Month: July 2023

Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 30)

Busan flies solo for the last day of racing in July. There are 15 races from 11:35 to 19:00:

Double Classic winner Captain Yankee will be in action at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all eleven racing for the very first time so we must head for the trial videos. They won’t detain us for very long because (4) FANTASTIC FIELD was by far the star performer, leading all the way in his heat to cross the line as many lengths to the good as he pleased in a quick time. He will be a short-price favourite and if he brings anything like that form to the races, he will win. (9) HIT SOCKS finished off his trial very nicely, making up excellent ground late on. It wasn’t a quick heat, but he showed plenty of promise. (11) OVER ENERGY trialled on a very wet track and ran on well under only a small amount of encouragement and looks to have promise. (7) BURUI JEWANG was sked to do a little more in his heat but ran well, leading for much of the way. He should be on pace here and can be competitive. (8) PURE DANCE went quite wide in his trial but ran on pleasingly at the business end and is another who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(4) Fantastic Field (9) Hit Socks (11) Over Energy (7) Burui Jewang
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(9) KALJABI has raced three times so far, finishing in the top four on each occasion. While he has drawn a touch wide here, with a bit of luck at the start, he can get on pace, and he will take some beating. (3) ACE A MOCA has a 3rd place to her name at this distance and she is set to be one of the main dangers. She had to contend with gate eleven last time out but should have an easier run of it today. (8) CORNER ONE debuted over 1000M on July 7th, settling right back and running on strongly with a very quick final furlong before running out of track. The additional distance today can suit. (1) CONCORD PARK and (7) GLORY CROWN others to consider. A final note, the solitary debut maker (2) SINGAPORE PARTY doesn’t make it into the top line of numbers, but she went through a second voluntary trial after qualifying and posted a much better performance and time (1:03.5) from a wide gate. This may not appear in all race cards.

Selections(9) Kaljabi (3) Ace A Moca (8) Corner One (1) Concord Park
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) DOCTOR BROWN is one for one having scored in debut in a quick race over 1000M on July 7th when he settled just behind the leaders early before proving too strong. He comes up in both class and in distance here, but neither should be a problem and from a great draw, he can be on pace and can maintain his 100% record. (9) HELLO SUNSHINE looks the standout second pick. He made all to win over this distance in April before coming close to repeating the trick on his first try at this class over 1300M in May only to be caught late on. He has had ten weeks off since then so comes in fresh and back slightly in trip, he warrants consideration. Back in trip may also be the key for (6) ABERLOUR. He finished midfield on his latest at 1400M but the start before when 3rd at this class and distance suggests he can be competitive here (8) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT and (4) E-CASH among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(1) Doctor Brown (9) Hello Sunshine (6) Aberlour (8) Goldenthunderbolt
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Tricky race. (5) NICE DAY defied odds of nearly 50/1 to win at class and distance on June 9th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. That was his first try at this class but his form going in had been good and the win perhaps wasn’t as much a surprise as the odds suggest. He draws a better gate here and the engagement of an apprentice jockey means he carries even less weight. A repeat isn’t impossible. (7) HANGANG SAVER was a class and distance winner in a super quick time in March before having a hard time in a valuable trophy race in May. He bounced back with a 4th place on June 18th, and he should be on pace and in the mix here. (1) HANEUL JEWANG was 3rd behind Nice Day in that June 9th race and has since run 3rd over 1400M. He carries a light weight and should be close. The wildcard is (9) SPECIAL ROAD, who has four top-three finishes from five starts. She comes up in class from her last race in March, but she looked very well when winning a trial just last weekend. If she didn’t leave her race there, she has a chance. (8) BLUE CARSON is another to keep safe.

Selections(5) Nice Day (7) Hangang Saver (1) Haneul Jewang (9) Special Road
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) CAPTAIN COMMANDO has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on June 30th. He was well beaten by a good winner but that was his first race back since January and he should strip fitter for the run. He can settle behind the early pace, and he can potentially go one better here. (7) CAPTIN DIA may be due an edit of the spelling of his name, but he showed potential on debut on June 23rd when settling back but running on strongly for 2nd place over 1000M. The additional furlong and a half should suit him and with some natural improvement, he can be a danger. Keeping with the “Captain” theme, (8) BRAVE CAPTAIN comes in off a solid 3rd place over 1200M last time out on July 2nd, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. In this company he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) PIMI and (10) RICH COWBOY both come in off places at this distance and are among plenty of others who can aim for at least the minors.

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

With Seoul taking its summer weekend off, there is a rare Saturday card at Busan. It’s a twilight schedule with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00:

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

Maidens in the opener with all but two having raced at least once before. (6) DREAM WAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on June 23rd and rana fair 3rd after starting slowly and settling back before running on. He should have benefited from that experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he looks to be the one to beat here. (2) CHARON TODAY ran once last October without distinction and hasn’t raced since. She looked very well when making all in a trial two weeks ago, stopping the clock in a quick time, and that will be enough to give her plenty of backers first-up here. (3) YONGBI STAR ran fairly for 5th on debut having raced right at the back most of the way around. The experience and the step up in trip should be beneficial. (9) GRAY BOSS and (5) TODAY QUEEN others to consider for improvement. 

Selections(6) Dream Way (2) Charon Today (3) Yongbi Star (9) Gray Boss
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) TAURUS KING didn’t do much in two initial starts across the turn of the year, but he returned after four months off in June, gelded and looking much more like a racehorse. He has finished 2nd and 3rd in his two starts back, both at 1200M and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking and can win. (11) ILGANG DAERO put in some positive efforts during his juvenile campaign with his best being an on-pace 2nd at this distance. He returns to action for the first time since last October but while he will need this, he trialled well, and he warrants consideration first-up. (4) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1300M on June 30th. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it can suit. (6) ANY SINGS and (8) BLUE CAVIAR are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Taurus King (11) Ilgang Daero (4) Yeonggwanguihamsung (6) Any Sings
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

(9) DOCTOR KINGDOM has run 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, both times sitting behind the speed and running on. The slight step up in trip can help and he looks to have scope for plenty more improvement. In this company he may be a little further forward than in those two previous outings, and he can win. (3) ANOTHER ONE showed significant improvement at start number five on July 9th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd at this distance with three of today’s field behind him. A repeat of that effort will put him in the finish again. (2) HERO J also beat a couple of these when a close 2nd at 1200M on July 9th. That was his third start, all at 1200M, and he has shown progress each time. He draws well, and the slightly extended trip can be in his favour. (6) VELOCIRAPTOR and (5) YONG GUN others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Doctor Kingdom (3) Another One (2) Hero J (6) Velociraptor
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

A very tricky race with plenty having chances. (3) SUCCESS BATTLE is still a maiden but comes up in class here following a 3rd place and then two runner-up finishes. She posted a good time over this distance last time out, she carries a light weight, and having finally drawn a good gate, she can get on pace here and can win. (4) COLUMBIA CHAMP is up in class having registered her maiden win at the second time of asking over 1200M on July 14th racing in pace throughout. She too draws nicely here to get to the front early and she should measure up at this level. (10) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG is another up in class despite being winless. He really looks to have figured things out in his latest three though, all at this distance, and while he draws wider than ideal, with a touch of luck at the start he can get a forward position and be in this a long way. (2) BEAUTY HILL and (7) LET IT GO have both placed at this class and can potentially do so again.

Selections(3) Success Battle (4) Columbia Champ (10) Success Yeonggwang (2) Beauty Hill
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million

Another very competitive race. (3) BACKTOTHELEGEND was an also-ran in the KRA Cup Mile but returned to shallower waters and ran 2nd at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but quickly up to a handy position. He stays down in the weights, he draws well, and he can have benefitted from that experience of racing around two turns. (10) CHAMP GO enters having won at class and distance on July 16th when close to the pace throughout and then running on to win very pleasingly. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is not to be dismissed. (8) HONEY DRAGON is a twenty-race maiden, but his recent form reads well with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this class and distance. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but he can be running on late and it’s not impossible that today can be his day. The up in class (7) WONDERFUL FILE along with (1) NAKDONG JEONSA are among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

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Derby Winner Global Hit Lands Minister’s Cup

Global Hit sealed his status as the nation’s top three-year-old as the Korean Derby winner produced another late surge up the inside to win the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday evening.

Global Hit beats stablemate Speed Young in the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Sent off as third favourite in a full field of sixteen, Global Hit was unable to get to a forward position coming out of the gate when Uptown Whiz drifted in front of him. Instead, jockey Kim Hye-sun had to be patient and settle the Derby winner in midfield as Dokki Bulpae and betting favourite Naol Sniper set the pace.

Global Hit steadily improved as the field made their way down the backstraight and joined the leaders as they turned for home. Once in the straight, Global Hit quickly accounted for Naol Sniper and Dokki Bulpae and was left with only stablemate Speed Young to see off. This he did with a final furlong burst of speed that saw him cross the line two-lengths to the good. As ever late on the scene, Nut Play came home 3rd a full seven-lengths further in arrears.

“I am really happy. Global Hit is a very good horse and he proved that the Derby wasn’t just luck” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I don’t really think I gave him due credit in my interview after the Derby, but I expected him to win this time. He has so much talent, and while his legs are not the strongest, the stable staff did such a good job in managing him and allowing him to show his ability.”

Asked about the start when Uptown Whiz crossed, impeding Global Hit from getting their desired position and whether it forced her to change tactics, Kim said she noted it. “As we came out the gap narrowed, I hesitated a little but decided not chase it, so we settled back a little bit further than planned, but ultimately it didn’t matter.”

Pic: KRA

For trainer Bang Dong-suk, it was a remarkable one-two with last year’s champion juvenile Speed Young running a redemptive race following lacklustre showings in both the Cup Mile and the Derby.

“I have to praise my jockeys.” Bang told KRBC. “They were great, but this is a whole team effort by everyone back at the stable. They worked hard to prepare this.” As for the future, the trainer was non-committal: “Global Hit has been through a lot with his legs, but they are both young and I am looking forward to what’s next.”

Jockey You Hyun-myung rode Speed Young to win the Breeders’ Cup and following a lengthy spell out after a bad injury in a race fall, was reunited with him in the Minister’s Cup. “The staff had told me he was back in form, and they were right. Global Hit was just too strong in the last 200M.”

Global Hit is by To Honor And Serve and is out of Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor). With the win he moved on to five wins from seven starts.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 23)

There is Sunday racing scheduled for both Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and at Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). The forecast is for heavy rain. Here are the previews:

Hangang Ace is back Seoul on Christmas Eve

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with all eleven racing for the very first time. The probable favourite is (1) BUNDANG TSUNAMI. He showed close to the pace in his trial, crossing the line in midfield in a fair time. From the inside gate, he should be able to get to the lead here and he has as much chance as any. (5) TAEPYEONG HERO went through a couple of trials, running an improved 4th on a wet track in the second of them. If he can continue with that trajectory, he can go close here. (4) JECHUK IHO ran a very close 2nd in his heat, coming from off the pace. The time wasn’t quick, but it is enough to put him in the mix here. (11) GREAT STORM and (7) YEOWANG SOCKS, the latter trailing up in the same heat as Bundang Tsunami, are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Bundang Tsunami (5) Taepyeong Hero (4) Jechuk Iho (11) Great Storm
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(6) BEAT RACER beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over 1300M on June 18th. That was his best finish to date and continued a pattern of steady improvement. Like all but two of the field, he steps up to 1400M for the first time and with Moon Se-young climbing on, today can be his day. (2) VILLARRICA took a few goes to figure things out but has picked up in his recent two with a 2nd and a 4th. Both at 1200M. He finished off well both times and the step up to 1400M could work in his favour. (5) ONE SPEAR enters off a best to date result of 2nd over 1300M on July 1st. He is another who comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (10) SAVANA CHARLIE loves coming 4th and has every chance of doing that again. (1) EFFEL TAP another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Beat Racer (2) Villarrica (5) One Spear (10) Savana Charlie
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. That one with prior experience is (3) CHAMSARANGGIL, who having won a trail in May debuted on June 11th over 1200M where she raced handily and briefly hit the front before eventually finishing 2nd. She has had six weeks off since then, but she should have derived benefit from the experience and has every chance of going one better. (7) BORN DIA won her trial having run on pace, stopping the clock in a good time on a wet track. She can be expected to be on pace here and can put in a bold showing first up. The same applies to (4) MY MELODY. She led for much of the way around before being overtaken and ultimately ran 2nd. It’s fair to say that trial winner hasn’t shown much in three starts but nevertheless,  My Melody can be on the speed and in this a long way. (2) ROAD STAR and (8) GEUMA PRECEDE are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Chamsaranggil (7) Born Dia (4) My Melody (2) Road Star
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) JUMONG CHEONHA remains a maiden after six attempts but has finished in the top-four on no fewer than five occasions. That includes his latest two, at 1200M and 1300M when running on for 3rd and 4th, and the slight step up to 1400M today could be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough against a limited set of rivals. (3) DOLBAE has plenty of experience at the level and while here recent form reads rather ordinary, she has posted some fast times in better company than this. From a good draw she can be on what passes or the speed here and can go close. (10) FLYING LIGHT ran a good 2nd at this class over 1300M two starts back and the margins weren’t huge when he was beaten into 7th last time out. He has a strong finish on him, and the wide draw shouldn’t matter. (11) STAR PRINCSSS and (2) BICHUICA others in the frame.

Selections(8) Jumong Cheonha (3) Dolbae (10) Flying Light (11) Star Princess
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(11) GANGSEO BULPAE won an April trial and then ran a close 2nd on debut on June 25th almost making all over this distance and stopping the clock in a significantly quicker time than any of the others here have managed. She should have come on for that run and while she is drawn wider than ideal, she is the one to beat. (10) HANEUL HAETSAL has a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, both over 1300M and both times having raced on pace. She too received no favours from the draw but with a touch of luck at the start, if she can find a decent position, she should be in the finish. (5) FIRST MENI has finished off her last couple of races well and she steps up to 1300M for the first time. She is third-up this preparation having missed the entire first half of the year and she could be peaking fitness-wise. Solitary debut-maker (1) FIRST KOREA was an on-pace 2nd in a good time in his trial and in this company must be given a chance first-up. (9) URI DAHAMKKE another in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Gangseo Bulpae (10) Haneul Haetsal (5) First Meni (1) First Korea
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) SPECIALTIME was a winner on debut over 1200M on June 17th when she overcame gate ten to sit behind the speed and then ran on well. She comes up in class and slightly in distance here, but she comes into a better gate and with some natural improvement from that first run, she can maintain her 100% record. The main danger is (2) BURUI KKOT. She is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has five runner-up finishes to her name, including her latest on June 18th. She is well drawn; she has run good times at this distance and today could be her day. (7) BIG BLED comes up in class having secured her maiden win at start number three on May 28th when she scored by a full seven-lengths over 1200M. This is tougher but the manner of that win suggests that there may be more to come. (4) HWANGGEUMKKOT and (8) DORIPO among plenty of others with placing claims in a competitive race.

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Minister’s Cup Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 22)

The Triple Crown concludes under the floodlights at Seoul on Saturday evening with the running of the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) Korean Derby winner Global Hit returns at the head of full field of sixteen. There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 14:45 to 18:00.

Global Hit won the Derby (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with all eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (5) DALBITJOGAKSA. She sat handy in her trial before running away from the field in the closing stages to cross the line in front by as many as she pleased in a quick time. She draws well, and if she brings anything like that form to the races, she will take some beating. (9) HAENGBOKHAN SEUNGJA showed a good bit of speed in her trial too, running 2nd behind an experienced racehorse. She sat just behind the early leaders and ran on well and should be in with a shout here. (6) GEUMAK JINJU similarly was 2nd in her heat, showing on the speed and should have supporters. (10) TAEPYEONG VISION won her heat and while the time wasn’t hugely quick and she does draw wide, that showing is enough to put her in the numbers here. (1) HAPPY ICTUS, who improved in the second of two trials (it may not be on all race cards) another who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Dalbitjogaksa (9) Haengbokan Seungja (6) Geumak Jinju (10) Taepyoung Vision
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Maidens with northern hemisphere juveniles and southern hemisphere three-year-olds. Eight of the eleven race for the first time. (3) UWARYUNG was 2nd on debut at this distance on June 10th when settling midfield and running on. She was well beaten by the favourite, Spurt Bit, who has since gone on to win again, but she posted a good time and with some natural improvement, she can be the one to beat here. Of the first-time starters, (11) I’M JJANG is the pick. He went through two trials, running fairly for 4th in the first of them and then going through a voluntary one (which may not appear in all race cards) in May, which he won. In a quick time, settling midfield and running on. Moon Se-young is aboard, and he will have plenty of backers. (10) ULTRA DRAGON was slowly away in his first trial and missing the qualifying time, but he was much improved in a second one, leading all the way to win the heat in a good time. The draw is not ideal but if he brings that form to the races, he can go close. (4) MIGHTY JJANG and (8) ENDING FIRE others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Uwaryung (11) I’m Jjang (10) Ultra Dragon (4) Mighty Jjang
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

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

(1) GANGPUNGMA debuted on June 11th and having settled back in midfield, finished strongly for a creditable 3rd place. The time was quicker than any of the others have posted for this distance, and he should have derived benefit from the experience. He draws better this time, he should be closer to the speed, and he has solid claims. (4) AUSTIN LEADER may sound like a regional Texas newspaper, but he’s shown some ability across three starts so far, especially in his last start 2nd over this distance when he led almost the entire way around, just getting headed late on. He comes into a better gate today, can lead again, and can once more be in things a long way. (3) NAOL DAEWANG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at this distance. In the first he came from well off the pace while in the second he was ridden much handier. Expect the latter today and he has a strong finish on him. (11) GEOMUI JEONSEOL and (2) TAEPYEONGMU others who come in with recent form reading well.

Selections(1) Gangpungma (4) Austin Leader (3) Naol Daewang (11) Geomui Jeonseol
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(10) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK’s last start 2nd in a good time over this distance is enough to put him on top here. He has only put in one bad run in five and that latest effort on June 25th saw him race handy and only go down narrowly to a long shot. The draw isn’t the best, but he should have enough about him to find a decent position again and if he does, he is the one to beat. (11) DAONDI beat Sidaeui Myeongjak two starts back when the pair ran 2nd and 5th over 1200M on May 28th. He didn’t run on in his subsequent start at this distance in June but is worth another chance here. (1) JANGHEUNG CLASS is another who will need a line drawn through his latest when he had a wide gate and used up plenty of energy getting close to the lead before weakening. Form a better draw and with Moon Se-young aboard, he will be backed. (5) NAOL JEONGSANG, who returns for the first time since a promising debut last Christmas Day, is the wildcard, while (3) FLYING ZEST was a useful 4th at start number two last time out and can build on that here.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 21)

The feature race this weekend is the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the 2023 Triple Crown at Seoul on Saturday evening. Before that though, racing gets under way with a 7-race twilight program at Busan on Friday running from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile fillies with all but two racing for the first time. (8) WHITE FALCON ran 3rd on debut on June 9th, well beaten by a good winner, but running on solidly. She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, can be firmly in contention here. (10) MOTHER ROAD trialled up on a saturated track and acquitted herself well running a close 2nd to an experienced horse in a quick time with just a bit of pushing. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and if she can bring that form to the races, she’ll go close. (5) AJANTA will have plenty of backers. She sat midfield in her trial before running on well for an unhurried 3rd in a fair time and the jockey/trainer combination will ensure she starts at a short price. (3) AMBITIOUS GIRL and (2) WORLD FIRST CAT look to be the other debut-makers to follow.

Selections(8) White Falcon (10) Mother Road (5) Ajanta (3) Ambitious Girl
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) BACCHUS was well-backed on debut on June 23rd, but he was slow out of the gates and took an age to get into stride before running on late. Accordingly, he was ordered back to trial, and he came through it in accomplished fashion, winning a heat and requalifying just a week later. If he behaves himself at the start this time, the additional trip can suit, and he can win. (1) JEONGMUN LEGEND was a much-improved 2nd when almost leading all the way over 1200M on June 4th. He too steps up to this trip for the first time but from the inside gate, he should be on pace again and he can be in this a long way. (6) MASTER YODA didn’t do much in his first two appearances in the early spring, but after being put away for three months, he returned to run a smart on-pace 2nd over 1300M on June 23rd. He should strip fitter for that run and can be in the mix here. (9) WIN STING and (2) MORO among plenty of others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(8) Bacchus (1) Jeongmun Legend (6) Master Yoda (9) Win Sting
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(2) STAR DRAGON got his maiden win over 1300M in May and then stepped up to this class and distance for the first time on June 25th and ran a big 3rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process when settling back and running on. An apprentice claim takes 3kg off his back, he draws well, and he can win. (6) HAENGBOKHAN GIL comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the tenth time of asking over 1400M on July 7th. The win had been coming and while he tackles the two turns for the first time, there is no reason why that can’t suit. He doesn’t have the benefit of an apprentice claim this time but that’s balanced by Seo Seung-un climbing aboard and he shouldn’t be far away. (9) DOCTOR PERO has been ultra-consistent with a 2nd, a 3rd, and then back-to-back 4th places in four starts since being promoted to this level. Those two placings were over this distance, and he should be a big player again. (3) CENTUM THOR and the up in class (5) GASOK JEIL among others in the frame.

Selections(2) Star Dragon (6) Haengbokhan Gil (9) Doctor Pero (3) Centum Thor
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start  1, 3, 6, 7  

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

This is a competitive race. (2) SKY SHOT is yet to win in nine attempts but has no fewer than seven top-four finishes with his best of 2nd coming over this trip. He comes back in distance today and under a light weight and from a good gate, today could finally be the day. (11) JUST BE HAPPY comes up in class having scored her maiden win at 1200M on June 16th. She has a good finish on her and while she draws a touch wide, she has the potential for more development. (6) GOLD ROSE is a front-runner who enters off a couple of positive results. She will be expected to lead here and can be in this a long way. (1) GOLDEN CAMP and the up in class (4) HWANGWU JANGSA  are among others who can have a say.

Selections(2) Sky Shot (11) Just Be Happy (6) Gold Rose (1) Golden Camp
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) HWANGOO MONEY has never finished worse than 4th but it took him until his most recent start on June 16th to get his maiden win when he stalked the leader all the way before taking things up late over 1400M. He does come up in class here, but he is down slightly in the weights and could well be the one to beat. (6) MIRACLE ONE took six goes to get her maiden win but she evidently enjoyed it as she promptly followed up with another, both at 1200M. That brings her rapidly up in class, but she too is nicely weighted and from a good draw could very well be on or close to the speed this time, and she should measure up in this company. (8) CROWD ONE enters off a solid 3rd place at this class over 1400M on June 25th when ridden further forward than usual. She has a good finish on her, and similar tactics here should see her close. (7) RUBY STORM is up in class following a last start win at this distance. He comes in under a light weight with an apprentice claim and isn’t to be dismissed. (10) GOLDEN POINT another who can be competitive.

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Jeulgeounyeojeong Completes Triple Tiara Sweep

For the second year in a row the Triple Tiara series has been swept as Jeulgeounyeojeong emulated Golden Power by adding to her Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks successes with a resounding victory in the final jewel, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) under the lights at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday evening.

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Franco Da Silva win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)/

Sent off the odds-on favourite in a thirteen-strong field, Jeulgeounyeojeong was kept handy in the early stages by jockey Franco Da Silva as Raon Giant and Doctor Oscar set the early pace over a distance at which all were tackling for the first time. At the top of the home straight, those leaders started to tire and with minimal urging, Jeulgeounyeojeong cruised by and put the race to bed a long way out.

The margin on the line was four-lengths with Wonderful Slew, a revelation when 3rd in the Oaks at just her fourth career start, getting the closest to Jeulgeounyeojeong. Raon Forest, 2nd in both the Luna and the Oaks, completed a hat-trick of Tiara placings, coming home in 3rd place.

“Anywhere internationally for a horse to be a Triple Tiara winner, it takes a good one.” Winning jockey Franco Da Silva told KRBC immediately after the race. “Thanks to the owner and the trainer for giving me a chance and now the pressure is all off because we are done. We proved that she is the best and everything is perfect.”

“This horse is just getting better and better.” Da Silva continued. “Today the only things I was worried about were the track condition and that we had travelled from Busan (for the first time). But she never lost weight, she was happy, and she was very professional. I was just a passenger; I just had to sit and wait for the straight.”

(Pic: KRA)

Trainer Kim Young-kwan also noted the challenge of winning a Triple Tiara series. “In a Triple Crown or a Triple Tiara, the races come very quickly with short intervals between them. So, health and fitness are just as important as ability if you want to win all three.” Kim, who is Korea’s all-time leading trainer in terms of both career wins and Group race wins, told KRBC.

“At the Breeders’ Cup (Korea’s Champion Juvenile race, where Jeulgeounyeojeong was a short price but finished 9th), she had some respiratory issues, so we took great care to fix that, and she has stayed healthy and sound since.”

(Pic: KRA)

Although he recently passed the compulsory retirement age for trainers, Kim has been granted an extension in recognition of his record over the years which includes the Triple Crown with Power Blade in 2016. “It is great to add a Triple Tiara to Power Blade’s Triple Crown. I would like to thank the racing fans for accepting my extension.”

Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and is out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo) and was bred by owners Nasca, of Eoma Eoma fame, at their farm. She moves onto six wins from twelve starts.    

The big question now is what is next for Jeulgeounyeojeong and just how good is she? Winning trainer Kim noted that after sweeping last year’s Triple Tiara, Golden Power endured a scoreless end to 2022, being outclassed in two Queens’ Tour races. She finally returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since her Gyeonggi victory, this past Friday evening. In the meantime, Raon The Spurt, who Golden Power vanquished comfortably in the Tiara, is a Group 2 winner this year and firmly ensconced at the elite level.

(Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong is not necessarily Golden Power, but the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter series would be the logical next item on her agenda.

Next Saturday at Seoul, there is another floodlight big race engagement with the final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There is no Triple Crown on the line, but Korean Derby winner Global Hit is expected to head a full field of sixteen in the final three-year-old Classic.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

Sunday sees daytime racing (albeit with a start and finish time one hour later than usual) at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races in Seoul from 11:35 to 19:00 while there are 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. Three of those who do have prior experience debuted together on June 3rd and (1) THE PLAYER came out the best of them running 3rd over 1000M having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest that he has a win in him sooner rather than later, Moon Se-young climbs on, and he will be a warm favourite. (7) SMART CAT also ran 3rd on his debut which came over 1000M on June 17th when settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and can be considered for improvement here. Among the first-time starters, (6) PURGE KING is the pick. He showed brightly across two trials, improving in the second of them when he settled handy. With some more natural improvement, he can put in a big showing first-up. (5) BAEKDU DAEMUL was 5th behind The Player on debut and can aim to improve while (9) GEOSEN BANGYEOK ran fairly in his first race on June 24th and is another who can expect to have benefitted from the experience.

Selections(1) The Player (7) Smart Cat (6) Purge King (5) Baekdu Daemul
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(1) STEALTH PARK showed good improvement when 3rd at start number two on May 28th, settling back in the pack and finishing strongly over this distance in a fair time. Third-up he should be peaking and from the inside gate, he is the one to beat. (10) LUCKY HONEY took a few goes to figure things out but she enters having shown good results from her latest three with two 4th places and most recently a close 2nd at this distance. The time wasn’t quick and it was back in April so she comes in following fourteen weeks out, but she can go close. (11) PURPLE WINK has hinted at ability across his three appearances to date. He can settle back and has a strong finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can challenge late on here. (9) PATHOS and (2) BANDO HUIMANG others in the frame.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (10) Lucky Honey (11) Purple Wink (9) Pathos
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

(6) BOB AND JOY ran fairly on debut, racing just behind the speed and finishing 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on June 25th. She should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat here. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK ran a much-improved 2nd at start number four on June 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but draws nicely here and can maintain her momentum. (10) ROAD TO MAGIC won an April trial in a quick time before finishing midfield on debut over this distance on June 2nd. He raced on pace that day and in the trial so the wide draw is perhaps not ideal here but with a touch of luck at the start, he can be a danger. (11) ACE RUN and (9) DOCTOR WICKY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Bob And Joy (1) Choegang Week (10) Road To Magic (11) Ace Run
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) HANGANG HERO enters off a good 2nd place at class and distance on June 17th when settling midfield and then running on well. She was sent off at big odds but that was her second runner-up finish in her last three stats and while she is a seventeen-race maiden, today could be her day. (3) ICE CREAM has taken a few goes to get to grips with this level but she seems on the right trajectory, having led for much of the way around in a similar race to this on June 11th, ultimately finishing 4th. She draws well to be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (9) SOARA MEME us up in class and marginally in trip following a maiden win at 1200M on June 4th. She can measure up here. (7) GLOBAL CHANGA and (2) ZIRCON others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Hangang Hero (3) Ice Cream (9) Soara Meme (7) Global Changa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

Weak maiden here. (7) SAMBA STEP has picked up across her latest couple of outings with a 5th place most recently over 1200M on June 16th when racing handy throughout. She comes up to 1300M for the first time, she should be on pace, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) MOST RAPID has been anything but rapid in four starts so far but is potentially getting better having beaten a couple of these on his way to 6th in a better maiden than this back in April. He comes in fresh and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back. (10) LUCKY BAND has a 3rd place to his name and while a mile didn’t suit last time, this looks a more suitable assignment. (2) EVERY KING IJI and (5) STORMY DAY other possibles.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 15)

The twilight racing season comes to Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00 including the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Tiara. Here are the previews:

Floodlight racing is back

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juveniles here with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN and (4) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA debuted together on June 17th and came home in 2nd and 4th respectively. The time was not quick, but the real race experience should be beneficial, and they shape as the leading two contenders here with Naegilui Captain favoured to score, potentially leading all the way. Of the debut-makers, (11) RAON THE TAP won his trial, leading for most of the way around. He isn’t done any favours by the draw, but if he brings that form to the races, he has at least solid placing chances. (7) YONGBI POWER went through a rare quick trial. She was a long way behind the winner but that is enough to put her in the frame first-up. (3) HANGANG GLORY is another who hinted at ability in his trial and can be considered.

Selections(6) Naegilui Captain (4) Seoul Choegangja (11) Raon The Tap (7) Yongbi Power
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 11

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

(2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. She has rarely found herself in such amenable company as this and from a good draw, she can be on pace and can perhaps go all the way. (9) GHANA DREAM has a 2nd and a 3rd among her four starts so far. She needs to be given a pass on her latest when she got too far back but she generally has a strong finish on her and if she is in striking distance at the business end of the race, she will a danger late on. (11) NEMO SPIRIT comes in having run an improved 5th on her latest appearance on June 11th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she is another who can be doing her best work late on here. (6) YEJIMONG and (3) JEONGSANG HIT don’t inspire much confidence, but both have shown themselves capable of running a good race in this kind of company.

Selections(2) Haengbok Yeowang (9) Ghana Dream (11) Nemo Spirit (6) Yejimong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

(1) SHARP SUNSHINE has picked up in her latest three with two 4ths and a 3rd, that latter finish coming over this distance on June 17th. Her times haven’t been special but there is not much pace here and from a good gate she can lead and potentially go all the way. (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG showed a sharp uptick in form when 2nd at start number four over 1200M on June 18th, settling back and finishing well. A similar run here will put her in the finish again. (6) EXPECT has mixed his form across five starts so far but going on his 3rd place over 1400M at the end of April, he should come into the calculations here. (7) GOLD MIGHTY, with a 2nd to his name is another, while (8) SMART SOCKS has also hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Sharp Sunshine (10) Binnaneun Geumseong (6) Expect (7) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(2) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK enters in good form with a 2nd two starts back over 1200M followed by a 3rd place at today’s trip on June 17th when she led for much of the way and only went down narrowly. She beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process and from a good gate she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (8) LUCKY POWER had a hard time when stepped up to 1700M last time out, showing close to the pace and then weakening. He may be happier back at one turn here and he has a smart finish on him. (5) ORCHID VALLEY has four top-three finishes from six stats so far including last time out when a solid 3rd at this class over 1200M. In this company he can be on pace and in this a long way. (1) LEMON BLADE comes up in class following a maiden win at start number seven over 1200M. He comes down in weight and from the inside gate can measure up. (11) GRAND POWER another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Haengbokan Munmak (8) Lucky Power (5) Orchid Valley (1) Lemon Blade
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(5) SINUI BANJEON is a ten-race maiden, but she has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest start at this class and distance on June 4th when, as is her preferred style, she was on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she really should have the measure of this field and she is the one to beat. (6) CLUB D is also a maiden, but he has been finishing off his races well and the step up to two turns could well suit him. He can go close. (3) P N S AI comes back up to two turns for the first time since a shy at the stumps in last year’s Minister’s Cup (it missed). He has been steadily working back into form across recent starts, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M last time out and he can be in the mix again here. (7) GREEN FEELSTAR and (2) STAR K are others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday – Twilight Racing Begins: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

A short season of twilight racing begins this weekend. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener so we head to the trial videos (1) BLACK SPRING won his trial, racing in midfield from gate eight and then producing a strong effort in the closing stages to pull away under only minimal urging. The time wasn’t quick, but it was on a very dry track, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him win here. (2) CONTROLLER posted the fastest time in trials when running 2nd in a June heat, settling handy and then running on without the jockey needing to use his stick. He draws well and a repeat performance will see him in the mix first-up here. That fastest time will probably mean he starts the betting favourite locally. (6) HANGANG CLASS was an on-pace 3rd in his heat, and along with (3) YONGBI CHEONWANG and (10) BEST PRIME, can go well.

Selections(1) Black Spring (2) Controller (6) Hangang Class (3) Yongbi Cheonwang
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) DOCTOR KANE here. After a good trial, she debuted in an all-filly juvenile event on June 9th and sat behind the early speed before running on 2nd. She was eight-lengths behind the odds-on favourite winner, but five-lengths clear of the rest and with some natural improvement, she will be hard to beat. (3) COLUMBIA CHAMP debuted in that same race, initially settling back before working home well for 4th place. She has plenty to make up on Doctor Kane, but she too should have derived benefit from that run and can be a contender at this slightly extended trip. (5) MAGIC ELEVEN has a 3rd place to her name and among those who have tackled this distance before, by far the quickest time. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she should be close. (9) THE ONE and (4) HOTFLEX others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(1) Doctor Kane (3) Columbia Champ (5) Magic Eleven (9) The One
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) HAMA has been getting closer across her five starts so far culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on June 16th when racing behind the leaders and running on well. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and she can make her breakthrough here. (3) B. K. HUNTER returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on June 23rd. He should strip fitter for that run and can go close again. (7) KELLY QUEEN came home 4th when sent off at big odds over this distance on June 30th. She returns quickly here and, in this company, should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) HAEUNDAE JEONSEOL and (5) CHOICE ROAD will need their respective latest starts overlooked but, in this field, can be competitive.

Selections(9) Hama (3) B. K. Hunter (7) Kelly Queen (8) Haeundae Jeonseol
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME comes up in class having notched his maiden win at start number two on June 18th when he was on pace throughout and crossed the line a cool ten-lengths to the good. He is up in distance as well but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again here. (7) VERLUC took a couple of goes to figure things out, but he too comes up in class following a 2nd place in May and then an all the way four-length score over 1300M on June 16th. He’ll be challenging Success Show Me for the early lead and he can be in this a long way. (2) NAMYANG BOLT beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place over 1300M on his first try at this class on June 18th. He holds a win at this trip and from a good gate can be a danger here. (10) WAITING FOR YOU and (1) MORNING MUSE among others in the hunt.

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