Month: April 2022

Herald Business Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 1)

The opening leg of the Stayer Series is the feature race on the opening day of May. See here for a full preview. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan From 12:00 to 16:45. Here are the previews:

Winner’s Man, 2021 Derby winner, returns to Seoul for the Hearld Business

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

It is perhaps safe to assume that a future Korea Cup winner will not emerge from this opening contest. Something has to cross the line first, though. It might be (4) CUPID BELLE. She has the least slow time among those who have previously tackled the distance, recorded when 7th on March 26th. That was an improvement on her opening two appearances, and she won’t need to improve very much more to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG finished in 8th place in the same race. It was an improvement of sorts and again, it won’t take much development to get closer here. (5) THAT’S MY GIRL has a pair of 6th place finishes from her latest two, leading in one of them at 1400M. She may get an easy lead here and it’s possible she could hold it the entire way.  (8) NAMSAN BYTE was a slow 7th on debut but did at least show on the front. The drop in trip may help. Given the standard of the race, a chance must be given to the first-timers. (10) HEEMANG WARRIOR perhaps is the more likely of the three.

Selections(4) Cupid Belle (2) Haengbok Yeowang (5) That’s My Girl (8) Namsan Byte
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

More three-year-old maidens and it’s hard to look too far past (9) TRIPLE JOY. While it took him three attempts to qualify, he looked the part on debut, coming from well back to run 3rd over this distance on a wet track on March 19th. With some natural improvement from that run, he will take some beating. (2) DONGBANGUI HON has been improving across her latest two at 1300M. She draws nicely again and can be in the mix here. (3) HIGH PARK ran an improved 2nd in an all-filly race at this distance on April 2nd when handy throughout. She will be on pace again and has claims. Also on pace will be (1) HWIPARAM. She weakened at her latest outing but had previously hinted at ability and can be given another chance here. (10) DISCO BOY is another with potential to go better.

Selections(9) Triple Joy (2) Dongbangui Hon (3) High Park (1) Hwiparam
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden this. On the strength of her latest outing, (10) LOST WAR has to go on top. She led for almost the entire way around at this distance, ultimately finishing a close 2nd in a good time. She comes down 3kg in the weights with an apprentice being engaged today and while the draw isn’t quite as favourable, she should be able to find the lead and can win. She is though thirteen starts for no wins. (1) BICHUI DAERYUK has a few less defeats behind her and ran a fair time for the distance when 6th last time out. Nicely drawn on the inside, she will be challenging for the early lead and has claims. (2) QUEEN LION was a good 3rd at this trip three starts back. She can settle handy here and has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these which should out her in good stead to challenge. (4) BITNANEUN JILJU and (5) EUNHYE DREAM among others in placing contention.

Selections(10) Lost War (1) Bichui Daeryuk (2) Queen Lion (4) Bitnaneun Jilju
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

(10) FUSAICHI put in a solid effort on debut on March 11th, settling in midfield and then running on well for 3rd place over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit, and she looks the one to beat here. (3) ETTEUMI comes back in trip following bit of a chastening time around a mile at his latest start. He has previously put in a couple of decent efforts over today’s distance though and can be considered for improvement here. (9) BABEL PHOENX has two 3rd places among three starts so far, including last time out over 1200M. He can sit midfield or better here and finish off strongly with another place finish a more than realistic aim. (11) DONGBU STAR and (1) WIND WINNER are others who can aim for at least the places.

Selections(10) Fusaichi (3) Etteumi (9) Babel Phoenix (11) Dongbu Star
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) NAMSAN KKOT comes up in trip here having run well in her second start on March 27th, which came a full five months after her first. She went right back that day, running on well for 4th and the additional half furlong may well suit with the wide draw not set to be a problem. The probable favourite is (3) K N SKETCH. He stepped up to this trip on her most recent start on March 26th and ran a good 5th, setting the fastest time among these for the distance in the process. She can settle midfield here and challenge late on. (1) HONEY PUNCH came from well back to score her second consecutive 3rd place finish on March 27th. It was at this distance and in a good time on a wet track. From the inside gate, Moon Seung-hyeok can pick his spot and she can go close. (10) BLACK INDY and (5) SWEET KAKAO others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Namsan Kkot (3) K N Sketch (1) Honey Punch (10) Black Indy
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10
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Herald Business Trophy: Moonhak Chief, Winner’s Man – Horse-By-Horse Preview of Stayer Series 1st Leg

Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner Moonhak Chief squares off with last year’s Korean Derby winner Winner’s Man in a battle of the generations in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M-Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Can Moonhak Chief return to the top? (Pic: KRA)

In many ways it is an up-and-comers race. Five of the thirteen have yet to win at class 1 level, while three have won just the once at class 1. The remaining five have won twice or more at the top level.

Yet the old guard is headed by Moonhak Chief, who swept all before him in 2019, wining the International Korea Cup in the summer before finishing off that year by taking the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes. That was a long time ago but while failed to retain his Grand Prix title, he has remained a force to be reckoned with and was on target in a class 1 handicap three starts back and at his latest appearance, ran a good 2nd to President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong.

Winner’s Man was a good winner of the Korean Derby and in his only start as a four-year-old so far, ran out a class 1 winner at this distance at Busan. The Herald Business marks his first real test among the elite.

Touch Star Man and Jeongmun Sai are among the others in the field likely to attract attention. Here’s a full run-down of all the runners:

1. GOOD PILSEUNG (USA) [Distorted Humor – Rossezza (Megdalia d’Oro)] – A winner of five from ten and last ran in February when he won at 1800M at class 2 level. Trialed up pleasingly in March, draws well and carries a light weight, but this is a big step up.

2. SHAMROCKER (USA) [Dublin – Portera (Lemon Drop Kid)] – A stalwart of Seoul, the nine-year-old has just the six wins but forty-two top-five finishes from fifty-two starts. Has run – and found the money – in almost every big race he has been eligible for. Excellent 4th in last year’s KRA Cup Classic but finished midfield in three starts since. Weight not ideal.

3. YAHO SMART CAT (KOR) [One Cool Cat – Fly Top (Petionville)] – It’s been a while since his last win and more than a year since his last placing finish. Has been running in sprints so hard to know what t make of him here but he will be among the longest shots on the board.

4. JEONGMUN SAI (KOR) [Simon Pure – Kayville (Giant’s Causeway)] – A revelation at the end of last year with a 4th place in the President’s Cup and 3rd in the Grand Prix. Has begun this season with 6th in the Segye Ilbo before a good 3rd at this distance at class 1 level. May not be a winning chance here but could go close. Settles back and runs on.

5. GREAT KING (USA) [Majestic Warrior – Margaret Smile (Concerto)] – Another old warrior whose best days might be behind him but is still capable of putting in a performance, including two starts back when 4th behind Winner’s Man. Can settle handy here and be in this a long way but a minor money finish would be an excellent result.

6. BOLT MAN (USA) [Midshipman – Just A Flash (Henny Hughes)] – He is the lowest rated in the race but has been prolific at the lower levels and while his wins haven’t been by huge margins, he has run good times. He comes out to 2000M, but he runs on in his races, he draws nicely and is down in the weights and could be an each-way prospect here. Tactically versatile and with a strong finish.

7. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (Volponi)] – He won the 2021 Korean Derby at this track and while he was then beaten in the Minister’s Cup, he was a winner on his only start so far this year which came over this distance at Busan on March 13th. He draws nicely, gets some weight from rivals and has every chance. Expect him to be on pace or handy.

8. MOONHAK CHIEF (USA) [Pioneerof The Nile – Tallulah Lula (Old Trieste)] – A Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner and while he is carrying 59kg, shouldn’t be ruled out. At his latest start, he led under 60kg, ultimately running 2nd to Simjangui Godong and he will be better suited under today’s non-handicap conditions. He’ll be handy in the run and could win

9. TOUCH STAR MAN (KOR) [Testa Matta – Useung Touch (Menifee)] – An excellent 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes over 2300M at this track in December, he returned to run 4th in the Segye Ilbo at a sprint distance in January, showing his versatility. Finished an underwhelming 6th behind Winner’s Man when sent off as favourite on March 13th over this distance at Busan. At his best, he is a winning chance here, but he can be hard to catch on his day.

10. BRIGADIER GENERAL (AUS) [Tapit – Amature’s Prize (Pure Prize)] – A horse who is perhaps better than his win-record suggests. He has a tendency to get a bit far back, a bit far wide, and find a bit too much trouble. Nevertheless, he runs on well and will be doing his best work late on. With a touch of luck in running, he can be close.

11. HEUK JEONSA (KOR) [Flat Out – Ballad Of Bertie (Saint Ballardo)] – A three-time class 1 winner over 1800M and has been placed in his latest two starts at this distance, the latest of them being a 3rd behind Simjangui Godong and Moonhak Chief. He is not favoured at the weights under today’s conditions, but can run a big race, nonetheless

12. WANG BEOTKKOT (USA) [ Discreet Cat – Folk (Quiet American)] – Yet to win at class 1 level but he has proved his credentials with an excellent 3rd in the Owners’ Cup at Busan over a mile last November and then kicking off this year with a solid 2nd place over 1800M. in February when handy throughout. He steps up to 2000M for the first time and while others are favoured, he can be competitive.

13. MUNHAK TIGER (USA) [To Honor And Serve – A Precious Memory (Honor Grades)] – It’s been a long time since his attest win and his last run of note was a 4th place behind Moonhak Chief four starts back. In company with Yaho Smart Cat, he will be one of the two big outsiders.

Selections: (7) Winner’s Man (8) Moonhak Chief (11) Heuk Jeonsa (6) Bolt Man

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 30)

April concludes with a nine-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. The racecourse is open for walk up admission for non-reserved seats. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s a good race with plenty looking ready to win. (1) BEST JEONSA has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1300M on his latest start on March 26th. He has raced best on pace and has a great draw to get to the front here. (9) MIRACLE DAUGHTER enters off a good 2nd place at this distance on a wet track on March 26th. She too likes to be on pace and can go close again here. (6) OKCHEON CHOEGANG has the fastest time among these who have tackled the distance before, achieved on debut on March 27th when he settled handy and ran on for 4th. He should have come on for the run and can be in the mix here (5) GLOBAL BOBAE has acquitted himself fairly in three outings to date and was a good 3rd on his first try at this distance. He is another likely to be on pace and can be in this a long way. There are two first-time starters and of the par, (2) CHOEGO BLACK looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Best Jeonsa (9) Miracle Daughter (6) Okcheon Choegang (5) Global Bobae
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

Three-year-old-maiden fillies here. (1) SOARA DAERO has shown good consistency across her four starts to date with a 2nd and a 3rd at 1200M to her name. She comes up in trip but should be on the early pace from a nice draw and she can win for an in-form stable. (3) WONPYEONG QUEEN was a much-improved 2nd on her latest start on March 27th when for the first time she was ridden handy to the speed. Expect similar today and a repeat of that run would make her a winning chance here. (10) OCHEONBOK came from well off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1200M on March 26th. He should have come on for that run and the slight increase in trip should suit. (2) CITY CHARM and (4) TTEOOREUDA are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Soara Daero (3) Wonpyeong Queen (10) Ocheonbok (2) City Charm
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field here and (3) K N POST is probably the one to beat. She was an improved 2nd on what was start number three for her over this distance on March 27th when she settled right at the back of the field before rattling home well. She should find herself with a little less to do in this small field and can win. (5) HANGANG DOLPUNG ran well for 2nd on debut at this distance on April 2nd. It was a slower time than that of K N Post, but it was on a slow-running track. He should have benefitted for the run and can make progress here. (8) P N S GAMBOL hinted at improvement at his latest outing on April 2nd when a much better 3rd over 1300M. This race is no harder and he can build on that today. (2) FAMILY CAPTAIN and (7) KKANGDORI are others who can enter the calculations

Selections(3) K N Post (5) Hangang Dolpung (8) P N S Gambol (2) Family Captain
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Luigi Riccardi’s stable has been in fine form over the past couple of weeks and they can maintain it with (2) DAESARI. Having made all in a trial, he was a winner on debut over 1200M on March 26th, when he sat handy before running on very well over 1200M. He comes up in class today but slightly down in weight and draws a much better barrier. He has strong claims to preserve his 100% record. (8) REMARKABLE is yet to win but has a solid record of six top-five finishes from nine attempts. She comes in following a good 3rd place at class and distance on April 3rd and under a similarly light weight, can be dangerous here. (12) WILD SOCKS ran 4th in that same race having drawn the same wide gate as today. He has a good finish on him though and if he can get a bit of luck position-wise, he has a chance. (4) MEOTJIN GIROK came from well back to run 2nd at class and distance on March 27th and while he is up slightly in the weights, that’s balanced by a much better gate. (3) DAESE MANSE was a long-shot winner of that April 3rd race, ahead of Remarkable and Wild Socks and warrants a little more respect this time.

Selections(2) Daesari (8) Remarkable (12) Wild Socks (4) Meotjin Girok
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

(8) FLY STAR is up in class following a good win at 1200M on March 27th. That was his maiden, but it had been coming after a near miss at the start before. He comes up in class but can measure up and will be expected to be on or close to the pace here. He is set to dispute favourite status with (10) WORLD RACER. He was a good winner on debut at this distance before struggling over 1400M on his reappearance on Boxing Day from gate fourteen. He returned to action on March 12th, again drawing the widest gate, and he came from off the pace for a slashing 4th. The draw is still not good, but it is marginally better, and he can be powering home late again here. (12) YONGAM BOSS is another up in class following a good maiden win at 1300M on March 27th. He draws wide but that is balanced a little by coming down in the weights and he has a chance. (3) ENERGIZER, racing for the first time since last September, looked well in a trial two weeks ago and can put in a decent effort first-up here. (6) CHEONGSAN GASE another in the frame.

Selections(8) Fly Star (10) World Racer (12) Yongam Boss (3) Energizer
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) RAON THE TIGER comes up in class following a good win over this distance at class 5 level on March 27th when he broke well, sat handy and then ran on. The class rise is balanced by a drop in the weights, and he has every chance of winning again. (7) MUNHAK TAPIT enters having run 3rd at class and distance on March 26th when he settled right back and then ran on. He carries the same light weight today but draws much better and can go close again. (8) DUSON MEONGGUNG was 4th in that same race, having also gone back and closed strongly. He is yet to win but has been a prolific placer and should be in the mix again. (3) GWANGHAE has raced only twice and there was a five-month gap between them. He acquitted himself fairly though and looks nicely in here to improve. (9) DOLGYEOK APEURO another in the frame.

Selections(5) Raon The Tiger (7) Munhak Tapit (8) Duson Meonggun (3) Gwanghae
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 11, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(10) MIGHTY GEE will be hot favourite to score here. A winner at this class and distance two starts back, he then ran 2nd to Victor Moon when favourite, again at class and distance on March 27th, which several of today’s rivals behind him. He does give weight away to all but one of his opponents, but he should have too much. (4) MOST SPEED came home in 4th place in that race, continuing a positive run of form. She has run fair times at the distance and can push the favourite here. (2) QUICKLY SUN comes up in class following and all the way score at this distance on April 2nd. He drops significantly in the weights, and from a good draw, he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (12) MUNHAK FIRE and (7) MONSTER K are among others who can enter the calculations.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 29)

There are eight races at Busan on Friday from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open as usual. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener, most of them fillies, and it’s hard to look past (1) DIABLO QUEEN. She led on debut on April 1st over this distance, ultimately finishing a good 2nd. She should have come on for the run and can win here. (2) HOLLYWOOD PARTY debuted back in January, running fairly over the 1000M. She too should have improved for that and can be a better prospect this time around. (7) HAENGBOKAN HAMAN is one of two first-time starters here. She went through two trials and improved significantly in the second of them, registering a good time, having settled back and ran on. She will have backers here. (10) TWOTWO ARCH GIRL and (5) SUPER CRACK are others who can place.

Selections(1) Diablo Queen (2) Hollywood Party (7) Haengbokan Haman (10) Twotwo Arch Girl
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) MAJOR FORCE is yet to finish in the top two, but he has no fewer than ten top-five finishes from his seventeen starts. He was a beaten favourite last time when 4th at class and distance, but he has the fastest time of any of these at 1400M and today could be his day. (5) JIN MARK beat Major Force as the pair finished 2nd and 4th at this distance on April 15th. That continued her run of positive recent form, and she has every chance of going close again today. (1) GALLOP BOY is another long-time maiden who enters with recent form reading well. He beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place over 1300M on his latest start on April 1st, and from a much better gate today, can be considered for better. Solitary debut-maker (9) WONDER GOAL trialed up well and along with (8) B J’S TERMS, can be considered for a place.

Selections(6) Major Force (5) Jin Mark (1) Gallop Boy (9) Wonder Goal
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (3) ARTIE’S GAL has been consistent across her eight starts to date including a solid last start 4th place over 1200M. She draws well to get on the early pace here and she has every chance of making a breakthrough. Following a good trial, (10) YASAENGHWA ran fairly on debut. She should have benefited from that and with some natural improvement, she can challenge here, despite the wide gate. (6) RHIANNON POINT comes in off a good 3rd place on her latest start on April 10th. She will be much shorter than the 100/1 she was sent off at in that race and has every chance of a place again. (8) HWARANG SKY and (5) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Artie’s Gal (10) Yasaenghwa (6) Rhiannon Point (8) Hwarang Sky
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This is a very competitive race. (6) MONEY BAG is a potential winner, having run a very 2nd at class and distance on March 25th, when he settled handy and ran on. He looks nicely in here and with similar tactics can win today. (12) B.K. NEW MOON doesn’t get the best of the draw but looks similarly ready to win. She got promoted to this class with back-to-back 3rd place finishes and then ran an excellent 3rd over this distance on April 1st. She may need a bit of luck at the start but if she can find a decent position, she has every chance. (10) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG is another who is yet to win but has finished no worse than 5th across his five outings. At his latest, at class and distance on April 1st, he ran a good 2nd when sitting midfield and running on, and he enters the calculations here. (7) WONDERFUL FILE comes up in class following victory at this distance on April 15th. She is nicely weighted and can measure up. (1) SPICE INDIE is another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Money Bag (12) B. K. New Moon (10) Eunseong Yeongung (7) Wonderful File
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

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

Another very competitive race. (9) RAON THE FIGHTING was a smart winner at 1400M on March 25th when he sat handy to the speed early, before taking over and winning well. He comes up in both class and distance but should be able to cope with both and can win again here. (2) HWARANG ACE is another up in class and distance following a maiden win at start number four on March 27th. He draws very nicely to get to the front and is another who has every chance of measuring up at this level.  (6) HIT THE ROAD already has a 3rd place at class and distance to his name, when he beat a number of today’s rivals. He enters off a good 2nd place over 1400M at his latest start and should be a danger here. (12) TRIPLE STORM and (8) GREAT ONE are others who can place.

Selections(9) Raon The Fighting (2) Hwarang Ace (6) Hit The Road (12) Triple Storm
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

The banker favourite of the day goes around here in the shape of (10) MILLION BANK. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in seven career starts and she won well at class and distance in February, beating a few of today’s rivals. At her latest start she was a beaten favourite at 1400M but back to this distance today, she looks hard to go past. (3) HAENAM HAMMER returns to action for the first time since last August. She had shown ability across her six outings before that and comes in having trialed up well. She may need this run but from a good draw, has every chance of going close. (8) ACE KILLER has proven consistent at this distance. He can sit back here and run on for another place. (5) MIRACLE SON and (2) TRAFFIC MARINE are among others who can go well.

Selections(10) Million Bank (3) Haenam Hammer (8) Ace Killer (5) Miracle Son
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Djordje Perovic is aiming to break the record for most wins by a foreign jockey in Korea and he has a chance here on (11) MY DESTINY. She has the fastest time of any of these at the distance, recorded when 3rd at her latest outing on a very wet track on March 18th. The draw is not in her favour here as she likes to be on pace but with a bit of luck at the start, she can be up there and can win. (7) ACHIM BIT has only won once in twenty-six appearances, but she has eleven top-three finishes and is ultra-consistent at this distance. She will settle midfield and can run on into some money. (3) SONHADOR won back-to-back races to get rapidly promoted to this class. She comes back in trip following a creditable enough effort over a mile on March 27th and should be in the mix here. (8) GOOD TANK and (6) QUEEN HARLEY among others to consider.

Selections(11) My Destiny (7) Achim Bit (3) Sonhador (8) Good Tank
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(3) WORLD CHANGE has won five of his ten starts and comes in having been a beaten favourite at class and distance on March 25th when he led almost the entire way around, only to ne beaten by Hill More. He had a few of today’s rivals behind him though and will be favourite again to go one better. (9) TUHONUI BANSEOK returned to action on March 18th following six months out and he ran a very good 3rd place at class and distance. He comes up a couple of kilos as a result but should have come on for the run and can be competitive here too. (4) MALIBU BYEOL races for the first time since last November but looked well when trialing up earlier this month. He has placed at this distance at class 2 level and can be taken seriously here. (7) DOCTOR TAKE and (10) RAPID GAME among others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) World Change (9) Tuhonui Banseok (4) Malibu Byeol (7) Doctor Take
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 11, 12

Raon The Fighter Downed By Eoma Eoma In Sprint Series Opener

Raon The Fighter stumbled at the gate and ultimately went down to the very first defeat of his career as Eoma Eoma won the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M – KOR G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Entering Sunday’s race a perfect ten from ten and having beaten the other big guns in the field in last autumn’s SROA Chairman’s Trophy Raon The Fighter was sent off a prohibitively short-priced favourite for the Busan Ilbo, the first leg of the Korean Sprint Series.

Eoma Eoma, who had looked a picture when parading, was second in the betting while a resurgent Blue Chipper was third in the market.

Calamity struck the favourite coming out of the gate.  Raon The Fighter stumbled and then dipped, losing any chance of getting to the lead. Jockey Lee Hyeok had a split-second decision to make and rather than dropping in behind, he opted to take Raon The Fighter up wide and to the speed. It was a gamble that didn’t pay off.

Eoma Eoma meanwhile got an easy tow to the lead from East Jet, who set the pace on his inside. Under Moon Se-young, Eoma Eoma would take up the running with just over a furlong left to travel and while Raon The Fighter finally appeared on the scene in the home straight and ran on bravely and gamely, he couldn’t get to the winner.

Eoma Eoma won by a full three-lengths with Raon The Fighter swooping late for a very competitive 2nd while Dixie Again was a revelation in 3rd.

Winning jockey Moon Se-young was uncharacteristically emotional after the race and, swerving questions about the run of Raon The Fighter, he talked to in-house broadcaster KRBC only about his own mount.

“I thought Eoma Eoma was working so well this week, so I really need to thank the guys who came down to Busan and prepared him so well” said Moon Se-young. “I only rode him the last two days in trackwork, so it is nothing to do with me, they prepared him perfectly – really when you guys (KRBC) asked me how he was on Thursday, well, I almost wanted to hide how good he was doing.”

Moon went on to describe what it meant to him personally to win the race. “I usually ride in Seoul, but I am from Busan. I am a Busan guy. I grew up in Milyang (northern Busan suburb) so I have desperately wanted to win a big race in Busan; in my home town. It had never happened for me before, but now it has.”

It might be a blemish on his record, and Raon The Fighter is now probably not going to break Mister Park’s unbeaten streak. However, he didn’t lose much in terms of reputation, and he will surely win many more.

Blue Chipper, who was sent off as third in the market but who ultimately crossed the line a long last, was found to have bled.

The next leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint at Seoul on May 22nd before the final leg in the SBS Sports Sprint, also in the capital on June 19th. The Korea Sprint itself is on September 4th.

Busan Ilbo Sprint Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (April 24)

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is the highlight of a big day’s racing in Korea this Sunday. See here for a full horse by horse preview of the race. The Busan Ilbo is race 5 on a 6-race card at Busan from 12:00 to 16:45, while at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All racecourses and betting locations are open to spectators and attendance can either be booked using the MyCard app, while non-reserved seating is available on the gate. Here are the previews:

Can Raon he FIghter make it 11 from 11 in the Busan Ilbo Sprint? (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old filly maidens in the opener and it is very competitive with several holding genuine winning chances. Based on her lively debut, we’re putting (8) GREEN DRAGON on top. She sat handy and ran on well for 2nd in a fair time at this distance and while she was well beaten by a good winner, should have come on for the experience and a similar run will mean she isn’t far away. (7) GORGEOUS SERVE improved at start number two on March 13th when beating a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place at this distance. She has drawn wide in both her starts so far and has gone back but gets a better gate today and should be close. (5) HERA BLADE has raced four times with the latest her best on April 9th, when 3rd at this distance having been on pace throughout. She backs up at the earliest opportunity here and is expected to be on the speed again and in this a long way. (2) MUSTANG CHARM and (6) WIDAEHAN HANMA others who appear on the right trajectory.

Selections(8) Green Dragon (7) Gorgeous Serve (5) Hera Blade (2) Mustang Charm
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Another tricky maiden. (11) SINJURYU comes in off a smart 2nd place behind King Crush at this distance on March 20th. The time was fast, although it was assisted by the wet track, but it wasn’t the first time he has shown ability and despite the wide draw, there isn’t much early speed here and he can go one better. (10) GUK HYANG returned from over six months out in January and has run an encouraging 5th and 3rd, both times over today’s trip and both times settling midfield and pushing on late. She could be peaking third-up here and has claims. (12) SKY FUTURE is a wildcard. He raced three times up to March last year, registering a 2nd and two 3rd placed finishes. He didn’t offer many clues in a trial just last week and will obviously need this but if he has retained his ability, then he can go well first-up. (2) NEW SMART comes into the calculations following a good 3rd place in an all-filly race over this distance on April 10th. She draws a better gate today, should be on pace, and is a chance. (6) CHEONDUNG OREUM another with minor money hopes.

Selections(11) Sinjuryu (10) Guk Hyang (12) Sky Future (2) New Smart
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

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

Without an abundance of confidence here, we’ll side with the probable favourite (3) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG. He enters here following a 5th and a 4th in his latest two starts, both at 1700M and last time overcoming the widest gate and beating a couple of today’s rivals. The step back in trip can suit and he can sit off the pace and run on. (7) TOUGH YEOJE showed signs that she is figuring things out when running an improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on March 26th when she came from well back and worked home strongly. She was beaten a long way by a good winner but with more improvement plus an extra half furlong to play with, she can be close today. (12) QUEEN OF RACING may need a touch of luck early from the widest gate, but her recent form reads adequately enough to suggest she can play a role here. (5) BIG ENERGY and (6) SMART BLUE are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Cheongsan Yeongung (7) Tough Yeoje (12) Queen Of Racing (5) Big Energy
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(4) YEONGGWANGUI POWER races for the first time since February 2021. He had looked ready to win before his injury and he went through a trial last October in fine style but didn’t make it back to race at that time. He completed another trial two weeks ago in a fast time. It’s not impossible he can defy the sixty-three-week layoff and win first-up here. If that puts you off, then (5) CROWD ONE is the probable favourite. Her best finish was 2nd place three starts back but she has since run twice fairly at this distance. The Moon-factor aboard will ensure she gets plenty of backing, she should be on pace from the start, and she can go all the way. (9) WIND CROSS has been consistent over his four appearances so far. He has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and should be in the finish again here. (1) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (3) VICTORY NINE among others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Yeonggwangui Power (5) Crowd One (9) Wind Cross (1) Fantastic Magic
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

(11) RAON THE TEUKGEUP’s solitary win came over 1200M at class 6 level last November and after two indifferent runs to start his class 5 campaign, showed he was back to form with a 3rd place, again at 1200M on March 12th when he went right back and powered home. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and the extra half-furlong can suit, giving him solid claims to go close here. (9) CHAMPION GAMUN is a winner at this distance at class 6 level. His two efforts at this class have also been at the 1300M and he has run well. A front-runner, he should be on pace from the start, and it would be no surprise were he to go all the way.  (1) HAPPY MIX had a hard time on her first try at this class following a maiden win over 1200M in February. She drew wide that day and it was a very wet track, so she has excuses and from a much better draw and probably in different conditions, she can be given another chance. (5) JEONGSANG FIGHTING and (7) SAINT LUCCA others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Raon The Teukgeup (9) Champion Gamun (1) Happy Mix (5) Jeongsang Fighting
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) STELL LUNA had a poor day at the officer when favourite for a similar race at class and distance on March 11th when she raced relatively prominently early but was flat in the home straight, ultimately finishing 7th of twelve and beaten by two of today’s rivals. That was her second disappointing run in a row but previously she had shown plenty of ability with some fast times, especially when winning at this distance and she is worth a third chance here. (8) BORAMI gained her sole victory at 1000M but didn’t run badly when overcoming gate fourteen to run 5th on her first try at this class over 1200M on February 18th. She has had a couple of months off since then and with an apprentice making for a very light weight, she can be competitive here. (6) SUNSET MELODY comes back in trip following a good 3rd at 1400M on March 25th when she was a little more forward a bit earlier than in other recent starts. She can be in the finish again. (9) SLIM QUEEN comes back in trip and into the calculations while (10) SANGIM YEOWANG is another to consider.

Selections(5) Stell Luna (8) Borami (6) Sunset Melody (9) Slim Queen
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) MONEY GARAK has beaten a few of these across his three outings at this class since his maiden win at this distance on Christmas Day. At his latest start, he was a close 3rd at class and distance on March 27th, having come from off the pace. He will settle midfield again and can prove too strong. (10) MIGHTY GOOD didn’t do a whole lot on his first two outings but pulled off a good win at start number three over 1200M on March 27th at class 6 level when he flew home from almost last to first in the home straight. He is up in class here but down in the weights and the additional furlong should suit. (8) HANGANG CHAMP ran 5th behind Money Garak in the March 27th race. He is yet to win in six attempts but has three runner-up finishes, including one at this class over 1300M and he can be competitive here. (12)  NAMSAN YEOLMAE and the returning (1) CHODONG ROCKET among others with placing claims.

Selections(7) Money Garak (10) Mighty Good (8) Hangang Champ (12) Namsan Yeolmae
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11
(more…)

ROAD TO KOREA SPRINT BEGINS SUNDAY WITH RAON THE FIGHTER SEEKING PERFECT ELEVEN

After a two-year enforced hiatus, the Korea International races are to return in September and the local contenders take their first step towards the first weekend in September as ten of the nation’s fastest gallopers line up for the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M – KORG3) on Sunday afternoon, the first leg of the three-race series that concludes with the International Korea Sprint.

The winner of the last Korea Sprint to be held in 2019, Blue Chipper, takes his place in the gate. But it is a sign of the strength of the race that the six-year-old, who went on to run 3rd in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita, won’t be in the top two of the betting, despite a bullet trial at the end of last month.

Instead, most eyes will be on Raon The Fighter, the brilliant Bayern four-year-old, who is yet to be tested in ten starts, all of which he has won effortlessly. He has usurped Eoma Eoma, who had the misfortune to emerge on the scene just as racing was closing down in early 2020 and he dominated when racing for the reduced prize money on offer in behind-closed-doors racing. He did though win last October’s SBS Sports Sprint and at five, still has plenty to offer.

East Jet is a Graded Stakes winner at sprint distances too and will be another at the head of the market, while along with Blue Chipper, the up-and-coming Yeongung Louis heads Busan’s challenge. Here is a run-down of the field.

1. EAST JET (KOR) [Strike Again – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)] – A Group winner, he began the year running 2nd to Raon First in the Segye Ilbo Cup, having led for much of the way around. He then stepped up to 1400M when he, alongside Eoma Eoma, had a testing day at the office.

The 1200M suits him better, he draws the inside gate and while a place chance might be realistic, he will be in this a long way.

2. EOMA EOMA (USA) [Algorithms – Lignite (Run Away And Hide) – A winner of ten including the SBS Sports Sprint. Disregard his last start on March 20th, when on a very wet track he uncharacteristically settled midfield and while he did make up ground in the straight, appeared to hang in a little and was well back behind the winner, Dixie Again. The time before, on January 9th, he ran 4th behind Raon The Fighter when giving away plenty of weight, and ahead of Dixie Again. He is nicely drawn today and at level weights, things might be closer

3. YEONGUNG LOUIS (USA) [Violence – Don’t Stop To Shop (Unbridled’s Song)] – an up and comer having won his last 2 starts, the last in Class 1. He is better known as a 1400m horse but has won over 1200m at lower levels At his last start on March 27th, which was at 1400M he was an excellent five-length winner over a field that contained, Doctor Carson and the former champion sprinter Doraonpogyeongseon, both of whom go again in the Busan Ilbo. If there is too much pace up front, Yeongung Louis may be the closer and while he is very much up in class, he could measure up.

4. RAON THE FIGHTER (KOR) [Bayern – Clarinda (Empire Maker)] – The current hottest property in Korean racing. He has been flawless in ten starts so far, winning them all and is now only seven short of equaling the all-time record for consecutive wins. He has run super times at this distance, eased down and at his latest start on February 20th, he overcame gate thirteen to ease to the front and win by eight lengths from one of today’s rivals, Dixie Again. The time before on January 9th, he comfortably beat a field containing Eoma Eoma and Dixie Again. He likes to race forward so and will be very hard to beat from a nice draw.

5. MIRACLE DREAMING (KOR) [Federalist – Miracle Worker (Menifee)] – Not a prolific winner but he has fifteen top-three finishes from twenty starts. Enters off a good 3rd place at this distance at class 1 level in February behind Daemangui Gil and Heat Yegam when on pace throughout. He has run solid times, but it is hard to see him being able to run the kind of time that would be needed to beat some of today’s rivals.

6. DORAONPOGYEONGSEON (USA) [Kantharos – Smartybegone (Smarty Jones)] – A two-time SBS Sports Sprint winner, the nine-year-old perhaps has his best days behind him but he is still able to run a good race, as evidenced by his 3rd place over 1400M at class 1 in January. He settles midfield or further back and runs home strong, but he will probably find himself with far too much to do against this kind of speed.

7. SINGSING MARY (USA) [With Distinction – Amylimehouse (Limehouse)] – The probable longest shot on the board and the only mare in the race. She is still at class 2 but there is space in the race, and she takes her chance here. It is a very slim chance. Does get a 2kg allowance on the rest of the field.

8. DIXIE AGAIN (KOR) [Ecton Park – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] – A winner of eight from sixteen, he took a while to get to grips with class 1 level but ran (a distance) 2nd to Raon The Fighter at this distance in February, before upsetting Eoma Eoma and East Jet on a wet track over 1400M on March 20th. He was getting plenty of weight in those races and today will ne harder. Half-brother to multiple Korean Graded winners Beolmaui Kkum and Kkakjaengi.

9. DOCTOR CARSON (KOR) [Hansen – Carson’s Cat (Mountain Cat)] – He came to prominence in a series of wins over Blue Chipper when well weighted in handicaps throughout last spring and summer during the reduced prize-money racing season but has just come up a little short in the biggest races at level. At his last start, he was 4th behind Yeongung Louis at 1700M. He has run fast times for the distance and can be competitive but minor money would be a good result.

10. BLUE CHIPPER (USA) [Tiznow – Dixie City (Dixie Union)] – The 2019 Korea Sprint winner and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile 3rd placegetter has had his setbacks over the past couple of years but showed he remains a force on his day with victory at 2000M at class 1 level in January. He hasn’t raced since but stormed home in a trial on a wet track on March 26th. The draw is unkind, but the quality is there and at level weights, don’t rule out a good run.

Selections: (4) Raon The Fighter (2) Eoma Eoma (1) East Jet (3) Yeongung Louis

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is race 5 on the six-race card at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and has a post time of 15:55 local time.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 23)

There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. The racecourse is open for walk-up attendance. Here are the previews:

Crowds are back

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (8) WILD RUNNER has finished 3rd in both starts so far, both over 1000M. She has run on pleasingly enough on both occasions and the additional trip today may well suit. The main danger looks to be (7) CASH BACK. He stepped up to this distance at start number five last time out and was handy throughout, running on for 3rd. It was a slow race, but he will be expected to be on or close to the pace again and should be in the finish once more. (5) GEUMSEONG HWANHUI is the clear third pick, having significantly improved at his most recent start on March 20th, when he ran 2nd at this distance on a muddy track. A similar run here will see him close. (4) M J TIME and (2) PERMISSION TO WIN should at least both be on pace from favourable gates and could improve.

Selections(8) Wild Runner (7) Cash Back (5) Geumseong Hwanhui (4) M J Time
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

More three-year-old maiden with four of the ten racing for the very first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those first-timers, in the shape of (6) B.J. STORM. He went through two trials, improving in the 2nd of them on April 1st when coming out of gate twelve but getting on pace and running through the line in 2nd place in a fair time. He won’t need to improve too much to win this. The probable favourite is (1) CHANGER. An improved 5th at his latest start at 1200M on a sloppy track on March 26th having led, he went back to trial last Friday and led all the way around, stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws very nicely here to get on pace and so long as he didn’t leave his race in the trial, has every chance. (3) BLUE INDY comes out of the same trial as B.J. Storm, when he settled handy and crossed the line in 3rd. He too can make a bold showing first-up. (9) GYEONGBU DAEGEOM didn’t do too much wrong on debut and while that was back in January, is enough to make him a placing chance here along with (7) TIGER ZONE.

Selections(6) B.J. Storm (1) Changer (3) Blue Indy (9) Gyeongbu Daegeom
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

Another set of three-year-old maidens. (11) SONGAM ARCHGIRL beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place at his distance in a fair time on a wet track on March 26th. The draw isn’t exactly in her favour here but that was just her second start and with some natural improvement, she has claims here. (1) MARUMA has run fairly across three starts so far with two 5th place finishes including her latest at 1200M when after breaking well, she settled back before running on. The slight step up in trip should suit and the inside gate should give her options. (9) WELLBEING CHAMPION was one of those beaten by Songam Archgirl last time out but again it wasn’t a bad run, and she has some potential for improvement. (3) LONDON MYEONGGA and (6) MABAWI are others to take into consideration.

Selections(11) Songam Archgirl (1) Maruma (9) Wellbeing Champion (3) London Myeongga
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (1) CHEONGSAN GANGHO has good experience at this level and has the joint-fastest time of any of these at the 1700M. He comes in off a solid 3rd place at class and distance on April 2nd, well beaten by a good winner but well clear of 4th. He usually goes back in his races, then runs on and he has as good a chance as any here. Probable favourite is (4) RUNNING NUMBER ONE, based on his last start 2nd at class and distance on March 20th, when he beat two of today’s rivals, having settled back in the field and finished strongly. He too has run good times at this distance and has every chance. (10) BRAVO SOCKS was 3rd in that March 20th race. He is yet to finish in the top two in nineteen attempts but has plenty of minor money finishes and shouldn’t be too far away again. (9) ADELE MUSTANG and the up in class (12) THUNDER HORSE are others to take into account.

Selections(1) Cheongsan Gangho (4) Running Number One (10) Bravo Socks (9) Adele Mustang
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 11
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 22)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open as usual with walk-up admission available at the racecourses. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (3) JEOKDO JEONSA didn’t beat many home on debut but was much-improved at start number two on March 25th when from the widest gate, he sat back early, improved to just off the lead at the top of the straight, and ran on well for 2nd over this distance in a time significantly faster than any of today’s rivals have managed. He draws a good gate for the first time and won’t need to improve much to win this. (2) TWO TWO BRAIN improved to 4th at her most recent start on April 1st when she came from off the pace. She too draws a good gate for once and may be ridden more forward here and can go close. (11) DOCTOR PENTAGON ran 6th in the same race on April 1st. That was first-up following six months off, and he should come on for the run. (8) NOBLE SPIRIT and (1) PURPLE MANGO among others who can improve.

Selections(3) Jeokdo Jeonsa (2) Two Two Brain (11) Doctor Pentagon (8) Noble Spirit
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE has improved significantly in his latest two, including a last start 2nd place at 1400M when he was on pace throughout. He does come up a couple of kilos in the weights but if he can maintain his current trajectory, a win is not impossible here. Probable favourite is (8) ADELE STELLA. He has been solid, if unspectacular, across six outings so far, finishing in the top-five on every occasion although he is yet to break into the top-two. His latest two outings have been at a mile, so he is back in trip today and should be close once more. (7) YONGGARI is another who has shown signs of figuring things out recently and enters off a useful 4th over this distance on a sloppy track on March 18th. He tends to go back and run on and will be doing his best work late again here. (11) GREEN SPEED and (4) BAEDARI GANGHO are others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Choegang Mujigae (8) Adele Stella (7) Yonggari (11) Green Speed
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A small field of maiden fillies here and there will be a hot favourite in the shape of (2) QUALITY QUEEN. She comes in off a 3rd place over 1300M on March 25th when she was on pace throughout and from a nice draw and with not much other speed around, she should have a soft run to the lead here and prove far too good. (7) ANNIKA GIRL is probably second-best. She has raced adequately at this distance and steps back in trip following an acceptable 4th place over a mile at her latest start. It’s hard to consider her a winning chance here but she can place. (3) MY PAL beat a couple of these on her way to 6th over 1200M on April 1st. The step up in trip may suit and she aim for a career best finish here. (6) DOCTOR CANDY and (5) NAREUCAT are other placing chances among a limited set of gallopers.

Selections(2) Quality Queen (7) Annika Girl (3) My Pal (6) Doctor Candy
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

It’s hard to go too far past (1) HANEUL GANGJA here. A winner at class 6 level in February, he then ran a good 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on March 25th when he sat handy and ran on. He does come up in weight from that but from the inside gate, Park Jae-I can pick his spot and they should prove too strong. (11) GREEN CHEETAH got her maiden win at this distance two starts back before running a useful 4th over 1300M on her first class 5 try on April 1st when on pace throughout. The draw is not ideal here, but she remains well weighted, and she should go close. (7) FANTASTIC LOVE remains winless after seven attempts, but she has never finished any worse than 5th. She has a 2nd place at class and distance to her name and while she may find one too quick again, she should be in the money. (8) BLUE CARSON and (4) CHOEGANG CUPID are among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Haneul Gangja (11) Green Cheetah (7) Fantastic Love (8) Blue Carson
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(3) LOOKING CAT will be the one to beat here. Her solitary victory came over 1400M more than a year ago, but she has been working back up towards another, including her very good 2nd when tried at this trip for the first time on April 10th behind King Grace. She can sit handy or midfield here and may prove too strong. (2) MIDNIGHT QUEEN has good form at the distance and beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place on March 20th. An apprentice being engaged means she carries a very light weight and from a god draw, she should go close. (6) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM is yet to win in twenty attempts but has had several near-misses and enters with recent form reading well. She tends to get a bit too far back in her races but should be passing plenty late on. (1) NEW CROWN and (7) WONDERFUL SECRET are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Looking Cat (2) Midnight Queen (6) Cheonnyeonuigureum (1) New Crown
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

Possibly the most open betting race on the card. We’ll take a chance on the lightly raced (8) SANGSEUNG BOY. He is a winner of two from three so far with his latest coming over 1200M at class 5 level, back on February 25th. He is up in class and in distance but there is nothing to suggest that either should be a problem and he has a chance. (6) BUSANHANG GALMAEGI was a front-running winner over 1200M at this level on April 8th. He comes up in trip here, but he has won at this distance at a lower class in the past and while he is up in weights, he should be in the finish again. (7) CROWN KING STAR is another sure to have backers. He was a winner at this class on a sloppy track over 1200M on March 18th and while his previous efforts at this distance haven’t been great, he looks ready for another crack and the handicap conditions treat him well. (2) JATNAMUGIL and (1) ACE SOLOMON are others who look nicely in here.

Selections(8) Sangseung Boy (6) Busanhang Galmaegi (7) Crown King Star (2) Jatnamugil
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(7) MISS INDIE comes in having won her latest two in fine style. At her latest, she slightly stumbled at the start but used her natural speed to sit behind the leader before powering away. She comes up in class here but has every chance of continuing on her merry way. (10) YEONGGWANGUI TIME is yet to win beyond 1200M, but last time out was a very close 2nd when handy and wide. She draws wide but can overcome that and is worthy of consideration here. (2) DOCTOR FAITH has done most of his recent work at staying distances although he was a good 2nd on a sloppy track at this distance on his most recent appearance on March 18th. He is up in class but likes to race forward and from a good draw should be in this a long way. (3) SUNLIGHT BOY is another front-runner, and while he is down in trip, he has won three times at today’s distance. He is nicely weighted and should go close. (5) ALPHA STAR another to take into account.

Selections(7) Miss Indie (10) Yeonggwangui Time (2) Doctor Faith (3) Sunlight Boy
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

(5) DAEAM JANGGUN is a winner of three form six so far with those victories coming in consecutive races last summer and autumn. At his most recent start on February 25th, he beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance, and he looks very much the one to beat here. (7) ONNURI JILJU was one of those behind Daeam Janggun in that race. He returned to run 3rd, in turn beating a number of today’s opposition, over 1200M on March 20th, and can beat plenty again here. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC comes up in class following a few too many near-misses at class 3 level. He should be measuring up in this company and will be expected to be on pace from the start. (1) SO MUCH GO and (4) WORLD TODAY are among others to consider for the places.

Selections(5) Daeam Janggun (7) Onnuri Jilju (6) Geuma Psychic (1) So Much Go
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Captain Yankee Swoops To Claim First Leg Of Triple Crown

40/1 chance Captain Yankee swooped late to cut down the favourites and claim the first leg of the 2022 Korean Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Yankee wins the Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

With the fancied Aspen Taeyang a late scratching due to a hind leg injury, last year’s Champion Juvenile Complete Value was sent off as hot favourite for the 1600M first jewel, ahead of Winner Star, with Man Of The Year and Seungbusa the only other two in single digits in the markets.

When the race began, Beolmaui Star got the best of the start from gate number one and was joined on the early pace by Man Of The Year and Complete Value with Seungbusa looping across from gate ten to join them. Captain Yankee meanwhile sat in midfield as the front-runners set a fair pace.

The lightly raced Beolmaui Star would quickly weaken while Man Of The Year was always wide and never convincing and as the leaders entered the home straight, his challenge faded, leaving Seungbusa and Complete Value up front alone.

At that point it seemed it would be a duel of stamina between Seungbusa and Complete Value; a battle that only Complete Value could win. He did, seeing off Seungbusa with just over a furlong remaining. Victory seemed a formality but that was to reckon without the long-shot Captain Yankee, who began to rally and then close in on the leading two.

Captain Yankee would ultimately come through the gap between Complete Value and Seungbusa and go on to win by a full two-lengths on the line. Complete Value was 2nd with Seungbusa a further length and a quarter back in 3rd. It was a full eight-lengths back to the fourth placegetter, Unju Hero.

Winning jockey Jo In-kwon told in-house broadcaster KRBC that while he was confident in his horse, it wasn’t plain sailing: “I knew the pace would be very fast, but those leaders were so far ahead at one point that I thought that we would end up too far back and he might give up.”

“He hates kickback so I kept him wide and out of the sand and that gave us more to do, but just when I thought it might be too much, he responded so well and gave me his very best.”

Jo In-kwon is widely considered one of Korea’s most accomplished riders, but this was only his second Group winner since being licensed in 2008. It was his first big race win of any kind since 2012, when he was a fresh-faced rookie, about to go away to do his compulsory national service.

Now a grizzled thirty-five-year-old family man, Jo In-kwon admitted that he was nervous as Captain Yankee closed to victory: “I was very excited in the final furlong, but I tried to keep calm and make sure that we made no mistakes.” They did not, although it must be noted the jockey was deservedly – and perhaps leniently – fined half a million Won for his excessive and unnecessary whip use in the closing stages.

On pulling up, Jo sent a personal message to his young children, which was picked up by the on-board microphone he was carrying. “Yes, that was lucky, wasn’t it?” he laughed, referencing how the onboard “jockey cam” in the race was supposed to be carried by Moon Se-young, before Aspen Taeyang was found lame. Jo In-kwon offered to carry the camera, despite being on a 40/1 chance.

Captain Yankee is by Old Fashioned, who stands privately in Korea at Challenger Farm. He is out of Can’t Rezist (by Action This Day) and was bred by Lee Kwang-lim. The Cup Mile was his sixth race start and his fourth career win.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby over 1800M at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday May 15th.