Month: October 2023

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 14)

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

Seo Seung-un is in Seoul this weekend to ride Winner’s Man. He has plenty of other rides too (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. There were some good trial performances, but we’ll stick with experience and (8) UMAPOY, who after winning a trial ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 16th. He was doing his best work late, posting a fast final furlong and the step up to 1200M should suit. (1) GEUMA MOMENTOUS took three trials to qualify but once he got it right, he looked very good, cruising away from the rest of his heat to stop the clock in a quick time. He draws nicely and a bold showing first-up looks likely. (10) BELOTERO and (2) THE SUN FIGHTER trialled up together, crossing the line in 2nd and 3rd in decent times. Both can be considered here. (5) CITY KING another to keep safe on debut having hinted at ability in his trial.

Selections(8) Umapoy (1) Geuma Momentous (10) Belotero (2) The Sun Fighter
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

Maiden juvenile fillies. Having run 5th on debut, (4) EXCELLENT MATTA was sent off as favourite for her second start over 1000M on September 9th when she showed on pace but ultimately had to settle for 2nd. In this company she will be on the speed again, the additional furlong should pose no problem, and she can make it third time lucky. (9) HAPPY ICTUS could pose a danger. She already has experience of the 1200M having run 3rd over it in a good time on September 10th when handy throughout. That followed a 4th place on debut, and she should be close. (2) MIGHTY CAP was a solid 4th on debut over 1000M on September 17th. From a good gate, she should be on pace and like many of these can have derived benefit from her first run. (6) LOVE MUNMAK, 5th behind Happy Ictus last time, and (8) MAGIC PLEASURE are other potential improvers.

Selections(4) Excellent Matta (9) Happy Ictus (2) Mighty Cap (6) Love Munmak
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

Two standouts here and they have both been back to trial since their respective latest outings. (7) JANGHEUNG CLASS has a 2nd place to his name and while he got sent back to trail after his last start 5th for repeatedly racing ungenerously, he looked well in his heat last week, stopping the clock in a good time. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he has a chance. (8) HAYAN TAEYANG raced twice this spring, registering a 6th and a 4th. She trialled up twice in September, posting good times and she can go well first-up. (2) DAERYUN BULPAE ran on well enough for a midfield finish on debut in August. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can improve here. (4) MENI CHARM and the solitary debut maker (3) SWAY are others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Jangheung Class (8) Hayan Taeyang (2) Daeryun Bulpae (4) Meni Charm
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) CHOEGANG NICE will be a warm favourite here. He enters off his best finish to date when 2nd over 1400M on August 26th, settling midfield and running on. His times haven’t been quick but that’s true of everything in this race and he can settle off the pace and prove too strong late on. (2) YEJIMONG was well back behind Choegang Nice in that August race but ran fairly enough for 5th over 1200M on September 17th. In this company and from a good draw, she can be on pace and in this a long way. (6) GRAND GUNHWANG showed signs of figuring things out when much-improved at start number four on September 16th and can continue to make progress here. (10) MY ONE and (3) MAGIC K others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Choegang Nice (2) Yejimong (6) Grand Gunhwang (10) My One
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Fillies only and it’s a good race for the level. (4) LOVE COWGIRL was a winner on debut back in May and has steadily improved across three starts at this level culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on September 2nd when slowly away but running on well. She prefers to be on pace and with a better start she looks ready to win again here. (5) RAON THE FANTA got her maiden win at start number two over 1000M on September 2nd when racing handy throughout and running on. She is up in class and in distance here, but neither should be a problem and she can be a danger. (6) GRACE K made all to win at big odds over 1300M in July and backed it up with 2nd at this class over that same trip on September 3rd. She comes up 2kg in the weights but should be competitive again. (10) FOUR ACE, a close 3rd behind Grace K in that September race, along with the up in class last start winner (7) YEOWANG SOCKS are among plenty of others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s KRA Cup Classic weekend. The big race, set to include Korea Cup 3rd place-getter Winner’s Man and big rival Tuhonui Banseok, will take place over the 2000M at Seoul on Sunday. Before that, the weekend’s action gets under way with a 9-race Friday card at Busan running from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here with six of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (6) BROWN FALCON overcame a slow start to run on for 5th in a decent time on debut over 1000M on September 15th. She should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) HUIMANG CANDY similarly started slowly on debut on September 1st before running on well for 5th place in a good time. She too can benefit from the run and can get closer this time. Of the first-time starters, (7) LOLLY was a close 2nd in her trial having raced handy throughout. (4) DOCTOR ERICA also hinted at ability, crossing the line 4th out of ten and can go well first up. (12) B.K. ZENA is the only one in the field to have raced twice already and the only one to have tackled this distance. She can improve here.

Selections(6) Brown Falcon (10) Huimang Candy (7) Lolly (4) Doctor Erica
Next Best12, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 12

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

A small but competitive field. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND gets the tentative nod with a 2nd and a 3rd among his latest three starts with the placings coming at this distance. He has posted some good times and from a nice draw he can sit handy and could prove too strong. (4) CHARMING BEST improved at his latest outing on September 15th when running on from midfield for 4th in a good time. In this company, he can be on pace and should be in this a long way. (6) PERFECT ACTION similarly improved last time out at start number three, overcoming a slow start to run on for 2nd place over this distance.  She was a full eleven-lengths behind a good winner but should have a say in the finish here. (5) ALICE MARINE and (3) SEOBU TWIST, the latter coming back six months after her debut and trialling up well, are others to consider.

Selections(2) Jeongmun Legend (4) Charming Best (6) Perfect Action (5) Alice Marine
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(5) GREAT BOY has a 5th and a 4th in two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, both times settling well back and finishing strongly. The further step up in trip can suit and it can be third-time lucky for the colt, who is out of a mare who won both the Korean Derby and Korean Oaks. The main danger is (2) ACE RUN. He enters off his equal best performance to date when 3rd over 1300M on September 15th. He will settle behind the speed here and can be running on late. (6) MOST RAPID has a 3rd place to his name and that’s enough to put him in contention for at least the minors here. (1) CONCORD PARK and (7) WONDERFUL IMPACT are the others with outside chances of a place.

Selections(5) Great Boy (2) Ace Run (6) Most Rapid (1) Concord Park
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

(5) POCKET MILLION will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. She’s steadily improved across three very positive starts so far, culminating in a close 2nd place over this distance on September 17th when she led for much of the way around. She will be expected to lead again here, and this time, she can go all the way. (6) CAPTAIN CHARLIE has got a bit far back in all his races so far, but he did run on pleasingly enough for 4th last time out over 1200M. Coming back up to 1300M may suit today. (3) FANTASTIC DREAM will need to be forgiven his latest effort when he was never involved from the widest gate. He gets a better draw today and going on his 2nd lace two starts back, warrants consideration. (2) CHOICE ROAD and (1) CHOEGANG WEEK others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Pocket Million (6) Captain Charlie (3) Fantastic Dream (2) Choice Road
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

This isn’t a strong race for the level and that means tat the up in class (11) MADE HEEMANG has every chance of going back-to-back. He scored his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on September 10th when racing handy. He may need a touch of luck from the widest gate but there isn’t much to fear in this field. (7) RICH COWBOY was the longest shot on the board when beating a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at this class and distance on September 15th when coming from well off the pace. She warrants a little more respect this time. (5) DONGNAM WINNER has been a little wobbly in his latest two, but he is a winner over this trip and is worth another chance in this company (4) MASARANGGIL and (9) SKY SHOT are others in the hunt.

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JUVENILE SERIES: LALA K ROLLED AS NICE TIME CLAIMS MUNHWA / BAEKDUUI KKUM SCORES AT BUSAN

A precocious, slightly uncontrollable, and still unbeaten grey two-year-old made his way into the winner’s circle as expected following the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, the first leg of the Juvenile Series at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But it wasn’t Lala K, whose exploits in August’s Rookie Stakes went around the world. Instead, Nice Time was the grey who emerged with his reputation enhanced and unbeaten record intact.

Lala K can only manage 3rd as Nice Time defeats Eclipse Berry in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Last to first Rookie Stakes winner Lala K was sent off as favourite in the Munhwa Ilbo (1200M KOR-L). There was never any likelihood of the same kind of fireworks as in the Rookie Stakes, a situation that came about because of an unfortunate start leaving him a long way behind. This time, Lala K began well but from gate nine was quickly caught in no-man’s land four-wide. It was not a promising platform from which to launch any kind of challenge.

Outsider Gana Power led from the gate with Eclipse Berry joining him. Gana Power gave way at the top of the straight leaving the Rookie Stakes 3rd placegetter along with Vincero Cavallo out in front. The latter was quickly beaten and with Lala K struggling to go through the gears, it seemed Eclipse Berry was set to win.

Nice Time is another…eccentric…grey (Pic: KRA)

That was to reckon without Nice Time. Like Lala K, he came into the race two for two and was sent off as second favourite. Under Kim Dong-soo, he tracked Lala K in the early stages, also racing wide, before coming past on the turn and launching a late charge, catching, and passing Eclipse Berry in the shadow of the post.

Nice Time is by Overanalayze and is out of the Tenpins mare Country Club Sue. He was a KRW 105 Million purchase by his owner, Park Nam-sung, at last year’s KTBA October Sale. He is trained by Moon Byeong-ki, who only gained his license last year and was winning his first Listed race. For jockey Kim Dong-soo, it was a second big race win having won the Busan Ilbo Sprint on Silver Wolf in 2018.

As for Lala K, while he won’t be going viral this time, he may benefit from the experience of having been in the kickback for the first time. He still finished strongly for 3rd place and there is plenty more racing to come.

Busan also hosted its first leg of the Juvenile Series, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (1200M KOR-L). On the south coast the Rookie Stakes winner did oblige as filly Baekduui Kkum, sauntered to an easy victory.   

Sent off as the odds-on favourite following her four-length score in August’s Rookie, this time it was even more straightforward for Baekduui Kkum. Franco Da Silva, who is enjoying a golden year in the saddle, stalked the early leader before briefly giving Badauui Kkum her head in the home straight and she didn’t need long to establish her superiority, cruising across the line five-lengths to the good of Doctor Kingdom, who also chased her home in the Rookie.

Baekduui Kkum and Franco Da Silva win the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (Pic: KRA)

Baekduui Kkum is by Uncaptured and is out of the Discreet Cat mare Baekdu Cat. She was a KRW 30 Million purchase from the KTBA November 2022 sale by owner Hong Kyung-pyo, who is best known for top sprinter Ssonsal. She is trained by Lee Sang-young, also the current trainer of Ssonsal.

Seoul and Busan will also hold separate races for the second leg of the Juvenile Series on November 5th, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, both over 1200M. The best of the two track’s two-year-olds will then come together at Busan on December 10th for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) and a huge KRW 700 Million purse. Nice Time and Baekduui Kkum will surely be there, but will Lala K?

Next week the there is Stakes race action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) with rivals Winner’s Man and Tuhonui Banseok set to clash once more.

Hangul Day Monday at Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

There is a rare Monday with racing as the Hangul (Korean alphabet) Day holiday is marked with a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Malma marks Hangul Day (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

The first Monday card in Korea in decades gets underway with a maiden. The favourite will be (2) GEUMBIT GANGHO based on his much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on August 27th and racing handy throughout. That was just his second start and from an inside gate he can be on pace again and with plenty of scope for more development, he can win. (1) RAON JUMP has raced eleven times already but comes in off her two best finishes, a 3rd and most recently 2nd, both at 1200M. She tends to sit back and run on, but she has by far the best average final furlong time of any of these and she may appreciate finally getting a chance at an extra half furlong. (9) LAFAYETTE too has been finishing off his races fairly and can improve of the 4th places he has registered in his two most recent outings. (5) NEMO SPIRIT and (10) MENI SHARK others to look out for. 

Selections(2) Geumbit Gangho (1) Raon Jump (9) Lafayette (5) Nemo Spirit
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

(8) STEALTH PARK has a 3rd and a 2nd among four starts to date, both at this distance. The 3rd came from off the pace in a quick race while the 2nd was from the front in a low one. There is a bit of early speed here so he may well settle back and run on, and he has solid claims. (9) CHEONGPAUI KKUM improved to 3rd at start number three over this distance on September 9th, settling behind the speed and finishing off well. He can do similar here and has as much chance as any in this modest maiden. (3) GOLDEN FLYING seems to be on the right trajectory with improvement across her latest two and she can go close today. (5) SAENAE VIVA can provide that aforementioned early speed and be in this a long way. (1) AUSTIN LEADER another to keep safe.

Selections(8) Stealth Park (9) Cheongpaui Kkum (3) Golden Flying (5) Saenae Viva
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

Small field for this maiden and (2) SSING SSING SSING should prove too good. He has the fastest time among them for the distance and from a nice draw can get to the lead with minimal fuss and then go all the way. (3) GANGCHEOL BUDAE is probably the only other one that a winning case can be made for on form. That form consists of a 4th place on August 27th at this distance. The margin was big though, and the time not quick but he does have a 3rd place to his name and at his best is a solid place chance in this company. With only one start so far, (6) YOU TAKE has done the least wrong. He was behind Ssing Ssing Ssing on debut but should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement can get close. (1) SHOOT UP SPARK and (7) CLOVER PARTY possible for the minors.

Selections(2) Ssing Ssing Ssing (3) Gangcheol Busan (6) You Take (1) Shoot Up Spark
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juveniles with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s hard to go past (7) EOSEOMAREULHAE, who after two very good trials, was sent off as favourite over 1000M on debut on September 3rd and duly obliged to the tune of five-lengths. The trip is longer but in at the same weight and drawn marginally better, he should make it two from two. Four others return from that September 3rd race. (6) PANORAMA KING came home 2nd that day, duelling with Eoseomareulhae for the lead throughout before the latter proved too strong. He should have come on for the run and while it is questionable if he can overturn those five-lengths, he looks the main danger. Likewise, (8) GEOLJAK CHOEGANG came home 3rd, making up good ground. He was finishing better than Panorama King and only has a length to make up. Among the first timers. (4) MAKING STORY went through a couple of trials and much improved in a voluntary one in late September. He and (2) MIGHTY JJANG are perhaps the best of those who didn’t go in the September 3rd race.

Selections(7) Eoseomareulhae (6) Panorama King (8) Geoljak Choegang (4) Making Story
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(1) DAEBAK SOCKS won one of three starts as a juvenile last year but then didn’t return to action for eight months. Having won a trial, he finished a strong 3rd on his racing comeback on August 20th when he led for much of the way around. He should strip fitter for that run, and he can win here. After some middling efforts following her maiden win, (2) GALSAEK HYANGGI found some form last time out, coming from well off the pace to run 2nd over 1300M and beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process. Antonio remains aboard and she can build on that momentum today. (6) MISTER STAR is up in class having made all to win over 1200M on September 2nd. He can challenge for the lead and shouldn’t be far away. (5) SPECIAL FORCE is still a maiden but is up in class having finished 2nd in both her first two outings over 1000M and 1200M. She carries a light weight and should measure up. (8) HONEY PUNCH another in the hunt in a small but competitive field.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 8)

The viral superstar Lala K returns to the track as the Juvenile Series kicks off with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (live on the KRBC International YouTube channel). Busan also hosts its opening leg of the Juvenile Series with the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes. See here fore a preview of both races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00, Here is the race-by-race:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one having raced before. (4) HERE I AM will start the hot favourite having improved to 2nd place in a quick time at start number two on September 3rd when racing handy throughout. He draws well here and should prove too strong. (10) HWASANGWIHWA similarly improved last time out at what for him was start three in which he raced around in 2nd position all the way. The time was good, and a repeat will put him in the finish again. (9) SMART CLAIR has run fairly across three starts so far. She has been a touch one-paced but if he can settle midfield, he should pass a few late to take some money. (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI and (5) SMART CAT others in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Here I Am (10) Hwasangwihwa (9) Smart Clair (7) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Two standouts here. (10) GRAND SILVER gets the nod with steady improvement in recent outings culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on September 10th when handy all the way. He won’t need to improve much here to win this. (1) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1300M on September 17th. He has looked like he may appreciate a touch further and today he gets the chance to show it and is the main danger. (7) HEY MAMA beat Grand Silver two starts back and then beat three of the others who go here when repeating that finish on September 2nd over this distance. She’ll be on pace here and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) GEOMOON and (2) SANGIM DAEPYO among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Grand Silver (1) Heuimangui Changa (7) Hey Mama (11) Geomoon
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast with all but two having raced before and it’s a tricky puzzle. As a result, we’ll take a chance on the solitary first timer. That’s (2) WORLD DRAGON who looked good when making all to cross the line first by a big margin in a decent time in a late-August trial. He draws nicely to lead on debut and can put in a bold first up showing. (7) BLACK SPRING ran 2nd in a quick time over 1000M on debut in July before finishing last in the Rookie Stakes on August 27th. His time wasn’t bad though and coming back into more amenable company, he can be given another chance. (3) BEOLMAUI MONSTER came from off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M on debut on September 1st. He was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have benefitted from the experience and the extra furlong can suit. (9) STRIDING MAN and (5) MACH MAN among plenty of others with the possibility of improvement.

Selections(2) World Dragon (7) Black Spring (3) Beolmaui Monster (9) Striding Man
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Having won a trial, (4) BRAVO PLAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on August 19th. He raced handy throughout, briefly touching the front in the straight but ultimately finished a close 3rd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he looks the one to beat here. Both (5) GEOLJAK ONE and (2) MAGIC STRONG had poor days at the office when they came home 8th and 9th respectively when racing one another over this distance on August 27th. Both had shown ability prior, especially Geoljak One, who has a 2nd and a 3rd among four starts and the pair look to be the biggest dangers here. (6) STORM GUY did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked well so could improve. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI another in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Bravo Play (5) Geoljak One (2) Magic Strong (6) Storm Guy
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) GOOD DADDY was unfancied on debut over 1200M and having come out of the widest gate, it looked as though that pessimism was justified as he sat at the back of the twelve-runner field and did little. Then came the closing stages where he made up excellent ground and finished 5th. He should improve for the run and the early step up to a mile could be very much in his favour in this very weak maiden. (4) COLONEL FLYING ran 2nd in August and then beat plenty of these when 3rd over 1400M on September 10th. We’ll need to draw a line through his latest on September 24th, but his prior form was superior to the rest here and he can be given another chance. He’s not alone in needing forgiveness for his most recent outing. (2) SINHAN GAMBLE was well back in the same race but his 5th at the start before is enough to make him a money chance here. Likewise (7) ROCKS and (8) TOMYRIS have had minor money finishes and could repeat.

Selections(3) Good Daddy (4) Colonel Flying (2) Sinhan Gamble (7) Rocks
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (4) V QUEEN enters with recent form reading well with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at class and distance on September 10th when she settled right back and ran on well. She draws nicely here, she remains lightly weighted, and she has as good a chance as any. She has though won just one from thirty-three. (1) MR QUALITY may be yet to win at all, but he has proved competitive at this class in his latest two. He likes to get on pace and from a good draw he can lead and be in this a long way. (6) FINE DAY is another maiden but comes up in class here after too many near-misses at class 6. She comes down in weight and should be prominent here. (2) GEOSEN CHAMP and (8) BEST SUNSHINE among other placing chances.

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Lala K To Defend 100% Record as Juvenile Series Starts Sunday

Lala K, the striking grey two-year-old who shocked the world with his scarcely believable last to first run to win the Seoul Rookie Stakes in August, returns to action at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday as he seeks to maintain his 100% start to his career in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed), the capital track’s first leg of the Juvenile Series.

Lala K (Pic: KRA)

Although the overall race time was not especially quick, Lala K’s figures as he went from out of sight at the back to out of sight at the front in the Rookie Stakes certainly held up to scrutiny. He may have been running at tiring and inexperienced young horses, but his final furlong time was one-tenth of a second quicker than that clocked by Remake when the Japanese star set a new track record in the International Group 3 Korea Sprint two weeks later.

Don’t necessarily expect a repeat of those come from behind antics on Sunday though as Lala K’s extraordinary finish was only rendered necessary after he received a big bump coming out of the gate which put him a long way back. On his debut appearance over 1000M in July, he broke cleanly and sat in 2nd place before pulling away from the field to win comfortably and jockey Yoo Seung-wan will probably have little appetite to do things the hard way again as Lala K seeks to go three for three.

LALA K will be sent off as hot favourite in the Munhwa Ilbo with Rookie Stakes 3rd ECLIPSE BERRY perhaps the main danger. She overcame the same wide gate as today to get on pace and ran on well. Aside from Lala K the only other unbeaten horse in the race is NICE TIME. The Overanalyze colt won on debut over 1000M in August before following up with a victory at class 5 level at today’s distance when settling midfield and running on. He has shown a decent final furlong turn of speed – not Lala K speed – but he looks to have scope to get better.

HANGANG CROWN was sent off as favourite for the Rookie Stakes but after showing prominently early endured a dismal final furlong to ultimately finish last. She had previously shown good speed and will be given another chance by plenty. VINCERO CAVALLO ran out a seven-length winner at this distance to get his maiden win on September 16th and is another who has potential.

While only two come back to face Lala K from that Rookie Stakes, some pointers to how that form is holding up will come on Saturday. Runner-up Dalbitjogaksa, who led all the way under Lala K cleaned her up, goes in Saturday’s class 4 race 7 over 1400M. while 4th place Flying Star runs in race 6 also at 1300M at class 5. One race earlier on Saturday, 5th place Geosen Bangyeok goes in race 5, also at class 5 over 1300M. All three are likely to be sent off as favourite.

For all the attention lavished on Lala K, Busan’s equivalent Rookie Stakes was probably the better race although only three who come out of it are among the eight who will contest Sunday’s Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (1200M KOR-Listed), Busan’s equivalent race to the Munhwa Ilbo (the two tracks’ juveniles only come together for the final race of the series, the Breeders’ Cup at Busan in December). They are headed by the impressive winner, BAEKDUUI KKUM, who having been handy throughout, eased away from his rivals to score by four-lengths.

Baekduui Kkum will be a strong favourite to score again. That day’s runner-up DOCTOR KINGDOM returns for another crack while the Bart Rice trainee CONTROLLER, with a win and two placings from three outings so far, is given his chance. The potential main danger though is Thomas Gillespie’s YEONGGWANGUI GLORY, a winner of both his starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and who draws very nicely on the inside to get to the lead again.

The Munhwa Ilbo Trophy is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul and will be broadcast live on the KRA’s KRBC International YouTube channel.

The Areumdaun Jilju Stakes is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan.

Munhwa Ilbo Trophy Selections: (9) Lala K (11) Eclipse Berry (10) Nice Time (2) Vincero Cavallo

Areumdaun Jilju Stakes Selections: (2) Baekduui Kkum (1) Yeonggwangui Glory (3) Controller (6) Doctor Kingdom

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 7)

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

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all twelve racing for the first time so it’s to the trail videos that we head. Conveniently, three of them went through the same trial and even more conveniently, one caught the eye. (10) STARTER stalked the leader before breezing by in the straight and easing away under a hold in a quick time. If she brings that form to the races, she will win. (6) GLOBAL CODIE led his heat a long way ultimately crossing the line in 2nd. He draws centrally and should be on pace again and in this a long way. (5) CUPID MORNING was 3rd in the same heat with Starter, albeit almost nine-lengths in arrears. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a bad trial, and he looks a placing chance here. (3) SPARK THUNDER stumbled at the start of heat, giving himself plenty to do, but he finished off well enough to suggest that with a clean getaway, he can make an impression. (2) BOLLIN another to keep safe.

Selections(10) Starter (6) Global Codie (5) Cupid Morning (3) Spark Thunder
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 12

Seoul Race 2:  Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden and again all twelve race for the first time. (7) GIANT M went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (it was a voluntary trial so be aware it may not feature in all race cards), running handy and crossing the line 1st, stopping the clock in 1:02.3 on September 8th. That’s the quickest time any of these posted and he looks a good chance first-up. (10) WORLD SHANNONS was also a trial winner, beginning well and sitting on pace and responding well when asked for an effort. Moon Se-young’s presence will tempt plenty. (9) ROYAL BEST and (2) FLYING KING came home 2nd and 3rd respectively in their heat in fair times and both can be considered here. (5) FRESH MAN another who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Giant M (10) World Shannons (9) Royal Best (2) Flying King
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maidens although this time all nine have raced before although only four at his distance. One of those is (4) SINUI UNMYEONG who was a much-improved 4th when stepped up to this trip on September 3rd, sitting close throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a decent time. He should have benefitted from that experience and has every chance today. (2) MORNING BOLD’s three starts have all come at 1000M, but he has set very consistent times and has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record. That means any top-three finish will give him a rating and from a nice draw, it could well be a win. (6) CHAMJOEUN INYEON too steps up in distance for the first time following a 4th and a 6th in good times over 1000M. She should be in the mix here. (1) STORM BREAKER and (9) FINAL GO others with the potential to improve.  

Selections(4) Sinui Unmyeong (2) Morning Bold (6) Chamjoeun Inyeon (1) Storm Breaker
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

A standard maiden here and a couple look ready to win. (8) RAON AIR FORCE did nothing in his first few starts but has significantly improved in his latest two, posting a 3rd and a 2nd, both at this trop and both times racing on pace. He can be on the speed here and can go one better. (10) POWERFUL VISION has improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place finish over 1300M on August 18th when she led for much of the way around. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the wide gate, but if she can get forward again, she has claims. (7) SAEBYEOK BULBIT has five top-four finishes from seven prior outings, generally sitting behind the pace or in midfield and running on. She can be close her too. (6) WINNER DRAGON and (5) TAPYEONGMU others to keep safe.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 6)

After a one-week hiatus, racing returns this weekend with 4-day program beginning on Friday and concluding with a rare Monday meeting at Seoul for the Hangeul Day holiday. The action starts at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

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

Racing returns with twelve juveniles all racing for the first time so we must head to the trial videos. (8) UNJU TOP posted the fastest time, finishing 2nd in his heat when on pace and asked for an effort before being allowed to coast in the final stages. A similar effort will see him in the mix. (5) OUR DESTINY is the only trial winner. He was ridden hard to get to the lead and he remained there throughout, stopping the clock in a good time. Expect him to be on the speed here and he has every chance of going all the way. (12) SEKWANG CHOEGANG came from off the pace to finish 2nd in her hear in a fair time. That run suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can challenge here. (11) I AM LEGEND and (2) GOOD KING MAN others who caught the eye in their respective heats and who can be considered for bold showings.

Selections(8) Unju Top (5) Our Destiny (12) Sekwang Choegang (11) I Am Legend
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. Having won her trial, (9) TEAM PERFECT was sent off as favourite over 1000M on debut on September 1st. She raced close to the pace throughout but had to settle for 3rd place behind a good winner. She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, can win here. (11) ACE GOOD JOB was a much-improved 2nd at start number six on September 8th when coming off the pace and running a close 2nd in a good time. A similar performance here can see her in the finish. (1) MAGIC ELEVEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She draws nicely to sit on or close to the speed and can go close again. The presence of Seo Seung-un aboard (6) RED JASPER will tempt plenty and she has shown improvement over a stop start career to date. (4) B. K. WARRIOR another in the frame to get better.

Selections(9) Team Perfect (11) Ace Good Job (1) Magic Eleven (6) Red Jasper
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

A very modest maiden so it’s probably worth giving another chance to (3) KING FIGHTER. He’s been on pace in each of his three starts to date and was sent off as favourite last time out, leading again before ultimately ending in 5th. An apprentice brings his weight down and well-drawn to lead again, he has as good a chance as any here. (6) GLORY CROWN was overmatched in the Rookie Stakes last time out but comes into much shallower waters here and can go close. His debut 3rd place over 1000M in a decent time suggests he has some ability.  (4) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH comes in off back-to-back 4th places at 1300M. He’s the only one in the field to have a runner-up finish to his name and he should be there or thereabouts again. (8) DREAM BIGGER and (5) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) King Fighter (6) Glory Crown (4) Yeonggwanguitouch (8) Dream Bigger
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) HANEUL BULPAE enters off a 2nd place over this distance on September 3rd when he led until the middle of the home straight, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He comes in under the same weight, Seo Seung-un remains aboard, and he will be favoured to go one better here. (9) HAEUNDAE STAR similarly comes in with form in his favour having beaten three of these when 3rd at 1300M on September 1st. That was his first start in ten-months; he should strip fitter for the run, and he is the main danger here. (3) PINHOLE EYE ran a solid 3rd over a mile last time out. He has had just over three months off since then so comes in fresh and can be a place chance. (5) DOCTOR LEO and (7) WIN STING others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(8) Haneul Bulpae (9) Haeundae Star (3) Pinhole Eye (5) Doctor Leo
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

(7) MOTHER ROAD was a smart winner over the minimum distance on debut in July despite racing wide an ungenerously before showing a real turn of foot late on. She than ran 5th in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. She skips the first leg of the Juvenile Series on Sunday in order to go here and she should be favourite. (2) GLOBAL TAEYANG ran 2nd to Mother Road on debut, beaten five-lengths, but then got a maiden win of her own at start number two on August 27th when sweeping home from a wide draw and from off the pace over 1200M. She comes up in class here, but the additional furlong can suit, and she comes into a better gate. The additional trip may also be a good for (1) FOR THE GOODTIME. A winner on debut, he came from well back to run 4th on his first try at this class over 1200M in July. He races for the first time since but warrants consideration. (9) PEGACORN and (8) CORNER ONE the other logical placing chances.

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