Month: August 2025

Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 10)

Busan is the only game in town on Sunday with 14 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the ten racing for the first time. (5) ENCORE won a June trial and was accordingly sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4th when he raced on pace but ultimately ran 5th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. He should have come on for the run, he’ll be on pace again, and he will be favourite to win. (7) BREEDO SOL ran on fairly enough in his trial, posting a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he looks the best of the first-timers. (3) HEUIMANG DANBI was one of those behind Encore on debut in that July 4th race and can improve. (9) OASIS GIJEOK and debut-maker (1) P.D SPECIAL others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Encore (7) Breedo Sol (3) Heuimang Danbi (9) Oasis Gijeok
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5

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

(6) FLEX TAP has been getting closer across recent starts, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on July 6th when handy all the way. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and will be a short price to go one better. (7) SEOGWI CHOWON enters following 3rd place at this distance on July 20th. With not much early speed in this race, she too can get to the front early and be in this a long way. (2) QUEEN RACE returned from a couple of months off to run 2nd over this distance on June 20th. She has had another seven weeks out since then but from a good draw can be in the mix. (1) REAL RESPECT and (10) SEUNGNI YEYAK others in line for the places.

Selections(6) Flex Tap (7) Seogwi Chowon (2) Queen Race (1) Real Respect
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Tricky one. (8) DIA KNIGHT led for much of the way around over a mile on July 11th, ultimately finishing a close 2nd but with three of today’s rivals behind him. He comes back in trip today and can go one better. (1) WORLD TAEYANG was 4th in that race on July 11th, overcoming her customary slow start to run on. She remains a maiden after thirteen attempts, but this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (3) OWNER CHAMP enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on July 10th, settling back and running on. She has shown progress across each of her four outings and the step up in trip can suit. (5) DOCTOR SOLAR and (4) BIGBANG CLASS others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Dia Knight (1) World Taeyang (3) Owner Champ (5) Doctor Solar
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

(6) SCYTHAI didn’t have the run of the race after a poor start on what was her first try at this class and distance on July 13th. Instead, we’ll go on her 2nd place on her previous outing which while it was at class 6, showed that if she can be on the speed then she has some ability. She draws better here and with Franco climbing on, she is worth another chance. (9) PLUTO has won his latest two at 1200M and 1300M, racing handy both times. He carries his fair share of weight and is up to 1400M for the first time, but a hat trick isn’t out of the question. (7) SUCCESS COW led all the way to get his maiden victory at this distance on June 27th, He is up in class here but can measure up in this company. (8) RALLY MAN and (4) MARIA’S CALL are both better than their respective latest efforts.

Selections(6) Scythai (9) Pluto (7) Success Cow (8) Rally Man
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here. (9) RIPPLES MARINE was an all the way winner on debut over 1000M on July 11th. She is up in class and in distance, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come. (5) QUEEN SPICY got her maiden win at this distance at start number two and enters off a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, again both at this distance. She can settle behind the speed here and be a danger. (6) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is still a maiden but the only time she has finished outside the top five was on her debut. She was an on pace 2nd at this class and distance last time out on July 11th and she should be in this a long way again (7) GLOBAL HEROINE and (1) DAESUNG DOLPUNG are others to consider.

Selections(9) Ripples Marine (5) Queen Spicy (6) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (7) Global Heroine
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Stallion Obituary: Officer

Officer, champion racehorse in the United States, and long time Korea-based stallion, has passed away, the Korea Racing Authority has announced. He was twenty-six.

A KRA Jeju Stud Farm official said on Friday: “Officer was in good health until very recently but passed peacefully in his paddock on August 1st of natural causes. His halter will be preserved in the stallion memorial garden at the farm.”   

By Bertrando and out of St. Helens Shadow (Septieme Ciel), Officer was a winner of six of nine starts on the track, including the G1 Champagne Stakes, the G2 Del Mar Futurity and the G3 Best Pal as part of a brilliant juvenile campaign in 2001.

Following his retirement from racing, Officer stood at both Gainesway and Taylor Made Farms in Kentucky. His American offspring included the similarly precocious Boys At Tosconova, winner of the G1 Hopeful Stakes in 2010, and Princess Violet, who won the 2015 G1 Madison Stakes, the latter coming long after her sire had left the US. He was purchased by the Korea Racing Authority in 2010, arriving in the country in October of that year.

Standing for seven full seasons, Officer’s highest Korean earner was World Sun, who won the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown in 2018. Officer also produced that year’s Korean champion juvenile, King Socks. Other notable offspring included the eight-time winning mare Ace Marine, as well as fellow Stakes winners Roller Blade and Dokki Blade.

Officer stood mainly at the Jeju Stud Farm but also spent three years based at Jangsu Stud Farm on the South Korean mainland. He was pensioned from Stud duties in 2018 and returned to the KRA Jeju Stud Farm where he spent his retirement.

Other pensioned stallions remaining with the KRA include Hawk Wing, Peace Rules and Forest Camp.

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 9)

Seoul takes a weekend off (although the racecourse is open for simulcasting from Busan and Jeju) so Busan holds a Saturday card with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. (3) NONPAREIL led for much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a good time albeit well behind the winner. He should be on pace here in this small field, and if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up (6) SPEED BUMP ran 5th of twelve on debut on July 11th, racing in midfield throughout. She should have come on for that run and can be a danger. (5) YONGBI SHARK similarly led for most of the way in his trial, finishing a very close 2nd to an experienced racehorse and that’s enough to put him in the mix. (8) SWEET POWER and (4) BORYEONG ONE ROAD are others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(3) Nonpareil (6) Speed Bump (5) Yongbi Shark (8) Sweet Power
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

(3) GRAND MORE was an on pace 2nd at start number two over this distance at the end of May, only going down by a very narrow margin. He hasn’t raced since but he looked good when winning a trial last week and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up and will be favourite. (5) JIJONSANBANG ran 2nd on debut over this distance in June 29th, settling back and running on. He was seventeen-lengths adrift of the winner (World Top Tier, who has since been beaten) but it was an encouraging first-up effort and with some natural improvement, he should be close. Debut-maker (1) ACE SUN improved in the second of two trials and from the inside gate, can make an impression. It took (9) WONDERFUL BAND took three goes to qualify but when he finally did, he looked competent enough on July 19th and he should certainly be fit for this. (7) FLYING SHOOTER – who trialed up well last week -is among those with experience who can improve.

Selections(3) Grand More (5) Jijonsanbang (1) Ace Sun (9) Wonderful Band
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Weak maiden. (8) GREAT LUCKY raced twice without distinction at the end of last year but hasn’t been seen since December. She trialed in late June, leading every step of the way and stopping the clock in a quick time. If she can bring that form in here, then she can win, probably from the front as there is little other obvious early speed. (5) SEONGSIL JEIL was a fair 6th of twelve over 1000M on debut on July 11th, finishing off well from off the pace. The step up in trip can suit and she can get closer here. (2) ALL THE BEST showed well in a trial before having a hard time from the widest gate on debut on July 4th. She draws better here and similarly, the step up in trip from the minimum can be in her favour. (1) BREEDO GALLANT and (4) WE STRONG others who can improve.

Selections(8) Great Lucky (5) Seongsil Jeil (2) All The Best (1) Breedo Gallant
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 8

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

(2) WONDERFUL JONES was 4th in Busan’s Classic Trial back in February before an indifferent run in the KRA Cup Mile saw him off the Triple Crown trail. Since coming back into this class he has run 3rd and 5th at 1400M but coming back slightly in trip and drawing well, he is very much the one to beat today. (3) CHEONPUNG had been working up to a win and it arrived on July 6th when he led all the way over 1200M. He comes up in class bit is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well, and he can measure up. (5) YONGAM BLACK got his maiden win over this trip in May when leading from gate to wire. He has since run 6th and 4th in two tries at this class and can be in the finish again. (8) MEGA MACHINE and (7) DAEGIL HERO others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Wonderful Jones (3) Cheonpung (5) Yongam Black (8) Mega Machine
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

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SUCCESS BAEKPA SOUNDLY DEFEATS GLOBAL HIT IN KOREA CUP PREP

Global Hit suffered his first defeat on home sand since last year’s Korea Cup when handily defeated by Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Success Baekpa and Jin Kyum triumph in the KRA Cup Classic (Pic: KRA)

Just five weeks out from this year’s international races, Global Hit was sent off as the odds-on favourite to successfully defend the Cup Classic, which he won a year ago on his route to 3rd place, the best of the locals, in the Korea Cup.

In a race with no obvious early speed, jockey Kim Hye-sun opted to take Global Hit to the front from the widest gate. Challenged in the back straight by Money Crown, they quickly regained the lead but once the field hit the straight and Jin Kyum on Success Baekpa, who had been stalking the favourite the whole time, made his move, Global Hit had no response.

The margin was four-lengths on the line with Speed Young a further four back in 3rd.

“In training this week I had been thinking, why not race (on pace)?” winning jockey Jin Kyum, who was winning his third Group race of the year – and of his career – following victories on Oasis Blue in the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby, told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “Global Hit drew wide and then went forward so I thought, if I just stick with him, I won’t go too wrong. I wasn’t really expecting Success Baekpa to finish as well as he did though.”

“If you look at how Success Baekpa ran today, even if Global Hit had been at his very best, I am not sure the result would have been different.”

“We had a really bad run in the Owners’ Cup last time” winning trainer Min Jang-gi told KRBC. “I was hoping for this to be somewhat of a recovery race, so obviously it is very good to win. I am hoping for even more from him in future.”

A four-year-old, Success Baekpa [Purge – Baekpa (by Revere) is a winner of seven of his seventeen starts, four of them now having come at Group level, having won the KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup in the Triple Crown last year and the Herald Business earlier this.

Success Baekpa is off and gone from Global Hit and Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

Global Hit’s rider would would probably like this one back. “I am upset” Kim Hye-sun told the camera crew that was following her around. “I knew there was going to be no pace in the race, and we know he can lead like he did in Dubai. But it went wrong (in the back straight) when he was challenged by horses both sides of him. It took a long time to settle him again after that.”

As for the Korea Cup, Kim said that the performance changed little. “As far as I am concerned, he is fine for the Korea Cup, that’s always been the target. The Japanese (horses) will be there, and we know how fast they are so if anything, it may suit him more than this did.”

KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (August 3)

It’s the main domestic prep race for September’s international Korea Cup on Sunday as Global Hit defends his KRA Cup Classic crown against 10 rivals. Seoul is the only track racing on Sunday with 14 races from 10:35 to 18:00. We’ll have a full preview of the big race shortly, for now here is the race-by-race:

Global Hit won this race last year (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) DAEHAN POWER beat a couple of these rivals on debut over 1000M on June 21st, settling just behind the speed and running on for 3rd. That day’s second place getter has gone on to win and from a good draw, Daehan Powers can do the same. (4) REVERENCE also ran 3rd on debut, in his case on July 5th, also beating a pair of today’s rivals. Moon Se-young stays on and that’s enough to mean he will probably begin as favourite. Among the newcomers, (3) BLACK PEPE was a trial winner in a good time and if he brings that form to the races, he will be close (10) STORM TROOPER and (11) MASTER PLAN can improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(2) Daehan Power (4) Reverence (3) Black Pepe (10) Storm Trooper
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) APATEU ran a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M on July 12th, running through the line well. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she should have too much for this set of opponents. (2) GHOST GALE led for much of the way around 1300M on July 19th, ultimately registering a best to date of 4th. That was her first start since last November and she can strip fitter here and be on pace again. (1) TRIPLE JENNY has made progress across her three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place in a similar race to this over 1400M on June 29th. She can sit behind the speed and run into some money here. (6) GIDAEHARA and (5) HYEWONYONGMA are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Apateu (2) Ghost Gale (1) Triple Jenny (6) Gidaehara
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) HERO CHICE is yet to finish in the top two but has five top five finishes from eight starts, including his latest on July 13th when he overcame gate eleven to race handy and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place at this distance. He draws much better for an easier run to the lead and he is the one to beat. (8) GLOBAL GISANG was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M at the end of May, starting slowly and running on. She should have come on for that run, CC climbs on, and she can be a danger. (1) GRAND PARK enters off an improved 2nd at this distance on June 28th and from the inside gate can be in the mix again. (11) CHEONGHAE STAR and (3) RAON THE BELMONT others who have shown ability and can compete.

Selections(2) Hero Choice (8) Global Gisang (1) Grand Park (11) Cheonghae Star
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 11

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

(2) QUANTUM K has a win and two 2nd places across his five starts so far, most recently when runner-up over 1400M at this class on June 28th. He got shuffled back a bit further than usual that day before running on but in this company should get a straightforward run to the front and can win. (1) CHOEGANG SPEED is the danger. He can get a bit far back in his races but has a nice turn of foot and has run 2nd and 4th in his two starts at this level since his maiden win, most recently on July 5th when he led in the closing stages over 1400M. Moon Se-young is on for the first time. He will need to overturn the form on (8) MINT PLAY, who beat him when 3rd in that July 5th race. The veteran enters in consistent form and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) GLOBAL HAMSEONG and (4) SEOBU SKY others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Quantum K (1) Choegang Speed (8) Mint Play (10) Global Hamseong
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

Small but competitive field. (7) MENI WIN enters off a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. He can lead here, and he can win. (6) DAEWONYONGMA remains a maiden after sixteen attempts, but he has gone close plenty of times with seven top five finishes. He comes in following a 4th and a 3rd from his first two tries at this class and continuing under a light weight, today could be his day. (4) SAENAE CLASSIC got a win and a 3rd in three starts last year. He returns from almost eight months off here and having looked well in a July trial, he can be competitive first up. (5) MENI SHARK and (8) CANVASEN GO the other main chances.

Selections(7) Meni Win (6) Daewonyongma (4) Saenae Classic (5) Meni Shark
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 2)

With Jeju off this weekend we have a rare Saturday where both Seoul and Busan will be in operation. Seoul has 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00, which will be interspersed with 5 races from Busan between 11:35 to 16:15. Here are the previews:

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles. (8) AGAIN GOOD MAN was quickest in trials, finishing in 3rd place in his heat on July 10th showing on pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and he will probably start as favourite. (11) GOOD MORNING COME came from off the pace to run a close 3rd in his heat. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go well. (2) UNICA was 4th behind Good Morning Come, settling midfield and running on. His stable is in good form and he can keep that going here. Plenty of others hinted at ability in the morning with (7) LIGHT WING and (6) YEONGWONHAN STAR, who both finished 3rd in their respective trials, will be the other main ones in the market.

Selections(8) Again Good Man (11) Good Morning Come (2) Unica (7) Light Wing
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(3) MANI NODAGI returned from almost six months out to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance on July 6th. He should strip fitter for that run and from a good gate, he can lead all the way here. (2) GAYA STAR similarly enters off a best to date runner-up finish over this distance on July 13th He is third-up this preparation so may be peaking fitness wise and can be a danger late. The rest of the form is patchy, so we’ll give a chance to debut-maker (6) POWERFUL IMPACT. His trial wasn’t quick, but he did make up so ground so the 1200M, as well as this limited set if opponents, may suit first up. (5) MUNHAK DANCE and (4) SPICE BAND others who can improve.

Selections(3) Mani Nodagi (2) Gaya Star (6) Powerful Impact (5) Munhak Dance
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(9) DOCTOR CENTUM has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two starts so far, both over 1000M. He finished off well both times so the step up in trip can suit and third-up he can be hard to beat. (6) GUREUM BIT didn’t do much on debut in April but was significantly improved when 3rd at start number two over this distance on June 29th when she raced on pace. She can lead again here and be in things a long way. (3) SEINE GANG was only ordinary at start number two over 1300M in June but if we go on her debut 4th back in May at this distance, she can be in the mix in this company. (4) DAEBAK NANTA and (7) WIND SWORD are others who can improve.

Selections(9) Doctor Centum (6) Gureum Bit (3) Seine Gang (4) Daebak Nanta
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) SONEULNAEMILEO got her maiden win over this distance in March and has since run 3rd and 2nd in two tries at this class. She draws beautifully to get the lead here and she can make all the running. (2) TEUKGEUP PARTY is yet to finish outside of the top five and got her maiden win at 1300M in May. She too showed she can measure up at this level with a very narrow reverse when 2nd at 1300M on July 20th and, making a quick return here, she can be in the finish again. (11) LUCKY A ONE won at start two in May over this distance. She hasn’t raced since but she has worked every day since July 18th and should have more to offer. (9) STUNNING PEARL, and the veteran (1) GROW, are other place chances.

Selections(3) Soneulnaemileo (2) Teukgeup Party (11) Lucky A One (9) Stunning Pearl
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

(2) WIND ROSE enters off a 2nd place last time out, albeit ten-lengths behind Stuka, over 1400M on June 27th when on pace. From a great draw, she can lead again and in the absence of any other standouts, she should go all the way. (3) BEOLMA WINNER ran twice last autumn, finishing 4th on both occasions. He returns for the first time since last October and having looked well in a July trial, can be competitive first up. (4) LIKE DRAGON was 5th behind Wind Rose in that June 27th race but two starts back ran 2nd at 1200M and cab be in the mix again. The form drops off precipitously after those three with (1) ULFBERHT and (9) SPEED BOY perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(2) Wind Rose (3) Beolma Winner (4) Like Dragon (1) Ulfbehrt
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

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

Competitive race. (3) HIGH FOLLY comes back to the distance at which he has done his best work so far with a win and two 3rd places among five attempts. He likes to race on pace so is very nicely drawn and he has every chance here. (7) KYLIE got her maiden breakthrough at the eighteenth time of asking on July 13th when leading for most of the way at this class and distance. She is up 3kg in weight, but that win had been coming, and she could be so lucky again. (2) MG FIRST is yet to finish in the first two in nine attempts but has four 3rd place finishes including on his first try at this class. He comes in fresh after eight weeks off and is another who should be competing for the lead from the start. (5) PINE PINK and (9) EUNPA MUSIC other contenders for at least the minors.

Selections(3) High Folly (7) Kylie (2) MG First (5) Pine Pink
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

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

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