Month: October 2018

Dae Wan Ma & King Socks Claim Seoul & Busan Juvenile Crowns – Set For December Clash

Juveniles took centre-stage at Seoul and Busan on Sunday as each track hosted its 2nd-leg heat of the Juvenile Series. At Seoul Dae Wan Ma produced a gutsy fightback to win the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, while in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup on the South Coast, it was King Socks who prevailed in style.

Dae Wan Ma Dokki Blade Gwacheon Mayor's Cup - KRA

Dae Wan Ma (yellow cap) gets up to deby Do Kki Blade (Pic: KRA)

Dae Wan Ma entered the Seoul race with 2 wins and a disqualification to his name, the latter coming in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup last month when despite being 1st over the line, he was thrown out after causing another horse to unseat his rider coming out of the gates.

Under Antonio Da Silva, the Colors Flying colt was quickly on the lead but seemed to be beaten when collared by second-favourite Do Kki Blade with a furlong to run. Dae Wan Ma though looks to be made of stern stuff as he rallied up the inside rail to get back on terms and ultimately get his neck in front on the line. Myeongpum Chukje was a full five-lengths back in 3rd place.

Dae Wan Ma will now head to the Breeders’ Cup on the first week of December, the final leg of the Juvenile Series, as Seoul’s top hope. There he will face King Socks, who had an altogether easier time in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday afternoon. While Busan’s field was smaller it was no less competitive with the eight youngsters having already combined for 13 wins from 20 total starts.

Lion Sun set the early pace with filly Top Of World going with him. Once they hit the straight, however, neither were any match for the Kim Young-kwan-trained Officer colt as King Socks came alongside the leaders two furlongs out and cruised away to win by eight-lengths on the line under jockey Lee Hyo-sik. Yeonggwangui Secret passed an exhausted Lion Sun and Top Of World to snatch 2nd.

In other noteworthy performances across the weekend, the exciting World Day (Ecton Park) moved onto six wins from seven starts, making all to win Friday’s class 2 feature at Busan over 1800M while also at the Southern track, King Of Ace ran out a comfortable winner of Sunday’s class 1 handicap for Australian trainer Peter Wolsley. The US-bred colt by Malibu Moon burst onto the scene last year winning his first three races before being interrupted by injury but has now won his latest two and looks set to finally fulfil his potential.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 28)

Dae Wan Man rallied late to land Seoul’s heat of the Juvenile Series 2nd leg on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday it’s Busan’s turn to stage its main lead up race for December’s Breeders’ Cup. The Gimhae Mayor’s Cup is the main event of a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 12:40 to 17:05. There is a alsso a full Sunday program in Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

GCTC 2018

Yeonggwangui Fight won the GCTC Trophy in September and is one of 8 juveniles lining up for Sunday’s Ginhae Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Extremely weak maiden to begin with. (2) FAPP CAT is slow but might just be a little less slow than the rest of these. She ran 2nd in a similar race to this in August and although she only managed 6th when favourite on reappearance last month, is probably worth another go here. (3) MISS MOUNTAIN has been up and down across four starts so far but really should be going close in this company. (6) MONEY SHARP and (10) NEUL SAE ACHIM have both hinted at some ability and can compete here. IN such a weak race, debut-makers have to be given a chance and of the two who go here, (5) STUNNING AGAIN looks the more likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections (2) Fapp Cat (3) Miss Mountain (6) Money Sharp (5) Stunning Again
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 8

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

Slightly better fare on offer here and after running a decent enough 4th in his latest two outings, (1) UP LIGHT looks ready to push on and win this. He’’ settle just behind the early lead and should run on well. (4) BLACK SPIRIT hasn’t been too far away in her latest two either and should run well for an in-form stable. (8) BANGTANMA comes in having run creditably in two valuable juvenile races and should find the company more amenable here. (9) HANAMICHI and (3) FINAL CAPTAIN ran 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other on what was for both a second career start on September 15th. They both step up to this distance for the first time and can be competitive here.

Selections (1) Up Light (8) Bangtanma (4) Black Spirit (9) Hanamichi
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) GONG SAN remains a maiden after eight attempts but comes in having run a good class and distance 2nd last time out and should be firmly in the hunt today. (8) DAE BYEONHWA was 4th that day and should go close again although a stiffer challenge may come from (10) LOVELY NUTE. She had a poor day at the office last time out a month ago but is proven at this class and distance and should be much better today. (1) RULER has a win and a 2nd place from two outings to date and steps up in trip for the first time here. She’ll be on pace early and should be dangerous. (9) GANGHWA CHONGGAK is another who has proven himself competitive at this level and will be in the hunt as well.

Selections (10) Lovely Nute (4) Gong San (1) Ruler (9) Ganghwa Chonggak
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 11

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

(12) HUIMANG STAR has been consistently close in recent starts and while she remains a maiden after ten attempts, that could change here. Her 4th place last time was in stiffer company than this and she has a chance. (1) MISS PYEONGCHON and (2) RULE OF SUM both enter with recent form reading well. Both are proven competitive at both class and distance and they look to be the main dangers. (3) WANY K is up in class having got her maiden victory at this distance last month. She can go well again but probably has a bit to find at this level. (7) SMARTY BLUE has been a touch disappointing in recent efforts and was beaten by two of these last time. That was first up after almost four months off and he can improve here.

Selections (12) Huimang Star (7) Smarty Blue (1) Miss Pyeongchon (2) Rule Of Sum
Next Best 3, 4, 10
Fast Start 1, 3, 7

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

Competitive race which could go a number of ways. (10) PRIMO has been on the wrong side of a tight finish in both of her two latest outings, arriving on the scene just a touch late both times. She’ll be in the hunt again today and this time could get it right. (3) CHAPEL ACE is a winner of three from eight so far and ran well in defeat in a good race at this distance last time. He’s one of the main dangers along with (9) GLOBAL QUEEN, who finished 4th behind Chapel Ace at this distance at the beginning of September. Both of them have recently beaten (1) YEOKJEONUI SUNGAN. He goes well at this distance though and shouldn’t be too far away. (8) ULTRA CHAMPION is up in class following a three-length score at the end of last month and while the Gemologist gelding has a bit to find, if he can get to the front early, he has a chance.

Selections (10) Primo (3) Chapel Ace (8) Ultra Champion (1) Yeokjeonui Sungan
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 9, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) BIG FOOT beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on September 28th, his first start at this level after winning a maiden by ten-lengths in August. He’ll lead here and should have too much. (7) SUPER GOLD was 3rd behind Big Foot in that September race on what for him was also a first outing since getting his maiden win and he could well get closest again. (6) GIJEOGUIMYEONGSEONG ran a good 3rd at class and distance just two weeks ago and should be aiming to at least match that (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup Day: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

There is a big 13-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 10:45 to 18:00. The feature race of the day is the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, Seoul’s heat in the 2nd leg of the Juvenile Series:

Dae Wan Ma Dq

Dae Wan Ma crossed the line 1st in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup onlyh to be DQ’d – he’ll be well backed again in the 2nd leg of the Juvenile Series (Pic: KRA)

 

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

This is an especially weak maiden and while (7) BARAMUI MISO hasn’t been hugely impressive across her two starts so far, his 3rd – in similar strength company to this – and 5th – in stronger – suggest that with any kind of improvement at all, she should win, Next best is (2) TAP LUCK, who improved to 5th on his second outing last month and first at this distance. (1) SUPER CREED has shown some glimpses of ability too and while beaten by Tap Luck last time, can find the minor money here. (6) VICAR BRACING and (8) BRAIN SPEEDER have only raced once apiece and can be given a chance to improve.

Selections (7) Baramui Miso (2) Tap Luck (1) Super Creed (8) Brain Speeder
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with six of the eleven racing for the very first time. Among those with prior experience, both (2) BLUE FIRE and (9) GEUMA ZENITH have raced twice each with both registering a 2nd on their respective latest outings. Blue Fire’s was at this distance while Geuma Zenith’s was a narrow defeat in a fast time over 1000M and accordingly steps up for first time today. Both look to have serious claims. Of the other three who have raced before, (7) KAHINAH looks the best. Among the first-timers, there are two standouts. (5) NIMUI HYANGGI and (10) FIGHTING HERO both won trials in fine fashion, the latter especially and both can be backed first-up.

 

Selections (2) Blue Fire (9) Geuma Zenith (10) Fighting Hero (5) Nimui Hyanggi
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 2, 5

 

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

 

This maiden is restricted to fillies only. (6) FIRST RANK put in a solid shift on debut six weeks ago, finishing 3rd over 1000M. She made a lot of ground late on in the race and the additional distance today could well suit. She’s the top pick. (3) GREEN Y was a much improved 2nd on her latest effort at the end of last month. It wasn’t a very strong race but he improvement was notable and she’s another who may benefit from having further to race. (9) WONDERFUL HEELS is another who showed demonstrable improvement on her latest outing and is one to consider. (2) SOKBO WANGWI is a little more experienced and has raced well at this distance already and looks a good shout to place while (8) QUEEN OF CAMP is another who should be in the hunt.

Selections (6) First Rank (3) Green Y (2) Sokbo Wangwi (8) Queen Of Camp
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 1, 3, 4

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

Every time he runs now, we make the same jokes about (6) UNDEFEATED being anything but, however, we’ll draw a line through his latest because he’s back down in distance today and in against opposition he has every chance of beating. He’s well drawn to get a decent start and he can return to the winner’s circle. (3) MIREU STORM and (12) WINNER BROWN are both up in class having landed their respective maiden wins. Both should be very competitive here with Winner Brown marginally the favoured of the two. (8) DAESEUNG AGAIN ran 5th on his first try at this class last start and can build on it today. At the other end of the experience scale, (5) SSONSALGACHI ran 2nd in a not too dissimilar race three weeks ago and can aim for a repeat on what will be her fifty-second career start.

Selections (6) Undefeated (12) Winner Brown (3) Mireu Storm (8) Daeseung Again
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 9

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

(9) CLEAN FLOWER has run 3rd and 5th in two outings at this level since getting her maiden win in July. Both times she’s more than held her own in stiff company and under Antonio Da Silva, she can win this, likely leading all the way. (10) HEUNG KKAEBI was a winner on debut on September 15th, over 1000M. She ran on well and should be able to handle both the higher class and increased distance with few problems. (12) RAON PRO SENSE and (8) KAILLUM YEOJE come in having finished 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other at 1000M at the end of September. With the extra furlong today, Kaillum Yeoje can reverse that form. (11) BODEURAM, 2nd last start at 1000M looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Clean Flower (10) Heung Kkaebi (8) Kaillum Yeoje (12) Raon Pro Sense
Next Best 11, 6
Fast Start 1, 8, 9

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

(4) GWANGPOK JUHAENG has been showing signs of figuring things out and after a 3rd place last start four weeks ago, he can make the breakthrough today. He’ll likely settle just behind the early pace which should be set by (1) LEADER’S CAMP. She also comes in following a 3rd place last start, albeit against slightly more modest opposition, and should go close again. Another one on speed will be (3) BLACK POKKYEOKGI. It’s been five months since his solitary outing so far but he looked good when making all in a trial earlier this month and could go well first up today. (6) GIVEN WEEKEND and (11) RAON STELLA are others who can go close.

Selections (4) Gwangpok Juhaeng (1) Leader’s Camp (11) Raon Stella (3) Black Pokkyeokgi
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 1, 3

Race 7: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maiden juveniles here and six of the eleven have raced before. (4) MUNHAK TSUNAMI was favourite on debut four weeks ago on the strength of a strong trial showing. He only managed to finish 2nd but it was a fast race and with any kind of improvement at all, will take some beating. Expect him to be an odds-on chance. (2) DARK PLAYER was four-lengths back in 3rd place that day and looks to be clear next best here too. Both are likely to be on the early speed. (5) SENSE JAENGI ran 2nd on debut in August before finishing 4th on re-appearance last month. He’ll need to improve to beat the top pair but should have the beating of most of the rest. Among the first-time starters, (6) GLOBAL BOSS a Cross Traffic colt, shoed some aptitude in his trial and looks the most likely to be competitive first-up.

Selections (4) Munhak Tsunami (2) Dark Player (5) Sense Jaengi (6) Global Boss
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 7

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

(12) SOL PARANG has won two from three so far and is up in class following an eye-catching eleven-length score over 1000M on October 7th. He’s also up in distance but he should be ready for it. He doesn’t need to lead from the gate so the wide draw is no real (more…)

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

The final weekend of racing in October gets underway on Friday at Busan with an 11-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Plenty of action to get stuck into with foreign trainers Bart Rice and Peter Wolsley both having a few in contention:

Bart Rice

Trainer Bart Rice has some good chances on Friday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(9) LUCKY ADELE has a 3rd and a 2nd from among his three starts so far in what has been an interrupted career. He returned from more than a year out to record that 2nd place at the end of September and he’s the one they need to beat here. (5) DAY STAR comes in off the back of her best finish to date, finishing 2nd at this distance and beating a couple of these in the process. He’ll be the main danger along with (1) SUNDAY GLORY, who has shown some potential across three outings. (3) RINGING FLYING and (11) MAKGANG YEOGEOL are others who could step up.

Selections (9) Lucky Adele (5) Day Star (1) Sunday Glory (11) Makgang Yeogeol
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start 3, 6, 9, 11

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

Juvenile maidens here with seven of the twelve making their racecourse debut. A few of the five with experience have shown some ability though, principally, (3) TANGENT, who ran a close 2nd on debut on October 5th, having briefly led close to home. It was a wet track that day but with a bit of improvement, he can win this. (6) DOCTOR CHIC gets dropped back in trip after a solid effort over 1300M on his first start in September, when he ran 3rd having led until the closing stages. He’ll be on pace here and could lead all the way this time. (11) JEONSAUI JILJU has raced twice, improving on his latest and is another who can go well. As for the debut-makers, (1) GABO DAY won his trial in fine fashion last month and will be well-backed first-up, but the pick of them could be (5) SECRET LEGACY, who has looked competent across two trials, recording a fast time in decent company on her latest two weeks ago.

Selections (3) Tangent (5) Secret Legacy (1) Gabo Day (11) Jeonsaui Jilju
Next Best 6, 10, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 6, 12

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

More maidens here, this time it’s restricted to fillies. Plenty are in the hunt but the slight top pick is (3) KEEP GOING, who looks to be figuring things out having run 2nd at this distance on her latest start a month ago. She can sit close to the early speed and finish strongly. That speed is likely to be set by (5) GEUMA GHOST, who ran 2nd on debut over 1000M last month. She steps up in trip today and will be a big danger. (6) ECTON SPEED came very close on her debut, just missing out in a tight three-way finish at this distance on a very wet track on October 5th. Two of the others here were back down the track and she can be taken seriously. (2) TOUGH GREEN weakened a little late on when tried at this trip for the first time last month but can get close here while (9) YEONGWON CHAMP has hinted at some ability across two starts so far at 1000M and having begun both rather sluggishly, may appreciate a bit of extra distance today.

Selections (3) Keep Going (5) Geuma Ghost (6) Ecton Speed (2) Tough Green
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 6

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

Another competitive maiden with eight of the twelve tackling a mile for the first time. (9) JANGSAN JOY has offered few clues across two starts so far, both at 1300M. He ran on reasonably well for 4th last time and given the stable, he’s going to be well-backed here. Expect him to be on-pace early with the potential to lead all the way. (7) P.K. NINE looked on the verge of getting his breakthrough win in the summer but has seemingly lost his way a bit in a couple of starts since. The step up in trip could well suit and he looks set to go close. That applies to (12) MARU JJANG too, who actually beat Jangsan Joy on the latter’s debut and can give him a good race again. (2) TORNADO KING returns for the first time since February. He didn’t do a lot in three outings before his layoff but looked sharp in a trial last month. (11) CHEONDUNGBARAMSORI is one of those who has race at this distance before, beating two of the others who go here on his way to 4th place – albeit a long way behind the winner – at the end of September.

Selections (9) Jangsan Joy (7) P. K. Nine (2) Tornado King (12) Maru Jjang
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 7, 9, 10

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

With the exception of his first two starts, (1) FELICE has been sent off at single-digit odds every time. He’s yet to win but has a number of near-misses and today could be his day. The concern is his rather lackluster showing last time when he was beaten by, among others, (9) SHARP BELL. That was a big uptick in form for the latter, who remains a maiden after twenty-four attempts and has to be respected in this company today. (3) EURO SHINHWA and (4) EURO CAPTAIN both do have experience of winning already and both have claims here. Neither are especially quick starters but as long as they don’t leave themselves with too much to do, both are capable. (2) BAEKDU BAEKHO is the wildcard, returning after a twenty-week layoff. He’s been through a number of trials since and looked sharp enough in the latest of those two weeks ago.

Selections (1) Felice (4) Euro Captain (9) Sharp Bell (3) Euro Shinhwa
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 2, 5, 10, 11

Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) MAGIC STREET comes in off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes at this class, the latter of which was at this distance. His solitary win to date was also at 1200M and he looks ready to win again, most likely leading from the start. (6) SPOT returned from almost six months off with hoof issues to run a solid 4th over 1300M two weeks ago. The (more…)

Lead Money Wins Battle Of Greys In Jeju Governor’s Cup

Last Sunday’s Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul turned out to be the battle of the greys and with the pre-race favourites failing to fire, it was left to Ilgan Sports winner Lead Money to lead hime Sinui Myeongryeong to land a 280/1 exacta.

Oaks winner Special Stone was sent off the slight favourite in the G3 contest over 1400M but she was scarcely involved, ultimately finishing 6th.  Meanwhile the well-backed pair of Seouri Byeol and Ice Marine closed strongly for 3rd and 4th but were never in the hunt for the win.

Instead it was a two-horse race by the furlong pole and Lead Money (Exploit) ran on to comfortably defeat Sinui Myeongryeong (Hansen) by half a length on the line. It was the four-year-old’s fifth career win.

At Busan, the notable performance of the weekend came in Sunday’s feature as Ace Korea, the 5th place-getter in the Korea Sprint, returned to action at his home track and despite missing a step at the start, ran on to comfortably win over 1200M. He is definitely going to be one to watch in 2019:

 

 

 

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview for Jeju Governor’s Cup Day (October 21)

The Jeju Governor’s Cup highlights an 11-race Sunday card at Seoul and Indian Star will be bidding to win the 1400 Group 3 test for fillies and mares for the third consecutive year. She’ll be up against it though as a tough field of sixteen, including two Oaks winners and a whole host of others line up.  The 1st is at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. There is also racing at Busan with 6 races from 12:40 to 17:10.

Indian Star Jeju Governors 2017 Finish - Korea Racing Authority

Indian Star won the Jeju Governor’s Cup last year and the year before. She seeks an unlikely hat-trick on Sunday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(7) BANGTAN SONYEO has run 3rd on both his starts to date, both of them in valuable races (he actually was 4th across the line in the Munhwa Ilbo but the “winner” was disqualified). Neither of those races were especially quick but he showed prominently last time and here he will be expected to be on speed early and can win. Of the four others who have raced before, (3) JANGSAN FLY will be expected to improve – he actually ran slower on debut than he did in his trial – while (4) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM went back to trial after his own August debut and showed some potential. There are seven first-timer starters and among them, (12) GEUMBIT JANGIN was perhaps most impressive in trials. He’s a half-brother to plenty who have raced well, at least at lower levels. (9) HOMECOMING posted a fast time and should also go well first-up in what is a better than average looking maiden.

Selections (7) Bangtan Sonyeo (3) Jangsan Fly (12) Geumbit Jangin (9) Homecoming
Next Best 4, 6, 8
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 9

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

After an inauspicious debut, (4) RULE BREAKER has come back and posted a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent starts. The latest being at this distance. He’s well drawn to hit the front early and the only thing that should be broken by the end is his maiden. (7) MEGA CITY and (1) K ZONE came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on September 15th. Both have been there or thereabouts for some time now and look to be the biggest dangers to the favourite. (9) JEONGMUN K ran on well for 5th last time at 1200M and the additional half furlong today may benefit while (10) ROAD MAN ran a useful 3rd of 7 at the distance at the start of September and returns form a seven-week layoff with the potential to repeat.

Selections (4) Rule Breaker (7) Mega City (1) K Zone (9) Jeongmun K
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 7

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

Small field but competitive with plenty in the hunt. (6) ISCRA is up in class following an eye-catching seven-length score over this distance on September 15th. It had been coming well as he had been getting progressively closer, never finishing worse than 4th over four starts to date. He made all that day and has every chance of doing so again. (9) DAE UNHA was the one who got closest to Iscra and he is accordingly up in class too – while he won’t be out of his depth, he obviously has plenty to find. A stiffer challenge is likely to come from (5) BARAMUI SORI, a winner on debut in August and who ran 2nd on her first try at this level five weeks ago. It’s her first try at further than the minimum distance, but she should be able to cope. Another leading contender is (7) BACK TO BACK, who looks to be coming back into form after a few wobbles in the early summer. (2) CITY CHAMP drops back in trip after good recent work at 1700M. He’s yet to get his maiden win but can challenge for a place in this company.

Selections (6) Iscra (5) Baramui Sori (7) Back To Back (2) City Champ
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 3, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 50 Million

After taking a few goes to find her feet at this level, (6) SKY MARINE has run well over her last two starts, most recently being beaten just over a length into 2nd at this distance on September 15th. That was a good race and she beat some decent horses making it hard to oppose her here. (7) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE also enters following a class and distance 2nd place. Like Sky Marine she’s been a little inconsistent but looks a potential danger today. (1) LUCAS ran a close 5th on his first try at this level just over a month ago. She’s up in trip for the first time and her running style suggests it may suit. There are a couple up in class following maiden wins last start but both (5) I AM WINNER and (10) BLESSING ROAD look as though they have plenty to find leaving (8) CHEONGSU DOLPUNG, who returns after more than a year off but trialled up well last week, and (9) LIVINGSTONE, as potential place-getters.

Selections (6) Sky Marine (7) Neungryeok Sidae (1) Lucas (9) Livingstone
Next Best 8, 3, 10
Fast Start 6, 7, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for imported juveniles here with just three of the eleven having raced before. (4) HAVANA CHARLIE was favourite on debut on September 9th having blitzed a late-August trial. He was beaten by a super performance by Gaon Queen and it would take something very special to beat him today. The other two with experience offered little on their respective debuts so we’ll turn to the first-timers to try to find some competition. (2) INCHEON SPEED showed plenty of speed when winning a trial two weeks ago and is the clear second pick. (5) FIGHTING LANGFUHR also came out on top in a trial and is the likely third-favourite. (3) SPEED WINNER and (7) MAPLE MOON others to catch the eye and both could go well first-up.

Selections (4) Havana Charlie (2) Incheon Speed (5) Fighting Langfuhr (3) Speed Winner
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) EAST KINGDOM enters in good form and was 3rd last time out (beaten a neck by Sky Marine, who we saw earlier) over 1300M. He steps up to two turns for the first time with little to suggest that it won’t suit and he could be hard to beat. (7) ADELEUI KKUM (more…)

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

There is a bumper 13-race program at Seoul on Saturday which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. It’s set to be a beautiful autumn day – here are the previews:

RH7_3921

US import Spring Back has been exceptional in two starts to date. He runs again in race 12 on Staurday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

Pretty moderate maiden to begin with. (11) USEUNG MACHA comes in having shown the best recent form with a 3rd place last time out although that was arguably in even weaker company than this. She looks to be improving though and has as much chance as any. (9) SEOKGWA BULSIK raced very greenly on what was just his second start in September. He still finished off nicely enough and looked good when sent back to trial a couple of weeks ago. Look for plenty of improvement today. (8) LUCKY MURYA overcame a stumble at the start on her latest outing but finished off nicely and she’s another who can get closer here. (3) UDDUGI and (7) ROAD WOMAN other possibles to get better.

Selections (9) Seokgwa Bulsik (11) Useung Macha (8) Lucky Murya (7) Road Woman
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 6, 7, 10, 11, 12

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

Juvenile maidens only with five of the twelve racing for the very first time. A couple of the experienced ones have shown some ability though and we’ll side with them. (8) CHOEGANG STAR has a 5th and a 3rd from two efforts to date and while the Midshipman colt was the beaten favourite on his latest, he’s certainly worth another chance here. He should be on pace straight away and can lead all the way. (12) STORM FORCE showed positively on debut at the beginning of September running 4th at this distance. She’ll have to overcome the widest gate but looks the biggest danger. (3) CHAMP K had a hard time running in a straight line on his first start but will hopefully have come on for the run and can improve. Among the first-timers, (10) NEW PARADIGM and (11) THANK YOU MOTHER were the best looking in trials with (1) GEUMA UPTOWN GIRL also doing nothing wrong and capable of going well first up.

Selections (8) Choegang Star (12) Storm Force (10) New Paradigm (11) Thank You Mother
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 7, 8, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens although this time seven of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Once more we’ll side with experience though and both (10) BAKCHAOREUM and (11) GYORYONG UNU come in with 2nd places to their name. That doesn’t tell the whole story with Gyoryong Unu. Having looked very good in a trial, he was sent off hot favourite on debut in August but having looked in command at the top of the stretch, he lost all momentum and ended up 2nd. Then in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at the end of September, he was on the receiving end of some bumping at the start and unseated his rider. Surely, his luck changes today. If it doesn’t, then Bakchaoreum could take advantage. Her 2nd place was a little more straightforward and showed plenty of promise. (7) NAREUDUSI was 4th in the same race and can improve too. Among the debut-makers, (4) CHODONG BOBAE and (9) MEDICI POWER look to have the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections (11) Gyoryong Unu (10) Bakchaoreum (7) Nareudusi (4) Chodong Bobae
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2, 5, 6, 7, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) HANEUL ACE beat three of these on her way to 2nd place in a similar all-filly race at this distance on September 9th. That came off the back of a 3rd place the time before and she can come home on top today. (6) SUN QUEEN was slowly away last time but ran on well, something she has done twice now. She steps up in trip for the first time and the extra distance could well suit. Nine months separated (3) TONGHAP SIDAE’s first and second starts but she ran well in both of them and can be a danger here. (4) CHEONNYEON HAPPY had some bad luck in running last start a month ago but still came home a not too far away 5th, beating a couple of these. (5) GYEONGGUKJIMA ran a very good 3rd on debut back in June but struggled on reappearance a month later. She comes in fresh after thirteen weeks off and is worth another chance here.

Selections (2) Haneul Ace (6) Sun Queen (3) Tonghap Sidae (5) Gyeonggukjima
Next Best 4, 1
Fast Start 2, 5, 8

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

(1) BEST MAID was just beaten half a length into 2nd place over class and distance on September 15th, beating a couple of these along the way. It continued a run of near-misses for her and she is very much he one to beat today. (8) STRONG LIGHT was one of those behind Best Maid that day and it was actually reversal of form as Strong Light has twice recently finished ahead of her. She can get close again although stronger challenges may come from (2) DAESEONG RUBY and (4) BIG AURORA. The latter drops back in trip for the first time since January and while he remains a maiden, he led in his last two outings and surely goes close here. (5) SURFING POINT is up in class having got her maiden win at the seventh time of asking last start and while she probably has a bit to find, she’s well drawn to get on the lead and could go well again.

Selections (1) Best Maid (2) Daeseong Ruby (4) Big Aurora (5) Surfing Point
Next Best 8, 9. 6
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 8

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

Another set of juvenile maidens. (9) BEST LINE ran 2nd on debut on September 8th and while he was soundly beaten by a good winner, showed enough to suggest he has a bit of talent. He started very slowly and only really started to race in the last couple of furlongs. The wider draw may help him today and he’s clear favourite. (11) GLOBAL (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

The main even this weekend is the Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday where Busan mare Indian Star will bid to complete a hat-trick of victories in the Group 3 test. Before that though there is Friday action on the South-Coast with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00: 

RH7_2434

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

(10) FASHION WANG hasn’t been far away in recent efforts and led for much of the way around three weeks ago at this distance before ultimately finishing 3rd. Despite the wide draw she should lead again and can provide jockey Kim Hye Sun a first winner since her return form a lengthy injury absence. (7) BAENGNICHONG was 6th that day and can improve here. The other contenders all have something of the unknown about them. (2) GOLDEN REX has struggled for fitness in his latest two but has been working consistently in the lead up to this and should go better. (3) GIPPEUM DAY returns from seven months out and is under the care of a new trainer. There are no clues from any recent trials but a top jockey is booked and she may go well. (5) TAEYANGUI CHUKJE was a good 2nd on debut behind the excellent Sun Day all the way back in March. He disappointed in his return three months later and comes in here after a further four months off.

Selections (10) Fashion Wang (7) Baengnichong (5) Taeyangui Chukje (2) Golden Rex
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 8, 10

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

Juvenile maidens here with just four of the twelve having raced before. (1) CHEONNYEONUIJILJU has raced twice, finishing a much-improved 2nd at this distance on September 28th, beating a length and a half by a good-looking winner in a fast time. He started slowly that day but ran on very well and should have too much here. Of the others with experience, (2) GOLDEN SHARP and (6) KARIN both finished 5th on their respective debuts and both will be expected to improve today. Of the first-time starters, the pick in trials was (7) GOOD DANCER. The Bart Rice-trained colt went through a couple of heats the latest of which was alongside some very experienced racehorses and he didn’t look out of place. A watching brief is advised with the rest of them although (4) DOCTOR THUNDER seemed to know what she was doing and could go well first-up. Watch the market for any clues.

Selections (1) Cheonnyeonuijilju (7) Good Dancer (6) Karin (2) Golden Sharp
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 2, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) YEONGSEONG ACE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on September 7th and while he was seven-lengths back behind a good winner, he showed enough to suggest that he has potential and can win here. (4) GIDAEHAE also ran 2nd on debut back in August. She was stepped up to 1300M for her second start five weeks ago when she finished 6th, just under a length behind (5) GOLD TICKET who was himself making his second career start. Both should be in the hunt here with Gidaehae slightly favoured back at this trip. (3) RACING GALLOPER was 3rd behind Gidaehae in that race back in August. He returns following nine weeks off and the trainer/jockey combination will attract plenty. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, (7) JOY OF LUCK looks to have the most chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections (9) Yeongseong Ace (4) Gidaehae (5) Gold Ticket (3) Racing Galloper
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 5

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

She’s yet to score in eight but (3) ROCK HARD QUEEN ran 4th in a significantly better race than this over this distance three weeks ago and she looks very much the one to beat here, probably looking to lead from gate to wire. She faces a very modest set of rivals, the best of which looks to be (10) GOLD TREE who ran a creditable 5th aa month ago on what was just his second career start and first at this distance. (4) WANBONG is the only one of the ten who has a top three finish to his name so far and he is third best here. Among the others we are looking for ones with the potential to improve. (1) HOT GIRL and (5) CAPTAIN COOK come closest to fitting the bill.

Selections (3) Rock Hard Queen (10) Gold Tree (4) Wanbong (5) Captain Cook
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 10

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

Both (2) YEOWANGUI GWIHWAN and (9) ARCADIA step up in class following their respective maiden wins over this distance. Both look well-equipped to cope at this level with Arcadia slightly favoured among the pair at this stage. However, they will both need to improve if they are to beat the likely favourite. That’s (4) USEUNG TICKET, who got his own maiden win in July before running a distant 2nd to Fashion Of Marine on his first try at this level in August at 1200M. He stepped down to this trip fir his latest start three weeks ago and while he only managed 6th, it was a stronger race than this and he is well worth another chance. (3) NOPIGOM NAREUSYA is another who it might be worth taking another look at, as she drops back in trip for the first time in a long time. (7) REALLY ONE was longest shot on the board when running a 4th of 12 at this distance last month (more…)

Road Winner Motors To Another Victory / Buhwarui Banseok Back On Top At Busan

 Road Winner added to his burgeoning reputation at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon the Dicreet Cat colt, who won the JRA Trophy on international weekend last month, running out a comfortable winner in Seoul’s class 1 feature handicap.

Road Winner - Korea Racing Authority

The return of SHAMROCKER, still one of the highest-rated horses in the Korean capital, meant the rest of the field were carrying light weights and while Shamrocker himself ran creditably for 6th, he was nowhere near Road Winner. Once jockey Antonio Da Silva released the hand-brake, the even-money favourite easily saw off the challenge of WINNER GOLD and a game HAEMARU to win the 1800M test by two-and-a-half lengths.

A three-year-old colt, Road Winner was a $20,000 purchase at the OBS 2017 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds and with the win, moved onto five wins from seven starts with prize money of US$250,000.

At Busan, BUHWARUI BANSEOK returned to the winner’s circle in the south-coast track’s feature handicap. Bart Rice’s five-year-old ran a strong 5th in last season’s Grand Prix Stakes and had been solid throughout this year’s campaign which had yielded one win from five starts prior to today. He was sent off at odds in excess of 20/1 though as Kim Young Kwan’s CAPTAIN FORCE, a Minister’s Cup also-ran but a four-length winner over this class and distance in early September.

The three-year-old was never in the hunt though as, under apprentice jockey Jo Sang-beom, Buhwarui Banseok struck the front just over a furlong out and ran on to win by a comfortable three-lengths from 2nd placed-APPROACH, who was racing for the first time since his creditable 5th place in the KRA Trophy at Kranji in Singapore in July.

Next Sunday Stakes action returns to Seoul with the Group 3 Jeju Governor’s Cup for fillies and mares over seven furlongs.

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 14)

There is a big Sunday of racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). Here are the Seoul Previews:

Road Winner winning the JRA Trophy - KRA

JRA Trophy victor Road Winner is the one to beat in Sunday’s Seoul feature (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(7) EIFFEL was 3rd on debut four weeks ago and showed enough to suggest that with a little improvement he’ll be winning sooner rather than later. He’s well drawn to be on the early pace here and today can be his day. (3) SOKBO ONGJU was a slightly below par 6th in the same race but has a recent 2nd place to her name and can get closer today. (9) GOD OF SOCKS steps back to the minimum distance for the first time since running 2nd on debut in July and should be a danger, also from the front. (8) ANGELA was an improved 2nd last time albeit in weaker company than this while (2) CHEONGDAM QUEENS returns from six months out and trialed up positively at the end of September.

Selections (7) Eiffel (9) God Of Socks (3) Sokbo Ongju (2) Cheongdam Queens
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

It’s maiden juvenile fillies here with four of the ten runners racing for the first time. The only one in the field to have raced twice is set to be favourite though. (8) BLACK ZAPPER was an improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 1st and should have too much for this lot today. (6) HEUNG BUJA had excuses for her 9th place on debut last month but she previously won a trial and the distance today should be a better fit so improvement is expected. (1) DADDY GLORY too raced quite greenly on her debut back in August but seemed to be going in the right direction in a subsequent trial. (7) YAHO M J CAT is another of the experienced ones who can be a danger. OF the first-time starters, (3) WONDERFUL MARIA looks the pick.

Selections (8) Black Zapper (6) Heung Buja (7) Yaho M J Cat (3) Wonderful Maria
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 7

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

This isn’t a particularly strong maiden but plenty come in with recent form reading well. (2) SUNSHIN MARINE hasn’t done much wrong in three efforts to date and was a useful 4th in a better race than this – albeit nine-lengths behind the winner – last time. She looks to have solid claims today. (3) DAEMYEONG SOLAR raced rather ungenerously in the home straight last start nut still managed to finish 3rd at the distance in a similar strength race to this and must be taken seriously while (9) CHEONGDAM JEPAE returned from five months off to run 2nd on September 16th. She’s the likely pace-setter here and can go one better. (5) STRIDE UP ran well enough for 4th on debut at 1000M and with some improvement in terms of manners, can get closer. (7) MIRACLE GOLD was a much improved 2nd last time out and can build on it today.

Selections (9) Cheongdam Jepae (2) Sunshin Marine (3) Daemyoung Solar (5) Stride Up
Next Best 7, 12
Fast Start 3, 9, 11

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

(6) TRI THUNDER ran out a five-length winner on debut at the distance on September 8th. The Stay Thirsty gelding is up in class here but is well drawn to lead again and could make all once more. The main danger is (4) HANIL DALBIT. While his solitary win came at 1200M and he hasn’t raced at the minimum since his debut back in January, his recent form has been very solid and he’s a very interesting entry here. He could even start as favourite. (8) DIA PUNCH is up in class after scoring at the third time of asking last month. (9) POP STREET is too although he hasn’t raced since January. He did, however, trial up in good fashion last month. Of the pair, Dia Punch is more favoured at this time. (2) BLUE ANNA and (7) MONKEY SOCKS are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections (6) Tri Thunder (4) Hanil Dalbit (8) Dia Punch (7) Monkey Socks
Next Best 2, 1, 9
Fast Start 1, 6, 7, 9

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

(5) BURUI GORI has come close but over five starts to date has somehow managed to (more…)