Eoma Eoma was presented with a stern examination at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as the Korea Sprint winner needed every yard to catch and finally overcome Daehan Jilju to win the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M Listed).
With the distance at 1400M, Daehan Jilju was always set to be the testing material. The Korea Sprint 4th place getter ran on very well in that race and was expected to be more suited to an extended trip that he had already won over on five occasions. Not that Eoma Eoma entered with a bad record at the seven furlongs either, having until just three weeks ago held the track record at Seoul.
It was a two-horse race throughout with Daehan Jilju being ridden hard out of the gate and straight to the front past Eoma Eoma, whose jockey Moon Se-young opted not to try and engage in a speed duel and instead was content to take a sit.
Heading into the home straight the gap at one point was up to two-lengths before Moon asked Eoma Eoma for his full effort. The deficit reduced but still Daehan Jilju led. For a moment it looked like the underdog might hold on but, just as when he went by Raptus in the Korea Sprint last month, Eoma Eoma was relentless, finally passing Daehan Jilju in the shadow of the post to win by a Head.
Daehan Jilju burnished a reputation that has seen him win eight times from sixteen starts at distances up to 1800M. A rematch with Eoma Eoma will be keenly anticipated. Three-lengths behind the top two, Daemangui Gil just edged out Ssonsal to claim 3rd place.
The victory takes Eoma Eoma, a five-year-old American-bred entire by Algorithms, to thirteen wins from nineteen starts. He is owned by the Nasca group and is trained by Song Moon-gil at Seoul. The Kookje Shinmun was the final big race of the year for the sprinters so unless Eoma Eoma is entered in a regular class 1 race at Seoul, his season could be done.
There were no celebrations after the race with Korea having entered a seven-day period of national mourning for the victims of the Itaewon disaster. That period of mourning will conclude on Saturday November 5th.
Next Sunday, attention is scheduled to move to the Juvenile ranks with the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, the final lead up races before the best two-year-olds from both tracks meet in the Breeders’ Cup at Busan in December.
Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma returns to action on Sunday having traveled down to Busan to tackle the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M. That’s the final race on a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 12:15 to 16:40 while there are 11-races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Imported Juvenile fillies with just two of the eight having raced before and anything could win. We’ll side with experience though and (7) ACCOUNT, who has raced twice already. After an inauspicious debut over 1200M in August, she looked more assured when 5th of eight in a fair time in a similar race to this on October 2nd, settling back and running on. With some natural progression here, that experience should stand her in good stead. Pick of the first timers is (3) WINNER CALL. The most expensive of these at auction in the US (although hardly sale-topping at $50K), she was on pace in her trial and stopped the clock in a fair time. She draws nicely and looks set for a bold showing. (1) T.C. FAMILY is the other one who has raced before, and she ran 6th to Account’s 5th in that October 2nd race. She was on pace but weakened late on. She should have derived benefit from that and draws very well to lead again and be in things much longer. Returning to the debut-makers (2) LOTUSMIREU and (6) RACE WINNER look the next best.
Selections
(7) Account (3) Winner Call (1) T.C. Family (2) Lotusmireu
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. Unusually we are going against the experience and siding with debut-maker (8) BEST SUN. That’s on the strength of a string of three trials since May this year where he has been showing more ability each time, culminating in crossing the line 2nd behind the experienced Beolmal Daejang in a good time in heat on October 7th. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (11) GWANGCHIGI led for much of his debut back in July, ultimately running 4th. He reappears here without having trialed, but that showing, and the apprentice claim today, is enough to keep him safe. (9) UNICORN KINGDOM has raced twice, posting a good time on his second start on September 3rd. He can continue to make progress here. (5) BLUE ARCH can improve on his debut performance when running 7th. Returning to the first timers, (2) GEUMBIT CHEONHA came through a very slow trial but did what he needed to do and could go well.
Selections
(8) Best Sun (11) Gwangchigi (9) Unicorn Kingdom (5) Blue Arch
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile filly maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. Some of the experience is good though and (9) GLORY K will be favourite. Having trialed well, she was 2nd on debut on October 1st, when handy throughout and running on well. That experience should stand her in good stead here and she is the one to beat. (8) WONDERFUL WEEK debuted in the same race. She sat midfield and then ran on 4th, not too far in arrears and she too should have benefited from the run. Pick of the newbies is (3) PHOENIX SERVE. She made all to win her trial in a good time on September 30th and is well drawn to get on pace and be in this along way. Another trial winner is (7) DORIPO. The time was a little slower than that of Phoenix Serve, but she looked competent enough, settling handy and running on. (6) HERO QUEEN another who hinted at ability in trials. As ever with these kinds of races, watch the market for any clues.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(7) MIGHTY STORM will be hot favourite to prevail here. His best finish so far was 3rd two starts back over 1200M and comes in here having beaten a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 5th place in a fast race over 1300M on October 2nd. He tackles seven-furlongs for the first time, and it can suit. (8) SPECIAL FACT similarly beat some of these when 4th at this distance on September 30th. The time was fair, and she should be aiming to at least match her best finish of 3rd today. (4) MORNING MUSE was 5th in that race behind Special Fact. There was very little between them that day and that could prove to be the case again this time. (6) YEONSEUNG GO hasn’t shown much in two starts over 1000M but the increase in trip may be beneficial and the jockey booking suggests improvement is possible. (9) NAREUCAT, disappointing behind Special Fact and Morning Muse last time out, can be given another chance for the minor money here.
Selections
(7) Mighty Storm (8) Special Fact (4) Morning Muse (6) Yeonseung Go
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(7) JILJU DAESE will be a warm favourite here, having run a good 2nd on her debut at this distance on October 2nd when settling midfield and finishing well. In this company expect her to be on pace and she should be winning. (8) CHOEGANG MIRAE made his only start in April but finished last. He has since moved to Tony Castanheira and looked very well when winning a trial with an on-pace performance last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race in the heat, he should be a very different prospect to the last time we saw him. (2) BEST PLAN enters off her best result in eleven starts, when 3rd over this distance on October 1st. She has the best time among these for the distance – recorded that day – and from a good draw can be close again. (9) P N S HER and (12) GRACE LEE among others who can enter at least the placing calculations.
Selections
(7) Jilju Daese (8) Choegang Mirae (2) Best Plan (9) P N S Her
Next Best
12, 4
Fast Start
3, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Wildly competitive handicap for fillies (and one mare) with plenty of winning chances. (9) HONOR CAL was an all the way winner at start number two over 1200M on September 25th to get his maiden win. He comes up in class and up slightly in trip here but while his draw is not ideal, he perhaps enough early speed to see himself to a good position and he can win again. So too can (12) HANSEN COD GIRL She is even less favoured by the draw but has shown good speed in her two outings to date; a 3rd place and win at class 6 level. She too is up in trip as well and while she may need a bit of luck at the start position-wise, she should be very competitive. (7) BLUE CARSON is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has five top-three finishes, including her latest when handy all the way and 3rd over 1200M. Expect her in the mix once more. (4) LOUD COLOR and (10) TWO OF US come in having run 3rd and 4th respectively when they faced each other in a similar race at this class over 1200M on September 25th. Both can be competitive again.
Selections
(9) Honor Cal (12) Hansen Cod Girl (7) Blue Carson (4) Loud Color
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 7, 9, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) GO GO STAR took nineteen goes to get her maiden win, which came at class and distance in July, but she has maintained her form since with a 4th and a 3rd in two subsequent outings, last time beating a couple of today’s rivals when coming from off the pace in a good time. She has the fastest time of any of these for the distance, an apprentice means she comes in carrying 2kg less than she did last start and she draws very well. There is plenty to like. If she may have peaked there are a couple of up and comers who may be preferred. (11) FLY STAR has five top-five finishes from seven starts and enters off a good class and distance 3rd last time out. She doesn’t need to lead and with a bit of luck at the start can find a good position and run on. So too (10) KINGS EYE, who comes up in class following his maiden win at start number five over 1300M on September 18th. He led for most of that race but has run well from behind too and has a fast final furlong average time. (6) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON mixes his form but goes well on his day and Munro aboard is a plus. (4) RAON THE WILD another in the frame.
Selections
(3) Go Go Star (11) Fly Star (10) Kings Eye (6) New Star Yeongcheon
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) WIND WINNER comes in off the back off three consecutive 3rd place finishes at this class, most recently at this distance on September 30th when settling just behind the leaders and running on well, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He carries the same weight today, draws nicely, and has solid claims. (7) PISTOL STAR comes up in class and significantly in distance following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1000M and 1200M. It’s a bold move but he ran on well after overcoming gate twelve on his latest effort on October 2nd, and it could pay off. (8) SMILEY LARRY is also yet to win but ran pleasingly enough on his first try at this class on September 23rd when 4th over a mile having raced handy. Expect similar tactics today and he can be in the finish. (9) SUNSHINE STAR and the up in class (2) STAR MATTA among others who may be considered for the places.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of them racing for the first time. (5) JUMONG CHEONHA is the pick having run 4th on debut at the end of August when handy throughout. He previously won a trial in a good time and with some natural improvement from his debut, can win. (7) CHROMITE went through a couple of trials before finishing 3rd on debut on September 24th. He never looked like getting to the first two but it was an encouraging performance that he should have derived benefit from. Of the first-timers, (2) SINPUNG YEOGEOL took a couple of trials to figure out what she was meant to be doing but she looked good in her latest at the end of September when she led throughout, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. She draws well and should be ready for this. (4) YONGBI SEOUL and (3) HANGANG JILJU others in the frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More juvenile maidens but just two of the ten are racing for the first time. There are a lot of letters in her name but (3) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK won a September trial before showing prominently in her debut on October 16th, ultimately finishing 3rd. She should have come on for that, Alan Munro climbs aboard, she draws well, and the additional furlong can suit. (6) THUNDER BRAVO has hinted at ability across three outings to date with the best being a 4th place at five furlongs in August. He draws much better than he did in his latest outing on September 25th when he had to contend with gate twelve but still worked home well for 6th place and he can improve here. (2) GLOBAL KANGTA finished 4th in that September 25th race having come from well off the pace. That was an improvement on his first two outings and he can continue to make progress here. (4) JAEWOO SIDAE and (5) SINUI BANJEON are others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(12) RUNNER MONSTER beat four of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on October 2nd when sitting midfield and then running on to be narrowly defeated. He comes up 3kg without the benefit of an apprentice claim today and he is done absolutely no favours by the draw, but a similar run will see him go close. (4) HEEMANG WARRIOR was 4th in the October 2nd race having been handy throughout. She meets Runner Monster better at the weights and with a better gate and is capable of overturning the form. We’ll need to take (2) BOSS BABY on trust as he has never run further than 1200M. His recent form has been his best so far, however, and from a good draw, there is a chance the extended trip can suit. (8) DAECHEON CHAMP similarly comes up to two turns for the first time. She ran on well for 5th at her latest outing over 1400M having settled well back and is worth some thought. (1) HAPPY NICE ran 3rd in the October 2nd race and is another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) HANGANGUI GISANG won an August trial and then duly led practically from gate to wire on debut over this distance on September 17th. He had to work hard to see off a determined challenge but did so well enough. He comes up in class and will be expected to win again. That determined challenge came from (12) PURGE DAY who returned that day eleven months after his previous outing. He was 2nd throughout and as that wasn’t his first runner-up finish, he comes up in class too. He should measure up and be the main danger again but the draw is very much against him overturning the form on the favourite. (7) LONDON SKY enters off a good 3rd place at class and distance on August 21st and following a couple of months off can go well fresh here. (10) SMART POWER and (1) KING MOUNTAIN are others with at least place chances.
Selections
(9) Hangangui Gisang (12) Purge Day (7) London Sky (10) Smart Power
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
This week’s big race is in Busan with Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma in town to contest the Kookje Shinmun Trophy on Sunday. And it’s on the south coast where the week’s action kicks off on Friday afternoon with an 8-race card from 12:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. (5) SEOBU BIGSTEP debuted in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes at the start of this month and while he showed on pace, it ultimately proved too much too soon. He previously won a trial in a fast time and coming back to the minimum distance and into more amenable company, we should see a much better showing today. (7) FLYING TOUCH ran a good 2nd on debut on September 16th, sitting on the speed throughout, before being left behind by a good winner. He should have derived benefit from that run and may start as favourite here. Of the first time starters, (3) YEONGGWANGUI ACE won his trial without being asked to do very much. He strode nicely through the line and from a good draw can go well first up. (11) SKY PUNCH ran on strong in his trial alongside some experience racehorses and along with (10) WONDERFUL TOP is another who can show positively on debut.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(6) VICTOR BASIUM has been sent off as favourite in both his two starts since returning from ten months out. He has been on-pace both times but ultimately found a couple too quick and finished 3rd on each occasion. Third-up this preparation, he may be peaking, he should be on pace again, and it can be third time lucky here. That would mean overturning the form on (9) USEUNG YEOGEOL. She ran in a career-best 2nd when beating Victor Basium on September 30th. She once more carries a very light weight and she should be running on strong late on again. (7) SPEED MAST has been knocking on the door for a while now. He can settle behind the leaders here and can be running into the money. (3) NONSTOP SONG, who along with Useung Yeogeol, has the joint-fastest time for the distance of any in this field is another one who can go well and from a good draw can challenge Victor Basium for the early lead. (1) HALLA BAEKDU also in the placing frame.
Selections
(6) Victor Basium (9) Useung Yeogeol (7) Speed Mast (3) Nonstop Song
Next Best
1, 2
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Back to the juveniles here and (2) NICHOLAS G. will be favoured to score at star number two. On debut on September 30th, he sat handy before running on for a close 2nd over 1000M and the small step up in trip may assist him here. (5) SOUTHERN JOY has raced twice before, finishing 3rd and 4th, both at 1000M. He can be expected to lead here and he can be in this a long way. (9) CHANGCHANG DAERO debuted at this trip on October 2nd and having settled back in the field, ran on strongly for 4th. He should have come on for that run and can be competitive again here. (7) GLOBAL SARANG finished in 5th place in that race, just a Head behind Changchang Daero. That was his second start and he showed progress from his first and can show some more here. (1) THUNDER FURY was a touch disappointing when favourite on her second start on September 18th but she draws better today and can be given another chance.
Selections
(2) Nicholas G. (5) Southern Joy (9) Changchang Daero (7) Global Sarang
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
2, 5, 11, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Franco Da Silva moved to within two wins of the three-hundred mark in Korea, riding four winners across the weekend; trainer Peter Wolsley sent out a treble on Friday, but a series of bad luck saw Johan Victoire stall for at least one more week in his bid to reach two-hundred Korean winners.
Franco Da Silva (Pic: KRA)
The only foreign jockey currently riding at Busan since the departures of Djordje Perovic and Ioannis Poullis, Franco Da Silva has been in imperious form of late on the south coast. Having taken out the final race of the day on Million Bank on Friday, Da Silva kicked off Sunday with a gate-to-wire score on I Will The Star before adding two more, both for trainer Bart Rice, on Spice Ecton in Race 3 and Jessieui Kkum in the concluding Race 6.
Jessieui Kkum (by Jess’s Dream) is a four-year-old American-bred gelding, who is quietly putting together an impressive body of work. On Sunday, he settled back in the pack before steadily improving and then running on strong to score by half a length over 1800M at class 2 level. Under the eye of the progressive Rice stable, he looks to have a bright future.
Aussie trainer Peter Wolsley was in red-hot form on Friday, sending out three winners. The first was something of a surprise as 80/1 filly Happy Jazz led all the way in Race 2 before the better fancied Patriot took out Race 3 and Dream Of Queen Race 5. Bart Rice and Peter Wolsley are now neck and neck in 5th and 6th in the Busan Trainer Premiership.
At Seoul, David Breux rode a winner on both Saturday and Sunday while Antonio Da Silva was on target for one on Saturday and Alan Munro for one on Sunday. It was a slightly frustrating weekend for Breux’s fellow French rider Johan Victoire though.
Victoire is just two shy of reaching the two-hundred winner milestone since starting in Korea in md-2017. He had four good chances on Sunday but endured a string of bad luck. Premiership leading trainer Luigi Riccardi’s well fancied pair of Giant Indy in Race 6 and Trotting Riley in race 9 both missed the break, while arguably Victoire’s best chance of the day, Tiz Barows, was scratched from race 10. It’s hard to keep Victoire down though, and he will surely hit the two hundred sooner rather than later.
In the feature race of the weekend, the concluding Race 11 at Seoul on Sunday, apprentice jockey Kim Tae-hui added to her burgeoning reputation, producing the veteran Winner Gold at the perfect time to swoop home. Favourite Soul Merit struck the front in the final half furlong, but Kim brought the seven-year-old Wildcat Heir entire past to score on the line. It was the apprentice’s twenty-sixth career winner, and the twenty-one-year-old looks set to ride out her claim in double-quick time.
One milestone was reached this weekend and it was by local trainer Kwak Yong-hyo. The veteran handler sent out his five-hundredth career winner when Take Music dominated Race 1 at Seoul on Sunday. While twenty-five years may be a long time, Kwak has sent out only just over 4,800 runners in that time so has returned a win-rate in excess of 10%. His best horses have been Bicheonbong, who won the President’s Cup (KOR-G1) in 2004, and Star Wood, who won back-to-back runnings of the Ttukseom Cup (KOR-G3) in 2005 and 2006, in the days before that race became restricted to fillies and mares.
Trainer Kwak Yong-hyo with jockey Park Tae-jong following Hangang Ace’s win in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Kwak may not be done quite yet as he has in his stable Hangang Ace, who earlier this month won the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles and will probably be headed to Busan in December for the Breeders’ Cup race to decide the season’s champion two-year-old.
Next weekend sees the likely return of Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma. With no season-ending Group races for the sprinters, he is set to travel south to Busan where he will be hot favourite to win the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M next Sunday afternoon.
No Stakes races but plenty of action at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:15 to 16:40). Here are the previews:
The Stakes race presentation stage won’t be in use this weekend (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts. The only one to have raced twice already is (4) TAKE MUSIC, who improved to 2nd place at start number two on September 24th in a fast time. She has led both outings so far, draws well to do so again and can win. (12) MAESTRA led on her debut on September 18th right up until the closing stages when passed by a couple. The only thing against her here is the wide draw, but if she can overcome that, then she has every chance. (10) COMPLETE ANGEL won a trial and then didn’t do too much wrong when finishing midfield on debut having shown on pace. She can improve. Here. A couple of the first timers caught the eye in their respective heats. (11) SEONGSIL TAEYANG and (3) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS perhaps have the best chance of making an immediate impact.
Selections
(4) Take Music (12) Maestra (10) Complete Angel (11) Seongsil Taeyang
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens. There is just one first-timer starter, but we’ll take a chance on (12) CHOEGANG HYEONMA. He was slow away in his latest trial but worked home very nicely to cross the line in front. Starting out at 1200M should suit, the draw shouldn’t be too important, and Moon Se-young is in the saddle. (9) WINNER YOUNG was a solid 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 17th, running on from midfield He may appreciate the step up in trip here and can be considered. (6) MONEY JANGGUN wasn’t fancied at all on debut but ran on strongly for 2nd place over 1000M and is another who can benefit from an additional furlong. (8) ARA MOA and (7) JANGHEUNG CLASS are others who finished off their respective debut races in good style and who can be considered for improvement.
Selections
(12) Choegang Hyeonma (9) Winner Young (6) Money Janggun (8) Ara Moa
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (3) BARAMUI GEOM has raced just three times with 5th places in his latest two, both over 1300M. In this company he can be expected to be on speed and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard, he will have plenty of backers. He perhaps has more potential for improvement than (7) MONEY STONE, who comes in having secured her best finish in eighteen starts when 2nd over 1300M on October 1st. It was only a narrow defeat, and she warrants respect here. (5) NOW NURI has the fastest time amongst these for the distance and while that isn’t saying much, that and a runner-up finish two starts back are enough to put her in the mix here. (8) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (2) TOGETHER WAY others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(3) Baramui Geom (7) Money Stone (5) Now Nuri (8) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens open on the South Coast with six of the twelve racing for the firs time. We’ll side with experience though and (12) I WILL THE STAR was a front-running 2nd on debut over this distance on September 23rd in a fast time. The draw is not ideal, but she can overcome it and can win. (2) NINE FORCE ONE has run twice, improving to 3rd place on her second outing. She draws very nicely here and looks to be the main danger. (5) MOTHER MOUNTAIN was a solid 3rd on debut in a fast time over this distance before being slowly away and finishing in midfield on her second start over 1200M on September 18th. She drew the widest gate that day, but the draw is kinder here and back to the minimum distance, she can go close. Among the first timers, (10) DIA BOSS and (4) CONFIDENT performed adequately in their trials and may go well first-up.
Selections
(12) I Will The Star (2) Nine Force One (5) Mother Mountain (10) Dia Boss
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(6) MAGIC JUDE returned from eight months out in August and has since run 3rd and 4th in two starts back, both at this distance and both times on pace or handy. He can lead again here form a good gate and can go all the way. (1) MACH STAR sat right at the back from a wide draw on debut over this distance on September 25th before running on very well for 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a much better barrier this time can go even closer. (2) EFFEL TAP has run fairly for two 6th places both over 1000M. He too draws well this time and can be on pace and be in this a long way. (5) MIGHTY ANN was 5th behind Mach Star in that September 25th race, continuing a run of consistent form which has seen four top-five finishes from seven starts so far. She likes to settle on the speed or handy and can play a big part here. (7) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN among others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Magic Jude (1) Mach Star (2) Effel Tap (5) Mighty Ann
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. The top two in the jockey Premiership. Moon Se-young and Kim Yong-geun, are both suspended so the opportunities are spread out across the card. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but two making their racecourse debuts. We’ll side with a first timer here and (3) DOKKI BULPAE impressed in his trial, breaking beautifully before running around at the front of the field, crossing the line four-lengths to the good without having been asked a question. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (7) ARGO MUJEOK is one of the two with experience. He ran fairly on debut on September 17th, given he had to contend with gate twelve and finished in midfield. He should have come on for the experience and can get closer here. Returning to the first timers, (1) DAEBAK SOCKS is a half-brother to top sprinter East Jet and ran fairly in his trial when he led. He gets a nice draw here and a bold showing is possible. (6) HERO SARANG and (8) DASAN JILJU others who performed adequately in their respective heats.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Juvenile maidens. (1) SPO BLADE was hampered at the start on debut in August but ran a solid 3rd on September 25th, when he sat midfield before running on and was beaten less than a length and a half. He draws well on the inside and can win this. (9) CHEONJEON CHAT has improved across three starts so far, all over 1000M. She has raced on pace so the draw might be a little less than ideal, but the additional distance can suit, and she has a chance. (11) POWERFUL HWASEONG stepped up to this distance on September 24th and ran a good 3rd in a competitive time. The draw shouldn’t be too much of a disadvantage for him and he can be finishing strongly again here. (2) CRAZY LOVE is another who comes up in trip and can go well from a good gate. (10) MAUIWAY was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on September 17th and is another in the frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only for this maiden and there are two standouts. We’ll side with (1) PERFECT TIME who finally seems to be working things out with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1400M and 1300M. She likes to be on pace or handy and from the inside gate can potentially get a soft lead. She has both beaten and been beaten by the other principle here, (5) QUIET CHARM. She’s only raced four times but is showing promise with three top-four finishes already, including beating Perfect Time when 3rd last time out. She had the inside draw that day but if she continues to show improvement, she can win. (6) MADISON MUSIC was 6th behind Perfect Time and Quiet Charm on September 25th, but the margins weren’t big, and she has a 3rd place at this distance to her name. (2) CITY CHARM returns following a six-month absence. She offered few clues in a September trail but is nicely drawn under a light weight. (9) BRAMASAL another in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(1) Perfect Time (5) Quiet Charm (6) Madison Music (2) City Charm
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
There’s no Stakes action this weekend but there is still plenty to keep us occupied with a competitive Friday card at Busan from 12:50 to 18:00 kicking things off:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with only one of the twelve having previously raced. That experience may well serve (1) AMUR in good stead though. She overcame a wide draw to run 3rd in a fair time on debut on September 16th and with some natural improvement and a better draw, she can win this. (3) ALPHA BRAVO is the pick of the newcomers. She was an on-pace 3rd in her trial, stopping the clock in a good time. She draws well to get to the speed here and she won’t need to improve much on that showing to be in the mix here. (7) KELLY QUEEN won her trial, sitting handy and then running on well in a fair time, while (8) BURUICHUKJE too performed well in her heat, starting slowly but running home well. (2) SKY SHOT is another who posted the kind of time to suggest that she can be competitive first up.
Selections
(1) Amur (3) Alpha Bravo (7) Kelly Queen (8) Buruichukje
Next Best
2, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Juvenile maidens with all of the twelve having raced at least once before. (5) BUILD UP showed promise across three starts over 1200M including a runner-up finish in a fast time at the start of September. He was then given his chance in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes facing the best juveniles at the track, where he wasn’t able to make much of an impact but ran on fairly enough to beat a couple home. He returns to shallower waters today and can win. The main danger looks to be (7) ILGANG DAERO. He comes back in trip having led for much of the way around over 1400M on September 16th, ultimately finishing 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. The distance here can suit. We’ll draw a line through (9) VEREUDA’s debut when slowly away and then well back. He had previously trialed nicely and is worth another chance here. (8) WONDERFUL APPEAL and (1) PEGACORN others in the hunt.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to look too far past (3) PATRIOT here. There was more than a year between his debut and his second start but he looked very well when returning on September 25th and racing handy throughout, running on for 2nd place at 1200M. He draws well here, the additional half furlong shouldn’t be a problem, and he may take some beating. (8) B. K. HUNTER returned from a similarly lengthy absence on September 30th and put in a pleasing run, sitting midfield and improving to 4th at the finish over 1200M. He doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time but he should strip fitter for that run, and can go close. (7) ADELE HORANGI is another that doesn’t have a claim on board this time, but he has finished off his races well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip here. (1) WISE BOY ran 3rd behind Patriot last month and while he has six-lengths to make up on the favourite, he can beat plenty of these. (9) LET IT GO another in the frame.
Selections
(3) Patriot (8) B. K. Hunter (7) Adele Horangi (1) Wise Boy
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Raon The Fighter delivered a consummate display of excellence at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, effortlessly crossing to the front and proceeding to run the rest out of the race to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) in front of a raucous 27,000 strong crowd.
Having duelled with Japan’s Sekifu throughout the majority of last month’s international Korea Cup (1800M-IG3) but ultimately tire late on as Winner’s Man came through to take a spectacular victory, Raon The Fighter was sent off as the odds-on favourite to return to winning ways in the principal lead up to the season finale Grand Prix Stakes. The only questions were whether he could get a good position from the widest gate and whether he could see out the extended trip of 2000M, a distance he was tackling for the first time. Those who posed those questions, quickly regretted doing so.
Other than in the Korea Cup, Raon The Fighter’s only defeats had come in sprint races when stumbling at the start and then working too hard to get on terms. This Sunday, he broke beautifully from gate thirteen and jockey Moon Se Young was able to steer him across to the front immediately.
Had anything even wanted to take him on for early speed, it is doubtful whether they could have done such was Raon The Fighter’s authority, although King Of The Match and Tuhonui Banseok would gamely sit within striking distance exchanging 2nd and 3rd positions throughout. Two little accelerations from Raon The Fighter, first at the top of the home straight to put him firmly in the clear, and then again a furlong out when into unchartered territory distance-wise at the furlong pole, and Moon Se Young was left looking behind him to see if there were any dangers.
There were no dangers. Raon The Fighter was eased home for a five-length win with King Of The Match getting closest in 2nd and then a seven-length gap back to Tuhonui Banseok in 3rd. Behind them, 2021 Grand Prix Stakes winner Haengbok Wangja was 4th while Geuma Mystic and Moonhak Chief came home in 5th and 6th.
Raon The Fighter debuted in November 2020, just after racing resumed behind closed doors and for severely restricted prize money. He would have five wins on the board before prizes were restored to meaningful levels the following July and didn’t get to run in a Group race until November 2021 when he destroyed Eoma Eoma in the SROA Chairmans Trophy (1200M KOR-G3).
The KRA Cup Classic is Raon The Fighter’s third Group win having also won the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) this July. The four-year-old entire, who is by Bayern and out of Empire Maker mare Clarinda, is owned by Son Chun-soo of the ever-growing Raon racing empire which stands the stallion Musket Man. He is trained by Park Jong-kon, who now almost exclusively trains Raon horses. For trainer Park, it was a fourth KRA Cup Classic after Mari Daemul in 2013 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017 and 2018. For jockey Moon Se-young, it was a third win in the race, having partnered Pocketful Of Money in 2007 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017.
The logical next step for Raon The Fighter would be the Grand Prix Stakes in December and a possible rematch with Winner’s Man, who will most likely be contesting the President’s Cup next month. There are two big stars in Korean racing right now, and they will collide again soon enough.
Raon The Fighter delivered a consummate display of excellence at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, effortlessly crossing to the front and proceeding to run the rest out of the race to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) in front of a raucous 27,000 strong crowd.
Having duelled with Japan’s Sekifu throughout the majority of last month’s international Korea Cup (1800M-IG3) but ultimately tire late on as Winner’s Man came through to take a spectacular victory, Raon The Fighter was sent off as the odds-on favourite to return to winning ways in the principal lead up to the season finale Grand Prix Stakes. The only questions were whether he could get a good position from the widest gate and whether he could see out the extended trip of 2000M, a distance he was tackling for the first time. Those who posed those questions, quickly regretted doing so.
Other than in the Korea Cup, Raon The Fighter’s only defeats had come in sprint races when stumbling at the start and then working too hard to get on terms. This Sunday, he broke beautifully from gate thirteen and jockey Moon Se Young was able to steer him across to the front immediately.
Had anything even wanted to take him on for early speed, it is doubtful whether they could have done such was Raon The Fighter’s authority, although King Of The Match and Tuhonui Banseok would gamely sit within striking distance exchanging 2nd and 3rd positions throughout. Two little accelerations from Raon The Fighter, first at the top of the home straight to put him firmly in the clear, and then again a furlong out when into unchartered territory distance-wise at the furlong pole, and Moon Se Young was left looking behind him to see if there were any dangers.
There were no dangers. Raon The Fighter was eased home for a five-length win with King Of The Match getting closest in 2nd and then a seven-length gap back to Tuhonui Banseok in 3rd. Behind them, 2021 Grand Prix Stakes winner Haengbok Wangja was 4th while Geuma Mystic and Moonhak Chief came home in 5th and 6th.
Raon The Fighter debuted in November 2020, just after racing resumed behind closed doors and for severely restricted prize money. He would have five wins on the board before prizes were restored to meaningful levels the following July and didn’t get to run in a Group race until November 2021 when he destroyed Eoma Eoma in the SROA Chairmans Trophy (1200M KOR-G3).
The KRA Cup Classic is Raon The Fighter’s third Group win having also won the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) this July. The four-year-old entire, who is by Bayern and out of Empire Maker mare Clarinda, is owned by Son Chun-soo of the ever-growing Raon racing empire which stands the stallion Musket Man. He is trained by Park Jong-kon, who now almost exclusively trains Raon horses. For trainer Park, it was a fourth KRA Cup Classic after Mari Daemul in 2013 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017 and 2018. For jockey Moon Se-young, it was a third win in the race, having partnered Pocketful Of Money in 2007 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017.
The logical next step for Raon The Fighter would be the Grand Prix Stakes in December and a possible rematch with Winner’s Man, who will most likely be contesting the President’s Cup next month. There are two big stars in Korean racing right now, and they will collide again soon enough.
Horse Racing in Korea 