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:
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 improving and looks the clear second choice. He probably won’t be on the early pace but can finish strongly. (3) VIP KING weakened last time but should dispute Chief Leader for the early lead and the engagement of a top jockey will attract some. (8) SEORABEOL YEOJE disappointed from start to finish when well-backed last time but is worth another chance to place while the returning (11) YEONGGWANGUI CHIC looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (7) Chief Leader (6) Ganghan Jilju (3) VIP King (8) Seorabeol Yeoje |
| Next Best | 11, 9 |
| Fast Start | 3, 7, 8, 9 |
Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
| 1. MR. COLORS – 5th behind Hwanggeum Beolma last time. Plenty to make up on that one but have the beating of most of the rest. |
| 2. RARARA – Hansen filly with a best of 2nd at 1000M. Looks the most credible pace-setter here with the distance being the only major question. |
| 3. GOLDEN JOY – A well-beaten 6th at this distance last start although she did lose a shoe. From Thomas Gillespie’s stable so don’t rule out improvement. |
| 4. GOLD QUEEN – Yet to make the money in fourteen attempts and little to suggest that’s going to change here. |
| 5. HWANGGEUM BEOLMA – Getting better and getting closer. Up to a mile for the first time and should take some beating. |
| 6. B.K. GOLD – Actually beat Hwanggeum Beolma at 1000M in January but the latter has surely progressed more. 6th of 12 at this distance last time and can make the places. |
| 7. SMART BANK – Good trainer/jockey combination but the gelding has offered much in the way of ability so far. First try at the distance. |
| 8. HOT GIRL – Stablemate of Hwanggeum Beolma. There were five months between her first and second starts, neither of which were impressive. The only way is up. |
STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE
| Race 4 | MR. COLORS | 20180302 | R4 | shifted wider when awkwardly placed close to the heels near 850 |
| RARARA | 20180225 | R1 | When questioned about performance, rider said she was hoping to be in a more forward position but was unable to and she was also caught racing in a wide position. She added in the home straight despite her effort the horse failed to respond to her riding | |
| GOLDEN JOY | 20180309 | R4 | lost L/F shoe |
Verdict: Not an especially strong maiden and it sees five of the eight taking on a mile for the first time. (5) HWANGGEUM BEOLMA looks head and shoulders above the rest of them, running on very nicely for 2nd over 1300M four weeks ago and he should take to the additional trip with relish today. (1) MR. COLORS was back in 5th that day on what was only his second start, a full nine months after his first. He should have come on for that and he too could appreciate the mile. Things didn’t go (2) RARARA’s way at 1000M last time, principally not being able to get to the front early and then having to race wide. She could well get a very soft lead here and if she manages to stay on, she could be a handful in the latter stages. (3) GOLDEN JOY and (6) B.K. GOLD best of the rest.
| Selections | (5) Hwanggeum Beolma (2) Rarara (1) Mr. Colors (6) B.K. Gold |
| Next Best | 4, 8 |
| Fast Start | 2 |
Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. ADELE HERO – Solid 3rd at the distance last time but that has forced him up in class. Plenty to find but nice light weight to carry. |
| 2. ONNURI GANGJA – Gone very cold in three starts so far this year. Avoid. |
| 3. FINAL ENERGY – Class 6 winner at 1300M in January and then 3rd on first class and distance attempt five weeks ago, having led for much of the race, beating Smart Marine in the process. Strong claims. |
| 4. SMART MARINE – 4th behind Final Energy in January but a touch disappointing on reappearance. Should be on speed here and can get close. |
| 5. JOEUN HAE – Up in class following maiden win at the fifth attempt beating Hwanggeum Beolma (race 4). Up in trip too but has every chance. |
| 6. SUPER TRAIN – Ran poorly last time when well-backed over 1300M but has already proven competitive at this class. Up in trip today. Others favoured but not impossible. |
| 7. NAMDO GEOSANG – His inconsistency makes him hard to back although he has gone well at class and distance. Likely to be on speed early. |
| 8. I’M ADELE – Still a maiden after seventeen attempts but he’s very solid at this level and enters in good consistent form. 4th at class and distance last time and he has a chance. |
| 9. ACE JILJU – Recent form is very cold. |
| 10. RECHAE – Thirtieth start today and still a maiden. Recent races have been at 1000M and she’s been slow out of the gates each time. Could improve for being back up in trip. |
| 11. AREUMDAUN OECHIM – Defied lengthy odds to run 3rd and 4th at class and distance in December but has reverted to type in two efforts since. Capable but lots to find. |
STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE
| Race 5 | SUPER TRAIN | 20180302 | R6 | When questioned about performance, rider said his horse hung outwards and proved difficult to ride |
| AREUMDAUN OECHIM | 20180302 | R6 | 650 steadied and shifted outwards away from the heels of a tiring horse |
Verdict: With a win and a pair of 3rd place finishes from three starts to date, we’re going to take the opinion that (3) FINAL ENERGY still has improvement in him and he can get on pace early and go all the way win here. (4) SMART MARINE was 4th that day and can be a danger although a more pressing concern may be (8) I’M ADELE. He has managed to get beaten in all his seventeen attempts to date but he’s rarely too far away and comes in following 4th place in an arguably stronger race than this on March 4th and is to be taken seriously. The up in class pair of (1) ADELE HERO and (5) JOEUN HAE can also be competitive.
| Selections | (3) Final Energy (8) I’m Adele (4) Smart Marine (5) Joeun Hae |
| Next Best | 1, 10 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 7 |
Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. TAGONAN JILJU – Overcame a poor start to outperform expectations on first try at this class on February 11th. Comes in after seven weeks off and can look to place here. |
| 2. BAENGNYEON SIDAE – Decent 3rd at this class over 1300M following maiden win the time before. He’ll be in the frame. |
| 3. SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL – Very experienced but recent form doesn’t inspire confidence. |
| 4. GODAE – Finished in mid-pack in recent outings and has plenty to find here. |
| 5. THUNDER ALLEY – Had a hard time in two starts at this level so far. |
| 6. CHANG GONG – 3rd and 2nd in two efforts to date at this class. Well back behind a good winner last time and should be placing again. |
| 7. MAY STAR – Only beat one home in the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup last time but has shown some talent and should get much closer today. |
| 8. CHRISTIANO – Returned from four months off to get her maiden win at this distance two weeks ago. She’s up in class today but should have too much for this lot. |
| 9. TWO TWO ACE – Ran well for 5th of 12 at 1000M on March 2nd. First time at this distance today and could go well. |
STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE
| Race 6 | TAGONAN JILJU | 20180211 | R2 | jumped awkwardly, shifted inwards and bumped |
| THUNDER ALLEY | 20180202 | R6 | fractious in the barriers and stumbled on leaving the gates 1 Starting Stalls Test | |
| CHRISTIANO | 20180316 | R1 | hung outwards under pressure in home straight WARNING | |
| TWO TWO ACE | 20180302 | R5 | jumped awkwardly, bumped the side of its barrier and was then buffeted between horses |
Verdict: (8) CHRISTIANO returned from four months out to make all over this distance two weeks ago and get her maiden win. She was leading by a big margin but did come under pressure late on and didn’t respond overly well to it, but she still should have too much for her rivals here. (6) CHANG GONG is likely second-favourite. Well back in 2nd place behind the talented Sinhyeokmyeong last time, he may have to settle for 2nd place again but should have the beating of the rest. It took (2) BAENGNYEON SIDAE a surprisingly long time to make it out of class 6 but he was a solid 3rd of 12 on his first try at this level last time and 3rd should be a minimum requirement again today. (1) TAGONAN JILJU and (9) TWO TWO ACE are others to consider.
| Selections | (8) Christiano (6) Chang Gong (2) Baengnyeon Sidae (9) Two Two Ace |
| Next Best | 1, 7 |
| Fast Start | 6, 8 |
Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
| 1. KOREAN FORCE – One poor effort at a mile aside, he’s not been too bad across his four starts so far. Can improve today. |
| 2. LADY CHAMP – Landed a surprise 3rd at this class over 1200M in February before reverting to type on reappearance three weeks ago. Outside chance of a place. |
| 3. AMAZING TAPIT – Raced very greenly on debut in February but still managed to finish 4th over 1000M. His manners meant he was sent back to trial and he came through in fine form earlier this month. First runner of the day from Korea’s top stable. A chance. |
| 4. MAERYEOK DEONGEORI – Very experienced but recent form offers little cause for optimism. |
| 5. WIDAEHANGWANGGYONG – Not beaten many in four efforts at this level since maiden win in December. |
| 6. RAON JEONSEOL – Up in class following good maiden win at this distance three weeks ago. Should be on pace early and can win again. |
| 7. DUBAI FORWARD – Inconsistent but this Aussie-bred gelding by Charge Forward has come close in arguably tougher company than this. |
| 8. GLOBAL CHAMPION – Offered little in recent outings but in this small field, if he can get across and to the front, may go better. |
STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE
| Race 7 | KOREAN FORCE | 20180316 | R7 | hind quarters bumped near 400 |
| RAON JEONSEOL | 20180309 | R5 | slow to begin | |
| GLOBAL CHAMPION | 20180311 | R3 | crowded & steadied near 1200 |
Verdict: (6) RAON JEONSEOL’s maiden win had been coming and he achieved it in fine fashion over this distance on March 9th. He is up in class here but should get on the early speed and can go all the way. Punters have had to wait until race 7 for top trainer Kim Young Kwan to send one out and in (3) AMAZING TAPIT they have an intriguing one. He was a bit of a handful on debut in February, racing with head up and hanging outwards, obstructing a couple of others in the process. He still ran 4th and certainly caught the eye in the mandatory trial he was sent back to. With better manners, he can be very dangerous today. (7) DUBAI FORWARD has been a bit frustrating across eight starts so far as every time he looks as though he is figuring it out, he seems to follow-up with a poor run. Nevertheless, in this company, he ought to be at least challenging for places. (1) KOREAN FORCE and (2) LADY CHAMP are others in that placing frame.
| Selections | (6) Raon Jeonseol (3) Amazing Tapit (7) Dubai Forward (1) Korean Force |
| Next Best | 2, 8 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 7, 8 |
Race 8: Class 3 (1900M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
| 1. BLUE FLAG – “Full”-sister to 2014 Grand Prix Stakes winner Gyeongbudaero, she’s four for four but is up in class and distance for her sternest test yet. She’ll be on pace early and while her brother had no issues with the distance, this is a challenge. |
| 2. SISEON POCHAK – 4th behind Haneol Nuri and Bay Kings on March 2nd, he won’t be fancied to overturn that form here. |
| 3. BRIGHT STAR – 2nd in last year’s Korean Oaks, she remains lightly raced but was a very good 2nd over 1800M at this class on Christmas Eve. She hasn’t raced since but looks a contender here. |
| 4. GANGHAN NAMJA – Plenty of experience at this level and while his latest couple haven’t inspired, he could be an interesting outsider. |
| 5. GALILEE HO – Looked a real talent when he burst onto the scene but hasn’t looked the same since missing the latter half of last year. Well back behind Haneol Nuri and others last time. |
| 6. HANEOL NURI – Blue Flag’s stablemate looks the most likely to end her unbeaten record. A commanding winner over 1800M at this class four weeks ago ahead of three of his rivals here, he gives 6kg to the filly but can win again. |
| 7. HIDDDEN CHAMP – Up in class having won his last three by a combined margin of twenty-lengths, this is a stiff test. He’ll join Blue Flag on the early lead and can’t be ruled out. |
| 8. BAY KINGS – Stablemate of Bright Star, he was 2nd, three-lengths behind Haneol Nuri in that March 2nd race. The odds are against a repeat, but he must be respected. |
STEWARDS’S NOTES FROM LATEST RACE
| Race 8 | GANGHAN NAMJA | 20180309 | R9 | slow to begin |
| HIDDDEN CHAMP | 20180209 | R9 | jumped awkwardly, shifted outwards and bumped | |
| BAY KINGS | 20180302 | R9 | slow to begin |
Verdict: This is probably as strong a class 3 race as we’ll see this year with some very talented up and comers. They are headed by the undefeated (1) BLUE FLAG. Her full-brother, Gyeongbudaero, was one of the best Korean-bred horses in recent racing history and while she was a bit of a late-starter, she’s done everything asked of her so far in fine style. She’s up in class and distance but she can maintain her record here. Her trainer Kim Young Kwan is nothing if not unsentimental and he also sends out the one most likely to beat her, (6) HANEOL NURI. It took him a few races to figure things out, but he’s won four of his last six, comfortably winning at this class over 1800M earlier this month with (8) BAY KINGS, (2) SISEON POCHAK and (5) GALILEE HO back down the track and is to be respected. Haneol Nuri gives away 6kg to not only Blue Flag but also to (7) HIDDEN CHAMP. The Rock Hard Ten colt has been a facile winner of three of his four starts to date and looks a serious prospect. He too has to cope with a higher class and additional distance today. (3) BRIGHT STAR, 2nd in last year’s Korean Oaks, races for the first time since Christmas Eve and is another with every chance.
| Selections | (1) Blue Flag (6) Haneol Nuri (7) Hidden Champ (3) Bright Star |
| Next Best | 8, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 6, 7 |
Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
| 1. DAEHOYEOJANGGUN – She’s been 4th in each of her last five starts. 4th would be a very good result today. |
| 2. MAIN VICAR – Ended last year a surprise winner over 1000M but had a hard time in only start since. |
| 3. DINAH – Creditable enough 6th of 12 last time at 1300M but this looks a bit stiffer so any improvement would be a good result. |
| 4. CHARTERED DREAM – Blew the race at the start last time but has gone well at class and distance in the past. |
| 5. CHEONNYEONDONGANDO – Up in class after a battling win over 1000M five weeks ago. Has a strong finish and every chance here as well. |
| 6. ZENITH COUNTY – Won three of six before a lengthy layoff. Returned in February and was disappointing but can improve today (See Stewards below). |
| 7. ADELEUI BOM – Three starts into a comeback after missing the latter half of last year. Got a poor trip last time but has plenty to find. |
| 8. NIGHT FURY – Has some very respectable finishes at this level to his name. Likely to be on pace early and can go well. |
| 9. YEONGCHEON STAR – Rapidly up in class with a win and two 2nds in three outings this year. If he gets the lead, he’ll be very dangerous and could be the one to beat. |
| 10. BUGYEONG DOLPUNG – Well back behind Haneol Gongju last time and recent form doesn’t read well. |
| 11. VEGA ONE – 5th of 12 in reasonably similar contest three weeks ago. Improvement not impossible. |
| 12. HANEOL GONGJU – From Thomas Gillespie’s stable, she was a good 2nd in an all-filly race over 1300M at this class on March 9th. Could match it here. |
STEWARDS’ NOTES FROM LATEST RACE
| Race 9 | CHARTERED DREAM | 20180302 | R8 | stumbled on leaving the barriers |
| ZENITH COUNTY | 20180211 | R3 | bumped on jumping – brushed shortly after start – When questioned regarding performance, rider said the horse was having its first start back from a long spell and after travelling well to the 450 metres, failed to respond when placed under pressure and proved disappointing. He added the horse should take benefit from the run and will improve with fitness | |
| ADELEUI BOM | 20180316 | R7 | jumped awkwardly, shifted inwards and bumped – 400 shifted outwards and bumped |
Verdict: This looks nice and open and (9) YEONGCHEON STAR could continue his progress here. He is perhaps a touch unlucky to have been promoted from 5 after just one start at it and no wins at it, but the manner of his 2nd place two weeks ago suggests there is more to come. He should get on the early speed and may be difficult to catch. Also up in class is (5) CHEONNYEONDONGANDO, who had to work for her win over 1000M at the end of February but should be competitive here while (12) HANEOL GONGJU was a food 2nd over 1300M earlier this month and looks nicely in here. (6) ZENITH COUNTY is the wildcard. He has only raced seven times over almost two-years, but he has won three of them. He was well-backed on his latest return in February, having trialled well, but did disappoint and seven weeks on, he may go better.
| Selections | (9) Yeongcheon Star (5) Cheonnyeondongando (6) Zenith County (12) Haneol Gongju |
| Next Best | 8, 4 |
| Fast Start | 6, 8, 9, 10 |
Race 10: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
| 1. B.K. SAY – Up in class after a good win at the distance on February 9th. A lot to find at this level. |
| 2. KKEUTPAN BOOSTER – Lots of experience at this level but recent form suggests he has a bit to find today. |
| 3. SOUL BLADE – Got a bad start and raced ungenerously when beaten by three of these last time. Form to overturn on a few but can go better today. |
| 4. DERBY ACE – Managed a surprise 4th place at this level over a mile in January but two starts since have seen normal service resumed. |
| 5. WORLD NUMBER ONE – 4th behind Muhan Yeoljeong on February 2nd, coming off the back of a very good 2nd at this distance to round out 2018. Strong contender. |
| 6. ACE POWER – Has only won three of thirty four but is rarely far away and comes in off the back of a strong of placed finishes. Every chance of repeating today. |
| 7. JEONGSANG KOREA – 3rd and a 2nd at this class so far, beating Ace Power last time. Likely to be on the early pace and could go one better today. |
| 8. PASHA – Peter Wolsley’s colt is up in class here following a good win over a mile last time. Up in distance as well so plenty to find but can give a good account of himself. |
| 9. MUHAN YEOLJEONG – Well-supported on the Triple Crown trail last year but came up well-short in the first two legs. Good winner on Christmas Eve over the Oaks runner-up Bright Star and then beat World Number One when 2nd on only start of 2018 so far, despite almost falling at the start. |
| 10. SUPER STORM – Struggled for fitness and form of late. |
| 11. BOUND KOREA – Beaten by Jeongsang Korean and Ace Power at the distance in February. From the top stable though so will have some backers. |
| 12. ROYAL IMPACT – Recent form doesn’t read well. Will go right back at the start and a few may come back to him late on. |
STEWARDS’ NOTES ON LATEST RACE
| Race 10 | SOUL BLADE | 20180223 | R10 | bumped at the start – WARNING hung out home straight |
| DERBY ACE | 20180316 | R10 | slow to begin | |
| WORLD NUMBER ONE | 20180202 | R10 | When questioned regarding performance, rider said he expected to be in a position towards the tail of the field and approaching the 900 metres he was unconcerned, however between the 900 metres to the 500 metres the front runners quickened up and as his horse was unable to improve as quickly, they gained a considerable break on him. He added he rode his horse hard from the 600 metres and although it did make some ground on the leaders it failed to respond as well as he would have liked and hung also outwards | |
| JEONGSANG KOREA | 20180223 | R10 | jumped awkwardly, shifted outwards | |
| PASHA | 20180223 | R8 | crowded near 450 | |
| MUHAN YEOLJEONG | 20180202 | R10 | stumbled badly on leaving the barriers and almost fell | |
| BOUND KOREA | 20180316 | R10 | slow to begin – hampered & lost ground near 1000 |
Verdict: Competitive race to finish with. We’ll go with (7) JEONGSANG KOREA to go one better than the 2nd he managed last time out five weeks ago. He beat three of these that day and can beat them again. (9) MUHAN YEOLJEONG and (5) WORLD NUMBER ONE race for the first time since finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively at 2000M on February 2nd. They both had their issues that day but overcame them and can be in the hunt here. (6) ACE POWER was behind Jeongsang Korea in that February race before running a very good 2nd to Four Nines on reappearance. (3) SOUL BLADE is another who may improve.
| Selections | (7) Jeongsang Korea (9) Muhan Yeoljeong (6) Ace Power (5) World Number One |
| Next Best | 3, 11 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 7 |
Horse Racing in Korea 