There were plenty of doubters when JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG returned to action five months after having bled and finished at the back of the field in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Queen. Few remained after she made her return a winning one in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul on April 24th, and she will be a hot favourite for the third and final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.
Wonderful Slew is the defending champion in the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)
While Crown Hamseong, who was 2nd in both of the first two legs of the series (the first was the Donga Ilbo over 1800M in March while Jeulgeounyeojeong was still out) doesn’t run, having finished 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint two weeks ago, but plenty of other top fillies and mares do.
They include GLADIUS, who won March’s Donga Ilbo Trophy before running 5th to Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Ttukseom when sent off as favourite. She has to contend with the challenge of the widest gate but can be a threat. Meanwhile, WONDERFUL SLEW, the defending champion having won this race a year ago, is also back having run 3rd in the Ttukseom.
The KNN Cup is the final race on the six-race card at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:30. There are also eleven races at Seoul. Here is a full run-down of the field:
1. CARPE BABEL – Generally runs midfield at class 2 level, coming from off the pace. Unlikely to be a threat here
2. GEOLJAK ONE – Decent 6th in that Donga Ilbo after an uncharacteristic slow start and gets her chance having won at class 2 over 1800M. On pace and place chance.
3. EAST JUMP – Midfield in the Donga Ilbo then 2nd to Blue Lemon in a Trophy race at 1800M in April then 4th at class 2 over a mile. Will be on pace.
4. BLUE LEMON – Winner of a big Trophy race at 1800M in April but 9th in the Ttukseom Cup when further back than usual. Needs more to be in the frame here. Same owner as Jeulgeounyeojeong.
5. HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK – Not been in great from this year and has been beaten by a few of her fellow Seoul visitors. First time at a mile and an outsider.
6. RAON FOREST – Main stay in these types of races, she was 4th in both the Donga Ilbo and the Ttukseom, coming from off the pace. Place chance.
7. WONDERFUL SLEW – Last year’s winner struggled against the boys in the Herald Business in March but was a good 3rd in the Ttukseom. This distance suits more than that and she is the main danger to the favourite
8. BEST TORCH – Well back in the Donga Ilbo followed by 4th over 1400M at class 2 level. 3rd on only try at a mile, she could be a minor money chance.
9. JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG – Returned from five months off to take a very good win in the Ttukseom Cup. She can race on pace or from behind and at her best, she wins this.
10. FLYING STAR – Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Queen last November followed by a class 1 3rd at this distance on January. Midfield in both the Donga Ilbo and Ttukseom but don’t rule out back at Busan and at a mile.
11. BANG BANG BANG – Has only won up to class 3 level but was a solid 5th place in the Donga Ilbo and coming in fresh can challenge for minor money again
12. MIGHTY LOOK – Solid class 1 campaigner and ran fairly for midfield in the Ttukseom. Little to suggest she can win this but can match or better that finish.
13. LADY VADER – A winner of five from ten but she makes her first start since last August. Looked very well in two trials but this is a hard ask first up.
14. GLADIUS – Three wins in a row between December and March culminating in her Donga Ilbo triumph. 5th in the Ttukseom and drawn wide here but can’t be ruled out.
The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is the highlight on the first day of June with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30, plus 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only. (4) BISANG BELL was a much-improved 2nd and only very narrowly beaten at 1200M when coming from off the pace on May 3rd. She draws well here and that can help her to go one better today. (8) EXCELLENT HANSEN has been showing consistent form recently with a 2nd, 4th and 3rd from her latest three, each time racing on pace. She is likely to be on pace again and will have plenty of supporters to go all the way. (2) NAMSAN MINYEO is the solitary debut-maker. She was 2nd in her trial showing on pace and posting a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be in this. (5) YONGAM SARANG will be on the speed too. She did weaken last time out but going on her runner-up two outings back, warrants another chance. (6) CLUB Q, 3rd on debut, another to consider in a competitive opener.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) BLACK SATANG came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on May 10th. She should have come on for that run, the step up to two turns can suit, and she can win here. (6) HEEMANGBAND has been getting closer across his nine starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when tried at this distance for the first time on April 27th when he finished strongly with three of today’s rivals behind him. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (2) STREET RUBY was 3rd in that race, a big improvement on her first try at two tuns. She led that day and from a good draw similar will be expected here. (3) BEST KINGDOM and (4) SAVANA CHARLIE others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Black Satang (6) Heemangband (2) Street Ruby (3) Best Kingdom
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Not the strongest of races for the level so we’ll take a chance on (7) RAON NOTHERN DANCE. He is still a maiden after seven attempts but got promoted to this class after too many near-misses and he has continued to hold his form at this level. He was 5th last time out at this class and distance but the margins weren’t huge, and, in this company, he can be on pace, and it may be his day. (1) SONE SONJABGO and (2) JOSE came home 3rd and 6th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on May 3rd. The former will come from off the pace while the latter will be on the speed and both can play a part in the finish today. (4) GOOD FIGHTER has only been ordinary in his latest couple, but he is a two-time winner at this distance and is a chance in this company. (6) BREEDO KING STAR another who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(7) Raon Northern Dance (1) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Jose (4) Good Fighter
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only and it is wide open. (8) SUN LIGHT was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on May 2nd coming from well off the pace. Leving herself too much to do has been a trend but she may be ready for another crack at 1400M and has as good a chance as any here. (4) ALL THE WAY has a 3rd and a 5th in two outings to date, most recently behind Sun Light in that May 2nd race. She has been doing her best work late and is another who the 1400M can suit. (7) GRACE CAL enters off a 3rd place when tried at this distance for the first time on May 4th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) WONDERFUL TEAM and (11) DIA MATE others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Sun Light (4) All The Way (7) Grace Cal (10) Wonderful Team
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 5
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) WONDERFUL FAPPY took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this class but has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times having led. From a good draw, he surely leads again here and may take some beating. (6) MORNING WONDER is up in class having registered his maiden win at start five over 1200M on May 4th when on pace. He finished no worse than 4th at class 6 and under a light weight, he can measure up here. (7) MR.STORM was 3rd at this class over 1200M on April 26th, racing handy throughout. His win came over this trip and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be in the mix again. (10) GANDAGO also has weight to deal with following a last start win at this class over 1400M but should be competitive. (9) CANVASEN GO another place chance.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
The first juvenile race of the season. (5) UNIVERSAL went through two trials registering a 4th and a 3rd (the latter one was voluntary so may not appear on all racecards). He’s a half-brother to multiple winners Black Mamba and Seungbusa, both of whom won on debut, and he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) SILLAUI FIGHTER showed on pace in his trial ultimately finishing in 5th but not far back and in a fair time in what was a slow month for trials. Moon Se-young is booked and he may start as favourite. (4) GHOST is another who showed at the front in his heat and can be on pace here. (2) YONGBI SHINHWA and (3) THE EXCELLENT are others who hinted at ability.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ten fillies and one gelding in this maiden in which five race for the first time. (2) MUNHAK FIGHTER ran a solid 2nd on debut in February which led him to be sent off as favourite on his reappearance in March when he proceeded to blow the start and ultimately finish 5th. He’s been back to do starting tests since then and with a smoother departure today, can win. Among the debut-makers, (6) RAON FLORENCE looks the best. He trialed a couple of times last year but didn’t make it to the races but looked well when showing on pace and running 3rd in a heat a month ago. If he brings that form to the races, he can be close. (11) GEOLJAK CHUKJE has mixed her form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd and a 3rd which is enough to put her in contention here. (5) DALBIT SONATA has been back to trial since her last start in February and can be better this time around. (1) GLOBAL GISANG ran well enough in her trial.
Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) BITNARA has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at 1300M on May 4th when settling behind the speed and running on. Expect similar tactics today, and he can go one better. (7) JOY CHEONHA has made similar progress lately and enters off a 2nd place at 1300M on April 19th. He beat a couple of these when 5th on his sole previous try at 1400M and can beat plenty again. (9) SALVADOR was a strong 2nd on debut and while he was a well beaten favourite at start two when getting a long way back, the step up in trip can suit here and he can be a danger. (10) BLACK SMILE and (6) GRAY PHANTOM are the other main chances.
Selections
(5) Bitnara (7) Joy Cheonha (9) Salvador (10) Black Smile
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 8, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only. (8) SUHYANG MIIN got her maiden win in March over 1300M before running a fair 3rd on her first try at this class and distance on April 27th having led for much of the way. In this small field she can navigate her way to the lead again and this time can go all the way. (2) POWER BAND got her maiden win at this distance in April but had a hard time when stepped up to two turns for her first try at this level on May 3rd. The drop back in trip should help and she can be given another chance. (7) UPPERHAND also gets another chance after an underwhelming first go at this class three weeks ago. She too broke her maiden at today’s trip. Up in class pair of (6) STUNNING STEP and (5) COMMAND BLUE are others to consider.
Selections
(8) Suhyang Miin (2) Power Band (7) Upperhand (6) Stunning Step
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) YEONGGWANGUI CLEAR overcame a slow start on debut to run on strongly for 2nd place at this distance. He should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and he will be favoured to go one better. (1) TOP OF THE RANK didn’t do a whole lot on debut when slow away from a wide draw. He previously looked good in trials and from a much better gate, he can improve. (5) FLEX TAP beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place in a filly only maiden at this distance on May 2nd and she can be in the mix again. (3) SWORN QUEEN enters off a 3rd place at 1400M when racing on pace and can aim for a money finish again. (6) SPEED GOOD another who can improve.
Selections
(8) Yeonggwangui Clear (1) Top Of The Rank (5) Flex Tap (3) Sworn Queen
Next Best
6,
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an indifferent effort on debut, (3) STUKA has put in two consecutive 3rd place finishes at 1300M and 1200M, showing on pace both times. He comes up significantly in trip today but draws well to lead again and may take some beating. The rest of the form is patchy to say the least, so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut-maker and the first juvenile to get a run out this year, (9) AMAZING ONE. It took him two goes to qualify but he did his best work late in both and both the mile and the competition can suit first up. (7) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA was an improved 3rd when coming from off the pace on his first try at this distance on April 25th. That was his best in ten tries but he won’t need to improve much to be close again. (2) DAEJI DAEBONG and (11) PHANTOM KING others to consider on a place line.
Selections
(3) Stuka (9) Amazing One (7) Boryeongjeoktoma (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
3, 8, 10, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The second division of the mile maiden. We’ll take a chance on (1) HIGH LEVEL. She enters off her best finish of 4th over 1300M on April 27th when, as has been her style so far, she has settled back and finished off well. The mile can suit, there is no speed here so she can be much further forward earlier from the inside gate, and she has as good a chance as any at probably an each-way price. (5) FLYING ICE has a 2nd and a 3rd on her resume, along with no fewer than five 4th place finishes. 1600M seems to be her go – she comes in off back-to-back 4th places over the trip, and she should be in the mix here. (9) WONDER ROAD and (2) HEUIMANG GUNJU came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced one another over 1400M on May 4th and both can be there or thereabouts again. (3) DOCTOR SOLAR was further back in that race but going on his 2nd place at 1400M two starts back, can be given another chance.
Busan Race 4: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
A rare mid-Friday afternoon class 1, albeit with a rating cap of 95. (5) CLEAN ONE was placed in Listed juvenile company last November and returned to winning ways with victory in the NZTR Trophy over 1800M on April 13th when he led all the way around. He is very nicely in under today’s conditions, and he can go all the way again. That will mean overturning the form on (4) LOVE KING IJI, who was 2nd to Clean One’s 3rd when the pair raced one another over this distance at class 2 level in January. Love King Iji has a 2nd and a 5th from two subsequent outings and can be a danger. (2) DESPITE WIN tackles further than a mile for the first time but has seven top three finishes from eight starts and can measure up. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT and (1) CATALINA MARINE others to consider.
Selections
(5) Clean One (4) Love King Iji (2) Despite Win (3) Jeongmun Cobit
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Global Hit found himself in trouble but managed to dig himself out and ultimately grind down stablemate Speed Young to take a narrow win in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.
Global Hit edges out Speed Young in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)
Making a rare appearance at his home track, GLOBAL HIT was sent off as the prohibitive 1.1 favourite for the race but found himself pocketed and unable to find a run until late on. By that time SPEED YOUNG had launched his bid for home and it took until the very final strides for Global Hit to get on terms and ultimately pass him to win by a neck.
The one-two was the same as in last month’s YTN Cup at Seoul, when Global Hit finished five-lengths to the good. That day’s fourth placegetter and Herald Business winner SUCCESS BAEKPA was six-lengths back in 3rd.
“The start was quicker than in the 2000M races so it was hard to find position, especially when (Daeam Janggun) came across and I couldn’t get out” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun explained to KBS N Sports. “It was then very close in the straight. I think we will take this experience of 1800M and try to avoid making the same mistake in the Korea Cup.”
The win was Global Hit’s twelfth in twenty-one lifetime starts. It was his ninth Group race success but his first at Busan, where his and Speed Young’s trainer Bang Dong-suk is based.
It’s probable that Global Hit will follow the same route as he did last year and not race again until defending the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on August 3rd in the lead up to the Korea Cup (1800M IG3) on September 7. Speed Young will probably be sent to defend the Busan Owner’s Cup (1600M KOR-G3) that he won last year on June 29.
Despite only prevailing narrowly, Global Hit looks a far better horse than he was a year ago. With his early pace and sustained finish – the latter getting him and his jockey out of trouble on Sunday – he very nearly has the full package. He is the best local hope for September’s international races.
In related news, three-year-old import WONPYEONG STORM, who was five for five before finding the Herald Business in March a bit too much too soon returned to action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The Tale Of The Cat colt was a dominant winner of the Sports Kyunghyang Trophy (rating 95 or less), cruising home eight lengths to the good over a mile.
Next weekend the feature action is at Busan again with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer for fillies and mares on Sunday.
Global Hit returned from Dubai to successfully uphold local honour by seeing off Japan’s Yumeno Honoo in last month’s YTN Cup. Now, the highest rated horse in Korea makes a return to the track where he does his training, but scarcely ever races, as he headlines the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2), the final leg of the Stayer Series, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.
Global Hit was far too good in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
While he does his day-to-day training on the track, since his breakout performance in the 2023 Korean Derby, only one of Global Hit’s subsequent fourteen outings have been at home. That was in this race last year when as favourite, he was narrowly beaten into second by Tuhonui Banseok. He’ll be favourite again.
Tuhonui Banseok is the double defending Champion having won the race in both 2023 and 2024 but on recent form, SPEED YOUNG shapes as the main danger. The stablemate of Global Hit was 2nd in both previous legs of the series, the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) and YTN Cup (2000M KOR G3). SUCCESS BAEKPA won the Herald, and along with TIZ BAROWS and NUT PLAY will be among the next line of favourites.
Here’s a rundown of the full field of fourteen for the big race which, for live TV purposes (KBS N Sports in Korea), is race 2 at Busan with the early post time of 13:10:
1. BYEOLNARA JILJU – The lowest rated in the field by a considerable margin and while he placed at class 2 level over 2000M in February, he is a big outsider here.
2. NAOL SNIPER – Hasn’t quite kicked on this year and with a 6th and a 12th in the two prior legs of the series, and on those efforts, he has plenty to find here.
3. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Winner of this race the past two years, he ended 2024 with 2nd to Global Hit in the Grand Prix but was well back in both legs of this series so far. Return to Busan may help and not to be dismissed.
4. SPEED YOUNG – Stablemate to Global Hit and the main danger. Has finished between 2nd and 4th in each of his last six starts, all at Seoul and all at Group (or Listed) level. Tactically versatile and will run on but has five-lengths to find on Global Hit. Solid place chance but will be a short price for that.
5. GLOBAL HIT – Returned from Dubai to win the YTN Cup in dominant fashion. This is a rare big race missing from his CV and while he hasn’t scored at 1800M since his 2023 Derby victory, at anything like his best, he wins.
6. BEOLMAUI MONSTER – First time in Graded company, he got back-to-back wins at the turn of the year at class 2 before running 2nd at class 1 over 2000M at the end of March. On pace or handy but this is a hard ask at level weights.
Global Hit is the main attraction as the Stayer Series comes to end with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) the feature at Busan on Sunday afternoon. For TV purposes (KBS N Sports) the big race is race 2 at 13:10. There are 6 races in total at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 while there are 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Tunhonui Banseok won his second Mayor’s Cup, beating Global Hit, a year ago (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (6) CHEONGRYONG GIUN ran 5th on debut in March and followed up with 3rd at start number two over this distance on April 20th when coming from off the pace. Third up he can be peaking and with Moon Se-young staying on, he may be the one to beat. (2) DURAY SHOW and (1) YEONGGWANGUI SKY came home in 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at this distance on April 13th. For both it was a significant improvement and from good draws, both can be in the mix again with the latter, especially likely to be on pace. (4) DAEHAN COCO’S debuted in that race on April 20th, running a solid 4th behind Cheongryong Giun. She should have come on for that run and can be competitive here. (3) KIA ORA another placing chance.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at this distance on May 11th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here and in this company should be on pace from the start and prove too strong. (4) HAKSAN PRINCE was well fancied last time out but got crowded at the start and lost ground only making I tup to 6th. Going on his previous two efforts when 4th and 3rd, he can be given another chance here. (6) THUNDER MARVEL was an improved 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 26th. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and can be a danger late. (7) MYEONG POWER and (5) SMART NOTION other minor chances.
Selections
(2) Seungni Barows (4) Haksan Prince (6) Thunder Marvel (7) Myeong Power
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) ELDORADO HEUNGBU remains a maiden after ten attempts but has only missed the top five on two occasions. He has placed in both his previous tries over 1400M, and in this company, he can be on pace and make his breakthrough. (5) MIGHTY BOM is also a maiden, in his case after sixteen outings. He enters in strong form though, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes from his latest three, all at 1800M. He has three 3rd places over this distance as well as the quickest time among these for the 1400M, and he can be a threat. (9) QUANTUM K comes up in class having led from gate to wire to win over this distance at start three on April 20th. He comes down in weight and can measure up. (3) ORANGE TIME and (10) NONSTOP YEOLCHA others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Eldorado Heungbu (5) Mighty Bom (9) Quantum K (3) Orange Time
Next Best
10, 11
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY has made steady progress across her three starts to date, most recently running a very close 2nd at 1300M on April 4th having been ridden further forward than in her previous two. She should be on pace again here and she will be a short-price favourite to go one better. (5) LOILOI has mixed her form but comes back into the same gate from which she ran 2nd over 1300M in March, and she looks to be the main danger. (4) SEONGSIL SIDAE was a significantly improved 2nd when only going down very narrowly at 1300M on April 13th. She is another who should be on the speed and can be in this a long way. (9) CRUELLA and (2) REAL RESPECT others to consider for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) NURI CHEONWANG has been very consistent across his five starts so far and enters having overcome wide draws on both his latest two to run 4th. The step up in trip can suit and he can win here. (4) ECLIPSE EDGE is another who may be suited by coming up to two turns for the first time. He was 3rd behind Nuri Cheonwang when that horse got his maiden win and has acquitted himself well at this level in subsequent starts, most recently when 4th over 1400M. He will be expected to be on pace here. (1) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG remains a maiden after fifteen races but has nine top-five finishes and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (8) TAEPYEONGMU and (9) RED DRAGON perhaps the best of an uninspiring rest.
Busan Race 2: Class Open (1800M) Weight for Age / Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2) KRW 700 Million
Busan’s biggest race of the year and it is a rare home track appearance for (5) GLOBAL HIT and having marked his return from Dubai with a five-length win in last month’s YTN Cup over 2000M at Seoul, he will be hot favourite to win this. Stablemate (4) SPEED YOUNG got the closest to him that day in 2nd, adding to his runner-up finish in March’s Herald Business, the first leg of this series. There is little to suggest he can overturn that form, but he is the most likely contender to fill out the exacta. In the absence of Global Hit, (10) SUCCESS BAEKPA won the Herald Business before running 4th in the YTN and he can be running on strong late again. The rest will need to step up with (11) TIZ BAROWS and (13) NUT PLAY perhaps being the most likely.
Selections
(5) Global Hit (4) Speed Young (10) Success Baekpa (11) Tiz Barows
Next Best
13, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) GRACE ROUTE got her maiden win at this distance in January and while she was beaten by a couple of these when 5th when slower away on her first try at this class in February, she came back out on April 27th and ran a close 2nd over 1400M. In this company she can sit just behind the speed and can win. (5) RACE ROSE comes up in class having scored her maiden win over 1200M on April 13th. The win had been coming and with a weight drop she can be competitive here. (9) AWESOME QUEEN got her maiden win at start three with an all the way effort over this distance on April 20th and she too can measure up at this level. (3) SSAK DANAEUN, similarly up in class and down in weight, along with (1) CUPID CHIC, are other place chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) WONDERFUL FEVER enters off 3rd place at this class over 1400M on May 2nd when leading into the final furlong. He has won at this trip and from a good draw can be on pace and potentially go all the way. (4) TRIPLE SINHWA was a class and distance winner on April 25th, making much of the running. He comes up a full 4kg in weight but that’s balanced a little by a good draw and he will have plenty of backers for a repeat. (7) MORNING DEW was 2nd in that April 25th race. He gets a weight swing from Triple Sinhwa this time and can be in the mix again. (8) GRAND DREAM and (10) GALLOP QUEEN are among others with every chance of competing for the places.
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(11) PUNGUNJIMA returned from eight months out to run 2nd at this class and distance on April 13th, leading for the early part of the race. She has to contend with the widest gate here but she should strip fitter for that run, Moon Se-young, who has won on her twice, returns to the ride and she can win. (4) RUN WILD returned from a layoff of his own to win at this distance at class 5 level in March before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on April 19th when settling right back and running on. There is a danger that he can leave himself too much to do but with two wins and two runner-up finishes from four tries at this trip suggests he must be taken seriously. (5) STAR TREK beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on April 26th and under a light weight can place again. (10) ULTRA SOCKS and (6) BEST CLONE others in the frame.
Selections
(11) Pungunjima (4) Run Wild (5) Star Trek (10) Ultra Socks
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) FORCE BE WITH YOU was a winner over 1300M on debut in March before running 5th when stepped up to this class and distance on April 25th, among plenty of today’s rivals. He should have benefitted from that experience, third-up he can be peaking, and he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (5) NEOM CITY, who was 2nd in that April 25th race. She is yet to win but that was her second consecutive runner-up finish at this distance and under a light weight, she can be there or thereabouts again. (6) FLYING THE KHAN is also yet to win – or even finish 2nd – in six attempts but he has three 3rd places, including on his sole try at this trip and he should be in the mix here. (11) MAKE IT BETTER and (7) COLONEL FLYING, the latter 3rd in that April 25th race, others to consider.
Selections
(9) Force Be With You (5) Neom City (6) Flying The Khan (11) Make It Better
Next Best
7, 10
Fast Start
2, 8, 9, 11
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) GINSHARI BOY won back-to-back races in January and March to get rapidly promoted, but had a poor day at the office when tried at this class for the first time over 1400M on April 19th, showing on pace but weakening to finish midfield. He cuts back in trip here, Moon Se-young gets back on, and he’s worth another chance. (1) GEUNYANG GARA took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but ran a solid class and distance 3rd on May 11th leading for much of the way and from a good draw should be in this a long way too. (10) GLOBAL SERVE is up in class having won at 1300M by a big margin on April 27th. Despite the class rise he is up in weight, but he can measure up. The returning (3) KOREAN DREAM, along with (6) KLIMT WORLD are others to consider on a placing line.
Selections
(5) Ginshari Boy (1) Geunyang Gara (10) Global Serve (3) Korean Dream
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) ARION KING CAR was a winner at this distance at class 5 level in March before running a very close 2nd on his first try at this class on April 30th. Drawn well to be on pace, he can go one better today. (7) DONGNAM GANGTAJA was 3rd behind Arion King Car in March before getting a win of his own at this distance on April 18th. That brings him up in class, but he is down in weight, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he is the main danger. (3) BEOLGYO WANGCHO has won just the once but has been ultra consistent across his six starts so far. A front-runner, he comes up in class but is down significantly in weight and can continue his good form. (10) WIN WIN and (4) BUSAN TODAY the other place chances.
Selections
(2) Arion King Car (7) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Beolgyo Wangcho (10) Win Win
Next Best
4, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 11
Seoul Race 8: Class 1 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
Class 1 but with a rating cap of 95. (1) WONPYEONG STORM won his first five starts up to class 2 and 2000M before being given his chance in the Herald Business, the first leg of the Stayer Series in March. That proved too much too soon, and he finished well down the field. He’s had a couple of months off and looked well enough when 3rd in a trial earlier this month. This looks a very suitable first-up assignment. (8) MIGHTY NEO was a winner at this distance at class 2 level in March but was somewhat flat when getting passed late by a couple when favourite on April 26th. He comes up to class 1 for the first time but is down a full 5.5kg in weight and is the danger. (3) GIANT STEP won a value trophy race over the distance on April 13th and drawn well and nicely weighted, can measure up. (7) HERO FIGHTER and (10) NEULGAEUL others in the frame.
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(6) HWANGJE enters off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently over a mile on his first try at this class. 1800M seems more his go though and he is favoured to go one better today. (2) NICE BIG GUY was a winner at this class over a mile on April 25th coming from well off the pace. He comes up 3kg in weight, but he has a good record at this distance and can be competitive. (1) OASIS POWER was a solid 4th in the valuable trophy race at this distance on April 13th. He is very nicely treated by the handicap conditions and looks to have two turn wins in him sooner or later. (5) JANGSAN LEMON and (11) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE are others to look out for.
Selections
(6) Hwangje (2) Nice Big Guy (1) Oasis Power (5) Jangsan Lemon
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(7) SEIRENE got her maiden win the final leg of last year’s Triple Tiara and then didn’t score again until this January when prevailing at this class and distance when racing handy. She could only manage a midfield finish in a valuable trophy race last month but this looks much more suitable and with Moon Se-young back on for the first time since her last win, today can be her day. (6) ARGO RICH won back-to-back races at this class and distance in March and April before running 4th from a wide gate last time out. An apprentice takes the edge off his weight here and he is a big danger. (2) ZETTA MASTER has been getting closer with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance. That brings him up in class but the weight drop of 5.5kg brings him into contention. (4) COMPLETE LEADER and (10) K N GOLDEN KING other place chances.
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(2) ORION ALPHA has seven top four finishes from eight starts so far and comes in having run 2nd at this class and distance on April 20th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He was also 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and well-drawn and under a light weight, he is the one to beat. (6) PEPPER X had a poor day at the office when a well beaten favourite on April 20th. There weren’t many excuses, and he wasn’t lame but if we go on his previous start, which was a win at this class and distance, then he is worth another chance here. (9) WILD SOCKS was 4th behind Orion Alpha in that April 20th race and is a two-time winner at this distance. He has a fast finish so the wide draw won’t matter, and he can be dangerous late on. (1) MIGHTY JJANG and (4) DIANA the others to consider on a place line.
Seoul Race 11: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(5) MIGHTY SHONE has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since returning from a near six-month layoff in March, both times coming from off the pace at this distance. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he can go one better. (2) DRAGON BULPAE was 3rd behind Mighty Shone when they raced one another at this class and distance on April 20th, settling right back and running on. He can be a danger again. (9) SEOBU TEUKSONG won three in a row up to last October and then didn’t reappear until April 13th when she had a decent, if unsuccessful, run out over 1200M. She should strip fitter for that run and can be closer to her old form here. (3) PANORAMA KING and (7) DUSON OPEN others in the hunt.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) SLING STAR ran a very close 2nd on debut over this distance on April 27th, racing on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, he can win and he should have a fitness edge on his main rivals. (2) SMART A ONE has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, last time out leading for much of the way before being taken down by Ginshari Boy late. She was lame after that but has ten trackwork sessions in her and can go well first up. (6) NAOL HUNTER was an improved 3rd at start tow back in February, racing handy throughout. He too went lame after but has been back in regular work for almost a month. (10) VICAR DRAGON and (7) MONEY FOUR SEASON are others to consider for improvement.
Selections
(11) Sling Star (2) Smart A One (6) Naol Hunter (10) Vicar Dragon
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. Plenty of these raced one another on April 25th and it was (8) GOOD FRIEND who came out the best of them, coming from well off the pace. That was her best finish to date, and it’s enough to put her on top to go one better here. (1) LADY FOX has had a stop start to her career and while she has a 2nd, and a 3rd on her record, she didn’t do much in two efforts around the turn of the year when returning from six months out. She now returns from an almost five-month layoff, but she looked very well in two recent trials and if she brings that form to the races, she can be a danger. (9) GIDAEHARA and (10) WIND STORM were among those behind Good Friend on April 25th and can get closer this time. (3) POETIC NUBI another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Good Friend (1) Lady Fox (9) Gidaehara (10) Wind Storm
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive race. (9) BULGEUNTAEYANG ran a solid 4th on debut over 1200M on March 19th, overcoming a slow start to run on. He should have derived benefit from that and with some natural improvement, has as good a chance as any here. (1) LASER RUN picked up on his latest when 4th at 1200M. He similarly was away slowly but coming into a much better gate today can be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) SAINT WINNER enters off a useful 3rd place at start number four over 1200M on April 27th and can be there or thereabouts again. (4) MALSGO has the fastest time among those who have previously tackled the 1300M and that’s enough to have him in the numbers. (3) GEOSEN JIJON the other logical contender based on her last start.
Selections
(9) Bulgeuntaeyang (1) Laser Run (7) Saint Winner (4) Malsgo
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) FUNNY TAP got her maiden win at start two last October in an all-filly maiden over 1200M, showing on pace throughout. She then had a chip removed but has been back in regular work since the beginning of April and she looked very well when 3rd in a trial at the end of that month. Moon Se-young is on and she can make a winning return. (7) SOLAIRE is three starts into a comeback following five months out. He’s made good progress across those three, culminating in 2nd place at this distance last time out on April 20th and can go close again here. (8) RAON NIZHINSKII’s latest couple have only been fair but he did get his sole win so far at this distance and can be in the mix. (5) DANCING GANGJA and (3) GREEN CONCORD are others to consider, the latter being forgiven for his bad start last time.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. One of those first-timers is (2) HEUIMANG TAEYO, who overcame a wide draw in his trial to run on pace and cross the line 2nd in a quick time and just a couple of lengths behind the class 2 veteran B.J. CHIEF. From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (10) ALL ROUND ONE raced once last October for a fair 4th. He has been gelded in the interim and looked well when trialing up at the start of this month. (6) VICTORY STORY was an improved 4th at start number two on April 20th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he can get closer today. (3) S. BELLE and debut-maker (11) WORLD TOP TIER are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Heuimang Taeyo (10) All Round One (6) Victory Story (3) S. Belle
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) NAMHAE MAGIC has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and most recently coming from off the pace behind a good winner on April 6th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and with an extra half-furlong to play with, he can go one better here. (3) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE has two 4th places and a 2nd from three outings to date, showing handy or on pace each time. He draws very well and can be in the finish again. (5) TANTAN DAERO was an improved 2nd at start two at this distance on April 27th, doing his best work late, and he too can be a danger here. (9) HIGH TENSION and (7) BORYEONG MIRACLE others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) CHOGYEOKCHA won back-to-back races at the end of last year to get rapidly promoted to this class and has since been the beaten favourite in three outings – including in Busan’s Classic Trial. He enters off a quick 3rd place over a mile on April 13th and coming into much more amenable company, he will be favourite again. (2) HONORED KHAN was a class and distance winner in February and while he is up 3.5kg from that mark and had a hard time last start, he can be given a chance. (1) BREEDO ODIN returned from four months out to run an improved 3rd at a mile on April 18th when sent off as the longest but one shot on the board. He comes up to 1800M for the first time but should strip fitter for that run. (9) DAESEUNGNIJA and (6) NANGMAN DAERO other potentials for the minors.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) UNLIMITED RUN got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M and has since run 3rd in two outings at this class and 1400M and most recently this distance on April 18th. In this company he can settle just behind the speed, and it can be third time lucky at this class. (10) CHOEGANG TRIPLE is up in class following a maiden in at start five over this distance on April 20th when overcoming the widest gate to race on pace. He comes down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (4) BREEDO MIRACLE is yet to win but is up in class following back-to-back runner up finishes at this distance in contrasting styles. He to is down 3kg in weight and he can be competitive. (8) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN and (2) SING FOR ME others to consider.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here and it’s competitive. (1) QUEEN SPICY ran 4th on debut before getting her maiden win at start two at 1300M on April 18th, leading all the way. She is up in class and slightly in trip, but is down in weight, draws well to lead again, and she can be in this a long way. (8) THE NOMINATE is the danger. After getting her maiden win, she then ran a close 2nd at this class and distance on April 20th, settling midfield and running on. She only comes up 1kg in weight and has every chance. She will need to overturn form on (2) RIGHT CHAMP, who was the 16/1 winner of that April 20th race, when ridden further forward than usual. She is up 3kg in weight but that’s balanced by a much better gate, and she warrants more respect this time. (7) WORLD PINK CAT and (5) WANNABE WITH YOU among plenty of others who can go well.
While most talk within Korean racing circles has been about whether Oasis Blue will become the first horse since Power Blade to sweep all three legs of the Triple Crown next month, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday VINCERO CAVALLO swept to Sprint Series glory with victory in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2), adding to his earlier wins in Busan Ilbo Sprint and SBS Sports Sprint.He will now target September’s international Korea Sprint.
Three and easy. Vincero Cavallo and Jo Jae-ro win the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (Pic: KRA)
The manner of his victories in the two preceding legs of the Sprint Series meant that Vincero Cavallo was sent off as a 1.5 favourite despite facing thirteen rivals on a fine Sunday Spring afternoon. Coming off the Queens’ Tour following back-to-back runner-up finishes, filly CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off second in the market, with BLACK MAMBA, 3rd in both the Busan Ilbo and in the SBS the next best.
As expected, Crown Hamseong was the quickest out of the gate and set the pace while Vincero Cavallo, not a front-runner by any means, was slightly further back than forecasted, racing in the rear-division as the field exited the back straight.
Having improved to 5th on the turn, jockey Jo Jae-ro brought his mount off the rail and with clear track in front of them, Vincero Cavallo set about reeling his rivals in, passing first Fantastic Kingdom, before accounting for Super Finish and I’m Jjang. Crown Hamseong held firm but Vincero Cavallo was relentless, passing her with just thirty metres to go but opening up a margin of almost a length on the line.
“When he started slowly and went to the back, I was a little concerned” winning trainer Seo In-seok told in house broadcaster KRBC. “But I trusted him and Jo Jae-ro and they did well.”
Vincero Cavallo is a four-year-old colt by Cowboy Cal and out of City Lass (by City Zip). He made a solid start to his career winning four of his first twelve but came to prominence running 6th of fifteen in last September’s International G3 Korea Sprint when still only possessing a class 2 rating. He’s not looked back, winning six of eight subsequent starts.
As for what’s next, trainer Seo was emphatic. “There is one goal – The Korea Sprint.”
The big race against the internationals is at Seoul on Sunday September 7 and Vincero Cavallo is head and shoulders the best local hope. Next week it is the turn of the big local hope for the Korea Cup, Global Hit, to appear. He will make a rare outing at his home track of Busan as the Stayer Series concludes with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M Kor-G2)
Horse Racing in Korea 