Month: October 2025

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 1)

November kicks off with an 11-race Saturday meeting at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (4) HOT FEVER took two goes to qualify but looked good when doing so on October 16th, showing on pace and running a close 3rd in a quick time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll be close. (9) STEEL MORE also raced close to the front in her trial, ultimately finishing in 2nd and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She can be on pace here too and be a threat. The only one to have raced before is (7) DANAEUN RUBY and while she only managed to beat one home on debut, she previously trialed well and can have a fitness edge on her rivals here. (6) COWBOY SOCKS and (8) TIGER BULPAE are others who ran good times in trials and can go well first up.

Selections(4) Hot Fever (9) Steel More (7) Danaeun Ruby (6) Cowboy Socks
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

(2) GEOSEN DOLGYEOK has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently on September 28th at this distance when handy throughout and posting a time significantly quicker than any of today’s rivals have managed for the 1200M. He draws well to be handy again and he is the one to beat. (9) FLASH RAY took plenty of trials to get to the races but was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M on October 3rd and he can build on that here. There are three debut makers and of them (8) HAKSAN TAEPUNG looks the more likely to make an immediate impact. He was a trial winner in September in a quick time and bringing that form to the races will mean he goes close. (6) PLAY STAY was ordinary on debut but has since looked much better in a trial. (10) RAON EXTREME looked ok in the second of two trials.

Selections(2) Geosen Dolgyeok (9) Flash Ray (8) Haksan Taepung (6) Play Stay
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) SANGIM YEONGUNG debuted over 1300M on October 4th and ran a solid 3rd, overcoming a slow start to run on and beat a couple of today’s rivals. He should have come on for that run, the additional half-furlong can suit, and he can win here. (7) SAENAE FIGHTER was an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes but enters off a best to date 3rd place when stepped up to this trip on September 28th and ridden a bit further forward than in previous starts. Expect similar tactics here and he can be in the finish. (9) CHAMPION SOCKS has made good progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on September 20th when stepping up to this distance and leading. He has a wider gate this time but can be in this a long way again. (5) ROAD TO STAR and (11) SUBMISSION other place chances.

Selections(6) Sangim Yeongung (7) Saenae Fighter (9) Champion Socks (5) Road To Star
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) UNICA was a winner on debut over 1000M in August, coming from well off the pace, before running a very solid 3rd behind Mujehan Geup and Wonpyeong Sket, currently considered the second and third best juveniles at Seoul, in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in September. She comes in fresh after seven weeks out and back in shallower waters, she will be a hot favourite to win. (6) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL was a close 2nd at this class and distance on September 21st. She has won at this trip and she shapes as the main danger. (9) SECRET WOLF comes up in class following an all the way win at this distance last time out. That was back at the end of July so she comes in fresh, and she is down in weight. (11) THUNDER YEOGEOL and (10) POETIC NUBI others in line for the minors.

Selections(5) Unica (6) Gwanaksan Wonderful (9) Secret Wolf (11) Thunder Yeogeol
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview: October 31

October concludes with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all of them racing for the first time so we have to head for the trial videos. (8) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN was the fastest in heats, winning his trial from the front. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up. (11) NONSTOP HUG won her trial too, leading all the way around and finishing in a quick time. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but if she can find a forward position, she can be in this. (4) GREAT POWER showed on pace in his trial, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a good time, albeit well back behind the heat winner. She draws well to be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) BAMTORI BAMBAM and (10) GAMDONGUI BAKSU others who hinted at anility in their morning tests.

Selections(8) Boryeong Ultra Man (11) Nonstop Hug (4) Great Power (7) Bamtori Bambam
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) DOLPHIN KICK has finished between 3rd and 5th in five of six starts so far and she returned from eight months out to run 3rd at this distance on September 19th, showing on pace. She should strip fitter for that run, and we can take a chance on her here. After running 3rd on debut (7) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL was an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes in August but returned to shallower waters and was 4th in a similar race to this on September 26th. Franco returns and she can be in this. (8) MAGIC SHOW was an improved 3rd at start three on September 12th and can build on that here. (6) CHAMPUI SIDAE and (10) I’M THE ONE are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Dolphin Kick (7) Crystal Mulgyeol (8) Magic Show (6) Champui Sidae
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

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

(7) GLOBAL FORCE has made good progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in an all-filly race over 1200M on September 26th when racing handy. She was well back behind a good winner, but she won’t need to improve much to go one better here. (4) DEIMOS was ordinary on debut but was an improved 4th at start number two at 1200M, settling midfield and finishing off well. The step up in trip can suit and he can get closer today. (5) DELEKOOMDA has mixed his form so far but going on his 3rd place at this distance two starts back, has to be considered to be in this. (9) FLARE UP was a much-improved 2nd place last time out at big odds and will be much shorter this time. (6) JIJONSANBANG another in line for the minors.

Selections(7) Global Force (4) Deimos (5) Delekoomda (9) Flare Up
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 12

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

(1) TOHAMSAN DRAGON remains a maiden but is up in class having run 2nd in both his starts so far at 1200M and 1000M. He is down in weight; he draws nicely to be on pace and Seo Seung-un stays on. He can win. (4) FANTASTIC EAGLE ran 3rd on debut at 100M before winning at start number two over 1200M on October 2nd, settling midfield and running on strongly. He is up in class, but down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (8) ALL ROUND ONE was a desperately close 2nd at this class over 1400M on October 2nd when slowly away but rallying well. With a better start here, she can have claims with Franco climbing aboard for the first time. Veteran (10) MAGIC ELEVEN enters off back-to-back 3rd places and can be there or thereabouts again. (2) SUCCESS POWER another in the hunt.

Selections(1) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Fantastic Eagle (8) All Round One (10) Magic Eleven
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

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RUAN MAIA GUIDES MUNHAK BOY TO G3 SUCCESS AS SEOUL HORSES COMPLETE RARE GROUP RACE DOUBLE AT BUSAN

Jockey Ruan Maia has been dominating Seoul in recent months and on Sunday secured his first Group race success in Korea when making a flying visit to Busan and partnering American import Munhak Boy to an all the way success in the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3).

Coming off the back of five consecutive wins, Munhak Boy was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite as he tackled Group company for the first time but under Maia, he made the race largely a formality, taking full advantage of the inside draw, (his fourth in his last five starts) to get to the front of the sixteen-strong field and never looked like being headed.

Japanese import Smart Boss was 2nd while last year’s winner Gangseo Giant, who entered as a 90/1 chance with dismal recent form, seemed to know this is her race, and closed well for an excellent 3rd.

“It’s my first Group race (win) in Korea and I’d like to thank the trainer, the owner and the staff in the stable for giving me the opportunity to ride this nice horse” Ruan Maia told KRBC.

“I’m very proud of the horse, he showed his performance today and winning a Group race is very important for everybody.”

Munhak Boy is a three-year-old colt by Lord and Nelson and out of the Speightstown mare Miss Guided. He was imported in-utero. He is owned by Kwon Kyung-ja (of Moonhak Chief fame) and trained at Seoul by Jung Ho-ik.

Disappointments in the race were aplenty including Sprint Series winner Vincero Cavallo who was even more lackluster than his Korea Sprint effort, being the slowest away and finishing well down the field. He took a bump at the start and afterwards was found lame in his right foreleg.

Super Finish, 3rd in the Korea Sprint, as well as Champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong, both also finished down the field. Initial vet checks came back clear for both.

Earlier, in the first Group race of the day, Boryeonglightqueen was sent off as the odds-on favourite for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter.

It was not to be though for the three-year-old, who won the final leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies and also took out the first leg of the current series at Seoul a month ago. She settled well back as expected but this time did not run on under jockey Jung Do-yun, ultimately only making it up into 5th.

Instead, it was Flying Star, the 12/1 fifth favourite, who took the honours comfortably, settling handy before taking things up on the turn for home and going on to win by a full seven-lengths with Jang Chu-youl in the saddle.

68/1 outsider Ace High was 2nd with the ever-reliable Raon Forest in 3rd.

Flying Star is a four-year-old by Colors Flying and out of Gaya Gongju (by War Zone). Owned by Song Chang-oh she is trained at Seoul by Seo In-seok. A winner of five races, she was successful in the final race of the same series last year, the Breeders’ Cup Queen.

Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 26)

Two Group 3 races at Busan highlight Sunday’s action with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), for fillies and mares followed by the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3), which has attracted the nation’s top sprinters. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Boryeonglightqueen will be favourite for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) GEOLJAK TIARA is the one to beat though having followed up a 5th place on debut over 1000M in August with 2nd when stepped up to this distance on September 21st. She will be expected to lead here and go all the way. (11) MIGHTY BEAT has also raced twice and was an improved 4th at start two on September 27th. His time was quicker than that achieved by Geoljak Tiara for the same distance and he will be the second favourite. (2) SUPERDAY and (3) BROWN MAMMA came home 3rd and 5th respectively when they debuted together over 1000M on September 13th and both should have come on for the run. Of the three first timers, (8) RAON BLITZ was the best in trials.

Selections(7) Geoljak Tiara (11) Mighty Beat (2) Superday (3) Brown Mamma
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) RAON SNIPER was an improved 2nd at start two over this distance on September 7th, having raced on pace throughout. She can lead again here and third-up she can be peaking. She will dispute favourite status with (2) CLUTCH LOVE, who debuted in a quick filly race over 1000M on September 20th when she settled midfield and finished off pleasingly. She should have benefited from the experience, and the additional furlong can suit. One of only two three-year-olds in the race, (7) DAJEONGHAN debuted all the way back in February, running 3rd at this distance. She looked very well when winning a trial in late September and can be in the mix first-up. (4) MIGHTY SHINE and (5) MACHEON WORLD other chances.

Selections(6) Raon Sniper (2) Clutch Love (7) Dajeonghan (4) Mighty Shine
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) AWESOME QUEEN has never finished outside the top four and comes in having led at this class for much of the way around on what was her first try at 1800M on September 21st. She actually carries 1kg less today, Moon Se-young climbs up for the first time, and she is very much the one to beat. (6) DRAGON FANTASY has won his latest two, both at 1400M. He comes up in class today, as well as up to two turns for the first time, but he can measure up. (5) BLACK SATANG was a class and distance winner on September 27th, settling midfield and running on. She stays under the same light weight and can be in the finish again. Apprentice claims bring both (7) K POWERFUL and (8) GOMANARU into the placing picture.

Selections(9) Awesome Queen (6) Dragon Fantasy (5) Black Satang (7) K Powerful
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(5) BURUI SINJEON has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on September 21st when emerging from midfield and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Munro stays on and the pair can go one better. (10) STAY COOL didn’t do much in her first two appearances, but she was a much-improved 2nd when sent up to this distance for start three on September 28th when she led until the furlong pole. She is drawn a touch wider than ideal, but in the absence of much speed on her inside, she should be able to find her way to the front, and she can be in this a long way. (12) MUJEOKYI has also made progress over three starts and with a 2nd place last time out can be in this. (7) BEAT BOY and (4) SERYEONDOENWISUN are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Burui Sinjeon (10) Stay Cool (12) Mujeokyi (7) Beat Boy
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) ALPHA FEMALE got a spin around in the final leg of the Triple Tiara, finishing a cool eight-seconds behind the winner. She does though have a 3rd and a 5th in two starts since then both in similar maidens to this at 1700M. Her draw, which means she should lead again and, to be lazy about this, the booking of Moon Se-young for the first time, put her on top. (5) MR.CARA enters off a best to date 3rd place at 1400M on September 20th. He comes up to two turns for the first time and in this company, it can suit. (8) TTOSUNI SEOUL returned from three months off to run 4th over 1400M at the end of September. He has placed at this distance and stripping fitter for that run, can get closer. (2) MAX MAN and (11) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN others to consider on a place line.

Selections(3) Alpha Female (5) Mr.Cara (8) Ttosuni Seoul (2) Max Man
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies (and one mare) here. (2) ALL THE BEST got her maiden win at start number three over 1400M on September 14th when leading from gate to wire and stopping the clock in a good time, a full nine-lengths to the good. She comes up in class here but draws well and the manner of that victory means she will be a short price to repeat. (12) QUEENS DRAGON was a winner at this class over 1200M on September 19th. She comes up 3kg in weight and has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can be competitive again. (10) STRAWBERRY QUEEN is up in class after scoring by sic-lengths over 1200M on September 19th. She and fellow up in class last start winner (11) GRAND TREE can measure up in this company. (9) WIND ROSE another to look out for on a place line.

Selections(2) All The Best (12) Queens Dragon (10) Strawberry Queen (11) Grand Tree
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 8, 11, 12

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (1) FOREVER HIT took two goes to qualify but did so well at the second time of asking, running 3rd behind two experienced horses having shown handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for this and can win. (12) GENERAL WIND won his trial in late September showing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate but if he brings that form to the races, he will be in the finish. (11) WALLSTREET was on pace too in her heat, crossing the line in 4th in a decent time and she too can put in a bold showing first up. (5) FANTASTIC BRO and (7) SONGDANG SKY trialed up behind Forever Hit and hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Forever Hit (12) General Wind (11) Wallstreet (5) Fantastic Bro
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) GEUMA SPLASHY won a trial and then led for most of the way on debut over 1200M on October 3rd, before being passed by Roshe. Drawn well to lead again, the cut back in trip should be in his favour and he will be a strong favourite. (7) MIGHTY CODE took three trials to get to the races but debuted well in 2nd at 1200M coming from well off the pace on August 30th.  He should have come on for it and will be finishing strongly. Of the first timers (1) GAMSAUI HIM won his trial in a decent time and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. (6) ONE DIA significantly improved in a second trial can also be considered first up. Returning to the experience, (11) SOUTHERN BEACH was a fair 4th on debut and can build on that today.

Selections(3) Geuma Splashy (7) Mighty Code (1) Gamsaui Him (6) One Dia
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 11

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

(9) POWERFUL SLEW finished midfield over 1000M on debut in September but was an improved 3rd at start two when stepped up to this trip on October 4th, coming from well off the pace. Third up he can peaking fitness wise and he looks the one to beat. (6) DDATTEUTHAN WIRO has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when a close 2nd over 1300M, running on. CC climbs up for the first time, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (4) CHRYSOL DONGHAE was 2nd on debut all the way back in January but came out of the race lame and didn’t race again until July by which time he was gelded. It was a good return, finishing 3rd at 1200M and while he had further setbacks afterwards, he came back into work in the second week of this month, and he is already a proven performer first-up. (5) PARADISO and (1) SEVEN KAISER are the other placing chances.

Selections(9) Powerful Slew (6) Ddatteuthan Wiro (4) Chrysol  Donghae (5) Paradiso
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only and we’ll take a chance on (11) CLUB Q. After a 3rd and a 2nd, she got her maiden win at start three over this distance at the end of June, coming from off the pace from a similarly wide gate. She is up in class and after seventeen weeks out match fitness must be taken on trust, but she looks worth a go at an each-way price. (2) I AM GO went a bit cold for a couple of races but came back into some form with a 3rd place at this class over 1300M when on pace. She can aim to lead here and be in this a long way. (10) WONDERFUL ALONG mixes her form but on her 2nd place at class and distance two outings back, she has to be given a chance in this company. (4) GIDAEHARA and (6) GOOD FRIEND others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Club Q (2) I Am Go (10) Wonderful Along (4) Gidaehara
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 24)

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 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) B K. SPIRIT ran midfield on debut over 1000M on September 19th but that was in spite of a dreadful start and then laying out. She was sent back to trial, which she blitzed in a time of 60.2 seconds and if her manners are up to scratch here, she can win. (9) ONE PLUS ONE was a trial winner, on pace throughout. With a good start here, he can be in this a long way first up. (1) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE is another who was slowly away on debut, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 4th, albeit well beaten by Funny Wild who was 3rd in Listed Juvenile company last Sunday. She comes into a much better gate today and can go better. (4) GLOBAL PRINCE and (11) SUCCESS RUN among others who hinted at ability in their trials.  

Selections(7) B K. Spirit (9) One Plus One (1) Lampyojeonggeenie (4) Global Prince
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

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

Maiden fillies with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) WORLD EAGLE CAT has raced twice, following up a 5th on debut with a 3rd at start two on September 19th, both over 1000M. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) YURIM ACE was well supported on debut and did show on pace until blundering and becoming unbalanced at the top of the straight, ultimately finishing 6th of nine. Seo Seung-un is on and plenty will give her another chance. (12) BORYEONG ONE ROAD ran 4th on debut over 1000M before being given her chance in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy in September. She finished last in that but in much more amenable company today she should be better. (3) PILSEUNG WINNER looks the best of the first timers and if the trial is anything to go by, will be on pace, while (10) WOLF STEP is another who could go well first-up.

Selections(11) World Eagle Cat (8) Yurim Ace (12) Boryeong One Road (3) Pilseung Winner
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

(12) CAPTAIN DRAGON didn’t do much in three starts at the beginning of this year but in two outings back following four months out, he has run 3rd and 2nd, both at a mile and most recently beating three of today’s rivals when he led on September 26th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he is the one to beat. (2) OWNER CHAMP has five top five finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 4th over 1400M from her latest two. She has a smart finish on her and the step up to the mile can suit. (11) BREEDO CAPTAIN was 5th behind Captain Dragon on September 26th but was 2nd over this distance two weeks before that and can be in the mix here. (3) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG and (7) CHAMP KING among plenty of others with chances.

Selections(12) Captain Dragon (2) Owner Champ (11) Breedo Captain (3) Neverstop Heemang
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) ACE SUN ran 2nd on debut in August and then led all the way to win by a full ten-lengths at start number two over this distance on September 12th. He comes up in class but is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well to lead again, and the manner of that victory suggests more to come. (7) FANTASTIC FORCE ground out a hard-fought win over 1000M on debut on September 26th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and in trip but is down in weight and can measure up. (10) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five runner-up finishes including all of her latest three and she will be there or thereabouts again. (1) SWEET BELLE and (11) OH FANTASTIC among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Ace Sun (7) Fantastic Force (10) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (1) Sweet Belle
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

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Chief Star, Super Aero Claim Juvenile Series Scores With Finale Just a Month Away

With a month to go, the G2 Breeders’ Cup at Busan on November 23rd is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing renewals of recent times after Seoul and Busan hosted their respective 2nd legs of the Juvenile Series this past weekend.

Super Aero (far side) gets the better of Wild Park (Pic: KRA)

At Seoul, all the attention was on a filly. Chief Star hadn’t raced since a facile victory in August’s Rookie Stakes took her to two wins from two starts but she had looked very well in a September trial and was accordingly sent off as the prohibitive 1.4 favourite in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

There was a brief scare for favourite backers and Chief Star fly jumped as the gates opened, enabling another filly, Wonpyeong Sket, 2nd in both the Rookie Stakes and the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (the latter missed by Chief Star) to get to the lead.

Jockey Choi Bum-hyun didn’t panic and Chief Star tracked Wonpyeong Sket closely before asserting her superiority in the home straight and running on to win by three-lengths.

“She didn’t settle in the gate and was moving forwards and backwards and then she jumped as the gate opened” winning jockey Choi explained to KRBC. “I think the pleasing thing is that even with (this adversity) she still won well.”

“She is a young filly and so long as she is healthy and free from injuries then I think we will see a lot of good things from her.”

Chief Star is by Shackleford and out of Halla Chukje (by the Coronando’s Quest stallion Gottcha Gold). She is owned by Kim Gil-ri and trained by Moon Byeong-ki.

Chief Star (Pic: KRA)

At Busan, things were much closer. After narrow wins in both the Busan Rookie Stakes and in last month’s Gangse-gu Mayor’s Trophy, Wild Park was sent off as the odds-on favourite to complete a hat-trick in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

Once more it was close, and it looked as though Wild Park would prevail again as under Seo Seung-un, he struck the front with a furlong to run in a seesaw stretch battle with Super Aero, who he had defeated in the Rookie Stakes.

That would be to discount the heart of Super Aero, however, as with Masa Tanaka aboard, the Bart Rice trainee rallied on the inside to once more come level with Wild Park and ultimately get the decision in the photo-finish by a nose. The pair finished two-lengths ahead of Wild Park’s stablemate Funny Wild, who was making just his second appearance and also looks a prospect.

A colt by Mischievously and out of Kkeutpan Aero (by Archarcharch), the dam also having been campaigned by owner Kang Bong-han and trainer Rice, Super Aero moves on to three wins from four starts.

“He has high cruising speed, and we used the barrier to full advantage today” winning jockey Tanaka said of Super Aero. “(Wild Park) went in front a half neck at one stage but (Super Aero) fought so hard to get his nose back in front.”

“He’s gained 40kg since his first trial, so he’s growing well. Today’s Seoul winner looked pretty impressive but at 1400M (in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie), it can be a very competitive race.”

Tanaka was of course talking about Chief Star but there is another Seoul juvenile who is three for three. Mujehan Geup has kept out of the way of the filly but in her absence, he was a very impressive winner of the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in September, with Wonpyeong Sket again 2nd. He came back into training two weeks ago and can add another layer of intrigue in Busan next month.

Not Nearly Anymore! Speed Young Races To Group 1 Glory in President’s Cup

Speed Young, Korean racing’s nearly horse, finally tasted Group 1 glory with victory in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The five-year-old held out Gangpungma by just under a length with Success Baekpa and the defending champion Global Hit 3rd and 4th. The top four in the market dominated and beat home the rest of the field by a full nine-lengths.

Speed Young is Group 1 (Pic: KRA)

Despite having missed the Korea Cup through lameness discovered after being beaten by Success Baekpa in August’s KRA Cup Classic, Global Hit was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite for the richest open age race in the country that is restricted to local bred horses.

While settling fairly under Kim Hye-sun and taking up a good position coming into the home straight, Global Hit never threatened to win and was beaten a long way from home.

Instead, it was Speed Young who, having raced handy throughout with Jung Do-yun on board, took things up with just over a furlong to go and ran on to hold off the fast-finishing Gangpungma with plenty to spare.

“I think we won because we rode a confident race plan today. I wanted to get forward and not to have to worry about what any other horse was doing” winning jockey Jung Do-yun told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

It was the jockey’s first Group 1 win. “When you choose to be a jockey as your profession, winning Group 1 races is your ultimate goal and now I have done that I am so happy I can’t express it in words…I really want to thank the owner for trusting me with the ride, the trainer for his guidance and the fans in Seoul for their support whenever I come here.”

Speed Young won three of his first five races and was champion juvenile in 2022 but won only another three in his next twenty-one starts with the biggest coming in last year’s G3 Owners’ Cup at Busan.

Always running in Graded Stakes company though he had amassed a slew of top four finishes at distances between 1200M and 2300M. Demonstrating his versatility and reliability – “Swiss army knife” is one of his many nicknames – Speed Young was the best locally trained finisher in the 2024 Korea Sprint and the 2025 Korea Cup.

“I am very happy.” Park Nam-sung, who owns Speed Young through his D R M City group and also, under his own name, Gangpungma and therefore had a very good day, smiled to KRBC. “Of course, the victory had absolutely nothing to do with me but all the staff who made it happen.”

“Finally, it’s a victory. I bought Speed Young for 100 Million Won and since then he has lots of top two and three and four finishes, the occasional win, but always in the best races. He was 4th in the Korea Cup and now he makes a statement by winning the President’s Cup.”

As for what is next, Park didn’t mention the  Dubai Carnival but instead said “Let’s try and win the Korea Cup next year.”

Trainer Bang Dong-suk saddled both the winner and the beaten defending champion and he admitted to KRBC that it was an unfamiliar sensation. “Global Hit was below my expectation, which was disappointing, but Speed Young winning is a new feeling.”

“I was so disappointed with the last race (KRA Cup Classic), not to take anything away from Success Baekpa who beat us, but today Speed Young looked much more loosened up and Jung Do-yun said he wanted to go for it.”

“With Global Hit, I will review the race again, talk to (jockey) Kim Hye-sun, and obviously have the horse checked for his condition and hopefully we can go again.”

Later in the evening, the stewards reported that the post-race vet examination noted the same conditions Global Hit was diagnosed with in August – desmitis of the suspensory ligament and synovitis of the fetlock joint, both chronic if manageable ailments. He will need to be cleared by the vets before being permitted to race again.

The President’s Cup is part of the Korea Premier Series and while it was restricted to Korean bred horses, the final leg, the Grand Prix Stakes (2000M KOR-G1) on November 30th is open not only to foreign bred, but also foreign trained horses and Japan’s Yumeno Honoo, 3rd behind Global Hit and Speed Young in May’s YTN Cup, is expected to return to Korea for another go.

Speed Young and Gangpungma may now have the best chance of preserving honour for the home side.

Global Hit Returns To Mount President’s Cup Defence

Korea’s best horse returns from the injury that kept him out of the Korea Cup to defend the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1), the country’s richest open age race restricted to locally bred runners. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

A year ago, Global Hit won the President’s Cup on his way to securing the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. That particular streak of wins had begun with the KRA Cup Classic, but Globa Hit came unstuck in that race this time around in August when from a wide gate, he struggled to settle under jockey Kim Hye-sun and ultimately finished a well-beaten 2nd.

It’s perhaps a sign of the esteem Global Hit is held in that there has been scarcely any talk of his injury in the build up to the race. After the KRA Cup Classic he came back lame, but it wasn’t as serious as first feared and he returned to work on August 29th and hasn’t missed a planned session since. The layoff – and missing a very taxing Korea Cup – may work in his favour.

There’s a familiar supporting cast. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG can run well at any distance at the highest level but almost always runs into one too quick, be it Global Hit or latterly SUCCESS BAEKPA, the KRA Cup Classic winner. If the favourite doesn’t perform on his return, those two are the most likely beneficiaries.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GANGPUNGMA – Enters in great form having won three of his last four, all at class 1 and all at 2000M. He likes to settle back and run on and while he was well back in this race a year ago, he is a better horse now and while maybe not a winning chance, he will have backers on an each-way line.

2. MY DREAM DAY – Won the final leg of the Triple Crown at this distance in Seoul in June but was 2nd to Oasis Red at class 3 level over 1800M on his return. Enters off a class 2 win at 1800M on September 14th when handy throughout. Big step up in terms of opposition but potential.

3. GLOBAL HIT – The defending Champion, he placed in Group 2 company at Meydan in March. He won her first two starts back in Korea in the Stayer Series but then suffered a reverse to Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic when failing to settle from a wide draw and coming back lame. He has been back in work since late August and has had no problems first-up in the past. Much better draw than the Classic and the one to beat.

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President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 19)

Global Hit returns to defend his crown in the Billion Won G1 President’s Cup in Seoul and there are also bug Juvenile Series races both in the capital and at Busan on a huge Sunday of racing. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won last year’s President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) DI NE ran 3rd on debut at 1000M in July before finishing a very fair 6th of thirteen in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th. He steps back into more amenable company here and third-up, he should be ready to claim his maiden win. (10) JEONGSANG HERA exceeded expectations on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, showing handy throughout and running on for 2nd. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (7) REFLECT ran 5th on debut at this distance on September 14th, starting slowly but finishing off well. He too can come on for that run. (8) CHOEGO GOLD and (4) SAEROUN BISUL are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Di Ne (10) Jeongsang Hera (7) Reflect (8) Choego Gold
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M and then 3rd in the Rookie Stakes in August. That led her to be given a crack at the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th and while she finished back in the pack, she didn’t run badly and coming back into shallower waters today, she is the one to beat. (11) TIGER ROAR was only ordinary in her first two outings, but she found form at start three on September 21st when only beaten a neck over this distance. Ruan Maia stays on and she shapes as a danger again. (6) TRIPLE PALMETTO enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently at this distance on August 24th and coming in fresh after eight weeks off, can aim to get closer. (1) DONGBANG FORCE returns to action for the first time since January but looked well in a September trial. (3) OMENO TIME another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Hwansangui Nara (11) Tiger Roar (6) Triple Palmetto (1) Dongbang Force
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) RAON FLORENCE has finished 2nd in all three starts so far, most recently only beaten a head over 1200M on his first try at this class on August 21st. From a good draw, he will be on pace, and he can go one better. (1) KING OF DRAGON was a promising juvenile a year ago running 4th in Listed company but not running again after being well back in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He finally returned to action in August and while he only finished midfield, he can strip fitter here and get closer. (6) CHEONMAHORYEONG returned from a similarly lengthy absence to run 4th at this class and distance on September 28th. He should have derived benefit from the run and be in the mix here. (3) DAEWONYONGMA and (10) UNIVERSAL are other chances.

Selections(2) Raon Florence (1) King Of Dragon (6) Cheonmahoryeong (3) Daewonyongma
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (8) SUN LIGHT enters off a 2nd place at this distance on September 14th when albeit nine-lengths behind a good winner, she raced well. That made it four top four finishes from seven starts and she has as much chance as any here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL ran 4th in both his first two starts before improving to 3rd over a mile on August 26th when handy throughout. He will be on or close to the pace here and is a big danger. (5) DELEKOOMDA looks to be figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on September 21st when coming from off the pace. He can be challenging late again. (3) HOLY NIKE and (1) SPEED BOY are other place chances.

Selections(8) Sun Light (4) Somanguigil (5) Delekoomda (3) Holy Nike
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

(7) RAON THE AFFIRMED got his maiden win at this class and distance on August 31st when he led from gate to wire, scoring by four-lengths. He comes up 3kg in weight, but that win was impressive, and he can follow up. (4) EODIDEUNJI was a winner over 1200M at start number two on September 20th when settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (9) BREEDO TROPHY comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1200M, working home well both times, and he can be in the finish again. (10) HIT FLY and (3) YEONGGWANGUI SKY, the latter getting a 4kg apprentice claim, are among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Raon The Affirmed (4) Eodideunji (9) Breedo Trophy (10) Hit Fly
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

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

(12) SCYTHAI remains a maiden after nine attempts, but she has five top three finishes including her latest two when 2nd and then 3rd at this class and distance. She carries a light weight, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem as she has a strong finish and today can be her day. (5) SHACKLE SUN is likewise yet to win but only missed out by a nose when 2nd two starts back and was within a length of the winner when 4th last time out on August 24th. He can settle handy again and can be a danger. (11) DAEGIL HERO continues the trend of non-winners with a big chance of breaking through. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance coming from off the pace and he can be running on strong again. (2) SMART SMILE and (7) HEAVY DUTY are previous winners who should be in the frame.

Selections(12) Scythai (5) Shackle Sun (11) Daegil Hero (2) Smart Smile
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) CHARMING QUEEN will be a warm favourite here. After finishing 2nd on debut, she got her maiden win over 1300M at start number two in May and has since then finished as runner-up on both her tries at this class, most recently over 1400M on September 14th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit. The vastly experienced (not always a great thing at class 5) (8) BITNANEUN JILJU has raced thirty-six times since he last won but he enters following back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance and he can be in the finish again. (4) MIGHTY BOM is a non-winner of twenty but has eleven top three placings and this is the kind of race he can score a money finish n. (11) HEEMANGBAND and (6) WITH DIS KURO others to consider.

Selections(2) Charming Queen (8) Bitnaneun Jilju (4) Mighty Bom (11) Heemangband
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

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