Wow Wow came from off the pace to score a 46/1 upset in the Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, leaving the green colours of the hotly fancied “Raon” pair, Raon First and Raon The Spurt, back down the track behind him.
Wow Wow came from off the pace to win the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy under Song Jae-chul (Pic: KRA)
After a year where owner Son Chun-soo’s Raon stable had dominated, his progressive four-year-old filly Raon The Spurt, was sent off as favourite for the Segye Ilbo (1200M KOR-Listed), the first Stakes race on the 2023 calendar, with stablemate and President’s Cup winner Raon First second in the market, ahead of Jeju Governor’s Trophy winning mare Wish Me.
While Raon First was slow out of the gate, Raon The Spurt cruised into the lead alongside fellow Group winner East Jet. But on a rare day at Seoul where the track was not kind to front-runners – nine of the eleven winners on the card emerged from the rear – the leaders were in trouble entering the straight and by the furlong pole, both had wilted.
Raon First launched a home straight challenge through traffic but the longshot pair of Wow Wow and Jangsan Laser were quicker, flashing down the outside with Wow Wow, who had settled right back in the pack in the early exchanges, coming home a length-and-a-quarter to the good. Raon First was 3rd.
With the race being restricted to Korean-bred runners, the Nasca organization’s Korea Sprint winning star Eoma Eoma was ineligible but they also own Wow Wow, a four-year-old colt by Cowboy Cal and out of the Forest Camp mare Jjak Kkung, who did her racing in Korea, winning six of twenty-six starts.
Wow Wow was on last year’s Classic trail and overcame gate fifteen to run 5th in the Korean Derby before an indifferent run in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup. Before Sunday, the highest level he had won at was class 4. He is trained by Song Moon-gil and was ridden by Song Jae-chul, who was winning just his third Stakes race after successes in the YTN Cup (then not a group race) in 2015 on Areumdaun Donghaeng and then guiding Saenae Town to victory in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy last November.
There are no Listed or Graded races in Korea in February, with the next big events on the calendar the three-year-old Classic trials at Seoul and Busan on March 19.
Raon First faces danger from her own stablemate in the Segye Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with all at least one start behind them and (10) TOUCH CHARM will be the warm favourite. She ran 3rd on debut over 1000M on November 26th before improving to 2nd on her next start on December 18th when stepped up to 1200M in filly only company. She comes up in trip again, and slightly in weight, but she should have too much. (8) NEULGAEUL is the only one in the field to have prior experience of this distance having finished a close 3rd on December 17th. That experience should stand him in good stead for this and he can be the main danger. (2) KARIZMA ran fairly enough for a midfield finish on debut over 1000M a month ago. He should have derived benefit from that and can improve today. (6) BEST CLONE returns after almost five months out and looked well in a trial earlier this month and along with (9) INDIANUI BYEOL, who began his career with a 2nd and a 3rd, can be considered for a place.
Selections
(10) Touch Charm (8) Neulgaeul (2) Karizma (6) Best Clone
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
1, 3, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(10) HWANGOO MONEY has come from well off the pace to run 3rd in both starts to date, both over 1200M and both from gate eleven. The wide draw certainly won’t be an issue and the additional half furlong should give him plenty of time to get the job done this time. (4) FAST GUN was anything but fast out of the gates on debut over 1000M on December 16th, but he finished off swiftly enough, passing plenty to finish 3rd. He should have come on for the run and he is another for who the extra distance can suit. (2) BRAVE CAPTAIN was much closer to the pace on her debut, scampering across from gate nine and ultimately running 4th over 1000M. With some natural improvement and from a better draw, she can match or better that today. (7) K GOLD BAR and others (9) SKY PUNCH are others who are in the placing hunt.
Selections
(10) Hwangoo Money (4) Fast Gun (2) Brave Captain (7) K Gold Bar
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with all but one racing for the very first time. That experienced one didn’t do anything on debut to warrant recommendation so it’s to the trial videos we turn and the one who caught the eye the most was (5) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA. He sat handy in his heat before finishing well to cross the line in front, stopping the clock in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) FANCY PLAY recorded the second fastest time in trials when leading in a heat in early December, ultimately finishing 2nd. He draws well to be on pace here and should be in it a long way. (12) CHECK POINT went through the same trial as Tamra Choegangja and while he does have five-lengths to make up, he ran on well and neither the wide draw nor the trip should be a hindrance first-up. Speaking of the trip, that sole one with experience, (7) THIS WEEKEND was slowly away and with a better start and in the absence of too many standout first-timers, can improve. (9) COMPLETE LEADER another debut-maker to keep an eye on.
Selections
(5) Tamra Choegangja (3) Fancy Play (12) Check Point (7) This Weekend
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(6) HANEUL JEWANG enters off an improved 2nd place at this distance on December 16th when settling handy and finishing well to record a time faster than any of the others here have managed for the distance. He should be on or close to the speed again and in this company, will be warm favourite to go one better. The main danger is (8) META QUEEN. She was 5th behind Haneul Jewang in that December race but at the start before registered a runner-up finish of her own when on pace over 1000M. This is just her fourth career start and there could be some more improvement. (9) WONDERFUL CHACHA ran an improved 4th on his latest outing over 1300M on December 2nd. An apprentice keeps the weight light and he be in the mix here too. (10) SKY SHOT and (4) UNJU MACH among other minor money contenders.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens with all but one of the twelve having raced at least once before. The debut-maker is notable though as he is set to be favourite. (3) JANGSAN SPO blitzed a trial in November, stopping the clock in a fast time some fourteen lengths clear of the next across the line. That showing, coupled with the modest opposition he faces here, makes him a heavy favourite, despite the big gap between trial and race. Only two of the experienced ones have positive form. (5) BEAT RUNNER is the clear second pick with a 6th and a 4th in two starts at 1000M and 1200M, the latter at this distance and both in fair times. A similar showing will see him place again. Draw a line through (4) MENI POCKET’s second appearance and instead go on her debut last summer and she is clear third choice although the length of time between starts isn’t reassuring. (8) CLAIR QUEEN and (11) GREEN SPECTER potential improvers.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Tricky race. We’ll take a chance on (9) WITH SUN, who was a strong winner on debut over 1200M in November when coming from off the pace before running 4th in a slow race over this distance on his first try at this level. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and today there should be a bit more early speed to chase down. The probable favourite is (2) BACKTOTHELEGEND. He overcame the widest gate to get on pace over 1200M on Christmas Day and ultimately went on to win well. He is up in class and in distance here but draws much better and has solid claims. (3) BYEOLGYOUI KKUM was an all the way winner at start number two over 1200M on Christmas Day. He too comes up in class and distance but draws well to get on the speed again and should be in this a long way. (11) ALL OR NOTHING ran out an eye-catching winner on debut in December. It was at 1000M, but he can measure up here. (1) FASHION FORCE ONE another in the frame.
Selections
(9) With Sun (2) Backtothelegend (3) Beolgyoui Kkum (11) All Or Nothing
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies (and two mares) here. There is very little to choose between the top two, both up in class following maiden wins. The coin toss comes down on the side of (3) WONDERFUL SLEW, who came from off the pace on debut over 1200M on December 18th to just get up to for the win. She comes up in trip here, but it can suit, and she can win. That’s true too for (5) JEOMSUNI GO. She was slowly away on debut over 1000M before rattling home late for a desperately near miss. She then took a very tight victory second-up at 1200M on Christmas Eve. She too comes up in class and distance and there is very little between them. If you fancy them both to get beat, then (11) GREENBACK maybe the place to turn. She has plenty of experience of this level and enters in consistent form. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck at the start, she can run on. (7) TOUR QUEEN and (6) DUSON CLASSIC, who was slowly away last time but should be on pace here, are others to consider.
Selections
(3) Wonderful Slew (5) Jeomsuni Go (11) Greenback (7) Tour Queen
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 6, 11, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(10) EUNSEONG WINNER ran out a strong winner at class and distance on December 23rd, settling just behind the early speed before taking things up at the top of the stretch and winning well. A word of caution in that she was found to have bled for the first time but she came through the mandatory trial earlier this month without issue. (8) ARCTURUS was 4th in that same race having led for much of the way in what was his first try at two turns. He has won well at a mile and can be a danger today. (6) HORAENGI is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has no fewer than twelve top five finishes including on her last start on Christmas Day when she came from well off the pace to run a close 2nd over a mile. She comes up in class here but is nicely weighted and has placed more than once at this distance already. (2) I WILL BE FREE and the rapidly up in class having won his latest two (1) MACH WONDER, are among plenty of others to consider.
Selections
(10) Eunseong Winner (8) Arcturus (6) Horaengi (2) I Will Be Free
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
1, 8, 10, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Horses with the word “Raon” in their names took home eight Korean Listed or Graded races in 2022 and as the 2023 Stakes race season kicks off at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday with the Segye Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed), two of those winners in the green silks of owner Son Chun-soo are set to be at the top of the market as the six-year-old mare and defending champion Raon First, clashes with up-and-coming stablemate and potential heir-apparent, four-year-old filly Raon The Spurt.
Choi Bum-hyun rode Raon First to President’s Cup glory but he gets on Raon The Spurt in Sunday’s Segye Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Last year’s winner RAON FIRST is the top filly or mare in Korea, with twelve wins from twenty-two starts and a hugely versatile repertoire as shown by her 3rd place in the Korea Sprint (1200M – IG3) last August and then her sensational victory in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) in November. It was a first ever victory for a filly or a mare in the nation’s most valuable race for older in-country bred runner, with Korea Cup champion Winner’s Man back in 3rd. Raon First finished off what had been a remarkable campaign with an in no way disgraced 6th place in the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) as Winner’s Man returned to the summit.
In the early half of her three-year-old campaign, RAON THE SPURT was forced to play second fiddle in the Triple Tiara (filly Triple Crown) races, running 3rd in the Luna Stakes and then 2nd to Tiara winner Golden Power in both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Govenor’s Cup. She finished off the season strongly though, winning the Singapore Turf Club Trophy at 1200M, running 2nd to Wish Me in the Jeju Govenor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) and then winning the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan. Her star is very much in the ascendency.
Jockey Choi Bum-hyun has ridden both of the Park Jong-kon trained pair in recent starts. For their first head-to-head meeting, he rides Raon The Spurt.
It’s not necessarily a two-horse race though. WISH ME has done something she never usually does and drawn a good gate for a front-runner. She had to contend with gate eleven when 2nd to Raon The Spurt in the Singapore Turf Club Trophy over 1200M in September, before reversing the form with a stunning track-record breaking performance in the Jeju Governor’s Cup from gate twelve. She found 2000M was not her go last time out, but back in sprinting territory and from the plum barrier two, she can’t be ruled out.
While it’s the fillies and mares who are most favoured, the race is open to males as well and a strong set have shown up. DAEHAN JILJU was a break-out 4th in the Korea Sprint last September before running 2nd to that day’s winner Eoma Eoma in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M Listed) at Busan on October. He is capable of running fast times and the wide draw should prove no distraction. Group winner EAST JET as well as the in form JANGSAN LASER, 4th in the President’s Cup, are among others who can provide testing material.
Only one Busan-trained horse has made the trip to the capital. That’s HAPPY FEVER, a six-year-old who, while he doesn’t win out of turn, enters in consistent form and has posted fast times. At his best he can challenge for some minor money. Jockey Kim Hye-sun has come with him to ride at her former track and has picked up five additional rides across the weekend.
The Segye Ilbo Cup is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a local post time of 16:35.
Selections: (4) Raon The Spurt (1) Raon First (2) Wish Me (12) Daehan Jilju
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a big 12-race meeting from 10:40 to 18:00. The feature race is the last with Simjangui Godong facing a stern challenge from Chief Indy, among others, at class 1 over 2000M. Here are the previews:
Former President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong facess a tough ask at Seoul this Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies here with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. Three of those with prior experience debuted in the same race over 1000M on Christmas Day and it was (6) SARYEONI TYCHE who came out the best among them, racing just off the speed throughout and finishing in 3rd place. She has claims to come out on top here. Just a length behind there wasn’t much between (5) GREEN SHIELD and (10) TOP TIER, who came home 6th and 4th respectively. Top Tier had led until the furlong pole before being passed and while she draws wide today, should have enough early speed to get a good position. She doesn’t have the apprentice claim but Kim Yong-geun climbing aboard should balance that. The extended trip though may see Green Shield in overturning that form. She was doing her best work late in that race. Among the first timers, (3) WHITE DIA and trial winner (9) HAEJAE YEOGEOL perhaps best.
Selections
(6) Saryeoni Tyche (5) Green Shield (10) Top Tier (3) White Dia
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens all of whom have raced before though none at this distance. (6) ILDONG BAKSU has finished 3rd in both her prior starts, most recently over 120M on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and finishing a length behind the odds-on favourite winner Jeomsuni Go. She’ll be exiting class 6 with any top-three finish and it could be a win. After a lot of trials (11) SINUI HAMSEONG ran well on debut on December 10th finishing 2nd over this distance to hot favourite J Motion. He was found to have bled after that so was stood down for a month and sent back to trial but he came through that successfully earlier in January and can go well again. (9) MONEY JANGGUN overcame a similarly wide draw to today to run 3rd over 1200M on November 19th. He also has a runner-up finish at 1000M to his name and can be a danger here. (5) FINE DAY and (10) HERO QUEEN others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Ildong Baksu (11) Sinui Hamseong (9) Money Janggun (5) Fine Day
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(5) ROCK IMPACT is the only one in the field who has raced at the distance before and it seemed to suit as he produced a much improved performance to run 2nd in a fair time on December 11th when settling just behind the speed and then running on. He won’t need to improve too much to go one better here. (7) MISS WIN STAR has steadily improved across his four outings to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on December 17th when he led for a large part of the races. That was his first time on the speed and he may go forward again here. (11) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL has been finishing off her races well, improving each time and she may benefit from the step up in trip. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and nor should it be for (10) ARCH MEMORY, another who has steadily improved and runs through the line well. The form drops off after that but in a race devoid of much early speed, (6) SINPUNG YEOGEOL may get an easier run to the front today and can be in this a long way at probable big odds.
Selections
(5) Rock Impact (7) Miss Win Star (11) Gangcheol Yeogeol (10) Arch Memory
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(11) ULTRA GALAXY has improved across his five starts so far with his latest over 1200M on Christmas Day being his best. He is yet to go further than that so this is a big step up but his running style – and today’s company – suggests he can be more than equal to the challenge. (7) HOUYHNHNM looked every much the perennial non-winner but capable of regularly picking up minor money, right up until his last start on January 7th when he stepped up to two turns for the first time and ran 2nd. It wasn’t a fast time, but he beat three of today’s rivals and won’t need to improve much to go close again. (4) STAR PRINCESS ran 3rd in that race, equalling her best finish so far. She went right back and ran on and with Johan climbing on today, may be further forward. (1) EUREKA and (5) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN are others with at least placing chances.
Selections
(11) Ultra Galaxy (7) Houyhnhnm (4) Star Princess (1) Eureka
Next Best
5, 12
Fast Start
5, 8, 11, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(5) HANGANGUI GISANG is a perfect four from four with his latest win coming on Christmas Eve when stepping up to class 3 for the first time, he made all to score by six-lengths over 1700M He comes up 3.5kg in the weights from that day but draws nicely enough at the unique mile start and he will be odds-on to strike again. (3) MIGHTY GOOD is on a win streak of his own, having taken his latest two both at class 4 and both over 1700M. He likes to come from off the pace so Antonio should be able to save some ground early while the others battle it out on the short run to the first corner. He is up in class but down significantly in weight and can measure up. Also down in weight is (1) DUSON MEONGGUN who benefits from an apprentice claim. He finished midfield behind Hangangui Gisang last time out but is a winner at this class over 1400M as well has holding a 3rd place at a mile. Don’t rule out a bold showing. (2) BYEOLUI SUNGAN is better than his latest two outings suggest and should be kept safe, while (9) YAHO GOLDEN CAT is another in the hunt.
After a week off for the Lunar New Year holiday, racing returns to Korea this weekend. Things get underway on Friday at Busan with a 10-race card from 11:00 to 18:00. It’s quite a star studded line-up for a Friday as Speed Young, who won the Breeders’ Cup Champion Juvenile race in December, goes in race 9 while filly Triple Crown winner Golden Power seeks to return to form in a very challenging race 10. Here are the previews:
Speed Young makes his three-year-old debut at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies get things underway with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (11) AMAZING MOVE who, after a positive trial, ran a solid enough 5th on debut on December 18th, settling back and running on. That suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be too problematic here and having derived benefit from that run, she can win here. (6) ACE HORANGI was well backed on debut in the same December 18th after a quick trial and while she could only manage 7th, she can improve here. (3) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT is another who ran 5th on debut at this distance on Christmas Day, overcoming a wide draw. The time was significantly slower than Amazing Move’s and Ace Horangi’s but she too can make progress today. As for the first timers, (2) MAGIC SWEETIE and (5) UNJU AKANSHA look the most likely to make an immediate impact.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (12) GEUMA DEFT beat three of these on debut on December 16th over 1000M when crossing the line 1st and stopping the clock in a fast time only to be demoted by the stewards for interference. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but the manner of that run suggests that with a touch of luck at the start and a touch more discipline at the finish, he can finish ahead of those same rivals today. (2) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE ran 4th in that race. He was a full ten-lengths behind Geuma Deft but the step up in trip can suit and he can get closer today. There are three first time starters and among them (6) HAVE A GOOD YEAR was the best in trials. He went through two heats, significantly improving in the second of them when leading for much of the way around. He can be on pace here and put in a bold showing. (5) ROAD TO GLORY and (9) RUN TO KING other placing hopes.
Selections
(12) Geuma Deft (2) Dubai Wonjeongdae (6) Have A Good Year (5) Road To Glory
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) KRW 25 Million
A regular maiden here and it seems wide open. Four of them raced each other over 1300M on December 23rd and that looks to be a good reference. (11) PURPLE LINE debuted in that race, settling towards the rear of midfield and running on for 3rd. He should have come on for that experience, the extra distance can suit, and he has as good a chance as any here. It will require him to make up almost two lengths on (6) COOL RUNNING. He led that December 23rd race until the closing stages, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. He has shown improvement across his three starts so far, he can be on pace again, and he shouldn’t be ruled out. Also making progress over three previous appearances has been (12) VEREUDA. She finished off well for 4th in that December 23rd race from a similarly wide draw to today, and she can continue to improve here. Of those who didn’t go in the December 23rd race, (7) DOCTOR SHARK and (2) PEGACORN look the best.
Selections
(11) Purple Line (6) Cool Running (12) Vereuda (7) Doctor Shark
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies (and two mares) only and it’s a good race for the level. (3) SPECIAL ROAD justified favourite status to make all at start number two on December 18th over 1200M, winning comfortable. She comes up in class and distance here but draws very nicely and has every chance of scoring again. So too (4) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD. Having won over five furlongs in a super quick time back in November, she than ran a solid 3ns on her first try at this class over 1200M on December 16th. She does come up in the weights here but draws well and the additional half furlong can suit. (2) BLUE ICON is yet to win but enters off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at class and distance on December 23rd when on pace throughout. She draws very nicely here and it’s not impossible she could go one better at last. (5) THUNDER FURY has placed at this class and along with up in class (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE is another in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Special Road (4) Graphene Rap World (2) Blue Icon (5) Thunder Fury
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Sunday racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:40 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:05 to 15:40). A reminder there is no racing next weekend due to the Lunar New Year holiday so it is big fields all around. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (1) TIZ INDY has run twice for 2nd and 4th over 1000M both in good times. She comes up in trip for the first time but draws very nicely and she has every chance. (5) SAENAE VIVA debuted without distinction in August but looked a much better proposition when returning on December 3rd and running 3rd when handy throughout. She can get closer today and that can mean overturning the form on (11) JEONGSANG LUCKY. The latter overcame the same wide draw to run 2nd in that December 3rd race and while she may need a touch of luck again, she shouldn’t be ruled out. Also done no favours by the draw is (12) DASI TAEEONADO. She has a 2nd place to her name over 1000M and ran on pleasingly enough for 5th last time out at 1200M. (2) SEMYEONG LADY is among others with the potential to improve.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old filly maidens. The most experienced in the race is (10) DOCTOR SHARK and she’s the one that gets the pick. She secured back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1000M and 1200M in October and November before running 5th over 1400M when drawn in the widest gate last time out on December 16th. The draw isn’t kind here either, but she may have too much. (12) WONDERFUL PHONE came from off the pace to run 2nd behind a good winner on debut on December 23rd. The way she finished off that day suggests the additional trip can suit and she will probably start as favourite. (7) SKY MOUNTAIN was an on-pace 4th on debut on December 9th over 1000M. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can be there or thereabouts today. (6) STREET ROCK didn’t do much on debut but comes in here under a very light weight and can improve. It’s a similar story with (1) TOO CUTE GIRL, who draws much better than on debut.
Selections
(10) Doctor Shark (12) Wonderful Phone (7) Sky Mountain (6) Street Rock
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
7, 8, 10, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with six of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll side with experience and (2) GEOMIBULU. After winning a November trial, she was installed as favourite for her debut appearance over 1000M on December 11th when she sat midfield in a small field and ran on for 2nd place. She was well beaten by a good winner, but the run was encouraging enough for her to warrant another chance on top here. Among the first timers (11) SAEBYEOK ANGAE could be the best. She improved significantly in her second trial, running on well and can be set for a bold showing first up. (7) DONGHAENG FIRST debuted promisingly enough on December 17th running 4th over 1000M. She should have derived benefit from that and build on it here. Both (3) NAVY CHROME and (6) THUNDER BLUE return to action for the first time since July. Both trialled well and can be considered first-up.
Selections
(2) Geomibulu (11) Saebyeok Angae (7) Donghaeng First (3) Navy Chrome
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(7) PHANTOM ACE is yet to win in eleven attempts but has been getting closer in recent outings with a 2nd and a 3rd in his latest two, both at this distance. With an apprentice claiming 4kg he is very nicely weighted here, and it could be his day. (2) MULTI HIT comes in off a 4th place at start number two at this distance on December 11th when handy throughout. He draws well again and can be dangerous here. (1) YEONGGWANGUITUHON has run fairly in all three appearances to date including a spin around in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. From a great draw, he should be right in this. (5) CHEERFUL LIFE can build on his debut5th place over 1000M when breaking fairly before going right back and running on. He draws better today and should be better for the run. (8) GLOBAL SKY among others with the potential to improve.
Selections
(7) Phantom Ace (2) Multi Hit (1) Yeonggwanguituhon (5) Cheerful Life
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Three-year-old filly maidens. It’s fair to say that (12) CHEONJON CHAT has mixed her form across six starts so far but she gets the nod here based on her last start 2nd place over this distance on December 18th when she was on pace and finished in a time quicker than any of the others have managed for the distance. She draws wide but with a touch of luck at the start, she’ll be the one to beat. (6) RAON CITY GIRL comes up in trip for the first time. She too has mixed her form, but she did post a very quick time over 1000M when 3rd in November. She should be on pace here and the additional furlong can suit. (4) TANSAN comes in after a best finish to date of 3rd place in that December 18th race when settling slightly worse than midfield and finishing well. She has five-lengths to make up on Cheonjon Chat but can get closer with a much better draw. (2) BLUE ARCH and (5) SEOULEUL NALDA among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(12) Cheonjon Chat (6) Raon City Girl (4) Tansan (2) Blue Arch
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(11) FINAL SEVEN overcame gate ten to get on pace and run 2md behind Young Boss on his first try at this class over 1400M on December 16th. He steps up to a mile for the first time today but looks a progressive type with just four starts behind him and an apprentice jockey aboard brings his weight right down. (8) CHANGCHANG DAERO also steps up to a mile for the first time. He has only raced four times but has a smart win over 1200M as well as a last start 3rd at this class over 1400M to his name. He looks to have scope for more. (9) GREEN PAPAGO has beaten a few of these in her latest appearances, all at a mile. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can be a big factor here. (3) QUEEN OF SPIRIT, who beat Changchang Daero at 1400M last time out, and (7) QUEEN STAR among plenty of others capable of placing.
Selections
(11) Final Seven (8) Changchang Daero (9) Green Papago (3) Queen Of Spirit
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
2, 8, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
There isn’t much positive form here. (4) SUBAL DORIANG come sin off a 2nd place over this distance on December 17th when handy throughout. It continued a pattern of him getting closer and is enough to put him on top here. (12) MY GONGJU was touch disappointing when stepped up to 1700M last time and well backed. Drawn wide he was unable to find a position on the short run to the first turn and scarcely figured. Go on his previous start at this trip though and he is firmly in this. (7) DESIRE TO WIN came home in 4th place behind Subal Doriang in that December 17th race. He has steadily improved across four starts so far and if he can maintain that momentum, can be in the mix here. (2) GHOST CHARM and (8) EFFEL TAP among others in the hunt.
There has been plenty of rain across the country over the past day or so and that’s set to continue into the weekend. On the plus side, the temperatures should be very mild compared to last week’s arctic blast. Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with just three of them having raced before. (6) ORCHID VALLEY overcame gate ten and a slow start on debut over 1000M on December 17th to run 2nd in a good time. He should have come on for the run and the way he worked home suggests that the additional furlong will be to his benefit. (5) PEERLESS also came from off the pace on debut, running 3rd in an all-filly race over 1000M. She too should have derived benefit from that run and can go close here. Of the newcomers, (3) MIR QUALITY looks the pick. He made all in his trial and while the time was not quick, he was within himself, and a bold showing is possible first-up. (12) FLY DAY is done no favours by the draw but showed well in his heat and can be considered. (4) CUPID CHIC can build on her 7th place on debut in November.
Selections
(6) Orchid Valley (5) Peerless (3) Mir Quality (12) Fly Day
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens although all of these have raced at least once before. (3) NAOL GONI will be favourite having run 4th on debut and then followed up with 2nd on his reappearance on December 17th when he led almost the entire way around. He draws well to be on pace again, the additional half furlong should pose no issues, and he should go one better here. (8) RAON THE CHARLIE has been showing steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at his latest on December 10th when settling right back and running on. That was his first try at 1200M and stretching out further today should help. (5) LEGAL HIGH used up plenty of energy getting to the front from a wide draw last time out and then weakened but should get an easier run here. (10) SEONGEUN CROWN and (12) SAVANA CHARLIE the other logical place chances.
Selections
(3) Naol Goni (8) Raon The Charlie (5) Legal High (10) Seongeun Crown
Next Best
12, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(3) BAEDAERI WANGJA has been consistent across four starts so far and while his 2nd place on debut over 1000M may be his best finish, he has run on well in his latest two, finishing 4th both times over 1200M. There isn’t much early speed here so from a good draw he may well be closer to the pace than usual, and this could be his day. (1) BADAUI KKUM has been knocking on the door in his latest few appearances. He can settle handy here and should be running on into some money again. (5) POWERFUL SOCKS stepped up to this distance for the first time on December 12th and it seemingly suited as he was an on-pace 2nd on a fast time. He will surely be on the speed here and will be in this a long way. (9) BOSS BABY and (8) STAND BY ME are others in at least the placing hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go far past (1) STRENGTH here. After a fast 4th on debut over 1000M, he came up to this trip for his second start on December 17th and ran a close 3rd, sitting handy throughout. He draws well to be on the pace, and it would be a surprise if he didn’t lead from gate to wire. The form of the rest is patchy, to say the least. (10) MIGHTY SSEN has hinted at ability in two efforts over 1000M. He has finished off both times well and may appreciate the step up in trip today. (3) SMARTY GLORY managed a 2nd place two starts back over 1000M, working home strongly. She never got going after a slow start on her first try at this distance on December 18th but is worth another chance here. (7) FIRST CHOUX returns to action following six months out and trialled fairly enough to suggest he can beat plenty of these. (2) RAON JUMP another with the potential to improve.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(10) BULGOM MADRE remains a maiden but comes up in class having finished as runner-up on both starts to date, only narrowly going down last time out over this distance. This isn’t the most intimidating class 5 field and while she draws wide, she doesn’t need to lead and has every chance of measuring up. (4) NAOL CHEONJI was a winner on debut and followed up with a 3rd place on her first try at this level in November. She couldn’t follow up at 1300M on December 10th but even so, she still finished ahead of a couples of today’s rivals and that’s enough to put her in contention here. (11) COMPLETE FORCE also beat a couple on his first try at the level. That came when on pace over 200M on November 20th and finishing 5th. The draw is not ideal as he seems to prefer to be on the seed but with a touch of luck at the start, he can be a danger. (12) GEOMEUN JILJU and (2) RIVER TAEYANG among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(10) Bulgom Madre (4) Naol Cheonji (11) Complete Force (12) Geomeun Jilju
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 11, 12
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies (and two mares) only here. (4) EINSPANNER was a coast-to-coast winner on debut over 1000M on December 11th and while up in both class and distance today, both can be overcome and she can maintain her 100% record, probably from on pace again. This isn’t an easy race though. (3) BURUI KKOT is yet to win in nine starts but has eight top0five finishes including a last start 2nd at class and distance on December 17th. She comes up in the weights today but draws well and it’s not impossible that today could be her day. (8) HIDDEN BLADE enters off a desperately close 2nd place at class and distance on November 5th. She too comes up in the weights, but a similar run will put her firmly in the mix again. (12) CONCORD QUEEN and (5) HUIMANG GADEUK others in the frame.
Two Korea-trained horses are set to make their Dubai World Cup Carnival debuts this week with both Haengbok Wangja and King Of The Match among eleven declared for the inaugural Thunder Snow Challenge over 2000M on the dirt at Meydan on Friday.
Korean domestic G1 winner HAENGBOK WANGJA looking well today @RacingDubai. Both he and KING OF THE MATCH are serious players in the $150k Thunder Snow Challenge on best form, but enter after testing seasons back home. Question remains if Dubai was the goal or the afterthought… pic.twitter.com/UqrhM0eeBL
Now six-years-old, HAENGBOK WANGJA (USA) [Daredevil – First Installment (Broken Vow)] is a winner of eight of twenty-two career starts and won the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) in 2021. With the emergence of Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter, he didn’t go on to have the dominant 2022 that some predicted, instead going winless in six starts but managed 5th in the Korea Cup (1800M I-G3) and 4th in the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2).
Purchased by the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association for $30,000 at the 2019 Ocala Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds, Haengbok Wangja is a half-brother to US-based Group 3 placed Bourbon Cowboy (by Cowboy Cal). He is owned by Lee Bang-hoon, who has been an owner since 2006 and has had 38 winners in that time. Haengbok Wangja’s Grand Prix was his first Group winner.
Haengbok Wangja is trained by Park Youn-gu. Training since 2004 he has sent out 337 winners from 4,280 starters. He won his first Group race with Joy Lucky in the 2013 G3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup with the same filly following up in the G3 SROA Chairman’s Trophy a year later. He won the G3 Jeju Governor’s Cup with Lead Money in 2018 before Haengbok Wangja became his first G1 winner.
KING OF THE MATCH (USA) [Cairo Prince – Fought The Fight (War Front)] is a five-year-old who has win five of fifteen races at distances up to 1800M. Although he is yet to win over 2000M, he did run 2nd to Raon The Fighter in the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) in October and also managed 4th in the Korea Cup, both times finishing ahead of Haengbok Wangja.
Owners D R M City have 24 winners from 97 starters. Their first group winner arrived last month when juvenile Speed Young won the Breeders’ Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Busan.
King Of The Match’s trainer Kim Young-kwan is no stranger to the Dubai Carnival, having brought several to Meydan in the past, including Main Stay, a winner in 2017. Licensed since 2004 Kim has more winners than any other trainer in Korean history with 1406 from 6331 starters. He is a twelve-time Champion Trainer at Busan and hassaddled more Group winners than any other trainer in Korea.
Both Haengbok Wangja and King Of The Match will need to be forgiven their respective latest outings in the Grand Prix Stakes on December 11th when both were well down the field. For King Of The Match the distance was perhaps too far while Haengbok Wangja was out of sorts. Reports on the ground suggest that both have acclimatized to Meydan well. Dane O’Neill will ride Haengbok Wangja while Tadgh O’Shea, the ten-time UAE Champion jockey, is aboard King Of The Match.
The race is race 6 on the 7-race Friday night Carnival program at Meydan with a post time in Korea of 1:55am Saturday morning.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10-races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with six of the twelve racing for the very first time. After a promising trial, (7) STAR FURY debuted over this distance on December 11th and having settled midfield, worked home well for 2nd place. He was well beaten by a good winner but should have derived benefit from the experience and he looks the one to beat here. (5) MORNING FLOW made his first appearance over 1000M on December 9th and was on pace throughout ultimately coming home in 3rd. He should have come on for that and with some natural improvement can be in the mix here. Among the first timers, (10) ROCK POWER is the standout. He won a December trial in a good time when running on pace and he can put in a bold showing first up here. (4) U PING and (6) HAERANG JANGGUN among others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Star Fury (5) Morning Flow (10) Rock Power (4) U Ping
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
After an inauspicious debut in November, (4) BLACK VOLT returned on December 9th and put in a much better run for 2nd over 1000M when midfield and then handy. The additional trip shouldn’t be an issue and he can go one better today. (2) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA debuted in that December 9th race and after a shaky start veritably flew home for 3rd behind Black Volt. He should be better for that run, the extra 300M should suit and plenty will back him to overturn the form on Black Volt. (10) JEOLDAE BOSS has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, the latter in a good time over 1200M. He is done no favours by the draw but can be a danger here. (5) UNMATCHED has run 5th in both starts so far, settling back and running on and should be aiming to better that here. Solitary debut-maker (9) THEIA has been through several trials, posting fair times, and this isn’t intimidating company to debut in.
Selections
(4) Black Volt (2) Dahamkkedallija (10) Jeoldae Boss (5) Unmatched
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
8, 10, 11, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky race. (4) GOODY will probably be favourite based on the 3rd and 2nd place finishes he has secured at 1200M. Last time out he drew wide and didn’t feature until late on but he comes into a better gate today and there isn’t much in the way of early speed so he may get an easier run. He has as much chance as any. (3) PLAY THE INDY was a much-improved 2nd last time when second-up following eight months out. He should be on pace here and may be peaking fitness wise. (7) TOP FRIEND has shown steady progress across the outings so far. He has gone well back on each occasion before running on and the slight step up in trip may be in his favour. (5) JEONGMUN CHITA and (6) SPECIAL JOHN among others in at least the placing hunt.
Selections
(4) Goody (3) Play The Indy (7) Top Friend (5) Jeongmun Chita
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(2) ARTHUR KING IJI was a beaten favourite over 1400M on December 16th when on pace and leading for much of the way. He comes up further in trip today and from a good draw should be on pace or handy and he is very much worth another chance. (10) DALLILLAEYO has improved across three starts so far and has finished off his races very well. He looks like he needs a but of distance and the step up to the mile can suit. That could be the case too for (11) YEOSU TORNADO. He is yet to finish better than 4th in eleven appearances but he has shown signs recently of figuring things out and can be challenging late here. (8) HAMAN BAEKISAN enters off a runner-up finish over this distance on December 9th and with the same apprentice jockey keeping the weight down, can go close again. (1) INDIE BULPAE is the wildcard, returning to action more than six months after his sole race start.
Selections
(2) Arthur King Iji (10) Dallillaeyo (11) Yeosu Tornado (8) Haman Baekisan
Next Best
1, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 10, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) YEONGGWANGUI ACE ran out a gate to wire winner over this distance at what for him was start number two on December 4th. He comes up in class today but the Hansen colt looks to have plenty of scope for more improvement and he will be the one to beat. (1) NICE DAY almost went all the way over 1300M at this class on December 11th, ultimately being passed in the closing stages for a narrow loss. He’s back in trip today to the distance at which he picked up his only win so far and from a good draw he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) TAP STAR races for the first time since last July but he looked well when making all in a trial on Christmas Eve and if he can bring that form to the races, he can be competitive in this company. (7) HANGANG SAVER and the up in class (10) HANEUL SEUNGNI are among plenty of others who can enter the calculations.
Sunday sees cards at both Seoul (11 races from 10:40 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:05 to 15:40).Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. Having won a trail, (1) CHOEGANG HYEONMA was sent off as favourite over this distance on debut back in October but having drawn the widest gate, he never really found a run and ultimately finished in 5th. Nevertheless, there was nothing particularly wrong with the run and from a much better draw, he won’t need to improve much to win this. The others with experience haven’t offered much so it’s to the first timers that we look for danger. (2) FEDERAL PRESS ran on strongly for cross the line 2nd in his heat having emerged from gate eleven. The he finished off suggests 1200M can suit first up and he draws well. (10) FIRST USER clocked the fastest time of the debut-makers and that brings him into contention. (12) GLOBAL JINGYEOK actually won his heat, albeit in a slow time and he too warrants consideration. Returning to experience, (8) THE ROCK SUNSHINE looks the most likely to improve.
Selections
(1) Choegang Hyeonma (2) Federal Press (10) First User (12) Global Jingyeok
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. There are three standouts, and they all have experience. Without a huge amount of confidence, we’ll side with (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER. His one run to date was back in August when he led over 1000M, ultimately finishing 4th in a fair time. He was given an easy time in a December trial, and he draws well here. He can win first-up. (8) MIRACLE ONE looks to be the danger. He finished 4th on debut over 1000M on November 11th running on well. The additional furlong can suit, and he has every chance. (12) SUCCESS MOCCA dead-heated for 3rd on his debut at 1000M on November 4th when handy throughout. He draws wide but with a touch of luck at the start to find a position, he is in this. Of the first-time starters, (3) HANEUL BULPAE and (7) GOOD MAGIC look the most probable to make an immediate impact.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More maiden three-year-olds. (2) KKUMUI SUNGAN shapes as the one to beat based on a quick debut on November 6th over 1000M when settling midfield and running on. With some natural improvement here, has every chance. (4) GEUMSEONG SIDAE ran 4th behind Kkumui Sungan in November and then went even faster when finishing 2nd over the five furlongs at start number three on December 4th. He has handy throughout and it’s not impossible that he could overturn the form today. (1) NAOL SIDAE was perhaps not ready and suffered an injury when debuting last July. He was put away after that but reappeared in a trial at the start of December looking sharp and fast. He draws well on the inside and can be on the pace and in this a long way. (9) ARGO GONGJU and (7) WONDERFUL TIZZY among others in the hunt in a competitive race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies and mares. (4) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE will be the favourite, and a short one at that. This will be her eighth start and she has managed six top-five finishes. She comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on November 25th having led for most of the way and finished in a fast time. She should have too much. (7) STORM AGAIN also has six top-fives in her record, in her case from eight prior starts. She comes up in trip having run on strongly for 3rd last time out and while she comes up in weight too, she can offer a stern test. (6) GOLDEN RACER and (10) TWOTWO FLYING came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each over at 1200M on December 9th. Both should be in at least the placing fame today. (12) DUBAI PYEONGJEONG another in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Myeongseong Charge (7) Storm Again (6) Golden Racer (10) Twotwo Flying
Next Best
12, 5
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies and mares only for this maiden. (1) GOLDEN LUCKY has steadily improved across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on December 4th when she was handy throughout. She stays at almost the same weight, draws inside and the additional half furlong can see her home on top. (12) CUPID CHAMP is the main danger. She has finished 2nd and 5th in two outings to date, both at 1000M and both in fast times. She comes up in trip by a furlong and a half but that shouldn’t be a problem with the only downside being the wide draw. If she can find a good position, she can win. There is a solitary debut-maker. (4) HANGAWI SEONMUL went through two trials in December improving in the second of them. This is a great race to start off in and from a good draw and some natural improvement out of the trials, a bold showing could be in store. (9) BLUE KAISER and (2) WIDAEHAN HANMA are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Golden Lucky (12) Cupid Champ (4) Hangawi Seonmul (9) Blue Kaiser
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 7, 11, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Tricky race. (6) PISTOL STAR got a long way back after a troubled start in the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race on December 4th and although he made good late ground, he ran out of track and finished in 8th place. He has raced over 1800M so he won’t be surprised by anything here and it wasn’t a hugely strong field, he may win. (9) ADELE ALLIE’S also remains a maiden but there are grounds to be optimistic on his first try around two turns. He comes in having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two over 1300M, finishing off well and it may just suit. (4) NEW CROWN got his solitary win at class and distance three starts back in October, beating a couple of today’s rivals. The time was slow, but he has gone faster and warrants respect here. (10) MONEY CASE and (5) O.K. THUNDER among others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Pistol Star (9) Adele Allie’s (4) New Crown (10) Money Case
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
2, 7, 6, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(3) BAEKDU BOY is clear favourite to breakthrough here. He had been posting good times at 1000M and then stepped up to this distance on November 19th and ran 2nd, well beaten by a good winner but stopping the clock faster than any of the others here who have tackled 1200M. He draws well to be on pace or handy and may take some beating. (4) GOOD SIMON hinted at some ability at start number three, when running on for 4th. She comes up in trip for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggests it is about time. (1) EXPECT ran fairly from a wide gate over this distance on debut in November. The draw is better here and with some natural improvement for that experience, he can be expected to get closer. (5) FOUR ACE and (11) WHITE WITCH others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(3) Baekdu Boy (4) Good Simon (1) Expect (5) Four Ace
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(9) LANE KILLER returned from eight months out on December 18th and ran a creditable 6th of eleven at class and distance. He has won over 1800M before and should strip fitter for that performance. He can return to winning ways here. (10) WONDERFUL WORLD comes in following a smart win at this class distance on December 11th when settling back and running on, leaving a couple of today’s rivals back down the track. He joins Lane Killer at tope weights and could prove the main danger. (12) WIND WINNER came up in class after a 3rd and a 2nd at 1800M in September and October. He showed he can fit in at this level with 4th over a mile at his latest outing and despite the wide draw, he can go close here. (7) LIGHT STORY and (5) GREAT DANCE among others who can be competitive.
Horse Racing in Korea 