It’s an enthralling race, owing much to the fact that it is the only Graded race run at a mile in Korea that is open to older males and that there are no Graded or Listed races at all in July. Accordingly, it has attracted a full field and some unlikely match ups.
Unlikely to the extent that few would have thought that two of the best sprinters of the past few years, Eoma Eoma and Morfhis, would find themselves in a starting gate alongside Tuhonui Banseok, one of the best stayers.
It is a race though that in recent years has been won by a who’s who of top runners at both one and two-turns. They include Triple Nine, Power Blade, Blue Chipper and Raon The Fighter.
TUHONUI BANSEOK, a front-runner, is the probable favourite despite having not raced at as short a distance for three years, while EOMA EOMA, who has never gone more than 1400M, will also be around the top of the market. SPEED YOUNG and SOMETHING LOST are more obvious middle-distance horses and will be well supported too.
The most intriguing entry is the highly thought of three-year-old SKY WIND. The American-bred Khozan colt is three-for-three having won twice at 1200M and once at 1800M, looking very accomplished. The mile should be ideal and with the trainer and jockey combination of Kim Young-kwan and Seo Seung-un, he is sure to have plenty of backers.
Here is a full run-down of the field for the race, which is race 8 on the card at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:30:
1. SOMETHING LOST – Comes in after a 2nd and two 4th places in the Sprint Series over 1200M following a dominant win at 1400M at class 2 level in February. Only previous try at 1600M was 2nd place in the 1st leg of the Triple Crown last year. Lightly raced with big potential and a great draw, he can be on or close to the speed and is a chance.
2. MORFHIS – The now nine-year-old showed he still has it with a super 3rd in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint over 1200M on May 19th, coming from right off the pace. His only try at a mile was a 4th place back in January 2020. He did previously win at 1800M, even longer ago. Gets a better draw than usual and will be finishing strongly.
3. SKY WIND – The great unknown. He is three for three with wins at 1200M and 1800M although only up to class 3 level. His wins have come in contrasting styles and in good times. The mile will pose no problems although the race tempo will be something he hasn’t experienced before. Worth taking a chance on. Trainer Kim Young-kwan has won the race a record five times.
The final Graded race of the first half of the year is the highlight of racing on Sunday with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) being contested at Busan. There are 9 races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:30 and 8 at Seoul from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Tuhonui Banseok is among the Owners’ Cup contenders (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Unusually for a Sunday, we start at Busan and a maiden for fillies only opens proceedings. (4) NEOM CITY has shown steady progress across six starts to date, culmination in a runner-up finish over 1300M on May 26th in a very similar race to this. She can settle in midfield before running on to go one better this time. (10) DREAM TREE ran a fair 4th of twelve on debut over this distance back in March. She has had a further fourteen weeks off since, but she showed a nice late turn of foot that day and she can be a danger. (2) DAESUNG DOLPUNG enters off a to date best of 3rd at 1200M on June 16th. She makes a quick return here and from a nice draw should be in the mix. (8) GOLDMASK and (1) GREEN LEGEND are the other main contenders.
Selections
(4) Neom City (10) Dream Tree (2) Daesung Dolpung (8) Goldmask
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) CHARON TODAY will be a hot favourite here. A winner and two-time placer before a layoff, she returned from nine months away to run 5th over 1200M on June 14th when leading and running out of steam. She should strip fitter for that run, she should be on pace again, and this limited field may not be able to stop her. (8) MACH MAN will need a line drawn through his latest on May 25th but if we go on his class and distance 3rd two starts back then he is in placing contention here. (1) VALHALLA too was only ordinary on his most appearance in April. He was a good winner over 1200M in February and then proved competitive at this class in March when 5th over 1400M. CC climbs on and from the inside gate, he can be close. (11) TWO TWO LIME and (5) RAINBOW ROAD perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(7) Charon Today (8) Mach Man (1) Valhalla (11) Two Two Lime
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The capital opens with a maiden where five of the nine line up for the first time and one of those debut-makers, (3) DAESEONG STAR, will be the strong favourite. He came from off the pace to run 2nd in his trial in late May in a quick time. Moon Se-young is engaged and the two-year-old won’t need to find much on that trial to win this. Of the experience, (2) KYLIE is the best of a weak bunch. She hinted at figuring things out with an improved 5th place on June 1st over 1300M when racing on pace. She will be on speed here and can be close. It gets hard after that. (4) FLYING RED was much improved in a second trial and beat a couple of his fellow debut makers in the process, so that is enough for him to go into the numbers here. (5) GEUMSEONG POWER and (1) CANVASEN GO are experienced ones who may – and may is very much the operative word – improve.
Selections
(3) Daeseong Star (2) Kylie (4) Flying Red (5) Geumseong Power
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 5
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Plenty of chances here. (11) COLUMBIA CHAMP come sin off a very close 2nd place over 1200M when coming off the pace from a similarly wide draw. She hasn’t gone well at the 1300M before, but she could be ready for another crack and third-up this preparation following four-months off, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (5) DRAGON PUNCH returns to action for the first time since February. She looked very well when 3rd in a quick trial last week and so long as she didn’t leave her race there, can go well first-up. (7) GONJOHARI got his maiden win at 1200M in April before finishing down the field on his first try at this class and distance on June 2nd. He comes into a better gate today and can be given another chance. (8) FANTASTIC DREAM and (3) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL among plenty of others in the money frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) LEGEND TAP is the one to beat. He enters off a 3rd place over this distance on June 15th when as is his style, he came from off the pace and ran on well. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young takes over in the saddle, and he will take some beating. (5) HIPPODROME has mixed his form across five starts so far but his last outing was a solid one when 4th over 1300M. He comes up to this distance for the first time and he shapes as the main danger. (11) GANGCHEOL JEONSA was an improved 4th at start number three over 1300M on May 19th and can continue to make progress in this company. (9) LONDON GOLD and (1) DAEMUL SOCKS other minor money chances.
Selections
(4) Legend Tap (5) Hippodrome (11) Gangcheol Jeonsa (9) London Gold
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Geoljak One (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) DANGCHAN NANGBO has finally looked like she is figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. She likes to come off the pace and finish strong so from a good draw, Kim Cheol-ho can pick his spot and she can get it right at the fifteenth time of asking. (1) I’M THE BEST did nothing on debut in March but after going back to trial has since run 3rd twice at 1200M. Having finished off those two races well, the slight step up in trip can suit and she is a big chance. (7) BEATRIZ has two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and has the benefit of a 4kg claim here which should make her competitive. (2) ULTRA HIT and (9) JERAQUEEN among others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Dangchan Nangbo (1) I’m The Bes (7) Beatriz (2) Ultra Hit
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) AMAZING ROCK will be hard to go past here. Since running 6th on debut, she has two 4th places and a 3rd up to 1300M and finishing off well. The step up to two turns should suit and Moon Se-young climbing back up suggests today is the day. (8) TAENGGEURI is probably the most dangerous rival. He is the only one n the field who has a 2nd place to his name. That was all the way back on Christmas Day, but it was at this distance, and he should have the beating of most of these. (7) YONGGINAEYO GEUDAE enters off a much-improved 3rd place last time out at this distance and can continue to make progress here. (3) MARUBYEOL and (5) GOLD CHARM are other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Amazing Rock (8) Taenggeuri (7) Yongginaeyo Geudae (3) Marubyeol
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) GANA POWER has been working back towards another win with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two at this distance and at 1300M. He draws well to be on pace again, he has the fastest time among these for the distance, Harry stays on, and he is the one to beat. (7) DIANA got her maiden win at this distance in March and has since got two 3rd places and a 5th in three starts at this level. She once again benefits from an apprentice claim, and she should be close here. (3) MO CHUISLE got her maiden win last time out over this distance and while up in class, she is down significantly in the weights and can measure up in this company. (11) GHOST DRAGON and (2) YONGBI QUEEN are others to consider.
Selections
(1) Gana Power (7) Diana (3) Mo Chuisle (11) Ghost Dragon
Next Best
2, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG enters off a best to date of 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on May 26th and racing for the first time on pace. Expect similar tactics today and he can go one better. The danger is (7) SMILE GOLD. She too comes in off a career to date best in 2nd place on June 9th when she raced close to the lead throughout. Coming up to the 1700M for the first time, she could be another winner for the bang in form Riccardi stable. (9) COSMO KING has plenty of experience at this distance with his two placings coming over it. Any top three finish will earn him a rating and he could exit the lowest level of racing with a win. The form drops off after those three but (1) OPUS PURPLE and (5) GANGCHEOL POWER could challenge for places.
Selections
(4) Changjoui Gidung (7) Smile Gold (9) Cosmo King (1) Opus Purple
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Unusually we don’t start with a class 6 but instead have this competitive class 4 affair as the opener. (2) RAON VIBE MAN is a winner of two from six so far and enters off a good score over 1300M on May 26th. He comes up to both this class and distance, but he is down in the weights, he draws well, and he can win again. (6) DAYLIGHT KING did nothing on debut but was a good winner at the second time of asking when stepped up to this distance on June 14th and making most of the running. He carries a full 5kg more this time around, but the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come. (9) WITH SUN won two of four starts before a lengthy absence. He returned at the very end of last year and has shown well in three appearances, most recently a close 2nd at the end of March. CC climbs up and this could be his day, (3) HONORED KHAN and (7) TTANBONG QUEEN others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Raon Vibe Man (6) Daylight King (9) With Sun (3) Honored Khan
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. It will though be that one with experience who will start as the hot favourite. (2) BREEDO KELLY debuted over 1300M on June 7th and showed on pace before ultimately finishing in 2nd place. She should have come on for that run and will be strongly favoured to go one better here. Among the first timers, (6) WINNER CLEAR came from off the pace in his trial to stop the clock in a fair time and the 1200M can suit first up. (5) MORNING DEW raced in midfield before finishing off well in a similar time in his heat and is the other one that catches the eye. (8) ARI DRAGON and (3) HEUIMANG YEOSIN are others who hinted at ability.
Selections
(2) Breedo Kelly (6) Winner Clear (5) Morning Dew (8) Ari Dragon
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) THUNDER GUY here. Yet to finish worse than 4th in three starts, his best was a very close 2nd over 1300M in April. He likes to race on pace, so draws ideally here, Seo Seung-un remains on, and he will be a short price. After a couple of trials, (4) ARION TAEYANG ran well on debut over 1000M on May 31st, finishing 4th in a fair time. With some natural improvement out of that, he can go closer today. (6) RUN TO QUEEN has a best of 2nd from four starts. She has been back to trial since her latest effort and let every step of the way in a heat last Saturday stopping the clock in a fast time. So long as she didn’t leave her race there, she can be a contender. The somewhat ungraciously named (5) FAT BOY along with (11) BANGTANUI JEONSA are others who can improve.
Selections
(1) Thunder Guy (4) Arion Taeyang (6) Run To Queen (5) Fat Boy
Next Best
11, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Several of these raced one another over this distance on May 24th and (11) GOAT KING IJI came out on top among them, running a close 2nd having led for much of the closing stages. He had the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to find much on that latest effort to win this. (10) BABEL DREAMY ran 3rd in that May 24th race having been sent off as the favourite. He also has a 2nd place to his name over the distance and he shapes as the main danger. (5) OASIS RED debuted over this trip back on May 10th, running a fair 4th. He could well have come on for the experience and can go closer second up. (2) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (9) PINHOLE EYE are others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(11) Goat King Iji (10) Babel Dreamy (5) Oasis Red (2) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s a Stakes race free Sunday but there is still plenty of action to get stuck into at both Seoul and Busan. Seoul has 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00 while Busan hosts 7 from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
No Stakes races this weekend after Success Baekpa’s romp last Sunday in the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) WONDERFUL JET was sent back to trial after his debut 5th in March and ultimately ended up going through two heats, winning the second, before returning to action on May 19th when an on pace over 1300M. Moon Se-young gets on here, the drop back in trip can suit, and he can go all the way. He will be long odds-on and (11) SAMAEBEONJJEOK will be the second favourite. She scored back-to-back 3rd places over this distance in February and April, before running 5th at 1300M on May 26th. She likes to be on pace so has the challenge of the widest gate but there isn’t much else in the way of early speed here bar the favourite and she can get forward and be close. There are three debut-makers and (1) ARCH DAY will have backers. A four-year-old, she is a late starter, but trialled nicely and this is a good race to begin in. Returning to the experience and (9) SARYEONI NIKE and (2) EAST KING STONE are potential improvers.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) SEONGSIN CHEONHA returned from almost four months off to run a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on, having also shown speed in a May trial. He looks nicely on here, should strip fitter for that run, and is the one to beat. (6) EURACHACHA unseated his jockey coming out of the gates at what would have been his second start on May 26th. He was well backed for that having run 3rd on debut in April and has since completed a trial and can be close here. (3) FLYING GLOW returned for his second start on May 11th more than eight months after his debut and ran a solid 4th over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that and will be a danger. (5) NAOL JEONGSANG and (10) DANAEUN REX are the other placing hopes.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) SUNCHEON YEOWANG has a 3rd and a 2nd among her four starts so far with the 3rd being her most recent on May 10th when coming from well off the pace in an all-filly race over this distance. She looks nicely in here, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can prove too strong late on. (2) GOLDEN NICE enters off a 3rd followed by back-to-back 4th place finishes, all at 1200M. She too has been doing her best work late and may like the slight step up in trip. (4) RAON THE LEGEND has raced just twice but hinted at ability with a 4th on debut and can go closer here. There isn’t much early speed so (7) SUPER KANEL can get an easy run to the front and can be in this a long way. It isn’t a strong race so solitary debut-maker (3) SUPER CELL can be considered first-up.
Selections
(10) Suncheon Yeowang (2) Golden Nice (4) Raon The Legend (7) Super Kanel
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) MIGHTY BOM is yet to win in six attempts but has a 2nd and three 3rd places to his name. The latest of those was at this class over 1300M on May 19th when coming from off the pace and from a better draw today, he can win. (2) P N S CAR come sin off a very close 2nd place at class and distance on June 8th. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but Harry gets on and from a great draw, he can he a big danger. (7) INFINITE HONOR is the only one of these who have already won at this distance, albeit at class 6 level, and may be worth some interest at what will be at least an each-way price. (4) BAEKRYONG and (8) PINK WIND others whose form reads well and can be involved.
Selections
(1) Mighty Bom (2) P N S Car (7) Infinite Honor (4) Baekryong
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
3, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) BEOLMA BROWN was a smart winner on debut over 1000M on May 31st in the season’s first juvenile race, showing on pace throughout. He comes up in class and in distance but is down 3kg in the weights and can win again. (7) JEOLDAE BOSS will be favourite. A sixteen-race maiden, he nevertheless comes in here with his recent form reading very well, with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. In this company he can sit just behind the speed and will be a big danger late on. It could be his day at last. (2) MASTER ROAD is another non-winner, in his case from six starts but with five top-four finishes. Drawing nicely, she can be on pace and be in this a long way. (1) FLYNG THE FORD and the up in class (10) CHAS QUEEN are other possibles.
Selections
(6) Beolma Brown (7) Jeoldae Boss (2) Master Road (1) Flying The Ford
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Ten previously unraced juvenile fillies debut here so we must take our chances with the trial videos. (1) JOSE was the best of them running 4th in her trial in a fair time, settling midfield and running through the line well. She draws nicely and can be the special one first up. (7) ECO WORLD ran fairly in her heat finishing off well from midfield and won’t need to improve much on that to go close in this company. It took (10) GEOSEN YEOJE two goes to qualify but in the second of her trials, she posted the fastest time among these and that should stand her in good stead. (6) DAESEUNGMA and (8) ANDAMIRO were others who registered times not much slower.
Selections
(1) Jose (7) Eco World (10) Geosen Yeoje (6) Daeseungma
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies but three-year-olds this time. (9) BARO DANAEUN debuted all the way back in February and ran 3rd over 1200M having briefly struck the front late on. She hasn’t raced since so comes in off seventeen weeks out and hasn’t trialled, but there was previously a long time between her trial and debut so first-up shouldn’t be a problem. (11) EAST RISING did nothing on debut but has since run 2nd and 4th in two appearances at 1200M and 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but with a little luck at the start, she can get a forward position and can be in this a long way. (2) ORION ALPHA debuted all the way back last August with a promising 3rd. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well when running 2nd in a good time in a May trial and from a nice draw can be a danger. (8) SILVER MOON and (5) GOOD FIGHTER, that latter having trialled well twice since his debut las November, are others that can be considered.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (6) SUNSHINE QUEEN has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name at this distance and while she struggled last time out when sent up slightly in trip to 1400M, she looks nicely in here amongst this very ordinary set of opponents. (1) THUNDER YEOGEOL comes in off a best to date 2nd at this distance on May 26th when racing handy and running on well. She draws very nicely for an easy run to the front and should be in the finish again. (7) CHOGANGBULPAE is another with a 2nd place on her resume already and while she has got a bit far back in her latest couple, in this company, she can be further forward early and is not without a chance. (4) DAEMYEONGJANG and (2) ARGO GUY are other place contenders.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (4) MAGIC PRINCE here. He has shown steady progress across three stars so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1700M on May 26th. He has run a good time at this distance already and in this company can settle behind the speed and prove too strong at the business end. (2) GANGCHEOL DRAGON enters off a 3rd place over 1300M on May 25th when coming from off the pace and running on after a slow start. He comes into a better gate this time and can be a bit further forward. (5) ARNOLD QUEEN looks to be on the right trajectory with a 5th and a 3rd from her latest two and from a better draw today can get closer. (8) CLAIR GOLD and (6) SINUI UNMYEONG are the other minor money chances.
Selections
(4) Magic Prince (2) Gangcheol Dragon (5) Arnold Queen (8) Clair Gold
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
No Stakes races this weekend but plenty of action nevertheless, getting underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
A maiden for juvenile fillies and all nine race for the first time, so it’s to the trial videos that we head. We’ll go with (1) JULGEOUN DONGHANG. She went through two trials, running steadily in both and stopped the clock in good times. She draws nicely, she has the top trainer and jockey combination, and she should be just right for this. (4) BRIGHT MARINE went through just one heat but looked good, running 2nd in a quick time having led for most of the way. She should be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) FANTASTIC HIT beat a couple of these when winning a trial on May 25th and looked equally well in a further tune up early this month. (8) EMPIRE DAY and (2) MOTHER POWER, the latter 2nd to Fantastic Hit in that May trial, are others who caught the eye.
Selections
(1) Julgeoun Donghang (4) Bright Marine (6) Fantastic Hit (8) Empire Day
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) WE LIKE MONEY has shown steady improvement across her seven starts, culminating in a close runner-up finish over 1300M on June 7th when coming from off the pace and running on strongly. She tackles the 1400M for the first time and it may be just what she needs to get over the line in front. (7) YONGBI CHEONWANG has also been showing progress with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 2nd. In this company he can be ridden on pace and has every chance. (10) BIG MUSICAL STAR ran a fair 5th on debut at 1000M on May 31st. He should have come on for that run and the extended trip may be more suitable. (3) HANEUL SINHWA and (5) MUNMAK USANG other placing chances.
Selections
(1) We Like Money (7) Yongbi Cheonwang (10) Big Musical Star (3) Haneul Sinhwa
Next Best
5, 11
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
One debut-maker in the field and he will be the favourite. (6) GRAND DREAM may already be four years old, but he looked competent when winning a trial on June 1st, leading the whole way around and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. It isn’t an especially intimidating set of opponents. (4) DONGBU CHOEGANG is perhaps the best of the rest, at least based on his last start 4th place over 1400M when he was ridden further forward than in previous starts. Expect similar tactics here and he can be a danger. (3) CHRIS MORE raced twice, badly, last year and was then put away. He returned having been gelded and looked much better when trialling at the end of May and he can be a different prospect this time around. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP and (8) WORLD ANGEL CAT others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(6) Grand Dream (4) Dongbu Choegang (3) Chris More (9) Ocean One Tap
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
3, 8, 10, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) WONDERFUL BIDDER was a winner on debut over 1200M on May 19th when settling midfield and finishing off well. He comes up in class and in trip here but is down in the weights and he can go for two for two. (2) BLACK EAGLE got his maiden at this distance at the beginning of Mar and while he was slowly away on his first try at this class on May 31st, he can be given another chance here at what should be at least each-way odds. (1) META PRINCESS is already a winner at this class. She comes in off back-to-back 5th places and should be doing her best work late here. (4) OVER THE TRIPLE and (5) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG are others to consider.
Selections
(6) Wonderful Bidder (2) Black Eagle (1) Meta Princess (4) Over The Triple
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
There may be no Triple Crown winner, but Success Baekpa confirmed his place on top of the three-year-old ranks with a commanding nine-length victory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Added to his win in the KRA Cup Mile and 3rd place in the Korean Derby, Success Baekpa ran out the winner of the Triple Crown series by almost 600 points.
Success Baekpa goes clear (Pic: KRA)
True the task was made somewhat simpler for Success Baekpa at the start when World Dragon, who was set to jump as third favourite in the betting market, reared in the gate, crunching jockey Seo Seung-un into the machine. With the field backed out for a reload neither horse nor jockey was passed fit to race. That left fifteen in the race.
Hangang Class was sent off as the favourite at marginally better than even-money once World Dragon was removed from the pool, but it was outsiders Great Winner and Miracle Marine who set the early pace while Success Baekpa, the 4.5 second favourite sat behind the leaders alongside Nice Time, who began third in the market.
Into the home straight, jockey You Hyun-myung asked Success Baekpa for an effort and the Purge colt cruised clear, putting the result beyond doubt a full furlong from home. Nice Time crossed the line in 2nd place, a full nine-lengths adrift, while a further four-lengths back, Doctor Kingdom edged out the Derby winner Eunpa Sarang by a nose.
“I made a few mistakes (in the Korean Derby) but this time we were very well prepared” winning jockey You Hyun-myung told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The draw didn’t really matter and there were no opponents that we were afraid of here. The pace was a little fast, but he showed no signs of fatigue.” When quizzed on what was next for the colt, You replied: “The aim is to come back here and win the President’s Cup.”
The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is the richest race restricted to Korean bred horses that is age open and Success Baekpa can expect to come up against Global Hit, last year’s Minister’s Cup winner. This year it will take place on October 13th. Connections may well be tempted by a tilt at the international Korea Cup in early September, although that will be a far harder ask.
You Hyun-myung salutes the crowd after the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)
Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). He was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. He moves on to a record of five wins from nine starts.
In the final standings for the Triple Crown series, Success Baekpa finished on top with 1600 points with Eunpa Sarang in 2nd with 1030. His Minister’s Cup runner-up finish saw Nice Time jump up two places to 3rd overall with 700 points.
There is no Stakes action next week in Seoul with the next big race being the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) on June 30th. The early entries comprise an intriguing mix of stayers and sprinters with Tuhonui Banseok and Eoma Eoma, as well as unbeaten import Sky Wind among twenty-two still in.
There won’t be a Triple Crown winner this year with the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby having been won by Success Baekpa and Eunpa Sarang respectively, however, there is plenty to look forward to on Sunday as a full field of sixteen contest the final leg, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Eunpa Sarang saluted in the Derby. He returns for Sunday’s Minister’s Cup (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. We’ll side with experience though and (5) RUN WILD, who raced twice across the turn of the year with a very close 2nd on debut at this distance followed by a midfield finish over 1300M. He trialled up fairly at the end of May settling back from a wide draw before running on and back at 1200M first up, can win. The best of the debut makers is (3) COING. It took him two trials – in consecutive weeks – to qualify, but he was much better in the second of them, winning it ahead of none other than Run Wild, leading all the way. He draws nicely and can put in a bold showing from the front here. (7) WITH DIS KURO ran 3rd on debut at this distance in April. It wasn’t a quick race but nine weeks on, he can have derived benefit from the experience and should be in this (2) SAEROUN GUY is next best but after that it is a struggle to make a case for another. Perhaps (6) COMMAND BLUE who trialled fairly could sneak a minor money finish.
Selections
(5) Run Wild (3) Coing (7) With Dis Kuro (2) Saeroun Guy
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 5
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) MR. POWER enters off a much-improved 3rd place over this distance back in March when slow out and coming from well off the pace. He has had fifteen weeks off since then, so he comes in fresh, the wide draw won’t matter, and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today can be the day. (5) KHAS was a useful 4th on debut back in April. He has since been back to trial, coming through it in fine style, and he can be a danger here. (6) HANGANG CAPTAIN has shown progress across his three outings to date, most recently a 5th place on May 25th over this distance. That was his first appearance since January, and he can strip fitter here. (2) SMART NOTION and (9) YEONGWON GIANT are others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) Mr. Power (5) Khas (6) Hangang Captain (2) Smart Notion
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) BINNANEUNGIL has raced four times, all of them last year and registered a 2nd place and three 4th place finishes despite racing very erratically on a couple of occasions. He has since been gelded and returns here having trialled up well in April. With better manners, he will take some beating. (8) SKY ARCH will be the second favourite. While only ordinary in her latest, she has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name as recently as April and she can settle back and be a danger late on here. Best of the first timers is (3) OASIS GREEN. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (which as a voluntary trial, may not appear in all racecards) when on pace and crossing the line 3rd in a fair time. From a good gate she can be on pace and in this a long way first-up. (6) WHITE OIL similarly trialled well enough and can be considered. (4) BORA CHAMP another of the experienced ones who can go well.
Selections
(2) Binnaneungil (8) Sky Arch (3) Oasis Green (6) White Oil
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN VIVACE enters off a 3rd place in a similar class and distance filly only race on May 18th when she drew gate ten and worked hard to get on pace. She comes up slightly in the weights but into a better gate and in this company should get a much easier run to the front and can win. That will mean overturning the form on (9) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL, who won that May 18th race coming from off the pace. She comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but she warrants respect here. (6) BIG BRIDGE is yet to win but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1200M and under a light weight she can measure up in this company. (5) TESTA RUBY and (3) BEAUTYWONDERFUL, also both up in class, are others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Green Vivace (9) Gangcheol Yeogeol (6) Big Bridge (5) Testa Ruby
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Small but competitive field. (6) CHEONHA SARANG is yet to win in five but comes in having run a close 3rd over 1300M in his first try at this class on April 19th. He comes up 3kg in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, but Choi Si-dae climbs up and the colt has run well at this distance before. (1) OVER ENERGY is the main danger. The same apprentice who rode Cheonha Sarang last time gets on, keeping his weight similar to when he ran 2nd in a quick race at 1300M at this class on May 12th. He’ll be on pace and in this a long way. (3) DOCTOR WICKY is the other winning chance. He defied long odds to run 2nd at 1300M on May 26th having briefly led in the straight and warrants more respect today. (2) NAMDO ILDEUNG and (7) ZET CASH are the other placing chances.
Selections
(6) Cheonha Sarang (1) Over Energy (3) Doctor Wicky (2) Namdo Ildeung
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
It’s about time (5) RAON THE MAN returned to winning ways. Having won two of his first four to get promoted to this level, he is zero for five at class 4. He hasn’t run badly though with two 2nd places and two 3rd places and with CC climbing on, today can be his day. (1) CHAMJOEUN JILJU is the main danger. She comes in having beaten three of these on her way to 2nd place behind Baden Baden at this class and distance on May 18th when slightly slow away from a wide gate and then racing on pace. She carries the same light weight today but draws much better, and she should be in the finish. After two ordinary efforts at this level, (2) PURGE KING ran an improved 2nd when only narrowly defeated at class and distance on May 11th. He comes into a better gate today and Harry Kasim, who rode him for the first time that, day stays on. (9) YONGAM MARENGO and (8) DAEBAK STAR others in the frame.
Selections
(5) Raon The Man (1) Chamjoeun Jilju (2) Purge King (9) Yongam Marengo
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Twelve previously unraced juveniles so it’s time to fire up the trial videos. They will point us in the direction of (12) GEOLJAK SIDAE, who went through two trials, qualifying in the first of them in April when a close 2nd having led for most of the way, and then going through a voluntary one on May 23rd when he led all the way, stopping the clock in a quick time. He did that from the same wide draw he gets today if he can bring that form, he will take some beating. (1) HANGANG PERFECT was 2nd in his trial, coming from off the pace and finishing off well in a decent time and shapes as the main danger. (10) CHEONGUNG STROM came through the same trial as Hangang Perfect, finishing 4th and looking ready to race. (9) CHEONGSAN JILJU and (6) HANMADIMALDO others who could have a say first up.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) ASSI JANGGUN has been knocking at the door for a while now and enters with a 3rd and a 4th place from her latest two, both at 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but the slight step up in trip may be what she needs. (1) EAST QUALITY has shown progress over three starts to date, with his latest being her best. That was a 4th place over 1300M on May 5th when settling back and running on, but in this company and from the inside gate, he can be expected to be further forward, and he will probably start as the betting favourite. (5) B.K. BELLE is another who should be challenging for the early lead. She has mixed her form across eight outings but has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record and should be in the mix here. (10) LEGEND TAP and (2) MARUBYEOL look the other place chances.
Selections
(11) Assi Janggun (1) East Quality (5) B.K. Belle (10) Legend Tap
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and a couple enter ready to win. Chief among them is (4) TOHOMARKET, who comes in off a best to date finish of 2nd over this distance on May 19th when settling midfield and finishing off well. That gave her the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance, and from a better draw today, she can go one better. That time is shared by (2) CALIPH who similarly comes in off her best performance when 2nd over this distance on May 12th. That was a big uptick in form and from a good gate, she can keep her momentum going here. (11) CLOUD HEART and (8) GREEN CONCORD both come in off back-to-back 4th places from their respective latest two, and both should be aiming for career best finishes here. (10) SAHARAMONG another in the minor money frame.
Selections
(4) Tohomarket (2) Caliph (11) Cloud Heart (8) Green Concord
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) NAOL INDY got his maiden win at start number four over this distance on May 26th when leading from gate to wire. That win had been coming and while he comes up in class here, he is down in the weights and from a good draw can get to the front and lead all the way again. (6) SONE SONJABGO got her maiden win at start two at the end of March and immediately followed up with a 10/1 score on her first try at this level at 1200M on May 12th. She only comes up 1.5kg in the weights and only 100M in trip and a hat-trick isn’t impossible. (2) TRAUM KING could only manage 6th on his return from seven months out on May 11th. He should strip fitter for that run, and he has placed at this class and distance. (7) GEUMAK DIA and (8) EUREKA among others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(4) Naol Indy (6) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Traum King (7) Geumak Dia
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 