Month: June 2025

HANGANG CLASS DEMOLISHES OWNERS’ CUP FIELD IN TRACK RECORD EFFORT

Hangang Class smashed his own track record for the mile in the process of demolishing a strong field on a lightning quick track in the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Hangang Class goes clear of Clean One in the Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Two months ago, on a similarly fast day, Hangang Class had broken Blue Chipper’s track record for the mile, set in this race in 2019. On Sunday, under Kim Hye-sun, he took a further second off it, to set a new mark of 1:34.8.

It was a day of front running records. In race 3, the track record for 1300 was lowered while a class 6 race over 1200M was completed in a Korea Sprint winning time and a class 5 at 1400M was significantly faster than the vast majority of class 1 races over that distance.

That boded badly for Speed Young, a come from behind horse who likes to work his way into the race, regardless of the distance. Yet punters still sent the defending champion off as the 1.6 odds-on favourite. He was never a factor and finished in 9th.

Clean One showed the way early with Black Mamba being ridden hard from a wide draw to be on the pace too. Meanwhile, Hye-sun kept 15/1 chance Hangang Class handy to the leading two and ready to launch. Once they took off in the home straight, none could match them. Despite Win came up for 2nd place, while Clean One held on for 3rd.

Hangang Class is a four-year-old colt by Musket Man and out of Daehan Cheonwang (by Forest Camp). He is owned by Kim Jo-eun and trained at Busan by Gu Min-sung. Hangang Class was champion juvenile in 2023 when he won four of his five starts, including the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie in December of that year. After some setbacks and layoffs, he didn’t win again until winning that Jockey Club of Turkey Trophy in track record fashion in April. He moves on to six wins from fifteeen starts.

BUSAN OWNERS’ CUP 2025 – PREVIEW & FORM COMMENTS

SPEED YOUNG has spent most of his career playing second-fiddle to stablemate Global Hit but that wasn’t the case in last year’s Busan Owners’ Cup, and it won’t be this time either as the defending champion will be favourite when he takes on fifteen rivals on Sunday afternoon (1600M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Can Wonpyeong Storm step up? (Pic: KRA)

A successful defence for Speed Young will require him to overcome some very promising younger horses. WONPYEONG STORM won his first five races before being well beaten when sent in against the elite in the first leg of the Stayer Series over 2000M in March. That proved to be too much too soon but after a couple of months rest, he returned to win at this distance in May, and he should be a different prospect here.

Fellow three-year-old FINAL K has won five from six and is also an exciting prospect while DESPITE WIN, a year older, has won five from nine and bog things are expected.

Among the more established rivals, SUCCESS BAEKPA and BLACK MAMBA are done no favours by the draw but their quality can see them in the mix, while BLACK MUSK is the wildcard. He can blow hot or cold but on his day is as good as any.  

The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) is the concluding race 6 on Sunday’s card at Busan with a local post time of 16:30. There are also 11 Sunday races at Seoul.

1. DESPITE WIN – Winner of five from nine in total including twice at this distance. Comes off a class 1 (rating capped at 95) win at 2000M on May 30th and while this is a big step up in quality, can be competitive. Seo Seung-un rides.

2. FINAL K – Only defeat came behind Wonpyeong Storm over 1200M last November. Most recently won a Trophy race for three-year-olds in April over 1800M, settling handy and running on. Big step up in grade but loads of potential.

3. WONPYEONG STORM – The Herald Business proved too much too soon in March but after a couple of months off, he returned to winning ways at a mile at Class 1. High ceiling and a big chance.

4. BYEOLNARA JILJU – Lowest rated in the race, he only beat one home in last month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup, and he will be one of the longest shots on the board again.

5. BOLT MAN – A multiple winner at class 1 including over this distance. He was well back in the first two legs of the Stayer Series though and this isn’t much easier.

6. NAOL SNIPER – Always runs in top class company and was 6th of fourteen here in last month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup. Form to overturn here but at his best can be a place chance.

7. BLACK MUSK – Graded race winner who mixes his form. He was huge 2nd in SBS Sports Sprint in April before struggling in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint last month. First go at a mile since running midfield in this race three years ago. Third-up so may be peaking.

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 29)

The Busan Owners’ Cup headlines Sunday racing. The final Group race until August is the concluding event on the 6-race program at Busan which runs from 12:05 to 16:30. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Speed Young will be favourite to successfully defend his Owners’ Cup crown (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) RAON THE BIG RED went back to trial between his first and second starts and was much improved in the latter, running 3rd at this distance on May 25th. Third up he can be peaking and from a good draw, he can win. (8) AFLEET RUN has four top five finishes from his five outings to date with his best being a 2nd place at this distance in March. He should be on pace here and can be in this a long way. Among the first timers, (2) MUJEHAN GEUP looks the most likely to make an immediate impact based on trials. Returning to the experience, (7) BEST DREAM and (10) SPICE BAND may improve.

Selections(4) Raon The Big Red (8) Afleet Run (2) Mujehan Geup (7) Best Dream
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) GYEOUL JANGMI enters off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times settling midfield and running on. The step up to 1400M can suit and she is the one to beat here. The danger is (10) CLUB Q. She has a 3rd and a 2nd in her two outings, the latter at 1300M on June 1sr. She too has been doing her best work late and third up she can be peaking. (11) WONDERFUL CATHAY was an improved 3rd at start number five when tried at this distance for the first time on May 24th and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, she can build on that here. (9) GEOLJAK CHUKJE and (2) TRIPLE JENNY among plenty of others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Gyeoul Jangmi (10) Club Q (11) Wonderful Cathay (9) Geoljak Chukje
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) KING WARRIOR got his maiden win two outings back at this distance and followed up with a solid 4th place at 1400M on his first try at this class on May 18th when he led for much of the way around. He is fairly weighted, draws well to lead, and cut slightly back in trip he can go all the way. (7) YEONGGWANGUI SKY had been building towards a maiden win, and it duly arrived on May 25th when he led all the way over 1200M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (4) POWER BAND has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both at this class over 1400M and under a light weight she can be there or thereabouts again. (8) SONE SONJABGO and (3) FREE TIME are the other minor money chances.

Selections(2) King Warrior (7) Yeonggwangui Sky (4) Power Band (8) Sone Sonjabgo
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. After an ordinary debut, (11) GRAND MORE was a significantly improved 2nd at start number two on May 16th, leading for most of the way and only going down very narrowly. He needs to navigate the widest gate but if he gets to the front he will be difficult to pass. (4) WORLD TOP TIER was a creditable 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 23rd. She should have come on for that run and shapes as the main danger. Among the first timers, (7) CHAMPUI SIDAE ran 3rd in a fair time in a trial in late May and if she brings that form to the races, she can be competitive first up. (5) JIJONSANBANG also hinted at ability across two heats and can be considered. Returning to experienced ones, (3) OWNER CHAMP is perhaps the next most likely to improve.

Selections(11) Grand More (4) World Top Tier (7) Champui Sidae (5) Jijonsanbang
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

(6) FUNNY TAP raced twice last autumn for one win over this distance and then didn’t re-appear until May. She looked very good on her return, finishing 2nd at this class and distance on May 24th. She should strip fitter for that run, and she will be a hot favourite to go one better here. It’s been a while since (8) SOLAIRE got his solitary win, but he comes in with recent form reading well with a 3rd, a 2nd, and a 4th from his latest three, most recently behind Funny Tap in that May 24th race. He likes to come from off the pace, and he can be a danger late here. (5) GANDAGO was a winner at this class over 1400M two starts back and while he can mix his form, can be in the finish again. (2) GROW, a big price winner at this class last time, along with (4) ARCH RUNNER, are other place chances.

Selections(6) Funny Tap (8) Solaire (5) Gandago (2) Grow
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 28)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(8) BITNARA has run 3rd in both his latest two at 1300M and 1400M, racing close to the pace both times. He can be on pace here again and is favoured to go one better against this set of opposition. (9) SEOUL NONGBU has a 5th and a 4th from his two outings so far, most recently at this distance in a very slow race on March 30th. He comes in fresh after thirteen weeks out and can go closer. (4) RAON THE BELMONT came home in 3rd place on his latest start on May 18th despite racing ungenerously for much of the way. He was sent back to trial as a result and having come through that well, with better manners here, he can be a threat. (2) BULGUKSIDAE and (6) X FACTOR others in the frame.

Selections(8) Bitnara (9) Seoul Nongbu (4) Raon The Belmont (2) Bulguksidae
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (10) MALSGO comes in off a best to date 2nd place on May 24th over this distance when handy throughout. He is the only one in the field to have placed – he has done it twice – and despite the wide draw he should have enough about him to get to the speed and win. (5) GOLD SPINNING was an improved 4th at start four over 1200M on May 11th and can continue to make progress here. (2) GANGCHEOL POWER comes back in trip after recent efforts at further including two 4th places form his latest four and that’s enough to put him in the placing mix here. (7) ROAD TO SPEAR and (4) BLUE DRAGON others who could feature.

Selections(10) Malsgo (5) Gold Spinning (2) Gangcheol Power (7) Road To Spear
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Small but quite competitive field. (3) HEEMANGBAND has recorded her best results so far since stepping up to this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two. She likes to settle back and run on and with Moon Se-young aboard for the first time, today can be the day. (4) SEUNGNI BAROWS enters off back-to-back 3rd places over 1400M, coming from off the pace both times. He steps up to two turns for the first time and it can suit. (6) BLUE SUN has two 5th places and a 3rd from his three outings to date. He too comes up to this trip for the first time and can be a danger late on. (7) BLACK SMILE and (8) TTOSUNI SEOUL need lines through their respective latest outings but can be in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Heemangband (4) Seungni Barows (6) Blue Sun (7) Black Smile
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) DRAGON KILLER is yet to win in four attempts but has never finished any worse than 3rd. That’s where he finished on his first try at this class over 1300M on June 1st having led for part of the way around, and he has every chance here. (11) WESTERN GUN has mixed his form across six starts so far with three strong performances and three somewhat less so. He hasn’t raced at this trip before but looks worth a chance in this company. (3) JOSE was an all the way maiden winner on June 6th at this class and distance. She is up 2.5kg in weight, but that’s balanced by a good draw, and she can be a danger again. (7) GOOD FIGHTER and (2) GEOSEON POKJU others to consider.

Selections(4) Dragon Killer (11) Western Gun (3) Jose (7) Good Fighter
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 27)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) SHACKLE SUN has picked up in his latest two, with a 2nd and a 4th place at 1300M and at this distance. From a good draw, he can get a soft run to the lead here, and he can win this. (6) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE is second up following four months off and has already beaten plenty of these.  He should strip fitter for his May run and go close. (10) CRUELLA enters off a best to date 3rd place at this distance on May 25th when racing handy throughout. She had a similarly wide gate that day and she can be a danger here. (11) FLYING ICE has nine top five finishes from seventeen starts so far including a 3rd place at this distance. His recent work has been over a mile so he may appreciate the drop back in trip and can be there or thereabouts again. (7) REAL RESPECT another in the hunt.

Selections(4) Shackle Sun (6) Seungchunhaneunhae (10) Cruella (11) Flying Ice
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

(1) STUKA has two 3rd place finishes and a 4th from his four starts so far, that latter coming when sent off as favourite over a mile on May 30th. He comes back to 1400M for the first time, draws well to lead, and he can go all the way. (7) MEANINGFUL TIME enters off a close 2nd place at start number three over this distance on May 4th when racing on pace. Seo Seung-un stays aboard and he should be a big danger here. (6) SUN LIGHT has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, coming from well off the pace both times and she can be involved late on again here. (3) LIKE DRAGON and (5) WIND ROSE are among plenty of others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Stuka (7) Meaningful Time (6) Sun Light (3) Like Dragon
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(1) STAR FORCE laid in for the final 300M last time out over this distance on May 18th to the extent she got sent back to trial. It didn’t stop her from finishing a close 2nd though and having come through the trial, if she behaves herself this time, she can win. (2) DIA MATE stepped up to this distance for the first time on June 13th and registered her best finish so far with a 3rd place coming from off the pace. She makes a quick return and can build on that here. (5) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA has beaten a few of these in his latest two, both times running 3rd at this distance and he can be there or thereabouts again. (10) GRACE CAL and (3) HOUND POKER, both tackling the mile for the first time, are others to consider.

Selections(1) Star Force (2) Dia Mate (5) Boryeongjeoktoma (10) Grace Cal
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) INDY GHOST stepped up to this distance on April 18th and got her maiden win on what was her fifth career start, leading all the way. It was at this class, so she comes up 3kg in weight, but she draws nicely to lead again, and she can repeat. (5) YURIM SKY was a maiden winner over a mile two starts back, before running a solid 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on May 30th. He can settle behind the speed here and can be in the finish again. (4) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG ran in the Korean Oaks in May and then beat a couple of these on her return to shallower waters at a mile on June 8th. She continues under a light weight, and she can be in the mix. (3) FLYING THE KHAN and (8) PHANTOM KING others in the frame.

Selections(2) Indy Ghost (5) Yurim Sky (4) Tohamsan Taeyang (3) Flying The Khan
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

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BUSAN’S FIRST ERA CONCLUDES AS TRAINER KIM YOUNG-KWAN AND JOCKEY YOU HYUN-MYUNG RETIRE

As Busan Racecourse approaches its twenty-year anniversary, the first era of the southern track is over with the most successful trainer of the past two decades Kim Young-kwan, and its most significant jockey You Hyun-myung, both retiring this coming Sunday.

Kim Young-kwan (left) and You Hyun-myung (2nd right) celebrate Blue Chipper’s 2019 Korea Sprint win with owner Choi Byung-bu and then KRA CEO Kim Nag-soon (Pic: KRA)

An aspiring jockey in the mid 1970’s, Kim Young-kwan realized at an early stage that he wasn’t going to make it in the saddle and switched to horse management and training. He finally got his Trainer’s License in 2024 and was among the original line-up of trainers to be based at Busan when it opened in 2005.

Kim went on to win the Busan Trainer’s Championship thirteen times, saddled a Triple Crown winner, won races overseas, and in all won fifty-five Group races, a record that under the current structure of racing in Korea, seems unlikely to ever be repeated.

Fillies have bookended his career. Luna, Busan’s first real star racehorse, was responsible for his first three group wins between 2005 and 2007, while Jeulgeounyeojoeng provided six out of his last seven between 2023 and this year, the last coming in the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in April.

Kim also trained three fillies to win the Korean Derby, Sangseung Ilro in 2010, Speedy First in 2013 and Queen’s Blade in 2014. That was back in the days when the calendar allowed the best fillies to compete in the Derby as well as the Oaks. He also trained another filly, Gamdonguibada, to win the Grand Prix Stakes in 2012.

The Triple Crown would be won with Power Blade in 2016 while Triple Nine, who would become his stablemate’s great rival, won four consecutive President’s Cups. Kim also prepared Blue Chipper to win the Korea Sprint in 2019 while Mister Park won a Grand Prix on his way to a Korean record of seventeen consecutive victories.

Overseas, Kim was the first Korea trainer to saddle a Dubai Carnival winner when Main Stay scored in 2017. He also took Blue Chipper to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita in 2019 where he ran 3rd behind Spun To Run and Omaha Beach.   Power Blade and Triple Nine also both ran with credit in Dubai.

The first Korean trainer to reach 1000 winners, Kim has 1539 in total from 7045 runners but has chances to add to it this coming weekend.

You Hyun-myung’s first Group race win also came with Luna, who he partnered in the 2006 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. You became a jockey at Seoul in 2002 and transferred to Busan on its opening. He was champion jockey at the track four times between 2014 and 2019.

You also paired up with Kim Young-kwan for his two Group 1 wins: Mister Park in the 2010 Grand Prix and Blue Chipper in the Korea Sprint. While he didn’t ride a Korean Derby winner, he secured plenty of other Classics, most recently with Success Baekpa in the 2024 KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup.

In total, You, who is not scheduled to ride this weekend, rode 1253 winners from 7559 rides.

Also retiring this weekend are Seoul trainers An Hae-yang and Yoo Jae-gil. An saddled two Korean Oaks winners, Amaranth in 2003 and Uaryung in 2020. Yoo’s sole Group success came with Gwacheon Ruler in the 2007 SROA Chairman’s Trophy. Busan’s Yang Kui-sun is also saying his farewells this weekend after saddling 430 winners.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 22)

No Listed or Graded races this weekend but still plenty to get stuck into on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

(6) GEOSEN JIJON took a couple of goes to figure things out but has a 4th and a 3rd from her last two outings at 1200M and 1300M. (10) P N S JU has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two since returning from a three-month absence. She is not a quick starter so the wide draw shouldn’t be important and at start twenty it isn’t impossible that she could finally make her breakthrough. (4) JUHWA has made progress across three starts so far with 4th on his latest being his best. He draws well here and can continue to get closer. (1) GIDAEHARA and (9) K SIMON are others who can potentially improve in what is not an especially strong opener.

Selections(6) Geosen Jijon (10) P N S Ju (4) Juhwa (1) Gidaehara
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(1) SAINT WINNER has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places from his latest three, most recently at this distance on May 24th when handy throughout. From the inside gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (7) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has a best of 3rd from three positive starts so far. He too should be on the early speed in this company and with Moon Se-young staying aboard, he is sure to have plenty of backers. (3) HERO CHOICE has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from his six outings to date. He ran 3rd on his sole previous try at this trip, and that should be a minimum aim here. (9) TIGER K and (6) STEP BY STEP are among others who can have placing aspirations.

Selections(1) Saint Winner (7) Cheongryong Giun (3) Hero Choice (9) Tiger K
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) SLING STAR was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two over 1200M on May 24th, leading all the way and scoring with ease. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but he overcame an even wider gate last time out, and he can win again. (2) LALA GIRL is yet wo win but she enters off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on May 18th when leading for much of the way and with three of today’s rivals behind here. She carries a light weight, she draws well, and she can be in this a long way again. (11) BILLION BOY was a solid maiden winner at start five over this distance on May 10th and he is another who can measure up at this level. (1) RAON SILENCE and (9) RAIN STAR are the other place chances.

Selections(10) Sling Star (2) Lala Girl (11) Billion Boy (1) Raon Silence
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) HEUIMANG TAEYO ran 2nd on debut over this distance on May 23rd, leading for most of the way before being passed late by a good winner. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he should have come on for that run, and he will be a short-priced favourite to go one better here. Seo Seung-in rode Heuimang Taeyo in that race but today he rides debut-maker (1) WILD PARK. The Bayern colt was a trial winner at the end of May and if he brings that form to the races, he can be a threat.  (2) MOTHER WONDERFUL races for the first time since last September. She looked well winning a trial in May and can be a factor first-up. (10) DEFENSE PLAY and (3) K ROYAL others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Heuimang Taeyo (1) Wild Park (2) Mother Wonderful (10) Defense Play
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) LADY FOX returned from four months out to get her maiden win over this distance on May 24th, coming from well off the pace. She is up in class but down in weight and second up she can strip even fitter. (4) BEOLGYO LAVA has been consistent in three tries at this class since her maiden win back in February. She is drawn very nicely to be on pace here and she can be in this a long way. (7) KYLIE remains a maiden but came desperately close to breaking through last time when 2nd at this class and distance on May 18th. In this company, she should be firmly in the finish again (3) POETIC NUBI and (9) YES MADAM other place chances.

Selections(8) Lady Fox (4) Beolgyo Lava (7) Kylie (3) Poetic Nubi
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 21)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juveniles with eight of the ten racing for the first time. Pegasus Farm’s Air Force Blue is an exciting addition to the stallion ranks and their home bred (5) AIRFORCEONE makes his debut here. He looked very assured when comfortably winning a trail on May 29th from the front and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (10) JILPUNGA rana fair 5th on debut on May 31st. The time wasn’t quick, but the actual race experience should be beneficial, and he can improve here. (1) ANYANGBITCHUISOKDO ran 2nd in his trial and from the inside gate can be on pace and put in a bold showing. (2) MADE and (3) SAENAE FIGHTER others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(5) Airforceone (10) Jilpunga (1) Anyangbitchuisokdo (2) Made
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) GLORY QUEEN was 2nd when sent off as favourite over this distance on May 11th, continuing a run of positive efforts. She laid out for part of the race to the extent she got sent back to trial, but if she can behave herself today, she should go one better. (3) NESSUN DORMA raced three times last year with a best of 4th. She’s not raced since last September but she looked very well when 2nd in a May trial (beating Glory Queen) and if she brings that form to the races, she can be a danger first-up. (2) JISAN FRIEND has hinted at ability across her four starts so far and drawn well, she should be at least a place chance. (4) SEOHAE BADA and debut-maker (10) SONGDANG PARTY others who could have a say.

Selections(9) Glory Queen (3) Nessun Dorma (2) Jisan Friend (4) Seohae Bada
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4,

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Could today finally be the day for (7) MIGHTY BOM? He has placed ten times without winning including last time out when 2nd at this class and distance on May 25th, coming from off the pace. An apprentice keeps his weight low, and he has as good a chance as any. (4) WANGCHOEGO is also a maiden but comes in after a sharp class and distance 2nd on May 10th and should be in the mix again. (8) WONDERFUL TECHNO races for the first time since getting his maiden win at 1700M last July and a chip fracture. He has been in and out of work since February but got his act together finally with a solid trail win last Thursday. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. (6) CALIPH and (10) ARCH DAY, the latter needing a line through his latest, others in the frame.

Selections(7) Mighty Bom (4) Wangchoego (8) Wonderful Techno (6) Caliph
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

(11) CYCLONE STAR has won his latest two, both over this distance, and most recently at this class on April 26th when settling midfield and running on. He comes up 3kg in weight, and has the challenge of the widest gate, but a hat-trick can’t be ruled out. (2) STUNNING WORLD is yet to win in seven attempts but has been getting ever closer, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on May 18th. That brings her up in class here, but she comes down in weight, she draws well, and she can measure up. (5) FLYING CONCORD returned nine months after his debut to win at this distance on April 20th. He is up in class but down in weight and if anything, should strip fitter for that April run. (1) ECLIPSE LUCKY and (10) DUSON EUTTEUM others who can challenge.

Selections(11) Cyclone Star (2) Stunning World (5) Flying Concord (1) Eclipse Lucky
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 20)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL ran 6th on debut and has followed up with back-to-back 3rd places at 1300M and 1200M in contrasting styles. Seo Seung-un stays on and from today’s draw, she can be expected to be on-pace from the start, and she can win. (8) SEONGSIL WORLD has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place in a similar race over this distance on May 18th. Franco gets on for the first time, and she can be a danger. She will need to overturn the form on (11) SEUNGNI YEYAK who was a much-improved 2nd in that May 18th race, coming from off the pace. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can be in the finish again. (10) BREEDO QUEEN STAR and (5) QUEEN RACE, the latter an all the way trial winner since her latest start, others to consider.

Selections(4) Areumdaunnaldeul (8) Seongsil World (11) Seungni Yeyak (10) Breedo Queen Star
Next Best5, 6,
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(4) BUGYEONG TRIPLE beat a couple of these on his way to a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on May 11th. The step up to 1400M can suit and he has every chance of going one better this time. (1) COME ON GLORY was 5th in that race but has since recorded a 2nd of his own on May 30th when settling midfield and running on over a mile. From the inside gate, Franco can pick his spot, and they can be challenging late. (6) JADE PALACE ran a solid 5th on debut over 1200M on May 23rd, racing handy throughout. She should have come in for that run and with some natural improvement, she can get closer today. (2) TEUTA and (5) WORLD TAEYANG among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Bugyeong Triple (1) Come on Glory (6) Jade Palace (2) Teuta
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) SHOOT FOR THE MOON got her maiden win at start two over 1300M on May 2nd before running 2nd on her first try at this class on June 1st when she settled midfield and ran on. She is up 2kg in weight, but the step up to 1400M can suit, and she can prove too strong late on. (3) CHOEGANG TRIPLE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M and then finishes a solid 4th at 1200M on May 23rd when handy throughout. He looks the logical early leader here and he can be in this a long way. (7) TEAM SURPRISE is still a maiden but had a spin round in the Oaks last month. She has multiple places and this class and while she may find one or two too quick again, she can be in the mix. (11) BURUI TONGCHI and (4) GLOBAL HEROINE other place chances.

Selections(2) Shoot For The Moon (3) Choegang Triple (7) Team Surprise (11) Burui Tongchi
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

Seo Seung-un continues his very promising book of rides with (4) SO GOOD. A winner at start four over 1200M in March, he was 2nd on his first try at this class over 1300M on April 11th, coming from off the pace and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He comes in fresh following ten weeks out and he shapes as the one to beat. (1) ROAD TO PARTY races for the first time since last November, having had a chip fracture. He looks very well when 2nd in a quick trial in May and he can be a danger first up here. (5) KING FIGHTER was a beaten favourite when 4th over 1300M on May 16th. From a good draw he can be on the speed here and is worth another chance. (6) RACE MAN and (7) TAEYANG EUTTEUM others in the frame.

Selections(4) So Good (1) Road To Party (5) King Fighter (6) Race Man
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Oasis Blue’s Triple Crown Bid Thwarted as Gillespie’s My Dream Day Takes Minister’s Cup

The wait for a successor to Power Blade will stretch to at least a decade as KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue could only manage 5th as MY DREAM DAY won the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Crown, at Seoul Racecourse last Sunday afternoon.

My Dream Day and Seo Seung-un win the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

After his Cup Mile and Derby romps, Oasis Blue was sent off as the prohibitive 1.4 favourite even after a similarly short-priced prospect, Fantastic Value, failed in her bid to complete the Triple Tiara a week ago. Coming out of gate six, Jin Kyum positioned Oasis Blue prominent racing just behind the early pace which was set by Wonderful Groom and the favourite’s stablemate, Oasis Red.

My Dream Day, who was being partnered by Seo Seung-un for the first time since January, settled just behind the leading group, much closer than he had been in the Derby. Wonderful Groom gave way fast as they turned for home but instead of Oasis Blue, it was My Dream Day who made his move, striking the front just inside two furlongs out.

Storm Fighter and Young Skywalker would emerge as the closest challengers but never looked like getting on terms with the winner, who crossed the line three-quarters of a length to the good. Oasis Red was 4th with Oasis Blue 5th, a full eight-lengths behind My Dream Day.

While it was yet another big race win for jockey Seo Seung-un, making up perhaps for missing out on the Tiara last week, it was a first Classic for trainer Thomas Gillespie and his second Korean Group win since opening his stable in 2015.

Thomas Gillespie and My Dream Day connections (Pic: KRA)

Gilliespie has trained 367 winners from just under 3000 starters in Korea maintaining a win percentage of 12.5%. His previous Group win was in the 2016 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup with Ms. Margaux.

My Dream Day is by Save The World (by Menifee), who was campaigned by My Dream Day’s owner Shin Woo-cheol and who won the Covid-delayed 2020 Korean Derby in which he suffered an injury that led to his retirement. He is out of Coming Soon (by First Samurai). Runner-up in the Cup Mile and 4th in the Derby, his only previous win came at class 5 level over 1400M just before Christmas.

The wait for a successor to Power Blade goes on although there could be plenty more to come from Oasis Blue. Global Hit could only manage two out of the three Classics two years ago and so could Success Baekpa last year. They are currently the two best two-turn horses in the country.

Korean racing is about to enter its summer slumber, at least in terms of Graded Stakes, with only the Busan Owners’ Cup at the end of this month and the KRA Cup Classic at the start of August before the big international races at the start of September.