The Triple Crown trail comes to an end on Sunday with the final jewel, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2), at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
There may be no Triple Crown on the line and there isn’t even a Derby winner on show as Hwang Geum Eo Jjang, winner of May’s Classic, wasn’t declared for the race after a piece of work on Wednesday morning. Nevertheless, the sixteen-strong field looks very competitive and full of intrigue.
Favourite is likely to be FUNNY WILD. The Bayern colt won the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) with an on pace effort and was accordingly sent off as favourite for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) on May 3rd. That day he had to contend with gate fourteen, but he made it to the front and ultimately ran 3rd. He has won over 1800M although he hasn’t always been convincing in the final furlong, and Seo Seung-un will have to make sure he stays the extended trip
That step up in trip could conceivably bring even more improvement out of FANTASTIC FORCE. He came from a long way back to run 5th in the Cup Mile and then 2nd in the Derby. He has only won once but the Lim Keum-man trained runner looks to be seeking further and under Franco Da Silva, he may well oblige.
KING MASTER skipped the Cup Mile but was a revelation when 4th in the Derby and is another who could relish the 2000M. MR. TAEYANG and CLUTCH MAGIC missed both the Cup Mile and Derby but are among plenty of others who can make an impact.
The Minister’s Cup is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. Here is a run down of the full field:
1. THE EXCELLENT – Has won his latest two most recently over 1400M at class 5 level. Didn’t go well in previous try around two turns but has come on since then. Big ask here though.
2. CLUTCH MAGIC – All the way winner over 1700M at class 4 on May 2nd making it three wins from five. Looks a progressive type and while this is his sternest test, he can be on pace from a good draw and be in this a long way.
3. MR. TAEYANG – Strong winner over 1800M on May 2nd, settling behind the speed and proving too strong. 2nd behind King Master two starts back. Getting better with each run, and he can be a danger.
4. POWERFUL IMPACT – A winner over 1800M two starts back but struggled on his first try at class 4 on May 10th. Can be on pace but this looks a hard ask.
5. CONCORD CODIE – 9th in the Cup Mile and then 5th in the Derby, sweeping home late from the widest gate. The step up in trip can suit him very well and he can be a big danger late on here.
6. FUNNY WILD – The Cup Mile winner ran on pace from gate fourteen in the Derby, ultimately coming home in 3rd place after struggling a little in the final furlong. Draws better this time for an easier run to the front and a second Classic shouldn’t be ruled out.
7. FANTASTIC FORCE – Has only won once but was 5th in the Cup Mile and then a fast-finishing 2nd in the Derby. Should thrive on the additional furlong and he has to be considered a big chance here.
8. CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU – 4th in the Cup Mile and 7th in the Derby, coming from well off the pace both times. He has won up to class 4 and 1400M and he is another for who the additional trip can be welcome.
9. KING MASTER – Came from well off the pace to run 4th in the Derby, showing his versatility having won from the front over 1800M at class 4 level in March. Never been worse than 4th and he can run another big race here.
10. GENERAL WIND – Never a factor in the Cup Mile, he skipped the Derby and won over 1800M at class 4 on April 25th, leading all the way. That Cup Mile was the only time he has been outside the top two and he will be among the early pacesetters here.
11. MUSKET CLEAVER – A fair 6th in the Korean Derby having won over a mile at class 4 in March. Very much a form mixer, this is a tough ask again but he could aim for some minor money.
12. DOCTOR CHRIS – A three-time winner at 1800M, he was sent off second-favourite for the Derby but having been unable to lead, he was beaten very early, ultimately only beating two home. Plenty of ability but it won’t be easy to lead here either.
13. MUHAN NAREUSHA – 4th in Listed company in March, he didn’t run in the Cup Mile or the Derby but was 2nd over 1800M on May 8th at class 5. A winner of one from eleven, he has plenty to find here.
14. BREEDO SOL – Outpaced early in the Cup Mile before running on for 7th, he Is more comfortable at further with an all the way win over 1800M at class 4 his latest. Others are favoured but the distance can suit.
15. CHOCOLATE – Came from nowhere to run 3rd in the Cup Mile as the longest shot on the board but ran down to market expectations in the Derby when 12th. That drains the confidence a little, but a big run can’t be ruled out.
16. LEGEND HIT – 6th in the Cup Mile but only 10th in the Derby and 3rd to Breedo Sol’s 2nd at the start prior. Can come from off the pace so draw not a problem but has plenty to find here.
| Selections | (7) Fantastic Force (6) Funny Wild (3) Mr. Taeyang (9) King Master |
| Next Best | 12, 2 |
| Fast Start | 2, 6, 8, 9, 10 |
Horse Racing in Korea 