Month: August 2019

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

There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Rock Choice Ministers Cup

Minister’s Cup winner Rock Choice will be in action at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(1) SEUNGNI JEONSEOL was all over the place in her first few starts but has got things together well recently and comes in having finished 2nd in her latest start on August 11th, running on well. She’s the form horse and should be registering her maiden win here. (10) GYEONGGUKJIMA has had an interrupted career but goes well on her day. She’s not got much in the way of speed but may not need to in order to go close here. She got a good 2nd two starts back and can repeat that today. As for the rest, we’re looking for something to step up. (8) MASEONG JILJU has been through three trials since he last raced and could be one. (4) HIT THE PACE, returning from six months out, could be another.

Selections (1) Seungni Jeonseol (10) Gyeonggukjima (8) Maseong Jilju (4) Hit The Pace
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 1, 7, 8

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

Juvenile filly maidens here with just three of the twelve having raced before. Of those three, only (11) JEONGSEONG STAR has demonstrated much in the way of ability, running 3rd – albeit ten lengths behind the winner – over 1200M on her second start at the end of July. She can aim to match that here. O the debut makers, (4) DOKBO CHEONHA is half-sister to Captain Blade, who was a precocious youngster before injury ended his career after six wins from ten starts. She won her latest trial in a fast time and is set to be favourite. (2) CHEONDUNG YEOUL is the third foal out of Korean Listed winner Cheoneun and she was similarly impressive when winning a trial, albeit on a wet-assisted track. (5) LUCKY SMILE and (7) SHINY FIRE are others who can debut well.

Selections (4) Dokbo Cheonha (2) Cheondung Yeoul (11) Jeongseong Star (5) Lucky Smile
Next Best 7, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 11

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

It’s time for (4) YULONG FLYING to make the breakthrough. He’s been knocking on the door for some time and comes in off a good 2nd on a muddy track at this distance at the end of July. He should be a cut above these. (2) ACE WIN has done nothing wrong in two starts so far and can continue to improve here while (11) WONDERFUL PANGPANG disappointed slightly last time out but looked well when winning a trial a couple of weeks ago. (1) PENUNMBRA and (8) WONDERFUL CAT, the latter starting for just the second time, are others who may challenge for the places.

Selections (4) Yulong Flying (2) Ace Win (11) Wonderful Pangpang (1) Penumbra
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 11

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

Totally wide-open handicap here with lots coming in off good recent form and potentially ready to win. (9) BLACK PARTY has a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts at this level since getting her maiden win over this distance in March. She’ll look to get on pace here and can win again. (3) HANSEN BAROWS comes in having run a close 2nd over the distance on July 27th, running on well from a wide draw. Expect him to be up with the leaders earlier rom gate 3 and he has a real chance. (1) MYEONGMA JILJU was a touch disappointing when 6th on a very wet track last start but has unlucky not to win the time before at class and distance and should be close here. (2) LUCKY SOCHEON, (11) CHEON GOE SEONG and (4) LAO JIN, the latter specialising in finishing 3rd, are among several others in the hunt.

Selections (3) Hansen Barows (9) Black Party (1) Myeongma Jilju (11) Cheon Goe Seong
Next Best 2, 4, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) MENI GRAND has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts so far at this class following back to back wins in April and May which got her rapidly promoted. She’ll be close to the pace here and can go on to win. (9) LUMINESCE comes in with similar form having also been rapidly promoted and also runs at this class for the third time. He was 2nd on his latest outing, also at this distance. He’s very much a front-runner and could prove difficult to get past. (2) DELTA K has recent form reading very positively and can continue that good run here. (1) FOREVER WINNER, who already has a class and distance score to her name, and (6) BUCKETFUL GOLD, up in class after a pair of runner-up finishes, are others in at least the placing frame in what is a competitive race.

Selections (3) Meni Grand (9) Luminesce (6) Bucketful Gold (2) Delta K
Next Best 1, 10
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 9

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

(4) DONE IT MY is a twenty-six-race maiden but beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place over 1300M on August 4th. He’s a slow starter but has a decent finish on him and will pass horses late on. Will he pass enough, though? If he doesn’t then (2) ULSAN JANGGUN may be one that he fails to reel in. He’s a solid campaigner at this level and should be on pace from the gate here with every chance of sticking on the whole way around. (6) MAJOR PUNCH is up in class having scored her maiden win by half a length at the end of July and looks to have scope for more progress. (3) TIZ JYFUL and (12) MAJOR POWER are others who can go close in a competitive race.

Selections (2) Ulsan Janggun (4) Done It My (6) Major Punch (3) Tiz Joyful
Next Best 12, 9
Fast Start 2, 5

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

(9) CALL WIN has been knocking on the door in each of his latest three, beating several of these along the way. He’s taken to this distance very nicely and today ought to be the day he makes his breakthrough. (5) YOUNG STORM also has recent good form over this distance and while he only managed 5th of 8 over 1300M last start, he should be better (more…)

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

The internationals have started to arrive for next week’s Korea Cup & Korea Sprint – check out the imposing Lone Sailor stepping out onto the Seoul sand for the first time on Friday afternoon below. He’ll be in his stable while Saturday racing goes on with 12 races from 14:00 to 21:00. It’s the final Saturday of afternoon and evening racing for this summer. Here are the previews:

1567159821825.jpg

Lone Sailor arriving at Seoul on Friday afternoon

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

A filly-only maiden kicks things off. (2) WINNER TEMPLAR was a much-improved 2nd on her second start at this trip on July 27th, beating a couple of these in the process. She came from behind the pace with a strong finish and can do the same today. (9) HWANGGEUM STAR was 3rd that day and can be competitive once more although stronger challenges are expected from (6) VIRTUS, who returned from six months off with a solid 3rd place in June and comes in fresh again here. (1) CHEONEUN JJANG steps up in trip following back to back 3rd place finishes while (5) SUPER VICTOR steps back after a decent showing around 1700M last start and should be in the mix as well.

Selections (2) Winner Templar (6) Virtus (1) Cheoneun Jjang (5) Super Victor
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 1, 6, 12

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

Weak maiden here. (2) BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE only managed 5th when sent off at short odds over this distance on July 7th. He’s one of only two in the field to have a runner-up finish to his name though and is probably worth another chance here. The other one is (9) ALL MY QUEEN, who ran 2nd in what was, for a wet track a low time on July 14th. She’ll need to improve. That said, so will everything else. (8) BE ZENITH did nothing much wrong on debut at the end of June and the jockey booking will attract plenty. (3) BACK SPIN and (5) CITY SONGAM others with claims to improve.

Selections (2) Baeksaek Gwangchae (8) Be Zenith (5) City Songam (9) All My Queen
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 10, 11, 12

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

Juvenile maidens with just three of the twelve having raced before. None of them have performed with much distinction though so it’s the newcomers that we’ll focus on. (5) BLUE KING didn’t catch the eye in his first trial but was much quicker in a second in early July and if he brings that form to the races, has solid claims first up. (1) K TOP KING is out of a mare who, when she arrived in Korea, was the nation’s most expensive ever imported racehorse. She ran well too, and K Top King looked good when winning a July trial. (10) DAEHAENGIDA also won his heat and may be considered while (8) NOLBU CHEONHA also performed well in the morning trials and should be in the hunt.

Selections (1) K Top King (10) Daehaengida (5) Blue King (8) Nolbu Cheonha
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 8, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with only two having run before. However, this time, one of those has actually shown ability. After winning a trial in June, (10) RAON BEST MAN ran a very solid 3rd on debut on July 7th and that should be enough to make him a warm favourite here, likely leading all the way. The main danger is (4) HWANGGEUM HAE, who won a trial in a fast time on a sloppy track at the end of last month and looks to have ability. Others who hinted at some talent in the mornings include (1) PUNCH POWER, who won his trial, while (3) GEOMPO and (8) ARARIYO also looked useful.

Selections (10) Raon Best Men (4) Hwanggeum Hae (1) Punch Power (8) Arariyo
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 10

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

(7) HWARYONG ran 3rd in a decent class and distance race on August 10th, running on well. That was his second try at this level and looked promising. He’ll probably start favourite here. That doesn’t mean he’ll win though. (1) P.K. GUNJU drops back in trip after a good 3rd over 1300M a month ago and should be dangerous from the inside gate while (6) ROAD WOMAN should also be much better for dropping back in distance today. Both (5) KING OF SUNDAY and (8) HOMECOMING return to action after lengthy spells on the sidelines. Both had previously displayed ability and both trialled up adequately enough leading up to this.

Selections (1) P.K. Gunju (7) Hwaryong (8) Homecoming (5) King Of Sunday
Next Best 6, 12
Fast Start 1, 8, 9

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

(3) REIGN was an also ran in the Korean Oaks before finishing 4th in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup in June. She only managed 3rd when sent off the odds-on favourite on her return to shallower waters a month ago but really should be returning to the winner’s circle today. (12) WINNER MOUNTAIN is up in class having registered his maiden victory n his first try at this distance on July 28th. He made all that day and while this is stiffer, he should be very competitive. (4) CHANGSEONG GANGJA demonstrated a sharp uptick in form when beating Reign, among others, at class and distance last time. The form will probably be reversed today but he’ll start much shorter than the 80/1 he (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

The final weekend of evening racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 14:30 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Illumina

Final night of the light show at Busan

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

Filly maidens to begin with. (3) MS. UP has looked good across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place last time at this distance. She’s well drawn to get on pace here and can make the breakthrough. (1) MISS ADELE will likely join her on the early speed and she steps up in trip for the first time following back to back 3rd place finishes from her first two outings and looks to be the main danger along with (2) ME NOVIA, who has improved over her five outings so far. (4) ACE JACKPOT and (5) BORYEONG JILJU, the latter much improved last time out, are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (3) Ms. Up (2) Me Novia (1) Miss Adele (4) Ace Jackpot
Next Best 5, 11
Fast Start 1, 3

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

Twelve juvenile first-time starters here. (8) BANJIUI JEONSEOL was by some margin the quickest of them in trials and the Hansen colt is set to begin as a warm favourite here. If he brings that trial from to the track, he’ll be hard to beat. Another Hansen colt, the subtly named (10) MR. HANSEN also caught the eye in trials and should go well first up while other solid performers in the morning include (2) OASIS GIRL and (5) I’M YOUR FASHION, both of whom recorded competitive times, while yet another Hansen colt, (9) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT also did nothing wrong in his heat. As ever with this kind of race, watch the market for more clues.

Selections (8) Banjiui Jeonseol (2) Oasis Girl (10) Mr. Hansen (5) I’m Your Fashion
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 10

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

(6) PAGEUKCHEON steps up in class following a convincing maiden win over this distance on July 26th. He looks to be getting better and with more improvement still in the tank, he can immediately follow-up here. (7) NEOLBEUN GOEUL beat Pageukcheon when they raced each other in early June. He hasn’t found life easy in two starts so far at this class but should be happier today put back down to the minimum distance. (10) TIME TOGETHER beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance two weeks ago and should beat plenty again. (3) USEUNG JIKIMI is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes but should be competitive. (11) OCEAN GREY looks best of the rest.

Selections (6) Pageukcheon (7) Neolbeun Geoul (10) Time Together (3) Useung Jikimi
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 12

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

(5) HORTENSE stepped up to this distance for her third start earlier this month and she seemed to take to it well, beating four of these on her way to a 2nd place finish. She came from off the pace that day and can do the same here, going one better. Of the ones she beat that day, none really caught the eye although (10) ANGEL KING STAR will be expected to improve on what was only his third career start. More credible threats are (9) SUN MOUNTAIN, who tackles a mile for the first time after finding form over 1300M and (8) THUNDER BAY, who has been inconsistent across six efforts to date and also goes over 1600M for the first time. The more experienced (2) BICHUI HOWI is another who (more…)

Round-Up: Cup & Sprint International Runners / Juvenile Winners / Victoire Injury / Seoul Mile Races

It was an eventful weekend of racing in Korea both on and off the track. First up, the selected International Runners for September 8th’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint were announced:

IMG_20190826_170652.jpg

The ongoing trade dispute between Korea and Japan which has escalated into a full-blown diplomatic crisis over the past few weeks meant that Japan-trained horses were unable to be invited. This is somewhat of a blow to the event as Japanese horses bring high ratings to a race (organizers had spent some months pursuing one Japanese sprinter in particular who would have brought plenty of star power with him) which would have expected to have been IG3 this year but will now most likely have to wait at least another year before achieving that status.

On the other hand it leaves both races wide open and the USA is bringing a strong challenge for both races with Lone Sailor among those entered in the Cup and the mare Holy Legal in the Sprint. Hong Kong also have a horse in each race in the shape of Glorious Artist and Ugly Warrior.

Accepted Korean entries will be announced later this week with Dolkong expected to be among them in the Cup. However, he is set to be without new regular jockey Johan Victoire. Victoire, who was also expected to partner French raider Bakoel Koffie in the Sprint, suffered a heavy fall in Sunday’s race 7 at Seoul.

Johan Victoire

Johan Victoire

Victoire was riding Dolkong’s stablemate Jjang Kong when favourite Cheungdam Genie crossed in front of him on the corner leaving Jjang Kong with nowhere to go and Victoire unseated. He was taken to hospital for observation with a suspected broken shoulder and will undergo further tests on Monday.

It’s a big blow for the 32-year-old who has ridden 112 winners in just over two years riding in Korea. He gained his first local Group win on Dolkong in the Busan Mayor’s Cup. Cheungdam Genie, who finished 2nd in the race was disqualified and jockey Lee Hyeon Jong banned for three meetings for careless riding.

That incident overshadowed what was the first of two races over the new Mile distance at Seoul on Sunday. That race was won by last year’s Korean Oaks winner Special Stone while the second of them, another class 2 handicap, went to the returning Thunder Blade.

Feature races of the day at both Seoul and Busan were valuable juvenile events over 1200M. At Busan, Save The World (Menifee-Royal Scene) ran out a six-length winner while up in Seoul, Choegang Team (Old Fashioned-Sellsey) was similarly impressive. Both are unbeaten after two starts apiece with their next big tests likely to come in October.

 

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

History of a kind will be made at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday when racing over the distance of a mile returns to the capital for the first time in more than thirty years. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. 

20190822_171316.jpg

While Busan Racecourse, which was opened in 2005, is home to the KRA Cup Mile, the opening leg of the Triple Crown, until now, the configuration of Seoul Racecourse hasn’t allowed for races over the Guineas distance of 1609M. Not since the old Ttukseom Racecourse closed in 1989 – and even there the “mile” races were in fact 1650M – has the distance been available in the city.

That’s all changed with the construction of a dedicated starting chute between the first and second corners which allows for a run-up of just over 100M, and the first pair of races using the new distance will be run on Sunday afternoon. In addition to the mile races there are valuable Juvenile events at both Seoul and Busan.

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

(2) GOLD HERO has run 3rd in both starts so far, both at this distance. Her times haven’t been especially fast, but she looks to have improvement in her and won’t need to be much better to win this. (1) POWER PRIDE looks to be figuring things out with 4th places in both his latest two. He has tended to give himself a bit too much to do but has run on well and can find the money again today. (9) DAE YONGWANG too has run well at this distance before and can be competitive here. (3) ROYAL CHUKJE can improve off an inauspicious debut.

Selections (2) Gold Hero (1) Power Pride (9) Dae Yongwang (3) Royal Chukje
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

(2) TANGO TIME was a good winner on debut, making all over this distance. He’s up in class today but is nicely drawn to get on pace once more and has every chance of repeating. (10) BLUE DAEJAYEON is up in class as well, in his case following a pair of runner-up finishes. He will need to get a bit faster at this level but there’s nothing especially intimidating about this field so he should be competitive. (3) GEOM HONG is similarly up in class despite being winless and returns to action for the first time since January. While she’ll most likely need this, she looked sharp enough in a quick trial two weeks ago. (4) BEST EFFECT is one of those imports who began at class 4 but has found himself down in class. He is competitive at this level and can find the money.

Selections (2) Tango Time (10) Blue Daejayeon (3) Geom Hong (4) Best Effect
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 7

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

Having secured her maiden win at this distance in June, (4) CRAZY Q ran 4th on her first try at this level last start. She carries a nice light weight under an apprentice jockey, and she could well be the one to beat today. (5) CHEONGSU BIG EAR finds herself up in class having run 2nd in both her starts to date. She’s up in trip for the first time as well and it may suit. (8) SOLGAEBARAM is up in class having won over 1200M on July 14th. That was somewhat unexpected so she will need to improve but she warrants respect. (10) RAON BRIAN and (11) GEUMSUNI STAR are others to consider.

Selections (4) Crazy Q (5) Cheongsu Big Ear (8) Solgaebaram (10) Raon Brian
Next Best 11, 2
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 12

Race 4: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) BLACK SPIRIT is a seventeen-race maiden but comes in off an encouraging 3rd place at class and distance on July 20th. Alan Munro knows her well and it’s not impossible that today could be their day. (2) TANTAN WINNER was a touch disappointing on his latest start at the end of last month but is better than that and should improve here. Similarly (4) QUEEN OF CAMP dropped back to 1300M last start and should be better for coming back up to two-turns today. (5) GEUMA SUPREME and (12) PARK BLADE are others who could feature prominently in a wide-open race.

Selections (8) Black Spirit (2) Tantan Winner (4) Queen Of Camp (5) Geuma Supreme
Next Best 12, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) RAYMOND is a two-time winner at this distance including one at this class. He got slightly obstructed in the home straight last time when a slightly disappointing 5th but is the pick to return to the winner’s circle today. (2) RAON KHAN is rapidly up in class having won his latest two. He made all last time and while he will need to be quicker at this level, he can be competitive. (1) STORMY has plenty of class and distance experience and can aim for the places here while (7) JEONGSANG MANSE and (9) MONSTER QUEEN look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Raymond (2) Raon Khan (9) Monster Queen (1) Stormy
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 2, 3

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive handicap here. (6) DONGBANG NARAE has impressed recently, following up her maiden win over a mile early last month with 2nd place on her first try at this class on July 26th, beating a couple of these in the process.  She can come from just off the pace and can win again. Her main danger may be her stablemate (4) TIZBE. She secured her maiden victory in fine style last month and looks to be on an upward trajectory with the increased distance today only likely to suit. (7) GWONTOJUNGLAE hasn’t quite lived up to early promise but races for the first times since May and could be interesting here. (10) ONNURI GANGJA is rarely far away and can challenge for the places along with (12) GIPPEUM DAY.

Selections (6) Dongbang Narae (4) Tizbe (7) Gwontojunglae (12) Gippeum Day
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 1, 4, 5

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

(10) EMORY SOCKS has been hovering around the minor money for some time now and while she carries a bit more weight today than in previous outings, that’s because Moon Se Young climbs aboard in place of an apprentice and that may be what she needs to see her back into the winner’s circle. She’ll be kept close to the pace and can win. (5) BLUE FIRE is becoming a 2nd place specialist, having finished as runner-up in his latest three (more…)

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

There are 11 races in Seoul on Saturday from 14:00 to 21:00. Quite a few of the year’s top three-year-olds will be in action including Minister’s Cup runner-up Myeongpum Chukje and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Clear Geom. It’s the penultimate Saturday of night racing for this summer. Here are the previews:

20190720_200200.jpg

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

(5) CAPTAIN BEST has shown improvement across three starts so far, coming home in 4th place over 1200M last start. He drops back to the minimum trip today and looks to have strong claims to make the breakthrough here. (3) DASHING CANOE and (7) CLEAR STORY finished 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on July 21st. For Dashing Canoe, it was a big uptick in form whereas for Clear Story it was just her second career start. Both can go close today, but Clear Story is the more likely to improve. (6) HANSEN BLADE and (8) SPECTOR QUEEN are others with placing claims.

Selections (5) Captain Best (7) Clear Story (3) Dashing Canoe (6) Hansen Blade
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 4, 7

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

(3) RED SUN is the one to beat here. Simon Foster’s gelding only managed 3rd when favourite on a wet track a month ago but showed enough to suggest a win isn’t too far away and it should arrive here. (1) FASTEST has been anything but across eight efforts to date but ran a solid 3rd last time under Alan Munro and the pair can place again today. (8) CARROT SEEKER hasn’t shown much in terms of speed but has a handful of minor money finishes to his name and he can get another one here. (5) CHEONSE MANSE, lame last start, and (6) FIRST THUNDER best of the rest.

Selections (3) Red Sun (1) Fastest (8) Carrot Seeker (6) First Thunder
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 8

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

(4) PEACE OF RULES has shown improvement across three starts to date, culminating with 2nd place last time. She’s well drawn to get on pace from the start and she’ll be very hard to beat here. (2) FEDERAL QUEEN looks the main danger. She jumped awkwardly and lost ground last time out but still rallied for an improved 4th and she can build on that today. (5) TRUE RUBY and (6) KOOKA CAT have both hinted at some ability and both should be looking for the respective best starts to date here. (8) BAEKDU GEOPO another one in the frame.

Selections (4) Peace Of Rules (2) Federal Queen (6) Kooka Cat (5) True Ruby
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 8

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

Juvenile maidens here with all but two of them having raced before. (6) STRETTO looks the one to beat having run 2nd on a sloppy track over 1200M last time. The additional half furlong today may be just what he needs to get in front. Both (7) LUCKY BEOPJEON’s two starts so far have been at 1000M but he’s run through the line well both times and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) FEDERAL KING too showed improvement on his second start on July 20th and will be interesting to see over further today. (3) DAEHYEONG HOJAE and (5) MEOTJIN GEUMSEONG both did nothing wrong on debut and can improve here.

Selections (6) Stretto (7) Lucky Beopjeon (1) Federal King (3) Daeheyong Hojae
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 1, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) JEONGJOUI KKUM got his maiden win at the fourth attempt in fine fashion on July 14th. He’s up in class here but looks to have little to fear and from the inside gate should be close form the start and potentially lead all the way. He’ll be a warm favourite. (6) AUSPICE beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place on his first try at this level over 1200M last month. He weakened a touch late on and should be better back at the minimum today. Also dropping back in distance is (8) NEUL PUREUN CAT, in his case after a solid 2nd place over 1200M and he too should be a danger. (3) QUEEN FORCE ONE and (7) KAHINAH are others in the frame.

Selections (1) Jeongjoui Kkum (6) Auspice (3) Queen Force One (7) Kahinah
Next Best 8, 2
Fast Start 1, 3, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Tricky race this comprising unraced imports, maidens locally bred runner with two wins for twenty-six starts. We’re going to go out on a limb and pick a first-time starter. (2) HWANGGEUM LUCKY, a colt by Constitution looked extremely competent when winning a trial at the end of last month. Moon Se Young is booked to ride, and he has every chance of seeing off modest opposition. (1) MUNHAK BOSS ran well for 5th on debut and can build on that today while (12) DOLGYEOK APEURO drops back significantly in trip (more…)

You Hyun Myung Rides 1000th Winner

You Hyun Myung has ridden his 1000th career winner. The two-time Busan Champion Jockey became the third Korean rider to reach the milestone with victory on Grand Jilju in race 3 at Busan on Friday.

The forty-year-old You debuted in 2002 at Seoul before relocating to the then brand-new Busan Racecourse in 2005. He rode his first Group winner in 2006 when he partnered the famous Luna in a winning effort in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup.

“I’m really happy to have finally done it” the jockey told KRBC on returning to the winner’s circle. “I felt quite a bit of pressure as no-one has done it at Busan before. I really wish that the generation of jockeys who are coming up behind me will do it too and I also hope they can do it faster than I have”.

DIvide Wind 2018

His biggest win to date was in 2010 Grand Prix on Mister Park while he also has two KRA Cup Miles (Rafale in 2015 and Divide Wind in 2018) and a KNN CUp (Haeya in 2018) to his name. His most recent big win came in the G3 Owners’ Cup in July on Blue Chipper, who he may well partner in the Korea Sprint next month.

The only other Korean jockeys to have reached 1000 winners are Park Tae Jong, currently on 2083, and Moon Se Young (1545), both of whom have spent their entire careers at Seoul, which offers more races.

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

We’re now just over two weeks out from the third running of the Korea Cup & Korea Sprint and we’ll begin the build-up to those two international races this coming Monday (there is a lot to talk about). In the meantime, this weekend’s racing kicks off with a 9-race Friday card at Busan from 14:30 to 21:00. Jockey You Hyun Myung starts the weekend with 999 career winners:

RH7_2434

It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

Race 1: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) USEUNGUI PARANGSE is one of a number up in class here and while she is winless, she’s been 2nd in both her two starts so far, both times behind decent horses and last time in a fast time behind an excellent winner. She’ll be leading early here and can go all the way. (2) NEW QUEEN is another maiden, in her case after fifteen attempts but recent form reads very nicely and she has solid claims to go very close here while it’s a similar story with (1) MORNING BRAVO, who has been knocking at the door for some time and should be a factor. (7) MAEPSI COLOR was a class and distance winner last time and should be respected here while (8) BEAUTIFUL MARINE and (9) STOLEN BEAUTY are others in the hunt in what is a competitive opener.

Selections (5) Useungui Parangse (2) New Queen (9) Stolen Beauty (1) Morning Bravo
Next Best 7, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens here comprising of juveniles and a couple of southern hemisphere three-year-olds. That pair have raced before although neither with any distinction so it’s the first-timers who we’ll focus on. (1) CLINCHER looks the most likely winner. He went through two trials in good fashion and if he brings that form to the races could well be hard to beat. (2) HUNCH and (4) TWO TWO LEADS also put in useful trial efforts and can go well first up while the Kim Young Kwan trained pair of (3) GEUM A CLASSY and (9) SOCKS GO are bound to attract attention with the former looking the more likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections (1) Clincher (2) Hunch (4) Two Two Leads (3) Geum A Classy
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 7, 9

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

(4) GRAND JILJU and (5) PERDIDO ROCKET came home 5ht and 6th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on July 26th. Today’s company looks more amenable for both of them and back at the minimum distance here, Perdido Rocket is favoured to overturn the form. Grand Jilju still looks to be the biggest danger but there is likely to be a challenge from (3) BEAUTIFUL KOREA, who is inconsistent but capable on her day and ran a good 4th at this trip last start. (6) CHODONG DAEJANG too has been up and down but can find the money in this company while (10) HWANGGEUMBITMASAENG come in off a decent 2nd place last start and can challenge for the places again.

Selections (5) Perdido Rocket (4) Grand Jilju (10) Hwanggeumbitmasaeng (3) Beautiful Korea
Next Best 6, 2
Fast Start 5, 6

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

(4) PARTY LION returned from three months off to run a good 3rd over 1300M on July 19th. It was a big improvement on his opening two efforts and he can continue to make progress here. (10) WILD GUY was a touch disappointing last start when 7th but his form prior to that was strong and he can be a threat today. (11) KING DOMBO did nothing wrong when 4th on debut last month and looks to have solid potential to improve here. (2) WONDEFUL SUPAH has also shown development across his latest two starts and should be looking for a place finish here. (8) ALPHA KING best of the rest.

Selections (4) Party Lion (11) King Dombo (10) Wild Guy (2) Wonderful Supah
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 4, 10

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

(1) WONDERFUL COUNTRY won on debut on June and has finished runner-up in both efforts to date at this class. He came up slightly short when odds-on favourite last start but should make no mistake today. It took (12) THE FACT fifteen goes to get his maiden win but he proved it was no fluke by following up with a 2nd place on his return three weeks ago. The wide draw won’t be a problem and he can go close again. (5) HAPPY GATE was 3rd behind Wonderful Country on his latest start. He has lots to make up on the favourite but should beat plenty himself. (2) LOVE LETTER enters with recent form reading well and has placing claims while (8) ONE CHANCE similarly has a decent chance of matching her latest two outings, both of which have finished in 3rd place.

Selections (1) Wonderful Country (12) The Fact (5) Happy Gate (2) Love Letter
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 5

Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) GIJEOGUI JEOKTOMA came back up to this distance to run a good 2nd on July 26th. Coming from off the pace with a strong finish. He can do similar today and this time can go one better. (4) DOCTOR WEEK is up in class after a good win on a sloppy track over 1300M a month ago. He’s run at this distance before and should be competitive today. (8) EL DRAGON is up in class too, in his case having won at this distance three weeks ago. He (more…)

Silver Wolf Shows Her Superiority in KNN Cup

It always threatened to be a mismatch and that’s how it turned out as Silver Wolf once more asserted her dominance over the filly and mare ranks with a dismissively easy victory in the KNN Cup at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

The seven-year-old Aussie-bred mare kept her perfect record for 2019 intact by claiming the second leg of the Queens’ Tour, having already won the Ttukseom Cup and assuring herself of a second victory in the series with one race still to come.

In truth no other result was likely. With a local rating of 125, a full 32 higher than next best Sky Bay, if it had been a handicap, Silver Wolf would have put the rest of the field twelve points out of the scale.

Ultimately it was Sky Bay who put up the best fight, as last year’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup winner led from the gate and into the home straight.

But Sky Bay could do nothing as Yoo Seung-wan and Silver Wolf, who had sat comfortably in the middle of the pack throughout the early stages of the race, loomed up on the outside and cruised on by with a furlong to go for a four-length win on the line.

Silver Wolf has been conservatively campaigned for four wins from four  this year although she has only faced males on one occasion – when she comfortably dispatched them in the Seoul Owners Association Trophy at odds of 9/1.

Silver Wolf’s win moves her on to sixteen wins from thirty-two lifetime starts, ten of them in listed or graded company. She has now won well in excess of US$2.5Million and sits behind only Triple Nine and Power Blade in the list of all-time money winners in Korea.

Come October, we will most likely see Silver Wolf back at Busan to contest the final leg of the Queens’ Tour, the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup over 2000M and provided she avoids any setbacks in the meantime, she will surely win that too.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Silver Wolf In The KNN Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

Korea’s top mare returns to action on Sunday as Silver Wolf faces fifteen pretenders in the KNN Cup, the 2nd leg of the 2019 Queens’ Tour at Busan Racecourse. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. 

Silver wolf Gyeongnam

The Great Aussie Mare Silver Wolf is back on Sunday

Silver Wolf was an easy winner of the first leg of the Tour, the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in June. She’ll be strong favourite to win the 2nd leg too although there will potentially be competition from the Ttukseom Cup runner-up Damyang Hwanho, as well as last year’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup winner Sky Bay and especially up and coming filly Thunder Mark.

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

Maidens to kick things off and (1) GOLD FIELD was a beaten favourite last time ending up in 4th place. She’s worth another chance here and with a slightly better start today could potentially lead all the way. Along with Gold Field, (5) KHAN ACE and (11) GOLDEN JAY are the only other two runners in the race to have a top-three finish to their name and the two of them should pose the biggest dangers to the favourite here. (6) KOREA DAEJANGBU has been knocking on the door of the places for a while now and may improve today while (8) DAEGUN OK is another who has the potential to improve.

Selections (1) Gold Field (5) Khan Ace (11) Golden Jay (6) Korea Daejangbu
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 4

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

(8) WHITE COMET showed improvement when running 3rd on what was just his second career start on July 14th. If he can continue his upward trajectory today, then he has an excellent chance of winning here. (6) JEJUI YOJEONG ran 4th in that race – the second consecutive time she has finished in that position and she can aim for a repeat here but bigger dangers to the favourite are likely to be (3) RAON HANNIBAL and (12) KAIZEN SILVER, who both come in having placed in their respective outings and who should both be in the mix once again. (7) JEONGMUN SARANG, who also has a 3rd place in his record, looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) White Comet (12) Kaizen Silver (3) Raon Hannibal (6) Jejui Yojeong
Next Best 7, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 8

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

Juvenile maiden fillies here with precisely half the field having raced before. (5) P.K. HILL was the best of those, running a good 2nd over this trip on June 26th. It seems this race has been targeted for her return and from a good draw, she can lead all the way. Of the others who have race before, (1) BISANGDEUNG and (8) DASI DUSON, the latter the only one in the field to have raced twice prior to today, look most likely to improve. There are a couple of promising looking ones among the first-timers. (2) LION YEOJE and (7) RAON FIRST both ran 2nd in their trials, both in fast times and have every chance of going well first-up today.

Selections (5) P.K. Hill (7) Raon First (2) Lion Yeoje (8) Dasi Duson
Next Best 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

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

Competitive maiden but (11) GOLD LEVEL has the experience and just about the ability to finally get her maiden win at what will be the ninth attempt. She’s run 2nd at 1200M and comes in following a useful 4th over this trip last time. (10) TOUR DIA is the main danger as he really seems to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. He will try to get to the front from the start and if he manages it, may be difficult to get past. (3) TIZ ROSE has hinted at ability over three outings so far while (6) WIND SKY and (9) CRAZY QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

Selections (11) Gold Level (10) Tour Dia (3) Tiz Rose (9) Crazy Queen
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 3, 5, 10

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

(10) MIGHTY LUCK will be strongly favoured to score here. After getting his maiden win over this distance in June, he ran 2nd on his first try at this class four weeks ago and while he’s drawn in the car park, he should be able to overcome that and win here, likely leading all the way. (1) SPADE MASHIE was a nice maiden winner last start and while up in class today should be competitive while (7) DREAM MONEY ran 4th on his first try at this level on his latest go and should be in the placing mix here too. (5) SPEED HEUKRYONG and (6) RAON MIRACLE are others in the hunt.

Selections (10) Mighty Luck (1) Spade Mashie (7) Dream Money (5) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 10

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

(8) SANGSEUNG POWER has been close on a number of occasions since returning to action in March following a lengthy absence. On his last start he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at the distance and today he should get it right. (1) USEUNG STORY beat Sangseung Power on his way to a 20/1 win two starts back. He ran 10th when trying to repeat the feat three weeks ago but can be given another chance today. (7) TWO TWO CAPTAIN is up in class having registered a maiden win over a mile just two weeks ago and can be competitive while (2) TURBO SPEED and (12) ZET KING are others with claims.

Selections (8) Sangseung Power (1) Useung Story (7) Two Two Captain (12) Zet King
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 1, 7, 10

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

Small field but competitive. (4) BANGTANMA ran 8th in the Korean Oaks and then 6th in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She then finished 3rd on her return to regular company over 1300M last start. She looks to still have improvement in her and can win here. (3) GOD OF SOCKS looks the main danger. He comes in having run 2nd at class and distance a month ago and should be close. (2) BAEKDUI TAEYANG has run 4th in each of his three latest outings and can at least maintain that consistency here. (5) SINGGEUREOUN TIME and (6) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI are others with placing chances.

Selections (4) Bangtanma (3) God Of Socks (5) Singgeureoun Time (2) Baekdui Taeyang
Next Best 6
Fast Start 3, 4

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(7) SAMSEONG DOKKI is up in class after a good win in a fast time (though very wet and fast track) at this distance on July 19th. That was just his second career start and he came from well off the pace to win. This is a considerably stiffer ask but he looks to have plenty of potential for further development. (8) NUMBER ONE STAR was beaten favourite (more…)