The Korea Premier Series kicks off at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL ON SUNDAY.

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 2^nd and two 4^th 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 2^nd place in the 1^st 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 3^rd in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint over 1200M on May 19^th, coming from right off the pace. His only try at a mile was a 4^th 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.

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