Month: June 2023

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 17)

Saturday’s action moves to Seoul where there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Racegoers may also want to check out the Asian Junior Showjumping event that is taking place at the equestrian arena inside the racecourse complex throughout the afternoon as well. Here are the (racing) previews:

It is set to be a warm Saturday in Seoul

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven unraced two-year-olds so we head for the trial videos. (6) GANA POWER, from the first crop of Korean Triple Crown winner Power Blade, gets the nod. He drew wide in his heat but quickly made his way to the front and then proceeded to lead all the way.  If he brings that form to the races, he is the one to beat. (1) HWASANGWIHWAN took a couple of goes to qualify but he looked well when winning a heat on May 12th. He stopped the clock in the same time as Gana Power and he too will have plenty of backers first-up. (11) DAEMUL SOCKS also won a trial and while he has the challenge of the outside gate, he settled back and ran on in his heat so it may not be too much of an issue for him. (7) SMART CAT and (8) P N S JU are others who caught the eye in their trials.

Selections(6) Gana Power (1) Hwasangwihwan (11) Daemul Socks (7) Smart Cat
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (5) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA. He has shown steady progress across his four starts and enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this distance, both times settling midfield and running on. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance by more than half a second and he should be winning this modest maiden. (9) WONPYEONG SKY has mixed his form so far, but he does have a 2nd place to his name, two starts back when he finished off well. A repeat of that run would put him in the mix here. (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO has hinted at ability. She has finished 4th or 5th on four of her five starts so far and should be aiming to improve here. Solitary debut-maker (10) SPECIALTIME trialed fairly alongside some experienced horses and can be given a chance first-up in this company. (3) SEONGSIL TAEYANG another with potential for improvement.

Selections(5) Tamra Choegangja (9) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Damjaengi Argo (10) Specialtime
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Plenty come in with recent form suggesting they are ready for a win but (1) HANGANG POWER will be favourite. In his latest two, he has a 4th and a 3rd in good times over 1200M and 1400M and from a great draw he can be on pace today and may take some catching. (4) ARCH RUNNER looks to be the main danger. She enters off a strong 2nd place at this distance on May 21st when handy throughout and while she carries an additional 2kg this time, she should be close. (5) SECRET WANGJA and (3) WONDERFUL RULES come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other over 1200M on May 20th. Both came from well off the pace and should be challenging late again here. (6) SHARP SUNSHINE is another to keep safe.

Selections(1) Hangang Power (4) Arch Runner (5) Secret Wangja (3) Wonderful Rules
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

(1) PEERLESS is yet to win but has only finished outside the top four once in six starts. She has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two both at this class and distance and from a good gate and under a light weight, she can make the breakthrough here. It took (2) SILVER BOOSTER a few goes to figure things out, but he has significantly picked up of late. He comes in following a maiden win over 1200M on April 16th when he made all and while he comes up in class here, he draws well and can be a danger. (10) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK has been consistently beating her odds in recent starts and has been getting closer, including a good 2nd to Raon Empire over 1200M last time out. In this company she can get on pace, and she can maintain her good run of form. (3) TAKE MONEY and (9) WONPYEONG KILLAR are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Peerless (2) Silver Booster (10) Haengbokan Munmak (3) Take Money
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

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

(4) MILLION PARTY debuted last November, running well for 4th, but then wasn’t seen again until May. She made a very impressive return, leading all the way over this distance to score by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class here, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and she is the one to beat. The logical danger is (3) NONSTOP THUNDER. A maiden winner two starts back she comes in off a close 2nd on her first try at this class on April 23rd when she settled back and ran on strongly over this distance only going down narrowly. She will drop back again and should be strong late on. (8) BEST FALCON remains a maiden but has no fewer than nine to-four finishes. She is up in weight compared to recent starts, but this is the kind of field she is competitive in. The up in class (6) ZIRCON along with (7) DORIPO are also in the frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 16)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(1) LAND BANK has a 4th a 3rd and then a 2nd from three prior outings, all at this distance at which he also has the fastest time of any of these. He has raced on pace on all three occasions so he draws very nicely here to get on pace, and he may take some beating. (3) HWANGWU JANGSA was a two-time trial winner and has carried that form into his races with a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts, both times racing on pace or handy, most recently over 1300M. He too is drawn nicely and should be close. The third standout is (6) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT, who has finished between 3rd and 5th in five of her six appearances. She has run fair if unspectacular times and should be in the placing mix again. The veteran non-winner (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY also finds herself in the kind of race where she can pick up some minor money while with the two debut-makers very unconvincing in trials, (2) DAEJI MULGYEOL is probably the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Land Bank (3) Hwangwu Jangsa (6) Gijeogui Geumbit (8) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies here. (1) NARAE made an undistinguished debut when slowly away but was a much-improved 2nd on reappearance on May 12th when ridden much further forward. She draws well again and third-up can be peaking fitness wise. (5) MAGIC ELEVEN similarly will be well backed on the strength of her second outing when 3rd at this distance on May 5th. The time was quick, but the track was wet and fast. She raced on pace that day and will do so again here and has every chance. (4) JUST BE HAPPY is another who improved significantly at the second time of asking, which came a full five months after her first. She should have come on for that run and can be in the mix here. (9) FIRST MENI and (3) ACE A MOCA others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Narae (5) Magic Eleven (4) Just Be Happy (9) First Meni
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden this. (3) JANGSAN LEMON ran like a lemon when favourite on debut in March but put in a much more mature performance at the second time of asking on May 7th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up here, he can win. The main danger and possibly even the betting favourite is (6) VERLUC. After debuting inauspiciously last September he didn’t race again until this April, newly gelded, and putting in a solid 6th of 11. He followed that up with a 2nd place over this distance on May 21st when he overcame gate eleven to get to the lead and with a much better barrier this time, as well as third-up looking set to be peaking fitness-wise, he has every chance of going one better. (5) HAMA was 4th in that race behind Verluc on May 21st. That continued a solid start to her career and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard she can get closer. (7) YONG GUN and (8) KING ANYDAY others in the frame.

Selections(3) Jangsan Lemon (6) Verluc (5) Hama (7) Yong Gun
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) PLAY THE INDY shapes as favourite here. He remains a maiden but comes in following a desperately close 2nd on May 19th when on pace throughout. He draws nicely again, and a similar run can see him come out on top here. The main danger is (7) GOLDEN CAMP. It took her a long time to get her act together, but she got her maiden win two starts back at class 6 level and then ran a solid 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on June 2nd when settling midfield before being ridden to the front before a good winner took command in the closing stages. In this company she can sit handy early and run on again. (6) MARKAB ran 3rd behind Golden Camp in that June 2nd race having led early. He should be on pace again and can be a threat. (4) FASHION FORCE ONE and (9) HAMPYEONG MAN others in the minor money frame.

Selections(2) Play The Indy (7) Golden Camp (6) Markab (4) Fashion Force One
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

This is a good race for the level with plenty entering with recent form reading well. (1) PURPLE LINE went down narrowly last time out over this distance on May 19th when settling a long way back and running on. He was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back in a good time and can be ridden a bit further forward here. He has only raced five times and still has scope for more improvement. That can see him overturn the form on (8) WONDERFUL OCEAN, who won that May 19th race, taking things up a long way out. He comes up 2kg in the weights but warrants respect here.  (5) WORLD CLASS CAT is yet to win in seven attempts but has six top-three finishes and should be close again. The up in class (4) MASARANGGIL along with (10) HWANGOO MONEY are others in the placing frame.

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Global Hit Stuns In The Derby

Global Hit stuck to the rail and the tiny colt inked his name into Korea racing history by winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. On his back, Kim Hye-sun wrote another chapter of firsts in her storied career.

Kim Hye-sun and Global Hit win the Derby (Pic: KRA)

He may have drawn the plum inside gate but having not taken part in the first leg of the Triple Crown, Global Hit, not a big horse to begin with, weighed in having lost 13kg since his last outing, the second lightest of the sixteen-strong field. Accordingly, he was sent off as a 25/1 outsider for the premier jewel in the crown.

It was a case of taking full advantage of that inside draw. Global Hit settled handy and stuck to the fence throughout before accelerating away in the home straight leaving pre-race favorite Naol Sniper in his wake, while the heavily fancied closer Nut Play finished strongly but too late. and could only manage 3rd.

Kim Hye Sun and Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

“I am so happy; I am overwhelmed really” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I am surprised and happy at the same time. I wanted him to run in this race, but I didn’t expect him to win.”

She was fully appreciative of her apparently fragile mount: “(Global Hit) has weak legs so my only priority was to race safely. And this was his first time at 1800M. I was worried about everything, the distance, the weight. But I wasn’t worried about his ability, and he ran really well.”

It was a career Triple Crown for both owner Kim Joon-hyun and trainer Bang Dong-suk, who combined with Hit Yegam in 2021 to claim the KRA Cup Mile and the Minister’s Cup but missed out when 2nd to Winner’s Man in that year’s Derby.

Hyesun signs off on a brilliant performance (Pic: KRA)

It is almost unseemly in this day and age to talk about “first woman to…” and Kim Hye-sun herself certainly doesn’t want the narrative about her career to be defined by that. As she always points out, she is just another jockey doing what jockeys do. But just like American trainer Jena Antonucci sending out Arcangelo to win the Belmont Stakes this weekend, she is smashing glass ceilings and that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Kim Hye-sun debuted at Seoul in 2009 and quickly started winning. The highlight of her career prior to this Derby came in 2017 when she accompanied the filly Jejui Haneul to Busan and won the Korean Oaks at odds of 55/1. She gave birth to a son (with her husband, fellow jockey Park Jae-i) in 2020 and returned to race riding ten-months later quickly picking up where she left off, booting home three winners on International Day at Busan last year.

“I know people were worried when I came back after I had my son, but really my son is a treasure to me, and he gives luck to me when I ride.”

“I would like to thank my husband also; did he finish last? (Press Corp: “second last!”). “Ha!, Also, thanks to the owner for giving me the chance and the stable hands for preparing him so well. They earned this win.”

The final leg of the 2023 Korea Triple Crown is the Minister’s Cup over 2000M on July 22nd.

Korean Derby Day Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 11)

It’s Derby Day 2023 and sixteen will line up for the year’s biggest Classic at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. See here for full preview. The big race is race 8 on a 10 race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are all the previews:

It’s rare for a filly to even run in the Derby these days but Raon Giant takes her chance on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s competitive. (8) VILLARRICA was a much-improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 29th when ridden handy and running on in a quick time on a wet track. He can sit behind the speed again here and can go one better. (11) NINE EAGLE has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over today’s trip. He has been on pace both times so the wide gate can be a challenge, but he should be close again. (1) KING GO TAEYANG improved to 4th at start number two on May 13th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and from a good draw shouldn’t be far away. (4) TESTA BLUE and (6) PURPLE SHINHWA are others with placing chances.

Selections(8) Villarrica (11) Nine Eagle (1) King Go Taeyang (4) Testa Blue
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

It’s fair to say that (1) SPEAR GOLD has mixed her form across her eight starts so far but her latest effort on April 29th was encouraging. She led for much of the way around on a wet track over this distance and ultimately ran a close 3rd. She draws nicely to get an easy run to the lead again and she can be in this a long way. (6) AKKAENGI has finished no worse than 6th in four appearances so far. His times haven’t been quick, but he has a 3rd place to his name and in this company may well be ridden further forward than he has been previously. Antonio, who rode him to that 3rd, climbs back aboard. Those two in either order are the clear top two picks (8) FIRST CHOUX and (7) TI AMO have hinted at ability while (11) NEMO SPIRIT is another who may improve.

Selections(1) Spear Gold (6) Akkaengi (8) First Choux (7) Ti Amo
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A regular maiden to kick things off on the south coast and three of the eleven are racing for the first time. One of those newcomers will be a warm favourite. That’s (3) CHAMSARANGGIL, who went through two trials in similarly quick times, crossing the line 1st in the latter having been on pace throughout. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she has every chance of a first-up success. It isn’t a strong race. Of the experienced ones, (7) SEVEN QUEEN has been getting closer over her latest few starts culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on April 21st when coming from off the pace. She has by far the smartest finish among these and should be running on strong again. (8) TAURUS KING could be one at odds. He did nothing in his first two appearances and got sent back to trial after the second of them. He had three months off during which time he was gelded, and he looked much better trialling up behind Chamsaranggil. (4) HAVE A GOOD YEAR and (6) RUNNING FASHION are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Chamsaranggil (7) Seven Queen (8) Taurus King (4) Have A Good Year
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3 4, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) SOARA TO TO is the one to beat here. She has shown progress across her three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on May 13th when she was on pace throughout and didn’t go down by much. She carries the same weight here, draws well to be on or close to the speed, and she won’t need to improve by much in order to win. (9) HEY MAMA also seems to be on the right trajectory since returning from eight months out in April. She has a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts and third-up this preparation she may be peaking fitness wise. (2) TAEPYEONGMU only very narrowly beaten into 2nd on May 6th over this distance. From a good gate, she will be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) BLUE ARCH and (7) MADE STAR other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Soara To To (9) Hey Mama (2) Taepyeongmu (8) Blue Arch
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(10) PURPLE STAR shapes as the warm favourite here. She comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over today’s trip and both times from on pace. She has the challenge of a wider gate this time, but she looks ready to win. The logical second pick is (5) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG. His most recent, on May 14th, was his best, when he led for almost the entire way only to be caught late on. The same apprentice jockey once more takes 3kg off his back and he has every chance of going close again. (8) WONDERFUL IMPACT was slowly away last time out when well beaten over 1400M. That was out of character and with a better jump today she has placing claims. (11) EVERY KING IJI and (1) ANY SINGS others in the frame.

Selections(10) Purple Star (5) Success Yeonggwang (8) Wonderful Impact (11) Every King Iji
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) CUPID CHIC is the standout here. Her most recent on May 13th was her best so far when she overcame gate ten to get on to the speed and ended up a narrowly beaten 2nd. She comes up to this trip for the first time but there’s no reason why it can’t suit, and from a much better gate, she can get to the front again and this time go one better. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG stepped up to this trip last time out on May 14th and recorded his second consecutive 3rd place finish racing handily throughout and stopping the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance. Moon Se-young gets on today and he should be aiming to match or better. (9) LAST PITCH was 4th behind Challanhan Pokpung in that May 14th race. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (3) AREUMDAUN SAI and (6) MENI SHARK are the other placing possibles.

Selections(1) Cupid Chic (4) Challanhan Pokpung (9) Last Pitch (3) Areumdaun Sai
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race with two standouts. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN has just the one win from nineteen starts but is seemingly working towards another and was a close 2nd over 1300M last time out on May 19th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and can sit just behind the speed and finish well. The main danger is (8) BLUE SKY. She too has just the one win, but she has finished in the top five on seven of nine occasions, including last time out when 3rd in a good time at this class and distance. In this company she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can win. The form drops off significantly after those two. (1) ACE HORANGI may be better for the drop back in trip, with (5) TAEWANG SINGI and (3) E CASH other possible improvers.

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Korean Derby 2023: Full Preview

A full field of sixteen presents a fascinating puzzle for the twenty-sixth Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. And with rain forecast throughout the weekend, a wet track looks likely to add to the intrigue in the second led of the Triple Crown.

Something Lost and Naol Sniper came home 1st and 2nd in the Sports Seoul Trophy and look set to be big players in the Derby (Pic: KRA)

There won’t be a Triple Crown winner this year as KRA Cup Mile victor Betelgeuse emerged following the race with an injury and while he briefly returned to work in mid-May, it always seemed fanciful that he would make the Derby and he has duly been spelled to the Jangsu Stud Farm for recovery.

Eight of those who did go in the Cup Mile return. They include the runner-up SOMETHING LOST, who also won Seoul’s Classic Trial in March. Ordinarily that might be enough to make him favourite but having drawn the widest gate, he may need some luck at the start. DRAGON STAR, NUT PLAY and WORLD LEGEND, who filled out 3rd to 5th also come back and each will have their backers.

The probable favourite is NAOL SNIPER. He ran 2nd to Something Lost in the Sports Seoul Trophy – the capita’s Classic Trial in March, but a right hind leg injury kept him out of the Cup Mile, a race in which he would have been well supported. He has been back in work since mid-May with jockey Moon Se-young partnering him most mornings and having already won at this distance, he is set to have big claims.

With just a week between the Oaks and the Derby and horses required to have at least two weeks between races, it is rare now for a filly to take her chance in the big race. There is one this year though as RAON GIANT lines up with the colts. She was 4th in the Luna Stakes, the first leg of the filly Triple Crown, and has the highest rating among the sixteen with a 2nd place at class 2 on her resume.

Last year’s Champion Juvenile SPEED YOUNG is also in a Derby field that is set to be one of the most competitive for many years.

1. GLOBAL HIT – An also-ran in Busan’s Classic Trial, he skipped the Cup Mile but won by twelve-lengths at class 4 level over 1400M on May 5th. He carried a light weight that day and the distance is a question at this stage, but he has undoubted speed.

2. SAENAE TOWN – A class 4 win at this distance on March 26th means he must be taken seriously. He hasn’t raced since, but he gets a good draw, and could make for some each-way interest.

3. BARAMBARAM – Yet to win higher than class 5 but was a smart 2nd over a mile at class 4 level on May 12th when handy throughout. Nice draw here and while a previous try at this distance didn’t go well, don’t rule out a good run.

4. LUCKY SUN – A winner at this distance at class 4 level in February he has been beaten by plenty of these in both the Breeders’ Cup and the Cup Mile so there is form to overturn. He can settle back and pass a few late.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 10)

Saturday is Korean Derby Eve and there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Who will succeed Winner Star as the Korean Derby winner on Sunday? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

A race for new imports open to two-year-olds from the northern hemisphere and three-year-olds from the south.  Seven of the eight race for the first time. The probable favourite is (4) SPURT BIT. The Tiznow colt was an $80,000 purchase from last September’s Keeneland Yearling sale and enters as the only trial winner. He looked assured enough when settling behind the speed and running on in his heat, crossing the line in a fair time and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) ECLIPSE TOWN settled back in his trial but worked through the line well in a decent time. He looks to be the main danger to the favourite here. (8) ACE GUNJU similarly settled midfield and ran on well in his heat and can put in a bold first-up showing. (6) UWARYUNG and the only one with prior racing experience, (2) VICTORY HIT, are others to consider.

Selections(4) Spurt Bit (5) Eclipse Town (8) Ace Gunju (6) Uwaryung
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for juvenile fillies with seven of the nine racing for the first time. And it is one of those two with a race in the books already who will be hot favourite. That’s (4) GEOLJAK ONE who after winning an April trial, ran well for 4th on debut over this journey on May 28th racing handy throughout in a very quick race on a very wet track. She should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement, she may take some beating here. Of the newcomers, (6) APPLE QUEEN was a trial winner, leading every step of the way. She should be on pace here and has every chance of being in front for a long time again. (7) FLYING STAR came from off the pace in her trial and worked home nicely. Look for her challenging at the business end here. (1) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER and the other experienced one, (5) CHEONHAENGCHAT are others who could go close.  

Selections(4) Geoljak One (6) Apple Queen (7) Flying Star (1) Taepyeong Fighter
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here with two of the eleven racing for the first time. A few look ready to win and we’ll side with (4) GHANA DREAM. After an inauspicious debut when she started slowly and got a long way back, she has recorded a 2nd and a 3rd, both over this distance and in fair times, settling midfield and running on. She has a strong finish on her and Moon Se-young climbing on could suggest that today is the day. The main danger is (6) MINT PLAY. She has two 3rd place finishes among her three starts so far including last time out on May 14th when she was ridden closer to the pace than previously. Expect her to be on pace again and she can go close. Among the two first-timers, (3) ALLBEST is the best. She was on pace in her trial, crossing the line 3rd in a decent time and from a good draw she can put in a bold first-up showing. Returning to experience, (1) WONDERFUL FOX and (7) SWITCH SONG are others who can improve.

Selections(4) Ghana Dream (6) Mint Play (3) Allbest (1) Wonderful Fox
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(3) CATS EYE will be a warm favourite here. He enters having led at class and distance on May 13th, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a decent time. He draws nicely to be on pace again and in this company, he should be going all the way this time. (5) GWANGCHIGI comes up in class having won over 1300M on May 13th when handy throughout. He is nicely weight, draws well and can be a danger here. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE was a narrow winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back before going quick early and then weakening on his first try at this level on April 2nd. He has had a couple of months off since so comes in fresh and Moon Se-young, who rode him to his win, returns to the ride. (1) AGAPANTHUS was 5th behind Cats Eye on May 13th. He won when he drew this gate and got on speed at class 6 level, and he can be given another chance here. (11) MEOTJIN GANGHO has the challenge of the widest gate but shouldn’t be overlooked.

Selections(3) Cats Eye (5) Gwangchigi (2) Lucky Bounce (1) Agapanthus
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

(8) MONEY JANGGUN has five to-three finishes from six outings to date without managing to get into the winner’s circle. That could change today though at a distance at which he has the quickest time of any of these and among a field where he has the fastest finish. He likes to settle back and run on and there is a danger he can leave himself too much to do, but if he can be positioned withing striking distance entering the home straight, he can make the breakthrough here. If he does find one too quick yet again, it might be (1) DAEHEUNG CLASS. Another non-winner, he comes up in class here after three good runs over this distance that yielded two 2nds and a 3rd. He comes down in weight, draws well, and can measure up at this level. (5) ACHIM DONGJA does have a win on the board and has run fairly in two subsequent outings at this class. He comes up to this distance for the first time and it can suit. Up in class (2) PEARL POINT along with (9) SEONGUN CROWN are others in at least the placing frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

It’s Korean Derby weekend in Seoul but the action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there a 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven previously unraced two-year-old fillies here so we head for the trial videos. The clear standout is (10) BAEKDUUI KKUM, who led all the way around in her trial on May 20th, crossing the line twelve-lengths ahead of anything else and stopping the clock in a quick time. If she brings anything like that form to the races, she will win easily and she will be a very short-priced favourite here.  (5) DOCTOR KANE has the next quickest trial time. She settled handily in her heat and ran on well and that will be enough to make her the second pick here. (8) COLUMBIA CHAMP and (1) KOHINOOR trialled up together on May 27th. Their times weren’t fast, but both showed enough to suggest that they can be competitive first-up in a race like this. (2) YONGBI STAR another who could go well.

Selections(10) Baekduui Kkum (5) Doctor Kane (8) Columbia Champ (1) Kohinoor
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens. (5) ROAD TO THUNDER just about gets the verdict having been an improved 4th at start number two in March when racing on pace. She stooped the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance, and while she has had a couple of months off, a similar run will put her in the finish. (11) VELOCIRATOR has five finishes between 3rd and 5th setting fair times. She has the strongest final furlong among these so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can challenge late here. (10) NAMYANG DORI was an improved 2nd last time out on May 7th when settling handy. She may need a touch of luck to find position from the wide draw but can go close again. (7) ROCK POWER and (6) ACE RUN other potentials for the places.

Selections(5) Road To Thunder (11) Velociraptor (10) Namyang Dori (7) Rock Power
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (6) GASOK JEIL here. He comes in off three strong showings over this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two. In this company, he can settle behind the early speed and should prove too strong at the business end. (7) RUN TO KING has hinted at ability with a pair of 4th places from his latest two, both at 1200M. He has run on well both times and the step up in trip could suit him very well. (1) SPECIAL FACT mixes her form, but she has picked up plenty of minor money finishes and from a good draw, she can be expected to go close here. (10) I’M KING IJI and (9) POWER RIDE are among others who can be expected to challenge for the places.

Selections(6) Gasok Jeil (7) Run To King (1) Special Fact (10) I’m King Iji
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(11) DOCTOR CUCKOO got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M before running 3rd on his first try at this class over that same distance on May 21st. He likes to run on or close to the pace, so he does have the challenge of the wide gate but the slight step up in trip gives him a bit more time to find a position before the turn and he looks the one to beat. (2) SPECIALIST comes up in class having got his maiden win last time out in a quick time over this distance on May 5th. He comes down slightly in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can measure up in this company. (4) B.K. NUMA is also up in class having had a few too many near-misses at class 6. She’s been back to trial since her last run, which she came through very nicely and under a very light weight, she can be in the mix. (9) GOLDEN POINT and (1) HWARANG SKY other placing hopes.

Selections(11) Doctor Cuckoo (2) Specialist (4) B.K. Numa (9) Golden Point
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

Five of these raced one another at class and distance on May 14th. (4) TOP FRIEND was the best fancied among them and while he didn’t get the most fluent of trips, ultimately ending in 5th place, it wasn’t a bad run and his record going into that warrants him another chance here from a better gate. (8) JANGSAN DEFI got her maiden win at 1200M two starts back before running 3rd over 1300M on her first try at this class on May 19th. She comes up to the mile for the first time and is also up 2kg in the weights, but neither should be an issue and she can be a big danger here. (1) SUSO POWER ran the best of those in that May 14th race, overcoming a wide gate as well as big odds to run 2nd. That was an uptick on recent form, and she can maintain it here. (3) PEGACORN and (7) THEIA are others to keep safe.

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JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG ADDS KOREAN OAKS TO LUNA ON WAY TO TRIPLE TIARA

Jeulgeounyeojeong stamped her absolute authority over the three-year-old filly division as she progressed from her narrow win in the Luna Stakes to a commanding performance in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

(Pic: KRA)

The top two from the Luna, Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest, were sent off close together at the top of the local betting market at 2.4 and 2.8 respectively with no other filly starting in single digits. From gate seven, Jeulgeounyeojeong broke fairly under Franco Da Silva, who had been a late replacement before the Luna but after a polished steer, kept the ride for the Oaks. Raon Forest, who went right to the rear in April before finishing like an express train, was this time ridden handily by Lim Gi-won, while Luna 3rd Magic Class set the pace under Park Jae-i.

Magic Class would lead all the way into the home straight, but her challenge quickly wilted as Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest loomed up with just over a furlong to run. It looked for a moment as though battle was to be joined but instead the final stages proved a formality as Jeulgeounyeojeong cruised away for a four-length win with Raon Forest unable to land a single blow. The revelation of the race was Luigi Riccardi’s Wonderful Slew, who ran a big 3rd, just a further half-length back.

“This time around, she was much better than the last time, so I was very confident” winning jockey Franco Da Silva told in-house broadcaster KRBC.  “It was just a matter of controlling the pace. Before the race, I was very relaxed as I knew I was on the best horse.”

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Franco Da Silva salute (Pic: KRA)

Da Silva, who completed a double in the marquee three-year-old races having won the Derby in 2018 on Ecton Blade, was also pleased with the instructions he received from trainer Kim Young-kwan (who also trained Ecton Blade). “The trainer told me to just jump and don’t worry about the others. When the trainer gave me that instruction, I was even more relaxed as I knew I could ride 1st or 2nd or even in the middle. It was all quite easy.”

“It’s credit to the whole team, not just me. We also have our track rider, Mitkey from South Africa. He rides her one day and I ride her the next so it’s good teamwork.” Da Silva finished his interview with a grin and a “Seo Seung-un, love you!” He later explained: “They asked me about him because I do feel a little sorry for him in that he was supposed to ride (Jeulgeounyeojeong) in the Luna Stakes, and I got the ride off him (after Seo suffered a minor trackwork injury on the day of the race). So yes, I am sorry but it’s all good because he has also taken winners off me!”

(Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo).  She was bred by Son Kyeng-rae at her owners’ NASCA Farm. It was her fifth win from eleven starts. She is trained by Kim Young-kwan, who celebrated a record sixth Korean Oaks success. Two of those previous winners, Speedy First in 2013 and Queen’s Blade in 2014, also won the Korean Derby.

That won’t be happening for Jeulgeounyeojeong as the colts’ Classic is next week. She will though be a hot favourite when she finally does head to Seoul for the concluding leg of the Triple Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on July 15th.   

Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 4)

The Korean Oaks, the second leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies, headlines Sunday’s action at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 as well as 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00:

Golden Power won the 2022 Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens in the opener and (4) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite. After an indifferent debut, she has a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent appearances both at this distance and showing versatility first by coming from off the pace and then by racing on the speed. She has the fastest time of any for the distance and will take some beating.  (6) NEW POINT was an improved 2nd on her second start on May 7th when stalking the lead throughout. She was well beaten by a good winner but with some more natural improvement here, she can be close again. (11) FIRST USER enters off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two and led in much of the latter in a quick race at this distance. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be in this. (8) NAOL SKY and (1) DAEJANGBYEOL are the other logical place chances.

Selections(4) Soara Meme (6) New Point (11) First User (8) Naol Sky
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(7) SONGAM DRAGON was 2nd in a desperately tight finish in a quick race over 1200M on April 29th, finishing very well and almost getting there. With the benefit of an apprentice claim again, she continues under a very light weight again and in this weak company she can go one better. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (6) ONE SPEAR hinted at it last time when marginally improving. He has tended to get too far back in his races but did run on last time and posted a fair time over this distance. A similar run should see him in the places here. (1) TOUGH YEOJE isn’t quick, but she has placed in this kind of company before and from the inside gate, can do again here. (11) GOLDEN PEARL and (3) GOLDEN SNIPER among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Songam Dragon (6) One Spear (1) Tough Yeoje (11) Golden Pearl
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) MOVIE MORE took a couple of goes to figure things out but has run well for 2nd and 3rd from her latest two, both times racing on the speed over 1200M. She draws well to get to the front again and looks very much the one to beat. (6) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume too. He comes out of quite an ordinary race when 5th of eleven on April 21st when he was slowly away and settle back. He can finish well though and given more of a chance here, he can get closer. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at this distance. In this company, he can get a more prominent early position than usual and can be a danger. (1) HAPPY BRIANNA and (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND are others who can be considered to have enough improvement in them to place.

Selections(4) Movie More (6) Global Sarang (5) Neoga Choego (1) Happy Brianna
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(4) AMAN BAROWS was a comfortable winner over 1200M on April 8th when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but she comes down in the weights, and while she will need to go a bit quicker here, she still has potential for more improvement. (1) TIZ INDY was a winner at this distance at class 6 level in January, and while she took a couple of goes to find her feet at this level, she came back into form with a very solid 3rd place at class and distance on April 16th. She gets an inside gate for the first time since her win and that can put her closer to the pace and into the picture here. (8) KKANGDORI remains a maiden after twenty-seven attempts but today looks as good a chance as any to change that. She has two 2nd places from her latest three appearances and while she us up in the weights, that’s balanced with Johan climbing aboard. (9) DONGTEUJA WAY and (7) BICHUI DAERYUK other potentials.

Selections(4) Aman Barows (1) Tiz Indy (8) Kkangdori (9) Dongteuja Way
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) UNJU OREUM has four top-five finishes from five starts so far and now looks ready to win. She comes in off a 3rd lace at 1200M when she led from the gate, and she also has the fastest time among these for the distance to the tune of nearly a whole second. She should be on or close to the pace here and can have too much. (9) DAEHO NARA too has been knocking on the door for a while. She likes to sit back and run from off the pace and while she has tended to leave herself a bit much to do, if she can be in striking distance in the home straight, she should go close. (1) DREAM RUN has started to hint at ability recently and was a close 4th last time out over this distance. She comes into a better gate today and a similar run will see her close. (3) ROCKS and (7) QUEEN ROMANCE are others to consider.

Selections(5) Unju Oreum (9) Daeho Nara (1) Dream Run (3) Rocks
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) HERO SARANG is the only one that enters here with a last start result of anything better than 8th, and that is enough for her to warrant favourite status. At her latest on May 7th, she was 4th at this distance when racing on pace. She has the best start of all of these so should get to the lead again and under a light weight, she can win. (2) FINAL JILJU was a winner over this distance at class 6 level in April but raced ungenerously on her first start at this level on May 14th to the extent she got sent back to trial. She came through that trail in good order and with a more mature run, she looks like the main danger. (4) GALSAEK HYANGGI has a habit of being slow away although she knows how to run on and did that to spectacular effect two starts back when a winner at this class over 1300M. Normal service was resumed at her latest but while she only beat a couple home, the margins weren’t big, and in this company, she should run past plenty late on. (6) MUSTANG CHARM and (1) GLOBAL PRIME other potentials for the minors.

Selections(8) Hero Sarang (2) Final Jilju (4) Galsaek Hyanggi (6) Mustang Charm
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

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Korean Oaks 2023: Runner-By-Runner Preview

A full field of sixteen fillies will face the starter at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as they vie for glory in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2). They include all the top-three placegetters from the first jewel in the Tiara, April’s Luna Stakes.

Lim Gi-won thought he had won the Luna Stakes on Raon Forest. He had not (Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong came out on top that day under a perfectly timed ride by Franco Da Silva, as they held off the late charge of Raon Forest and Lim Gi-won by a nose on the line at the end of the Mile long test. Plenty will fancy the additional furlong to be in the grey Raon Forest’s favour, but local media still predicts Jeolgeounyeojeong to start as favourite.

Magic Class was 3rd in the Luna Stakes, and she takes her chance again while Good Magic will be the last Oaks runner by Menifee. She has finished no worse than 2nd in five starts so far and will have her own supporters to claim a sixth Filly Classic win for her late sire. The Peter Wolsley-trained Happy Jazz is another of the leading contenders:

1. RAON FOREST – Was finishing by far the quickest in the Luna Stakes, coming from the back to just be denied by a nose on the line by Jeulgeounyeojoeng. She posted the fastest final furlong time in the race by almost a second and the additional furlong should suit. A big chance of overturning that result.

2. DUBAI PYEONGJEONG – Comes in off a promising 4th place over 1800M in a good time at class 4 level on May 5th, coming from off the pace. A similar performance wouldn’t see her win but could find her in the money.

3. MAGIC CLASS – 3rd behind Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest in the Luna Stakes when she overcame gate twelve to get on the pace. She has five lengths to make up on that pair, but the additional furlong shouldn’t be a problem and the draw is much more in her favour this time. A chance.

4. META BLADE – Her win came at class 6 level, but she did lead for most of the way around before finishing a close 2nd over 1700M at class 5 on April 23rd. This is a big step up though.

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