Month: November 2023

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 1)

December’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a newcomer although there is a caveat. (9) HANEUL EUTTEUM trialled up nicely at the start of November, running a very close 2nd in a quick time and racing on pace. However, he had previously failed several trials for manners – weaving all over the home straight in one and abruptly stopping in the early stages in another. If those issues are fixed and he brings his latest trial form to the races, he is a chance. He’ll need to be taken on trust though and the probable favourite is (1) SAENAE HIT. He was favourite on debut as well after a good trial and ran a fair 5th over this distance. He will be on the speed here and should have come on for the experience. (5) SEOBU VISION took two goes to qualify but posted a quick time second time around and is another newcomer who can be on the speed. (6) SANGIM BOLT and trial winner (10) GLOBAL SPURT others to consider.

Selections(9) Haneul Eutteum (1) Saenae Hit (5) Seobu Vision (6) Sangim Bolt
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) SHINE FOREST was a quick 3rd on debut over 1000M in September before following up with a 2nd place when tried at this distance for start number two on October 29th when she sat behind the early speed and ran on, stopping the clock in a good time. She can go one better here. (8) DAY BY DAY is yet to finish in the top three but has ended up in 4th of 5th in each of her last five outings. Along the way she has posted the fastest time of any of these for the distance and she should be securing a best to date finish here.  Solitary debut-maker (7) ROAD TO PARTY was an on-pace 2nd in his trial in a good time at the end of October. This isn’t stiff company to debut in, so he has to be given a chance first-up. (10) RED JASPER and (5) CHOEGANG WEEK among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Shine Forest (8) Day By Day (7) Road To Party (10) Red Jasper
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

(11) GRAY QUEEN came out of the same wide gate she draws today to close from well off the pace for 2nd place at start number two over 1200M on November 3rd. She was a full ten-lengths behind the winner, Running Tree, but the additional half furlong should suit, and she will be doing her best work late on again. (8) VALHALLA is probably worth another chance. He weakened badly on debut over this distance on November 10th, but it was just a week after he exerted himself plenty in winning a trial. He has had three weeks off this time and may reproduce his trial form. (5) THE BIG SHOT comes in off a couple of 4th place finishes, most recently behind Gray Queen in that November 3rd race and she should be there of thereabouts. (7) DORAON ZETTA and (3) SKY YEONGUNG – who was dreadful on debut but had previously hinted at ability in trials – are others who should be in the frame.

Selections(11) Gray Queen (8) Valhalla (5) The Big Shot (7) Doraon Zetta
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(4) CHARMING BEST comes up in class having broken through at the fifth time of asking, winning a quick race over 1200M in fine style on November 5th. He draws nicely to get on pace again and he can measure up in this company. (9) FABULOUS BEATER is yet to win in seven starts, but comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance n October 27th when settling midfield and finishing off well. It was a quick time and while he comes up slightly in the weights, he can potentially go one better here. (10) DONGNAM WINNER got her maiden win two starts back with a brisk score over this distance. She ran a fair 5th of eleven on her first try at this class in a similarly quick race on November 5th and she shouldn’t be far away here. (11) JEONGMUN LEGEND and (6) CHAS PALPAL among others to keep safe.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 26)

No Graded or Listed races this Sunday but still plenty to get stuck into with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Late autumn at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one having raced at least once before. (8) YONGAM MARENGO has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 3rd on October 29th when coming from well off the pace and he shapes to be a hot favourite. (10) BLACK BELT dead-heated for 3rd place on debut over 1000M in July before following up with a standalone 3rd at this distance on October 28th when coming from well off the pace. He has proven able to finish off his races well so the wide draw isn’t a problem, and he can be a danger. (12) LUCKY PARTY has raced three times and has never been worse than 4th. He was sent off as favourite on his latest over 1300M on October 22nd, leading for most of the way before ultimately coming home 3rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but could well be market leader again (2) GALSAEK DOJEONJA and (1) CHEONHAENGCHAT others in the frame.

Selections(8) Yongam Marengo (10) Black Belt (12) Lucky Party (2) Galsaek Dojeonja
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

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

More juvenile maidens. (4) STUNNING SKY wasn’t fancied at all on debut, but nobody told him that as he pulled off a very solid runner-up finish over this distance having sat handy and then briefly led in the straight stopping the clock in a time for the distance faster than any of the others here have managed. He should have come on for the run and he can go one better today. (5) CHEONGRYANGSAN ran 3rd on debut before following up with a 2nd place at start number two over this distance three weeks ago when racing handy throughout. He should be on pace here and is a big danger. (11) DONGJIN TEUKGEUP has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place at this trip on October 22nd. He came off the pace to secure that so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can be doing his best work late again. (1) SEONGSIN CHEONHA and (2) ROYAL BEST didn’t disgrace themselves on their respective debuts and can improve second-up.

Selections(4) Stunning Sky (5) Cheongryangsan (11) Dongjin Teukgeup (1) Seongsin Cheonha
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start2, 5, 11, 12

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

Decent maiden. (9) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA has made steady progress across five starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on October 22nd when on pace throughout and setting a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled the distance before have achieved. He should be on the early speed again, and this time can go one better. (4) BRIGHT WINNER was a much-improved 2nd at start number six over this distance on October 28th, settling just behind the speed and running on well. He draws nicely for Jo In-kwon to be able to pick his spot, probably behind the speed again, and he can run on and threaten. (5) TAENGGEURI was 4th behind Bright Winner in that October 28th race, his best finish so far. He can settle back and run on here and can go even closer. (8) SHOUT KURO and (3) WONDERFUL WELLS among others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(9) Seoul Choegangja (4) Bright Winner (5) Taenggeuri (8) Shout Kuro
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with one of those first-timers and (11) DRAGON PUNCH. He trialled up very well, settling behind the speed and running on well. He was nine-lengths behind Korea Sprint runner-up Beolmaui Star but there is nothing wrong with that and he had plenty in hand on the rest. Handily, the three with prior experience debuted together over this distance on October 20th. (2) RAINBOW ROAD was the best of them, coming home in 2nd place having settled midfield and run on, but he was only a head in front of (3) SAMAKUI KKOT, who came from well back for 3rd. It may be hard to split them again. Only another head behind Samakui Kkot was (1) TROUBLEMAKER, who defied big odds to run a strong 4th. All should have benefited from the racing experience. Returning to the first timers (8) SKY ROAD came through the same trial as Dragon Punch and didn’t do much wrong positing a similarly quick time.

Selections(11) Dragon Punch (2) Rainbow Road (3) Samakui Kkot (1) Troublemaker
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start5, 8, 11, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) PERFECT TIARA has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes in three starts so far, most recently when returning from three months out over 1200M on October 15th. She has raced close to the pace in her outings so far and draws very nicely to do the same here, with every chance of winning. (3) JEONGSANG HIT started her career well but seemingly lost her way slightly across the summer, but she returned to some semblance of form when 3rd over this distance in a similar all filly maiden on October 28th. That wasn’t a quick race, but she previously posted a good time for this distance and from a good gate, she can be a contender here. (8) GLOBAL CHUKBAE did nothing on debut back in May, but she looked well when leading for most of the way in a trial earlier this month. She could well be a different proposition this time around.  (11) JERAQUEEN and (1) TAEPYEONG VISION others who could feature in the finish.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 25)

After a mild weekend last week, temperatures have plummeted once more but it should at least be dry and clear for the Saturday meeting at Seoul which has 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports winner Nut Play returns to action on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with six of the twelve racing for the first time. Plenty will be tempted by first-timer (9) CROWN HAMSEONG. She won a trial just last week when sitting handy throughout and finishing off well. She makes a fast debut here, but Moon Se-young is up and there isn’t too much to fear in this field. (10) HIT FLY ran 4th on debut back in September m showing at the front and stopping the clock in a quick time. She won’t need to improve much on that to be in the finish today. (5) QUERER ran 2nd over 1000M on October 21st, sitting handy before running on and she too should have come on for that run. (12) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (11) RUBY PORT are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(9) Crown Hamseong (10) Hit Fly (5) Querer (12) Homyeong Queen
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start 5, 6, 9, 10

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

(1) NAEGILUI WINNER is the one to beat here. He comes in off a last start 3rd place over this distance on October 15th when settling midfield and running on. He has proven able to race on pace as well when 2nd on debut and from a good draw, he can get an easy run to the lead and potentially make all.  (5) PLAN B comes in having run 2nd and 3rd in her latest two both over this distance and most recently as beaten favourite on November 11th when well positioned but not kicking on. She looks nicely in again in this company and can get closer today. (3) FIRST CHOUX is yet to finish in the top two, but he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and from a good draw can be a factor. (6) HANGANG GLORY and the solitary debut-maker (2) URUS KHAN are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Naegilui Winner (5) Plan B (3) First Choux (6) Hangang GLory
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

(9) RAON THE COBRA shapes as a warm favourite here. His sole win to date came over this distance back in May and after a couple of 5th place finishes, he enters off a 3rd at his class and distance on October 29th when he raced on pace throughout and had a couple of today’s rivals back down the track behind him. In this company he should be on the early speed, and he may take some beating. Second favourite will be (2) PURPLE WINK. He comes in off a somewhat plain effort over 1200M on October 28th when 6th of ten but he has placed at this class and from a good draw, can be given another chance today. (11) ARGO MUJEOK is another who will need a line drawn through his latest. He does have plenty of experience at this level though and has the joint fastest time among these for the trip. (7) BARO CHAMPION is up in class following a win over 1200M on October 21st, and along with (10) BANFF, also up in class, is another place chance.

Selections(9) Raon The Cobra (2) Purple Wink (11) Argo Mujeok (7) Baro Champion
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

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

(11) KOREA GOLD ran out an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on November 4th, coming from off the pace and finishing very pleasingly. The overall time wasn’t quick, although the final furlong was, and while he comes up in class and in trip today, neither should be a major issue and he can win again. The main danger – and probable favourite – is (9) AREUMDAUN SAI. He may have only won once in eighteen attempts, but he comes in having run 2nd in his latest two, both at this class and distance and both times having raced close to the speed. He will surely be close again here. (5) SAENAE KHAN mixes his form, but he placed at this class over 1300M two starts back and having drawn well to get a forward position, should be a factor in the finish. (1) VELVETY and (3) NAOL SKY among other place chances.

Selections(11) Korea Gold (9) Areumdaun Sai (5) Saenae Khan (1) Velvety
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

After a couple of shaky efforts on her first tries at this class, (7) MUNHAK EAGLE looks to be coming back into form with a good 2nd place at class and distance on October 22nd when prominent throughout. She has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and in this company can sit just behind the speed and prove too strong. (8) RAON THE TAP used up plenty of energy in that October 22nd race to get to the lead from gate eleven, ultimately weakening and finishing midfield. That was only his third start and his first at 1200M and he should have benefitted from the experience. He stays lightly weighted, comes into a slightly better gate, and he should have a better time of it today. Both will need to overturn the form on (1) BICHUICA, who won that October 22nd race at odds in excess of 90/1. He comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights but warrants more respect here. (10) FIJI BLADE and (2) BEST CLONE among others to consider for the places.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 24)

The weekend of racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews

No real reason to show this picture again – other than Winner’s Man is based at Busan and this is a great picture (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) BIG WILD is the most promising of the newcomers. He ran on pleasingly in his trial finishing 2nd in a good time, albeit seven-lengths behind Have A Good Day, who won last weekend. He draws wide but the 1300M may suit first up and he can win. (4) UNJU TOP ran well for 4th on debut over 1000M on October 6th. He should have come on for the run and from a good gate he can sit on or close to the speed and can go closer this time over the extended trip. Expect him to be the betting favourite. (10) WORLD WINNERS MAN was totally unfancied on debut over 1200M on October 20th but beat a couple of these on his way to a creditable 5th. Debut-makers (12) VOLCANO GRIT and (2) BEOLMAUI ACE are other possibles having both hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(11) Big Wild (4) Unju Top (10) World Winners Man (12) Volcano Grit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive maiden. (4) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M and both times racing on pace. He draws nicely here for a soft run to the lead and while he like most of these he tackles the seven-furlongs for the first time, he can win. (9) ROAD TO TOP also has a 2nd place on his record, recorded at start number two in August when slowly away but running on. He followed it up with 4th place at 1300M on October 15th and the additional half furlong may be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough. That will mean overturning the form on (5) CHRYSOL SIERRA, who was 3rd in that October 15th race. That was just his second start and was a marked improvement form his debut showing. He too has been doing his best work late on and the 1400M can suit. (7) SPRIT FIGHTER and (1) MAX THE CAT among plenty of others in the placing frame. 

Selections(4) Wonderful Cherokee (9) Road To Top (5) Chrysol Sierra (7) Sprit Fighter
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(10) SKY JILJU enters off a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over 1400M when racing handy throughout. He draws a touch wider than ideal but with a bit of luck at the start, he can find a position on or close to the pace and he can win. (11) LIGHT BROWN ran 3rd behind Sky Jilju in September before repeating that finish again over this distance on October 27th. He gets an even worse draw, but he can follow Sky Jilju across to sit behind the speed and then run on. (4) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH is yet to win in eleven tries but enters with recent form reading well. He has posted some good times at this trip and from a good draw, he has every chance of going close here. (5) GUKDAE HERO and (6) WIND MAGIC are others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Sky Jilju (11) Light Brown (4) Yeonggwanguitouch (5) Gukdae Hero
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

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

(1) HWANG YO is yet to win in five attempts but has never been worse than 4th and he already has a runner-up finish to his name at this class and distance, two starts back, when racing on pace. He comes into a better gate than the one he had when 4th last time out at 1300M and from the inside gate, he can get a soft run to the front. He will be a short-priced favourite to score. (8) GANGSEO BULPAE is similarly winless but comes up in class following two runner-up finishes and one 3rd at class 6 level at 1200M and 1400M. She likes to race on pace, she comes down in the weights, and she can measure up in this company. (3) BEST CHAMP has raced three times with a good win over 1300M sandwiched between two plainer efforts when she has been too far back. She comes into a much better gate today and can be given another chance. The up in class (9) MASTER YODA, along with (4) DIABLO QUEEN are others to keep safe.

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Winner’s Man Claims G1 Grand Slam and Record Earnings in President’s Cup Coronation

Winner’s Man eased away from his rivals and casually wrote his name into Korean racing lore at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as in winning the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) in emphatic fashion, he became the first horse ever to win four different Group 1 races in the country. He also became the highest earning Korean racehorse in history.

Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man acknowledge the crowd after making history on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

The so-called Grand Slam is an almost impossible task. To begin with a horse must win a Korean Derby – and of course they only get one crack at that. They must also win a Korea Cup (or a Korea Sprint; nobody is requiring both) where they will most likely need to overcome strong overseas opposition, and they must also conquer the stamina-sapping Grand Prix Stakes with the grueling Seoul sand making the 2300M in sub-zero December equivalent to significantly further on less demanding surfaces.

The President’s Cup, restricted to Korean-bred horses (foreign bred horses can’t win a Grand Slam no matter what they do) and, unlike the Derby, with horses able to run in it for as long as they are racing, and in temperate mid-November is arguably the easiest of the four to win. Triple Nine did it four times. But he didn’t win a Derby or Korea Cup. Winner’s Man has won both, as well as a Grand Prix Stakes.

Last year he could only manage 3rd but this time around it was easy for Winner’s Man in the President’s Cup. While Minister’s Cup runner up Speed Young set the early pace along with Jeongmun Sai and Derby-winner Global Hit, jockey Seo Seung-un eased Winner’s Man into a position midfield and one off the fence, keeping out of trouble but always within striking distance. As the field rounded the final turn, Winner’s Man moved ever closer and once they straightened up, Seo pulled the trigger, and the result was a foregone conclusion.

The margin on the line was seven-lengths to Global Hit in 2nd and Speed Young in 3rd. 2022 winner Simjangui Godong was gallant as ever in 4th while the mare Eodigana pulled off a super run to come from well off the pace and finish 5th.

Winner’s Man defeats Global Hit and Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

“I need to thank all the staff of our stable” winning trainer Choi Ki-hong told in house broadcaster KRBC. “They have worked so hard to prepare Winner’s Man for this and it is a great honour for him to win this title. At the start he settled back, which was no problem, as he had experienced a lot of sand in the KRA Cup Classic and then when he improved around the 3rd corner, I was very confident.”

“I was sorry to his fans that we couldn’t win this race last year, so I am relieved and thankful we did it today.” As for what is next for Winner’s Man: “We go back home, and we prepare for the Grand Prix.”

“I am finally able to relax a bit” quipped Seo Seung-un to KRBC after piloting Winner’s Man into history. “I felt pressure going into the race, but it was on behalf of the horse, not myself, because of what he deserves, but fortunately we did him justice.”

“He has won everything now, except for the Korea Sprint, and he has won more prize money than any other horse (in Korea). But he still has a lot of potential for more so I will work hard with him, and we will prepare for next month.”

Winner’s Man was 7 lengths clear on the line (Pic: KRA)

Winner’s Man’s winning time was the quickest of any President’s Cup to date. He is only five years old but has now overtaken Triple Nine as the highest earning Korean racehorse of all time. By Musket Man and out of the Volponi mare Winner’s Marine, he has now won seventeen of twenty-seven starts.

A Grand Slam isn’t out of the question for Global Hit. No Derby winner has won the President’s Cup in the same year – the three-year-old winners of the race have all tended to be slightly later developers – but Global Hit, if he stays sound, looks to be the type that can have a big four-year-old campaign and beyond. For him the Korea Cup – with top line Japanese horses now targeting the race – will probably prove the toughest ask. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit and another three-year-old, can’t win a Grand Slam, but he has every chance of returning to this race next year as well as targeting the Grand Prix and Korea Cup.

(Pic: KRA)

As suspected, the President’s Cup proved a race too far after a demanding campaign for the Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong. The filly is already a star and can be a multi-year talent with connections surely opting out of putting her through a Grand Prix next month. Defending champion Raon First faded after being close to the early pace but another mare, Eodigana, sent off in excess of 160/1, flew home almost as quick as Winner’s Man did in the final two furlongs, ending in 5th and may be an each-way chance in the Grand Prix.

Winner’s Man will be at the Grand Prix. And having overtaken him in terms of career prize money, he will be targeting Triple Nine’s record of five Group 1 wins (four President’s Cups and one Grand Prix in Triple Nine’s case). While the imports will be there, on today’s form and that of last month’s KRA Cup Classic, who is to stop him? The big race is at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday December 17th.   

President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan (November 19)

Winner’s Man will attempt to complete a “Grand Slam” of local G1 events in the President’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. https://korearacing.live/2023/11/18/winners-man-bids-for-g1-grand-slam-in-presidents-cup/See here for a full horse by horse guide to the big race which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday Seoul card which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here is the race-by-race:

Winner’s Man comes in off KRA Cup Classic success last month (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) FRESH MAN is the one to beat having run 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 7th racing on pace throughout. He draws well, the step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go one better this time. (10) MOMO K debuted at this trip on October 14th and came from off the pace to run a fair 3rd. He should be better for the run and can go close again. Among the first-time starters, (8) BEOLGYO CHADOL looks the best. She went through two trials, improving in the second of them when 2nd across the line in a decent time. Bringing that form to the races will see her go close. (2) BEST WHIZ and (11) PASALUBONG others who can enter the frame.

Selections(4) Fresh Man (10) Momo K (8) Beolgyo Chadol (2) Best Whiz
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

Standard maiden here. (5) MIGHTY CAP ran 4th on debut over 1000M before stepping up to today’s distance to run 2nd on October 14th having led almost the entire way around. She draws nicely to lead again, and she will be hot favourite to score here. The rest of the exposed form is not great, although (7) THUNDER GALLOPER will probably be second favourite on the strength of his last start 4th place at this distance, his best to date. A repeat of that run could see him get closer in this company. Given the paucity of quality opponents, debut-maker (2) SLAM DRAGON has to be given a chance. It’s hard to judge his trial as it was run slowly but he finished off pleasingly enough and draws nicely. (3) CLOVER PARTY and (11) GOLDEN LINE are the other logical place chances.

Selections(5) Mighty Cap (7) Thunder Galloper (2) Slam Dragon (3) Clover Party
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

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

Two standouts here. (1) SAENAE VIVA led almost the entire way around last time out on October 9th only to be taken down by the favourite late on. That was her first start since April, and she should strip fitter for the run and from a nice draw can go one better here. The main danger is (2) POWERFUL VISION. She has shown steady improvement across four starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on October 7th when handy throughout. She too should be on the speed and really it is a toss-up between her and Saenae Viva for favourite status. (6) STEALTH PARK will be third favourite He was 5th behind Saene Viva on October 9th and at the start before ran 2nd, well back behind a good winner, but having raced on pace, over this distance. He can sit handy and run on here. (4) MACH YEOJE and (10) GEOMUI JEONSEOL are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Saenae Viva (2) Powerful Vision (6) Stealth Park (4) Mach Yeoje
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

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

Very tricky maiden to open at Busan. (7) YONGBI CHEONWANG improved at start number three when tried at this distance for the first time on October 13th, racing on pace throughout. There could still be some improvement in the tank, and he can get to the lead here and potentially go all the way. (5) BEST LEADER secured a runner-up finish two starts back having almost managed to lead the whole way around. She followed it up with a 5th place in a decent time over 1200M on October 20th when this time coming from off the pace. The additional half furlong can suit, and she should be close. (9) STORMING MAGIC has a couple of 4th places among four outings to date including the fastest time in the field for the distance and she can be close here. (3) BEST PRIME and (4) DAESEUNGNIJA others to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Yongbi Cheonwang (5) Best Leader (9) Storming Magic (3) Best Prime
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) MIRAE TOWER comes in off a runner-up finish over 1200M on October 22nd when for the first time he was ridden to lead. He comes up in trip but Moon Se-young stays aboard and similar tactics can be expected here. (5) WONDERFUL SEEKING has raced just twice improving to 4th place at start number two when running on from midfield. She can continue to get closer today. (4) POWER ETCHED beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over 1200M on October 21st when coming from off the pace. He already has a runner-up finish to his name over this distance and in this company can be on speed and in this a long way. (6) TRES VITE and (11) SHARP SUNSHINE look to be the other place chances.

Selections(3) Mirae Tower (5) Wonderful Seeking (4) Power Etched (6) Tres Vite
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

(8) ARA NURI enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at 1200M, first from racing handy and then from closing well. In this inauspicious company, she can be expected to be ridden on pace and while any top three placing will see her exit class 6, it should really be with a win. (2) HAVE A GOOD YEAR looks the second best. He has a 2nd place on his resume over this distance and while he races for the first time since June, he won a trial in late October in a fast time making all and if he can bring anything like that form to the races, he shouldn’t be far away. (7) TAEPUNGI CHUKJE has a 3rd place to his name, recorded prior to a five-an-a-half month layoff. He returned underwhelmingly earlier this month but should have come on for the run and can be closer here. (5) MAGIC Q and (1) STORMY DAY possibly the best of a limited rest.

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Winner’s Man Bids for G1 “Grand Slam” in President’s Cup

Winner’s Man will aim to cement his place in Korea racing history at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as he bids to win the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) and become the first horse to complete a career “Grand Slam” of Group 1 victories.

Winner’s Man and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

There are only five (local) Group 1 races in Korea. With the Korea Sprint being run on the same day as the Korea Cup, it is generally accepted within the racing community that only one of that pair is required to achieve a Grand Slam. Winner’s Man won the Korean Derby in 2021, and then the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes in 2022 and the only one that eludes him is the President’s Cup.

Winner’s Man is already the sole horse to have won three different Group 1’s. Triple Nine won four President’s Cups and a Grand Prix, but he didn’t win the Derby. Power Blade won the Derby and the Grand Prix, but he didn’t win a President’s Cup. Gyeongbudaero, Indie Band (President’s Cup and Grand Prix) and Moonhak Chief (Korea Cup and Grand Prix) are the others who have won two different Group 1 races.

Stablemates Global Hit and Speed Young were 1st and 2nd in the final leg of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)

The Slam would already be complete had Winner’s Man been able to convert 1.3 favourite status into victory in this race a year ago. It was not to be that day as he could only manage 3rd place as Raon First became the first filly or mare to win a President’s Cup. 2021 winner Simjangui Godong was 2nd. Both return to try to thwart Winner’s Man again. This year’s Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong as well as Korean Derby victor Global Hit, will also be in attendance.

It has been an up and down season for Winner’s Man, who suffered two defeats at the hands of Tuhonui Banseok in the Stayer Series. He then returned to form with 3rd place behind Japan’s Crown Pride and Gloria Mundi in the Korea Cup and then overturned the form on Tuhonui Banseok (as an overseas bred, ineligible for the President’s Cup) to win the KRA Cup Classic in October.

Sixteen are set to line up for the President’s Cup, which is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday and the favourite has drawn wide. Here is a full rundown of the field. All are Korean bred:

1. FLYING THE CHAMP – Runner up to Captain Yankee in last year’s Minister’s Cup over this course and distance and a winner of four from eleven. He races for the first time since April though and this is a monumental ask first-up.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Winner of two legs of the Triple Crown, the Derby and Minister’s Cup both at this course, the latter at this distance. Midfield finish in the Korea Cup. Loads of talent and gets a weight allowance as a three-year-old and tactically versatile. One of the main dangers to Winner’s Man.

3. GALAXY ROAD – A strong class 1 win over this distance in a quick time at Busan in September gets him his chance here. Goes best when on pace and is nicely drawn to get a good position and will have supporters on a place line.

4. JEONGMUN SAI – More than two years since his last win but he regularly picks up a cheque at class 1 level. From a good draw he should be on pace, but at level weights, this looks hard.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 18)

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

It’s two years since Hangang Ace won the Munhwa Ilbo as a 2yo. He finally makes it to class 2 (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) CHEONMAPYEONGJEONG will be the one to beat, having led for much of the way on her debut on October 21st, ultimately finishing 3rd over 1000M in a fair time. She should have derived benefit from the experience and this time she can go all the way. It took two goes for (6) ROYAL PLUS to qualify but she did it nicely the second time around, sitting handy and running on well. If she brings that for to the races, she can go well first-up. (1) BEAUTYWONDERFUL ran 4th on debut over 1000M on October 7th. He time was marginally faster than the one the favourite achieved on her debut, and she can be taken seriously here. Returning to the first-time starters, (12) BEOLGYOWISU and (5) GOOD FIGHTER are others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(7) Cheonmapyeongjeong (6) Royal Plus (1) Beautywonderful (12) Beolgyowisu
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with al but two having raced before. (2) HERO CHAMP has raced three times already and has two 3rd place finishes including most recently at this distance on October 15th when settling behind the speed and running on. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. The probably favourite is (1) CITY KING. After a positive trial, he ran well for 4th on debut on October 14th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run, he should be on pace, and he has solid claims here. It would be a surprise if that pair didn’t fill out the quinella as the exposed form weakens. (10) SEOCHEON LION is the only other one with experience to have shown ability with a 4th and two 5th places from three starts. He should be there or thereabouts again. Debut-makers (11) SPINNING BOOM and (3) SUMMER PARTY therefore warrant some consideration although in the latter’s case it is more for the jockey booking than the trial performance.

Selections(2) Hero Champ (1) City King (10) Seocheon Lion (11) Spinning Boom
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Class 4 for juveniles which means imports and six of the ten are racing for the first time. They include (5) YEONGUNG BUHWAL, who went through two trials, finishing a close 2nd in the first and then winning the second on September 8th having led all the way and stopping the clock in a quick time. It has taken him a couple of months to get to the races, but he looks to have ability and will be well backed first up. If you prefer experience, then (1) HERO FIGHTER is the one. He has raced three times already and has a win to his name over 1000M in August when he made all. He weakened late on when trying this distance for the first time on September 23rd but should have benefitted from the experience and should be on pace again and in this a long way. (4) MONTAUK CHAT was a trial winner before running a fair 5th of nine on debut in a quick race over 1000M on October 21st. With some natural improvement, he can be in the finish here. Returning to the debut makers, (2) EAST JUMP and (6) DANCING WHIZ are others who showed well in trials.

Selections(5) Yeongung Buhwal (1) Hero Fighter (4) Montauk Chat (2) East Jump
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

More imported juveniles, this time all maidens and with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) ECLAIRFURY is probably the pick. She was ordinary in her first trial but fairly bolted up in another on October 6th when settling midfield and then running away from the field in the straight, stopping the clock in a quick time. The 1200M should suit first up and she may take some beating. (4) TAEKHAN also went through two trials, similarly improving in the second of then on October 27th when an on-pace runner-up in a good time. He draws well to be on pace and should be in the mix. (8) BULTANEUN SIMJANG was a close at hand 3rd in the same trial (also trialling up for the second time and improving) and he too warrants consideration here. (10) NONSTOP DREAM was a trial winner before running 4th on debut over 1000M in a fast race on October 21st. He can match or better that here. (7) MAGIC POTION another first timer in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 17)

President’s Cup weekend gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. It will be one of those first-timers who is the favourite. (8) ASTRO KING went through two trials, running on pace in both and finishing 2nd in both. His times were fast, especially in the second of those trials, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (4) HI CHAMP led for most of the way around on debut over this distance on October 20th, ultimately finishing a close 2nd in a decent time. He draws nicely to be on pace, and he can be a big threat to the newcomer. (3) ARION KING has raced twice and while both efforts have been a touch plain, his time in his latest was good. He is another who can be on speed and can improve again here. (2) HI LEGEND and debut maker (6) CHEONHA GEONGANG others in the frame.

Selections(8) Astro King (4) Hi Champ (3) Arion King (2) Hi Legend
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Twelve imported juveniles go around here with six racing for the first time. The six who have raced once each all did it in the same race over 1000M on October 20th and it was (9) BEOLMAUI YEONGUNG who ran out the winner, racing on pace throughout.  They stretch out to 1200M today but there seems little reason to oppose him following up. The main danger this time could be one of the first timers. (4) BIWOL sat midfield in his trial before running on strongly to cross the line in front in a quick time. 1200M should suit first up and he can go close. (11) VICE ROYAL ran 3rd in that October 20th race and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. (7) TROUBLE MARINE was 4th and along with newcomer (8) NICE BIG GUY, is another who could trouble the scorers.

Selections(9) Beolmaui Yeongung (4) Biwol (11) Vice Royal (7) Trouble Marine
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (1) AUTUMN BREEZE will be hot favourite. It took her a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has posted a 3rd and a 2nd in her latest two at 1300M and 1200M, both times racing on pace and both in quick times. She draws very nicely again and won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) SANGIM STAR has shown steady improvement across three appearances so far, most recently a runner-up finish at this distance on October 20th when handy throughout. She can be in the mix here. She will be vying for 2nd-favourite status with (2) UNJU TWO HEARTS. She too has a 2nd place on her resume which came back in August over this distance. She followed up with a 4th place on October 20th in a stronger race than this and she should be there or thereabouts again. (6) LUCKY HIT and (9) WONDERFUL KAYLAN others in the frame.

Selections(1) Autumn Breeze (3) Sangim Star (2) Unju Two Hearts (6) Lucky Hit
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Two standouts here who come in off identical results on their respective debuts. (10) BEAT DRAGON had hinted at having some speed in his trials and he came from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1200M on October 27th. He was doing his best work late and the step up to 1400M should suit. (2) HI WINNER was also 4th on debut, in her case on October 29th when settling midfield and running on over 1200M. She too should have come on for that experience and can also appreciate the additional furlong. (5) SSING GA will need a line drawn through her latest, but she has a runner-up finish to her name over 1300M and on that form she can be competitive here. (11) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (6) TODAY QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

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Eoma Eoma Goes Back to Back in Kookje Shinmun as Beolmaui Star Stalls

A year ago, Eoma Eoma struck the line at just the right time to claim a last gasp victory in the Kookje Shinmun, and on Sunday afternoon he did exactly the same to take out the 1400M, and this year Group 3 affair, at Busan Racecourse.

Eoma Eoma duels with Calm Strong (Pic: KRA)

Eight of the sixteen who faced the starter on Sunday came out of the international G3 Korea Sprint at Seoul in September and following his superb runner-up finish in that race, Beolmaui Star was sent off as the favourite, ahead of the defending champion. Beolmaui Star though would see his race falter at the beginning when slightly fly jumping as the gates opened and then failing to get on terms at any time.

Calm Strong, the exciting four-year-old filly, would lead in the early stages with Black Musk and Raon Tap Man on pace with her and Eoma Eoma setting up camp under Antonio Da Silva, riding him for the first time, just behind. Into the straight and Black Musk and Raon Tap Man both fell away, leaving Calm Strong and Eoma Eoma on top with last year’s runner-up Daehan Jilju and SROA Chairman’s Trophy winner Ssonsal in hot pursuit.

Calm Strong held out for a long time but ultimately a relentless Eoma Eoma ground her down, just like he had done Daehan Jilju last year, pulling away by three-quarters of a length as they hit the line. The filly was an excellent 2nd with Daehan Jilju 3rd and Daemangui Gil – who had started almost as badly as Beolmaui Star – pipping Ssonsal for 4th.

Eoma Eoma and Antonio Da Silva in the Kookje Shinmun winner’s circle (Pic: KRA)

Winning trainer Song Moon-gil said that fans didn’t get to see the best of Eoma Eoma when he was 5th in the Korea Sprint. “At the Korea Sprint he didn’t perform like he can, and he didn’t come out of it 100% so it was important to get some rest and recovery into him and he was in a much better place going into today” Song told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

Song said that made him confident this time. “I thought that so long as he made no mistakes then the others would have to be at their absolute best to have a chance of beating him. There were a few nervous moments in the race but none where I thought Eoma Eoma wouldn’t win.”

“He is really racing against himself. Eoma Eoma is (almost) seven years old, and it is about managing his workload and making sure he stays injury free. His rating is so high that normal (class 1 handicaps) races are not suitable for him because of the weight he has to give away, and the pattern races are quite few so it is about picking his schedule and making sure he can be at his peak. Then it is up to him. He has loads of experience and he knows what to do.”

Eoma Eoma [Algorithms – Lignite (by Run Away And Hide)] is a horse who has been sensibly campaigned with six starts in 2022 and six in 2023. It therefore seems unlikely, despite the hope of many, that he will be on a plane next month to the Dubai World Cup Carnival (although those in charge still have 48 hours left for persuasion until nominations slam shut on Wednesday). Unless they dip into handicap waters – and most will – the sprinters are done for 2023, with the next chance for the elite to reassemble for a big prize not being until the 2024 Sprint Series gets underway with the Busan Ilbo Sprint in early April.

Beolmaui Star will get a full vet check but at first glance it looked just a bad start and a bad day in the kickback. He had issues at the start in some previous outings, but the bad habits looked to have been banished with the Korea Sprint. Jockey Seo Seung-un reported to Stewards afterwards that his mount had become increasingly fractious prior to the start and attributed the bad performance to that. At just four-years-old, he will have plenty more chances.

Next week, Winner’s Man aims to write himself into the history books as he bids to be the first horse to complete a set of four different Korean Group 1’s. He has already won the Korean Derby, the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes and he will head the field for the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse next Sunday. With the field restricted to Korean-bred horses, at anything like his best, it is hard to see him not prevailing in the Billion Won race.