and passing plenty late on and he could figure in the closing stages. However, the early pace should be set by (7) ONNURI ALBA. He was slowly away but ultimately ended up leading on his first try over this distance on December 9th. He finished 4th but showed the distance suits and given a more forward ride today, he could just be the one to win.

Selections (7) Onnuri Alba (2) Samda Bulkkot (3) Widaehan Baljaguk (5) Nangman Star
Next Best 4
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) GEUMA FORTE was a bit lacklustre last time but he’s a two-time winner at this distance, if not at this class and he does look the best in here. He’s run once a month since debut so may be in need of a spell, but he’s hardly alone in that and has every chance of winning this. Moon Se Young will give him a patient ride and look to swoop late. Trainer An Byung Ki had a great 2017 and while his 2018 has begun in ordinary fashion, his (6) ARGO AWESOME looks in the frame here. He returned from almost six months off to run 3rd over 1200M a month ago and looks ready to take on two turns for the first time, most likely leading from the gate. (4) SHUMA and (7) HAPPIEST are both up in class having run 1st and 3rd at the distance on December 16th. Shuma looks to have potential for more. Also up in class is (8) MAMBO KHAN. In his case he’s up in distance too but he’s won two from four so far and can be considered. On the other hand, (9) NALSSAEN GANGHO has only won one of his twenty-three previous starts but he looks to be coming into some form with 2nd place in a very similar class and distance race last time.

Selections (10) Geuma Forte (9) Nalssaen Gangho (6) Argo Awesome (4) Shuma
Next Best 8, 11, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 7: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Dare we put (4) REAL GULCH on top? She’s raced eighteen times prior to today and remains a maiden yet has finished 2nd on no fewer than six occasions – all of them within her last eight outings. They include last time at class and distance on December 16th when she beat 3rd place (5) HANBIT NARA (another win-dodger) by two lengths. We’ve said this a couple of times before but really, she’ll not get a better chance of a win. (10) PHOENIX HEART is up in class following his maiden win on what was his first try at the distance on Christmas Eve. He had to battle for it and should be competitive here. (3) LONG WAY returned from a three-month spell to run 5th at the distance last time and can improve today. (6) CHICAGO ART struggled in stiffer company than this last time but scored a good 2nd at the distance the time before. (8) JANGBI CHEONBOK is up in class following the narrowest of victories at this distance and while he probably has a bit to find, there’s not too much to fear here.

Selections (4) Real Gulch (10) Phoenix Heart (3) Long Way (6) Chicago Art
Next Best 8, 5, 2
Fast Start 1, 6, 9

Race 8: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

With a 3rd and two 2nd places from his three outings so far and beaten by decent types on each occasion, it’s time for (5) RICHARDOFNEWSTEAD to make his own breakthrough today. He should be leading from gate to wire. It’s hard to imagine him being beaten but (6) JANGSAN BEARS put in a creditable showing in 4th on debut and could improve. (7) USEUNG TEUKKI too didn’t do anything wrong on his first start. (8) MORFHIS has been a touch disappointing in two efforts so far despite relatively high expectations. It’s early days though and he should be looking for a to-date best finish here. There are a couple of debut-makers with (3) CHOEGANG GOSU looking the better of them in trials.

Selections (5) Richardofnewstead (8) Mofphis (6) Jangsan Bears (7) Useung Teukki
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 5, 7

Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

After a 4th place on debut in September, (7) ROAD WINNER has won two in a row by a combined nine-lengths. He’s up in class today and slightly in distance too but neither should be too much of an issue. He doesn’t lead early in his races, but he has a strong finish and he can complete a hat-trick of victories here. This is by no means a bad race though and it’s his stiffest test so far. (1) SAMJUNG TAPIT enters off back to back 3rd places at class and distance in similar strength contests and will surely play a role again. Likewise, (3) CHEONJAEILU’s recent form reads well. (4) MIGHTY SSING is up in class and distance and while he won’t be among the favourites, he should be on the early pace and could spring a surprise. Competing with him for the early lead is likely to be (10) YEOKJEONUI USEUNG, who is similarly up in class and distance following a smart victory over 1200M last month.

Selections (7) Road Winner (1) Samjung Tapit (3) Cheonjaeilu (10) Yeokjeonui Useung
Next Best 4, 11, 12
Fast Start 1, 4, 10, 11

Race 10: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

(1) DONGCHONUI ACHIM has had a bit of a stop/start career but he is a solid sprinter and while the 2nd place he achieved over 1200M in December was in one of the weakest class 1 races in recent times at Seoul, this one isn’t especially stiff either and he could well go one better. (5) TAEYANGWANG came back into form on his latest at this distance last month, beating (8) GANGSEONG DAEGUK in the proves. Both should be in the frame. (6) JANGSAN COWBOY steps back in trip and may benefit. (7) JEONMUHUMU won his last start at this distance in October and if he can get on the early lead, should be a threat. (9) BRIGHT CAT is up in class following a four-length win at the distance seven weeks ago. He’s very nicely weighted and he shouldn’t be out of his depth.

Selections (1) Dongchonui Achim (8) Gangseong Daeguk (5) Taeyangwang (6) Jangsan Cowboy
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 1, 7, 11

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

Competitive race to finish up with. (12) BEST TEN and (3) SCARLET WITCH came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at class and distance on November 18th. Neither have run since but both come in here looking to be leading contenders with Scarlet Witch marginally favoured to get on the early pace and go all the way. (1) SENTA POBA steps back in trip after enduring a chastening time at 1700M last month and should be much more comfortable today. (8) GWACHEONUI HAMSEON races for the first time since a strong 3rd in a better race than this n November and must be considered. The up in class (5) SIN DOLGYEOK is another in the frame.

Selections (3) Scarlet Witch (12) Best Ten (8) Gwancheonui Hamseon (1) Senta Poba
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 3, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 20)

Saturday racing at Seoul sees 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews: 

Race 1: Class 1 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not a strong race to begin with so we’re going to be looking for improvers. (9) POP STREET only finished 6th of 12 on debut at the end of November but it was a decent time in a reasonable race and came off the back of a good trial too. With Moon Se Young taking over in the saddle today, he’ll probably be favourite and for good reason. (5) SARYEONI THUNDER only beat one home in a poor showing last start but has had eight weeks off since and previously ran a decent enough 4th so can be considered for improvement. (7) POWER KOREA is more experienced and steps back in trip after a creditable effort over 1700M. He’s one-paced but if he gets a good start, could feature. Of the rest, (6) BARAM KING and (10) HUNTER HAWK look most likely.

Selections (9) Pop Street (5) Saryeoni Thunder (10) Hunter Hawk (7) Power Korea
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 8

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

Seven of the twelve are first-timer starters and we’ve some potentially good ones among them. All three of (1) RAON PRIMER, (7) BAEKSAN FORCE and (10) GULCHARMNAMSUP won their trials and look to be the leading contenders. The latter was the most visually impressive, so we’ll go with her but the other two have every chance as well. If we prefer ones who have already raced, (12) BEST CHAPEL and (8) BOEUNUI KKUM debuted together at the distance on December 23rd. In slow conditions, they came home 2nd and 4th respectively and both should be in the frame again. (11) STAR SOCKS was a full twelve lengths behind a good winner on her debut on Christmas Eve but nevertheless managed a good 3rd place and can can’t be completely ruled out.

Selections (10) Gulcharmnamsup (1) Raon Primer (12) Best Chapel (7) Baeksan Force
Next Best 11, 8
Fast Start 1, 10, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) WONDEFUL CHAMPION has gone well across four starts so far and while his best was on his debut, his 4th place last time out at class and distance stands him in good stead to make the breakthrough here despite the fact he’s coming in following ten weeks off. That race was a bit stronger than the one in which (9) SPECIAL STONE scored a really good 2nd place on debut the week before Christmas and she should be the main danger. (1) HUIMANGUI NALGAE and (8) RAON GANGHO came home 3rd and 4th in what was a (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 19)

There are 11 races at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) DAEDONG GISANG was a much improved 2nd when tried at this distance for the first time on December 22nd and shapes to figure here. (1) GHOST WARRIOR was well back in that race but got an unfortunate trip and can be given another chance having been close before. (5) SHARP BELL looked sharp when returning from six months out two weeks ago, running 3rd over 1000M. She’s back up to a distance at which she has performed well in the past and she looks in contention. (2) ADELE HERO steps back in trip and may improve after encouraging recent runs while (3) CHANGE KHAN raced three times without distinction last year and returns from six months off. Her barrier trial didn’t catch the eye, but the jockey booking does. There is one debut-maker, (6) GASOK SPEED. She was good in trials and has to be given a chance first up here.

Selections (4) Daedong Gisang (1) Ghost Warrior (6) Gasok Speed (5) Speed Bell
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 3, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) UNSEOK has improved over the course of three starts so far and beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over the distance last time. True, he was a long way back behind the winner that day, but that winner has gone on to strike again and Unseok looks the one to beat here. (3) WONDERFUL STORY and (4) YONGGU came hoe 5th and 6th that day and could improve but a bigger danger may be (7) BAEKDU JEONGGI. Thomas Gillespie’s colt has a 3rd and 4th from two starts so far and steps up in trip for the first time today and it may well suit. (2) I’M YOUR STAR will be expected to improve as well.

Selections (6) Unseok (7) Baekdu Jeonggi (2) I’m Your Star (4) Yonggu
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Not a strong race this so we’re going to give another chance to (4) RARARA. She could only manage 7th of 12 last time but it was a significantly stiffer contest than this and she had plenty of bad luck along the way. With a better trip today, she can win. (7) (more…)

J.S. Hold, First Korean Triple Crown Winner, Has Died

J.S. Hold, who in 2007 won the first ever Korean Triple Crown, has died. The 14-year-old passed away on January 6th from complications of colic on Jeju Island, where he had been living since his retirement in 2008. 

J.S Hold

J.S. Hold 2004-2018. Here winning the Minister’s Cup in 2007 (Pic: KRA)

J.S. Hold [Ft. Stockton – Hwansangjiljoo (Passetreul)] made his debut on Minister’s Cup day in October 2006 in the very first race on the card, a juvenile allowance over five furlongs. He finished 4th, a full fifteen lengths behind the winner Ganghomyeongjang. Although already, by Korean standards of the time, a physically impressive specimen, there were few indications that J.S. Hold would never be beaten again. His and Ganghomyeongjang had unfinished business.

The first win arrived a month later in a similar juvenile contest. Third in the betting, J.S. Hold went straight to the front this time and never looked back, winning by an eye-catching fourteen lengths. Another facile victory in December, this time a six-length score over Gi Ra Seong and Top Point, both of whom would go on to be multiple winners themselves, saw J.S. Hold head into 2007 as one of the favourites for the new Triple Crown.

The Triple Crown series, intended to bring more of a sporting aspect into racing in Korea, would take two existing contests on the calendar, the Ttukseom Cup and Minister’s Cup and make them into races for three-year-old domestic bred horses, joining the Korean Derby, which would be in its tenth year, as a Triple Crown.

By the time they got to the first race, the Ttukseom Cup over 1400M in April, J.S. Hold was hot favourite having added a further three easy victories between January and March up to the Derby distance of 1800M by a combined twenty-four lengths. It was evident, this was no normal Korean racehorse.

Second-favourite for the Ttukseom was Ganghomyeongjang, who since defeating J.S. Hold on what was both of their debuts, had managed to avoid him while accruing three more victories of his own. It was a mismatch. Moon Jung Kyun on J.S. Hold allowed Ganghomyeongjang to lead from the gate but went past him at the top of the stretch and eased away to a seven-length win.

The Korean Derby followed in May and it was expected to be a formality. It was but the manner of it was still astonishing. J.S. Hold left the field in the back straight and cantered home uncontested with the margin on the line eleven lengths. Ganghomyeongjang had to settle for 4th with Natural Nine and Namchonuijijon – who would both go on to have long and successful careers, in 2nd and 3rd.

With the Triple Crown being modeled at that time on the British version rather than the American, the final leg wasn’t until October, almost five months after the Derby. Accordingly, J.S. Hold was sent out in July against older horses. Chief among them Myeongmun Gamun, who would go on to win the President’s Cup twice, and Secret Weapon also firmly established in the Seoul elite. Punters sent J.S. Hold off as the odds-on favourite and he duly delivered. striking the front two furlongs out and romping away to win by five lengths.

It was then, however, that J.S. Hold, until now reasonably sound, began to experience leg problems which added to a nagging, if not serious, eye issue. Plans for a further prep race for the Minister’s Cup were shelved and it became touch and go as to whether he would make the big race itself. He made it and despite his problems being well-documented, began as long odds-on favourite, such was his perceived superiority. This time it wasn’t so straightforward.

The pace in the 2000M race was set, as expected by Ganghomyeongjang with J.S. Hold slowly away but improving up the back to move up into 2nd place at the top of the stretch but with still four-lengths to make up. This time though he didn’t cruise past Ganghomyeongjang as if he wasn’t there. This time Ganghomyeongjang was still very much there. Still there as they passed the furlong pole and still there at the 100M. J.S Hold was game though. With Ganghomyeongjang all out, Moon Jung Kyun found just a little more and the Ttukseom Cup and Derby winner finally got his nose in front just 30 metres from the line. He crossed it almost a length in front and history was made. J.S. Hold had won the Triple Crown.

He wasn’t fit though and his trainer later admitted that he probably shouldn’t have run. One month after the race, J.S. Hold was diagnosed with tendinitis and accordingly didn’t run in the President’s Cup (won by Myeongmun Gamun, who he had so easily defeated), or the Grand Prix, In fact, he never ran again, In June of 2008, he passed a qualifying trial and was entered in a Class 1 handicap but he never made it to the final declaration stage. In October of 2008, almost exactly one year after his great triumph, J.S. Hold returned to Seoul Racecourse on a race day to be officially retired. He and jockey Moon Jung Kyun cantering down the home straight and through the finish line to the exceptionally rare sound of warm applause from the assembled ranks of usually cynical punters (the full ceremony can be watched at this link).

What would happen to J.S. Hold began a welcome discussion into the care of retired racehorses in Korea. Prior to his retirement ceremony it was noted that with little interest in using Korean bred stallions – even a Triple Crown winner – for breeding, his future may not be secure and a minor uproar ensued in the local racing media. Guarantees were swiftly made for him by his owner, which were honoured, and he lived his remaining years in retirement on Jeju Island, covering a few mares each year until succumbing to illness at a sadly still relatively young age.  A handful of his progeny are racing today. The discussion that was started has  continued to the point where, almost ten years later, things still have a long way to go to be perfect and, like other places, horses’ post-racing fates still depend on what their owners can or will do for them, but the days of having to automatically fear the worst, are over.

J.S Hold 2

If I may conclude by being self-indulgent for a paragraph or three, J.S. Hold was the horse who got me into Korean racing. By the time of his Triple Crown, I had been living in Seoul for a couple of years and visited the racecourse every few weeks for a recreational punt but while admiring the gleaming facilities, I wasn’t especially impressed by the racing itself and preferred to spend most weekends watching football and getting my racing fix by punting on races back home.

Then J.S. Hold came along. I happened to be at the track during one of his prep races for the Ttukseom Cup and noticed that this was a very different beast to the usual lot. This was, to put it bluntly, a racehorse – something I might have seen at Newmarket (or at least Yarmouth). A few months later I was with a group of friends (yes, I did have some) on Minister’s Cup day and the moment he went past Ganghomyeongjang in the final strides was the moment I was hooked. This was racing – this was sport. A couple of weeks later I started this blog, the header image of which is still a picture taken that day.

J.S. Hold wasn’t the first superstar Korean-bred racehorse and in the years since others have come through, notably his successor in winning the new Triple Crown, Power Blade. But J.S. Hold was special and he won’t be forgotten.

Trial Reports: Jan 12/13 (Royal Ruby, Goliath Marine, Lucky Nova)

Seoul – January 12 (4 trials)

US import Malibu Bulpae (Malibu Moon) ran on very strongly to cross the line eight lengths ahead of the rest on what was a very cold morning in Seoul. He arrived in Korea last June and this was first time qualifying.

Argo Hwanggeumkkot (Louis Quatorze) blitzed his heat, finishing 12-lengths and two full seconds clear. The five-year-old got his solitary victory in January last year but struggled in six attempts at class 3 and last raced in September.

Class 2 horse Special Joy (Kitten’s Joy) won heat 3 easily but will need to do another starting test having been very slowly out of the gate. He last raced in September.

Cupid Lady (Peace Rules), sent back to trial having finished a tailed off last over 1800M in November, won the final heat comfortably. She’s won four of nine in total

Busan – January 13 (4 trials)

Turnpike (Corinthian) looked very comfortable winning his heat at Busan last Saturday. Peter Wolsley’s four-year-old has won 4 of 15 and last raced in September 2017. In the same trial, David Millar’s Sillaui Dalbam (Menifee) finished off nicely for 2nd. He last raced in August 2017.  They passed a tiring Black Shield (Einstein) who led from the gate. Kim Young Kwan’s three-year-old filly is yet to make her racing debut.

Lucky Nova (Vicar), who won four of her first five races between May and August last year re-qualified. She ran a close 2nd in her heat to Lucky Time (Street Hero) , who had a very promising season as a three-year-old in 2016 but suffered setbacks in 2017.

Goliath Marine (Volponi), 4th in the 2016 Grand Prix Stakes was sent out for a tune-up easily winning his heat. He last ran in the President’s Cup in November, his 8th of 9 completing a disappointing latter half of the year for him. Royal Ruby (Chapel Royal), 2nd in both the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby and 4th in the Minister’s Cup re-qualified in the same heat. He hasn’t raced since the final leg of the Triple Crown last July.

Three-year-old filly S S Young (Spicule) was a very comfortable winner of the first heat of the day, making all on the bridle. She is yet to race.

(Trials take place at Seoul Racecourse on Friday mornings and Busan Racecourse on Saturday mornings, commencing at 10:20am).