Month: June 2025

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday when Oasis Blue makes his run for glory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Oasis Blue (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) WINNER GLORY returned from over three months out to run a much-improved 2nd at this distance on May 4th, racing handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and she won’t need to progress very much to win this.  (7) RAON THE CAVIAR enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this distance, racing handy both times. She’ll be behind the speed again and can be in the finish. She will need to overturn form on (1) CRAZY MARI, who beat her as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in a similar race to this on April 12th. Crazy Mari returns for the first time since, and she should be in the mix. (4) LADYBIRD and (2) SOON LIKE others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(6) Winner Glory (7) Raon The Caviar (1) Crazy Mari (4) Ladybird
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(6) VINCERO CUE had been working his way to his maiden win, and it duly arrived over this distance on April 12th when on pace throughout. He comes up in class but is down in weight and in fresh after nine weeks out, he can measure up. It’s been a while since (4) SEGWANG JILJU got his maiden win, but he has been coming back into form recently, and was a front-running 2nd last start at this class and distance. He will be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (5) QUEEN ABIGAIL enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on May 17th, coming from off the pace and she should be there or thereabouts again.  (9) ALL NUT and (10) SAMGIM DAEPYO are the other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Vincero Cue (4) Segwang Jilju (5) Queen Abigail (9) All Nut
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

(1) GOLD QUEENS has been a beaten odds-on favourite in both of her latest outings at 1200M and 1300M, running 2nd both times. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in her five career starts and from another good draw, she can make it third time lucky.  (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in ten attempts but has never been outside of the top five. He has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this distance and while he may once more find one too quick, he can be in the mix again. (4) MAX PARTY has a win and a 2nd from his last two starts and while that means he carries his fair share of weight, he can be a danger once more. (8) GRACE ROUTE and (3) VINCERO KING other place chances.

Selections(1) Gold Queens (2) Haksan Cairo (4) Max Party (8) Grace Route
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

After doing nothing on debut, (9) VICTORY STORY has run 4th in both his subsequent starts, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. Munro stays in, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) LION MAGIC has finished between 2nd and 5th in each of his four starts so far and has actually beaten Victory Story as well as a couple of the others who go here. He can settle behind the pace and big a big danger late on. There is one debut-maker. (8) POWER STONE led all the way in a May trial, stopping the clock in a fair time, and if he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive first up. (6) JUST SHINY and (11) GOLDEN CARD are the others to consider.

Selections(9) Victory Story (4) Lion Magic (8) Power Stone (6) Just Shiny
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(9) ACAPEL returned from five months out on May 11th and duly won over 1300M, settling midfield and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she should strip fitter for that run, the 1400M can suit, and she can follow up here. (8) STUNNING FLATTER is the main danger. Two starts back in February, he beat three of these on his way to a front-running 2nd at this class and distance and then ran 5th in slightly stiffer company on his return on May 18th. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and will be running on strong. (4) POWER BAND has a win and a 3rd from her two tries at this distance, the latter coming at this class on May 31st. She makes a quick return and can be in the mix again. (1) J ONE POWER and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others in the frame.

Selections(9) Acapel (8) Stunning Flatter (4) Power Band (1) J One Power
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) BLAZING MAN was a class and distance winner two starts back before running a disappointing 7th when stepped up to 1800M last time out, starting badly and never really look like being a threat. He comes back to a trip at which he has two wins and two places, he draws much better and even gets a slight weight drop. (3) RAON THE MASKE is up in class having won over 1400M on May 11th when on pace all the way. He is up to a mile for the first time but is down in weight and can more than measure up. (5) ROCK AND ROLL had gone a bit cold but hinted at a return to form when 3rd at this distance on May 30th. He likes to come from off the pace and can be a danger late here. (7) STELL LUNA and (6) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Blazing Man (3) Raon The Maske (5) Rock And Roll (7) Stell Luna
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(10) LOVE SCARLET debuted all the way back in January 2024 but then didn’t appear again this March. She has a 4th and a 2nd in two starts back, both at this distance and most recently on April 6th, coming from off the pace. She has had a further ten weeks off since, but the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be a big danger late here. (2) PERFECT DANAEUN has mixed his form across five starts so far with his best being a 4th. He races for the first time since March but looked sensational when winning a trial at the end of May, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fast time, many lengths to the good. So long as she didn’t leave her race there, she has every chance. There is one first-timer. (5) SILLAUI FIGHTER posted a fair time in his trial and with Moon Se-young booked will have backers. (1) HAEMAJI and (9) CLAIR BIG BANG other place chances.

Selections(10) Love Scarlet (2) Perfect Danaeun (5) Sillaui Fighter (1) Haemaji
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

The second division of the 1300M maiden. It’s hard to go past (2) DONGJIN THUNDER here. She has a best of 2nd from six starts recorded at this distance three outings back when setting a time considerably quicker than any of the others have achieved. She draws nicely to be on pace, and she will take some beating. (10) BEST JOY did nothing on debut last August after which he was put away and gelded. He has been back in training for a couple of months and looked a totally different prospect when 2nd in a May trial. He can go well first-up here. (9) NAEGEROWAJWO was an improved 4th last time out and can maintain that momentum in this modest company. (1) HERO GOLD and (4) SOMETHING DARK others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Dongjin Thunder (10) Best Joy (9) Naegerowajwo (1) Hero Gold
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

(3) BLACK SATANG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, the latter being a close reverse at this distance on June 1st. She makes a quick return here, third-up she can be peaking fitness wise, and she can go one better. (5) EUNPA SWEET stepped up to this distance at start five on May 18th and came from off the pace to beat three of today’s rivals on her way to a best to date 3rd. She should have benefited from that experience and can go even closer today.  (9) DYNAMIC SONG was 5th in that same race and can similarly aim to get a bit nearer here. (1) ECLIPSE TANGO and (4) COMMANDING LEAD others who can be backed on a place line.

Selections(3) Black Satang (5) Eunpa Sweet (9) Dynamic Song (1) Eclipse Tango
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

Fillies only here. (5) CHARMING QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in April before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance on May 11th, settling midfield before striking the front just over a furlong out and winning by plenty. She is up in class but down in weight and she can win again. It’s been a long time since (7) YEOWANG SOCKS got her sole win, but her recent form reads well and going on her last start 3rd place over 1400M, she should be in this from on the pace. (4) VIVA CHEONGSU came from well back to run 3rd last time out at class and distance and should be in the mix again. (9) RAON THE AFFIRMED and up in class (2) SONEULNAEMILEO others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Charming Queen (7) Yeowang Socks (4) Viva Cheongsu (9) Raon The Affirmed
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 13)

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eight juveniles racing for the first time. (1) DOCTOR CENTUM is the only trial winner among them, scoring in his heat from the front and stopping the clock in a fair time. He draws well to lead again and can go all the way first up. (7) BEOLMAUI GANGJA registered the fastest trial time among these, coming from off the pace to run 3rd and looking competent enough. He will dispute favourite status here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL went through two trials with a front-running 2nd in the first of them and then a midfield position in a quicker time from a wide draw in the second. On that showing he can play a part here. (6) CARAT KING and (3) HEY BROTHER others who hinted at ability in the morning.

Selections(1) Doctor Centum (7) Beolmaui Gangja (4) Somanguigil (6) Carat King
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) PURE MARINE returned from three months out to win an improved 3rd over this distance on May 11th.  She should strip fitter for that run and from the inside gate can be on pace and is the one to beat. (5) NAMYANG RUBY has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record although they were both recorded before a five-month layoff. She hasn’t shown much in two starts back, but third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can show her old form in this limited company. (8) WONDER MOCCASIN also has a 3rd place at this distance and that’s enough to make her a place chance here. (11) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (2) GAMDONGUI DOLPA the other chances.

Selections(1) Pure Marine (5) Namyang Ruby (8) Wonder Moccasin (11) World Triple Cat
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(8) HEAVY DUTY was a much-improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on May 30th, leading all the way and beating three of today’s rivals. He should have benefited from that experience and won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) STORM POINT has been getting closer across his nine starts and enters off his best to date with 3rd at 1400M on May 9th, racing handy and running on. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (6) FLYING ICE was 5th behind Heavy Duty in that May 30th race. He has a lot of experience at this distance and should be challenging for the places here. (1) DIA MATE and (5) GOLDEN SPOT others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Heavy Duty (3) Storm Point (6) Flying Ice (1) Dia Mate
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

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

(7) YULIM SEASANG was a winner at this class and distance two starts back when leading all the way, before running 4th, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, on May 9th when leading into the closing stages. Seo Seung-un, who has ridden him to both of his wins, returns to the mount, and he can win here. (4) QUEEN TYCHE is up in class following a 2nd place at 1200M on May 18th when overcoming gate 10. She laid in to such an extent that she was sent back to trial which she came through in fine fashion and, under a light weight, if she behaves herself, she can be a danger. (1) GOLDEN AIR was found to be slightly lame after her underwhelming latest effort. She gets a class drop here and while that means a hefty weight rise, she can be close. (6) BUSAN TODAY and (8) AMAZING BOSS are the other place chances.

Selections(7) Yulim Sesang (4) Queen Tyche (1) Golden Air (6) Busan Today
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

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Boryeonglightqueen Denies Fantastic Value Triple Tiara Sweep

There is no Triple Tiara winner in 2025 as Boryeonglightqueen swept by Fantastic Value to win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Boryeonglightqueen and Jung Do-yun (Pic: KRA)

Having won both the the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks in facile fashion, Fantastic Value was sent off as the odds-on  favourite to emulate Golden Power and Jeulgeounyeojeong in being a Tiara winner.

As in the Oaks, Oneuldo Smile led for most of the way around what was an unchartered 2000M for all nine fillies. Fantastic Value loomed up in the home straight and briefly took the lead but was powerless to resist the challenge of Boryeonglightqueen, 3rd in both the Luna and the Oaks, who flashed home to score comfortably under Jung Do-yun.

Boryeonglightqueen is by the 2015 Minister’s Cup winner Rock Band and is out of Yaho Prez (by Menifee). Rock Band’s Rock Candy was 4th. The winner is owned by Choi Won-gil and is trained at Busan by Kim Gil-jung. She moves on tothree wins from eleven starts.

Next week it is the big one. The Triple Crown is on the line on Sunday afternoon in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) when KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue will make his run for glory.

FANTASTIC VALUE SET FOR TRIPLE TIARA SWEEP

Next weekend all eyes will be on Oasis Blue’s attempt to become the first three-year-old since Power Blade almost a decade ago to sweep all three-legs of the Triple Crown. This Sunday at Seoul Racecourse, Fantastic Value has the opportunity to become the third filly in four years to claim the Triple Tiara as she starts the hot favourite for the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Fantastic Value and Oneuldo Smile were 1st and 2nd in the Oaks and meet again (Pic: KRA(

After winning the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks in 2022, Golden Power successfully completed the set with victory in the Gyeonggi while a year later Jeulgeounyeojeong did the same. Having pulled off dominant victories in both the Luna and the Oaks, FANTASTIC VALUE should be joining them.

All of the top five in the Oaks return with runner-up ONEULDO SMILE the probable second-favourite. Having skipped the Luna, she entered the Oaks with a perfect four from four record but while she led for much of the way, she was powerless to stop Fantastic Value from sweeping by and was five-lengths in arrears on the line.

CC Wong will be aboard Oneuldo Smile once more and it will be interesting to see whether they employ the same tactics and lead again.

BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was 3rd in both the Oaks and the Luna and should be in at least the placing mix again, while a newcomer to the Series is ROCK CANDY. The Bart Rice trainee gets her chance having won two of her last three up to class 5 and a mile and her running style suggests that she could be a filly who can make the step up in trip.

The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup is race 7 on the 9-race Sunday card at Seoul.

1. FLASH RUN – Only win came in maiden company at 1300M but she was a good 5th in the Oaks as the longest shot on the board and from the widest gate. Further improvement is possible.

2. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – 3rd in both the Luna and Oaks but she has won over 1800M. Hard to see her overturning the form on Fantastic Value but shapes as a place chance and the additional trip can suit.

3. LIME TREE – Class 4 winner over a mile and 4th in both the Luna and the Oaks, eight-lengths behind Fantastic Value in the later. Will race handy and can match or better that 4th.

4. RISING MO – 2nd in the Luna Stakes coming from well off the pace but only beat one him in the Oaks. Has run better when coming from a long way back but too inconsistent to confidently recommend for a place

5. ONEULDO SMILE – Won her first four up to Class 4 and 1200M and then led the Oaks before being passed by Fantastic Value. She has five-lengths to make up but will probably be on pace again and will be 2nd favourite.

6. ECLIPSE THE QUEEN – Enters off her maiden win over 1400M on April 5th when coming from midfield. Fresh after nine weeks off, but big step up here.

7. FANTASTIC VALUE – Comfortable winner of the first two legs of the series and no reason to suggest that the step up in trip, or the new environment at Seoul, will be a problem. She will be the strong favourite.

8. ROCK CANDY – Gets her chance having won two of her last three up to class 5 and a mile, coming from off the pace. Extended trip may suit and may offer some each-way interest.

9. ALPHA FEMALE – The only maiden in the race, she hasn’t even finished in the top three. Seirene won this race as a maiden for the same owners last year but surely lightning does not strike twice.

Selections(7) Fantastic Value (5) Oneuldo Smile (2) Boryeonglightqueen (8) Rock Candy
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan with 8 races from 11:00 to 17:30. The feature is the G3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup over 2000M where Fantastic Value will be seeking to sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies. Here are the previews:

Seriene was the Gyeonggi winner a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

The form is totally unconvincing here to the extent that we’ll take a chance on one of the first-time starters. (9) CHAMPION SOCKS showed handy in his trial finishing in midfield in a fair time. With some natural improvement on that, the Shackleford gelding has as much chance as any. (1) FLYING GLOW debuted in August 2023 but then didn’t appear again until two efforts last May and June with a best of 4th. He then got injured but he looked well when showing on pace in a May trial and can go well first up in this company. (8) P N S JU was an improved 3rd at start eighteen three weeks ago in similarly weak company and that is enough to give her a chance here. (5) BULGEUNTAEYANG and (10) P N S OHOH others to consider in a race that perhaps won’t see the track record threatened.

Selections(9) Champion Socks (1) Flying Glow (8) P N S Ju (5) Beulgeuntaeyang
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

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

(6) BIGBANG CLASS was front running 2nd on debut over this distance on May 9th. He should have come on for that run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) PLUTO has a 2nd a 3rd and a 4th from three starts so far and while that may make it seem it is trending the wrong way, he has shown progress in each of them. He will be on pace here and should be in this a long way. (11) JJAK SARANG has hovered around the placings across her four starts so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. Debut-maker (5) SOMETHING ELSE looked well when an on pace 2nd in her second trial and along with (4) DIA KNIGHT, is another to consider.

Selections(6) Bigbang Class (8) Pluto (11) Jjak Sarang (5) Something Else
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

It’s hard to go past (1) WILD WHIZ. He ran once for 3rd last summer and then wasn’t seen again until this May 19th when he led from gate to wire over this distance. He comes up in class but should strip fitter for that run and down in weight and drawn well, he can go all the way again. The main dangers are both up in class after last start maiden wins too. (8) SAMJEONG LADY raced on pace for a comfortable win at 1200M back in February. She comes in fresh and can measure up. (7) CHOEGANG SPEED didn’t do much in his first two outings but came from off the pace to score at start three over 1200M on May 3rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be challenging late. (2) CUPID HEART and (9) SEMYEONG STRONG are the other main placing chances.

Selections(1) Wild Whiz (8) Samjeong Lady (7) Choegang Speed (2) Cupid Heart
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

(5) MISSOURI CHAMP got her maiden win in March and has since run 3rd and 4th in two starts at this level at 1200M and most recently at 1300M on May 9th She came from off the pace in both of those, but in this company, she can be ridden further forward, and she can win. (7) BROWN ROOKIE has finished 4th in each of her latest three outings, including behind Missouri Champ two starts back. She has been running on well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) RAINBOW ROAD mixes her form but her latest two have been good, especially a 2nd place at this class over 1400M on May 2nd. From a good draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) TRIPLE J and (10) GEUMA REJOICE are other place chances.

Selections(5) Missouri Champ (7) Brown Rookie (2) Rainbow Road (8) Triple J
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

Fillies and mares only here. (10) SMART TAKE returned from five months out to get her maiden win over this distance at the end of March before running 3rd over the same trip on her first try at this class on May 4th. She has a smart finish on her so the widest gate is no problem and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) RAON THE KEISHA has two 2nd places and a 3rd in three goes at this class since her maiden win last November and hasn’t missed the top three since her debut. She draws nicely to sit handy, and she shapes as the main danger. (1) I AM GO has been similarly consistent and will have plenty of backers with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time. (4) LUCKY DAY and (11) ANYANG TSUNAMI others in line for the minors.

Selections(10) Smart Take (2) Raon The Keisha (1) I Am Go (4) Lucky Day
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

Just 9-races for Saturdays and Sundays at Seoul in June. The 1st is at 10:35 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A few of these look ready to win, chief among them (1) DOUBLE NINE, who enters off a close 3rd at this distance on May 3rd when he led for most of the way. He draws very well to lead again, CC gets on abord for the first time, and he can win. (4) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG was one of a couple of these who finished ahead of Double Nine back in February and comes in following a 2nd place at 1300M on May 10th. He was well beaten by a good winner and in this company can sit handy to the speed and finish strongly. (5) EAST SKY has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two – the former beating both Double Nine and Jeulgeoun Sangsang – and he can be in the mix again. (6) BURUI SEGYE and (2) SEMYEONG GHOST the other place chances.  

Selections(1) Double Nine (4) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (5) East Sky (6) Burui Segye
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (8) ALIFER took a couple of goes to figure things out but has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing just behind the speed. In this company, she should be on pace again and has as good a chance as any. She will need to overturn the form on (6) SWITCH POWER, who was 3rd to Alifer’s 4th on May 10th. While yet to finish in the top two, Switch Power has five top five finishes and should be close again. (10) GOLD CATCHER was a fair 4th over 1200M on debut in April and stripping fitter and stepping up slightly in trip, may make for some interest at an each-way price. (7) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN and (9) CHEONGHAE STAR others to consider.

Selections(8) Alifer (6) Switch Power (10) Gold Catcher (7) Yeomyeongui Sungan
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(9) WESTERN GUN was an also-ran in Seoul’s Classic Trial in February, after which he was moved stables and following almost two months out, returned for a front-running 2nd at this class and distance on April 19th. That Classic Trial was the only time he has missed the top two over 1400M and with Moon Se-young staying on, he can return to winning ways. (1) MINT PLAY got her maiden win at the twenty-fourth time of asking at this class and distance May 5th racing on pace throughout. She comes up 2.5kg in weights but shouldn’t be dismissed from a good draw. (4) LOTUSMIREU is yet to win in eighteen tries but recent form reads well with a last start 2nd, and she should be there or thereabouts again. (6) CHEONGONGUI SEOM hasn’t raced since winning at start three last September, but he looked well winning a trial a month ago and he should be on pace and in this a long way. (10) SWEET SONG another on the hunt.

Selections(9) Western Gun (1) Mint Play (4) Lotusmireu (6) Cheongongui Seom
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

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

(1) MUNHAK BELL is yet to score in four attempts but has a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all over this distance. That has earned him a rating and brings him up in class, but he is down in weight, he draws well and today can be his day. (6) FLYING LION took thirteen goes to get her breakthrough but she seemed to enjoy it as just two starts later she got another, the latter at this class and distance on May 3rd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but a repeat can’t be ruled out. (9) MG FIRST led for much of the way around over 1400M last time out, ultimately coming home in 3rd. That was back in February so he comes in after seventeen weeks off and while up in class, he is down in weight and can measure up. (10) CAPTURE and (3) CHROMITE others in line for the minors.

Selections(1) Munhak Bell (6) Flying Lion (9) MG First (10) Capture
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 5)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) HOLIDAY QUEEN was a much-improved 2nd at start number two in a very similar race over this distance on May 2nd when unlike in her debut, she raced on pace. She only went down narrowly in a quick time, and she won’t have to improve much to win this. The next two both come off long layoffs. (9) BREEDO QUEEN STAR raced twice last spring with a 2nd among them. She is now four so evidently is believed worth persevering with and she looked well in a trial a couple of weeks ago. (5) NICE BUDDY was 2nd on debut last September, well beaten by a good winner but showing promise. She then had some setbacks, but she also trialed satisfactorily in May and can go well again first-up. (4) TUHONUI ACE and debut maker (10) SAILING others to look out for.

Selections(1) Holiday Queen (9) Breedo Queen Star (5) Nice Buddy (4) Tuhonui Ace
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

Competitive maiden. (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE ran a close 2nd at this distance at start number two over this distance in March before beating a couple of these on his way to 4th place on April 18th. Franco gets on for the first time, he can be on pace, and he can win this. (5) BLACK SQUALL was one of those beaten that day, but he has a couple of placings on his record including a 3rd place at 1400M on May 16th, when on leading for part of the way. He will be on the speed here and can be in this a long way.  (2) SEOBU DANCING was another behind Apdojeok Numberone in that April 18th race, but he had a wide draw that day and has since run 3rd at this distance. (4) SCYTHAI and (10) DIA X are other placing chances.

Selections(8) Apdojeok Numberone (5) Black Squall (2) Seobu Dancing (4) Scythai
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Another tricky one (11) THUNDER PASSION has the challenge of the widest gate, but he comes in off 2nd and 3rd places over 1200M both times doing by far his best work late. The step up in trip can suit and he has a big chance here. (2) REMENT beat a couple of these when running on for a best to date 3rd over this distance on May 18th. He comes into a much better gate this time and should be aiming to go even better. (9) EAGLE POWER was 4th in that May 18th race, coming from off the pace. He has a runner-up finish at this distance and can be in the mix again. (3) GLORY ALPHA and (5) FAST QUEEN among others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Thunder Passion (2) Rement (9) Eagle Power (3) Glory Alpha
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) ASTIN MARINE has been only fair in three goes at this class, all at this distance, with a 3rd place the best of them. He has won over 1800M and Seo Seung-un, who rode him to his maiden victory, returns. He can settle back and run on and has as good a chance as any here. (7) BLUE POINT beat Astin Marine when 3rd at this class and distance two starts back. He too is a winner over this distance and with a strong finish, can be challenging late. Veteran (6) MILK DAY has both beaten and been beaten by plenty of these but on his last start 4th – ahead of Astin Marine – has to be considered a chance here. (1) SKY SHOT and (8) STORMY DAY among others to consider on a place line. 

Selections(5) Astin Marine (7) Blue Point (6) Milk Day (1) Sky Shot
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

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RAON FOREST BLOWS START BUT ROARS BACK FOR UNLIKELY KNN TRIUMPH

Raon Forest found herself in a world of trouble when veering wildly out as the gates opened , before not only catching up, but cutting through the entire field to win the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Raon Forest defeats Bang Bang Bang (Pic: KRA)

Having returned from five months out to comfortably win the Ttukseom Cup, Jeulgeounyeojeong was sent off as the 1.6 favourite with last year’s winner Wonderful Slew second in the market ahead of Donga Ilbo Trophy winner Gladius.

After Raon First’s antics coming out of the gate, it seemed safe enough to forget about the fourth favourite as speedster East Jump set the early pace with Jeulgeounyeojeong in close attendance. Into the home straight and it was Gladius who had the lead, but the field was fanned across the track with any number of chances still at the furlong pole.

Jeulgeounyeojeong never really looked a winner, but Gladius did and so too did Wonderful Slew as she launched her bid to successfully defend her title under Moon Se-young on the extreme outside. Ultimately neither would finish in the top two.

After that dreadful start, Choi Bum-hyun aboard Roan Forest had gathered up his mount and taken her across to the rail where instead of using up energy and hurrying back to the main group, they started to run their own race. The only one even remotely away as badly was Bang Bang Bang.

Yet it would be those two who would ultimately scythe through the pack. Raon Forest struck the front just inside the 100M and prevailed   from none other than Bang Bang Bang by half a length. Wonderful Slew was 3rd with Gladius ahead of Jeulgeounyeojeong in 4th.

The returning Lady Vader, who spent much of the first part of the race in company with Raon Forest and Bang Bang Bang, was a creditable 6th.

“More than anything, I’m happy we ended up winning” Raon Forest’s jockey Choi Bum-hyun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I thought it was game over when the start went wrong and it messed up our plan. But she was calm, we took our time to get back into it and by the 3rd corner (the end of the back straight), I thought we were ok again. The inside was open, and she was running well.”

“It feels a bit inconsequential to say it now but even if she had broken well, we would have been patient. When it happened, I felt ‘oh gosh’, but I guess I’m a lucky guy today.”

Choi is one of the most decorated Korean jockeys of all time with the KNN his fourteenth Group level win, a tally that includes two Grand Prix Stakes and a Korean Derby but in the past twelve months he has only taken seventy rides, albeit for a healthy return of ten wins.

“This was my first time back in Busan for a year, so I had prepared very hard and then after all that preparation everything changes at the start, and we get some luck and win. I haven’t ridden very much at all recently, so I have had to change my mindset, and I am ready to take the opportunities when they come.”

A post-race inspection found Jeulgeounyeojeong to be lame in her right foreleg which may account for her run. It continued a luckless streak for her at her home track that encompasses taking a race-ruining back straight bump in this race last year as well as a first bleeding attack in the Breeders’ Cup Queen last November. She bounced back from both and with any luck, can again.

Next Sunday, attention shifts to finding the next generation of Queens’ Tour contenders. The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul is the final leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies and having comfortably won the first two jewels, Fantastic Value will be a hot favourite to emulate Jeulgeounyeojeong from two years ago in claiming all three. The Queens’ Tour itself resumes in late September with the Jeju Governor’s Cup the first leg of the Fall/Winter series.