Geoljak One won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy in December (Pic: KRA)
Both of the last two years have seen fillies sweep all three jewels in the Tiara, with Golden Power’s 2022 exploits being matched by Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023. The latter confirmed her status as the top filly or mare in the nation with her win in the opening leg of the Queens’ Tour, the Donga Ilbo Trophy. After Sunday’s Luna, a race named after Busan’s first champion filly, the second leg of the series is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on May 5th, before moving to Seoul for the finale, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on June 9th.
The home track and the capital have equal representation in the Luna with right Seoul-trained fillies traveling down to contend with eight based at Busan. Among the raiders, GEOLJAK ONE and ECLIPSE BERRY look the best, having come home 1st and 2nd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) in early December. The latter went on to win very easily over 1800M at class 3 level last month and under Moon Se-young, is set to start favourite.
Busan’s champion juvenile filly last term was BAEKDUUI KKUM, who comfortably scored in the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo (1200M KOR-Listed). Her only appearance of 2024 so far was a somewhat underwhelming 6th of eleven over this distance at class 3 level but it was a strong and quick race, and she can be better today. Franco Da Silva, who enjoyed a golden 2023 and on Friday reached the milestone of 400 winners in Korea, rides.
Others expected to feature prominently in the market are GLOBAL TAEYANG and PERFECT ACTION from Busan, along with another Seoul raider, WONPYEONG LIST.
The Luna Stakes is race 5 on the 6-race Sunday card at Busan. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday:
1. SEONGSIL DAERO – Made all to win over 1300M at class 5 level on February 18th. Draws well so expect to be on pace but this is much tougher.
2. HUIMANG CANDY – One of just four to have won at this distance which she did at class 5 level on February 18th.
3. PERFECT ACTION – Two-time winner at class 4 including at this distance and runner-up to Baekduui Kkum in in the DoMin Ilbo. Not impossible.
4. FLYING STAR – Midfield finishes in Seoul’s juvenile Listed races last autumn, but she enters having won at a mile at class 4 level on February 17th. Minor money chance.
March wraps up with the first leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies in the shape of the Listed Luna Stakes over a mile at Busan. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05 while in Seoul there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Baekduui Kkkum is among the fillies going for the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those four can go on top. (1) BLACK SPECTER took two goes to qualify but did so in style on February 22nd, settling handy and running on to cross the line in front in a decent time. He draws nicely and if he can bring that form to the races, he can win. The exposed form isn’t impressive with only (9) EUNPA PARTNER having pocketed any prize money. That came at his latest start on February 24th when a much-improved 3rd over 1200M. A repeat of that performance will see him closer in this company. It is very to make a case for any of the others. (2) SONE SONJABGO has raced just once, finishing 7th behind Eunpa Partner. She should have come on for that run and can improve. (11) SEMYEONG GHOST and (8) GEUMSEONG YEOJE could be other improvers but without much confidence.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) EUNPA JOY looks the one to beat here. That’s based on his last start effort when 2nd over 1300M having settled midfield and finished off well. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can go one better today. (4) STUNNING MONEY has finished in the top-five on five of six occasions with a 2nd and a 3rd in the mix over 1300M. He has been doing his best work late in his races so for him too, the additional half furlong can help, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (2) P N S NALA was 5th behind Eunpa Partner last time out but it was only his second start and he showed improvement from his first. He draws nicely again to be on pace, and he should get closer. (11) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE and (7) MARUBYEOL among other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Eunpa Joy (4) Stunning Money (2) P N S Nala (11) Heunghaeng Bulpae
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BEOLGYO FRANCHE has shown slow but steady improvement across four starts so far with his 5th place on March 3rd over this distance being his best. He also looked sharp when winning a trial prior to that and in this company, he shapes as the winner. (11) BURUI TONGCHI ran 3rd on debut last October but hasn’t raced since. He didn’t offer many clues when trialling up at the start of this month but if he can deliver a similar first-up run here, he won’t be far away. (10) DRIVING FORCE offered little in two outings around the turn of the year. She went back to trial at the end of February and looked much more competent running on pace and finishing in a good time. Expect improvement here. (1) GOLDMASK and (3) SWEET BEOMHAN others to consider for the minors.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win, having been promoted to this class with back-to-back 2nd places in his opening two runs. He has run fairly in two starts at this class, both over 1300M, finishing 5th and 6th with the margins not having been huge. The slight step back in trip can be in his favour and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) ARCH CLASS got his maiden win at this distance last September and has been gradually getting closer at this level, culminating in 2nd place last time out on February 18th. He draws well to be on the speed here and he has potential winning claims. (6) VELVETY returned from three months out to run fairly over 1400M on March 10th. She comes down in the weights and should strip fitter this time. (2) GANA POWER and (10) GEUMBIT GANGHO others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Geumak Dia (4) Arch Class (6) Velvety (2) Gana Power
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) BLACK FALCON has a 2nd and a 3rd among his last three starts most recently coming from well off the pace over 1200M. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as he has a strong finish on him, and today can be his day. (1) WORLD MAID CAT was disappointing on his second outing last month but if we go on his January debut when he came from off the pace to run 2nd, he is worth another chance here and Moon Se-young climbs on. (2) ALICE MARINE was a significantly improved 2nd on March 1st racing handy and running on over this distance. She draws nicely again and can match or better that here. (8) HAERANG YOUNGUNG and (10) WE LIKE MONEY are others to consider for the places.
Selections
(12) Black Falcon (1) World Maid Cat (2) Alice Marine (8) Haerang Youngung
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (4) FIJI BLADE remains winless after ten attempts but has no fewer than eight top-five finishes. That includes her latest on February 24th when after settling at the back, she ran on for a close 3rd over 1200M. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights but that’s balanced by a much better gate, and she can make her breakthrough here. (7) DIANA and (6) TIZ MORNING both come up in class having registered their maiden wins on their respective third career starts, the former over 1200M and the later at this trip. They both like to race on pace, and both can measure up in this company. (2) ARCH RUNNER is another non-winner but has a 2nd and a 4th at this class and distance from her latest two and she should be close again. (1) LADY CODI another in the hunt.
The blossoms may not be quite out yet but racing has moved to its Cherry Blossom Festival schedule for Saturdays. There will be 11 races at Seoul from 14:45 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Chances are that Malma will be making an appearance over the weekend (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and it’s one of the two debut-makers who is set to be the warm favourite. (9) KKUMUI HYANGGI went through a couple of trials last summer without making it to the races but came back into training this year and went through a quick trial in February, settling back and working home well. This is a very soft race to start in and if she brings the trial form, she should win. The other first-timer is (5) KOTAP. She went through three trials getting it right in the 3rd of them in a fair time (albeit a full three seconds behind Eoma Eoma). Again, that should be enough to put her in the places here. The exposed form is lacking. (8) THUNDER STORM ran 4th on debut and while she was well back on her reappearance on February 17th, she still beat a couple of these. (11) CUPID DREAM and (10) P N S ME others who may improve.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Another weak maiden. (3) GALSAEK DOJEONJA is one of only two here with a top-three finish to his name, recorded over 1200M last October. He has raced fairly in three subsequent appearances and from a good draw and among weak company, he may be further forward today. He has as good a chance as any. (5) GLOBAL CODIE will also be on pace. His best so far is a 4th place on debut and comes in following a 5th and a 6th from his latest two. CC climbing up today will probably give him favourite status. (8) ARNOLD QUEEN has hinted at ability across her three starts so far and has trialled up fairly since her latest appearance in January. (1) CROQUIS is the other to have achieved a to-three and that’s enough to put her in the hunt here. (2) THUNDER YEOGEOL another in the hunt for the minors.
Selections
(3) Galsaek Dojeonja (5) Global Codie (8) Arnold Queen (1) Croquis
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BEST DAERO ran 4th on debut over 1200M in January and followed up with a 2nd place at this distance on March 2nd when racing prominently throughout from a wide gate. He draws nicely to lead this time and he will be a short price favourite to go one better. (6) SAHARAMONG ran an improved 3rd place at start number three over 1200M in January. She comes in after eleven weeks out here and given her running style so far, the slight step up in trip can suit. (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER is yet to finish in the top-two in twenty-two starts but he has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than ten occasions. He should be in the prize-money mix again here. (2) GLORY CHARM and debut-maker (7) MK STAR others who can compete for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) THE PLAYER was thought of highly enough to be given his chance in the G2 Breeders’ Cup for juveniles last December. He only beat one home, but he returned to form when 2nd on his first try at this distance on February 25th. He comes up 2kg in the weights, and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he’ll be a strong favourite. (7) DONGHAENG FIRST is yet to win in twelve attempts but has no fewer than ten top-five finishes. That includes her latest just two weeks ago when 4th over 1400M. She remains under a light weight and stretches out to two-turns for the first time. (2) STAR CHANGER is also winless but comes up to this class for the first time following three consecutive 3rd place finishes. She comes up significantly in trip too, but she draws well, carries a light weight, and she can be competitive. (3) PLAN B and (6) HAENGUN BARAM others in the frame.
Selections
(10) The Player (7) Donghaeng First (2) Star Changer (3) Plan B
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
2, 5, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
For the next three-weeks, to try and coincide with the cherry blossom season, racing on Fridays and Saturdays moves to a late afternoon and evening schedule (Sundays will follow the normal daytime race times). It begins at Busan on Friday where there is an 8-race card from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews
Busan nights
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the opener. (7) CHEONHAJIYU came from off the pace to run a good 2nd on debut over 1200M on February 22nd. She should have come on for that run, the additional half furlong can suit, and jockey Franco Da Silva can notch his 400th Korean winner here. Speaking of jockeys, “The Moon” is working Busan Friday! Seoul’s eight-time champion rider Moon Se-young is in town to ride in Sunday’s Luna Stakes and climbs up on (2) SUPREME QUEEN here. She has a 2nd place to her name at this distance two starts back and from a great draw, she should be on pace and in this a long way. (12) B.K. DOMINER enters off two 3rd place finishes, both at this distance. She drew wide in both of those and ran in well and should be a danger late again. (4) DREAMMA and (5) HYPER FORCE are others on the right trajectory.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) ONEULISUNGAN ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on January 21st, settling midfield and running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance here. (1) BRUG KINGMAN race twice at the turn of the year, putting in a creditable 2nd and 4th at 1200M and 1400M, the latter rime leading into the closing stages. He comes in fresh following twelve weeks off and from the inside gate, he can go close. (9) BARADEON BADA was an on-pace 3rd over 1300M on February 16h. With not a huge amount of obvious early speed in this race, she should get an easy run towards the front again and can be competitive. (11) STORMY DAY and (4) GOOD KING MAN others with very solid placing claims.
Selections
(2) Oneulisungan (1) Brug Kingman (9) Baradeon Bada (11) Stormy Day
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) LEMON DRAGON was an improved 4th when stepped up to this distance for the first time on February 23rd, having settled midfield and run on well. That was just his third start so there can still be some more improvement to come and against this limited opposition, he can make the breakthrough. (1) CLOUD LOVE looks as though he is finally figuring it out and comes in off a best finish of 3rd – at start number eighteen – on March 3rd. That was over this distance, as were his two prior outings which both resulted in 4th place finishes. He is clearly in the form of his modest career and Seo Seung-un remains aboard. It’s not impossible. The form drops off after those two. Third favourite will be (2) NUNBUSINGIL. That’s based on his last start when only 6th but it was at this distance, and he beat a couple of today’s rivals. (10) CHEONGMAUI JILJU and (5) THE ONE may be potential improvers among an ordinary bunch.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After running 3rd on debut, (5) RUBY STONE got her maiden win at the second time of asking on February 23rd, racing on pace throughout and winning comfortably in a good time over 1200M. She comes up in class here, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come, and she will be a short-price favourite to win again. (8) GUKDAE HERO got his win in a quick race over 1300M back in December. He took a couple of goes to adjust to this class but ran a good 2nd over this distance on March 1st when settling midfield from a wide draw and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights but can aim for at least another runner-up finish here. (4) FLYING ACE got her maiden win over this trip in December and enters off a smart 3rd place over 1300M on March 3rd when she led for much of the way around. Moon Se-young climbs up and she draws nicely. (9) BRAVE CAPTAIN and (11) SANGIM STAR others in the hunt.
Jeulgeounyeojeong picked up from where she left off at the end of last year as she took the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring & Summer, the Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed), with an assured performance at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Jeulgeounyeojeong holds off Wonderful Slew in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Sent off as the prohibitive 1.5 favourite locally on a warm Spring afternoon, Jeulgeounyeojeong tracked early leader Raon The Spurt throughout the early and middle stages of the race, before jockey Seo Seung-un took things up early in the straight and then comfortably held off Wonderful Slew by three-quarters of a length on the line. 60/1 chance Yellow Cat was 3rd although essentially in a different race to the first two once they hit the home straight.
Jeulgeounyeojeong was the winner of all three legs of the Triple Tiara last year and while it seemed a gruelling season had caught up with her – she ran eleven times in total in 2023 – after a couple of late season reverses, including at the hands of Wonderful Slew, the Kim Young-kwan-trained filly returned to form with victory in December’s Breeders’ Cup Queen at Busan. She then got a very welcome three-month break.
(Pic: KRA)
For a first up performance, Jeulgeounyeojeong looked formidable and will surely get better for the run. Winning jockey Seo Seung-un agreed, telling in-house broadcaster KRBC: “It was a good run after three months off. There wasn’t really a suitable class 1 race for her in Busan in the lead up, so we came straight here. I had trust in the horse, and I am pleased we were able to come through for the fans.”
Winning trainer Kim admitted there were some nervous moments watching: “Even though (Jeulgeounyeojeong) was first-up after three months and Wonderful Slew had a race in her, I actually thought we would win comfortably” he told KRBC. “But we were almost in trouble in the end there and I think Wonderful Slew has improved a lot since the last time we met.”
Indeed, the way that Wonderful Slew finished off suggests that the Luigi Riccardi-trained galloper may yet have a say in the big ones as the season progresses. The runner-up’s jockey Moon Se-young said he expected some early speed and that he had a key decision imposed on him with 800 metres to run:
“The likes of Gangseo Giant, Chamjoeun Chingu and Raon The Spurt can be fast, so I was mindful of that. The key moment was around the 3rd corner when (Yellow Cat) came up on the outside and, well…you can review it for yourself later…I had to decide whether to go then or to hold back and I decided I couldn’t hold it any longer. Would it have been a different result if I had? I don’t know. But, anyway, I think at 2000M, we will win.”
(Pic: KRA)
That is something that will have to wait. The Queens’ Tour Spring & Summer moves on to the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul on April 28th, before concluding with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on June 2nd. As Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew did last year, the best fillies from the three-year-old ranks will then be expected to join the Queens Tour Fall & Winter Series that begins in September.
We’ll get a closer look at just who those fillies might be when the Triple Tiara kicks off next Sunday at Busan with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed), the first leg of the 2024 Triple Tiara.
Sunday sees the start of the Queens Tour Spring & Summer Series with the Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed) for fillies and mares at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 18.00, plus 6 at Busan from 11.25 to 16.05. Here are the previews:
Can Wonderful Slew defeat Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Donga Ilbo? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts in this maiden and their form is almost identical. (4) BEST WHIZ has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on January 7th when racing on pace. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks out and from a good draw, should be on the speed again and can win. (10) SPINNING BOOM has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on February 3rd when racing handy throughout. The draw isn’t ideal, but he has a strong finish and should be a big danger. (5) LOVE O MINE ran 3rd on debut in an all-filly maiden at this trip on January 27th, settling back but running on well. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go well again. (3) BEAUTYWONDERFUL along with debut-maker (7) SONGDANGMANGCHI are others in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Best Whiz (10) Spinning Boom (5) Love O Mine (3) Beautywonderful
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) RAON THE CLIPPER here. After an inauspicious debut last September, he didn’t race again until January when, freshly gelded, he proceeded to post a 3rd and a 2nd, most recently on February 25th over this distance when racing on pace. He draws very well here and third-up this preparation, it should be his day. It isn’t a strong set of opponents. (11) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG is the only other one for whom a winning case can be made and that’s based on his last start 4th over 1300M when coming from well back. CC in the saddle is a plus. (2) MONEY TOUCH does have a 3rd place to his name and that is enough to get him into the numbers here. (7) SINUI BLUE and (9) HAKSAN DAESE other possibles for the minors.
Selections
(1) Raon The Clipper (11) Beautiful Hwaseong (2) Money Touch (7) Sinui Blue
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) BUSAN TODAY sounds like the title of a provincial newspaper, and she could make the headlines here. There was six months between her first start and her second start, that latter one coming on February 18th over 1200M when she showed on pace before finishing in 4th. She should strip fitter here and can overcome the wide draw. The main danger is drawn only one gate inside. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST was 2nd on debut over 1000M last September and then followed up with a pair of 4th places, both over 1300M. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he has a strong finish. (5) DREAM TREE is the solitary debut-maker, and this is a nice race to start off in. She came from off the pace to run 5th in her trial in a fair time and the 1300M may suit first up. (2) OAK RIDGE and (7) PUREUN YEOLJEONG other minor chances.
Selections
(12) Busan Today (11) Yeonggwanguifirst (5) Dream Tree (2) Oak Ridge
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) THE GIANT comes in off a much-improved 2nd place at start number five over 1300M when for the first time, he led, and only got narrowly taken down in the final strides. From a good draw, expect similar tactics today and while he is slightly up in trip, he can go one better. (4) BREEDO KING STAR is the main danger. He debuted fairly but without distinction last June and then didn’t reappear again until February 24th. Newly gelded, he made a positive return, finishing 3rd over this trip and he should strip fitter here and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was sent off as the betting favourite. (8) TRES VITE is yet to finish in the top-three in eighteen starts but he has picked up plenty of minor money – seven times in 4th or 5th – and in this company, he can aim for a to-date best. (2) LONDON GOLD and (7) JECHUK ILHO are the other placing chances.
Selections
(5) The Giant (4) Breedo King Star (8) Tres Vite (2) London Gold
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) MORPHEUS will be a strong favourite here. He has mixed his form a little across his five outings but comes in off a strong 4th place over 1400M when overcoming a wide draw to lead for much of the way. The step up to a mile can suit, he comes into a better gate, and he may take some beating. (1) NANGMAN DAERO too dealt well with a wide draw when 4th over this distance on February 23rd. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by the inside this time and he can go close. (7) UNJU LEGEND came from off the pace to run 3rd at a mile, also on February 23rd. She makes just her fourth start here and looks to have scope for more progress. (6) LUCKY HIT and (2) BABEL DREAMY are others in the placing hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(11) GIANT M took a couple of goes to figure things out but he got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking over this distance on March 2nd when making all. He come sup in class here and has the challenge of the outside gate, but he looks to have more progress in him, and he has a chance here. (4) ACRO MARINE was a winner two starts back at 1300M before running 2nd over that same trip on his first try at this level on February 24th. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights as well as coming up slightly in trip but he should be equal to both challenges. (1) STORM GUY will need a line drawn through his latest when favourite at class and distance on February 24th bit fading badly late. His previous form was good though and Moon Se-young stays loyal so we shall too. (5) HANGANG GLORY and (10) MUJANG among other placing hopes.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. It is the last daytime Saturday meeting until late April as for the next four weeks, Saturday (as well as Fridays) will run on an afternoon and evening schedule. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maidens in the opener and there’s not much reason to go past (1) BREEDO THUNDER. After a decent trial, she ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on December 30th, settling handy and running on pleasingly. She has had twelve weeks off since then so comes in fresh and won’t need to improve much to win this. The one concern would be (6) SOFT POWER. She was an improved 3rd at start number two on February 17th coming from off the pace over 1200M. Her times haven’t been quick but the step up in trip may well suit. (7) AMAZING STAR debuted in that February 17th race and ran a fair 4th. She is the only one in this field to have shown anything resembling gate speed so should get an easy lead. The three first timers don’t make for much appeal so (3) ECO FORE and (9) SEGWANG JILJU are others who may improve.
Selections
(1) Breedo Thunder (6) Soft Power (7) Amazing Star (3) Eco Fore
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and this time we will go with a debut-maker. (3) UASEN trialled up competently at the end of last month, showing handily and running through the line well. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can win first-up. (5) ROYAL PLUS has improved across three starts so far most recently when 3rd at this distance on February 3rd. She should be on pace here and can be in it a long way. (2) MODERN DANCE was slow away on debut on Christmas Day but ran on well for 4th place over this distance. She finally comes back for another go here and from a good gate and with a better start, she can go close. (11) YEONGWON POTEN and (7) BIG BRIDGE the other placing chances.
Selections
(3) Uasen (5) Royal Plus (2) Modern Dance (11) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not a very strong maiden. (8) SUNSHINE QUEEN will be favourite, based purely on her last start when she was a much-improved 2nd over this distance having done nothing in her first three runs. She raced handy and ran on well and won’t need to be much better to win this. (6) YEJIMONG comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes over 1300M. She settles back and works home well and should be in the mix again in this limited company. (3) TOJONG GLORY has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 3rd two starts back. She can leave herself too much to do but can be threat at the business end of the race again. (7) ANYANG TSUNAMI and (11) NONSTOP YEOLCHA other placing hopes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
With a 3rd and then a very close 2nd in two starts so far, both at this distance, and both times coming from off the pace and finishing strongly, (9) STUNNING FLATTER will be hot favourite to make the breakthrough here. The widest gate shouldn’t be a problem and the step up in trip should suit. (5) CRAZE CHANG comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1300M and at this distance. He can get a bit far back, but he should be a danger late on. (2) BAEKRYONG mixes his form but has a 2nd and a 3rd among his most recent three outings and from a good draw he can be on pace and be in the finish. (6) DAEMUL SOCKS and (7) YONGBISU are other placing candidates.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) BEOLGYO VERITAS was a winner on debut in December and has since run 4th and 2nd in two starts at this level, most recently when almost leading the whole way around over 1300M. He likes to be on pace, so he draws well, and he will be a short price to go one better this time. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (2) CHEONGRYANGSAN is yet to win but has finished no worse than 4th in five starts. Most recently he dead heated for 2nd at this class and distance on February 25th when settling midfield and running on and he can go close again. The horse he dead heated with that day was none other than (7) NAOL DAEWANG. He too is yet to win but has proven competitive at this level and should be in the finish again. (8) AUSTIN LEADER and (4) HANGGU STAR are among plenty of others who can have placing aspirations.
Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden with four racing for the first time but it’s hard to look past (5) HAEUNDAE SUNSHINE. After a green debut last August, she didn’t race again until December and has since posted a 3rd and a 4th in two starts at 1200M and 1300M. She’ll be on pace in this company, and she should have too much. (10) DAESUNG DOLPUNG has made progress over three starts to date, most recently when 4th at this distance on March 1st when settling behind the speed and running on. Similar to Haeundae Sunshine, in this race she can be expected to be further forward and can go close. The form falls off after those two but (8) RUN TO QUEEN should have come on for her debut on February 25th when on the speed but weakening. She previously trialled well and can stick around a bit longer this time. Of the debut-makers, (11) JAZZ STAR looks comfortably the best while (2) GOLDEN NICE could be a long shot for improvement.
Selections
(5) Haeundae Sunshine (10) Daesung Dolpung (8) Run To Queen (11) Jazz Star
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts here. (8) CHEONHA SARANG scored a 3rd and a 2nd in his first two outings at 1200M and 1400M before running a fair 5th when stepped up to a mile on February 23rd. He likes to race on pace, the drop back in trip should suit, and while any top-three finish will see him in class 5 next time, he can exit the basement level with a win. The danger is (4) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG, and not just for tongue-tied race-callers. He has come close over his five starts, with his best being a 3rd place at 1300M in December. There isn’t much early speed in this race so he can be on pace or handy and Choi Si-dae climbing up is a plus. It’s hard to go past those two, but (2) DAESEUNGNIJA has a pair of 3rd places on her record so long as she is a bit better away than she was last time, can be a threat. (3) STAR PARK and (9) BLAZING MAN others to consider.
Selections
(8) Cheonha Sarang (4) Gwangyaeuihamsung (2) Daeseungnija (3) Star Park
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
4, 8, 9, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not a strong maiden here. (5) BLISS MARINE improved to 3rd place at start number two over 1400M on February 2nd when on pace throughout. She gets a much better draw here and third-up can be peaking fitness-wise. She will contest favourite status with (12) NONSTOP DUTY. She has no fewer than five top-four finishes from six starts so far and while she is yet to finish in the top two, she has posted solid times and should be a threat here. (4) POMPEII was a fair 5th on debut behind Bliss Marine on February 2nd, racing handy before running out of energy late on. He should have come on for that run and can get closer here. (10) GWANGSOKMA and (11) TODAY QUEEN among others with placing chances.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) OVER THE TRIPLE got his maiden win at start number two over 1400M in January before running a close 2nd on his first try at this class on February 16th. He comes up to the mile for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he will be a warm favourite to score again. (11) WONDERFUL KAYLAN comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1400M – behind Over The Triple – and then at a mile. That brings her up in class here, but she comes down in the weights and she should be competitive. (6) SUPER CRACK and (4) TOP FRIEND come in having finished 4th and 5th respectively when racing one another over 1800M on March 1st and both can be competing here. (8) HAMA another in the frame.
Global Hit made his debut as an older horse and last year’s champion three-year-old stepped up to win the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the first leg of the 2024 Stayer Series at a sunny Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Global Hit makes his decisive move in the Herald Business (Pic: KRA)
Sent off as the 1.7 odds-on favourite locally, Global Hit overcame Tuhonui Banseok and then saw off a late challenge from Nut Play to score by three-quarters of a length in the 500 Million Won race. With 4-year-olds coming home in 1st and 2nd, a week after Raon The Point and Something Lost did the same in the Sprint Series, younger horses are coming to the fore at the longer distances too.
It was a fourth Group winner for jockey Kim Hye-sun, and her third on Global Hit. Going into the race, Kim had expressed confidence that Global Hit had trained on over the winter and that belief was shown in the ride, where from a wide draw, she was happy to be patient early (a telling off from stewards for shifting in too soon after the start notwithstanding) before steadily improving and making her move in the home straight, only striking the front in the last half-furlong, running on to win by three-quarters of a length from Nut Play with Tuhonui Banseok in 3rd.
“I was a bit concerned about the draw, but Global Hit’s racing habit is that if he exerts too much energy early in the race, he won’t run well, so I was able to take him back at the start” Kim explained to in-house broadcaster KRBC.
Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun return to scale (Pic: KRA)
Global Hit was racing for the first time in three months and jockey Kim admitted that this had also been a source of anxiety for her. “The owner and the trainer wanted to give him a proper rest after what he did last year but as a jockey I wondered if he might be better (to have a prep race). But looking back now and seeing how some other horses have picked up injuries, I realise that they were absolutely right.”
Still lightly raced, Global Hit [To Honour And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] is a winner of six from eleven and 1.8 Billion Korean Won in prize money. He skipped the first leg of the Triple Crown last year but went on to comfortably score in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup before running 2nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and then, by just a nose in the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. He has won six of eleven starts.
Pic: KRA
The second leg of the Stayer Series is the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on April 21st before the series concludes on May 26th with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast. The KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) has been moved forward two months to August 4th this year in order to serve as a final stepping stone to the international Korea Cup in early September. As for the two final G1 races of the year, the President’s Cup is in October this year with the Grand Prix on the very first day of December.
Owner Kim Joon-hyun confirmed that Global Hit will be pointed to the remaining races in the Stayer Series but didn’t mention the Korea Cup, in which he finished a creditable midfield last year, telling KRBC “I am considering letting him rest for a bit and then sending him to the President’s Cup and Grand Prix.” He then added: “He truly is a great horse.”
Last weekend the Sprinting division was shaken up by the new generation as Raon The Point and Something Lost came home 1st and 2nd in the Busan Ilbo Sprint with Eoma Eoma trailing home in 5th. This Sunday, the four-year-olds will bid to ascend to the top of the Staying ranks as last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit heads the field in the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse, the first leg of the 2024 Stayer Series and first step along the road to September’s international Korea Cup.(SEE HERE FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN).
Stablemates Global Hit and Speed Young will face off again (Pic: KRA)
The established old guard, for the most part, won’t be there. Raon The Fighter has been on the long-term injured list since last summer while Winner’s Man joined him after his successful Grand Prix defence, and both are doubtful to appear on a racecourse again. Success Macho underwent arthroscopic surgery for a chip fracture last month while earlier this week, Haengbok Wangja suffered a trackwork injury that has his future career in doubt too.
GLOBAL HIT was the standout three-year-old of last season, skipping the first leg of the Triple Crown, but then running out the dominant winner of both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup, to claim the final two jewels under jockey Kim Hye-sun, who returns to Seoul to ride him again. He then finished an in no way disgraced 8th in the international Korea Cup, before rounding out the year with runner-up finishes to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes, in the latter of those, pushing the defending champion all the way to the line, going down by just a nose.
That Grand Prix run was a standout performance by Global Hit and marked out the To Honor And Serve colt, who is slight in stature but full of speed as the heir-apparent to the Raon The Fighter and Winner’s Man generation. While it now transpires that he may not need to actually beat them in order to replace them, the standard of opposition that remains, means he will still need to earn it.
VICS GO comes in off a stand-out performance to win the Listed Segye Ilbro Trophy over 1200M a month ago. He is a class 1 winner over 2000M though and only looks to be getting better with every run. Meanwhile TUHONUI BANSEOK was runner-up in this race last year and went on the win the second leg of the Stayer Series, the YTN Cup, last May.
SPEED YOUNG is a stablemate of Global Hit and was champion Juvenile in 2022. Although an also-ran in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, he ran 2nd to Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and was then 3rd in the President’s Cup. Although beaten when a short-price favourite at class 1 over 2000M at Busan at the end of January, this race was clearly the target, and he may still have more improvement in him.
NUT PLAY and NAOL SNIPER are other four-year-olds who can still have more upside, while the veteran SIMJANGUI GODONG returns from an unsuccessful trip to the Dubai Carnival and should be much more at home on the Seoul sand.
The Herald Business Cup is race 7 on the 11-race program at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.
1. THE GUMPU – Well back on only start of 2024 in January but trialled nicely alongside Eoma Eoma last month.
2. CHIEF INDY – Strong class 1 winner over 2300M in February. Tends to come unstuck among the elite though.
3. NAOL SNIPER – Runner-up in last year’s Derby, he has won his latest three up to Class 2 level. Moon Se-young aboard and a big run is not impossible.
4. FANTASTIC MAN – Also-ran in the Grand Prix and 4th behind Crazy Conti over 2000M in January. Trialled well since but outsider here.
Horse Racing in Korea 