Month: May 2018

Ecton Blade & Franco Da Silva Win The 2018 Korean Derby

Ecton Blade (Ecton Park) won the 2018 Korean Derby at Seoul Racecourse Park on Sunday afternoon.

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Pics by Ross Holburt

How they went:

1.  Ecton Blade – Settled prominently behind Hiddden Champ and had things his own way. Once he struck the front he never looked like being beaten

2. Mask – Really good performance, finishing well down the outside for a fine 2nd. He’ll be a danger in the Minister’s Cup too.

3. Choinma – Made for two Seoul horses in the top three. Raced in midfield and kept to the rail in the straight holding off Divide Wind by a neck.

4. Divide Wind – Began poorly and never looked settled. Clearly considered the second string from his stable despite his KRA Cup Mile win. Jockey – a very good jockey – slightly fortunate to only get a three-day suspension for the incident which saw World Sun cut-off in the home straight.

5. World Sun – Settled at the back as expected but just as in the KRA Cup Mile got a bad trip. Had the door slammed shut by Divide Wind as he was trying to find a run in the home straight. Would never have got to the winner though.

6. Hiddden Champ – Looked very coltish in the parade ring and sweated up badly on the way to the gate. Went to the lead as expected but never looked truly settled and faded when put under pressure.

7. Fire Wind – Close to the pace in the early part of the race but found the competition too stiff at the business end of the race. All being well she should be back for the Oaks.

8. Clean Up Teukgeup – Made little impression throughout.

9. Icheon Ssal – Last all the way around until passing a tiring Let’s Yeongcheon in the closing stages.

10. Let’s Yeongcheon – Tried to keep up early but was under pressure early on and weakened to last before the final furlong.

Korean Derby Day 2018: Race-By-Race Preview (May 13)

It’s the 2nd leg of the 2018 Korean Triple Crown as 10 horses line up for the 21st running of the Korean Derby at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. And Divide Wind will join his stablemate Ecton Blade, who he beat by a length to capture the first jewel in the crown, the KRA Cup Mile, as favourite. The big race is the highlight of an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 which also includes the ARF Commemorative Race, to mark the opening of the 37th Asian Racing Conference. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

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Divide Wind won the KRA Cup Mile. Can he add the 2nd leg of the 2018 Triple Crown? (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Divide Wind and Ecton Blade have been joined on the trip to Seoul by World Sun and Hiddden Champ. World Sun was a fast finishing 3rd in the Cup Mile and could challenge the two favourites here. As for Seoul, the challenge is led by Mask, who also ran well in the Mile for 4th and an upset is not impossible. Here is the race-by-race preview of all 17 Derby Day races at both Seoul & Busan with horse-by-horse comments for the ARF and Derby races?

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

(1) SEUNGRI PLUS will be strong favourite to score here, having been getting progressively closer across his latest outings. He was 2nd to a good winner at this distance last time on April 7th and should have too much today. (4) MAIN RACER has shown some ability across three starts so far and can build on the 5th he managed last time while (5) RAON OPTIMUS enters after back to back 4th place finishes and should be looking to at least match here. (6) BARAM KING and (8) MAJJABEUN SON are others who can be considered.

Selections (1) Seungri Plus (6) Baram King (4) Main Racer (8) Majjabeun Son
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) BLACK SPIRIT was an improved 3rd at 1300M on her last start at the beginning of March and returns here after a couple of months off with solid claims. She can come from just off the pace and finish strongly. (8) SANTOS showed prominently before weakening over 1300M two weeks ago. He drops back slightly in trip here and may benefit. (2) CLEAN FLOWER showed some signs of life with 5th place at 1300M last time and gets Manoel Nunes on board today. (6) ARGO UNIQUE and (11) DONGBANG JIJU are others with potential to improve on recent outings.

Selections (7) Black Spirit (8) Santos (2) Clean Flower (11) Dongbang Jiju
Next Best 6, 1
Fast Start 8, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) MACHA BUCHA ran a close 2nd at class and distance on April 7th having been prominent throughout and leading briefly close to home. He can go one better this time. (2) BOLD NINER comes in following back to back 4th place finishes at this distance and at 1200M and surely comes close again while (12) LEAD UP can overcome the widest draw to get close to the pace early and can match the 3rd she managed last tie. (4) EVER A ONE beat Macha Bucha at the distance two starts ago and while he didn’t go well at 1300M on reappearance last month, can be given another chance today. (9) STIRLING returns to action after a three-month absence and can be considered too.

Selections (8) Macha Bucha (2) Bold Niner (4) Ever A One (12) Lead Up
Next Best 9, 7, 1
Fast Start 8, 9, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) L CAR romped home to easily win his second start on April 14th. It was at 1000M, so he is up in both class and distance today, but he could well have enough to prevail again. (3) EAGLE SKY could be the one to beat though. He improved significantly last start on April 15th when ridden by Johan Victoire for the first time, just beaten half a length at this distance and looks set to go well here. (7) EUMAK DAEJANG beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd at 1300M on April 14th and should have the beating of plenty once more. One of those behind him that day was (1) REBECCA and the slight drop in trip may benefit her today. (9) SPECIAL LIGHT ran 4th in a solid race at 1300M last month and is another to consider. He usually comes from well off the pace so will need things to set up just right for him. (4) CHEON MONG is up in class after a somewhat unexpected win at 1300M and while he perhaps has a bit more to find, shouldn’t be ruled out completely.

Selections (3) Eagle Sky (8) L Car (9) Special Light (1) Rebecca
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 7

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

(7) HOTHAE is up in class following a convincing win over this distance on April 13th. He made all that day and could well do so again here. It won’t be easy. (3) HANGIL too steps up following her maiden win which came at the fourth time of asking. Her triumph was over 1000M, so she faces an increase in distance as well but should be able to cope with it. (5) GEUJIKOJI had a hard time at a mile last time but should be more comfortable dropped back today. (1) BLUE DANCER defied her odds to run a good 2nd at class and distance three weeks ago and will not more respect here. (9) SWEET MEMORY steps up in trip after a 3rd and a 4th behind some useful ones in her latest two and can come under consideration.

Selections (7) Hothae (3) Hangil (9) Sweet Memory (1) Blue Dancer
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 7, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) JANGSAN WILD has won two from three so far and is up in both class and distance today. He had to work for his win last time but looks to have scope for more improvement and he’s the one they’ll need to beat today. He had to battle last time though and if the additional furlong is a concern then (6) DAESEUNG BIBEOB is the one to turn to. He drops back in trip after some good efforts around two turns and will surely run on strongly. (7) TEUKBYEOL STAR still somehow remains a maiden. She’s a good filly and rarely misses the money but can’t quite make the breakthrough. That will probably be the case again, but she’ll be firmly in the placing hunt. (5) FINE CHAMP and (10) SPEED CHEONGNYONG, the latter up in class, both enter in good form and should also be involved.

Selections (1) Jangsan Wild (6) Daeseung Bibeob (7) Teukbyeol Star (10) Speed Cheongnyong
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 1, 2, 9

Busan Race 2:  Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) MAKGANG BOLT has won his latest two in decent fashion, his latest at this class. He’s a front-runner and with an apprentice keeping his carried weight nice and low, he has every chance of making it three in a row. (2) YUKRYONGI ran poorly when favourite last time out four weeks ago but had been showing enough prior to that to suggest he’s worth another chance today and he should be a threat. (11) QUEEN THE QUEEN is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes, both at this distance. She’s never been worse than 3rd and despite the step up in level, she can maintain that record today. (10) CHARTERED DREAM came home 2nd and 5th respectively when they raced each other at (more…)

1st Day Winner for Fergus Sweeney At Busan

It was a good start to life in Korea for jockey Fergus Sweeney at Busan on Friday. He rode Rock Hard Seven (Rock Hard Ten) to victory for trainer Bart Rice in Busan race 10:

Sweeney had earlier ridden Thomas Gillespie’s Great Rock (Ecton Park) to 2nd place in race 9 and made all to win by nine-lengths on Rock Hard Seven, who was notching his 4th win in 6 career starts.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 12)

It’s Korean Derby Eve! And also the eve of the 37th Asian Racing Conference which kicks off with the Derby on Sunday afternoon. Before that, however, there is a full Saturday card at Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Three-year-old fillies only to kick things off and it is ultra-competitive with at least seven of the eleven having claims to win. (2) YONGUI JUDO is perhaps favourite, coming in off a 2nd place at the distance a month ago, having led for much of the race and is well drawn to lead again. (8) RISING SOCKS ran 2nd on debut on April 15th despite hanging in badly throughout the race. She went back to trial last week, and she has to have claims here. (6) CHAPEL QUEEN was an improved 3rd last time and can look to match or better while (4) LEADER’S CAMP and (5) KAILLUM YEOJE have also shown glimpses of ability. Simon Foster’s (10) SURFING POINT has also been showing signs of figuring things out, if not much in terms of speed.

Selections (8) Rising Socks (6) Chapel Queen (2) Yongui Judo (10) Surfing Point
Next Best 4, 5, 3
Fast Start 2, 4, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens here. (1) GANGHO GAECHEOK was an improved 2nd on what was just his second career start on April 14th. It wasn’t a strong race, even for the level, but neither is this and he can win today. (11) AQUA STROM beat (5) ACE CANT as the pair ran 3rd and 6th over 1200M on April 14th. Ace Cant had previously run 3rd in tougher competition in February and both can be involved here.  (2) HALLA DAERO was a disappointing also-ran behind Gangho Gaecheok last start but had hinted at some ability in two prior starts so can be given another chance. (3) ADELE JEONGSANG looks the best of the rest.

Selections (1) Gangho Gaecheok (11) Aqua Strom (5) Ace Cant (2) Halla Daero
 Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 2, 10

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

After finishing 2nd at odds in excess of 100/1 on debut in early March, (1) JUNGLE BEAT could only manage 3rd when odds-on favourite on his return later that month. A finish in the top three today will see him up in class and it really should be a case of getting out of the inside gate and into the early lead from where he shouldn’t be beaten. (3) ULTRA MISSILE was an improved 3rd in a weak contest a month ago and is a potential danger while (5) GLOBAL KINGDOM raced a couple of times last autumn without distinction but trialled nicely at the end of April and could go close first-up. (10) SONGAM GONGJU was poor last time but did show some ability on debut so can be given another chance while among the three first-time starters, (9) DAMON ANGEL, looks most promising.

Selections (1) Jungle Beat (3) Ultra Missile (5) Global Kingdom (9) Damon Angel
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 3, 9, 10

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

(3) GEUMA THUNDER was disappointing when well backed over 1200M last month but has come close on several occasions now and dropped back to the minimum today, gets another chance to get her maiden win. (12) ARGO ROCKET was a comfortable winner at the distance on debut five weeks ago and while up in class here, should be a threat. (4) CHEONJI BOBAE ended a string of four consecutive 2nd place finishes with a lacklustre effort at this distance at the beginning of April. She got a bad start that day and with a better one this time should be closer. (10) DALDARI and (11) YEONGWONHAN SUNGAN are others in the hunt.

Selections (3) Geuma Thunder (12) Argo Rocket (4) Cheonji Bobae (10) Daldari
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 3, 4, 7, 11

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

Wide open race with any number in the hunt. (6) SEOURI BYEOL ran in the Sports Seoul Cup Classic trial in March and while he was over-matched – though he did beat (1) ÉCLAIR BEAUTY – he returned to run 4th in a quick race over 1300M on April 14th and has as much chance as any here. (2) ROYAL BOKSUNI was 3rd three weeks ago at the distance, leading until the closing stages and should be on pace again with every chance (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 11)

It’s the Korean Derby this Sunday at Seoul and Busan is set to provide the top two favourites to win the 2nd leg of the 2018 Triple Crown. It’s the south-coast track that gets the weekend’s action underway with a 10-race Friday card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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It’s Friday! It’s Busan!

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

One debut-maker among the ten fillies who line-up here and she’s in with a chance. (1) MISS PERFECT trialled up very nicely in a quick time in mid-April, running on very well and this 1300M trip looks an ideal introduction. She’s the eleventh foal out of her dam with all the previous ten went on to win at least one race and she could keep that record intact immediately here. If experience is preferred, then (9) NEW QUEEN is the one to go for. She steps up in trip for the first time after three solid attempts at 1000M and can get close. (5) BLACK SHIELD was a decent 4th on debut all the way back in February and returns here in the frame with (2) ROYAL CLUB another who has shown some ability. (8) EVELYN ran an unexpectedly good 2nd on debut last November but then refused to load on a scheduled re-appearance in March. She’s trialled since and evidently has some talent but do handle with care.

Selections (1) Miss Perfect (9) New Queen (8) Evelyn (5) Black Shield
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) ROYAL BLUE was an improved 3rd on what was his second career start on April 20th and he can make the breakthrough today on what will be his first try at further than the minimum trip. (1) DARK TEMPLAR was 5th in that April 20th race on what for her was her debut and she can push on here although a sterner test may be posed by (10) GOLDEN REX, a much improved 2nd over 1000M last start and with potential to advance again. (6) EURO SHINHWA and (11) EONJENA SEUNGNI have also shown signs of figuring things out and may be considered for at least the places.

Selections (2) Royal Blue (10) Golden Rex (1) Dark Templar (6) Euro Shinwha
Next Best 11, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 10

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

A useful 4th on her first try at the distance on March 23rd, (1) MENIFEE HOPE returns after seven weeks off looking the one to beat here. She led for much of that race, just weakening in the closing stages and she can get on pace again today and stay on this time. (11) YES POWER was 3rd on debut over 1000M a month ago and can build on that here with the extra trip likely to be of benefit. (6) EL DRAGON steps back in trip following a couple of decent efforts over a mile and should be in the frame. (9) SUNSHINE BOLT races for the first time since last June and trialled up competently enough a couple of weeks ago to suggest that he can run well first-up here. First-time starter (2) JITTERBUG is the wildcard.

Selections (1) Menifee Hope (11) Yes Power (6) El Dragon (2) Jitterbug
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 1, 11

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

Jockey Fergus Sweeney gets his first taste of Korean racing here, but he’s up against it here on (8) BAEDARI CAPER . That horse is actually one of only a few in this competitive field that a case can’t easily be made for though. (9) BAEKDU QUEEN was a disappointing 6th when well backed at the distance four weeks ago. She started slowly that day and didn’t get the best of trips, so we’ll give her another chance to come good today. There were five months between (6) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN’s first and second outings but he ran well on both occasions and should be a danger here. (1) THE FACT and (7) COOL (more…)

Manoel Nunes & Fergus Sweeney Set For Weekend Debuts at Seoul & Busan

There are two new foreign jockeys making their full-time Korean debuts this weekend. Three-time Singapore Champion Manoel Nunes will be in action at Seoul while British racing stalwart Fergus Sweeney will be legged up for the first time at Busan. Both riders are on initial four-month licenses.

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Manoel Nunes looks on at Seoul Racecourse last weekend

Manoel Nunes is no stranger to Seoul, having ridden in International Jockey Challenges and also having partnered Singapore-based horses in the Asia Challenge Cup and Korea Cup in the capital but this is his first time riding full time in Korea.

A native of Brazil, Nunes topped the Jockey Premiership in Singapore in three consecutive years between 2014 and 2016 and was runner-up in 2017, picking up numerous big race wins along the way.

42-year-old Nunes is also a six-time champion in Macau  where he is the most successful rider in the Macau Jockey Club’s history.  Nunes will be based at Seoul where his first ride is in race 3 on Saturday when he partners Lucky Race for trainer Yu Jae Gil.

Belfast-born Fergus Sweeney has had a long and distinguished career in the United Kingdom where he is closing in on 1000 career wins. His biggest success to date was on Twilight Son in the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park in 2016.

The 40-year-old Sweeney has some live chances at Busan on Friday including Great Rock for Thomes Gillespie. He’s the third British licensed jockey to ride at Busan after Darryll Holland and JP Guillambert. And Sweeney doesn’t just ride horses – the Noraebangs of Haeundae have been warned:

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 6)

We’re just a week away from the 2018 Korean Derby but there’s a big day of racing at both Seoul and Busan to get through first. Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while there are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the Seoul previews, Busan selections are below:

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Lee Gang Seo rode two winners for Luigi Riccardi on Saturday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(2) CUPID STORM stepped up to 1700M last start and ran a decent 3rd but he also has a 2nd place to his name at this distance. He only needs to place once more to be bumped up in class and he should exit class 6 with a win here. If he somehow manages to come up short, then (5) CHILJONG CHILGEUM and (6) GOODCHOICE look best equipped to take advantage with both having shown some glimpses of ability. (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG has offered few clues from two starts so far both at 1000M and steps up in trip for the first time with a chance of improving.

Selections (2) Cupid Storm (6) Goodchoice (5) Chiljong Chilgeum (1) Speed Hwangnyong
Next Best 3
Fast Start 2, 5

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

(8) HYEONGMA PUBU came up short when favourite in a weak race at 1000M three weeks ago. She ran on well though after a poor start and the additional trip today may be in her favour. (1) FINE HEART certainly appreciated it on her first try at 1300M on April 8th, improving into 3rd. He’ll be on pace early and should be involved in the finish. (6) SPECIAL GOLD was 5th at the distance in a similar all-filly contest a month ago. She’d previously shown some ability with 3rd place over 1000M in March and can go well here. (2) ORANGE SOCKS and (3) ALEANDROS are others in the frame.

Selections (8) Hyeongma Pubu (1) Fine Heart (6) Special Gold (2) Orange Socks
Next Best 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) FINAL STORM ran well on debut a month ago finishing 4th at this distance. Today’s is perhaps a marginally stronger race, but he should have come on for the experience and can win today. (8) GWACHEON HERO was just a neck back in 5th that day on what for him was his fourth outing and he can be a threat again. Main dangers, however, look to be (6) LIVINGSTONE, a solid 4th over 1200M in a better race than this on April 1st and (2) IRYEO HAYEO, who has been inconsistent across six engagements to date, but has shown ability and drops back in trip today. Also back in trip to the distance where she achieved her best finish to date is (3) MACHO HIME.

Selections (1) Final Storm (6) Livingstone (2) Iryeo Hayeo (3) Macho Hime
Next Best 8
Fast Start 6, 7

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

(4) PRINCE MEMORY has raced three times and finished in 2nd place three times. He’s been favourite on two of those occasions and after six weeks off, the Sepoy gelding should finally get it right today, likely leading all the way. Should he find a way to get beaten once more, (7) JEONGSANG CHAMP may be the one to take advantage. He’s been getting closer in his latest two and was 2nd in a fast race at this distance on April 8th. (9) MANHATTAN MUSIC and (5) GEUMA ANNUITY were behind him that day and both those two have claims to go better here. Geuma Annuity was very fast in a barrier trial prior to that start and could well come good with a string of runs behind him. There are two debut-makers and Orb gelding (2) SCATTER MAIN is one who can be backed first-up after impressing in trials.

Selections (4) Prince Memory (7) Jeongsang Champ (5) Geuma Annuity (2) Scatter Main
Next Best 9, 1
Fast Start 1, 4, 7, 11

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

(4) JI SEONI has been a beaten favourite in each of her latest two starts but we’re sticking with the filly here to get it right. She steps back slightly in trip here and with a good start, can get on speed and lead all the way. (3) HAETSAL WANGJA was also a touch disappointing in his latest outing but went very well the time before, both at 1300M and he should be a factor. (8) VICAR SCOOP is up in class following a 3rd place and a win from her first two races. She’s up in distance too but should have little to fear and is (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday with race 1 at 10:45 and race 11 at 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Seven three-year-olds to kick things off with three racing for the very first time and it’s from them that we find our pick. The wisdom of naming a horse (3) UNDEFEATED may be questionable but Luigi Riccardi’s colt could well get through his first assignment living up to his name. He won a trial in good order in April, making all and looking comfortable and we’ll make him the pick. Another of the debutants, (4) MONEY DAERYUK also looked competent. It’s taken her a long time to get to the track having first sought to qualify last summer and she should be ready for a solid first race. Of those who have raced before, (7) ADELEUI KKUM managed a useful 3rd at 1300M in January and wasn’t too far away in 5th last time. (5) TAMNA YEOSIN and (6) ROAD WOMAN also have potential to improve.

Selections (3) Undefeated (4) Money Daeryuk (7) Adeleui Kkum (5) Tamna Yeosin
Next Best 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 5

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) SIMON FRUIT wasn’t fancied at all on debut on April 7th but managed a strong 2nd place, running on nicely over the minimum distance. He’s up to 1300M today but it could well suit and he’s the one to beat. (9) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI and (4) BAEKDU POWER came home 3rd and 4th when the raced each other at this distance, also on April 7th. The former came from well off the pace that day and will likely try to repeat today. Both have claims. (1) I AM WINNER is yet to be a winner in anything except a barrier trial, and while that may not change here, he could better the back to back 4ths he’s achieved in his latest two starts and should be on pace early. Likewise (5) GOLDEN WEDDING comes in off consecutive 3rd places – beating I Am Winner in the latest of them – and should be in the placing hunt again.

Selections (3) Simon Fruit (9) Hwanggeum Jumeoni (4) Baekdu Power (5) Golden Wedding
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 1, 2

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Another small field and (8) DUBUREO SOOP, who came from off the pace to run 2nd at the distance last start returns from twelve weeks off and should be hard to beat here. While his slow start may not be ideal at 1000M, unless he blows the start completely, there isn’t anything that should be of too much concern. (5) MAY PRINCE has gone well with a 2nd place at this distance in an even weaker contest than this a month ago but is inconsistent while (6) RAON SITIEOSEU. (1) NAMJJOK NARA and (3) CHOWON YEOJEONSA are underwhelming others who could improve.

Selections (8) Dubureo Soop (5) May Prince (6) Raon Sitieoseu (1) Namjjok Nara
Next Best 3
Fast Start 5, 6

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

A big field to get stuck into and we’ll go for (12) ILGAKSU to break his streak of runner-up finishes and get it right this time. In his defence, he hasn’t been favourite for any of the three consecutive races he’s finished 2nd in but he will be today and he can overcome the wide draw to win. This is not a strong race so (1) SIMPLE RULES should improve on the 5ths he’s registered in his latest two and can compete for the win while the up in class (11) NEW FAMILY, whose win last start came in similarly modest company, also has little to be intimidated by. (4) HI EUREKA was a useful 3rd last start and can be considered while (10) DOUBLE A, who actually beat Ilgaksu when landing his solitary (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 4)

May’s Korean racing program gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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It’s Friday! It’s Busan!

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

Not an especially strong opener and that makes it nice and competitive. (4) WINNING AGAIN had to be scratched (not for lameness reasons) from a planned start two weeks ago and he would have been well backed in it. He finished 2nd at this distance in March and while he struggled at 1300M on his reappearance, back at the minimum today and with a favourable draw to get to the lead early, he can win. (8) SAEROUN BOMUL has a pair of 3rd place finishes at this distance to his name and can be a threat. (2) GOLDEN AGE is the most experienced in the race – not really a good thing at class 6 – and she should beat plenty while (10) IHYEN has had excuses in two outings to date and can improve. The big danger though is likely to be the sole first-time starter. (5) HWANGJE BONSAEK looked good when running 3rd in a fast trial three weeks ago and couldn’t have picked better race to debut in.

Selections (5) Hwangje Bonsaek (4) Winning Again (8) Saeroun Bomul (2) Golden Age
Next Best 10, 11
Fast Start 4, 5, 10

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

(5) MAJOR THUNDER ran 2nd, a full seven lengths behind the decent-looing Felarof, at this distance on April 6th. That was a continuation of steady improvement she’s shown across four starts so far and with nothing like that day’s winner among the field here, she can go one better. Major Thunder in that race returned the favour on (1) S S YOUNG, who had narrowly defeated her when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at the distance in February. S S Young has talent too and should go close again, likely challenging Major Thunder for the lead from the start. (3) GIPPEUM SARANG will try for a fast start too and she ran well on her latest appearance just two weeks ago. (2) SWEEP MAN and (7) MANGO PUNCH, the latter showing some promise in a trial last week, are others who could feature.

Selections (5) Major Thunder (1) S S Young (3) Gippeum Sarang (2) Sweep Man
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 1, 3, 5

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Expectations of (6) SANGSEUNG POWER on debut on March 23rd were not high but he ran well, finishing 4th behind the very promising Sun Day and running on very nicely to get within less than a length of the 2nd place-getter. Accordingly, he’ll be much more fancied today to the extent that with an extra furlong to play with, he looks a warm favourite. He’s out of Sangseung Geotap, a mare who ran very well at this track. (1) SEONBAL CAT and (9) B.K. MARINE have both demonstrated ability too. The latter was a good 3rd at this distance in a similar race last start while the former steps up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. There are two debut-makers and both (4) KKEUTPAN STORM and (7) QUEEN OFFICER did enough in their trials to suggest they should beat a few.

Selections (6) Sangseung Power (9) B.K. Marine (1) Seonbal Cat (4) Kkeutpan Storm
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 5, 9

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

(1) BAEKDU MYEONGWOL’s 6th place last time out on March 30th was better than it looked with the margins not huge and the company competitive. She steps back up to 1300M today, a distance at which she already holds a 3rd place finish and she should be firmly in the frame. (3) BREAKING NEWS managed a 2nd at the distance in March and ran creditably enough in 5th of 12 on reappearance a month ago and can get close here. (4) BELLAMY GONGJU and (6) TESTA MAGIC ran 2nd and 3rd at this distance on March 23rd before the former stepped up to a mile and again ran well on April 6th. Testa Magic (more…)