The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) takes centre stage this Sunday when a full field of sixteen face off on the south coast. The big race is race 6 of seven on the card which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. At Seoul there is a 10-race card from 10:35 to 18:00.
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Maiden juvenile fillies only with six of the eleven racing for the first time. The only one of the remaining five to have raced twice is the favourite and that’s (6) GEOLJAK ONE. She debuted in 4th place in a quick race on a wet track on May 28th and then followed it up with a 2nd place, going down very narrowly, on June 10th having raced close to the pace both times. It should be third-time lucky here. (1) PERFECT TIARA debuted in that June 10th race having shown little in trials but ran a good 3rd, coming from the middle of the pace. She has three-lengths to make up on Geoljak One but should have come on for the experience. (5) ECLIPSE BERRY debuted in the May 28th race and overcame the widest gate to run 6th. She too should be going closer this time. As for the first timers, (7) HAMPYEONG JANGMI and (10) SEIRENE were perhaps the best in trials.
| Selections | (6) Geoljak One (1) Perfect Tiara (5) Eclipse Berry (7) Hampyeong Jangmi |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 5, 6 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(11) KING GO TAEYANG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on June 11th, albeit well beaten by the winner. He has the challenge of the wide gate here but the step up to 1300M can suit and he is the one to beat. (1) MENI SHARK showed signs of figuring things out when stepped up to this distance on June 11th and running a best to fate 4th. Her time that day was quicker than any of the others who have tackled this distance have managed and from a good gate, she can go closer today. (6) GOLDEN SNIPER also comes in off a best to date finish when 2nd on June 4th at this trip. He can sit behind the early speed here and can be in the finish. (4) BRAVO HANSEN and (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL among others who can dispute the minors.
| Selections | (11) King Go Taeyang (1) Meni Shark (6) Golden Sniper (4) Bravo Hansen |
| Next Best | 5, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 8, 11 |
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) RAON THE AGAIN will be one of the banker favourites of the day. After a quick trial, she ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 2nd having settled back and run on strongly to only go down narrowly. She draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (6) KALJABI is the obvious second pick. After running 4th on debut, he led for much of the way around second-up on May 28th, again over 1200M, ultimately coming home in 2nd. He should lead again here and can hold off the favourite for a long time. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but the final place is up for grabs. (8) CHEONGMAUI JILJU ran an improved 4th last time out at 1200M and can maintain her positive momentum again here. (3) ILCHUL GOLD and (2) UNMATCHED are others who can compete.
| Selections | (1) Raon The Again (6) Kaljabi (8) Cheongmaui Jilju (3) Ilchul Gold |
| Next Best | 2, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 4, 6 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) LONDON MYEONGGA had seemingly lost his way a little but came back into form with a strong 3rd over this class and distance on June 4th when on pace throughout. He draws well here to be on or close to the pace again and has every chance. (5) GLORY K remains winless but enters with recent form reading well with two 3rd place finishes from her latest three, most recently when leading most of the way around over 1400M on June 10th. She is under a very light weight, she draws well to lead again, and it would be no surprise if she made the breakthrough here. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG comes up in class after three consecutive 3rd place finishes, the most recent two over this distance. His times have been competitive enough and he comes down significantly in the weights. (7) LEGEND K and (9) KKANGDORI others to consider.
| Selections | (3) London Myeongga (5) Glory K (4) Challanhan Pokpung (7) Legend K |
| Next Best | 9, 1 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 8, 9 |
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden. (11) ACE A MOCA has improved across three starts so far, most recently an on-pace 3rd over this distance on June 16th. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the widest gate here but she as good a chance as any. (9) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL comes in off a much-improved 3rd on May 19th when settling handy and running on. In this company she can be on the pace and while in the absence of an apprentice claim she comes up in weight, Choi Si-dae climbs aboard and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) HERO J has only raced twice and was an improved 3rd in the second of them when she came from well off the pace. She draws better today and comes into contention. (5) YONG GUN and (8) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the hunt.
| Selections | (11) Ace A Moca (9) Yongsan Keunbyeul (4) Hero J (5) Yong Gun |
| Next Best | 8, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 7, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) SUNGAN TOUCH had a slightly disappointing day at the office when well supported over 1300M on June 3rd but finishing 6th of ten. He was going very well at this distance prior to that though with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class, and he will be a warm favourite to score here. (2) FIRST USER remains a maiden but comes up in class after two runner-up finishes at class 6. She likes to run on pace so she is drawn very nicely and the 2kg drop in carried weight can help her be competitive here. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE comes in having run 3rd at a big price at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but running on really well. She will warrant more respect this time around. (7) LONDON QUEEN and the up in class (5) SEOUL SPURT among others to consider.
| Selections | (8) Sungan Touch (2) First User (3) Jaewoo Sidae (7) London Queen |
| Next Best | 5, 9 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 7, 8 |
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) TAEWANG SINGI scored over this distance at class 6 level on debut in February and then after a couple of mishits over further on his first two goes at this class, returned to the 1200M to almost lead all the way on June 11th, ultimately coming home 2nd. He draws nicely here and can go one better. All the rest are going to need to improve significantly on their respective latest starts. (8) GOLDEN CAMP was a solid 2nd two starts back over class and distance and on that form warrants consideration. She can sit handy or on pace and run on. (9) WORLD FIVE didn’t do much when returning from five months out in May but she had previously shown ability. She should strip fitter from that run and can improve in this limited company. (11) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT and (1) HALLA NURI others who could enter the equation.
| Selections | (4) Taewang Singi (8) Golden Camp (9) World Five (11) Goldenthunderbolt |
| Next Best | 1, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 7, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) CATS EYE will be favoured here. With one exception he has done well at this level and comes in following a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both over this trip and when racing on pace. An apprentice is engaged today which takes him down significantly in the weights and from a good draw he should be on pace right away and go all the way. (2) WONDERFUL SHADOW comes in after back-to-back 4th place finishes at class and distance. She too is an on-pace type and comes into a better gate here. She carries a light weight and should be in contention. (1) MENI POCKET is still a maiden but comes up in class having finished in the top four on four out of five occasions to date. She carries a feather weight here and can measure up at this level. (10) DONGTEUJA WAY is better than his latest appearance suggests and along with (7) EINSPANNER, is another one in the hunt.
| Selections | (3) Cats Eye (2) Wonderful Shadow (1) Meni Pocket (10) Dongteuja Way |
| Next Best | 7, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 5, 7 |
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
This is a good race, but it is hard to go far past (4) STAR FURY. He is yet to finish any worse than 4th in his six outings and enters off a close 2nd at this class and distance on June 4th when coming from off the pace. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but in this company can be expected to be on the speed and to take some beating. (9) STAR CLASS will be the second-favourite. He has struggled to get a strong of races together but when fit, has shown ability, as when 3rd over 1300M at this level in March. He hasn’t raced since then but he looked in good order when winning a June 24th trial and can go close if he can bring that form back to the races. (1) THEIA Comes back in trip and looks nicely in under a light weight. Returning to the night sky theme, the up in class (6) PURPLE STAR is another to consider along with (11) ROAD TO QUEEN.
| Selections | (4) Star Fury (9) Star Class (1) Theia (6) Purple Star |
| Next Best | 11, 8 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK only managed to finish 6th of eleven last time out but it was a very competitive race, and the margins weren’t big. Prior to that, she was a smart 2nd at this class and distance and from a good draw she looks to be the one to beat here. (8) DREAM SPEED doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but she has plenty of experience at this class and while she does mix here form, this is the kind of race she can pick up some prize money in. So too (6) BENCAL PRINCESS, who beat Dream Speed when the pair came home 1st and 2nd two starts back in April. She three in a shocker last time on a very wet track over 1300M in May but can be given another chance here. (5) MOONHAK SONG is yet to finish in the top-two but has consistently picked up some minor money since starting at this class (imports have to begin at class 4). (1) MALICE QUEEN debuted without distinction last Christmas Day and hasn’t raced since. She looked well enough in two recent trials and can improve.
| Selections | (3) Seongsilgongjupink (8) Dream Speed (6) Bencal Princess (5) Moonhak Song |
| Next Best | 1, 4 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 6, 7 |
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) POWER SOUND has won his latest two in good order, most recently at this class and distance on June 4th when always on or near the lead. He comes up a full 4.5kg in the weights today but he draws well again, and he should be equal to the task and make it three in a row. (11) RAON THE HARLEY is up in class following a last start win over 1300M. He is yet to finish any worse than 5th from five starts and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he is nicely treated in the weights and can be a danger. (9) DOCTOR CUCKOO is up in class too despite not winning at class 5 level. Instead, he comes up off the back of a 3rd and a 2nd over 1200M and 1300M in good times. He is down significantly in the weights and may be worth a chance at an each-way price. (1) HALLOWEEN PARTY and (4) TEUKGEUP CAMP are others to keep safe.
| Selections | (2) Power Sound (11) Raon The Harley (9) Doctor Cuckoo (1) Halloween Party |
| Next Best | 4, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 9, 11 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) YUJEONG CHAMP has the fastest time among these for the distance, and while he has been no better than ordinary in his latest two when slowly away both times, he comes down slightly in the weights and Antonio climbs on. In this smaller field, he can sit behind the speed and run on. (5) MAGLE DAY was a winner over 1200M two starts back and then ran 2nd in a quick time at 1300M on his first try at this level on June 11th. He continues under a light weight and while he tackles this distance for the first time, there is no reason why it can’t suit. (7) MIR POINT is up rapidly in class having won his latest two. He just got up in his most recent having been ungenerous to the extent that he had to trial prior to coming back here, something he did well in mid-June. He is nicely weighted and then extended trip may help him to settle better. (6) TAEYANGTAGO is consistent and will surely be close again while (2) CHALLENGE SOCKS is a proven placer at this class.
| Selections | (8) Yujeong Champ (5) Magle Day (7) Mir Point (6) Taeyangtago |
| Next Best | 2, 4 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 5, 7 |
Busan Race 6: Class Open (1600M) Busan Owners’ Cup (KOR G3) Weight for Age / KRW 500 Million
A full field of sixteen tackle this and it’s wide open. (10) DAEHAN JILJU is the probable favourite. While more noted as a sprinter – he was 4th in last year’s Korea Sprint – he has won up to 1800M and a mile should be well within his wheelhouse. He comes in off an all the way score over 1400M at class 1 level in Seoul in May and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can get on pace, and he can win this. (13) PRO CONSUL enters in good form. He was a class 1 winner over 1800M two starts back and most recently ran 2nd over a mile. He also has the fastest time among these for the distance and while the wide gate could be an issue, he has a chance. (14) NORTHERN TIME comes in having secured his first class 1 victory over a mile on June 4th. The Seoul mile, with its awkward starting point, is very different to the Busan one but on recent form he shouldn’t be ruled out. (1) WINNER GOLD ran 3rd behind Tuhonui Banseok and Winner’s Man in the YTN Cup in May. He could have continued in the Stayer Series and tackled the Busan Mayor’s Cup last week, but connections have opted for this instead and they are rewarded with a good draw and solid chances. (11) YES PERFECT and (8) GREAT BOSS among plenty of others in with a shout in a very competitive race.
| Selections | (10) Daehan Jilju (13) Pro Consul (14) Northern Time (1) Winner Gold |
| Next Best | 11, 8 |
| Fast Start | 2, 5, 10, 11, 13 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
Small but competitive field. (5) ULTRA GALAXY comes in having run 4th over class and distance on May 27th when handy throughout. He is a two-time winner at the distance and also has the fastest time among this field at it. He can win here. The main danger is (2) MUNHAK TAPIT. A class and distance winner in April, he enters having run 3rd on his latest start on June 17th, beating a couple of these in the process. He carries his fair share of weight, but he has strong claims. (3) OCHEONBOK on the other hand carries next to no weight. His 3rd place over 1800M at this class on June 4th wasn’t quick but he is well drawn o get a forward position here and he can go close. (7) ROYAL HAMSEONG is rarely too far away and has won at class and distance this year, albeit under 4kg less. He along with (9) BODY STAR are others to consider.
| Selections | (5) Ultra Galaxy (2) Munhak Tapit (3) Ocheonbok (7) Royal Hamseong |
| Next Best | 9, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 5, 6 |
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
(3) DEMON SPY was a winner at class and distance in March and enters off the back of two near misses when 3rd and 2nd, also at this class and distance. This time he draws a much better gate, and while he carries his fair share of weight again, he will be favoured to win. (7) UNJU STAR actually beat Demon Spy when the pair of them ran 2nd and 3rd at class and distance on May 5th. He struggled when dropped back to a mile and was sent off as favourite on his last start a month ago but can be given a chance here. (8) MA GUN is rapidly up in class after back-to-back victories at 1400M and a mile. He tackles two turns for the first time and while the set weight scale doesn’t do him any favours, he has potential for further development. (1) HANEUL GANGJA and (9) HONEY DRAGON the other place chances.
| Selections | (3) Demon Spy (7) Unju Star (8) Ma Gun (1) Haneul Gangja |
| Next Best | 9, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 75 Million
(8) WORLD RACER will be a warm favourite. He comes up in class following back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1400M and 1700M but is down significantly in weight and looks to have more improvement in him in what is not an especially strong race for this level. (6) WINNER BLUE enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd place form his latest two at 1700M and a mile, settling midfield and running on. He remains nicely weighted and should go close again. (10) STRONG VULTURE came back up to two-turns and back into form when almost making all at class and distance on May 13th, ultimately coming home in 2nd. He has the challenge of the outside gate this time but if he can find a forward early position, he can be competitive. (5) A. P. PATEK and (7) K N LIGHT others in the placing hunt.
| Selections | (8) World Racer (6) Winner Blue (10) Strong Vulture (5) A. P. Patek |
| Next Best | 7, 2 |
| Fast Start | 5, 7, 9, 10 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
It’s time for (3) COBRA BALL to get a class 1 win. He comes in having run 4th over a mile on June 4th alongside several of today’s rivals but coming back down to the 1200M for the first time in a year and coming into a good gate and under a light weight, he is very much the one to beat. (5) VICTOR MOON had a hard time in the Ttukseom Cup in May but was a very smart winner over this distance at class 2 level at the start before. Although five-years-old, she is lightly raced and still looks to have more improvement in her. (10) CUPID MISSION is up in class following a sharp win over 1400M back in May when making all. He may need a touch of luck at the start but in this type of class 1 race, he can measure up. (6) GLOBAL CAPTAIN beat Cobra Ball and others when 3rd in that race over a mile on June 4th and along with (8) NIMUI HYANGGI is another in the placing frame.
| Selections | (3) Cobra Ball (5) Victor Moon (10) Cupid Mission (6) Global Captain |
| Next Best | 8, 4 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 9, 10 |
Horse Racing in Korea 