Month: December 2023

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 31)

The final race meetings of the year take place on Sunday at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 on the South Coast from 11:50 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden that made up yesterday’s race 1 and nine of the twelve race for the first time. The experience should have the advantage though. After a good trial, (6) CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off as favourite over this distance on November 25th when she raced handy before running on for a close 2nd. She should have derived benefit from the experience, and she will be expected to go one better here. (7) GANGHAN NURI was similarly 2nd on debut. In his case it came over 1000M back on October 7th. He has had twelve weeks off since so comes in fresh and showed enough promise to merit consideration here. Completing the set of experienced ones, (11) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD showed on pace before finishing 6th on debut on November 19th. He can get closer here. As for the debut makers, (12) RAON PARANOMA and (4) DONGJIN BULPAE looked the best in trials.

Selections(6) Crown Hamseong (7) Ganghan Nuri (11) Yeonggwangui World (12) Raon Paranoma
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

More maidens. (2) EDENUI DONGJJOK gets the verdict by virtue of his 3rd place at start number two over this distance on December 3rd when handy throughout. He overcame gate twelve that day so with a much better draw today, he is the one to beat. (5) GENERAL POWER debuted back in June and then didn’t reappear until running an improved 5th over 1200M on November 26th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when coming from well off the pace. He should strip fitter for the run and can go closer here. (8) EUNPA JOY was also an improved 5th at his latest start and can be considered for more improvement here. (1) CHEONGUCHAT and (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA are other contenders to challenge for the places.

Selections(2) Edenui Dongjjok (5) General Power (8) Eunpa Joy (1) Cheonguchat
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

(9) HAKSAN MACHO shapes as the warm favourite here. He come sin having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two appearances over 1200M and 1300M. He has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and can sit behind the early speed and prove too strong late on.  (8) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1200M in October when coming from off the pace. Moon Se-young climbs aboard today and that itself ensures plenty of backers. (2) SHOUT KURO has made steady improvement and was most recently a close 4th place over this distance on November 26th. He can get a bit far back in his races, but if he is withing striking distance at the top of the straight, he can pass plenty. (11) WONPYEONG GANGJA and (5) BAEDARI HYANGGI others in the frame.

Selections(9) Haksan Macho (8) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Shout Kuro (11) Wonpyeong Gangja
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

Maidens in the opener at Busan and it’s hard to go past (2) GUKDAE STAR. After a somewhat plain debut, he ran a good 4th at start number two over this distance on November 24th when settling in midfield and running home strongly ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (11) RAON STROKE has a 6th and a 5th in two starts so far, both at 1200M. Both times she has been a long way back before running on and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) BIG WILD ran 8th on debut behind Gukdae Star. He had previously been quick in a trial and should have benefited from his first-up experience. Debut maker (9) FUERTE along with (10) JOJOBA are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gukdae Star (11) Raon Stroke (8) Big Wild (9) Fuerte
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Competitive race. (10) BLACK BELT is up in class having broken through at start number three over 1200M on November 26th. His style has been to go right back and run on and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) DALMAJI has put together some consistent results at this class, most recently a strong 2nd place over 1300M on November 11th when on pace throughout. In this company he can employ similar tactics today and can go one better (3) MIRAE TOWER got his maiden win at start number five on November 19th over 1400M when leading all the way around. The win had been coming and while he is up in class here and doesn’t get any weight relief, he draws nicely and has every chance of measuring up at this level. (2) REAL PACK is yet to win in twenty-eight attempts, but he’s been close on several occasions and comes in with recent form reading well and along with (4) NEMO SPIRIT is a place chance here.

Selections(10) Black Belt (7) Dalmaji (3) Mirae Tower (2) Real Pack
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(11) UNJU TOP has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1300M, running on well both times. She has proven to have a smart finish on her, so the widest gate shouldn’t be too problematic, and while she may need a bit of luck at the start, she can prove too strong. This isn’t a strong race so (4) SONGDO GALMAEGI may be worth a chance at a probable even-money price. He did nothing in two starts at the beginning of this year but after ten months off, he looked well when trialling up. He draws nicely. (1) ROAD TO PARTY can also be given another chance following an indifferent debut. He had previously trialled well and from the inside gat e can get an easier early run here. (5) WORLD WINNERS MAN and debut-maker (3) UNJU CHEONHA are others to consider for the minors.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 30)

The penultimate day of the 2023 season is at Seoul on Saturday with an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience is preferred though. It’s a curious name for a racehorse but (6) ENTROPY went through a couple of decent trials before running 3rd on debut over this distance on December 2nd when slow away and coming from well off the pace. That experience can stand him in good stead, and he should be favourite. (2) SPECIAL HILL ran on pleasingly enough for 5th of eleven over 1000M on debut. That was back in October so he comes in fresh here and from a good draw, he can go better. (12) NESSUN DORMA trialled well before running 4th over this distance on debut on November 5th. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can challenge. The first timers don’t really stand out with (1) SUPER BLUEMOON and (3) BEAT YEONGUNG being the best looking in trials.

Selections(6) Entropy (2) Special Hill (12) Nessun Dorma (1) Super Bluemoon
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 12

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

Juvenile maiden fillies and (2) RUBY PORT will be the hot favourite. After finishing 5th on debut, she came home 3rd at start number two over this distance on November 25th, settling handy before dropping back to midfield and then running on well with a few of today’s rivals behind her. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. (10) FLYING COMMAND was an improved 3rd at start number three on November 26th having led for much of the way around. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can build on that momentum. (6) PINK WIND was slowly away on debut before running on well for a midfield finish. She then ran 4th behind Ruby Port in that November 255th race, being handy throughout and can be a danger here. The exposed form falls off significantly after those three, with (5) RAON THE SIDAE and (1) CHOGANGBULPAE perhaps the most likely among the rest to challenge for the minors.

Selections(2) Ruby Port (10) Flying Command (6) Pink Wind (5) Raon The Sidae
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

It’s hard to go past (9) GREAT STORM. After three consecutive 4th places to start his career, he was then 2nd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on December 3rd, settling handy and finishing off well. He has the nest time of any of these for the distance and he should be winning this. After a shaky debut, (1) JERAQUEEN has run fairly for 3rd and 4th in two subsequent starts at 1200M, showing on pace both times. She comes into a very good gate today and can be on pace again. (11) MYUNGJINBULLPAI has shown improvement across three starts so far with her latest being a good 3rd over 1200M on December 3rd. She has finished off her races well so the widest gate shouldn’t be a concern (5) VICTOR NAREUMA and (8) DAEMUL SOCKS other show have hinted at ability.

Selections(9) Great Storm (1) Jeraqueen (11) Myungjinbullpae (5) Victor Nareuma
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

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

Another maiden with a probably short price favourite. (6) LOVE MUNMAK has been ultra-consistent across her five starts so far and came up to this distance on December 10th and ran a solid, if not exactly quick, 4th. She has a sharp finish on her and should prove too strong in the closing stages. (9) PLAN B and (10) YEJIMONG both have runner-up finishes to their names, both over 1200M. The are both capable of coming from off the pace so should be able to deal with their wide draws, and they shape as the two main dangers here. (11) SARYEONI FOR HONOR debuted fairly over 1200M at the start of the month. He should stirp fitter for the run and can improve here. (3) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Love Munmak (9) Plan B (10) Yejimong (11) Saryeoni For Honor
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

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

(3) BRIGHT WINNER comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number seven over 1300M on November 26th when racing handy throughout. She doesn’t get a cut in the weight sunder today’s handicap conditions, but she does draw nicely, and she can repeat. It’s fair to say that (4) LUXURY KING doesn’t exactly win out of turn – once in forty starts – but his recent form is reading well. He comes in off a 5th place at this class and distance in a time faster than any of the rest of these have achieved for the 1400M and it’s not impossible that today could be his day. (5) NURIDAY comes up in class following a win over this distance on December 2nd when he made all. The same as Bright Winner, there is no weight drop – and the win was unexpected – but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (6) ECHO ZONE and (8) AL SIMON are others in the placing frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 29)

The final weekend of the year gets underway with a 9-race Friday card at Busan from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll go with one of the first timers and (2) BANG BANG BANG, who beta a couple of today’s rivals in her trail when she settled steadily and ran on well, crossing the line only in 5th place but in a quick time. The 1200M should suit first up and if she brings the trial form to the races, she has a chance. (7) HAEUNDAE SUNSHINE raced just the once, all the way back in August registering a midfield finish over the 1000M. She looked well in a trial two weeks ago and can get closer this time around. (5) GOOD KING MAN weakened badly at start number three earlier this month over 1400M but going on his November outing when 2nd at this distance, he has to be in the frame. (6) CHAS QUEEN is another debut maker who hinted at ability in trials. (10) FANTASTIC HUMOR did little on debut but can improve.

Selections(2) Bang Bang Bang (7) Haeundae Sunshine (5) Good King Man (6) Chas Queen
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Millin

The second division of the juvenile maiden, this time with seven of the eleven making their racing debuts. Among the four with prior experience is the probably short price favourite, (10) DRAGON PUNCH. After a good trial, she overcame gate eleven to run a good 3rd on debut over this distance on November 26th. Racing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for the run and can win this. Second in the market will be (4) NONSTOP DUTY. She has raced four times so far, with three 4th places among them. She has posted good times along the way at both this trip and at 1300M, and similar run today should see her improving on those 4ths. (8) GLOBAL SPURT won a November trial and while he did nothing on debut on December 1st, he can be forgiven that and given another chance here. Among the debut makers, (9) RIVERSTONE and (6) FLYING THE LUCKY potentially have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(10) Dragon Punch (4) Nonstop Duty (8) Global Spurt (9) Riverstone
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GREEN CHIEF has shown steady progress across four starts so far, culminating with a 2nd place over this distance on December 8th when handy throughout. She draws nicely here to sit behind the speed again and she can prove too strong. (7) SHINING MORNING comes in off a 4th place at start number three over this distance on December 1st when she led for much of the way. From an adequate draw, she can be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (6) SAENAE HIT has run fairly for 5th and 6th place finishes in two starts so far, both over this distance. She has raced handy both times and should be doing similar today with designs on an improved finish. There are a couple of first-time starters and (1) RAID HIT came through her trial well, racing on pace. She draws well and can put in a bold first-up showing here. (2) META PRINCESS another in the hunt.

Selections(3) Green Chief (7) Shining Morning (6) Saenae Hit (1) Raid Hit
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

More maidens and it’s hard to go past (3) SINCHEON FIRST. He has four to-four finished from five starts and has been getting closer recently. He enters off a strong runner-up finish over this 1300M on December 3rd.  He likes to race on pace and the step up to 1400M for the first time can suit. (4) WIND MAGIC returned from nine months off to run 4th over 1200M at the end of November. Before her layoff, she had a couple of 3rd place finishes to her name, and she can strip fitter here. (2) ROAD TO TOP has a best of 2nd from his four starts so far, coming at 1200M. He does have experience of trying this distance already and from a good draw, he can be a danger today. (10) SAVAGE GIRL and (8) STORMY DAY are others in the frame.

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Christmas Day Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (December 25)

Where better to spend Christmas Day than Seoul Racecourse? It’s free entry and there is a bumper 12-race holiday card running from 11:00 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Punters file in on Christmas Eve – there is racing on Christmas Day too!

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

Maiden fillies kick off the Christmas Day program and there are two standouts. (7) SAENAE VIVA returned from sic months off in October and has run 2nd and 4th in two starts back so far racing on pace both times. Third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she should be on speed again and this time stay on all the way. The danger is (9) JEONGSEONGTIGER. She comes in off an improved 3rd place over this distance on November 18th when racing handy throughout. Antonio climbs on today and a similar run should see her close. (10) QUERER did nothing on her first try at this distance on November 25th but her 2nd place on debut over 1000M back in October is enough to give her another chance here. (2) B.K. BELLE and (1) CALIPH others potentially on the right trajectory.

Selections(7) Saenae Viva (9) Jeongseongtiger (10) Querer (2) B.K. Belle
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

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

It’s hard to go past (1) PASALUBONG here. After a middling debut, he ran a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on November 19th when settling midfield and running on having been drawn in gate eleven. He comes into a much better barrier, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he should take some beating. (2) WONDERFUL SEEKING has hinted at ability with two solid 4th places from her latest two at this distance and at 1400M. She draws nicely to sit on the speed here and can get closer. (11) WONDERFUL REGAL enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes following a six-month absence and while the draw is not ideal, he can be in the finish again. Continuing on a theme, (8) WONDERFUL WELLS and (3) NAEGILUI LEADER are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Pasalubong (2) Wonderful Seeking (11) Wonderful Regal (8) Wonderful Wells
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(3) SLAM DRAGON has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts so far, most recently over 1400M on December 2nd when handy throughout. He draws nicely here for Antonio to drop him in behind the leaders and he should have too much at the business end of the race. (5) CLOVER PARTY is the logical second pick. He has shown his best form so far in his latest two and was a good runner-up over 1200M on November 19th when settling midfield and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. (8) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has run on well enough in her opening two appearances to suggest the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) WONDERFUL SWEET and (10) BAEKRYONG the other logical placing chances.

Selections(3) Slam Dragon (5) Clover Party (8) Beautywonderful (11) Wonderful Sweet
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) TAENGGEURI has been getting progressively closer culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on November 26th when coming from off the pace. His racing style suggests that the step up to two turns will be in his favour and he can make his breakthrough here. That’s true of (5) CHEONMA BULPAE who got his best finish so far when stepped up to 1400M on November 19th and running 5th, ahead of a couple of these. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and can potentially translate that to two-turn success here. In fact, the only one to have previously tackled the distance is (10) TRES VITE. That was several starts back, but he did manage a 4th place over it and that’s enough to put him in the frame here. (3) BEAT RACER and (8) GOLD CHARM others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Taenggeuri (5) Cheonma Bulpae (10) Tres Vite (3) Beat Racer
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

A relatively small field but a competitive one. We’ll take a chance on (9) LEGEND K, who had seemingly lost his way for a while but has returned to form of late, registering the fastest time of any of these for the distance when 5th on November 18th and then coming back out two weeks later to run a close 2nd, again at class and distance, on December 3rd. The wide draw isn’t a problem, and he can go one better today. (8) MIGHTY CAP comes up in class having broken through at start number three on November 19th, making all over this distance. Her times haven’t been quick, but she has shown improvement each time, and under a light weight, she can measure up here. (3) PHOENIX CLASS has run 4th in both starts at this class since getting promoted with a smart win over this distance in August. She can be close again. (5) TRISTAN WANGJA is similarly up in class and along with (1) MENI CHARM, looks a place chance.

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Christmas Eve Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview

With there being an additional card at Seoul on Christmas Day, the usual Sunday roles are reversed and it is Busan where the lion’s share of the action will be. Busan hosts 10 races from 10:35 to 17:30 while at Seoul there are 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) GRAY QUEEN is the most experienced, with three starts behind her already and they include a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. While not quick, her 1200M time was faster than any of the others with experience have achieved and she is the reluctant top pick here. The danger is a first-time starter. (5) GRAND CHASER looked good in a trial, settling handy and running on for a close 2nd to the experienced Mongttang in a quick time. All the trials were fast that day, but she showed enough to be considered first-up. (3) SKY GRIT led that same trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. She raced once without distinction in June but should be on the pace and a different prospect here. (6) GOLDEN NICE and (2) BORAM are other contenders.

Selections(8) Gray Queen (5) Grand Chaser (3) Sky Grit (6) Golden Nice
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

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

(6) UNJU TWO HEARTS will be hot favourite here. After an indifferent debut, she has registered three consecutive top-four finishes, racing on pace each time. She comes up marginally in trip but with Seo Seung-un climbing on, and against modest opposition, she shapes to be odds-on to score. (7) RED JASPER was an improved 3rd over 1200M on December 1st, overcoming gate ten to sit back and then run on. She has the best final furlong average time of any of these and from a better gate, if she can be a touch closer this time, she can be a danger. (8) MAJESTIC DANCER was an improved 3rd at start number two on November 17th, coming from off the pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and looks a solid place chance again. (4) FLYING AARON and (3) NANGNAM DAERO others who could sneak into the minors.

Selections(6) Unju Two Hearts (7) Red Jasper (8) Majestic Dancer (4) Flying Aaron
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) SEOGWI PERFECT raced on pace on start number two over 1300M only to ultimately go down by the narrowest of margins in 2nd. That was a big improvement from his debut and while he comes up slightly in trip, he also comes into a much better gate, and he can go one better today. The main danger is (3) ARA NURI. She similarly has three top-four finishes from four starts so far and from a good gate can be ridden on pace to be in this a long way. (4) CLOUD LOVE has shown steady but noticeable improvement across his latest few attempts. He doesn’t look a winning chance here but can be matching or bettering his last start 4th. (5) TAP BOLT and (11) NEVER GIVE UP other potential improvers.

Selections(2) Seogwi Perfect (3) Ara Nuri (4) Cloud Love (5) Tap Bolt
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(2) LEMON DOKKI returned from nine months off to run a fair 6th of eleven over 1400M on December 3rd when settling back and running on. He should strip fitter for that run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) AQUARIUS too may find an extended trip beneficial. She is yet to finish in the top-two in fourteen starts but enters with recent form reading well with a pair of 4th place finishes at 1400M. She can settle behind the speed and run on here. (5) HERE THE QUEEN returned from eight months out to run 6th of nine over 1300M on December 8th. She has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name from before the layoff and like Lemon Dokki, should be fitter for her run earlier this month. (10) CHEONSU SIDAE and (9) ASTIN MARINE are others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Lemon Dokki (3) Aquarius (5) Here The Queen (10) Cheonsu Sidae
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

Juvenile maiden fillies open proceedings in the capital. (1) SEOCHEON LION will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and comes in off her best to date when an on-pace 2nd over this distance on November 18th with a couple of today’s rivals a long way back. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much – if at all – to win this. (6) CHEONHAENGCHAT has five top-five finishes from seven attempts and the second fastest time among these for the distance. In this company she should be on the speed and can be a factor for a long time. (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on November 18th. She had a similarly wide gate to today, and she can be competitive again. (5) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (8) ROYAL BEST the other logical place chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 23)

What with there being racing on Christmas Day, there is only a short 7-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 13:10 to 18:00 (there will also be simulcasting from the pony racing on Jeju Island). Here are the previews:

It’s cold at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Tricky maiden to begin with but (5) MOMO K just about gets the nod. He’s finished 3rd in both starts so far, both at 1200M and while his times haven’t been especially quick, he’s shown enough to suggest that there can be more improvement in the tank. From a good gate he should be on pace and in this a long way. (9) DRAGON SQUARE won a November trial and then finished a fair 3rd on debut over 1400M on December 10th, settling back and running on. He finished off well in the trial too so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can match or better that 3rd today. (11) JANGGUN GARAM races for the first time since being given his chance in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in early October. He finished down the field but the 2nd and the 3rd prior that led him to that opportunity suggest he should be very much in this. (1) SMART CLAIR and (6) SEONGSIN CHEONHA others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Momo K (9) Dragon Square (11) Janggun Garam (1) Smart Clair
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

(5) SEONGSIL DAERO will be favourite here. After a plain debut, she ran a strong 2nd over this distance on November and followed up with a 4th place, again at the distance, on December 3rd. She likes to race on pace and draws well to get forward and she will take some beating. (3) STEALTH PARK’s recent races have been slow, but he too has a 2nd and a 4th to his name over today’s trip. He also goes best when on pace and should be a contender here. (11) JEONGSEONG VICE enters off a much-improved runner-up finish over tis distance on November 11th. He faces the challenge of the widest gate here but in this company, shouldn’t be dismissed. (4) ON THE ROCKS and solitary debut-maker (8) EAST KING STONE are others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(5) Seongsil Daero (3) Stealth Park (11) Jeongseong Vice (4) On The Rocks
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

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

It’s hard to go past (1) RAON THE FANTA. He got his maiden win at start number two over 1000M in September and has since run 2nd on both his tries at this class and distance, racing handy both times and stopping the clock in good times. He does come up a couple of kilograms in the weights, but he gets a great draw, and it would be a big surprise were he not to win this. (9) TAEPYEONG VISION is up in class following her maiden win over this distance on November 26th when she sat midfield and ran on. That marked a big improvement from her previous three efforts, but she won with enough in hand to suggest she can measure up at this level. (6) LADY CODI has put in two fair runs at this class since getting her maiden win in September. She was 4th behind Raon The Fanta two starts back and while she may not overturn that form here, she can be close. (3) SPEAR GOLD and (2) DONGHAENG FIRST are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Raon The Fanta (9) Taepyeong Vision (6) Lady Codi (3) Spear Gold
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(3) CITY KING got his maiden win at start number two on November 18th, making all over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he has every chance of a repeat and will start a warm favourite. (5) CUPID CHAMP will be the clear second favourite. She is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five top-three finished including his latest at this class and distance on November 19th when 3rd having raced midfield and finished off well. She remains lightly weighted and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) MISS HIGH FLY ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back before running a fair 5th in marginally better company than this last time out and that’s enough to see her in the mix here. The returning (2) JJARTIHAN JAYU, along with (8) STORM BREAKER, are others who can enter the calculations.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 22)

The first of four days of Christmas racing is on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. (There will be 7-race programs at Seoul on Saturday and Sunday with Busan also contributing 10 races on Sunday before Seoul hosts a standalone 12-race Christmas Day meeting on Monday). Here are Friday’s previews:

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

Jockey Choi Eun-gyeong had a field day last Friday and she can keep her good run going here with (5) GREAT MAN. After a nondescript debut in August, he had three months off and then looked much better when stepped up to this trip and running 4th on November 5th having led throughout. His time was much quicker than anything else here has managed and he should be on pace and can go all the way. (2) SEKWANG CHOEGANG has been slow away in both starts do far but has shown a good turn of foot. He draws nicely here and if he can be a bit closer a bit earlier, he can be a danger. (10) BREEDO WIZARD was well fancied on debut having trialled well and he put in a fair performance in 4th place over this distance on October 20th. He comes in here fresh and can build on that today. (8) FLYING ACE has been back to trial since his poor debut and could be a different prospect this time. (11) ARION KING another in the frame.

Selections(5) Great Man (2) Sekwang Choegang (10) Breedo Wizard (8) Flying Ace
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

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

(5) BEAT DRAGON will be a short-priced favourite here. He ran 4th on debut over 1200M in October before being 2nd at 1400M on November 17th when settling back and running on well. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard and from a good gate he can settle behind the speed and go one better this time. (2) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE comes in off best finish to date o f2nd over 1200M on November 19th when midfield and running on well. He comes up to the 1300M for the first time and it can suit. (1) YONGBI CHEONWANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance racing on pace both times. There isn’t much early speed in this race so from the inside gate, he should get an easy run to the lead, and he can be in this a long way. The form falls off significantly after those three, with (8) TWOTWO MONEYGUN and (7) SPRIT FIGHTER perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Beat Dragon (2) Taepungui Chukje (1) Yongbi Cheonwang (8) Twotwo Moneygun
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(1) WISE KING ran once, all the way back in January, and won very easily over 1200M. He has been through two trials, in October and in November, finishing 2n din both in quick times. He should therefore be match fit enough, he draws nicely, and he can win first-up here. (3) BEST CHAMP got his win at this distance back in September. He was back in the pack when slowly on his first try at this class in October but returned to form with a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 24th. The start is important for him and if he can be on or close to the pace, he has every chance here. (9) BEST LEADER comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number five at this distance on November 19th when on pace throughout. Her time was good, and she can measure up in this company. (6) ACHIMUI HUIMANG will need to be taken on trust racing for the first time since August but along with (4) BURUI JEWAMG, is another to consider.

Selections(1) Wise King (3) Best Champ (9) Best Leader (6) Achimui Huimang
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(7) AUTUMN BREEZE is the one to beat here. She made her breakthrough at start number five on November 17th when she made all over this distance, scoring aby a full ten-lengths and stopping the clock in a fast time. She comes up in class here, but that win had been coming and the manner of it suggests that she has plenty more in the tank. This isn’t an especially strong race for the level and that means (6) SANGIM STAR, a distance runner-up to Autumn Breeze in that November 17th race, could get closest again. She comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at this distance and under a light weight, she has the potential for more improvement having only raced four times. (4) HAVE A GOOD YEAR is another up in class. He returned from five months off on November 19th to make all over this distance and from a good gate can be on pace and in this a long way. Among those with experience of this class already. (8) GLORY SONG and (1) BEST WIND are probably the best of a limited set.

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Winner’s Man Beats Global Hit in Grand Prix for the Ages

Winner’s Man became only the fourth horse in forty-one-years of the race to successfully defend the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But those who had taken the favourite at odds of 1.2 had the fright of their lives as Korean Derby winner and champion three-year-old Global Hit put up an epic feat of resistance, requiring the Horse of the Year elect to summon every last ounce of effort before prevailing by a nose in a photo-finish.

Winner’s Man and Global Hit go nose to nose (Pic: KRA)

On a bitingly cold day in the capital city where temperatures failed to go higher than seven degrees below zero all afternoon, Winner’s Man was heavily backed to repeat his success of a year ago when he saw off Raon The Fighter by a length with Tuhonui Banseok a close 3rd. With Raon The Fighter on the long term injured list, Tuhonui Banseok was among the leading contenders to dethrone the champion this time around, although few truly believed it was possible.

Remote of one of the best ever finishes to the Grand Prix (Pic: Hong Jong-woo/KRA)

It was almost possible, but not by Tuhonui Banseok. Winner’s Man settled just behind the early leaders and back on the fence as Jeongmun Sai and Fantastic Man set the pace. That pair gave way very early leaving Tuhonui Banseok out in front and Winner’s Man with clear track ahead to join him before the end of the backstraight. All the time, Global Hit was in close attendance and as they entered the home straight, the three of them, along with Success Macho were clear.

Tuhonui Banseok was the first to have run his race and to most observers that meant Winner’s Man was surely set to cruise away. But Global Hit would not lie down, and the pair came close together and began a duel. The three-year-old briefly struck the front inside the final furlong only for Seo Seung-un to lift the champion up from off the canvas for one last drive. They crossed the line together and it went officially to the judges, but Winner’s Man had it by a nose. Success Macho was just over a length back in 3rd.

The official photo

The pre-race buzz locally had been around Haengbok Wangja, the 2021 winner having snapped a run of desperate form with 5th in the Korea Cup and 3rd in the Cup Classic. Moon Se-young being booked to ride did nothing to dampen that enthusiasm and he ran well for 4th with Tuhonui Banseok in 5th. They were the top-five in the market, and that elite level of horses were a cut above the rest. The remaining eleven were, as anticipated, in a different race with nine lengths until the next best.

Speaking to YTN News after the race, winning jockey Seo Seung-un was both happy and relieved: “His condition coming in this week was so good that I really was confident that we would win comfortably, but the other horses have clearly improved a lot, especially Global Hit, and if (Winner’s Man) had not been at his best, we would have lost. Fortunately, he was, and we were able to win.”

Seo was questioned about the tactics in the race that saw Winner’s Man getting kickback in the early stages. “Winner’s Man likes to run on the outside, so it was a bit uncomfortable when I got stuck inside around the 1st and 2nd corners, but then we got through those corners, and things opened up in front and outside and I was able to attack. That made the difference.”

As for the future: “(Winner’s Man) will only be six years old (in 2024) but the most important thing is his health and so long as he is sound, we will be back for a go at a third Grand Prix this time next year.”

Winning trainer Choi Ki-hong told in-house broadcaster KRBC that the close nature of the race only enhanced his delight at the result: “Actually, I think my joy is doubled because it was such a thrilling win.  The track condition was good and Global Hit ran a great race against us. I want to thank the owner but also the jockey for a great ride and my stable crew for all their hard work to get Winner’s Man to this point.”

Kim Hye-sun, who became the first female rider to win the Korean Derby in June with Global Hit, came within a nose of repeating the achievement in the Grand Prix and in the immediate aftermath, her thoughts were of what might have been: “It’s actually disappointing to lose by a nose. When Tuhonui Banseok (was beaten) but we stayed with Winner’s Man, I realized that we had a chance. We came so close together (with Winner’s Man) that I couldn’t even use the crop and I just feel regretful that maybe we lost our opportunity.”

Kim though quickly saw the bigger picture about what Global Hit had achieved: “Overall I think Global Hit ran really well and the more I think about it, the more I am amazed. He is three years old and racing 2300M for the first time and he caught up with Winner’s Man. So, I am excited about next year and quite emotional about this horse.”

Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

It was the first time ever that two Korean Derby winners have finished 1st and 2nd in the Grand Prix, with Winner’s Man having won the jewel in the three-year-old Crown in 2021. Power Blade and Winner’s Man are the only two Derby winners to go on and win a Grand Prix. A year from now, Global Hit may follow. Winner’s Man may have something to say about that though.

That’s the end of Group races in Korea for 2023 but there is still plenty of racing to come before the year end including a four-day program of races next weekend beginning on Friday at Busan and culminating with 12 races at Seoul on Christmas Day. There will also be another three-day program from December 29th and concluding on New Year’s Eve.

Grand Prix Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 17)

It’s Grand Prix Sunday and it’s going to be cold! See here for a full preview of the big race. It’s free entry to both Seoul and Busan Racecourses 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:

Triple Nine won his 5th G1 – and only Grand Prix – in 2018 (Pic: KRA)

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

(1) GROUPER has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over this distance and the former in a good time. He draws nicely to be on pace again here and he should be exiting the lowest class of racing with a win. (5) ANYANG TSUNAMI has made progress across three starts so far culminating in a 5th place in a fair time over this distance on November 11th. She has raced handy in her latest two and should do similar here and in this company, she won’t need to improve by very much to get close. (2) BEOLGYO CHADOL was sent off as favourite on debut following a positive trial showing. She finished back in the pack but should have benefitted from the run and can be given another chance here. (3) DREAM CARD and solitary debut maker (9) JANGBI DAEUN are others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Grouper (5) Anyang Tsunami (2) Beolgyo Chadol (3) Dream Card
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

(8) PERFECT TIARA has raced four times and has finished no worse than 5th. Her best so far is her latest on November 26th, when she settled midfield and ran on for 2nd in a slowly run ace over 1200M. She comes up to the 1300M for the first time, and it can suit. (1) ARNOLD QUEEN came from off the pace on debut over 1200M on October 28th to run a fair 5th. She should have come on for that run and can get closer here. (3) FIRST CHOUX loves coming 5th, something he has done on each of his last four outings, but he does have the fastest time among these for the distance and from a good draw can get closer today. (11) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (5) GIANT FORCE are among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(8) Perfect Tiara (1) Arnold Queen (3) First Choux (11) Saebyeok Bulbit
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) BRIGHT HANSEN stalked the leader on debut over this distance on November 5th, before striking the front with just over a furlong to go and running on to win comfortably. She comes up in class as a result, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and she is the one to beat again here. She will be the hot favourite with (2) SPARK THUNDER the second pick. The latter was an equally dominant winner at start number two on November 11th, racing on pace throughout. She too comes up in class but should be on the speed again and will surely be in this a long way. (10) HIT FLY was a little less visually impressive when getting her maiden win at start two on November 25th. The time was solid though and she too should be competitive in this company. As for those with previous experience of class 5, (8) YEOWANG SOCKS and (1) WIDAEHAN HANMA look the best.

Selections(4) Bright Hansen (2) Spark Thunder (10) Hit Fly (8) Yeowang Socks
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) RAINBOW ROAD will be favourite. She ran 2nd on debut in October before posting a 4th place on November 26th, both times settling behind the speed and running on. She draws nicely and, in this company, will probably be ridden on pace. She should have too much. (7) SEUNGNI TAKEN raced a couple of times this spring without distinction but returned after seven months out on November 24th and came from off the pace to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance. He should strip fitter for the run and can be a danger here too. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE has been knocking on the door in his latest three, including a 3rd place over 1300M. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can run into some money again. (3) ANY SINGS and (2) WONDERFUL KAYLAN others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Rainbow Road (7) Seungni Taken (10) Captain Charlie (3) Any Sings
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(1) DRONE KILLER was a winner on debut over 1200M in October before running an on-pace 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on November 11th, going down narrowly. From the inside gate, he should be on pace from the start and has solid claims here. (4) HERE I AM is up in class following an emphatic win over 1200M on November 12th, making all and pulling out of sight late on. The win had been coming, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he may well start as favourite here. (3) LEGENDSUN was an also-ran in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy for juveniles last month but returns to shallower waters here and should be in the frame. (9) DREAM SKY and (6) JEONGMUN PAPAGO, 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on November 19th, re among others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Drone Killer (4) Here I Am (3) Legendsun (9) Dream Sky
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

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Grand Prix 2023 – Full Preview

A month ago, Winner’s Man became the first horse to win four different Korean Group 1 races. On Sunday at Seoul Racecourse, he seeks to win the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) for a second time and in doing so match Triple Nine’s five Group 1 successes.

Winner’s Man

The Grand Prix is the oldest, and in the eyes of most Korean connections, the most prestigious race on the calendar with it first being run at Ttukseom Racecourse on Boxing Day 1982. Since 2005, the distance has been set at 2300M – the longest distance in use in Korea – and since 2009, it has expanded to include horses trained at Busan as well as Seoul. In the thirteen runnings of the so-called “open era”, (there was no race in 2020) Seoul has won five times and Busan has won eight times.

Three horses have won it twice, Pogyeongseon in 1985 and 1986, Ka Shock Do in 1990 and 1991, and Dongbanui Gangja in 2008 and 2009. Winner’s Man, the 2022 champion, will be hot favourite to emulate them in 2023.

Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

Korean Derby winner Global Hit will aim to become the first three-year-old to win the race since Bold Kings in 2015. The youngsters used to triumph regularly; Bold Kings was the 5th three-year-old to win in eight runnings following Dongbanui Gangja, Mister Park, Gamdonguibada and Indie Band. Gamdonguibada was the last filly or mare to win when she triumphed under Joe Fujii in 2012. Ony one, Eodigana, lines up this time, while Global Hit is the only three-year-old.

Along with Global Hit, Success Macho, who ran 4th in the Korea Cup and then 2nd in the President’s Cup, and Tuhnonui Banseok, who downed Winner’s Man twice this summer, are set to be the other leading contenders. Haengbok Wangja, the 2021 victor also goes, bidding to be the first two-time winner to score in non-consecutive years. Here is a full run-down of the field (jockey/trainer):

1. TIZ BAROWS (KOR) Antiono Davielson Da Silva/Seo In-seok – Well back in both KRA Cup Classic and President’s Cup this preparation. Looked to have a load of potential when winning the Listed Sports Chosun in May but hasn’t kicked on since. Jockey won the race in 2019.

2. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) Seo Seung-un/Choi Ki-hong – The best in the country despite his mid-season stutters behind Tuhonui Banseok. Those seem to be behind him now and at anything like his best, he will win again.

3. EODIGANA (KOR) Yoo Seung-wan/Kim Yoon-seop – The only filly or mare in the race and a big run shouldn’t be discounted. She flashed home for 5th in the President’s Cup and the 2300M should suit. Not a winning chance but a minor money hope.

4. CHIEF INDY (KOR) Johan Victoire/Park Jae-woo – Well back from a wide gate in the President’s Cup but ran 5th and 3rd in two class 1 races over this distance this year. Can be doing his best work late here.

5. FANTASTIC MAN (KOR) Kim Dong-young/Moon Hyeon-cheol – First start since running 2nd to Galaxy Road over 2000M in September but looked well in a trial just last Saturday. Big ask first-up though.

6. JEONGMUN SAI (KOR) Park Tae-jong/Hong Dae-you – Likes to be on pace so a potential early leader here. Comes in off a fair 7th in the President’s Cup and can be in this a long way. Not a winning chance though.

7. GLOBAL HIT (KOR) Kim Hye-sun/Bang Dong-suk – The Derby winner is this year’s champion three-year-old, and he finished off the President’s Cup very well. He will be on or close to the pace and he is the main danger.

8. BLACK MUSK (KOR) Jo Sang-beom/Choi Yong-goo – His last five starts have been in Group company at distances between 1200M and 2000M, but he has finished midfield or worse in all of them. Tactically versatile but hard to have on this year’s form.

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