Month: June 2024

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

The final leg of the Triple Crown series, the Minister’s Cup, highlight’s the weekend’s action at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, things get underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card 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 of the ten racing for the first time but one with experience goes on top and based on her last two starts, (5) DEUMULEO may be hard to beat. After a few very ordinary showings, she was much improved when 3rd over this distance on May 3rd and backed it up with a 2nd place on May 24th, both in quick times. She’ll be on pace and won’t need to improve much more to win here. A couple of debut-makers follow. (6) BACK TO THE LADY led every step of the way to win her trial in a fair time on May 25th. She responded well when asked for effort and can go well first up. (7) SCORPION QUEEN won a heat on May 18th, similarly, leading all the way. Her time was quick and unfashionable connections may mean she starts longer than she should (2) GUKDAE MIRACLE and (10) WORLD PINK CAT other money chances.

Selections(5) Deumuleo (6) Back To The Lady (7) Scorpion Queen (2) Gukdae Miracle
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) OAK RIDGE shapes as favourite. He has five top-five finishes among eight starts so far and comes in off a smart 2nd place over this distance on May 17th when close to the pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and he can go one better. (5) BEST BOY ran a close 3rd in that May 17th race, his second consecutive 3rd place finish and he looks the main danger. Solitary debut maker (1) BREEDO SHOOTER went through two trials, the second of which may not appear in all race cards as it was a voluntary trial. This is unfortunate because she showed significant improvement, running on for 2nd from a wide draw in a good time. She draws nicely here and can go well first-up. (10) PRIME PARK and (2) GWANGSOKMA among others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Oak Ridge (5) Best Boy (1) Breedo Shooter (10) Prime Park
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in eight attempts but has five top-five finishes including a last start 5th over a mile at this class on May 19th. He has generally finished off his races well, and the step up to two turns can suit. (1) BLUE POINT is similarly a maiden, in his case from five starts, getting promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes over a mile in March and April. He ran 6th behind Seobu Vision in that May 19th race and both can be closer today. (6) YEONSEUNG BRAVO led that May 19th race before capitulating. He was racing for the first time in almost six months though so can be forgiven and he has placed at this class and distance. He should strip fitter here. (2) DAEHOMA and (9) QUEEN’S ROAD others in the minor money frame.

Selections(8) Seobu Vision (1) Blue Point (6) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Daehoma
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) CHARON TODAY returns to racing for the first time since September last year. Her win came and this distance and she followed up with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. Having looked well when 2nd in a late May trial in a good time, she can be supported first up. (3) RUBY STONE is yet to finish worse than 5th and got her win in a quick time at this distance. She comes in off a slightly disappointing last start on May 24th when on pace and weakening, but from a good draw is worth another chance today. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SANGIM BOLT, who got his maiden win at this class and distance in that May 24th race when racing handy and running on. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is possible. (11) TRIPLE DREAM and (6) TAURUS KING, the latter another out of that May 24th race, are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Charon Today (3) Ruby Stone (10) Sangim Bolt (11) Triple Dream
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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SEIRENE STUNS IN TRIPLE TIARA SHOWDOWN

There will be no Triple Tiara winner this year as Seirene, the longest but one shot on the board – and a maiden to boot – stormed through late to claim glory, and a first ever race win, in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Seirene (PIC: KRA)

Having won both prior legs of the Triple Tiara, the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks, Eclipse Berry was sent off as the hot favourite for the Gyeonggi, ahead of Global Taeyang, who had run 3rd in both races, getting especially close when Moon Se-young dropped his crop on Eclipse Berry in the Oaks, but still went down by a nose.

In the final leg of the Tiara, Global Taeyang began badly and was always chasing while Eclipse Berry set the pace under Moon Se-young. You Hyun-myung rode Global Taeyang up to be on the heels of Eclipse Berry in the back straight, but it was quickly apparent that the Luna Stakes and Oaks runner-up had very little left in the tank.

The favourite quickly capitulated as Flying Star first struck the front and then Seirene set out in pursuit. Flying Star would put in a special effort, but Seirene, the second longest shot on the board, would pick her off in sight of the line.

Son Jin-ha, representative of the Gong I Gong Pal ownership group of the 70/1 chance Seirene, had taken the unusual step of leading his filly around the parade ring while sporting a full replica jockey silk. He was still wearing it after the race.

“I cheered until my voice was hoarse” Son told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “As they got to the 4th corner, I was thinking that we might manage to come 3rd. But suddenly (the leaders weakened) and I thought we might get 2nd. And then the end. It was thrilling. I can’t believe it!”

When asked about his parade ring appearance (it wasn’t the first time he has worn his silks in the parade ring) Son said: “I think it is important to show the happiness an owner can have.”

“We have been doing this for just eight years (the Gong I Gong Pal club), but we have shown it is possible – we went into this race with a maiden filly and now she has won a Group 3!” Seirene was the only one in the race yet to break her maiden. But how she broke it! When I bought her, I assumed she would be better at long distances. My hope is that she can continue to race at these distances for years to come.”

Owner Son then poked fun at the English translation of his filly’s name noting that he had intended it to be “Siren”: “Because they lure foolish men onto the rocks.”

Whether the Korean racing registry will take note is yet to be seen.

The rest of the connections were just as forthcoming: “This is just the second time I rode her, and I tried to stick as close to the leaders as possible” winning jockey Jang Chu-youl told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “Flying Star went to the lead in the home straight and she was going so well that she looked like she wasn’t going to stop. I just asked Seirene to give as much as she could, and she just wouldn’t give up. It felt so good.”

“I think (Seirene) has the potential to go further and challenge for the Queens’ Tour races later this year.” Jockey Jang then reflected on a personal note. “We always want to win the best races and for me it has been a long time since I did, (the 2012 G3 SROA Chairman’s Sprint was his only prior Group win) so I am grateful, and I will work harder in future.”

“I didn’t expect this at all. I never even thought about it, really.” trainer An Hae-yang told in house broadcaster KRBC. And he didn’t say any more as the notoriously shy – and somewhat old-school trainer ushered his assistant to answer the remainder of the questions on his behalf. For An, it was a fourth Group win in a twenty-five-year career, having won the 2001 Minister’s Cup with Mubidongja and then two Koreans Oaks with Amaranth in 2003 and Uaryung in the Covid hit 2020 season.

It’s another big winner for sire To Honor And Serve. The stallion attracted Korean notice with his imported champion Cheongdam Dokki. That alerted Korean breeders and they bought him. Along with Seirene, he is the sire of locally-bred superstars Global Hit and Beolmaui Star.

Bred by Kim Sang-wook, Seirene was bought by her owners, the 0208 or “Gong I Gong Pal” group for KRW 25 Million at the December 2022 Mainland Yearling Sales. Race Video: https://youtu.be/vZxd3xfuz7s?si=uaE8mww9LhYyryhl

Triple Tiara Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

The Triple Tiara Series for three-year-old fillies concludes on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse with Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and Eclipse Berry will be the favourite to complete a clean-sweep of the series having already won the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks. The big race is race 8 on a 10-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry (KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (9) CUPID MIR in this maiden. He has no fewer than six top-four finishes from seven attempts, including his latest over 1200M on May 18th when slow away and settling right back before running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and in this company, he should be on pace and will take some beating. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished in either 4th or 5th place in all seven of his starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can be aiming for better here. Solitary debut-maker (4) WONDERFUL TECHNO trialled up well and from a good draw shouldn’t be ruled out first up. (2) DAEMUL SOCKS and (1) SCALE KING the other major place chances.

Selections(9) Cupid Mir (3) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Wonderful Techno (2) Daemul Socks
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) SUNSHINE QUEEN comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times finishing off well. She comes up to 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, Jo Jae-ro can pick his spot behind the speed and she has solid claims here. (8) MK LEE has shown good progress across four starts so far and was a close 4th over 1300M last time out. He too comes up to the 1400M for the first time and in this company can be on or close to the pace and can be in this a long way. (3) RAON THE KLAMMER was 5th behind MK Lee at his last start. He draws better this time and can be a danger, (11) TRES VITE and (6) SMILE GOLD others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Sunshine Queen (8) MK Lee (3) Raon The Klammer (11) Tres Vite
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

One of two debut-makers in the race, (5) QUEEN SOPHIA looked very well when winning a trial as easily as she pleased in a quick time on May 18th, sitting behind the leader before pulling clear. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (8) SEOGWI STAR is yet to finish outside of the top-five and comes in off her best finish so far when 2nd at this distance on May 17th. She carries a light weight here and can be a danger. (1) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE likes to race on pace and today draws very nicely for a much easier run to the front. Franco climbs on and she should be in this a long way. (10) GREEN BULLDOZER and (3) PURE DANCE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queen Sophia (8) Seogwi Star (1) Yeonggwangui Rose (10) Green Bulldozer
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive race. (10) AMAZING STAR has two 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far racing handy on each occasion. She draws a touch wide here but should be able to find a relatively forward position and today can be her day. (8) BLACK SPECTER ran 3rd on debut in March before following up with a close 5th on May 4th, both times over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be a threat here. (7) SEONGSIL CHEONHA has trialled twice since his latest run and looked much more assured in the latter of those on May 23rd (may not appear in all racecards) when a close 2nd in a quick time. He can be in the mix first-up here for his first race in sixteen weeks. (5) ALL NUT and (1) MAX PARTY among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(10) Amazing Star (8) Black Specter (7) Seongsil Cheonha (5) All Nut
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Open race with plenty of chances. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER is yet to win but got promoted to this level having placed in each of his first three starts. He then ran a solid 5th over this distance on his first try at this level on May 10th when he had to overcome gate ten. He draws much better today and under a light weight, he can win. (6) STRIKE ZONE has never finished any worse than 5th in seven attempts with his win coming at 1300M. He races for the first time since running 3rd in a quick race at this class over 1400M in January, but he looked well in a May trial and can go well first-up. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off a 4th place at class and distance on May 10th coming from off the pace and he can be a danger late on again here. (8) MOST RAPID and (9) GOLDEN AIR others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wonderful Fever (6) Strike Zone (7) Majestic Dancer (8) Most Rapid
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though, and (5) YEONGUNG JARYONG, who ran a close 5th on debut at this distance on May 18th, racing handy throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time. He had previously shown plenty of speed in his trials and with some natural improvement from that first start, should take some beating. (3) X-FACTOR ran 2nd at big odds on debut on April 13th. The time wasn’t quick but that showing is enough to make him the second pick here. (4) ULTRA MANGCHI improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on April 27th leading for much of the way around and should be on pace again here. The debut-makers are probably better watched first-up so (9) P N S OHOH and (1) SERGEANT LIGHT are the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Yeongung Jaryoung (3) X-Factor (4) Ultra Mangchi (9) P N S Ohoh
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden. (9) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has been getting closer across seven starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has been finishing off his races well and the step up to 1700M, as well as CC climbing aboard, could be what he needs. The main danger is (8) COSMO KING. He has a 2nd, a 4th and a 3rd in his last three starts, all of them at this distance and with some of today’s rivals behind him on all three occasions. He can settle midfield and run on and should be in the mix again here. (2) TWO TWO THUNDER ran 4th to Cosmo King’s 2nd when they raced at this distance on March 16th. He comes in fresh following twelve weeks out and is a place hope here. (5) GOLD MUNGCHI and (4) GANGCHEOL POWER others in the minor money frame.

Selections(9) Galsaek Dojeonja (8) Cosmo King (2) Two Two Thunder (5) Gold Mungchi
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) VIVA CHEONGSU remains a maiden having been promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes in her first two starts but has shown she can measure up at this level with a 4th and a 3rd from two tries at it, most recently over 1300M on May 4th. She remains very lightly weighted here and today can be her day. (3) QUERER got her maiden win in the weakest race imaginable back in January but has, perhaps surprisingly, worked herself into competitiveness at this level, culminating in a close 2nd at class and distance on May 12th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely to be on pace and should be close here. (1) STUNNING LADY enters off a smart 2nd place at 1300M on April 27th and can be competitive here. (7) DREAM SKY and (9) HAPPY ICTUS among other placing chances.

Selections(5) Viva Cheongsu (3) Querer (1) Stunning Lady (7) Dream Sky
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG came back into form with a very close 2nd place at this class and distance on May 11th when close to the pace throughout. He comes up a full 3kg in the weights here, but he has every chance of going one better. (3) NAVY CHROME is the danger. A winner at class 6 level two starts back, she ran 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on April 20th, coming from off the pace. In this company and from a good gate, she can be expected to lead, and she has every chance. (2) SPACE RUBY comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number two over this distance back in February. She hasn’t been seen since but has scope for more development and can measure up in this company. (8) BEST THOR and (6) HEART SIGNAL are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Seongsil Yeongung (3) Navy Chrome (2) Space Ruby (8) Best Thor
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

The weekend’s racing gets underway in Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Having been through several trials, (3) DREAMING BOY made his debut over 1200M on May 10th settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have come on for that experience, he draws nicely and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) HAERANG JINJU enters having run an improved 2nd place over this distance in an all-filly maiden on May 10th. She can settle just behind the speed here and can be a danger late on again. (7) DORAON ZETTA has the fastest time among those here who have previously tackled the 1300M. Franco climbs up and she should be aiming to go better than her previous best of 4th place. (9) WE LIKE MONEY and (2) GOLDMASK are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Dreaming Boy (8) Haerang Jinju (7) Doraon Zetta (9) We Like Money
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

A very underwhelming maiden. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG hasn’t raced since running 3rd over this distance back in February but including that result, he has three top-four finishes. He gets the verdict here having run a very quick 2nd in a May trial and if he brings that form to the races, he could be hard to hold out. There are two debut makers and (3) BREEDO KELLY performed fairly in her trial. She draws nicely and with Franco booked, she is worth a chance first-up in this limited company. (1) HOMYEONG JILJU ran fairly for 5th place over 1400M on May 12th, his best finish to date and from a good gate – and with absolutely no early speed in this race – can be further forward earlier and bettering that here. (4) GLOBAL SPURT and (8) MY WAY are the other placing hopes.

Selections(9) Haerang Yeongung (3) Breedo Kelly (1) Homyeong Jilju (4) Global Spurt
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) BLAZING MAN has been getting closer across his five starts so far and comes in following the best of them to date when stepped up to a mile for the first time on May 10th and running a solid 2nd place with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. In this company, expect him to be on or close to the pace, and he can go one better. He will be a prohibitive favourite. Second favourite will be (9) SEOBU CAPTAIN. He ran 5th behind Blazing Man in that May 10th race when on pace and weakening late. He comes in under the same weight and in slightly weaker company, he should be closer. (1) SUPER KANEL ran 3rd over 1400 at his last start and this is the kind of race the twenty-one-start maiden can find some money in again. (3) AMAZING CURLIN and (2) NANGMAN DAERO are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Blazing Man (9) Seobu Captain (1) Super Kanel (3) Amazing Curlin
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Tricky one but we’ll go with (7) YEONYEIN. He has mixed his form in three starts at this level since getting his maiden win at this distance but his 3rd place two starts back in a decent time is enough for him to go on top. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (4) SUCCESS BATTLE broke through at big odds at the eleventh time of asking over this distance on May 5th. It was a fast time, and he overcame the widest gate to do it and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he warrants more respect this time. (3) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TOO CUTE GIRL enter having run 3d and 4th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on May 12th and both can be in the mix again here with the former more favoured. (10) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH another to consider.

Selections(7) Yeonyein (4) Success Battle (3) Blue Captain (1) Too Cute Girl
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG POISED FOR QUEENS’ TOUR SWEEP

She won all three jewels in the Triple Tiara last season and now Jeulgeounyeojeong has the opportunity to repeat as having won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, she bids to complete the set with victory in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Jeulgeounyeojeong was an easy winner of the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)

After her Triple Tiara triumph in the first part of last year, Jeulgeounyeojeong went on to make inroads into the big filly and mare late season races too, culminating in victory in the brand-new Breeders’ Cup Queen race at Busan in December.

A welcome three-months of rest before Jeulgeounyeojeong kicked off her four-year-old campaign by tackling the first leg of the Queens’s Tour Spring/Summer, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M in March.

JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG came through that test, but she was pushed hard by Wonderful Slew, who beat her in the Gyeongnam Governors’ Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan last October and got within a length of her in the Donga Ilbo.

Wonderful Slew didn’t run in the second leg of the series, the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), where Jeulgeounyeojeong ran out a routine four-length winner over Gangseo Giant.

WONDERFUL SLEW reappears this time, having run a solid 5th behind Global Hit and Tuhonui Banseok when sent out against the best of the boys in the YTN Cup, the second leg of the Stayer Series.

Luigi Riccardi’s filly is still relatively lightly raced – eleven starts to Jeulgeounyeojeong’s nineteen – and   while she has only won four of them, she always races in top class company.

Moon Se-young, who rode her to that close defeat in the Donga Ilbo, has travelled to Busan to ride Wonderful Slew and it’s not impossible that she comes out on top.  

Jockey Moon cursed his luck after the Donga Ilbo as having made the decision to go for home early between the 3rd and 4th corner, Wonderful Slew couldn’t quite get there.

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