Month: November 2025

SENSATIONAL CLEAN ONE RAMPAGES TO GRAND PRIX GLORY

Clean One pulled off one of the most comprehensive demolition jobs in Korean racing history at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The three-year-old led from gate-to-wire to win the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) by nine-lengths, the biggest winning margin recorded in the traditional final G1 of the year in thirty years. Gangpungma was the distance 2nd with Speed Young and Japanese visitor Yumeno Honoo a strung-out 3rd and 4th.

Clean One dominated the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)

Relatively unexposed with a 3rd place in June’s Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) his only previous Group race experience, Clean One entered the race with four wins from eight starts. But, while he hadn’t raced since a strong Class 1 victory over 2000M in August, the market didn’t entirely miss him, and the public sent him out as the sixth favourite among the sixteen runners at approximately 13/1.

The market elect was Yumeno Honoo. Making his second visit to Korea after his 3rd place in April’s YTN Cup, the Kochi star’s adeptness at staying distances persuaded punters to send him off just the right side of even money. With Seo Seung-un and Global Hit tracking his every step, Yumeno Honoo and Yoshihara Hiroto settled midfield and wide and while he got a bit closer around the final turn, he did well to ultimately run into 4th place in a tumultuous race. He lost nothing in defeat.

Gangpungma had been slow away but grew gradually into the race, sitting midfield exiting the back straight and ran on quicker than all but the winner. Speed Young sat in midfield early before steadily improving and finished as well as ever. Behind Yumeno Honoo, the recently out of form Tuhonui Banseok put in a spirited 5th ahead of Wonpyeong Storm and Global Hit. The gap from 1st to 5th was twenty-six-lengths.

Clean One simply ran the legs off them. Jockey Franco Da Silva took Clean One straight to the lead from gate eleven and by the time they were halfway home, they already held a two-length lead. This would be stretched to four with three-furlongs to run and five entering the home straight. Still full of running, he continued to extend, completing the final furlong in a quicker time than any, Gangpungma included.

Not since Ka Shock Do landed the 2nd of her two Grand Prix in 1995 had a horse won the big race by such a margin and only Po Gyeong Seon in 1985 and 1986 have exceeded it (in all three of those races, the Grand Prix was contested at a shorter distance).

“I don’t have many words because I’m speechless” winning jockey Franco Da Silva told KRBC. He promptly found some: “The plan was I always go with the horse’s speed, without worrying about anybody else. I talked to the trainer, and he let me ride very freely so I told him if I go to the front, it shouldn’t be a problem or if the pace is too fast, I can sit 2nd.”

“I was lucky, I got an easy lead and from there I just had to control the pace and make sure nobody can catch me.”

“I’ve always known he was a very talented horse since he was two years old; unfortunately, I didn’t ride him for his first few starts, so I’m lucky he’s shown his potential now.” As for how far Clean One can go: “I think he’s a really special horse, I still think he has plenty in the tank although, of course, we never know for sure.”

Clean One is owned by the Healing Farm Union and trained at Busan by Moon Hyeon-cheol. Moon is third-year trainer who scored his first Group race win just last week with Supex Winner in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. The juvenile was also ridden by Franco Da Silva, who with Clean One registered his ninth Korean Group race success and second G1. The 46-year-old Brazilian rider is just shy of 540 Korean winners overall over nine seasons in the country.

An American bred, Clean One is by Bernadini and out of No Fault (by Blame). He was a $22,000 purchase out of the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

The Graded race schedule for 2025 may be over but racing doesn’t stop. Action returns to Busan next Friday and Sunday and Seoul next Saturday and Sunday.

STAYING TEST WILL SUIT JAPAN’S YUMENO HONOO BUT DON’T RULE OUT LOCALS IN GRAND PRIX

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY

SEE HERE FOR FULL GRAND PRIX FORM COMMENTS

With the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) listed in the IFHA “blue book” for years now and it being run over a distance of 2300M that the best Korean horses simply don’t ever run at while boasting a big prize fund, it always appeared a matter of time until the race appeared on at least the regional, if not wholly international radar. And so on Sunday, in its 43rd running, Japan’s Yumeno Honoo will become the first overseas trained runner to contest the Grand Prix.

Global Hit, Speed Young and Yumeno Honoo all return for the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)

YUMENO HONOO has of course been to Korea before. The “King of Kochi”, the regional NAR track located on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, travelled to the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) in April. That was his first time leaving Kochi, let alone travelling abroad, but he ran a strong 3rd, beaten only by Global Hit and Speed Young.

Since returning to Japan, Yumeno Honoo has picked up a further two wins at Kochi and he returns with designs on winning the Grand Prix. Key to this is the distance, while in Korea 2300M is the maximum trip and the best horses only tackle it in the Grand Prix, Yumeno Honoo is a multiple winner over 2400M at home. He is arguably the only horse in the field guaranteed to stay the distance.

Except perhaps GLOBAL HIT. No doubt a big factor in connections being once more willing to pay the not inexpensive shipping costs (as an open race, unlike the invitational Korea Cup, connections are responsible for all expenses) is that Global Hit, who easily accounted for Yumeno Honoo in that YTN Cup, has not been at his best since having been diagnosed with a manageable but chronic leg condition. The defending champion is fit to race, but he was a well beaten 2nd in the KRA Cup Classic and 4th in the President’s Cup in his two latest starts, missing the Korea Cup entirely.

(more…)

GRAND PRIX 2025: FORM COMMENTS

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN

1. NEW DOLKONG (USA) [Accelerate – Swear By It (Broken Vow)] C 4 – 19(4/3/2) O: Lee Tae-in T: Seo In-seok J: Jang Chu-youl – Has slowly worked his way up the grades and has established himself at class 2 with three placings, two at 2000M. Has been racing closer to the pace recently although his wins have come from further back. Can stay the trip but may struggle with the tempo his rivals will set here.

2. YEONGGWANGUIFIRST (KOR) [Boys At Tosconova – Yeonggwangui Kiss (Hansen)] C 4 – 20(6/8/1) O: Byun Chang-deok T: Kang Eun-seok J: Song Kyeong-yun – Only managed 9th of eleven behind plenty of these in the KRA Cup Classic in August but gets his chance having won at class 1 level over 1800M on September 21st when settling back and running on. That race had rating cap of 100 though and at level weights against the elite, it may be hard again.

3. BLACK BELT (KOR) [Speightster – Lovin Empire (Empire Maker)] H 4 – 26(7/4/6) O: Lee Kang-woon T: Luigi Riccardi J: Jeong Jeong-hee – Joined the field at the late entry stage, he finished 8th of fourteen in this race a year ago as a three-year-old. He has one class 1 win in ten 2025 starts which came at 2000M in June, beating Gangpungma, and enters off a 3rd at 2300M and 4th at 1800M from his last two. He can race on pace or behind the speed and while he doesn’t shape as one of the leading contenders, he will get the trip.

4. YONGAM SESANG (KOR) [To Honor And Serve – Chalanhanyeonmeoung (Pure Prize)] G 4 – 11(6/2/1) O: Kim Hak-rok T: Bae Hou-jun J: Lee Hyeok – Won at Listed level over 2000M in May but only managed a midfield finish in similar company to this in the President’s Cup. A winner of six from eleven who is tactically versatile, the extended trip may suit but this is a very tough ask.

(more…)

Grand Prix Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 30)

Sunday is Grand Prix Stakes day. We’ll have full form comments on the big race a little later but in the meantime here is the race-by-race for all Sunday action at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30):

Power Blade’s Grand Prix was a good one (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (4) FOREVER HIT was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on October 25th, settling handy and ultimately running 3rd. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she is the one to beat. There is just one debut maker and (5) BARAMGAEBI looks a chance. He won his trial with a front running effort and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (1) CLUTCH MAGIC beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on debut over 1200M when coming from well off the pace. He is another who should have come on for his debut run and he should appreciate a bit further. (8) PARKA SHINE and (9) EUNPA BOOSTER the other pair who look the most likely to improve at this stage.

Selections(4) Forever Hit (5) Baramagaebi (1) Clutch Magic (8) Parka Shine
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) MIGHTY SHINE has a 3rd and a 4th among three starts so far, most recently in a very similar filly maiden to this over 1200M on October 26th when racing forward earlier than previously. Moon stays on and she won’t need to improve much on that effort to win this. (2) SAMJEONG WINNER returned from eight months out to run 4th over 1200M on October 3rd. She should have benefitted from that and get closer today. (4) DAEHAN COCO’S beat a couple of these when 3rd in a slow race over this trip on November 2nd. From a good draw, she can be on pace again and in this a long way. (11) OUTSTANDING GIRL and (8) JISAN FRIEND among other place chances.

Selections(6) Mighty Shine (2) Samjeong Winner (4) Daehan Coco’s (11) Outstanding Girl
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(9) POWERFUL SLEW has shown ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1400M. Each time he has come from off the pace and done his best work late, so he may well appreciate the step up to two turns today and he is the one to beat. (4) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN has finished 4th or 5th in six of his eight starts. 1700M seems to be his go and in this company, he can be aiming for a better finish today. (5) MANGEUM CROWN was a3rd on debut and was then given a chance in Listed juvenile company in October. That proved too much too soon but he should be better on his return to shallower waters today. (8) SMART WARRIOR and (3) MAX MAN may have some improvement in them.

Selections(9) Powerful Slew (4) Yeomyeongui Sungan (5) Mangeum Crown (8) Smart Warrior
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 1 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

Busan opens with a class 1 and while the field is small (which is why it is race 1), it is competitive. (4) GALAXY ROAD comes out of the Korea Cup where he was a fair 7th of eleven. Prior to that he was a solid 3rd at this class over 2000M and coming in fresh after almost three months off, he can be coming from off the pace and winning. (3) DOCTOR CAPTAIN is ultra consistent having placed in every one of his last ten starts. He takes a shy at class 1 here which means a nice weight drop, and he can continue his positive record. (5) HUNTER DRAGON beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance in September and can be in the finish again. The evergreen nine-year-old (2) PRO CONSUL, along with (7) DOCTOR CAESAR are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Galaxy Road (3) Doctor Captain (5) Hunter Dragon (2) Pro Consul
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

A winner on debut over 1000M in July, (1) NAOL PASS finished midfield in the Rookie Stakes in August and was then a beaten favourite at this class and distance on September 21st. She hasn’t raced since but from a good draw, under a light weight, and with Moon Se-young staying on, she is worth another chance here. (7) DUSON EUTTEUM enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class over 1200M and 1300M. She led both times and will probably lead here too with every chance of being in the finish. (5) DAEWONYONGMA is yet to win in nineteen tries but has plenty of money finishes and this is the kind of race he can be competitive in. (10) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) KARIZMA others in line for the minors.

Selections(1) Naol Pass (7) Duson Eutteum (5) Daewonyongma (10) Breedo Trophy
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (9) OASIS YOUNG ran 2nd on debut over 1000M all the way back in August. He hasn’t raced since but he has been in consistent work since early October so there shouldn’t be any fitness worries, and he can make a winning return here. (3) YOUNGYOUNG BRAVO beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on debut at 1200M on November 2nd. He should have come on for the run and cab be in this. (8) BAMTORI BAMBAM was 4th on debut at 1000M on October 31st, settling midfield and finishing off pleasingly enough. He too should have derived benefit from that and can get closer. (5) AEGIS CROWN and the solitary debut maker (7) POWERFUL THUNDER are others who can be competitive.

Selections(9) Oasis Young (3) Youngyoung Bravo (8) Bamtori Bambam (5) Aegis Crown
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

(2) SAENAE FIGHTER was a maiden winner over this distance on November 1sr, racing close to the pace throughout. He comes up in class but is down 3kg in weight and from a good draw, he can win again. (11) LASER RUN hasn’t raced since getting his maiden win over 1300M on May 24th. He didn’t offer too many clues in an October trial, but he couldn’t hope for a softer race to return in, and he can be competitive. The rest all need an uptick in form (8) SOFT POWER is second-up following four months out and can improve on the 6th she recorded on her return. (4) CUPID MIR and (9) X FACTOR are better than their respective last starts suggest.

Selections(2) Saenae Fighter (11) Laser Run (8) Soft Power (4) Cupid Mir
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 29)

Saturday – Grand Prix Eve – racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (8) SUPERDAY came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M back in September. He has had over two months off, but the experience should stand him in good stead and the step up in trip can suit. (1) G FLEX was an on pace 2nd in his trial in a decent time. He draws well to lead and can be in this a long way. (9) ROAD TO MOCCASIN and (2) PAS DE CHEVAL came home 1st and 2nd when trialing together on November 6th. Moon Se-young being booked on the latter means he is sure to be backed. (11) BINNALEEDS another who won her trial.

Selections(8) Superday (1) G Flex (9) Road To Moccasin (2) Pas De Cheval
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

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

After winning a trial. (11) HAKSAN TAEPUNG ran 2nd on debut over this distance on November 1st, leading for much of the way. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but should have come on for that run and can win. (2) YONGBIGYO has a 5th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently at this distance on November 2nd when on pace throughout. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise, and she is a danger. (3) SEVEN KAISER has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from three outings to date racing handy in each of them. From a good draw he can be on the speed and should be in the mix again. (4) RAON SNIPER and (5) SU BU TAI others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(11) Haksan Taepung (2) Yongbigyo (3) Seven Kaiser (4) Raon Sniper
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

(5) LIVE STAR has a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th from three outings to date most recently over this distance on October 18th. From a good draw and in the absence of any early speed in this race, he should be on or close to the pace from the start and he will be a short price favourite to score. (1) EAN PERFECT has been slow away both times so far but has run on well enough over 1200M. The step up in trip can suit, and he should be much closer today. (2) ROAD TO STAR has mixed his form but does have a couple of 4th places to his name, most recently at this trip and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (11) BEOLGYO ALADDIN and (9) K N STORM others who can challenge for a place.

Selections(5) Live Star (1) Ean Perfect (2) Road To Star (11) Beolgyo Aladdin
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here. (11) HWANSANGUI NARA was 3rh in August’s Rookie Stakes and while she finished down the field in Listed juvenile company in September, she returned to shallower waters to get her maiden win over 1300M on October 19th. Leading all the way. She comes up in class and distance here and while she gets neither a weight drop or a good draw, she is the one to beat. (7) ECHO STAR was a winner on debut over 1000M on October 18th showing on pace throughout. She is up in class but should have come on for that run and she can measure up. (4) CLUB Q got her maiden win at this distance two outings back and then ran 4th on her first try at this class a month ago. She is up slightly in weight but should be in the mix. (10) GINA SONG and (6) TIGER ROAR are other chances.                                                                                                                                  

Selections(11) Hwansangui Nara (7) Echo Star (4) Club Q (10) Gina Song
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

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

(4) SAMJEONG SPIDER was an all the way winner on debut over 1200M on October 18th, scoring by plenty. He comes up in class and marginally in trip, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come and down in weight and nicely drawn, he can win again. (10) GRAND KWAEMA is the wildcard. He hasn’t raced since this March and while he didn’t win before the layoff but finished in the top four in each of his six starts and while he didn’t offer too many clues in a competent trial at the end of October, Moon is booked, and he can go well. (2) NAEGILUI ACE is a winner at this class and enters off a 4th place at 1300M on October 25th which she can be aiming to match or better here. Last start winner (5) ROYAL SOCKS along with (8) GLOBAL HAMSEONG also strong chances.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 28)

Grand Prix weekend gets underway at Busan on Sunday with 9 races from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) BORYEONGUI SINYONG debuted back in August when she came from off the pace to dead-heat for 3rd place over 1000M. She hasn’t raced since, but she won a trial just last Saturday, and so long as she didn’t leave her race there, she can win this. (5) MOMENTUM ran 5th of twelve on debut, racing handy throughout and like all the previously raced ones, should have come on for the experience. Turning to the first timers, (2) POWERFUL RUBY led all the way to win her trial in a fair time. She draws very well to lead here and can be in things a long way. (4) VICTORIA CHUKJE and (3) GOLDEN TIARA also ran well in their trials and if they bring that form to the races, they can be in the finish.

Selections(11) Boryeongui Sinyong (5) Momentum (2) Powerful Ruby (4) Victoria Chukje
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

More juvenile maidens, this one for the imports and open to the boys (5) SENSATIONAL WIN didn’t do much on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over this distance on November 7th, coming from off the pace and beating two of the other experienced ones here. Third-up, he can have a fitness edge and can go one better. (1) GYEONGBOK STREGA came from the widest gate to lead his second trial on October 25th and ultimately cross the line narrowly in front. He gets a much better draw for his debut and the Maximum Security colt can put in a bold showing for brand new trainer Kim Hye-sun. (6) SKY WIN WIN was a fair 6th on debut over 1400M and can improve. (2) TYCANTHUNDER and (3) MR. PRIME both looked well in their trials, the latter in the same heat as Gyeongbok Strega and both can be in the mix.

Selections(5) Sensational Win (1) Gyeongbok Strega (6) Sky Win Win (2) Tycanthunder
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Absolutely wide-open maiden. (4) VICTORY STORY has six top four finishes from eight attempts and enters off his best so far when 2nd over 1300M on November 2nd, coming from off the pace and beating three of today’s rivals. He comes up to 1400M for the first time and can go one better. (5) JEONGMUN FELIX returned from six months out to run 5th from a wide gate on November 7th over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run, he draws much better and he can go much closer today. (6) YONGBI SHARK was 5th behind Victory Story on November 2nd having led. He can lead again and be in this a long way. (12) SERYEONDOENWISUN and (11) MAGIC SHOW among plenty of other chances.

Selections(4) Victory Story (5) Jeongmun Felix (6) Yongbi Shark (12) Seryeondoenwisun
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

A clearer cut favourite in this one. (4) TOHAMSAN DRAGON ran 2nd in both his first two starts before winning his first try at this class over 1300M on October 31st when leading all the way around. He comes up 3kg in weight and is slightly up in trip, but he draws well to lead again and, in this company, he can follow up. (9) FANTASTIC EAGLE got his win at start number two in maiden company on October before running 5th behind Tohamsan Dragon last time out. Seo Seung-un returns to the mount here and with a weight swing, he can get closer. (8) GLOBAL FORCE is yet to win but is up in class after a few near misses, including at this distance on October 31st. She is down in weight and can be in contention for the places here. (1) MAGIC ELEVEN and (5) MUHAN NAREUSHA are others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(4) Tohamsan Dragon (9) Fantastic Eagle (8) Global Force (1) Magic Eleven
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

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

Fillies only and two standouts. (11) WORLD DANCER CAT came from off the pace over this distance on debut on October 17th to win comfortably. She is up in class but down in weight, Franco stays on, and she can go back-to-back. It is the experience over the distance that gives her the edge over (6) ROAD TO CLEO, who will probably be favourite. She was an eye-catching winner over 1000M on debut on the same day, starting steadily before quickly taking things up in the straight. Up in class and up in trip, she can measure up on both counts. (8) GRAND TREE won at start two in September at 1200M before running 3rd in a very similar class and distance race to this on October 26th when coming from off the pace. She is only up 1kg in weight and can be competitive. (10) GLOBAL HEROINE and (2) QUEENS DRAGON others in the frame.

(more…)

Champion Filly & Mare / Juvenile Prizes To Be Decided on Busan’s Big Sunday

SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT BUSAN AND SEOUL

It’s just a week until the Grand Prix Stakes when Yumeno Honoo will likely start as favourite to become the first overseas trained horse to win the traditional final Group One of the Korean racing season. Before that, however, there are some intriguing domestic loose ends to tie up at Busan on Sunday with the Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M KOR-L) and Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2).

Boreyonglightqueen downed Gladius and Jeulgeounyeojeong in the 1st leg of the series (Pic: KRA)

The Breeders’ Cup Queens is the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter and defending champion FLYING STAR returns. After scoring in this race as a three-year-old a year ago, she had an indifferent start to her 2025 campaign but has been coming back into form in this series, finishing 3rd in the Jeju Governor’s Cup over 1400M at Seoul in September, before winning the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at 2000M on October 26th with lots of today’s rivals behind her.

Trained by Seo In-seok and partnered by jockey Jang Chu-youl, who has ridden her in her past two starts, Flying Star is the probable market favourite to prevail but in both editions to date of this relatively new race on the calendar, the Breeders’ Cup Queen has been won by a three-year-old with JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG – who returns again – prevailing in the inaugural running on 2023. There is a smart young filly in the field this time too and she may just keep that trend going.

BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was 3rd in the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks before winning the final leg of the Triple Tiara over 2000M at Seoul in July. She then returned to the capital track and took the first leg of this series, the Jeju Governor’s Cup over 1400M, with a dashing late burst to flash past Jeulgeounyeojeong and GLADIUS. That led her to be sent off as favourite for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup and although she only managed 5th that day, the Rock Band filly should have a big part to play here.

In winning the final leg of the Tiara, Boryeonglightqueen denied a clean sweep to FANTASTIC VALUE, who won both the Luna and the Oaks. She races for the first time since missing out on the Tiara, but she looked very well in a trial at the beginning of this month. Gladius and Jeulgeounyeojeong are more than capable of having a say, while the ever-reliable RAON FOREST should also be in the mix.

(more…)

Breeders’ Cup Queen/Rookie Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (November 23)

Champion juvenile of 2025 will be decided at Busan on Sunday with the running of the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie over 1400M. Also on the south coast, the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter for fillies and mares takes place with the Breeders’ Cup Queen (Listed-1800M). There are 6 races at Busan on from 12:05 to 16:30 and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Mujehan Geup is among the favourites for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (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. We’ll go with a newcomer and (9) LAVITA who was 2nd in her trial in a fair time, leading most of the way before finishing  well back behind the unbeaten Mujehan Geup (who we should be seeing in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie later today) but nonetheless showing plenty of potential. If she comes on from that, she has every chance. (12) RAPTURE is the only one of the experienced horses to have raced twice. She was a quick 2nd on debut and while she could only manage a midfield finish on her first try at this distance on November 8th, she can have a fitness edge on her rivals. (11) SUNGANUI FIGHTER got a bit far back on debut and ran out of track over 1000M. Some natural improvement and a slight step up in trip can help here. (1) SURPRISE and (6) FOREVER GIL are other newcomers who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(9) Lavita (12) Rapture (11) Sunganui Fighter (1) Surprise
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

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

(1) APATEU has two 3rd place finishes from three starts, most recently in a filly only maiden over this distance on October 26th when handy throughout. She draws nicely for Luis to pick his spot and while any top three finish will see her with a rating and up in class next time, she should be bowing out of class 6 with a win. (11) RAON KINGSMAN was a fair 5th on debut over this distance on October 18th and should have some improvement in him. (8) WIDAEHAN HAMSEONG has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a close 2nd place at this distance on October 26th when close to the pace throughout. He’ll be on pace again and can be in the finish. (6) LOVERMAN and (4) BEOLGYO BONGBONG are potential improvers.

Selections(1) Apateu (11) Raon Kingsman (8) Widaehan Hamseong (6) Loverman
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

Fillies only. It’s been nine starts since (6) SEMYEONG DIA got her maiden win but she comes in looking ready for another. On her latest she ran 3rd in a similar class and distance filly maiden, with a couple of today’s rivals behind her and with the two who beat her that day looking superior to any she faces here. She can be on pace and go all the way. (4) STEEPLE can have a line drawn through her latest when from a wide draw she never got into the race. In this company and from this gate she can get on the speed and be in this a long way. (8) JUNMA FORCE enters with recent form reading well and while 1400M hasn’t been her best distance, she looks ready for another crack here. (1) DONGJIN THUNDER and (3) YES MADAM other place chances.

Selections(6) Semyeong Dia (4) Steeple (8) Junma Force (1) Dongjin Thunder
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Small field of juvenile maidens with four of the eight racing for the first time. Favourite will be (7) POWER TREE who, after winning a trial, was a close 2nd on debut over this distance on November 2nd, racing on pace and posting a decent time. He won’t need to have come on much from that to win. The best of the debut-makers is (2) SEONGSIL DREAM. He led in his trial on October 25th ultimately crossing the line a very narrow 2nd in a good time. Nicely drawn to lead, if he brings that form to the races, he can be a danger. (6) B K. SPIRIT was 6th on debut and then improved to 4th at start number two on October 24th coming from off the pace. She should be nice and fit for this and can continue to get closer. (8) YONGBI SKY trialed well and (5) BULBIT GANGJA can be in the mix too.

Selections(7) Power Tree (2) Seongsil Dream (6) B K. Spirit (8) Yongbi Sky
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) REVERENCE is yet to win but has a 3rd and a 2nd on his record and comes in having run a very good 4th in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy for juveniles over 1200M on October 19th. He comes back into much shallower waters today and he should make his breakthrough. (3) RAON PARANOMA has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, both times racing on the pace and from a good gate and with an apprentice claim she can lead again and be in this a long way. (11) THE SUN COMING improved to 4th at start number two on October 18th. Third-up she can be better and with a slight increase in trip and with a 4kg claim, she can be in the finish. (1) ONEMO TIME and (4) THUNDER RUN others in the mix.

Selections(5) Reverence (3) Raon Paranoma (11) The Sun Coming (1) Onemo Time
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(5) JEONGMUN FAPPIANO was 3rd on debut over 1200M on October 17th, running on from midfield. He should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and he will be a warm favourite to prevail. (2) LIKE DRAGON is the most credible danger. She has finished between 2nd and 5th in each of her latest four and from a good gate and with Tanaka staying on, she should be there or thereabouts again. (4) FINAL HIT needs a line drawn through his latest over 1600M but back in trip and in this company, he can be given a place chance. (12) HIGH GOLD BAR and (10) DOCTOR CARRY are others who could compete for the minors among a field where the form falls off quite rapidly.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 22)

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

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

Juvenile filly maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience on top though and (4) GEUMJEOKSAN, who after a positive trial, ran 2nd on debut in a very similar race to this on October 4th. She was well beaten by a good winner, but she should have come on for the run and won’t need to improve much to win here. Among the first timers. (3) UNJU CLEAR looks the best. She came from well off the pace to run 4th in a decent time in her trial and Moon Se-young’s booking will catch the eye of plenty. (9) SMART HAESEONG is the only one in the field to have raced twice, improving to 3rd at start two and she can have a race fitness edge on her rivals here. (6) X-TEN and newcomer (2) JESEONG BLUE are others to look out for.

Selections(4) Geumjeoksan (3) Unju Clear (9) Smart Haeseong (6) X-Ten
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. Experience gets it with (9) CHEONGSAN MUSA, who ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 25th, showing on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run, the additional distance should cause no problems, and he can win. (8) REFLECT shapes as the main danger. After running 5th on debut, he was an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on October 19th, coming from well off the pace and he can challenge strongly late on here. (5) FANTASTIC BRO and (3) BLACK KINGDOM both hinted at ability on their respective debuts and can improve here. Among the first-timers, (2) ROAD TO HEAT looks the pick.

Selections(9) Cheongsan Musa (8) Reflect (5) Fantastic Bro (3) Black Kingdom
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on a newcomer with (4) JEONGSANG HERO. The Beau Liam colt went through two trials, improving in the second of them when running 2nd in a good time and showing on pace. He draws nicely and if he can bring that form to the races, he’ll have every chance first up. (3) HIGH MOUNTAIN came from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1000M on October 25th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He should have come on for the run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a big danger. (1) JJARITHAN HAENGBOK is a Maximus Mischief colt who went through two trials, posting a quick time in both and coming from a wide gate to run 2nd in the latest of them. He is another to keep an eye on first up. (2) WHIZ FIGHTER and (12) M J CLASS both showed ability on debut and can improve.

Selections(4) Jeongsang Hero (3) High Mountain (1) Jjarithan Haengbok (2) Whiz Fighter
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

Regular maiden here and (3) RAON FINALE is the one to beat. She’s run 3rd in both her starts to date at 1000M and 1200M, racing both handy and from off the pace. Third-up, she can peaking fitness-wise, the additional trip can suit, and she can win. The danger is (10) MIGHTY BEAT. He has a 6th and a pair of 4th place finishes over 1000M and 1200M, doing his best work late on all three occasions. He is another who should appreciate a bit more distance and he should be challenging late. (8) ECLIPSE TANGO has a pair of 3rd places on his record and while he weakened having led over 1700M last time out, this should suit better, and an apprentice takes 4kg off his back. (1) TRIPLE PALMOETTO has finished 4th in each of her latest three and may do so again. (7) POWERFUL IMPACT another who can compete for the minors.

Selections(3) Raon Finale (10) Mighty Beat (8) Eclipse Tango (1) Triple Palmetto
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 11

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

(8) QUANTUM K got his maiden win over this distance and has been threatening another, most recently recording a 3rd place on October 19th when settling midfield and running on. Today can be the day. (7) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA remains a maiden after eleven attempts but has placed on no fewer than seven occasions, five of them over this distance. In this company he can sit just behind the speed, and he should be there or thereabouts again.  (3) CHRYSOL MAJOR returns to action for the first time since April. He was going well before the layoff and while he has had an interrupted career, he has run well first-up before and looked well in a trial. (9) WANGCHOEGO and (2) LUCKY FAMOUS other placing chances.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 21)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Kim Hye-sun hangs up her saddle on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with three of the ten racing for the first time. (6) WORLD FIGHTER MAN took several trials to make it to the races, but he performed well on debut over this distance on November 2nd settling midfield and running on for 3rd in a good time. He should have come on for the run, and he can win here. (2) JOY OF QUEEN was a solid 2nd on debut on October 24th, racing on pace over this distance. It was a slow race, but he showed plenty of promise and from a good draw and with some natural improvement, he could go one better. (10) STRONG WINNER was 2nd in a quick trial and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he looks the best of the first timers. (8) SUNGAN POWER and newcomer (5) FAPPI BABE others who can be in the mix.

Selections(6) World Fighter Man (2) Joy Of Queen (10) Strong Winner (8) Sungan Power
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden with four first timers. (12) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE was 4th on debut in September and followed up with 3rd at start number two on October 24th when she led over this distance. She has to contend with the widest gate here but third up she can be peaking. (8) WORLD EAGLE CAT has shown promise across three starts so far with her best being 3rd place at 1000M on September 19th. She followed up with 4th on her first try at this distance on October 24th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and she will be  a threat here. (11) WIN GATE did nothing in three starts up to June but she has since been through two trials, winning one and running 2nd in the other and she gets a fresh start today. Kim Hye-sin signs off her riding career with (3) PERFECT FLASH and the filly, who she will be training, can go well first-up. (2) BORYEONG ONE ROAD another who can improve.

Selections(12) Lampyojeonggeenie (8) World Eagle Cat (11) Win Gate (3) Perfect Flash
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

(5) SEOBU GAMBLE has been getting closer across seven starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M on November 9th when coming from well off the pace. He was 4th on a previous try at a mile, and he can be ready to win here. He will have to overturn the form on (4) SOMANGUIGIL. He ran 3rd to Seobu Gamble’s 4th in that mile race which was on October 19th. He has finished 3rd or 4th in each of his five starts to date and should be on pace and in the mix again. (8) STAY COOL enters off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, showing on pace both times. She stretches out in trip here and should be in things a long way. (11) OASIS ADELE and (2) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG among plenty of other place chances.

Selections(5) Seobu Gamble (4) Somanguigil (8) Stay Cool (11) Oasis Adele
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

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

(12) DOCTOR LOUIS ran out of class last time, posting a very good 4th place over this distance. He comes back into class 5 where he has a win and a 3rd place from his two most recent efforts and while that means he gets a big weight on his back, he has every chance. (4) UNJU MAGIC got his maiden win at start four over 1300M in October before taking his chance in Juvenile Listed company a couple of weeks later where he didn’t run badly at all. Back in more amenable company and under a light weight, he can be competitive. (8) BIGBANG CLASS was a big price class and distance winner on October 19th, racing on pace and beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but he warrants respect here. (11) BREEDO KELLY and (1) DAEGIL HERO others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Doctor Louis (4) Unju Magic (8) Bigbang Class (11) Breedo Kelly
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 12

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

(8) FORCE BE WITH YOU came from off the pace to beat several of today’s rivals when 2nd to Doctor Chris at this class and distance on October 24th. He comes in under pretty much the same weight, he draws the same gate, and he can go one better today. (2) AMAZING ONE made his breakthrough at start six over 1300M on November 11th having finished 5th of ten in the Rookie Stakes in August. He comes up in class here and significantly in trip, but he is down in weight, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he can be a danger. (7) SEATTLE DREAM is similarly up in class following a maiden win, in her case at the eighth time of asking but at a mile. Her style should suit the extended distance, and she too comes down 3kg in weight with Munro aboard for the first time. (3) ALICE MARINE and (6) GEUMA REJOICE, 3rd and 5th behind Force Be With You on October 24th, among plenty of other money chances.

(more…)