The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed). That’s part of the 7-race program at Busan which runs from 11.25 to 16.55. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55 as the capital track’s cherry blossom festival continues:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those newcomers will be the favourite. That’s (5) WHIZ POINT, who led from much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (2) CRUSH GIRL also impressed in her trial. He showed handy and crossed the line 2nd in a fair time, and she too can be considered first-up. Among the experience, (6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM ran 6th on eleven on debut over this distance on March 7th but wasn’t far away from 4th. She should have come on for the run, and she can be closer here. (8) FLYING MACH and the more experienced (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can be in this.
| Selections | (5) Whiz Point (2) Crush Girl (6) Cheonggang Yeoreum (8) Flying Mach |
| Next Best | 10, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 5, 9, 10 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) QUERENCIA here. He comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M at 1400M, coming from off the pace both times and while he has plenty of weight to carry, today should really be his day. (3) MANGEUM CROWN is the only other one in the field who has placed, something he has done twice. He comes back to racing at one turn for the first time since finishing well back in Listed Juvenile company last October and he can be close today. (11) BEAT CODE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and while she had to trial after her lates, she can continue to make progress. (4) B.K. VIVACE and (2) DELTA DAECHEON are others who can at least challenge for the places.
| Selections | (1) Querencia (3) Mangeum Crown (11) Beat Code (4) B.K. Vivace |
| Next Best | 2, 7 |
| Fast Start | 2, 6, 7, 9 |
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old filly maidens and it is competitive. (7) NEWWORLD TIARA ran 4th on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 6th, settling close to the speed and not having enough late on. She should have derived benefit from that run and can get it right today. She will need to overturn the form on (5) POWERFUL DEVIL, who ran 2nd in that March 6th race, coming from off the pace. She has shown steady progress across three starts so far and can continue that here. (8) GOLDEN TIARA was an improved 2nd at start three over 1200M on March 1st and while well beaten by a good winner, can aim at least for the places again. (10) BABEL FOLGORE and (12) HUIMANG LOGI are among plenty of others who can step up.
| Selections | (7) Newworld Tiara (5) Powerful Devil (8) Golden Tiara (10) Babel Folgore |
| Next Best | 12, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 7, 9, 10 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (9) FLYING SMART won a January trial and then came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1300M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 1st. She should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, she can win this. (7) BLACK SUN is yet to get inside the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th including her latest on March 8th when she beat a couple of these on her way to 4th at this distance. She can get a bit far back in her races, but she should be a danger late here. (1) CHEONJI LADY had hinted at ability prior to an almost eleven-month layoff. She should have come on for her run in February and from the inside gate can be on pace today. (4) QUEENS FLYING and (6) ROAD TO SPEAR are others in the hunt.
| Selections | (9) Flying Smart (7) Black Sun (1) Cheonji Lady (4) Queens Flying |
| Next Best | 6, 10 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 4, 10 |
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an ordinary debut, (8) KING BLACK has gone on to run 4th in four consecutive races, most recently stepping up to the mile for the first time on March 8th and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests today can be the day. (2) DIA X is a fifteen-start maiden but has been knocking on the door with no fewer than ten finishes between 2nd and 5th. He steps up to the mile for the first time and at this stage, it can suit. (9) NICE POWER comes in off her best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on March 20th and she can aim for the places again. (11) WORLD TREE and (12) FANTASTIC CAPTAIN others with place chances.
| Selections | (8) King Black (2) Dia X (9) Nice Power (11) World Tree |
| Next Best | 12, 6 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 6, 8 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After three consecutive 3rd place finishes, (7) RAON BLAIDE broke through on his first try at this class and distance on February 28th when on pace throughout. An apprentice claim means his carried weight only goes up by 1kg and he can win again. (2) MIGHTY BEAT only managed 6th of eleven last time out when well supported but prior to that he had a win and two placings over this trip and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is worth another chance. (11) SEUNGNI BAROWS was 2nd behind Raon Blaide in that February 28th race and while he has almost two-lengths to make up, he can be in the finish again. (4) DANAEUN STAR and (9) GIDAEHARA can also be considered on at least a place line.
| Selections | (7) Raon Blaide (2) Mighty Beat (11) Seungni Barows (4) Danaeun Star |
| Next Best | 9, 8 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 7, 10 |
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(1) UNJU CHALLENGE has thrived at this distance, running 3rd to Doctor Chris two starts back and then winning on March 8th when she made all. She comes up in class today but stays under a light weight with an apprentice claim and from the inside gate she can lead again and win again. (6) TAMNA SUPER was a class and distance winner two starts back but had a poor day at the office when beaten by three of today’s rivals on March 6th with Choi Si-dae suggesting kickback was a factor. On his previous body of work, he is worth another chance. He will have to overturn the form on (3) WOLFS KING MAN, who ran 3rd in that March 6th race on what was his first go at 1800M. He should have benefited from that and can be close again. (7) BEOLMAUI YEONGUNG and (2) HONORED KHAN were the other two who finished ahead of Tamna Super in that race and can aim to place.
| Selections | (1) Unju Challenge (6) Tamna Super (3) Wolfs King Man (7) Beolmaui Yeongung |
| Next Best | 2, 9 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) MASTER KWAIGON got his maiden win in December and has been working back towards another, most recently running 2nd at this class and distance on February 28th. He carries his fair share of weight here, but he should prove too strong late on. (2) RAON THE TONY is yet to break through, but she comes up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd, all over 1200M and all from on the pace. She carries a very light weight and draws very well to get to the front again and can be in this a very long way. Both (8) AMOS CHOEGANG and (5) COMPLETE TOUCH will need their respective latest starts overlooked but both could return to form here. The wildcard is (4) TURBO CHARGE. She hasn’t raced since last November and she was in no form prior to the layoff, but she looked well in a February trial and may be worth some each-way interest.
| Selections | (9) Master Kwaigon (2) Raon The Tony (8) Amos Choegang (5) Complete Touch |
| Next Best | 4, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 6, 7, 8 |
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) SHINING ONE got his maiden win at 1300M last November and has held his form at this level with two 4th places and a 2nd from three tries at 1300M and at 1400M, most recently overcoming a wide draw to race handy on February 27th. He is up slightly in weight but draws better and he can win here. (2) MYSTIK JIN had a hard time over a mile last time out but prior to that was a good maiden winner over this distance in February and Seo Seung-un, who rode him that day, returns today. (12) TRICK SHOT was a winner at this class over 1200M on March 8th. He is up in trip and up 4kg in weight, but he has handled wide gates before and can go close. (1) FATE and (11) OASIS STAR are others in the hunt.
| Selections | (4) Shining One (2) Mystik Jin (12) Trick Shot (1) Fate |
| Next Best | 11, 10 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 10, 12 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) SUPERDAY got his maiden win over this distance at start four in February before running a close 4th on his first try at this class on March 2nd, showing on pace. He comes in under the same weight, he draws well to lead, and he can win. It’s been a while since (2) THUNDER MARVEL got his win, but his recent form reads well including coming from well back last time out to run 3rd at this class and distance. He has a good late turn of foot so expect a final furlong challenge again. (6) HAKSAN SWORD got his maiden win at this distance and while he has mixed his form in three subsequent outings at this class, he can be in the mix here. (10) THE EXCELLENT along with up in class last star winner (4) AMOS STAR are others to consider.
| Selections | (5) Superday (2) Thunder Marvel (6) Haksan Sword (10) The Excellent |
| Next Best | 4, 7 |
| Fast Start | 1, 5, 6, 11 |
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) JANGGO MAN has two wins from three starts, most recently over a mile on March 1st when showing on pace throughout. That brings him rapidly up in class, as well as up to 1800M for he first time and while he even comes up in weight, he should have too much. (6) LIME TREE is the danger. He enters off back-to-back 2nd places at this class over 1800M, most recently beating three of today’s rivals after overcoming a slow start on March 8th and can be challenging here. (8) NINETY PLUS was 4th in that March 8th race when further back than usual. In this company he may be ridden on the speed and can be in the placings. (1) POWER TIME was further back but was a class and distance winner in February and draws much better this time. (12) UNJU MAGIC, up in class, another who can compete for the minors.
| Selections | (4) Janggo Man (6) Lime Tree (8) Ninety Plus (1) Power Time |
| Next Best | 12, 5 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL has a 2nd and a 3rd from her two tries at this class so far, the latter her first try at a mile on February 1st when on pace throughout. An apprentice keeps his carried weight light, and he will be a warm favourite to come home on top. (10) WONDERFUL SOCKS won her first two and while she hasn’t managed to repeat, she has a 3rd and a 2nd from her two tries at a mile, both at this class. She likes to lead so the widest gate isn’t ideal, but this looks a nice assignment and with a bit of early luck, she can be a challenge. (6) GLOBAL PHAROAH has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two and this is the kind of race he can aim to place in. (8) USEUNGHAL GYEOLSIM and (1) BAEKRYONG other place chances.
| Selections | (3) Gwanaksan Wonderful (10) Wonderful Socks (6) Global Pharoah (8) Useunghal Gyeolsim |
| Next Best | 1, 7 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 7, 10 |
Busan Race 6: Class Open (1600M) Special Weight A / “Luna Stakes” (KOR-Listed) / KRW 300 Million
The first leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies and with plenty of unexposed types, it’s a tricky one. (3) CLEARLY WINNER was a good winner of her first three up to class 4 and 1400M, before running 3rd to Clutch Winner and Hey Brother in the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun at 1400M. She tries the mile for the first time but from a good gate, has the weapons to deal with it. (14) CHIEF STAR won at Listed Juvenile level but went over in the gates and was scratched before the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie. She has since won over 1400M at class 4 and finished runner-up at class 3 but they have been from on pace and the wide draw and her continuing gate struggles mean that there are doubts, despite her very obvious ability. (4) WORLD DANCER CAT has two wins and two 2nd places from four outings and very nearly went all the way over 1800M at class 4 level last time out. She’ll be on pace from a great draw and has a great chance. (1) QUEEN MAKER and (12) MYEONG DREAM among others who may step up.
| Selections | (3) Clearly Winner (14) Chief Star (4) World Dancer Cat (1) Queen Maker |
| Next Best | 12, 5 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(10) COMPLETE BRO, apart from his debut run, has done nothing wrong in eight starts with very consistent efforts and comes into this race following two fourth place finishes over the course, distance and grade on January 24 and March 2. He has the smallest weight in the race with 51-and-a-half kilograms and from an each-way perspective he will give you a run for your money. (2) SEOUL DOLPUNG led for the majority to win on January 4 and again led for the majority on January 31 but not in the last 50 metres and was beaten a neck. He missed the start last time and never got warm so he needs to begin as he was doing prior to be any chance but if he does, he will be in the race for a long way. (1) HANGANG CAPTAIN has consistent enough form in better class four contests than this and is a place change whilst (5) MEGA STEP was going well until last start and rates next over the up in grade (7) HAKSAN PRINCE and recent trial placegetter (8) SMART MUSIC
| Selections | (10) Complete Bro (2) Seoul Dolpung (1) Hangang Captain (5) Mega Step |
| Next Best | 7, 8 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 10 |
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) RONALD DUCK got his maiden win at this class and distance in December and has held his form in three starts since, with a 3rd, a 2nd, and a 4th, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He has his fair share of weight today, but in this company, he should be too good. (9) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was a two-time winner and never outside of the top four in seven starts up to last May before a long layoff. She looked well in a trial at the end of March and can make a strong return here. (8) BRIGHT MARINE was a winner at class 5 over this distance in January before running 5th to Ronald Duck’s 4th on March 6th and he can be close again. (11) OASIS WICKY and (2) ROAD TO WIN others in the placing frame.
| Selections | (7) Ronald Duck (9) Kyungnam Dragon (8) Bright Marine (11) Oasis Wicky |
| Next Best | 2, 10 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) SEGWANG FIGHTER has consistent form and has finished ahead of most of the main dangers in this race in the past. He will prove very hard to beat and the two-kilogram apprentice claim of Woo In-cheol only enhances his chances. (4) BLUE NELLO is another consistent customer in these types of races and should also run his usual honest race again. (7) WONPYEONG LIST finished just worst midfield in the Group Three Jeju Governor’s Cup last year before two sixth place finishes at class two level. She dropped back to this grade last time and only beat one home; however, could be given another chance, at least from a place perspective. (6) K N LIGHT came from last to win over the course, distance and grade most recently on March 15 at odds of 41.7. Going up nine pounds and 5-and-a-half kilograms does him no favours, but he rates next. (5) WHITE CARLA was well beaten by K N Light at his first run at this class last time but should get a very easy lead so he will get every chance to improve. (8) SUMMER PARTY made more runs than Bradman when winning two back but was behind K N Light and White Carla when making his debut at class three grade last time
| Selections | (9) Segwang Fighter (4) Blue Nello (7) Wonpyeong List (6) K N Light |
| Next Best | 5, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 5, 9 |
Seoul Race 10: Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(4) CAPTAIN P.K. was disappointing last time but except for that run he has only ever missed the top five placings once, in last year’s KRA Cup Mile, so he can probably be forgiven for that. He was a feature race winner on international weekend last year and prior to last time had been building up to a class two victory. (2) DAEHEUNG CLASS finally won his first race last start at the 35th attempt and who would have thought a Korean bred horse would ever break their maiden in a class three race, effectively a race for horses with four career victories. After finishing second and third on 11 and 8 previous occasions respectively he had made his way to class three grade, but he was at last rewarded for consistency when proving too good over the course and distance on March 7. Life doesn’t get any easier now coming up to class two level, but he comes in on a high. (5) SPURT BIT was ahead of Captain P.K. when they last went around on March 2 and that was the third consecutive minor placing for Spurt Bit at this level. (1) KING HONOR came from well back to be third to Hansen Bracing and Beolgyo Veritas last start. (8) GREAT STORM has been midfield in three runs at this level. (11) THE PLAYER was down the track last time but wouldn’t be hopeless on his prior form. (3) CUPID IT is good on his day but has struggled in two runs at this level.
| Selections | (4) Captain P.K. (2) Daeheung Class (5) Spurt Bit (1) King Honor |
| Next Best | 8, 11 |
| Fast Start | 3, 7, 8, 10 |
Horse Racing in Korea 