Winner’s Man won the opening leg of the Stayer Series a year ago on his way to a clean sweep, and at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, he demonstrated he has lost none of his superiority at the longer distances with a comfortable defence of the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3).
Winner’s Man goes clear of Tuhonui Banseok in the Herald Business (Pic: KRA)
The 2022 Korea Sprint and Grand Prix Stakes winner had been known to throw in the odd lackluster performance, such as when 3rd in last November’s G1 President’s Cup and especially when 4th in his tune up for this, a handicap over 1800M at Busan in February. Winner’s Man though returned to action this time leaner, having come down 15kg in body weight since that setback, and was sent off the 1.5 favourite in the local win pool.
Raon The Spurt, the only filly, set the pace as Winner’s Man slotted into 4th place among ten in the early exchanges with Black Musk and Tuhonui Banseok, the Grand Prix Stakes 3rd, between them. As the field made their way down the back straight, just after halfway, Seo Seung-un took Winner’s Man up closer to join Raon The Spurt and the rest was inevitable.
Winner’s Man struck the front shortly after they turned into the home straight and while Tuhonui Banseok briefly closed the gap up the inside rail, when Seo asked for an effort, Winner’s Man responded and opened up clear daylight again, ultimately crossing the line three-lengths to the good over the Bart Rice-trained Tuhonui Banseok. Barbarian made it a one-two-three for Busan-trained gallopers with Raon The Spurt a brave 4th the best of the Seoul home team.
Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man (Pic: KRA)
Winner’s Man [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (by Volponi)] moved on to fifteen wins from twenty-two starts. For jockey Seo Seung-un, it was a thirteenth Group winner, and his fifth on Winner’s Man. For trainer Choi Ki-hong, who only has eighteen horses in training, it was a fifth Group win (a year ago, the Herald Business only had Listed status).
The next leg in the Stayer Series is the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) back at Seoul on May 21st before the series moves to Busan for the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on July 2nd. Winner’s Man won both those races in 2022 and barring setbacks, few will be betting against him repeating the feat this time around.
In other news, spare a thought for Lee Dong-ha. A week ago, the jockey got the biggest winner of his career to date when partnering Eodigana to success in the Donga Ilbo Trophy. He followed up with a winner this Saturday and another in race 1 on Sunday. Racing has a habit of bringing you crashing back down again – often literally. Lee suffered a heavy fall in race 5 on Sunday and was transported to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone.
Next week the three-year-old classics get underway with the Luna Stakes, the first leg of the Triple Tiara for fillies being run over a mile at Busan on Sunday.
Sunday’s feature is the G3 Herald Business where Winner’s Man, who went on to win the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, will bid to retain the trophy he was a year ago. See here for a full preview of the race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Winner’s Man beat Raon The Fighter in the Grand Prix but the big screen shows just how close Tuhonui Banseok got in 3rd (Pic; KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (10) THEME TANSAENG will be the favourite. After running 5th on debut, he was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 4th. He was well beaten by a good winner that day, but the time was fair, and his running style so far suggests that the wide draw won’t be a problem. (4) HIGH BORN ME was an improved 3rd on his latest start over 1300M on March 18th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day having been slow away and settled back in each of his previous three and with similar tactics here, he can make further progress. (5) GOLD MIGHTY has three top-four finishes from four starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can sit behind the speed and run on here. (6) SAENAE VIVA, who has the fastest time of any of these over the distance, and (9) COLITAS are other potentials for minor money.
Selections
(10) Theme Tansaeng (4) High Born Me (5) Gold Mighty (6) Saenae Viva
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (6) UNJU BONNEUNG ran 4th on debut on March 19th when settling midfield before getting shuffled back but then running on well. He should have benefitted for that run, Franco climbs on, the slight raise in trip can suit and he could be the one to beat. His time on debut was a little quicker than that of (5) NAMHAE MISO, who ran 3rd on her first start on March 17th. She too should have come on for the run and draws a much better gate this time around. (7) RUNNING FASHION also draws better than she did on debut when from an unpromising position, she worked home well for 5th over this distance. She should go better here. (8) PINHOLE EYE and (1) HAMA among other placing hopes.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. (2) HAEUNDAE GALMAEGI ran 5th on debut before almost leading all the way around on her second appearance in a similar race to this over 1300M on March 18th, ultimately going down less than half a length. Third up here she may be peaking and under the same weight and from a good draw, she could go all the way this time. (3) CANDY GLOW was a big improver at start number four on March 19th when on pace and running a close 3rd. She’ll be disputing the lead here and can be in this a long way. (7) FINE CAMP has been knocking on the door in her latest two, coming from off the pace for 2nd in her latest outing over 1300M on February 5th. She has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these and after a couple of months off comes in fresh and should go close. (10) APEX and first-time starter (1) NEW POINT among others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go far past (3) PURPLE LINE. He comes in having run 2nd over 1400M at start number three on March 5th beating three of these in the process and while well beaten by a good winner, the time and the performance was good. He draws similarly well, and it would be a surprise were he not to go one better today. (1) ADELE HORANGI has seven top-five finishes from eight starts so far with just the win remaining elusive. He was a beaten favourite last time out on March 24th when 4th over 1300M and while he hasn’t tackled this distance before, he has run well at a mile and should be close here. (6) WONDERFUL IMPACT beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on March 17th. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights without an apprentice claim but Choi Si-dae climbing aboard can be in her favour. (8) ECTON POWER and (2) GASOK JEIL others.
Selections
(3) Purple Line (1) Adele Horangi (6) Wonderful Impact (8) Ecton Power
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(2) SILVER BOOSTER comes in following a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M at 1300M, both times settling handy and running on. There isn’t much speed here so he may well be on pace, and he has a stronger finish than any of his rivals here. (4) JEONGSANG LUCKY comes back in trip and into a much better gate than she has had in any of her last three. The last time she ran over this distance she was 2nd in a time faster than any of the others here have managed for 1200M and she should get a much easier earlier run than has been available to her of late. (5) TIZ ROCKET was 4th behind Silver Booster two starts back and followed up by finishing in the same position three weeks ago. He comes down a full 4.5kg in the weights with an apprentice claim and can be considered for improvement here. (1) ARGO MUJEOK and (6) J.Y. COCO others to consider.
The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday when Winner’s Man will head the field for the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3). With Raon The Fighter (successfully) and Raon First (unsuccessfully) having been pointed to different Group races over the past two weeks, the 2022 Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner’s task to win the race for the second year in a row is not as taxing as it might have been.
Winner’s Man won this race last year (Pic: KRA)
Winner’s Man didn’t make an auspicious start to 2023. Assigned 60kg under handicap conditions over 1800M on February 26th, he briefly struck the front in the home straight, but didn’t run on, ultimately finishing 4th behind winner Flat Babe, and also Tuhonui Banseok. It should be different this time and Choi Ki-hong’s stable star will be a short-priced favourite to win.
Tuhonui Banseok returns. After 3rd place in the KRA Cup Classic he repeated that feat in the Grand Prix Stakes and was gaining on Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter with every stride. He has since followed up with two more 3rd-place finishes at class 1 level, including that one ahead of Winner’s Man and shapes as the greatest danger here.
The rematch between Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter isn’t happening – the latter won the Busan Ilbo Sprint on April 2nd – and nor the President’s Cup rematch between Winner’s Man and Raon First – she was beaten in the Donga Ilbo Trophy last Sunday. But owner Son Chun-soo and trainer Park Jong-kon are represented by four-year-old filly Raon The Spurt. She won the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup against older fillies and mares over this distance last November and looks ready to take on the elite males here.
The Herald Business Cup is race 8 on an eleven-race program at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 16:35. There are eleven runners in total:
1. WARRIOR CLASS – Scored back-to-back wins over 1800M in January and February and while it was against class 3 and 2 opposition, he posted class 1 times. 3rd over this distance at class 2 on his latest on March 5th. Tough ask at level weights in this company.
2. CAPTAIN YANKEE – Winner of the KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup and 3rd in the Korean Derby as a three-year-old last year, he has only raced twice since and not at all since an also-ran in the President’s Cup. Trialed up well in March and has a big race jockey on board but this is a very difficult assignment first-up.
3. MOONHAK CHIEF – Missed the start at his latest on March 18th and has since been back to trial. Not the same horse he was in 2019 when winning the Korea Cup and Grand Prix but he did run 2nd at class 1 over this distance behind Chief Indy as recently as Christmas Day when conceding 6kg. Not a winning chance but a minor money one
4. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Super 3rd in both the KRA Cup Classic and the Grand Prix and followed up with two more 3rds so far this year back at Busan. Can settle handy or drop back and run on, he seems to like racing at Seoul, and he can be a danger.
5. RAON THE SPURT – The only filly or mare in the race gets a 2.5kg allowance. After near misses in the Triple Tiara, she got her Group win in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour over this distance at Busan last November. She enters here off a class 1 win over 1400M on March 5th and while this is a different challenge, she can be a factor. She draws well and is a potential pacesetter.
6. CHIEF INDY – 6th in the President’s Cup then a class 1 winner on Christmas Day over this distance. Comes in off back-to-back 2nd places also at 2000M. Settles midfield and runs on and is among the favourites here.
7. BARBARIAN – Well back in the Grand Prix but bounced back with a class 1 win over a mile in January. Has also won at this distance in a fast time. He can race handy or come from behind, and he is a major player here.
8. WINNER’S MAN – The Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner last season, he was flat on his reappearance over 1800M on February 26th when giving away weight over 1800M. That race obviously wasn’t the target, this one is, so expect him to be fitter today and he is the one to beat. Can settle midfield or can go forward.
9. THE GUMPU – Solid class 1 campaigner, he was 4th behind Chief Indy last time out. Perhaps not quite at the elite level it takes to win a race like this but at his best can be aiming for a money finish. Goes best on pace or handy.
10. BLACK MUSK – Versatile horse who was an excellent winner over this distance at class 1 level in January, leading every step of the way before dropping back to 1400M and running 4th in early March. The draw is a touch wide but if he can find a forward position, he can’t be ruled out.
11. SHAMROCKER – The ten-year-old still picks up the occasional cheque and rarely runs a bad race but he has lost a yard of pace, and this looks too hard.
Selections: (8) Winner’s Man (4) Tuhonui Banseok (5) Raon The Spurt (7) Barbarian
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jocket Lee Dong-ha rode his first Listed or Graded winner aboard Eodigana in last weekend’s Donga Ilbo Trophy. The rider is back in action at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and a couple look ready to win. Chief among those is (8) BANFF, who ran 3rd on debut in February before improving to 2nd on March 19th in a good time over this distance. He’ll be on pace here and it can be third time lucky. Any top-three finish will see Banff up to class 5 next time and that’s true too for (7) FINAL JILJU. She also has a runner-up finish to her name over this distance and comes in off a 3rd place over 1300M on March 18th when coming from off the pace. She may be ridden a little handier here with the slight drop in trip and she should be close again. (3) PURPLE WINK is the solitary debut-maker. He won a March trial in a good time and from a nice draw can be a factor first-up. (9) FEDERAL PRESS has shown gradual improvement across three starts so far. He has generally left himself too much to do but his last start 5th was encouraging. (6) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Banff (7) Final Jilju (3) Purple Wink (9) Federal Press
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(8) DAERYUN SIDAE came close to a gate to wire win over 1300M on March 12th, only to be denied by a neck in the final strides. That was the first time she had been ridden forward and was her second consecutive placing. She comes back slightly in trip and in this small field the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem. (2) DARK ZONE returns to action for the first time since last July. He has a 5th and a 4th on his record and looked well enough in a March trial when on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. With not much early speed in the race, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) WONPYEONG SKY has a 3rd place to his name at this trip when overcoming the widest gate. He followed up with a 5th of ten over 1300M on March 18th and should be competitive here. (7) HOUYHNHNM and (6) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG others to keep safe.
Selections
(8) Daeryun Sidae (2) Dark Zone (5) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Houyhnhnm
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) STAND BY ME here. He’s been knocking firmly on the door in his latest few including a last start 2nd over this distance on March 18th when handy throughout. There isn’t much speed here so he should get an easy run early on and can go one better today. (11) CHOEGO POINT has run encouragingly in his latest two, running on for 4th last time out over 1400M. He has run some fair times over this trip and Antonio climbing aboard can be in his favour. (8) FLY DAY has finished off well in each of his three starts so far with his best being 3rd over 1200M. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (3) LAST PITCH and (1) GOLDEN PEARL other potential place chances.
Selections
(5) Stand By Me (11) Choego Point (8) Fly Day (3) Last Pitch
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) TANGJA’s win came at 1200M at class 6 level back in December and since then he has gone on to perform solidly in three attempts at this class including a close 4th over this distance on March 25th when from a wide draw, he had to settle back. He comes into a better gate today and may take some beating. Having won a trial, (9) WONDERFUL SLEW duly won on debut over 1200M back in December. She reappears for the first time since up in class and up in distance, but she remains nicely weighted, and she can measure up first-up here. (5) HANGANG JIJON also comes up in class having won well over this distance on March 11th. That was a big uptick in form, but he comes down in the weights and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish. (1) ROSE GOLD and (3) HUIMANG OREUM are others in the minor money frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) BULUI NALGAE comes in off his maiden win at start number six over 1300M on March 18th. It had been coming too as he had been getting progressively closer in his previous outings. He comes up in class here but down in the weights and the slightly extended trip can suit. (11) MONEY JANGGUN remains a maiden but got promoted to this class following two runner-up finishes at class 6. He then overcame the widest gate to run 3rd at this class on February 25th. His style is to settle back and run on and while so far, he has run out of track each time, he is another who may be suited by the seven-furlongs today. (7) BEST JEONSA is another maiden, but he has plenty of experience at this level and has run good times over the distance. He comes into a better gate than in his latest two so may well be on the early speed here and can be in this a long way. (10) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM and (5) NAMSAN MUJEOK among others in the hunt.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. Seo Seung-un and Park Jae-i, respectively 1st and 4th in the 2023 Busan Jockey Premiership, are both absent as they are in Seoul to ride in Sunday’s Herald Business Cup. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (7) SANSANGGEUISANG has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a narrow 2nd, beaten only a nose, when on pace over this distance on March 19th. He’ll be on pace again and this time can go one better. (9) EVERY KING IJI was an improved 2nd at start number two over this trip back at the start of February. He settled back and ran home well that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and while he’s had ten weeks off since then, he can be a danger. (1) HAVE A GOOD YEAR also improved second-up when 4th at this distance on March 10th. He draws very well again to challenge for the lead and should be in this a long way. He’ll be joined up front by (4) ARION QUEEN, who has run 4th in both her latest two, both times on pace and she can match or better that here. (6) CHOEGANG CHONGAL another potential improver.
Selections
(7) Sangsanggeuisang (9) Every King Iji (1) Have A Good Year (4) Arion Queen
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(3) VELOCIRAPTOR has hinted at ability across her seven outings and comes in following her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance o March 26th when she was bumped at the start causing her to be slowly away and settled right back, before shifting out wide and running on strongly in the straight. She can build on that here and with a better start, has strong claims here. (5) QUEEN ROMANCE was 4th in that same March 26th race racing handily throughout. She was just half a length behind Velociraptor and while she does come up in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, Franco climbs on and she can be a danger. (8) E-CASH has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks nicely in here with a 3kg claim. She can be running on late. (7) GOLDEN CAMP and (4) CHOICE ROAD are others with minor money hopes.
Selections
(3) Velociraptor (5) Queen Romance (8) E-Cash (7) Golden Camp
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
This is a weak maiden. (1) TWOTWO FLYING has five top-five finish from eight starts including a 2nd place over 1200M in a good time in February. She finished well back on his latest appearance on March 12th but comes into a better gate and comes down in the weights. There isn’t much early speed so she could get an easy run from the inside. Four of these raced one another over this distance on March 19th with (4) KICK’N RUSH having finished the best of them in 2nd having settled in midfield and then run on. That was her best performance to date and is enough to put her in the mix here. (7) ROCKS ran 3rd in that race, half a length behind Kick’N Rush. For her too that marked a best finish to date and while she comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim, she can challenge again. (5) PURPLE STAR returned from almost a year out to run 5th in that race and should strip fitter for the run. (3) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG another in the placing hunt.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Good race for the level featuring five last-start winners, four of whom are up in class as a result. We’ll side with one who wasn’t a last start winner though. (3) FAST GUN got his maiden win over this distance in January before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 12th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but that’s balanced a bit by a good draw, and he can win here. (2) SAEKDAL FIGHTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1200M on March 17th when uncharacteristically coming from well off the pace. He too comes up in the weights but should be competitive here. (12) K GOLD BAR is one of those last start winners having led for most of the way around before scoring by eight-lengths over 1400M on March 17th. The draw does him no favours here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (7) DONGNAM WINNER and (9) NAKDONG JEONSA among plenty of others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Fast Gun (2) Saekdal Fighter (12) K Gold Bar (7) Dongnam Winner
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (8) FAST FURY enters with recent form reading well. She got her solitary win at class 6 level three starts back over 1200M and has followed up with two solid runs for 4th at this level. While she draws a touch wide, she has good early speed so should find her way to the front, and she can win here. (4) MULTI HIT made all to secure his first win at the fourth time of asking back in February. He finished midfield on his first try at this class on March 17th, but he was less than three-lengths away from the winner in a tight finish and had to contend with the widest gate. From a better draw today, he should be closer. (2) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT dead-heated for 3rd place in that March 17th race (the margins really were small that day) coming from off the pace and can be working home strongly again. (7) TWO TWO LIME and (6) MILK DAY among other potentials.
The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.
Selections
(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout. She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs. She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.
This year’s “Queens’ Tour” for fillies and mares is split into two separate three-race series and Raon First headlines the opener leg of the “Spring and Summer” tour in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (Listed – 1800M) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Raon First won the President’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)
One of the most versatile horses in training in Korea, Raon First ran 3rd in the International Korea Sprint over 1200M last September before beating a field including Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man to win the Group 1 President’s Cup over 2000M in November.
Raon First is the defending champion in the Donga Ilbo, having scored by a comfortable four-lengths twelve months ago and she will be favourite, but there is no guarantee she will have things all her own way. The big danger is Flat Babe, who proved a revelation towards the end of her four-year-old season, rising from class 3 to class 1 and crowning the achievement by defeating an elite level field containing Winner’s Man in February over today’s distance.
Flat Babe (Pic: KRA)
It will be unchartered territory for most with 58kg on their backs for the first time. All that is except for the solitary three-year-old in the race. The up and coming Sure Win has won two of her latest three and the Bernardini filly gets a whopping 6kg allowance on the rest of the field.
Twelve go in total in the Donga Ilbo which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul:
1. SURE WIN – The only three-year-old in the race, she has won two of her latest three including last time out when on pace over this distance. That was at class 4 level so this is a stiff test, but she draws well and has a 6kg weight advantage over all the others.
2. QUEENS TOUR – A strong 4th in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last September but well back over 2000M at class 2 level behind Eodigana and Cheonji Yeogeol on her only 2023 outing so far. Tactically versatile and jockey booking a plus, but while she may be named after the series, others are favoured.
3. FLAT BABE – A revelation recently with 2nd place in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup followed by a class 1 win over Winner’s Man at this distance on February 26th. She was getting 8kg from the Korea Cup winner, but she stopped the clock in a time faster than any of these have achieved for the distance. Can settle back and run on and is the main danger here.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. The cherry blossom festival may have come to a premature end, but there will still be plenty going on at the racecourse, including some very good foodtrucks on what is set to be a fine and dry weekend. Here are the previews:
New guest at the races this weekend (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (6) DONGHAENG FIRST is the one to beat having made steady progress from 4th to 2nd across three starts to date, most recently when coming from off the pace at this distance on February 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but she won’t need to improve much on that to win today. (5) AMAN BAROWS is the logical danger. Her best is a 3rd over 1000M last November but she ran pleasingly enough for 4th on her latest outing at this distance on February 12th when drawn wide and slowly away. In a better gate here, she surely gets closer. (2) M J DAERO was an improved 3rd at start number two on February 25th. She draws well for the first time and should be in the mix. The two first-timers trialled up together on March 10th and both (4) DAONDI and (7) HAYAN TAEYANG put in pleasing performances and can go well first up.
Selections
(6) Donghaeng First (5) Aman Barows (2) M J Daero (4) Daondi
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens and (9) K N GOLDEN KING will be a short-priced favourite. Having run 3rd on debut, he was then 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 11th when settling handy and finishing off well. Third-up he should be peaking and a similar run should be good enough to win this. (2) DAMJAENGI ARGO has shown improvement across three starts so far with a 4th place over this distance on March 19th her best. She gets in here very nicely with an apprentice claim and a good draw and she should be looking to go closer again. (4) ZEROBAEKFOUR managed a 2nd place two starts back when sent off as the longest shot on the board over this distance. She settled midfield before running on and almost got to the winner. She was slowly away on her latest appearance on February 18th but ran on fairly enough and she looks a place chance here. The form falls off after those three although (6) HAENGUN BARAM has been back to trial since her last run and looked a little better. By virtue of having the inside gate instead of the outside one he had on debut, (1) K VICTORY may also improve.
Selections
(9) K N Golden King (2) Damjaengi Argo (4) Zerobaekfour (6) Haengun Baram
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and there are a number of possibles. (6) MIGHTY ANN returns to action for the first time since last October. Her best to date is a 3rd place at this distance but she looked very well when winning a trial on March 17th, leading all the way around. That suggests that Jo In-kwon will be aiming to get the lead here and she should be in this a long way. (7) MUJANG shapes as the main danger. She comes in after back-to-back 4th place finishes at 1200M and 1300M and while her times have only been fair, she looks to have scope for more development and can get closer again here. (1) ARCH RUNNER led last time out over 1400M only to weaken late on. She should appreciate the drop back in trip and can be given another chance here. (11) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (10) BLUE KAISER others with at least minor money claims.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Another maiden. (7) UDDUG probably warrants favourite status based on his last start 4th over 1700M. That was just his second start back following almost a year out and third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness-wise and should also appreciate the drop back in trip. (9) SAEROUN BITKKAL comes in off a 4th place over 1400M on March 18th when settling back and running on. It wasn’t a quick race but I similar company here, he can settle back and pass plenty again. (6) MORNING FIVE has a 2nd place on his record, which she achieved last August. We need to draw a line through her latest but she’s had four months off since and comes in fresh here. (3) BEST PLAN and (10) TOGETHER WAY among others in the placing frame.
Selections
(7) Uddug (9) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) Morning Five (3) Best Plan
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) BURUI KKOT remains a maiden following eleven attempts but she’s finished in the top five on no fewer than ten occasions, including twice as runner-up at this class and distance. She likes to be on pace or handy so may need a touch of luck at the start but there isn’t much speed on her inside here and so long as she can find a decent position, today can be her day. (1) COMPLETE LEADER is also a maiden but comes up in class here. He has only raced twice, finishing 2nd both times, both over 1200M. He comes down in the weights and comes into a good gate and he should measure up at this level. (2) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK ran only fairly when 7th of twelve last time out but going on her 2nd place two starts back at this class over 1200M, she has to be given a chance here. (5) GEUMSEONG SPEED was a big-priced 2nd at class and distance last time and can be had on a place line here. (4) WONPYEONG KILLAR is better than his latest two finishes suggest and back in trip can be given another chance.
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Small field but a tricky puzzle to solve. (2) RAON THE POINT was a useful all the way winner on debut over this distance on February 25th. He comes up in class but slightly down in weights and draws similarly well and we can take a chance on him maintaining his unbeaten record here. (5) SAENAE KHAN has finished no worse than 4th in five outings to date with his win coming over this distance two starts back at class 6 level. He ran 4th on his first try at this level on March 4th over 1300M when he overcame a poor start to run on. If he can get away better and be on pace here then he has strong claims. Like Raon The Point, (6) BULPAE BLADE is one for one and he did it in very similar fashion, leading every step of the wat over this distance on March 11th. He too comes down slightly in weight and he will surely be competitive in this company. (4) CHEONGGYE GISANG and (8) YONGCHEON JISANG, the former up in class after getting his maiden win last time and the latter up in weight after a narrow win at class and distance on March 12th, others to keep safe.
Selections
(2) Raon The Point (5) Saenae Khan (6) Bulpae Blade (4) Cheonggye Gisang
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Another small but competitive field (7) DUSON FANTASTIC is probably the one to beat. He has plenty of experience at this level and ran well for a close 3rd at this class over 1200M on March 18th when settling midfield and running on. He has a strong finish on him and can settle just behind the early speed and prove too strong late on. (2) COWBOY TANGO comes up in class after a good win over this distance on March 11th when he came from well off the pace. He comes slightly down in weight and draws well, and while it is questionable how much scope for improvement he has, he should be able to hold his own in this company. (8) TIZ SUCCESS took a shy at the class 3 stumps last time out, albeit it in restricted filly and mare company, and gave a good account of herself. She stretches out to this distance for the first time and should go close from on the speed. (3) COLJOY is another who should be on the pace and can be in this a long way. (5) JEJUUI YOJEONG another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) KINGS EYE will be hot favourite. He is yet to score in three attempts at class 4 and has been beaten favourite in two of those runs. However, he comes back slightly in trip here which should be in his favour and while he is up in weight, he can be on pace and lead all the way. (5) RALLY QUEEN comes up in class after a good win over 1200M in February when settling midfield and running on. She’s nicely weighted and drawn here and can go close again. (1) K N SKETCH has mixed his form at this class but we’ll forgive him his latest when he had to contend with the widest gate. Two starts back he ran a very close 2nd over 1400M and on that form he is right in this. (4) B.J. STORM and (3) ROYAL TAERI others to keep safe.
Selections
(7) Kings Eye (5) Rally Queen (1) K N Sketch (4) B.J. Storm
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Back to the tricky ones here. (4) RAON CHAMPSELY ground out a class and distance win on March 5th in a race that was restricted to fillies and mares. She comes up in the weights here and takes on the boys, but that win was her first race for four months and she may well strip fitter here. A repeat isn’t impossible. (5) WONDERFUL KITTY may well be the betting favourite. She ran a super 3rd in the Jeju Governor’s Cup in the Queens’ Tour series last October and has consistently run fast times. She comes back to this trip for the first time since winning over it last July and under a light weight, she has very solid claims. (1) GRAY THOR was on pace but weakened over 1400M on his first try at this class on March 12th. He should be more comfortable back in trip and gets a good draw here. (10) SOBERANIA and (6) WHITE QUEEN came home 2nd and 4th behind Raon Champsely on March 5th, and both can be considered for places today.
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 90 Million
This is a very good race to conclude with. Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi combined for a pair of winners last week, and they could get another one here with (5) NAMSAN SIDAE. He overcame the widest gate to run on strongly for 2nd over a mile on March 19th and while he comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, he is fourth up this preparation and today could be his day. (6) MIGHTY POP beat three of these when running on to snatch a narrow win at this class over 1800M on March 12th. He comes up 2kg as a result but a repeat is possible. Staying at the same weight is that day’s 3rd placegetter (1) HWANGGEUM LUCKY. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he could well start as favourite. (9) SEUNGBUSA and (3) JANGSAN MONSTER are among others firmly in this.
The weekend’s racing gets underway with a Good Friday card at Busan consisting of 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weigvht A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (9) UNJU OREUM looks the one to beat. She has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this distance and 1300M, both times from wide draws. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1200M before and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, she can win. (5) MASTER ROAD was a solid 3rd of twelve in a very tight three-way finish over this distance on debut on March 3rd, racing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement can be a danger here. (6) MORO has been sent out at any old odds on all her four starts so far but she was much improved 2nd on her latest appearance on March 10th, coming from off the pace. A repeat of that effort will see her in the mix here. There are a couple of first-time starters and both (10) NARAE and (3) MAGIC ELEVEN hinted at ability in trials and can go well first-up. As ever, watch the market for clues.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(9) VICTOR BASIUM has finished between 3rd and 5th in seven of his eight starts to date, generally racing on pace before being caught and passed late on as happened on his latest over 1300M on March 24th. He makes a quick return here, dropping back in trip, and we’ll give him another chance to make the breakthrough. (8) DOCTOR CUCKOO can be given a pass for his latest on March 3rd when he used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to sit handy before weakening. The margins weren’t huge though and he came into that off the back of two solid 4th place finishes, also at this distance. He comes up in the weights, but that’s balanced by Choi Si-dae taking the reins, and he can go close. (4) ANY SINGS overcame gate eleven to get on pace and run a significantly improved 4th over 1300M at start number three on March 19th. That was the first time she had been ridden on pace and from a better gate today, can get an easier run. (1) FLYING TOUCH and (11) WIN STING among others with placing hopes.
Selections
(9) Victor Basium (8) Doctor Cuckoo (4) Any Sings (1) Flying Touch
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(1) ALL OR NOTHING was an on-pace winner over 1000M on debut in December before overcoming gate eleven to sit handy and run on for 3rd over 1400M on his first try at this class back on January 29th. He’s had ten weeks off since then and he comes up very slightly in the weights, but from a good draw, he can be on pace and in this a long way. He’ll be a prohibitive favourite. (10) PILGRIM remains a maiden, but he’s been knocking on the door recently, including 2nd place at this class over 1200M on March 26th when running on strongly from a long way back. He makes a quick return here and Seo Seung-un’s presence will ensure support. (2) BAEDARI ICON was a big-priced 3rd over 1800M on March 17th. That was her joint-best finish in thirty-two attempts but while she makes a big drop back in trip, she is nicely weight, well drawn, and can aim to match that here. (3) DOCTOR KHALIFA and (8) MIGHTY STORM can mix their form but, in this company, shouldn’t be far away.
Selections
(1) All Or Nothing (10) Pilgrim (2) Baedari Icon (3) Doctor Khalifa
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (4) MA GUN here. After two encouraging runs last summer, he didn’t reappear until March 5th, but when he did, he ran out a five-length winner in fine style over 1400M, stalking the leader early before taking things up a long way out and racing clear. He comes up in class and in distance and while the set weight scale here doesn’t really do him any favours, the draw does, and he should have too much. The main danger is probably (9) MONEY CASE. He was a beaten favourite on his most recent appearance on March 5th when 2nd at class and distance but despite the wide draw, he should be able to get forward again and can be close again. (3) HWANGOO MONEY got promoted to this level with three consecutive 3rd place finishes from his first three starts. The Goldencents colt more than measured up though when recording his best finish to date when stepped up to this class and distance on February 24th when he settled right back and ran on. There might not be an awful lot of speed for him to target here but he should be running into the money again. (12) TOP FRIEND and (1) YEOSU TORNADO others to keep safe.
Selections
(4) Ma Gun (9) Money Case (3) Hwangoo Money (12) Top Friend
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
A winner of two from four so far, (2) INDIE BULPAE comes rapidly up in class having won two of three since returning from a seven-month spell after his debut. The latest of those was a striking score over this distance on March 10th when he led every step of the way, and while the set weights here mean he carries even more than he did at the lower levels, he draws well and Mr. Afleet’s little brother can continue on his merry way here. The one with the best chance of beating him is (6) YEOSU FIGHTER. He rana very close 2nd over a mile on his first try at this class on March 10th and while he comes up to race around two turns for the first time, it should suit. He comes up 3kg in the weights but still has 3kg in hand on the favourite. (5) ADELE ALLIE’S is another who comes up in weight, but he enters in consistent form. A previous go at this distance didn’t end well but he’s worth another chance on a place line here. (10) DEMON SPY and (7) ANNIKA GIRL other minor money hopes.
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
Possibly the most open race on the card. We’ll side with the experience of (5) SINJIN GANGHO who it is fair to say doesn’t win out of turn but who also enters in good form with two 3rd places among his latest three outings. He lokes to settle back and run on and he is capable of fast times at this distance. He carries plenty of weight but has every chance of snapping his eleven-run fallow streak here. The danger is the up and comer. (8) BRAVO HAMYANG got his maiden win at start number nine when pretty much making all over a mile on March 5th and holding on in a tight three-way finish. He comes up in class here, and up to the two turns for the first time, but he remains nicely weighted and should be close. Nothing else in the field finished better than 8th in their respective latest outings so we’re having to offer a full amnesty for next best. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and while it was at class 5 level, he looks nicely in here. (3) CHAMP GO and (11) HAVE A GOOD DAY are others who are potentially still better than recent form suggests.
Selections
(5) Sinjin Gangho (8) Bravo Hamyang (2) Doctor Persia (3) Champ Go
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 11
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Two standouts here. We’ll side with Thomas Gillespie’s (4) FANTASTIC DAY, a winner of two from three so far including his latest over 1300M at class 5 level on March 3rd when he was really made to work for a narrow victory. He comes down significantly in the weights, comes into a nice gate and despite the step up in class and trip, he can win again. (10) AMAZING FOOT has probably earned favourite status. He made all to win at class and distance on March 10th, scoring by a full seven-lengths. He has a less favourable draw today and comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but a repeat can’t be ruled out. (1) SPECIAL TOGETHER is up in class following a win over 1300M on March 12th when unusually, he was ridden on the speed. He comes down 5kg in the weights and from a good draw, he can be considered. (9) MAN OF THE MAN and (12) HAMAN BONGHWASAN among others with placing chances.
Selections
(4) Fantastic Day (10) Amazing Foot (1) Special Together (9) Man Of The Man
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
4, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(11) CARPE BABEL’s win had been coming and it duly arrived at the fourth time of asking on February 19th when she led all the way around over this distance, crossing the line with nine-lengths in hand of the rest. She comes up in class here and draws a touch wider than ideal but she should still have too much for this lot. (2) GOLDEN also comes up in class. He is in the best form of his lengthy career and drawn well, in addition to being massively down in the weights, he can be competitive here. (12) SONHADOR returns to action for the first time since last August. She looked well in a fast trial a couple of weeks ago and under a light weight can go well first up here. (10) RAON THE FLASH was an all the way winner over 1400M on March 5th and is another up in class but down in weight and in the hunt. (9) D’LOVELY QUEEN another who can enter the calculations in this company.
Selections
(11) Carpe Babel (2) Golden (12) Sonhador (10) Raon The Flash
Raon The Fighter made a high-class field, including the reigning Korea Sprint champion Eoma Eoma, look very ordinary as he ran out a dominant winner of the first Group race of the season, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.
Raon The Fighter and Lim Gi-won go clear in the Busan Ilbo Sprint: (Pic: KRA)
Widely acknowledged as Korea’s best middle-distance runner, Raon The Fighter had been runner-up to Winner’s Man in both the Korea Cup over 1800M and Grand Prix Stakes at 2300M in 2022.
With a Group 1 win the target for him in 2023, instead of facing Winner’s Man over that horse’s preferred 2000M in the Herald Business Trophy at Seoul later this month, Raon The Fighter was dropped back to the sprinting ranks for the first time since finishing runner-up in the first two legs of last year’s Sprint series.
The move paid off in spectacular fashion. Despite being drawn in the widest gate, Raon The Fighter was sent off as the slight betting favourite – but at odds against – ahead of Eoma Eoma. In the event, it was a race that Eoma Eoma, the defending champion, never got to grips with this time around.
Coming out of gate seven, Eoma Eoma was unable to match the opening speed of Beolmaui Star who under Jung Do-yun, raced into an early lead leaving the Moon Se-young ridden second favourite to dispute 2nd and 3rd up the short back straight with Daehan Jilju, who has so nearly beaten him in last autumn’s Kookje Shinmun. Aboard Raon The Fighter meanwhile, Lim Gi-won had the luxury of sitting wide just off the speed, allowing the rest to get on with it, clearly in the knowledge he had an awful lot of horse underneath him.
Just how much horse Lim had at his disposal became clear once into the home straight. First Raon The Fighter blew past Eoma Eoma as if he wasn’t there and then set off in pursuit of Beolmaui Star, who was still out in front to the tune of two and a half lengths with two furlongs remaining. By the three-hundred-metre mark, the lead was gone and by the furlong pole, the race was over.
As they crossed the finish line, Raon The Fighter was five lengths in front and pulling away. Beolmaui Star held on comfortably for 2nd in what was a breakout performance, while Ssonsal emerged up the rail under Franco Da Silva to snatch 3rd. Eoma Eoma finished back in 6th, eight-lengths behind the winner.
The build-up to the race had been overshadowed by the untimely death of Dolkong, after a trackwork accident on Thursday. While Raon The Fighter’s performance did little to mitigate the sadness of that event, the manner of his victory was reminiscent of some of Dolkong’s best.
Raon The Fighter is by Bayern and out of Clarinda (by Empire Maker). He is trained at Seoul by Park Jong-kon and is owned by Son Chun-soo. He moves onto fourteen wins from eighteen starts. It was his fourth Group victory and while a Group 1 remains elusive – especially with such limited opportunities to secure one – he is now the early favourite for this September’s international Korea Sprint. Last year he held entries for both the Cup and Sprint before ultimately being sent to the Cup.
The Sprint Series will continue at Seoul on May 14th with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3).
Next weekend, Son Chun-soo’s Raon machine grinds on. Raon First and her younger sister Raon Pink are both among the entries in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M Listed), the first Queens’ Tour series race of the year for fillies and mares. Raon First will be the hot favourite.
Son Chun-soo then has Raon The Spurt scheduled to take on Winner’s Man in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on April 16th, followed by Raon Giant taking her chance in the Luna Stakes (1600M Listed) at Busan on April 23rd, the first leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies.
Horse Racing in Korea 