Month: March 2018

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 1)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews (Busan selections at bottom):

RH7_2659

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

(3) RAON SIRIUS looked to be making all over 1200M on February 25th, only to be comfortably overhauled by a good favourite and ending up in 2nd. Johan Victoire rode the winner that day and this time he can guide Raon Sirius to the front once more and potentially all the way. (6) GONG SAN was a promising enough 6th of 11 over this distance on debut a month ago and can come on for that here. Antonio Da Silva had a good March and he can get April off to a positive start on (2) KHENDUM POWER, who drops back in trip following a couple of decent efforts around 1700M while (9) BIG AURORA, who tries this trip for the first time, and (12) MIDAS CHIEF, who is one start into a comeback following nine months out, are others to consider.

Selections (3) Raon Sirius (6) Gong San (2) Khendum Power (12) Midas Chief
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After exceeding expectations with 3rd place on debut, (4) HANYANG GONGJU came up short when favourite on reappearance at 1300M on March 3rd. However, her 2nd place that day warrants another chance and she really should be getting it right this time. She’ll be strong favourite ahead of (5) O.K. DAY and (6) GARA GARA GA, both of whom have shown promise across two start each so far with the latter slightly favoured at this point. (3) LEADER’S CAMP didn’t disgrace herself when finishing 6th of 12 on debut at the end of February and may benefit from an additional furlong today while (11) GOLD STREET was an improved 4th when tried at further than the minimum for the first time on March 4th and can match or better that here.

Selections (4) Hanyang Gongju (3) Leader’s Camp (6) Gara Gara Ga (5) O.K. Day
Next Best 11, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

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

(6) HAMBAK MISO was sent off as the odds-on favourite on debut on March 3rd and duly obliged, winning comfortably over 1000M. He is up in class and distance today and should be competitive. He won’t be favourite, however, because (5) DOKDO JIGI returns for the first time since Christmas Eve. Dokdo Jigi was a fast winner on debut over 1000M before running 2nd to the very good Gaon Champ on reappearance in November. He was 5th of 8 in a very strong juvenile race on Christmas Eve before being diagnosed with a fetlock joint disease. Back now, if he is anything like he was before, he should win. (3) ROYAL BOKSUNI enters having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two and can be close again. (4) MONEY ZIF is up in class following a good win over 1300M a month ago and should figure at some point while (9) STRONG MAN has also shown ability at this class and should get close.

Selections (5) Dokdo Jigi (6) Hambak Miso (9) Strong Man (3) Royal Boksuni
Next Best 4, 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 5

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

(2) THE QUEEN GRACE was a touch disappointing running 6th of 12 when second-favourite over the distance on February 25th. That wasn’t a bad race though and she already has a 2d place to her name at class and distance and can go one better here. Speaking of 2nd place finishes, that’s fast becoming (3) CHEONJI BOBAE’s specialty, (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 31)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Maiden race in which four of the twelve are racing for the very first time and among them, there are a couple with the potential to win first-up. Both (2) MAGIC ROAD and (12) MYEONGJIN MAN looked very competent in trials. Magic Road is out of a dam who won seven of her fourteen races in Korea while Myeongjin Man is a Drosselmeyer colt who was imported in-utero. We are, however, going to come down on the side of racecourse experience and (11) HIN BYEOL ran on very nicely for 3rd on debut at the end of February and can come out on top today. The debut-makers look to be the main danger while (3) BROWN ROSE debuted in a stiffer contest than this and should improve for it. (9) SURFING POINT was bad on debut three weeks ago but trialled up well before that and can improve today.

Selections (11) Hin Byeol (12) Myeongjin Man (2) Magic Road (9) Surfing Point
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 8

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Hansen filly (11) GEOSEN MAPUNG got promoted to this level without a win but acquitted herself very nicely when finishing 3rd on February 25th at this distance with (5) GUREUM SONJITHAE some way back in 7th. She overcame gate 12 that day and can do similar again today. (4) CREMOA POWER is up in class following victory over 1300M all the way back in January. He’s had twelve weeks off since then and drops back to in trip but should be a threat. (7) DALDARI enters following 2nd and 3rd places in her two starts so far this year and may be considered while (12) HANIL MAGIC steps back in trip following two reasonably encouraging efforts at 1300M and can be in the placing frame.

Selections (11) Geosen Mapung (7) Daldari (4) Cremoa Power (12) Hanil Magic
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 11

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

Last weekend was a good one for David Breux and the French jockey can keep his winning form going here by riding (3) FLYING JOY to victory. The colt has been 3rd in each of his latest two and should be on the early speed here. (9) HADALRAE was an encouraging 4th on debut on March 3rd, making up a lot of ground in the closing stages. That was at 1000M and the step up in trip today should suit. (5) MORAN DONGBEAK has (more…)

Good Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 30)

There are 10 Friday races at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00. Here is the full horse-by-horse and race-by-race guide:

Power Blade Owners

Jockey Franco Da Silva could be among the winners at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

1. GOLDUI INYEON – First-time starter. Trialed adequately and top jockey booking.
2. MUCHO – Won a trial at the end of December but offered little in two starts so far. Should be on pace early.
3. TANGO AND TANGO – Didn’t do much on debut but comes in off 2nd and 3rd in latest two and can match those today.
4. HARVEST GOLD – Last of 12 on debut three weeks ago. Not yet.
5. BUGYEONG STORY – Debut-maker. Trialed ok but won’t be favoured first-up.
6. HANGIL – Much improved 2nd on fourth start a month ago, just beaten half a length in all-filly contest and a leading contender here. Top Jockey.
7. BAENGNYEON DAERO – Solid 3rd on debut at this distance in January but struggled at 1300M last time. Should be better dropped back in trip today.
8. CHEONJI GOLD – Slow in both starts so far and hard to argue for here.
9. FASHION WANG – Showed a bit of improvement last time but still a way to go. Likely to be on early speed.
10. THE FACT – First-timer. Didn’t catch the eye when trialing.
11. ROYAL RIVER – Showed some glimpses of ability across six starts so far with a best of 2nd. Hasn’t raced since 5th behind Baengnyeon Daero in January. Don’t ignore.
12. HIGH VALLEY – Offered few clues on debut twelve weeks ago. Watching brief here.

STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE:

Race 1 TANGO AND TANGO 20180309 R1 jumped awkwardly, shifted outwards and bumped

Verdict: Reasonably competitive maiden to open with. We’ll come down slightly on the side of (6) HANGIL, who showed significant improvement when 2nd last start and with a little more today can win. (3) TANGO AND TANGO overcame a poor start last time to run on well for 3rd and should be in the frame again while (7) BAENGNYEON DAERO showed some ability at this distance on debut and should be better today following a chastening experience in stiffer company over 1300M last month. (11) ROYAL RIVER returns for the first time in ten weeks having not been too far away in four of six starts and looks a contender too.

Selections (6) Hangil (7) Baengnyeon Daero (3) Tango And Tango (11) Royal River
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 2, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

1. SAEROUN BOMUL – Two 3rd places, including last time when she led before weakening to 3rd. First try at further than the minimum.
2. SEUNGNI DAEJANG – Trained by South African Bart Rice, he had a 4th and 3rd in two starts so far. Up in trip for the first time and with strong claims.
3. SAKISAKI – Two 3rd places at 1000M and ran creditably in a good race at 1300M last start. In the frame.
4. TOP HERO – Last on debut in December in a slow time so sent back to trial. Looked much better when requalifying earlier this month but hard to recommend first up.
5. SIMON MAGIC – Decent 3rd of 7 at 1300M behind a couple of useful ones on debut on March 2nd. Not impossible here.
6. I’M YOUR STAR – Ran well on debut at this distance last October and he’s been closer than his results suggest in his three since. Back up to 1200M today, he has a chance.
7. AGUILENA – Stable-mate of Simon Magic. Debut-maker who trialed in acceptable fashion. Top jockey.
8. BAEKDU MYEONGWOL – A 5th and a pair of 4ths so far. Should get on the early speed here and can play a role in the finish. Stablemate of Top Hero.
9. FELICE – Stablemate of Seungni Daejang, he debuts here having looked useful in a trial two weeks ago. He led for much of it and will probably try to lead here too.
10. HUNTER PARK – A first-timer, it took him three trials to qualify and we’ll take a watching brief first-up.
11. WHIPLASH MARINE – Much improved on second start two weeks ago when 4th of 8 at this distance. 4th would be a realistic target again.

STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE

Race 2 NIL      

Verdict: This maiden race is restricted to three-year-olds hence the enhanced prize money. Bart Rice’s (2) SEUNGNI DAEJANG has run on well in both his two outings so far and the extra furlong today could suit him and accordingly we’ll make him the slight pick. (5) SIMON MAGIC looked competent when 3rd on debut earlier this month and can build on that here while (6) I’M YOUR STAR’s performances have been better than the raw form suggests. He returns to this trip for the first time since a strong showing on debut and can go close here. (3) SAKISAKI and (8) BAEKDU MYEONGWOL are others who should come under consideration.

Selections (2) Seungni Daejang (5) Simon Magic (3) Sakisaki (6) I’m Your Star
Next Best 8, 9, 1
Fast Start 1, 8, 9, 11

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

1. GOLDEN AGE – Best of 2nd from fifteen outings to date. 3rd at 1000M in February but didn’t impress last start. Minor money hopes here.
2. GIPPEUM SARANG – Hasn’t been getting any closer in recent starts. First try at 1300M today.
3. VIP KING – Inconsistent but has shown ability. Top jockey gets on today and if he gets a first start – which he has drawn well to do – he has a chance.
4. HANEOLUI BIT – Not impressed in two efforts so far.
5. SERENDIPITER – Shown nothing at all from eight outings. Big outsider.
6. GANGHAN JILJU – Improved 3rd on first try at this trip last time. Likely 2nd-favourite here.
7. CHIEF LEADER – She’s been getting closer across three starts so far. The one who beat her last time went on to run a very good 2nd last week at a higher class and she should win.
8. SEORABEOL YEOJE – Best of 3rd from eleven starts came at this distance in January. Disappointed last time when favourite (see Stewards) but probably worth another chance.
9. GEODAEHAN WONSEOK – Bit of a wildcard. He’s not done much across an interrupted career to date but looked sharp in a trial two weeks ago. Watch the market.
10. GURI TOWER – Well back behind Chief Leader last time and came back lame. Lots to find.
11. YEONGGWANGUI CHIC – First start since last October. She’d run well prior to the layoff and trialed up well in a heat made much faster than normal by Triple Nine. In the placing hunt.
12. WIRE BAND – First start since last June. Trialed up alongside Yeonggwangui Chic but she can’t be backed first-up.

STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE

Race 3 GIPPEUM SARANG 20180309 R2 bumped near 350
HANEOLUI BIT 20180202 R3 buffeted between horse near 800
SERENDIPITER 20180309 R2 slow to begin and jumped awkwardly with its head up
CHIEF LEADER 20180302 R3 bumped at start – bumped 450
SEORABEOL YEOJE 20180223 R3 jumped awkwardly, shifted inwards and bumped the side of its barrier – When questioned about performance, rider said he was instructed to lead and had to work hard early in the race to obtain that position as a result when he applied pressure to the horse in the home straight, it failed to respond and proved disappointing
GURI TOWER 20180302 R3 hung outwards rounding the turn from the 900 metres WARNING – horse was sensitive in the mouth and when attempting to keep the horse straight, it got its head up on several occasions – post race vet lame left hind

Verdict: (7) CHIEF LEADER looks very much the one to beat here. She was 2nd behind Gemsuryeong, who went on to contend a photo-finish with Great Rock at class 5 last week. She’s shown progression across each of her three starts to date and it shouldn’t take much more to win this, probably leading all the way. (6) GANGHAN JILJU is also (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 25)

Silver Wolf headlines Seoul’s feature while Today, Doraonpogyeongseon and Perdido Pomeroy face off at Busan on a big Sunday of racing in Korea. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Silver Wolf Donga

Last year’ Champion Filly/Mare Silver Wolf won February’s Donga Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) JUNGLE BEAT ran very nicely for 2nd place on debut three weeks ago and Simon Foster’s filly looks hard to beat in this maiden for three-year-olds. She can set up camp just behind the early lead and if she runs like she did first-up, should be too strong late on. (9) HANSEN VOLT has shown some ability across two starts so far and should be looking to at least match the 3rd place he scored on his second outing a month ago. He’s another who perhaps won’t be the quickest out of the gate but can finish well. (12) FRENCH STAR looked competent enough on debut running 6th of 12 behind Hansen Volt and can improve today. (10) SANTOS and the solitary first-timer, (11) STAR LIST look to be others to follow.

Selections (2) Jungle Beat (9) Hansen Volt (12) French Star (10) Santos
Next Best 11, 4, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens again, this time with two debut-makers and both look to be in with a decent chance first-up. (7) MENI BLADE won a trial back in January ahead of (9) TAEWANG SINHWA, who went on to race encouragingly first-up. She should be on the early speed here and should be a threat. The other first-timer is (10) SMARTY BLUE, who showed at the front in his trial and ran on well enough to suggest he has a chance too. If racecourse experience is preferred, then (6) HAENGBOK STAR looks to be the pick. He was 4th on debut at 1000M a month ago but the margins were not huge, and he ran on nicely suggesting that the extra furlong today will be in his favour. (2) MERLIN and (8) ADELE JEONGSANG are others who may improve.

Selections (6) Haengbok Star (7) Meni Blade (10) Smarty Blue (8) Adele Jeongsang
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 10

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

It’s about time (8) MIGHTY COOL won a race. She’s zero for thirteen but recent performances suggest she has one in her and it could well be today. She was a decent 3rd last time in what was by no means a good race, but it was stronger than this and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can finally get off the mark. (5) RUN AWAY was behind Mighty Cool that day and she too remains a maiden. She is inconsistent but, in this company, should be looking to at least place. (9) GANADORA looks the greater threat though. She’s only raced four times so far and has shown promise with a 2nd and 3rd place at 1300M and 1700M respectively in her latest two. She’s likely to be on the early speed here and can go very close. (7) SEOUL STAR and (11) MAJJABEUN SON are others in at least the hunt for places.

Selections (8) Mighty Cool (9) Ganadora (5) Run Away (11) Majjabeun Son
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 7, 9, 12

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

(2) WONDERFUL JACKPOT was 3rd in both the Gyeonggi Govenor’s and Gwacheon Mayor’s Cups last autumn, Seoul’s top two juvenile races, before trying his luck in the Breeders’ Cup, the nation’s biggest race for two-year-olds, in December. That latter effort didn’t go well, and he’s not raced since but returns here with an excellent chance of making his way back to the winner’s circle. This is the distance at which he got his only win to date and he can settle behind the early speed and come through in the latter part (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 24)

Saturday racing at Seoul sees 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Twelve maidens to kick us off. (2) SPEED YEOWANG registered her second career 3rd place finish last time out beating a couple of these in the process. It was a full eight-weeks ago so she comes in relatively fresh and has as good a chance as any of making the breakthrough here. (7) UN SEO was one of those beaten that day, but she ran well enough on reappearance at the end of February to suggest that she can come under consideration here. (5) GEOBOOGI MANSE and (6) HWANSANGUI BIT have both hinted at the potential to put in a good performance and can go well. The latter is likely to be on the early speed alongside (8) YOLO, who improved on his second start a month ago and can continue to make progress today.

Selections (2) Speed Yeowang (5) Geoboogi Manse (8) Yolo (7) Un Seo
Next Best 6, 10
Fast Start 2, 6, 8

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

More maidens but this time it is restricted to three-year-olds. (6) BAEKDUUI JEONGSANG enters after back to back 3rd place finishes, both at this distance, and looks the one to beat here, most likely looking to lead all the way. (9) CLEAN UP SECRET ran a good 3rd back at the beginning of January, beating Baekduui Jeongsang, and was set to be well backed when scheduled to face that one again in February. He had to be scratched as some blood was found in his nostrils prior to the race but nothing else was wrong with him and he returns here for a stable that is having its horses come into form. (1) SEONGAM JEUNE was a decent 4th on debut on February 25th, beating four of these in the process and should beat plenty again, while (2) MASYA already has a 2nd place to his name at the distance and can at least aim to match today.

Selections (6) Baekduui Jeongsang (9) Clean Up Secret (2) Masya (1) Songam Jeune
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 4, 6, 8

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

(10) WOOSEORA ICHEON ran well for 2nd at class and distance on February 25th, beating a couple of these along the way. His win came at this distance too and while he will want to get on speed early and will need to overcome the wide draw, he is capable of winning this. (12) SIMCHEONG SADAL was 5th in that race, about three lengths behind Wooseora Icheon, continuing a decent run of form and he can get closer today with the wide gate less of an issue than for the favourite. Another one draw wide, (11) MALAKAS can also go better than recent finishes suggest, facing slightly softer company today than in his latest couple of starts. Three horses step up in class today, two of them, (8) BANGGEUT BANGGEUT and (9) FIRST QUEEN, following maiden wins at this distance. Of the pair, (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 23)

The weekend’s Korean racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens only here and ten of the are racing for the very first time. While we often value actual racing experience in these kinds of contests we’re going to make an exception here and focus on the newcomers. Fastest in trials was (8) TAEYANGUI CHUKJE. He looked very much like he knew what he was doing and with the champion jockey up is sure to be well-backed. (4) SUN DAY will have plenty of followers too. From Kim Young Kwan’s stable, she was no better than average in her trial but is a half-sister to Today, a stablemate who has won a remarkable nine of eleven starts so far. (7) USEUNG TICKET is also a half to a couple of very useful types and despite the unfashionable connections, trialled up competently and should come under consideration. (1) MIRACLE ALICE and (3) BICHUI HAENGJIN have also caught the eye in trials. As ever with so many first-timers, keep an eye on the market.

Selections (8) Taeyangui Chukje (4) Sun Day (1) Miracle Alice (7) Useung Ticket
Next Best 3, 2
Fast Start 1, 7, 8

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

Another maiden for three-year-olds although this time all of them have raced at least once before. With a 2nd and a 3rd from two outings to date, (7) CHEONHA GAMDONG looks the one to beat here. Both have been at this distance and he ran on very nicely for 2nd a month ago in what really looks like stiffer company than this and it shouldn’t take much improvement to see him home on top today. (1) BAEKDU BAEKHO races for the first time in 21 weeks. While he finished 2nd in that latest start in October, he raced extremely ungenerously and was banned for three months with a requirement to pass two consecutive trials before being allowed to race again. It took him no fewer than seven trials to satisfy that requirement and today we’ll see if it was worth it. He really should get a quite easy early lead today and if he behaves himself, we know he has the talent. (6) WINNING AGAIN also raced rather greenly on what was his 3rd start three weeks ago but ran well enough in 2nd and should improve here. (2) CHEOLBI and (8) GRAY STORM both have a little more experience and both have proven themselves competitive in this company at least.

Selections (7) Cheonha Gamdong (1) Baekdu Baekho (6) Winning Again (2) Cheolbi
Next Best 8, 11
Fast Start 1

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

Another maiden although this time it isn’t restricted to three-year-olds. (6) USEUNG TEN already has a pair of 3rd places at this distance to his name. He perhaps would have finished a little better than he did last time had he not hung outwards rounding the turn and if Kim Cheol Ho can keep him focused here, he has a good chance of ending his spell at class 6 with a win. (4) MAJOR ALPHA overcame a tardy start to run a much improved 2nd at 1000M on March 2nd. He’s up in trip for the first time today and based on that evidence, it may suit. (2) MY TIME hasn’t been too far away in his latest couple and should get close again while (7) TESTA MAGIC and (8) BELLAMY GONGJU have both hinted at some ability so far and can improve today.

Selections (6) Useung Ten (4) Major Alpha (2) My Time (8) Bellamy Gongju
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 4, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Small field here and (4) TEXAS SIDAE stepped up to this distance on February 23rd and ran a very solid race, showing at the front before eventually finishing in 4th. He can get to the front again today and this time can hold on. (5) BIG RED IJI has been improving (more…)

Triple Nine & Clean Up Joy Are Winners Again at Busan & Seoul

Two of Korea’s most popular horses returned to the winner’s circles at Busan and Seoul yesterday with Triple Nine and Clean Up Joy prevailing in valuable Sunday handicaps.

Three-time President’s Cup winner Triple Nine had put in a strong effort in December’s Grand Prix Stakes, trying to counter early leader Cheongdam Dokki but ultimately finished 3rd behind stablemate and rival Power Blade. Following three months off, he returned to action on Sunday in the 2000M “Road To Group 1” feature on the south coast.

The race attracted a strong line-up and Triple Nine had to work for his win, with You Hyun Myung sitting towards the back of the field as the early pace was set, inevitably, by Success Story. Although he had plenty of traffic to negotiate in the home straight, the gap did open up and Triple Nine, carrying 60kg, ran on nicely to win by two lengths. Buhwarui Banseok, who also ran so well in the Grand Prix, came home in 2nd place ahead of Good Casting who, a disappointing effort over 2200M last month aside, has been a revelation in recent months.

It’s a good start to the season for the now 6-year-old Triple Nine which will likely have a bid an unprecedented fourth President’s Cup and another tilt at the so-far elusive Grand Prix as its ultimate targets.

Clean Up Joy has already won a Grand Prix, having been victorious in 2016’s season finale when he beat Triple Nine by just over a length. Although his 2017 started strongly with three consecutive wins, including in the YTN Cup, he lose his way a little in the second half of the year.

A chastening experience when not looking 100% in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in the summer was followed by 3rd place for Clean Up Joy in the KRA Cup Classic, a race he’d won in each of the two previous seasons as three-year-olds Cheongdam Dokki and New Citadel announced their arrival on the elite scene. He could then only run 7th in the Grand Prix before beginning 2018 with another defeat at the hands of Cheongdam Dokki.

Clean Up joy had a significantly simpler task then Triple Nine, facing only six rivals in Seoul’s “Road To G1” event. Such was his rating superiority that all of them were out of the handicap and accordingly carried 52kg to Clean Up Joy’s 60kg. Under Park Tae Jong, he hit top gear at the two furlong pole and cruised away for a visually impressive seven-length score.

There will be tougher tests to come.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Clean Up Joy/Triple Nine – Race-By-Race Preview (March 18)

The big names are out on Sunday with Clean Up Joy and Triple Nine headlining feature handicaps at Seoul and Busan respectively. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the Seoul previews with Busan selections below:

Clean Up Joy GP

Clean Up Joy won the 2016 Grand Prix Stakes and should return to the winner’s circle at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off. (9) J.S. STORM was favourite for his latest start on February 10th but ended up in 4th place. However, he’s never finished worse than 5th in his five starts to date and has a good chance of getting it right today. He should be on the early speed. (2) STAR SOCKS has shown promise in her two efforts so far, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and she should be in the frame again. (3) ARGO GALLOPER improved   into 3rd on what was his fifth outing on February 3rd and looks as though he is finally figuring things out. (8) CHEONGANG SEONG debuted all the way back in July of last year running a very encouraging 3rd. Injuries affected him afterwards though and he’s not been seen since. He returned to training at the beginning of this year and trialled up well back at the end of January and could be interesting first-up today. (1) TAMNA YEOSIN, stepped back to the minimum today, looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) J.S. Storm (8) Cheongang Seong (2) Star Socks (3) Argo Galloper
Next Best 1, 10
Fast Start 1, 8, 9, 10

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

Another set of three-year-olds. (10) JANGSAN WILD was favourite on debut on February 3rd following a couple of very promising trial showings. He ran well although never looked like catching the winner and of he has come on a bit for that run, he should be hard to beat today. (2) HALLA DAERO and (9) QUEEN FORCE ONE also put in creditable, if slightly less impressive debuts, both running 5th of 12 in their respective races and both have something to build on here. (4) SAE DIXIE and (6) SPECIAL WINNER are the only two in the race to have raced more than once. Both have a good result in their form too – a 2nd for Sae Dixie last October and 3rd for Special Winner in January – and both should be in the hunt to match that here. There are two debut-makers but neither (5) EUNICE nor (8) WHO ARE YOU caught the eye in trials.

Selections (10) Jangsan Wild (9) Queen Force One (2) Halla Daero (4) Sae Dixie
Next Best 11, 6
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 11

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

Maiden fillies only here and it’s not strong but it is competitive. (2) DANCING BLADE took a long time to get going on debut on February 3rd but once she did, she began to pass a few and given the extra furlong and a half today, that may be enough to have her as top pick here. (3) HUIMANG STAR and (6) GEUMBIT HWANHYANG have both hinted at some ability across their races so far, both having a 4th place at this distance as their best. Neither are quick starters and in their respective latest outings, they both left themselves too much to do but should be looking to go much better here. (1) CHAMP STORM also has a 4th to his name at the distance while (4) ORANGE SOCKS steps back up to this trip and may improve today. The wildcard is (5) BOEUNUI KKUM, another who has started slowly in races so far but today, for the first time, gets the chance to run at further than the minimum distance.

Selections (2) Dancing Blade (3) Huimang Star (5) Boeunni Kkum (6) Geumbit Hwanhyang
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 4, 8, 9

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

(3) JI SEONI was a bit of a disappointment when favourite at class and distance last time, getting herself into a good position in the straight but not kicking on and ending up in 4th. She’s had a couple of months off since then and has every chance of putting things right today. She should lead from the gate. (11) JAELONGI remains a maiden but has three 2nd places and two 3rds to his name now with two of those 2nd places being at this class and distance including last time and he looks the most likely candidate to beat the favourite. (1) SHANGHAI PANGPANG remains a maiden after twenty-six starts but drops back in trip from 1700M and this is the kind of race in which she can challenge for the places while (9) PERFECT LOVER has similarly been around the block a few times and while it’s been a long time since he finished better than 5th, he could get a bit closer today. (7) I B S MAN looks to be getting to grips with this class and steps up to this distance for the first time.

Selections (3) Ji Seoni (11) Jaelongi (7) I B S Man (9) Perfect Lover
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 1, 3, 11

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

A good winner at 1300M in December, (10) LEONNING STROM was 3rd behind (12) BOLD SHINING on reappearance in January. He returns after two months off today dropped back to the minimum distance at which he was 2nd on debut and with strong claims to return to the winner’s circle. Bold Shining can be a threat too although he has raced once that day without distinction and perhaps has more to find. (9) LUCKY ROOKIE has a win and 2nd from two efforts to date, both at this distance and looks to be the main danger although the front-running performances to date of (8) SUN BOLT put him in the frame too. Besides Bold Shining, (1) JEONGSANG MUJEOK is another who can get close. She is without a win in three attempts to date but has performed well in all three and led for much of her last start until succumbing for 2nd in the closing stages.

Selections (10) Leonning Strom (9) Lucky Rookie (8) Sun Bolt (1) Jeongsang Mujeok
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 1, 6, 8

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

Aussie trainer Simon Foster saddled his first Korean winner last Sunday with a longshot, but he’ll have a far more fancied one here. Aussie import (4) LOVELY HELMET is a first-timer starter but put in an eye-catching trial two weeks ago. If she brings that kind of form to the track in the afternoon, she has every chance of making a winning debut. The other twelve half all raced at least once before and among them, (6) JANGSAN BEARS, 4th in all three of his starts so far, looks the most appealing in terms of making a breakthrough. The competition doesn’t look as stiff today as it was in any of those and he’ll be a danger, likely from the front. More experienced is (10) DALLYEORA LEO and her recent form reads well, again in marginally tougher company than today and she can get close too. (7) BADA CHIEF raced three times last Summer before enduring a lengthy layoff. He returned to action with an encouraging 4th of 10 at 1000M five weeks ago and can build on that here. (2) ONE GATE ran on nicely on debut at the end of January over 1000M and may appreciate a bit more distance today.

Selections (4) Lovely Helmet (6) Jangsan Bears (10) Dallyeora Leo (7) Bada Chief
Next Best 2, 8, 9
Fast Start 3, 6, 9, 12

Race 7: Class 3 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

A winner of four from five so far, including his latest two, (8) GEUMAK YEOJE steps up in class and in distance. He wasn’t especially well-fancied last start but did win over 1200M at class 5 last Summer (he was off for five months later in the year) and while this is his toughest test to date, he could well come through it. The main danger is (1) FACT HEAVENS and she will probably start as favourite. While she was beaten by both (4) GOLD HORAH and (6) CHEONGSANGUI BYEOL last October, she has bounced back very well, finishing 3rd in both her subsequent starts in tougher company than this. Given the draw and today’s small field, she can be expected to be on the early pace and can win. While Cheongsangui Byeol has gone cold since that October race, Gold Horah has pushed on nicely and should be in the frame while (2) SHARK RUN, who has had a bit of a stop-start career so far, also looks nicely in with scope for improvement.

Selections (1) Fact Heavens (8) Geumak Yeoje (4) Gold Horah (2) Shark Run
Next Best 5, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 8

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

(11) GEOM HAENG stepped up to this trip after getting his maiden win at 1300M in January. He did well at it too, just missing out on 3rd by a neck in a similar strength race to this. He can have come on for the experience and could be the one to beat here. Aussie import (4) JINGYEOGUI TYRANNO has also taken very well to this distance, registering 2nd place in both attempts at it so far. The Uncle Mo Colt has led in both those until the closing stages and returning from a twelve-week layoff, could stay on all the way this time. (2) FANTASTIC COMBI stayed on well on his first try at the distance a month ago; he just left it far too late. Likely ridden further forward earlier today, he’ll get closer. (3) SEOUL TANK pulled off an all-the-way win at the distance in January. He couldn’t get to the front from a wide draw on his return last month but from gate 3, will be sure to try and pull off the same trick here. (5) JISANGMYEONGRYEONG, behind Seoul Tank the day he gave them all the slip, looks best of the rest.

Selections (11) Geom Haeng (4) Jingyeogui Tyranno (2) Fantastic Combi (3) Seoul Tank
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 3, 4, 10

Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Hard to look past (7) CLEAN UP TEUKGEUP here. A winner of two from five, he’s comfortably beaten three of these in his latest two races, both at this distance, and he should win easily today, most probably making all. (1) MONSTER QUEEN was 3rd behind Clean Up Teukgeup last time and has four lengths to make up today but looks to have a good chance of the places again while (6) ROCKET ROAD steps all the way up to this trip for the first time after a couple of good showings at 1000M in his latest two and could be interesting. (2) NEW WHY FI returns to action for the first time in over six months. He departed the scene a winner at the distance last August so has to be taken seriously and performed competently in his requalifying trial. (4) CHEONJI GONGSA, behind Clean Up Teukgeup and Monster Queen last time, could challenge for minor money.

Selections (7) Clean Up Teukgeup (1) Monster Queen (6) Rocket Road (2) New Why Fi
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 2, 7, 9

Race 10: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 150 Million

(7) CLEAN UP JOY should return to winning ways here. The 2016 Grand Prix winner hasn’t actually won a race since last May although he has, as ever, only been lightly campaigned since. On his one start of 2018 so far, he ran 2nd to Cheongdam Dokki at this distance after things were set up for him to mount a late challenge by stable-mate Shamrocker, but he shouldn’t need any assistance here. He puts all the others out of the handicap so he’s giving 8kgs to them all, but it shouldn’t matter. (6) HEUNGRYONG looks next best, having been consistently good at both sprint and distance races recently and he tries 2000M for the first time. (5) CHEONMA and (4) CHEONJEOK best of the rest although they really ought to be battling over 2nd place.

Selections (7) Clean Up Joy (6) Heungryong (5) Cheonma (4) Cheonjeok
Next Best 3
Fast Start 1, 6

Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(3) HWANGGEUM SORI beat four of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance behind Winner Gold on February 10th. That was his second consecutive 2nd place having finished runner-up somewhat unexpectedly to (10) BLUSHING VOW in January. A fast finisher, Hwanggeum Sori can settle behind the early lead and could be too strong late on. (6) KOREA JEONGSANG was 3rd behind Hwanggeum Sori in that race a month ago and can get close today too. (11) JEONSEUNG DAESE steps back in trip following a really good 3rd place at 1800M last time suggesting he may be coming back into form while (12) PENACOVA similarly steps back to a sprint distance which he finished 3rd at last time he attempted it. (8) HOWIMUSA absolutely blitzed a trial two weeks ago, completing the five furlongs in an almost unheard of (and generally unnecessary) for the morning one-minute flat. This is his first race for exactly fifty-one weeks although he did trial sporadically in the latter half of last year. It should be an interesting first race back and we’ll make him the wildcard.

Selections (3) Hwanggeum Sori (6) Korea Jeongsang (8) Howimusa (11) Jeonseung Daese
Next Best 12, 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 5, 9, 11

Busan Selections

Race 1: 7, 2, 3, 5
Race 2: 2, 1, 8, 4
Race 3: 9, 10, 5, 3
Race 4: 3, 4, 8, 9
Race 5: 11, 8, 2, 10
Race 6: 2, 1, 4, 9

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 17)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00:

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

(7) POWER KOREA races for the first time since January when he registered a 2nd place over 1000M in his best finish from eleven starts to date and today could be his day, most likely ridden from the front. The two main dangers are both returning from lengthy absences. (1) BLUE ANNA ran twice last summer with a best finish of 2nd before her setback. She trialled well at the start of this month and can be taken seriously here. (10) MISS MOUNTAIN got to race just the once all the way back at the beginning of March of last year before suffering a chip fracture. She did well in that one appearance, showing on pace and finishing 2nd. She requalified last November but had further setbacks and finally returns today. Both the returnees are in with a shout in this modest contest. (9) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE can build on a competent enough debut a month ago while (11) RAON PRO SENSE has hinted at ability across five starts to date and can improve here.

Selections (7) Power Korea (10) Miss Mountain (1) Blue Anna (9) Neungryeok Sidae
Next Best 11, 3
Fast Start 1, 7, 8, 11

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

(8) EAST KINGDOM began his career well with a 3rd and a 2nd at the tail-end of last year and while he was underwhelming on his 2018 debut, only beating a couple home at this distance back in January, he comes in here fresh after eight weeks out and can return to form. (6) SEUNGRI PLUS hasn’t been too far away in four outings so far and can continue that record here, most likely leading from the gate. (5) BAEKDUI TAEYANG should be on speed too. He was beaten by East Kingdom on what was both their debuts back in October but has since registered a 4th place at the distance and can come under consideration. (4) MAIN EVENT has shown little so far but his stable is in good form and an upturn is possible while (9) ADELEUI KKUM’s 3rd place last start may have been slow and a long way behind a good winner but was certainly an improvement and can be built on here.

Selections (8) East Kingdom (6) Seungri Plus (5) Baekdui Taeyang (9) Adeleui Kkum
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 5, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here and while even for the level it’s not a strong race, it is competitive. We’re going to give another chance to (3) AMENDA. Following her maiden win in December she began the year with a solid 2nd place at class and distance before disappointing when odds-on favourite last month. She sweated up that day and began poorly which ruined her race. She’s not a very bold sort but if Park Tae Jong can get her in the right position early, she can beat these. (10) AMARONE did ok on her first attempt at this level a month ago, finishing 5th but not too far off 3rd. Her maiden win also came at this distance and she should be in the frame here too. (9) GEUMA THUNDER had such a torrid time last start she was sent back to trial for being so slow. She was anything but slow when romping the resulting trial and comes into contention here on what will be her first try at this distance. Continuing the theme of poor latest showings, (2) BULHUUI SEUNGJA finished well back but in her defence, it was a much tougher race than this and she should improve today. The time before she ran 2nd at class and distance beating (8) STAR PERFECT who was 3rd. The latter has run three times since then with mixed results, the (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 16)

Promising filly Rainha will step out for the fourth time at Busan Racecourse on Friday seeking to maintain her 100% record as she moves up in class in the 1600M race 9. There are a total of 10 Friday races at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00.

You In Kwen

Jo In Kwen & You Hyun Myung

Trained by Kim Young Kwan, Rainha is owned by Shunsuke Yoshida and her dam is Allwise (Mr. Greeley) who had three foals in Japan before being relocated to Nokwon Farm on Jeju Island in late 2014 while in foal to Gold Allure. That resulting foal was Rainha. In the meantime, her filly by Heart’s Cry, born a year earlier and called Historia, last November won the TVK Sho at Tokyo Racecourse and now boasts a record of three wins from nine starts in the JRA. Rainha is already a winner over a mile having sauntered home by four-lengths on her first try at the distance last month and she’ll be strong favourite again.

Rainha is one of several winning chances on the card for jockey You Hyun Myung. He’ll be expected to go close too with Nangnam Jeonsa in race 5 and Triple Party in race 10. Jo In Kwen looks to be the man to follow though and he can get favourite backers off to a good start with Christiano in race 1 while later on, Wonderful Memory should be hard to beat in race 3 as should Choegang Bullet in race 7. Here’s the race-by-race.

Trained by Kim Young Kwan, Rainha is owned by Shunsuke Yoshida and her dam is Allwise (Mr. Greeley) who had three foals in Japan before being relocated to Nokwon Farm on Jeju Island in late 2014 while in foal to Gold Allure. That resulting foal was Rainha. In the meantime, her filly by Heart’s Cry, born a year earlier and called Historia, last November won the TVK Sho at Tokyo Racecourse and now boasts a record of three wins from nine starts in the JRA. Rainha is already a winner over a mile having sauntered home by four-lengths on her first try at the distance last month and she’ll be strong favourite again.

Rainha is one of several winning chances on the card for jockey You Hyun Myung. He’ll be expected to go close too with Nangnam Jeonsa in race 5 and Triple Party in race 10. Jo In Kwen looks to be the man to follow though and he can get favourite backers off to a good start with Christiano in race 1 while later on, Wonderful Memory should be hard to beat in race 3 as should Choegang Bullet in race 7. Here’s the race-by-race.

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) CHRISTIANO was 2nd on debut all the way back in September which enabled him to take his chance in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup, one of Busan’s top juvenile races. He finished 6th of 8 and was later found to be lame. He returns here having transferred barns and looking very sharp in a trial two weeks ago and should take some beating. (8) PEACE RIDER has been a longshot in both starts so far but showed definite improvement when a close 4th on what was his second start three weeks ago and looks to have the best chance of getting closest. (7) WHIPLASH MARINE was very green on debut six weeks ago, starting poorly and hanging inwards in the straight. He has previously shown some ability in a trial though and can improve today. First time starter (5) VICAR BLADE will get some backing due to his connections with his trial to be taken with a pinch of salt while fellow debut-maker (6) WINNER CINDY also didn’t look completely clueless when qualifying.

Selections (2) Christiano (8) Peace Rider (7) Whiplash Marine (5) Vicar Blade
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2

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

(5) YONGGU has shown solid progress over five starts so far culminating in a close 2nd place at this distance on February 23rd, with (1) TIME SPEC and (2) MACHADO in 3rd and 5th behind him and he has solid claims on going one better today. Machado was actually favourite that day, on what was his debut, off the back of a strong trial showing and he can have come on for the run and get close this time while Time Spec should be in the hunt as well. However, the main danger is likely to be posed by (3) CATCH NINE. A strong 2nd on debut at this distance on February 2nd he was set to be favourite on his scheduled reappearance two weeks ago only to be found lame in his right front leg and was scratched. Now recovered from that minor setback, he can challenge for the win here.

Selections (3) Catch Nine (5) Yonggu (2) Machado (1) Time Spec
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 6

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

A much-improved 2nd on what was his third career start on February 9th over this distance, just beaten three-quarters of a lengths, (2) WONDERFUL MEMORY should be able to get onto the early speed from a favourable draw here and more than likely will lead all the way. At the other end of the experience spectrum is (4) HWARYEOHAN TAEYANG, who may have raced twenty-three times without a win, but whose recent form reads well, and she’s been getting closer. Her 4th place last time out at this distance was especially promising she has every chance of at least getting a little closer today. Every one of (3) GOLDEN AGE’s fourteen prior outings have been over 1000M with one 2nd place to show for it. He’s up in distance for the first time and will be on pace early. While he’ll likely weaken late on, he may well have enough in hand to at least place. (1) OS TOP and (6) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN are others who have hinted at some ability and may improve here.

Selections (2) Wonderful Memory (4) Hwaryeohan Taeyang (6) Gamdongui Sungan (3) Golden Age
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Another small field but it looks competitive. (5) GASOK SPEED did enough on debut back in January, racing 5th at this distance, to suggest he has potential and he is the slight pick here. He began well that day and briefly led in the home straight and coming in here after eight weeks off, can win. (1) STORM GOLD has also shown some promise but has been inconsistent across five starts to date with his best of 3rd coming over 1200M. This is his first time up at this trip and it may suit. It’s a similar story with (2) EDGE OF WINNER although she has raced at this distance before, coming home 4th of 8 back in January – she actually finished ahead of Storm Gold when the pair raced each other at 1000M a month ago. (8) BUGYEONG DERBY has a 3rd place to his name at 1000M while (7) NOPIGOM NAREUSYA was considered to have enough potential to be given a run in a big juvenile race last autumn. That didn’t go well but she’s shown a couple of glimpses since and both those two could go close here.

Selections (5) Gasok Speed (2) Edge Of Winner (1) Storm Gold (7) Nopigom Nareusya
Next Best 8
Fast Start 5, 7

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

(1) NANGMAN JEONSA was a class and distance winner on February on February 4th and while he carries an additional 3kg today, we’re going to keep it nice and simple and opt for a repeat. That day he overturned the form on (4) SEORABEOL DOLPUNG who along with (8) SOJUNGHAN INYEON had actually beaten him at the distance in January and he can confirm his superiority here. Bart Rice’s (2) MABEOPUI JILJU has taken to this distance very nicely indeed, following up on being narrowly beaten into 2nd place on January 26th with his maiden win three weeks ago by a commanding four lengths. He’s up in class today but is a big threat from a stable that looks to be coming into form. Peter Wolsley’s (5) FIRE POINT never really got involved on what was her first run at this class on February 9th. She’s bumped up in distance today and could go well. The other one to take note of is (12) JOYFUL STORY. He remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but hasn’t been too far away in recent starts and is a proven money-getter at class and distance.

Selections (1) Nangman Jeonsa (2) Mabeopui Jilju (5) Fire Point (12) Joyful Story
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 10, 12

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

(5) GREAT ROCK got his maiden win at the third time of asking on February 23rd and while he’s up in class today, Triple Nine’s “full” brother has a great chance of making it two in a row. He can set up camp just behind the early lead and finish strongly. There is danger though and it’s another one who is up in class who provides it. (4) GEUMSURYEONG has a 2nd place and a win from his two outings so far, the victory coming by an impressive three-lengths at this distance just two weeks ago, making all, and he’s well drawn to get off to a good start again and may be hard to catch. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella but there are one or two other useful types here too. (1) BLACK FINE and (2) MEISTER GO both come in off decent efforts at this class last time and should be in placing contention while (3) NAMDO GEOSANG defied long odds to run a decent class and distance 3rd place, ahead of a couple of these, just over a month ago and could repeat here.

Selections (5) Great Rock (4) Geumsuryeong (2) Meister Go (1) Black Fine
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 6

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) CHOEGANG BULLET was a strong 3rd on his first try at both class and distance five weeks ago having been rapidly promoted to this level with back to back wins at five furlongs. That race was arguably a little stronger than this one and so long as he can overcome the wide draw, he’ll be the one to beat here. (12) AWESOME KING IJI has been close in all four of his starts so far including 4th place over a mile on his latest. The Oxbow colt does look to have a win in him at some point and he should be the biggest danger here. The widest gate shouldn’t be too much of a factor for him as he doesn’t necessarily need to lead early on. (5) DONGBANG BULPAE drops back in trip after a good 3rd over a mile a month ago while (8) GOOD ONE MAN has a lot of experience at this level and should be in at least the placing frame. (2) ADELEUI BOM, two starts into a comeback following a lengthy spell out, could be another to watch.

Selections (10) Choegang Bullet (12) Awesome King Iji (5) Dongbang Bulpae (8) Good One Man
Next Best 2, 4
Fast Start 4, 9, 10

Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A class and distance 3rd on February 25th, (1) MASTER WIN can win this. Since a 6th place on debut, he’s never been worse than 3rd (one of them a dead-heat for that position) and has beaten a couple of these in recent outings and can come out on top here. (2) ACEUI SEONMUL drops back in trip today and should be on the early pace with every chance of going close while (5) ROYAL KELLY’s latest three have been underwhelming but she steps back up in distance today and can be given another chance. (11) YEONGUNG JEWANG and (8) CITY WINNER came home in 5th and 6th places respectively, behind Master Win in January. Both race for the first time since and both can get close once more. (9) WINDY PARK disappointed around 1300M last time but is another who can be given another chance having proven ability at this level in the past. (6) SEOGANG JILJU races for the first time since running 2nd to Yeongung Jewang all the way back in December. He returns up in class but still with plenty of promise and he should be a contender here.

Selections (1) Master Win (6) Seogang Jilju (8) City Winner (2) Aceui Seonmul
Next Best 11, 4, 9
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

Race 9: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) RAINHA, the well-bred half-sister to a JRA Stakes winner, has looked untouchable in three starts to date, winning them by a combined nineteen lengths without being extended. She is up in class today and faces her stiffest test against a group of battle-hardened class 3 horses, but she surely has far too much for them. If a surprise happens, (3) USAIN NUT, a winner last time he ran at this distance last November, could be one to take advantage – he ran a strong 2nd over 1800M last time beating a couple of these. Thomas Gillespie’s (7) MUJEOK SINHWA enters after a good 3rd place last time, and similar to Usain Nut, beat a couple who go here, and he looks to be the other one that has a conceivable chance of challenging the favourite. (6) OCEAN LINE and (8) WIN GO MAN are others who can have placing claims.

Selections (1) Rainha (7) Mujeok Sinhwa (3) Usain Nut (8) Win Go Man
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 1, 5, 8, 11

Race 10: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Six of these raced each other over class and distance on February 9th and it was (9) DAMYANG HWANHO who emerged on top that day with a front-running performance. He carries slightly more weight today but nothing too extreme and he’s the pick to score again. Of the ones behind him that day, (6) TRIPLE PARTY in 3rd and (5) CHOEGANG FORCE ONE in 6th were the ones who got closest and have the best chance of overturning that form here. (8) BOUND KOREA was a winner over a mile in January to get promoted to this class and while he only managed 5th on his first try at this level at 1800M three weeks ago, he can be dangerous here. The wildcard pick is (7) STEAL THE SHOW WHY. She races for the first time since running a very good 5th in the Jeju Governor’s Cup, one of the top Sprint races for fillies & mares in Korea, in Seoul last September and looked in good shape in a recent trial.

Selections (9) Damyang Hwanho (7) Steal The Show Why (8) Bound Korea (6) Triple Party
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 3, 9, 10, 12