Month: October 2023

Wonderful Slew Upsets Jeulgeounyeojeong in Queens’ Tour

Wonderful Slew upset the odds and Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong to win the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter, in emphatic fashion for Italian trainer Luigi Riccardi at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Wonderful Slew and Antonio Da Silva win the Gyengnam Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Having won all three legs of the Triple Tiara with increasing authority and subsequently adding a class 1 victory over males and then the first leg of the current series in style, Jeulgeounyeojeong was sent off as a prohibitive 1.2 favourite. Wonderful Slew, who placed behind Jeulgeounyeojeong in both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, was the only other one sent off in single digits.

Cosmo and Chamjeoun Chingu set the early pace with Jeulgeounyeojeong setting up camp just behind them. Wonderful Slew meanwhile sat in the middle of the thirteen-strong field before being ridden up in the back straight to sit behind the favourite.

At the top of the stretch, it seemed inevitable that Jeulgeounyeojeong would go past Cosmo and Chamjoeun Chingu. She did, but not with the dismissive ease that might have been expected. And then looming up on her shoulder was Wonderful Slew.  Under Antonio Da Silva, Wonderful Slew flew by before they even reached the furlong pole, immediately opening up daylight between herself and the rest. Jeulgeounyeojeong couldn’t respond and Success Time also came past. The gap between 1st and 2nd was a full five-lengths on the line with the clock stopped just seven tenths of a second outside the track record.

For trainer Luigi Riccardi it was a second Korean Group success with the first also having come with a three-year-old filly at Busan when Choegang Black won the 2021 Korean Oaks. For jockey Da Silva, it was a fourth Group winner in Korea and completed the set of G1, G2 and G3 wins. He is also running away with the Seoul Jockey Premiership with 79 wins in the capital this year, more than thirty more than his nearest rival.

Wonderful Slew (Purge – Worldly Dude (by Volponi) was bred by her owner Chi Dae-sub’s Nokwon Farm. Her dam Worldly Dude is a half-sister to American champion Game On Dude, being out of Worldly Pleasure, who was sold to Nokwon Farm in 2009, just before Game On Dude started to win back home. In her brief time at Nokwon, she had Worldly Dude. She was re-exported in 2011 but returned to Korea in 2019 and died in 2022.

The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter is a new race on the calendar, the Breeders’ Cup Queen, at Busan on December 10th. With only Listed status and a prize fund only just over half that of the Governor’s Cup, it is uncertain if both Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong will line up again. One thing is for certain though; the filly and mare division is a lot more exciting than it was twenty-four hours ago.

Next weekend attention turns to the two-year-old ranks and the Seoul and Busan’s respective Juvenile Series 2nd legs on Sunday afternoon. Lala K will go hunting for redemption in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and may well get it with Nice Time, the impressive winner of the Munha Ilbo Trophy, not set to run. At Busan Baekduui Kkum heads the lineup in a likely small field for the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. Both are over 1200M.

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 29)

The best filly or mare in Korea returns to action on Sunday as Jeulgeounyeojeong, the Triple Tiara winner, lines up for the second leg of the Queens’ Tour fall and winter in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. The big race is race 5 of a 6-race card at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong should be too good again on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens and plenty look like they have a win in them. (1) GEUMAK JINJU has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts so far, both over 1000M in good times and racing on pace. He draws very nicely here, the additional furlong shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. (6) MULLEBANGA comes in off a strong 3rd place over this distance on September 23rd when settling midfield and running on. It was a decent time, and a similar performance would put him in the finish again. (8) YONGAM MARENGO similarly enters following a good 3rd place, in his case over 1000M on September 16th. He was doing his best work late and the additional furlong can suit. (9) FINAL GO and (4) MAGIC STRONG are among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Geumak Jinju (6) Mullebanga (8) Yongam Marengo (9) Final Go
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(2) SUPER ONE will be hot favourite in this ordinary maiden. He’s shown steady improvement across his latest couple of starts with a 5th and a 4th, the latter at this distance on September 23rd when racing much handier than in his previous starts. From a good gate he should so the same here and is the one to beat. (10) MAX MA enters off back-to-back 4th places in the summer, leading both times. He has been back to trial since his latest outing and looked well. He draws a touch wide but if he can get on pace, he should go close. (6) AUSTIN LEADER has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) SHOUT KURO and (4) HEART K are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(2) Super One (10) Max Ma (6) Austin Leader (11) Shout Kuro
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

(9) LONDON ACE ran out a class and distance winner on September 24th when settling just behind the pace and running on strongly. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of striking again. (6) RAON THE COBRA was a strong winner over this distance in May, making all and has subsequently run 5th in both starts at this level. He should be on pace here and shapes as a potential danger. (7) GEUMJEONSA settled midfield and then ran on to score a tight win on debut over 1000M on September 22nd. He comes up in class and in distance here but should have benefited from that run and with some natural improvement can be competitive. (1) MEOTJIN GIROK and (5) HIGH PARK among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) London Ace (6) Raon The Cobra (7) Geumjeonsa (1) Meotjin Girok
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll not dismiss the experience though, because (12) SHINE FOREST ran well on debut over 1000M on September 15th racing midfield and running on for 3rd in a quick time. With that in the tank, she may just be a bit further down the line than the rest of these and she goes on top. The pick of the first timers is (5) SAENAE HIT. She looked assured in her trial, running through the line well in a fair time, and the 1200M can suit first up. (11) ROADTOMOMENTUM beat a couple of these in her heat when crossing the line 4th in a decent time and with some natural improvement can be in the finish here. (4) FLEX DAY and (1) MOTHER WONDERFUL others who caught the eye in qualification. 

Selections(12) Shine Forest (5) Saenae Hit (11) Roadtomementum (4) Flex Day
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 11, 12

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

After twelve tries and plenty of near misses, it’s about time that (5) DAEHEUNG CLASS got his maiden win. He has placed in each of his last seven races, the five most recent being at this class. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and it should finally be his day. Should he mange to find one too quick yet again, then it might be (11) GLADIUS. A good winner on debut over 1000M, she ran a very close 2nd on her fist try at this class over 1200M on September 17th. She draws a touch wide, but she should have plenty of scope for more development and she can be a big danger here. (2) STAND BY ME got his sole win at this distance and enter off a fair 4th over 1400M last time out. He races for the first time since July so comes in fresh and in with a shout. (10) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG and (1) DORIPO others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Daeheung Class (11) Gladius (2) Stand By Me (10) Challanhan Pokpung
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

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

(3) GANGSEO BULPAE will be hot favourite in this maiden. She ran a close 2nd on debut in June having led for most of the way before being an on-pace 3rd on her return three months later in September. Both were at 1200M and both times she was the beaten favourite, but she should strip fitter for the shorter layoff this time and she can win here. (4) YONGBI STAR is the main danger. She enters off a strong 3rd place finish over 1300M when she was ridden much further forward than her previous starts. Expect her to drop in handy here and challenge late. (9) HI LEGEND ran a fair 5th on debut over 1000M earlier this month having taken an age to get into top gear. The extended trip should suit, and he can get closer this time. (8) DOCTOR LICA and (6) GREAT BOY looks to be the other placing chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 28)

There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Autumn colours are out at the track (Pic: KRA)

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. We’ll side with experience though and (7) PUNGUNJIMA, who after a promising trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 23rd.  He stopped the clock in a good time and with some natural improvement can be the one to beat here. (3) BLACK BELT dead-heated for 3rd on debut over 1000M. That was back in July so he comes in fresh after sixteen weeks off and can be a contender here. (6) GOLDBERG ran 3rd behind Pungunjima on debut last month having led for much of the way around. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) VICAR NAREUMA and trial winner (4) GEUMAK DIA are others in the hunt. 

Selections(7) Pungunjima (3) Black Belt (6) Goldberg (2) Vicar Nareuma
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Again, we will side with experience and there are two standouts. (7) GIANT FORCE debuted over this distance on September 10th and ran well, racing handy and finishing 4th in a decent time. She won’t need to improve much on that to go close here. (3) CUPID MIR was also 4th on his debut. That came over 1000M on September 2nd when he settled back and ran on very nicely. The step up in trip should suit and he can be a big danger. (11) KNIGHT CHARM has raced twice already, positing a 5th and a 4th and should go close again. (9) SAMAEBEONJJEOK and newcomer (10) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE are others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Giant Force (3) Cupid Mir (11) Knight Charm (9) Samaebeonjjeok
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here. (8) CHADOL DIA has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd at 1000M and 1200M. She has been on pace both times and should do the same again here and she has an excellent chance to make the breakthrough. (3) SEIRENE did nothing on debut but has run well for 2nd and 3rd in two starts since, both at this distance. She draws nicely to settle just behind the speed and run on here and the presence of Moon Se-young may mean that she starts as the betting favourite. The form falls away significantly after those two but (6) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has hinted at ability across four starts so far and is a possible pacesetter. (5) JERAQUEEN and (9) STAR CHANGER are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Chadol Dia (3) Seirene (6) Hampyeong Jangmi (5) Jeraqueen
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

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

A very modest maiden and (10) MENI SHARK will be favourite. We’ll need to draw a line through her latest over this distance on October 9th when having been prominent throughout, she weakened late, but her form prior to that was superior to anything else here and she can be given another chance. (9) MACH YEOJE improved significantly to run 4th at start number two on September 24th, settling back and running on. A similar effort will see her in the finish here. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (5) TAENGGEURI hinted at improvement on his latest outing. He tends to get a bit far back in his races, but he should pass plenty late here. (7) GEOMOON and (11) TES JOY others in the minor money hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

Fillies and mares will take centre-stage this weekend as the Queens’ Tour resumes with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. The south-coast track kicks off the action on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong will be in action on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) HWANGGEUMSEONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, racing close to the pace both times. He draws well to be on the speed again and he can make it third time lucky. (3) STRIKE ZONE has a 4th and a 3rd from his two previous outings. The 3rd came over this trip on September 22nd when he settled back and finished off very well. He comes into a much better gate today and he can win. (7) BLACK FALCON went through a couple of trials and then ran fairly for a midfield finish on debut. He can improve here. (11) LIGHT BROWN was slowly away and well back on debut but much improved on her second start on September 10th when 3rd over this distance and racing on pace. She isn’t done any favours by the draw here, but she can be competitive. Among the first timers, (10) BEAT DRAGON looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Hwanggeumseong (3) Strike Zone (7) Black Falcon (11) Light Brown
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

Two standouts here. (6) SEVEN DRAGON has been sent off at long odds-on in both start so far and has come up short in 3rd over 1000M on debut and then 4th over this distance on September 8th when he led for much of the way around. His times have been good, he should be on pace again and he can get it right at the third time of asking. (8) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE was sent off at big odds, on debut on September 22nd but ran a strong 2nd over this distance having been on pace throughout. He should have derived benefit from the experience, and he has every chance here.  (10) TRICKSTER did nothing on debut all the way back in March but trialled up nicely earlier this month and can be a different prospect this time around. (9) ANOTHER ONE and (2) CHEOGANG WEEK other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Seven Dragon (8) Wonderful Cherokee (10) Trickster (9) Another One
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

A very modest maiden. (8) SINCHEON FIRST has a pair of 4th places among three starts so far, most recently at this distance on September 22nd when handy throughout. He can be ridden similarly here and has as much chance as any. (1) HAPPY BRIANNA enters off her best finish to date when 2nd in an all-filly race on October 6th. She settled right back that day before running on and while she was well beaten by a good winner, a similar run will see her firmly in the mix here. (5) UNJU TWO HEARTS showed solid improvement when 2nd at start number two back in August. She comes in here fresh after eleven weeks off and should be on pace. (11) NONSTOP DUTY and (4) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK are the other placing contenders.

Selections(8) Sincheon First (1) Happy Brianna (5) Unju Two Hearts (11) Nonstop Duty
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) SINHAN GAMBLE will be a warm favourite here. That’s based on his last start 2nd on October 8th when, as has been his style, he went right back but then ran on strongly and was only narrowly denied the win. Three of today’s rivals were behind him and he should be beating all of them here. (2) RUN TO KING enters off a fair 4th place at this distance on September 24th. He comes into a better gate today and can aim to better that finish. (4) QUEEN OF JOY returned from five months out to run 5th of twelve over 1300M on September 22nd. She should strip fitter for that run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) ANY SINGS and (7) ROCKS are among others who can be in the hunt for the minor money.  

Selections(1) Sinhan Gamble (2) Run To King (4) Queen Of Joy (10) Any Sings
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

(4) STAR DAERO was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 1st when settling handy and running on very well. He comes up in class and significantly in trip, but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (6) BEST CHAMP got his maiden win over this distance on September 15th, settling midfield before being ridden up to the pace and then running on. He is up in class here, but the extended trip can suit, and he can measure up. (9) HWANG YO remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the top-three. That includes his latest on October 6th when on pace and 2nd over 1200M at this class. He remains lightly weighted and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) RISE THE THRONE was an emphatic maiden winner last time out and comes up in class with the potential to measure up. (10) FABULOUS BEATER is the other logical placing chance.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 22)

It’s a rare Stakes race free Sunday but there is still plenty of action at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and Busan with 6 from 11:50 to 16.35. Here are the previews:

Yongam Boss – one of several contenders in an interesting class 1 finale at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Imported juveniles (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) here. The most experienced, with three starts to her name already, is (3) UWARYUNG. She hasn’t finished outside the top four and has run consistently good times. From a good draw, in this company she should be on or close to the speed and she can make the breakthrough here. (10) OHRA KHAN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over 1200M on debut when starting slowly but running on well. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can match or better today. (1) WHIZ RUNNER was 6th in that race on what was his debut too. He rana fast time at this distance in his trial and can improve today. There are four first-time starters and of them, (9) VELOX BOY and (6) TRAUM QUEEN look the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Uwaryung (10) Ohra Khan (1) Whiz Runner (9) Velox Boy
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens with all tackling the 1300M for the first time. (1) YEONGWON GIANT was a much-improved 2nd at start number three on September 16th over 1200M when he raced further forward than he had done previously and finished off well. He beat several of today’s rivals in the proves and from a great draw, he can go one better today. (4) LUCKY PARTY was 4th in that race having been sent off as favourite following a strong 3rd place on debut. He’ll be on pace again here and can be given another chance. (9) PURGE KING came home in 3rd place on September 16th. That continued the steady progress that he has made since his debut, and he is another who should be in with a shout. As for those who didn’t go in the September 16th race, (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA looks the best. He comes in off a solid 3rd place in a good time at 1200M a month ago and Moon Se-young climbing on will tempt plenty. Newcomer (3) NAEGILUIKING another to keep an eye on.

Selections(1) Yeongwon Giant (4) Lucky Party (9) Purge King (6) Seoul Choegangja
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

More juvenile maidens. (2) EUNPA SARANG has a 3rd and two 5th place finishes from three starts to date and has posted a couple of very good times. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but he finishes off very well and if he is in striking distance at the top of the straight, he could be the one to beat. He will need to get past (4) CHEONHAENGCHAT. She has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record, both times racing on pace. She draws well to get forward here and should be in this a very long way. There are a couple of first-time starters and (6) RUBY PORT looked good in her trial, leading almost the entire way around and crossing the line a close 2nd. She can go well first up. (9) OSONGEUI BYEOL and (7) DONGJIN TEUKGEUP are potential improvers.

Selections(2) Eunpa Sarang (4) Cheonhaengchat (6) Ruby Port (9) Osongeui Byeol
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

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

Juvenile maidens and (4) FLYING KHAN will begin as hot favourite. After a good trial, he overcame gate ten on debut to run 3rd over this distance in a quick time. He comes into a much better gate today and should get an easier run to the front. He will take some beating. (1) AUTUMN BREEZE was an improved 3rd at 1300M on September 17th, racing handy throughout. From the inside gate, she should be close to the pace here and can be competitive again. (2) ARA NURI made good progress on her second start, finishing 3rd over this distance in a good time. She can settle just behind the leaders here and finish strongly. (11) DOCTOR CAPTAIN looks to be on the right trajectory too and along with first time starter (7) HARVEST MOON, is another to consider for the places.

Selections(4) Flying Khan (1) Autumn Breeze (2) Ara Nuri (11) Doctor Captain
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

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

(3) GOLDEN DRAGON remains a maiden after three starts but comes up in class here having secured back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M, both in quick times. He comes down 2kg in the weights, and from a good draw, he can make the breakthrough here. (1) MUNHAK CENTRAL got her maiden win at the seventh time of asking over 1200M on September 16th when she made all. She too comes up in class and while she only gets a 1kg weight drop, she draws well and can measure up in this company. (7) MY CENTER has placed at this class and distance and also ran a fair 6th in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. He has consistently run good times and he should be in the mix again here. (5) DAONDI was very close 2nd to Munhak Central last time and accordingly joins her up in class with every chance of being competitive. (10) BEST CLONE another in the hunt.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 21)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with all twelve racing for the first time. Going on trials, (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG is the probable favourite. She is the only one of these to have won her heat which she did by leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fair time ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She won’t need to improve much on that to contend here. (2) HOMYEONG QUEEN was of those behind Sansameun Hamyang in that September 22nd trial, but she came back out just last weekend and went through another, showing significant improvement and she shapes as one of the dangers. (6) QUERER also went through two trials, improving in the second of them, sitting handy and running on posting the fastest time of any of these in heats in the process. (12) RAON THE SIDAE and (3) EXCELLENT QUEEN are others who went through two trials and showed improvement and are others to consider first up here.

Selections(11) Sansameun Hamyang (2) Homyeong Queen (6) Querer (12) Raon The Sidae
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

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

Imported juveniles with five of the nine racing for the first time. They have a tough task awaiting them though as (5) DREAM ISLE was a winner over 1200M on debut on August 26th when he sat just behind the speed and then pulled away to win by four-lengths. He will be hot favourite to strike again. (3) NONSTOP DREAM is the pick of the debut-makers. She raced on pace in her trial, crossing the line in 2nd place and stopping the clock in a fair time. She draws nicely to be on pace, and she can be in this a long way. (1) MONTAUK CHAT and (4) DALKONG trialled up against one another on September 22nd and both showed promise, finishing 1st and 3rd respectively in good times. Both can be in the mix here. (6) EAST WEST went through three trials in total, leading the final one and is another who could go well.

Selections(5) Dream Isle (3) Nonstop Dream (1) Montauk Chat (4) Dalkong
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens. (1) WALTZUI YEOWANG won a July trial and then ran a good 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 2nd in a quick time. She ran on well so the step up in trip can suit and with some natural improvement, she may prove hard to beat here. (3) GEOLJAK SKY has a 4th and a 2nd in two starts so far, both over 1000M. She too has been doing her best work late on so the additional furlong may be beneficial, and she can be dangerous. (9) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE ran a fair 4th on debut over 1000M in a slow race on a dry track. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can improve today. (5) MORNING BOLD and (8) HANGANG GLORY others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Waltzui Yeowang (3) Geoljak Sky (9) Heunghaeng Bulpae (5) Morning Bold
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(10) VELVETY is the one to beat here. She has been gradually figuring things out across five starts so far and enters with back-to-back 3rd places in her latest two appearances, both over 1300M. Despite the wide draw, in this company she will probably be on pace, and she won’t need to improve very much to win. (5) SHARP SUNSHINE is yet to finish in the top two but as been 3rd or 4th on no fewer than six occasions. She comes back in trip today and should be there or thereabouts. (8) POWER ETCHED also drops down in distance. He comes in off his two best performances to date with a 2nd and a 4th over 1400M and 1300M and he can be in the mix here. (3) BARO CHAMPION and the returning (2) CHROMITE are others to keep safe.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Nine imported juveniles with seven of them racing for the first time. Amng the experienced pair is (7) DESPITE WIN, who is already a winner having scored on debut over 1200M on September 22nd when he settled back and ran on well. He previously trialled up well over this distance and the race experience means he gets the nod. (4) VICE ROYAL qualified in decent order in August but then went through another voluntary trial on September 9th, practically making all and crossing the line 1st in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be a big danger. (1) TROUBLE MARINE similarly improved in a second trial, settling back and running on. She may want further but that could be true of the top pick as well and she can put in a bold showing first up. (9) BREEDO PRINCE and (5) CHONGAL among plenty of others who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Despite Win (4) Vice Royal (1) Trouble Marine (9) Breedo Prince
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Locally bred juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. The experienced one is (3) POWERFUL DASH and he’s raced twice, both at 1000M, improving significantly to 4th in the second of them settling handy and running on. The step up in trip can suit and the racing experience may be key. (10) JEONSEOLUISUNGAN didn’t qualify at the first attempt but looked much better second time around, running on strongly for 2nd in a fast time and beating a couple of the others who go here. He looks the pick of the first timers. (11) SKY YEONGUNG also went through two trials, in his case voluntarily. He too improved in the second of them registering a good time and hinting at ability.  (8) SAMAKUI KKOT and (9) MORPHEUS other newcomers with potential.

Selections(3) Powerful Dash (10) Jeonseoluisungan (11) Sky Yeongung (8) Samakui Kkot
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) BREEDO WIZARD only trialled up last Saturday, but he looked good running a quick 2nd. He was a long way back behind a proven winner (Geuma Deft) and while he comes to the races very quickly, if he can run like that again, he has a fair chance. (4) BURUI TONGCHI was an ion -ace 3rd in his heat in September. He draws nicely to lead first-up and he should be in this a long way. (12) FLYING RACER actually won her trial, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she clearly knows what her job is. (8) HWANHUIUI MOON beat a couple of these on his way to a good 2nd in a fair time in her trial and should be in the mix. Of the pair with prior experience, (10) WONDERFUL KAYLAN looks to have the most potential to improve.

Selections(6) Breedo Wizard (4) Burui Tongchi (12) Flying Racer (8) Hwanhuiui Moon
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies. (6) BEST LEADER was a significant improver at start number three over this distance on September 24th when she led for much of the way around, ultimately getting taken down late and finishing 2nd. She draws well enough here to lead again and will be in this a long way. (4) DIA GRIT has only raced twice so far and did show improvement in the second of the She has the fastest time among these for the distance and with more improvement can be a danger. (9) DAY BY DAY has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest couple. She comes in off a fair 4th over 1300M a month ago and should be aiming to better that here. (1) VICTOR PARTY was monumentally slow in two starts this summer but has since been back to trial where she posted a surprisingly super time when 2nd. If she brings that form, instead of her prior form, to the races, then she can be in the mix. (11) THUNDER GONGJU another with the potential to improve.

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Winner’s Man Back to Brilliant Best in Cup Classic

Winner’s Man may not have been able to retain the Korea Cup he won in 2022 when faced with the might of Japan’s Crown Pride and Gloria Mundi a month ago, but this year’s international race 3rd placegetter franked the form as he defeated his principle local rivals to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man draw clear of Success Macho and Franco Da Silva (Pic: KRA)

Six of the local contenders who lined up for the Korea Cup on September 10th returned for the KRA Cup Classic, a key pointer towards December’s season-ending Grand Prix Stakes. They included Tuhunui Banseok, who had defeated Winner’s Man to win both the YTN Cup and Busan’s Mayor’s Cups in the summer. Success Macho and Haengbok Wangja, 4th and 5th respectively in the Cup, also lined-up again.

In the end, none could get near Winner’s Man. With Seo Seung-un on board, he sat alongside Tuhonui Banseok throughout the early half of the race as outsiders The Gumpu and Vics Go set the pace ahead of Success Macho who stalked in 3rd under Franco Da Silva.

As the field turned into the straight, the outsiders would fall away leaving Success Macho briefly in front, but he was no match for Winner’s Man, who cruised past to take an unassailable lead with a furlong to run. Ultimately, he would lead home Success Macho by three-lengths with Haengbok Wangja emerging from the back to claim 3rd ahead of Simjangui Godong. Tuhonui Banseok was 5th.  

Pic: KRA

Winner’s Man [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (by Volponi)] moved on to sixteen wins from twenty-six starts and in the process claimed his seventh victory at Group level.  Likewise, it was a seventh Group win for trainer Choi Ki-hong – all with Winner’s Man.

For jockey Seo Seung-un, the victory also brought up a personal milestone as it marked his 700th career winner. “I am really happy I could share this moment with Winner’s Man” Seo told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “Every winner is important but this one does mean more than most. He (Winner’s Man) is a different horse to what he was when he was four years old, he doesn’t necessarily want to dictate pace, so we did what we did in the Korea Cup. We’ll go back to Busan and see how he comes out of this and then all being well prepare ultimately for the Grand Prix.”

For Success Macho, it was confirmation, as if further was needed, that he belongs in the elite level and jockey Franco Da Silva was pleased. “The race wasn’t as I expected because the number 6 (Vics Go) went forward and the horse who I expected to lead (Tuhonui Banseok) jumped out slow, so it was a little bit confusing early, and I just had to wait a little bit more to challenge coming into the straight. I expected to run a good race because the last time he got very close to Winner’s Man but today Winners’ Man looks like he is back to his normal self, his condition was very good. Success Macho has improved a lot but still not 100% (at Winner’s Man level) yet so I’m very pleased with the results today.”

As Korean-breds, both Winner’s Man and Success Macho are eligible to run in the next race in the Korea Premier Series, the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1). Winner’s Man did precisely that last year and was beaten, running 3rd behind Raon First and Simjangui Godong (who won the race in 2021). It remains the only Group 1 in the country (Korea Sprint aside) that eludes him. This year’s edition is at Seoul on Sunday November 19th and the 1 Billion Korean Won purse may prove very tempting. Trainer Choi Ki-hong confirmed as much: “We’re aiming for Winner’s Man to get a career Gland Slam of Korean Group 1’, so we will think about the President’s Cup.”

The season-ending Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) is a month later on Sunday December 17th. 

KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 15)

The KRA Cup Classic headlines Sunday’s racing. The big race is the 8th on an 11-race card at Seoul that runs from 11.35 to 18.00. See here for full preview. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11.50 to 16:35. Here are all the previews:

Winner’s Man (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of juvenile maidens and (8) LEGENDSUN will be hot favourite to score. He’s finished 4th and 3rd in his two starts to date, both over this trip and both times leading almost the entire way. He should get to the front again and will take some beating. (7) PERFECT TIARA raced twice in the summer and acquitted herself well, running 3rd and 4th, both over 1000M. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks off but looked well in a trial in early September. She can be a danger here. (5) NAEGILUI WINNER ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in July almost managing to lead the entire way. He only beat two home on his latest stat at this distance on September 16th but it was a quick race, and he won’t need to be much better to be much closer here. First time starter (3) MY KHAN, along with (6) CHEONMA BULPAE are others who may figure.

Selections(8) Legendsun (7) Perfect Tiara (5) Naegilui Winner (3) My Khan
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

More juvenile maidens and another probably hot favourite. (1) GEUMSE ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in August before being a close 4th over the same trip on September 16th. He led both races and from the inside gate, should do the same here and while he comes up in trip, this time he should win. (4) NICE TAEYANG will be second-favourite. That’s based on a much-improved 3rd place at start number three over 1000M on September 10th when he finished off very smartly. The step up in distance should suit and he can go close. (3) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG has already tackled this distance and did well coming 3rd in a decent time two starts back. He’ll be in this. (7) HERO CHAMP and (6) MISS FINAL the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Geumse (4) Nice Taeyang (3) Seongsil Yeongung (7) Hero Champ
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (11) SAHARAMOND, who came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 17th. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement, shapes as the one to beat. (3) CHOEGANG TIME similarly debuted over 1000M on September 2nd and performed well, finishing 4th of eleven. He too came from off the pace and may appreciate the step up in trip here. A couple of the debut-makers won their trials. They include (4) PASALUBONG, who sat handy in his heat before running on well and recording a good time, as well as (8) RAON TAP PLAY, who did similar, albeit in a slightly slower time. Both can go well first up. (10) DRONE KILLER among a couple of other debut makers who caught the eye in trials.

Selections(11) Saharamond (3) Choegang Time (4) Pasalubong (8) Raon Tap Play
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A small field of juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast. (5) BUGYEONG LION will be the warm favourite. The only one in the field to have raced three times already, he has two placings to his name including a last start 2nd over this distance on September 15th when leading until the shadow of the post. He should be just a bit too far ahead of these in terms of development and he should win. (1) ROAD TO TOP was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M in August, running on well. The step up in trip should suit and he can be a danger. (6) SPRIT FIGHTER has raced fairly in his two appearances so far. In this company expect him to be on pace or handy and to be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SIERRA and (8) GEUMA PRECEDE are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Bugyeong Lion (1) Road To Top (6) Sprit Fighter (2) Chrysol Sierra
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(3) TRAUM KING got his maiden win at start number two over 1200M in early August before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on September 2nd, racing handy throughout and posting a good time. He draws nicely to be prominent again, and this time he can win. The main danger is (6) FLYING CARAVANE. A winner on debut over 1000M in July, he followed up with a very close 3rd place over 1200M at this class on September 3rd. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but the additional half furlong can suit, and he has every chance. (2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG is yet to win but comes up in class following too many near-misses. She is nicely weighted and while she doesn’t necessarily look a winning chance, she can place. (7) DREAM PLAY and (11) MEOTJIN GANGHO others in the frame. 

Selections(3) Traum King (6) Flying Caravane (2) Haengbok Yeowang (7) Dream Play
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) SSING GA will be favourite, coming in off a narrow loss when 2nd over this distance on September 8th. She draws well to get to the lead again and she may prove hard to get past. (5) SKY MORNING raced once last year and then twice this spring, all without distinction. She hasn’t run since May, but she did look very well when practically making all in a trial last Saturday, stopping the clock in a good time. If she can bring that form to the races – and so long as she didn’t leave her race in that trial – she can be in the mix here. (6) KICK’N RUSH is a nineteen-race maiden and while her recent form is unspectacular, this is the kind of race she can pick up a cheque in. (8) MACH TURBO and solitary debut-maker (7) EUNSEONG YEOWANG are others to consider for the minors.

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Winner’s Man and Tuhonhui Banseok Face Off Again in KRA Cup Classic

The top-four local placegetters from September’s International Korea Cup will meet again at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday as the race towards the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes picks up full steam with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2).

Tuhonui Banseok holds two wins over Winner’s Man this year (Pic: KRA)

While Japan’s Crown Pride may have emphatically ended the chances of WINNER’S MAN retaining the Korea Cup that he won in 2022, the five-year-old led home the Korean challenge with a smart and fast finishing 3rd place, banishing any pre-race question marks over his fitness. Winner’s Man won the Herald Business Trophy over the same 2000M at Seoul in April and while he then suffered two setbacks, his Cup performance showed he is still to be taken seriously. He will probably start as favourite on Sunday.

The setbacks that Winner’s Man endured came in May and July in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) both times at the hands of TUHUNUI BANSEOK. The Verrazano five-year-old entire made all for an emphatic win in the YTN before being passed late on by Winner’s Man in the Busan Mayor’s only to rouse himself again and fight back and win. He led the Korea Cup until the Japanese pair of Crown Pride and Gloria Mundi went past and ultimately finished in 6th place. The Bart Rice-trainee is not to be ruled out of overhauling Winner’s Man again.

SUCCESS MACHO won nine out of his first ten races but appeared to have been found out at the elite level. A ten-month layoff between last October and this June appeared to do him the world of good though as just second-up on his return, he won the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) to claim his first Group success and then ran a strong 4th in the Korea Cup, just half a length behind Winner’s Man. With Franco Da Silva aboard, he will drop back and run on late.

The Korea Cup also marked a return to form for HAENGBOK WANGJA. The 2021 Grand Prix Stakes winner never really kicked on from that success and endured a challenging and fruitless trip to the Dubai World Cup Carnival earlier this year. He shrugged that off though with a strong 5th place in the Korea Cup, just a length off 3rd and almost two-lengths in front of Tuhonui Banseok, marking a welcome return to form.

SIMJANGUI GODONG and THE GUMPU were further back in the Korea Cup but back in just local company, both are entitled to have a say on Sunday.

The KRA Cup Classic is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday.

Selections: (7) Winner’s Man (1) Tuhonui Banseok (3) Success Macho (10) Simjangui Godong