Month: July 2022

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 31)

It’s daytime racing on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and a short 5-race card at Busan from 12:20 to 16:10. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens here with all but three racing for the first time. Those three all raced well though on their respective debuts and will be at the top of the market. (3) SURE WIN will be hot favourite. Having won a trial in early June, she then ran 2nd on debut on June 25th, racing on-pace throughout and registering a good time. A repeat of that performance will make her very hard to beat. The name does sound like tempting fate though so if you want to take on the favourite, (4) KWAEHYANG is the logical choice. He was also close to the speed on debut on June 25th (in a different race), coming home 4th on a decent time. He should have come on for that and be a danger here. (9) NAVY CHROME was 4th behind Sure Win on debut and can also improve here. As for the first timers, (8) SUN DRAGON ran the fastest time in trials and can be considered while (5) RAON THE COBRA ran 2nd in his trial in a fair time and is sure to get plenty of attention.

Selections(3) Sure Win (4) Kwaehyang (9) Navy Chrome (8) Sun Dragon
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

A maiden with ten fillies and one gelding. (4) RAY BOLT comes in off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, where she has settled just behind the early speed and then run on. She draws well to so similar today and she could have enough about her to win this. (7) GOLD POWER showed enough on debut to put her among the leading contenders here. She led for much of the way around at this distance on June 25th, ultimately finishing 5th but posting a decent time. She should have improved for that run and may even start as favourite. (10) ZELOS has shown signs in his latest two starts of finally figuring things out with a 2nd and 3rd, both at this distance. He has settled back and ran on both times so the wide draw isn’t of concern, and he can maintain his positive run of form. (2) MONEY STONE and (9) ARCH MEMORY others who can place.

Selections(4) Ray Bolt (7) Gold Power (10) Zelos (2) Money Stone
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(2) GOLDEN HONOR made a good impression on debut on April 9th when he finished 2nd over this distance. It’s taken a while for him to get back to the track, but he looks nicely in here and from a great draw, looks to be the one to beat. (3) PERFECT TIME has the fastest time for this distance among those who have tackled it before. That was recorded when she finished 2nd two starts back on June 5th when she settled back and ran on. Going on that run rather than her latest, she has a chance here. (8) NAEGILUI BYEOL stepped up to this trip on June 26th and ran an improved 3rd. He is another who can sit midfield early and then run on. (6) TRIPLE JOY has hinted at ability across three starts so far and along with (10) PERMISSION TO WIN is another in the frame.

Selections(2) Golden Honor (3) Perfect Time (8) Naegilui Byeol (6) Triple Joy
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

A maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time and unusually, we are not going to side with experience this time. That’s due to (3) GEUMA PASSIONATE, who showed enough over the course of two trials to suggest he can win first-up. He led in the latest of those and while Group winner Mr. Afleet did cruise past him in the latter stages, there don’t appear many candidates among this lot to do that. He can lead all the way. If you prefer to stick with experience, (11) BAEDARI GANGHO could be the one. He comes in off a good 2nd place on June 17th when he overcame the widest gate. That suggests that the same wide draw won’t be an issue and he can work home strong again. (8) TEUKGEUP CAMP was a significant improver last start on June 26th when he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd over this distance. He can match that here. The form drops off a bit after that but (7) SIMPLE KALIX will have backers while (1) LOUD COLOR is another who can improve.

Selections(3) Geuma Passionate (11) Baedari Gangho (8) Teukgeup Camp (7) Simple Kalix
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive race for fillies and mares. (1) HWASUBOON perhaps has the edge. She was a winner at class 6 level over this distance three starts back and while he didn’t go well over 1300M on her first try at this level in March, she was a decent 5th on her latest appearance back over this trip on June 25th. The draw means she may get a soft run to the lead and that could make the difference. (3) MUSTANG CHARM is still a maiden but comes up in class with two runner-up finishes from her latest three. She comes down in the weights and can sit behind the early speed and run on. (10) HIGH RUNNER beat Mustang Charm on her way to victory over this distance at class 6 level in June. She too can measure up in this company and can be considered. (5) GEOLJAK WOMAN and (11) HWANGGEUM CHEONJI both need their latest starts overlooked but otherwise have form that holds up in this company.

Selections(1) Hwasuboon (3) Mustang Charm (10) High Runner (5) Geoljak Woman
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(1) QUEEN ALLIE may be yet to break through, but she comes up in class anyway following two runner-up finishes from three starts. At her latest, she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield and then run on well, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She comes down in weight here, draws a good gate and she can win. (7) TWO OF US comes up in class too, in her case following a maiden win at start number four over 1200M on June 26th.  She is an on-pace galloper who can be expected to lead here and to be in this a long way. (9) BEST WIND enters off two very solid class and distance performances, finishing 2nd to Named in June and then on July 10th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when an on-pace 4th. She remains nicely weighted and surely goes close. (5) SPICE INDIE and (3) JEONGDEUN-RO are others in the hunt.

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

Saturday’s action is at Seoul where there is a lengthy 15-race program running from 2pm to 9pm. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens on the opener with seven of the eleven making their racecourse debuts. We’ll go with experience and (3) GEUMA ALLURE was an in no way disgraced 6th of nine on debut over this trip on June 18th when settling back and running on in a fair time. She comes into a better gate today and that experience can prove valuable. So it can for (10) NEMO PRINCE. He ran 2nd in a trial before finishing in 5th of eight on his debut on June 25th, also settling back and running on. He draws wider here but should be a danger. Of the first-time starters, (2) EFFEL TAP ran 3rd in a trial earlier this month. He raced handy and with not much early speed here, from a good draw he can possibly lead here. (6) BAEDARI GONGJU and (7) GIPPEUM HWANHO other debut-makers who may go close.

Selections(3) Geuma Allure (10) Nemo Prince (2) Effel Tap (6) Baedari Gongju
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

Having run 3rd on debut, (4) HIDDEN BLADE was sent off as favourite for her second start which came at this distance on July 9th. Although she led, she weakened in the closing stages finishing down the pack. She can be given another chance here and with Munro taking the ride and a good draw again, this time she may make no mistake. (1) YONGCHEON JISANG took a couple of goes to figure things out but has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two, both at this distance. He draws very nicely again to drop in behind the early speed and run on. (7) SHOOTING REVERSE was an improved 2nd on her most recent outing over this distance on June 26th, albeit a fair distance behind a good winner. Her style has been to settle back and come from off the pace and she can be a danger here late on. (5) HWARANG TODAY raced just the once, all the way back in October of last year and showed promise, running 2nd over 1000M. He looked well when trialing on July 8th and can put in a big show first-up here. (10) DUSON DRIVE another in the frame.

Selections(4) Hidden Blade (1) Yongcheon Jisang (7) Shooting Reverse (5) Hwarang Today
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Wide open race. (7) LAST CALL has the fastest time among these at the distance, recorded when 4th last December. He was out for seven months after that, returning with a 5th place over this distance on July 10th. He will have needed that and while he does come up 3kg, can go closer today. (10) K N TIZWON has three top-four finishes among four starts so far. He comes in following his best of 3rd over 1200M on June 11th. An apprentice takes 4kg off his back and he can be a big danger here. (9) STAR CRAZY also benefits from an apprentice claim. He led for much of the way around at his latest start on July 3rd, ultimately running 2nd and while the draw doesn’t favour him this time, he has enough speed to get forward early and be in this a long way. (3) ECHO ZONE and (2) GLOBAL STORM others with placing claims.

Selections(7) Last Call (10) K N Tizwon (9) Star Crazy (3) Echo Zone
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(11) KING HONOR comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on July 2nd having raced handily throughout. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and while he draws the car park here, he doesn’t necessarily need to lead and should have enough about him to get the job done here. (8) EUNHYE RECORD comes in off a best finish to date of 2nd, scored over 1300M on June 26th when settling midfield and running on well. He has run fairly at this distance too and looks to be the main danger to the favourite. (3) P N S THE KING has a 2nd place to his name and is another who has shown ability at this distance. He draws well here and can be a threat. (10) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE and (4) HEEMANG WARRIOR among others in the frame.

Selections(11) King Honor (8) Eunhye Record (3) P N S The King (10) Neoreul Eungwonhae
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

(9) CONCORDE SPURT is the one to beat here. He steps up to this trip for the first time having shown good ability over 1200M including his last start runner-up finish at this class when he settled midfield and ran on. His solitary win was gate to wire so he is tactically versatile and should have too much for this field. (8) NONSTOP WINNING doesn’t exactly do that but he does come in following a good 3rd place at class and distance last time out on June 25th. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (4) BLUE CHARM enters off back-to-back 3rd places at 1700M and 1200M. He’s run fair times at this trip too and shouldn’t be too far away again. (1) NEW SMART is up in class but down in weight and can be competitive (2) MIR POWER, a last start winner over 1300M, also comes up in class and can measure up.

Selections(9) Concorde Spurt (8) Nonstop Winning (4) Blue Charm (1) New Smart
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

Wide open race. (4) WORLD KING MAN ran 2nd on debut before winning at start number two, both over 1000M and both times handy throughout. He comes up in class here and out in trip, but both can be overcome, and he has every chance of winning again. (10) A ONE STAR has very similar form coming up in class following victory at his second start over 1000M on June 25th. He settled back and worked through the line well so the step up in trip can suit. (2) CHANGER is another up in class after a maiden win. In his case it was at the sixth time of asking on July 3rd, but it was over this distance. He has plenty of weight to carry but draws well and can be competitive. (6) DOWN THE ZONE and (5) BURUI GASOK are others with solid claims.

Selections(4) World King Man (10) A One Star (2) Changer (6) Down The Zone
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) DREAM K won on debut over 1200M back in May before running 2nd to Cosmo on her first try at this class and distance on June 19th. It was a fast time, and a similar run will see her home on top here. (1) GEUMSEONG CROWN comes up in class following a comfortable win over this distance on July 2nd. He draws nicely on the inside and can be competitive at this level. (5) SEMYEONG NARAE has plenty of experience at this level and her recent form reads well, especially her class and distance 2nd place on June 26th. She has consistently run good times at 1300M and will be in the hunt for another place finish here. (10) HOEDURYEONG has the fastest time of any of these over the trip and along with (2) BICHUI DAERYUK is another in the money frame.

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

With no Jeju ponies this weekend, there is a bumper 14-race card at Busan this Friday running from 14:10 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

It’s a big Friday at Busan

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

Juvenile maidens to begin with and all but two are racing for the very first time. Experience does tend to count for plenty in these types of races though so those two, who both ran well on debut, will be the favourites. (10) MAGIC CLASS was on pace throughout her debut on June 24th, ultimately finishing in 4th. The time was assisted by a wet track but it was fast and she won’t need to improve much to go close here. (6) ILGANG DAERO ran 3rd on his debut on July 3rd, settling midfield and running on well. He should have come on for the run and has every chance. Of the first-timers, (2) SOLEDAD looks the best. She led in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in the same time as the “winner”. She draws nicely here to be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) HAENGBOKHAN GIL was a trial winner in June and along with (4) JEOLDAE BOSS, is another first-timer of note.

Selections(10) Magic Class (6) Ilgang Daero (2) Soledad (7) Haengbokhan Gil
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

Maiden fillies here with three of the eleven making their racecourse debuts. (2) WIDEAHAN HAMAN is the pick. After winning a May trial, she led on debut over this distance on June 10th, ultimately finishing 2nd with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She should have come on for that run and with a little natural improvement, looks the one to beat. (7) WONDERFUL OCEAN improved to 2nd at start number two on June 17th when handy throughout. She draws fairly enough to get on the pace again and can go close. (3) AREUMDAUN INYEON is the pick of the first-timers. She went through two trials, improving in the second of them when from gate eight she settled close to the speed and ran 2nd in a good time. She won’t need to improve much on that to go close first-up. (10) SEOGWI CHUKJE and (8) GOLDEN RACER others to keep an eye on.

Selections(2) Widaehan Haman (7) Wonderful Ocean (3) Areumdaun Inyeon (10) Seogwi Chukje
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(9) THUNDER CLOUD has demonstrated good progress across six starts to date, culminating on July 1st when after a slow start, she ran on really well for 2nd – a long way behind a good winner over this distance. The time before she was a close 5th over 1400M. Today’s distance should suit and she looks ready to win. (1) GOLDEN POINT has run fairly so far with a 4th and a 5th from his latest two. He draws well on the inside to get on or close to the speed and should be aiming for a career-best finish here. (7) BOOMY STAR hinted that he may finally be figuring things out with a good 4th at this distance last time out. You Hyun-myung remains aboard and he can match or better that here. (11) FLEX SHINHWA and (2) TITAN K among several others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Thunder Cloud (1) Golden Point (7) Boomy Star (11) Flex Shinhwa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) RUNNING WARRIOR is just about favoured here. She has been consistent across her recent starts with two 3rd place finishes and a 4th. She stepped up to 1400M on her latest outing on July 1st and was sent off as favourite. She could only manage 3rd place but should have benefitted from the experience and with an apprentice jockey taking significant weight off, she can win here. (8) GOLD SWEET has also been consistent with four top-four finishes from six starts to date. She comes up to this trip for the first time and it may suit. Apprentice jockey Lee Hong-rag gets his first ever race ride on (6) AGAIN HELEN and it’s not an impossible task. He (Again Helen is a gelding) has a 2nd place to his name at this distance and looks nicely in here. (2) MILK DAY and (3) YEONSEUNG GLORY among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Running Warrior (8) Gold Sweet (6) Again Helen (2) Milk Day
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) MAGIC WHISPER made all to win over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before coming from a wide gate to run 2nd, again over this trip, on his first try at class 5 on June 26th. He comes into a better gate today and with an apprentice bringing the weight down, he is the one to beat. (1) GREAT GO remains a maiden after twenty0five races but has plenty of experience in picking up a cheque, with no fewer than sixteen top-five finishes. From a nice draw on the inside, he can sit behind the early speed and run on strong. (5) MAHAMERU comes up in class following a win over 1200M on June 19th when she settled midfield and then proved too strong. She comes up in distance too but neither should be a problem and she can measure up here. (11) WIND WINNER won at class 6 level over 1300M on June 5th and he too can be competitive in this company, while (10) SPECIAL TOGETHER did similar and should be in the hunt for a money finish too.

Selections(2) Magic Whisper (1) Great Go (5) Mahameru (11) Wind Winner
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

It’s hard to look too far past (3) GLOBAL HIT here. Having won a trial earlier in the month, he debuted on June 24th over 1000M and sat handy throughout the early stages and running on to take a narrow win in a fast time. He is up in both class and distance today but should be equal to both and he can maintain his 100% record. (7) BURNING PASSION won over this distance at class 6 level three starts back. She led on her latest outing on June 3rd, finishing 4th, and she should be on pace and a danger here. (8) FLYING REGAL comes up in class after winning at this distance back on April 17th. He has had fifteen weeks off since but at his best, he can be competitive here. (6) OCEAN STORM and (10) QUALITY QUEEN others who can enter the calculations.

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Raon The Fighter Lands Emphatic Knockout In Owners’ Cup

Raon The Fighter roared back into the winner’s circle at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, running his rivals off their feet for a statement victory in the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3).

Raon The Fighter was the easy winner of the Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

On his thirteenth career start, Raon The Fighter was sent off at a price greater than even-money for just the third time ever. That came off the back of two shock defeats in the Sprint Series, as he finished 2nd in both the Busan Ilbo Cup and SROA Chairman’s Cup in April and May. He was luckless both times both times, but those setbacks were enough for punters to be wary and also for connections to replace regular jockey Lee Hyeok with Moon Se-young.

From a good draw and on a hot and humid afternoon in Busan, Raon The Fighter turned the race into a procession. This time there was no stumble at the start, as there was in the Busan Ilbo. Nor was there a bump with Black Musk and then a speed duel with Hit Yegam happened in the SROA.  Instead, Raon The Fighter got a clean break and an easy lead as You Hyun-myung opted to take a sit on Hit Yegam.

Hit Yegam and Simjangui Godong were still within a length at the top of the home straight, but once Moon Se-young let his mount off the bridle and asked for an acceleration, Raon The Fighter’s response was instant. Moon was able to stop riding fifty metres from the line and ease home for a four-length triumph, stopping the clock just eight-seconds outside Blue Chipper’s track record, set in this race in 2019.  

Behind Raon The Fighter, King Of The Match closed significantly faster than anything else, but he couldn’t get past the ever game Simjangui Godong, the pair dead-heating for 2nd place, a full seven-lengths clear of Daemangui Gil in 4th.

Disappointments of the race were SROA winner Black Musk, who was 7th and especially Success Macho, who having suffered his first ever defeat in this race last year, was never a factor and only beat home one.

Raon The Fighter could very easily be thirteen for thirteen and closing in on Mister Park’s all time. It remains true though that he has only been beaten by Eoma Eoma and Black Musk and in mitigating circumstances.

His next outing will surely be in either the Korea Cup (1800M G3) or the Korea Sprint (1200M G3), the two international races at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 4th and one of the most exciting things about Raon The Fighter is we still have no idea what his best distance is. Nominations have been received from several countries for both international races, including Asian powerhouses Japan and Hong Kong, as well as from Europe. Whichever race he opts for, Raon The Fighter could very well offer the visitors a stern examination. Both King Of The Match (Korea Cup), an intriguing talent who like Raon The Fighter, is still only four-years-old, and Simjangui Godong (either Korea Cup or Korea Sprint) are likely to be involved on international day too.

Raon The Fighter is by Bayern and out of the Empire Maker mare Clarinda. He was imported in-utero although Bayern himself is now in Korea too, standing at Great Hill Farm on Jeju Island.

The Owner’s Cup marks the final Stakes race of the first part of the season. The tracks (including the Jeju Pony Racecourse) now take it in turns to take a week off. Jeju goes on vacation first meaning next week Busan goes solo on Friday, Busan and Seoul race on Saturday, and Seoul has a standalone meeting next Sunday. The next Graded races in Korea are the International Korea Cup (1800M G3) and Korean Sprint (1200M G3) at Seoul on Sunday September 4th.

Owners’ Cup Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (July 24)

The Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) is the feature race of the day as Raon The Fighter seeks to get back to winning ways after two shock defeats. See here for a horse-by-horse preview of the race. The Owners’ Cup is the concluding race 7 at Busan on a card that runs from 11:35 to 17:05. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Meni Hero was a surprise winner of last year’s Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

A juvenile maiden to open with and while the field is small, it’s a good one. (7) GIANT PUNCH is worth favourite status having run the fastest time among these on his debut on June 18th when handy throughout. He’ll probably sit handy again and could prove too strong late on. The latest off Raon’s Musket Man production line is (6) RAON THE HIGHMAN. He debuts here having won a trial in a fast time in June and he looks set for a bold showing first-up. (1) STRONG CHARM was a good 2nd on debut on June 25th. Expect him to be on pace from the inside gate and he should be in this a long way. (2) DUSON CLASSIC and (4) WHITE WITCH came home 2nd and 4th when they debuted together on June 18th. Their times were only fair, but both hinted at ability and there could be some natural improvement here.

Selections(7) Giant Punch (6) Raon The Highman (1) Strong Charm (2) Duson Classic
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies and it’s hard to look past (9) INNER PEACE. She has run 3rd in both her starts to date, both at this distance and registering good times. She has run on the pace both times so the draw may not be ideal, but she should be able to overcome it and will take some beating. (5) BARAMSAL looks to be figuring things out with three 4th place finishes from her latest three outings. She should settle midfield and run on and should be aiming for a career best finish here. (6) SPEED ACE was an improved 3rd at start number two on June 26th, settling back and running on. He can be a contender here. (2) MONEY TAP and (8) COSMO QUEEN among others with placing chances.

Selections(9) Inner Peace (5) Baramsal (6) Speed Ace (2) Money Tap
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the eight racing for the first time. (4) DOCTOR OSCAR will start as the hot favourite, having run 2nd on debut on June 24th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She was on pace throughout and should get into the lead here and go all the way. Of the first-timer starters, (6) K.AI looks the pick. He led practically the entire way in his trial in early June, crossing the line well clear of the field in a fair time. If he can bring that form to the races, then he has a good chance. (2) RELEASE EDITION ran 5th on debut behind Doctor Oscar in that June 24th race. With some natural improvement from that run, he can get closer today. (5) PEOPLE POWER and (7) NALA, the latter a first-time starter, others who could potentially place.

Selections(4) Doctor Oscar (6) K.Ai (2) Release Edition (5) People Power
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

A competitive race with plenty of chances. (7) RUBY CAT showed plenty of promise across five starts in 2021 with a best of 3rd over 1200M. She also ran well at this distance. She races for the first time since last December but looked well when winning a June trial and has every chance of a bold first-up showing here. If the lengthy layoff raises a red flag, then (11) EUNPA MOUNTAIN is the logical pick. After a chastening debut, he has run 3rd and 4th in two starts since, both at 1200M. He draws wide but the additional half furlong can suit, and he can be a danger. (2) BLOW MIND comes back in trip following recent work over 1700M. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and from a good draw can go close today. (4) GANGCHEOL BUDAE and (10) SONGAM DRAGON others in the frame.

Selections(7) Ruby Cat (11) Eunpa Mountain (2) Blow Mind (4) Gangcheol Budae
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 10, 11

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

Tricky puzzle here. (5) HANSEN ICHEON returns for the first time since last November. He had shown ability in three starts last year with a 3rd place over 1400M his best. He impressed in a July 2nd trial when handy to the lead and crossing the line with the same time as the “winner”. If he brings that form to the races, he may win. (1) SKY SEUNG races for the first time. The filly good when trialing up in June and draws a very nice gate on the inside. She can go close in what is not an intimidating race to debut in. (3) MORNING MUSE has been consistent with a 5th and a 3rd from his latest two. His times haven’t been spectacular but in the absence of much gate speed here, he may get a soft run to the front and could take some dislodging. (8) SKY ARCH and (4) PUNGAN JOHWA others with placing chances.

Selections(5) Hansen Icheon (1) Sky Seung (3) Morning Muse (8) Sky Arch
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(1) THE FAVORITE will, for once, be exactly that. Yet to score in eight, he has six top-four finishes including his latest on July 9th when running 2nd at class and distance. From the inside gate and in this small field he can get a soft lead and make all. (2) SAEROUN BOBAE is yet to win in twenty-four starts but knows how to pick up a cheque with eleven top-five finishes. That includes a 3rd at her latest outing on May 8th and she has solid claims to place again. (5) MAIN OF KING is another many-start maiden but he too comes in with recent form reading well, especially her 2nd place two starts back at class and distance. She can be handy to the speed here and run on. (7) STAR RUSH and (6) FEDERAL EYE others with money chances.

Selections(1) The Favorite (2) Saeroun Bobae (5) Main Of King (7) Star Rush
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Competitive race. (8) LADY GOLDEN won over this distance at class 3 level two starts back, coming out of the widest gate to settle midfield and then run on well. She then ran a creditable 4th on her first try at this level over the extended 1400M on June 19th. She looks nicely in here, Perovic knows her well, and she can win. (6) TAMNA HANEUL is vastly experienced and the seven-year-old is seemingly having a late career resurgence with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two. She gets in here under a very light weight, draws well, and can go close again. (9) RAON THE FLASH is yet to win n eight starts but has five top-four finishes. She comes in following a useful class and distance 2nd on June 26th and should be competitive again today. (5) HALLOWEEN PARTY comes up in class and distance but can measure up while (1) GIANT CAL is another who could potentially place.

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Raon The Fighter Favoured To Return To Winning Ways in Owners’ Cup

The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) is only a decade old, but the list of past winners reads like a who’s who of Korean racing with Dangdae Bulpae, Triple Nine, Power Blade and Blue Chipper all on the honours board. This Sunday at Busan a strong set of twelve gallopers compete in the 2022 edition of the race and while the defending champion Meni Hero returns, all eyes will be on Raon The Fighter as he bids to end his losing streak at two.

Raon The Fighter breezed to victory in all of his first ten starts, de-throning Eoma Eoma atop the sprinting ranks with a crushing six-length win in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) last November and showing he could stay by winning at distances up to 1800M.

The bandwagon ground to a halt on Raon The Fighter’s first trip to the south-coast in the Busan Ilbo Cup (1200M KOR-G3) in April when he stumbled at the start before being ridden hard to get on terms with the leaders, to no avail as Eoma Eoma ran out a three-length winner. On his return to Seoul to defend his SROA title in May, he was bumped at the start and then engaged in a speed duel with Hit Yegam, Black Musk picking him off on the line.

Raon The Fighter gets a good draw this time and with Moon Se-young being brought in to ride for the first time, he can be backed to get it right this time.

The probable second-favourite is Success Macho. A winner of nine of his eleven starts, Success Macho was 3rd in the Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) in May and looks to be set for bigger things. Black Musk, King Of The Match and Simjangui Godong round out the other likely market leaders.

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is the last race on a seven-race Sunday card at Busan. Here’s a rundown of the entire field:

1. SUCCESS MACHO – A winner of nine from eleven with both defeats coming in Group company including his last start 3rd in the Mayor’s Cup when from gate eleven he was on pace and wide. Much better draw today and a big chance.

2. RAON THE FIGHTER – Won his first ten but comes in off two luckless seconds in the Busan Ilbo and Seoul Owners’ Cups at 1200M, stumbling at the start in the first and then being run down late by Black Musk in the latter. He has won up to 1800M, lands a nice gate here and with Moon Se-young aboard for the first time, he is the one to beat.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul runs on the afternoon and evening schedule this Saturday

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener and seven of the eight race for the first time. (7) HANGANG MUSIC did enough in her trial to warrant favourite status. She led from gate to wire, crossing the line on top in a time faster than any of the others in the race achieved and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (4) MAGIC CONCERT comes out of the same trial on May 13th when she sat handy and ran 4th. She had to contend with a wide gate that day and can get an easier run here. Experience often counts in these races and (2) ULTRA SOCKS is the only one who has it. She ran fairly on debut, finishing 6th of nine but should have benefitted for it and with natural improvement can get closer. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE and (1) APGUJEONG CHITA other first-timers who could make an impression.

Selections(7) Hangang Music (4) Magic Concert (2) Ultra Socks (3) Jaewoo Sidae
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

More juvenile maiden fillies and once again seven of the eight are first-time starters. (5) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals when running 3rd in a fair time in a July 1st trial. She led for much of the heat and if she can get the lead again here, she may prove hard to pass. The experienced one is (6) ARGO GONGJU. She finished last on debut but didn’t disgrace herself and with some natural improvement from that run can start to figure things out here. (8) MOON DUST trialed competently enough, sitting handy and running on. A similar run here will put her in contention. (2) SUPREME STAR and (1) GHOST WOLF are others who did enough in trials to suggest taking note of first-up here.

Selections(5) Baekdu Meotjaengi (6) Argo Gongju (8) Moon Dust (2) Supreme Star
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Anything could win this very ordinary maiden. (10) P N S SING has hinted at figuring things out in her recent outings. She has run a decent time at this distance and ran on well for 5thover 1300M last time out. She has as much chance as any. (2) WHIZ UP improved to 4th at start number two back in April when handy all the way. He returns off a sixteen-week layoff but could well be favourite in this company. From a good gate he should be on the pace and he has good claims. (1) DONGBANG SAGI has a 4th place at this distance and ran well for 5th in a better race than this last time. From the inside gate she can settle behind the leaders and run on. (7) INDIE POP and (11) EURO TEUKGEUP are others who could be in the mix.

Selections(10) P N S Sing (2) Whiz Up (1) Dongbang Sagi (7) Indie Pop
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies. (8) LAROMANEE looks the one to beat based on her last start runner-up finish at this distance on June 19th when she sat handy throughout. Her time that day was significantly faster than any of the others here have registered and she should have too much today. (6) MAGIC MOCCASIN has four top-four finishes from five starts to date. She has the best start among these and from a fair draw should get to the lead and be in this a long way. (5) LOST WAR is yet to win in sixteen outings but has plenty of money finishes and enters in consistent form. She can sit handy to the lead and run on for a place. (1) DONGSEO YEOGEOL led for much of the way at 1300M last time out before ultimately finishing 3rd. She can go close again. (9) PAX NURI has potential for improvement.

Selections(8) Laromanee (6) Magic Moccasin (5) Lost War (1) Dongseo Yeogeol
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 22)

It’s Owners’ Cup weekend in Busan and Moon Se-young is among the Seoul jockeys in town for Sunday’s big race in which he will be partnering Raon The Fighter. He’s riding on the Friday card which has 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(4) SPECIAL WIND stepped up to this distance at start number five on June 26th and overcame a wide draw to get to the lead, ultimately finishing a close 2nd. He comes into a much better gate today, can get an easier run early, and looks the one to beat. (6) GUREUMSOK SANCHAEK returned from six months out to run a solid 4th of nine at 1200M on June 10th. He ran through the line pleasingly enough, should strip fitter for the run and the additional distance can suit. (2) YONGCHEON comes in off his best performance to date when 4th behind Special Wind on June 26th. He draws well again and can go close. (1) ORANGE STAR and (10) DOCTOR KHALIFA are among other placing hopes.

Selections(4) Special Wind (6) Gureumsok Sanchaek (2) Yongcheon (1) Orange Star
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) STAR MATTA looks to have potential. He’s been well-backed in all three starts so far and while he hasn’t quite met expectations yet, he hasn’t run badly and comes in off a useful enough 5th of ten over 1400M on July 1st. You Hyun-myung climbs aboard and while that means he doesn’t get the benefit of an apprentice claim this time, he draws well and has a chance. (6) VIEW AMAZING is the only one in the field to have placed already, something he did two starts back when 2nd over 1400M. He too steps up to a mile for the first time and it may well suit. He probably starts favourite. (3) EURO STAR too may appreciate the additional trip. She has hinted at ability in recent appearances. (2) DANGDAE BLUE and (5) MEOTJIN HARU other potentials for the minors.

Selections(1) Star Matta (6) View Amazing (3) Euro Star (2) Dangdae Blue
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

(4) SSAEKSSAEGI returned from five months out to run a good 3rd over this distance on June 19th when handy throughout. He should have benefited from that run, can sit on pace again and can win. The probable pace-setter is (5) FUNNY LIFE. She has finished in the top-four in all but one of her five starts so far at distances up to 1300M and she should be in this a long way. (6) SUPER CRACK has the fastest time among these for the distance. He can settle back and run on here and should be a danger at the business end of the race. (2) ZET CASH comes back in trip after recent efforts over 1400M that include a runner-up finish two starts back. He draws nicely and looks a place chance. (9) WONDERFUL SMARTY another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(4) Ssaekssaegi (5) Funny Life (6) Super Crack (2) Zet Cash
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6
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Calm Strong Claims KNN Cup as Raon First Well Beaten

23/1 chance Calm Strong led from gate-to-wire and held off the closing pack to win the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the third leg of the 2022 Queens’ Tour at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with hot favourite Raon First well back down the field.

Calm Strong (right) hold off Wish Me to win the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)

Making just her tenth career start, Calm Strong bounded out of gate eight and into the lead while Raon First, dwelt slightly and was slowly away, having to settle in an unfamiliar rear position.

While Raon First did improve to 2nd place by the top of the straight, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t going to be her day, her customary acceleration was missing and she dropped back through the field, ultimately finishing 8th.

With You Hyun-myung aboard, Calm Strong was able to hold off the determined late challenges of Wish Me and Yeonggwangui Time, taking the line a neck to the good. Filly Triple Crown winner Golden Power was 4th.

Calm Strong is a three-year-old USA-bred filly by Bayern and out of the Broken Vow mare Diva’ Seastar. Imported as a yearling, she is owned by Lee Hae-lan and trained by Kang Hyoung-gon. Sunday’s victory was just her third but takes her career earnings to KRW 329 Million (US$250,000).

As for Raon First, jockey Choi Bum-hyun reported that having loaded first, his mare had to wait a long time in the gate and then didn’t get away well. He said that having got up to join the leaders, she didn’t maintain her momentum in the way that he expected. An initial veterinary examination found no obvious issues.

The Queens’ Tour goes on hiatus again now until the end of autumn when the fourth and final leg will be the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) once more at Busan on Sunday November 27.

Next weekend Busan takes centre-stage again with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G2). It’s a race that has in the past been won by the likes of Dangdae Bulpae, Triple Nine, Power Blade and Blue Chipper. Raon First’s stablemate, Raon The Fighter, is expected to run.

KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

Korea’s top mare meets the winner of the Filly Triple Crown as Raon First and Golden Power clash for the first time in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. It’s the final race on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:35 to 17:05. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon First won the Ttukseom Cup and is hot favourite for the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with seven of the eight making their racecourse debuts. It’s the sole one with experience though who will be the hot favourite. That’s (8) NAOL SNIPER who, following an encouraging trial, was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on June 18th. Though on pace he had to settle for 4th, but it was a good time, and he won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (4) P N S LOOK was the fastest among the newcomers in trials. She ran a close 2nd in the heat, running on pace throughout and if she brings that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (2) DRAGON STAR beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to winning a June 24th trial. He draws nicely here and can beat them again. (3) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK also win a trial, overcoming a wide gate to do so and along with (7) HIGH GRAND is another to consider.

Selections(8) Naol Sniper (4) P N S Look (2) Dragon Star (3) Haengbokan Munmak
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

(2) GRAY THOR should have too much here. After two fair showings in his first two races, he was a significantly improved runner-u p at the third time of asking over this distance on June 18th when he led almost the entire way around. He carries the same weight; he draws well, and he can go all the way this time. (3) YAMUJIN WANGCHO also comes in following a 2nd place finish at his latest start on June 26th over 1300M. He too was on pace throughout the race and today he draws much better. He can go close again. (5) QUEEN OF RACING is yet to finish in the top-two but nevertheless has six top-five finishes. With an apprentice engaged, she comes down 3kg in the weights today and should be in the finish. (6) GEONGONILCHEOK and (8) CHEONMA CHAT others in the placing hunt.

Selections(2) Gray Thor (3) Yamujin Wangcho (5) Queen Of Racing (6) Geongonilcheok
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens get things underway on the south coast and six of the seven are racing for the first time. As so often in these kinds of races, we are going to value the experience here of (5) FANTASTIC KINGDOM. Having won a May trial, he ran a good 3rd on debut on June 24th in a good time over this distance, settling in midfield and running on well. He should have come on for that run and can win here. (4) JEOLGEOUNYEOJEONG is the clear pick of the first-time starters. She ran on very well from a handy position to comfortably win her trial in the kind of time that would win plenty of races at this class and distance. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance.  (7) HWANGU FIGHTER ran 2nd in his trial on a wet track while (2) TAP DREAM and (3) ADELE HORANGI, the latter a trial winner, are other first-timers who could make an impression.

Selections(5) Fantastic Kingdom (4) Jeolgeounyeojeong (7) Hwangu Fighter (2) Tap Dream
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

(7) DAPHNE should be winning this. On her return from five months out in May she parted company with her jockey but came back two weeks later on June 11th to run a solid 4th in a good time over this distance. That time was faster than anything else in this race has achieved and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard as well as the limited opposition, it would appear today is the day. (8) SWEET KAKAO needs a line drawn through her latest effort on May 29th but her form leading up to that was adequate enough to suggest she can go well here. She is up in the weights without the benefit of an apprentice claim but should be ridden forward here. (1) CUPID KOREA led over 1300M on his first start in seven months on June 11th. He ultimately weakened but should have benefited for the run and can get closer today. (5) DIVINE FUTURES and (3) GENTLE RULES other placing contenders.

Selections(7) Daphne (8) Sweet Kakao (1) Cupid Korea (5) Divine Futures
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

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

Another race with a hot favourite here. (8) CAPTAIN GOLD won a May trial in fine fashion leading him to be sent off as market-leader on debut on June 3rd. He ran well and on pace but ultimately had to settle for 2nd place over this distance. He should have come on for that run and it would be a surprise were he to be beaten again. (6) ALPHA V is the logical second pick. She returned from five months out to run a good 3rd over 1200M on May 22nd when settling midfield and running on well. She’ll do the same here and will challenge at the business end of the race. (9) GEUMA UNO raced once without distinction last December but looked well when winning a June trial, leading all the way. The trainer/jockey combination will ensure he has backers. There are four first-time starters and the wonderfully named (4) I LOVE HANSEN looked well in trials and along with (2) MIGHTY STORM – who does have experience – looks a potential place chance.

Selections(8) Captain Gold (6) Alpha V (9) Geuma Uno (4) I Love Hansen
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden this. Her last start run over 1200M was slow, but she did manage to finish 2nd and that’s enough to take a chance on (2) THAT’S MY GIRL. She comes back up to a trip at which she has a run a time as quick as any here (albeit not that quick and on a wet track) and from a good draw, she can win. (9) NEW SMART has a time equal to that achieved by That’s My Girl for the distance. She too comes back up in trip after a decent showing around 1200M last time out, in her case on when 3rd on June 19th. She draws wide but should have enough speed to get a good position and she has every chance. (5) P N S THE KING showed un uptick in form when 2nd over 1300M on July 2nd. Prior to that he had a tendency to get a bit too far back in his races so that was encouraging and Song Jae-chul getting the ride will his chances no harm. (7) BITNANEUN JILJU and (8) STAR PRINCESS among others to consider.

Selections(2) That’s My Girl (9) New Smart (5) P N S The King (7) Bitnaneun Jilju
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Several chances here. (5) HWARANG SKY is one of three up in class following a maiden win at their respective latest starts. In her case, it came over this distance on June 19th when she beat Unju Star, who went on to record a win of his own on Friday. It was a fair time, and he can measure up in this company. (4) ANY LINE made all for his maiden win at start number fifteen on June 17th, overcoming gate ten in the process. He has run well at this distance and 1400M in the past and from a good draw can get on the speed and be in this a long way. (3) HOLLYWOOD PARTY similarly led from gate-to-wire to score on June 12th, also at 1200M. She has made good progress over her three outings to date and looks nicely in here. As for those with prior experience at class 5, (1) DOCTOR PRO came from well off the pace to run 3rd at class and distance on June 26th. He draws much better today and should be in this. (2) D’LOVELY QUEEN could compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Hwarang Sky (4) Any Line (3) Hollywood Party (1) Doctor Pro
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) FURIOSA ran out a comfortable winner on debut over 1000M on June 18th having previously won a trial in a similar manner. She comes up in class and in trip here, but the manner of that victory suggests more to come, and she can win again. The main danger looks set to be (11) LAST PUNCH. She has plenty of experience at this level with two placings including her last start 3rd over 1300M. She went back that day and ran on, and similar tactics might be expected here form the wide gate. (6) MYEONGJIN CANDY is up in class after an all the way win over 1200M on June 19th. The same apprentice jockey keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here again. Disregard the last start from (4) DAEMUL as it was in the Korean Derby. He returns to shallower waters today and can be competitive. (5) CLOUTER among numerous others with genuine placing hopes.

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