Author: gyongmaman

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 7)

There are 8-races this Friday at Busan starting from the later time of 12:50 and finishing at 19.25. Here are the previews:

Into NiGHTS into Dreams (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut-maker.  (8) SUNNY WILD is a “full” brother to this year’s KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild, he looked very good in his trial, cruising around under a hold and crossing the line with an experienced racehorse who was asked for more. He can win first up. (3) GAME MAKER came from well back in his trial and again on debut over 1000M on July 24th when he finished 4th. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong should suit, and he will probably start as favourite. (11) OASIS ANGEL was 3rd behind Seraph on debut in a quick race over 1000M on June 26th. He too should have come on and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) LAVENDER CROWN ran on pleasingly in his trial despite getting kickback and can go well first-up. (5) GEORGE PRINCE another with experience who can improve.

Selections(8) Sunny Wild (3) Game Maker (11) Oasis Angel (1) Lavender Crown
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

(9) LOGIST QUEEN did nothing on debut but was much better when a very close 2nd on July 5th having led for most of the way over 1200M. Third-up, she can be peaking and from on pace again, could go one better in what looks a race of many chances. (10) ART TREE was 3rd on debut last October and didn’t run again until this July 17th when as the 1.3 market-elect, he got a long way back before finishing 5th getting a warning for laying out and the jockey commenting that the slow start and kickback were to blame. He can strip fitter for that run and is worth another chance. (3) OASIS KINGDOM also has a runner-up finish on his record over 1200M in June. That was sandwiched between 5th placings and from a good draw he can be on pace again and be in this a long way and will certainly be a short price. (4) HUIMANG SPEED and (8) FANTASTIC ONE are the main others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Logist Queen (10) Art Tree (3) Oasis Kingdom (4) Huimang Speed
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

(11) GIROL SIDAE was very ordinary in her first three starts but since being sent up to a mile, she has figured things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her two tries at the distance, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on July 10th when leading. Her draw is wider than ideal, but she had gate ten when 2nd two starts back so it shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win. (6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN was 4th in that July 10th race when ridden further forward earlier than in previous efforts. That continued a consistent run of form, and he should be aiming for best-to-date finish today. (2) STRONG WINNER has a best of 4th from six starts so far but he has finished off his races well enough and the step up in trip can suit. (9) LUXURY CHOICE and (8) FANTASTIC HONEY others who can be in the mix.

Selections(11) Girol Sidae (6) Yeonggwangui Green (2) Strong Winner (9) Luxury Choice
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(7) AEGIS CROWN was a second-up winner at this class and distance on July 10th, racing handy to the speed throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight today, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he will have plenty of supporters to go back-to-back and will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (6) HUIMANG TAYO returned from eight months out at the end of May and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class. He races best on pace so he comes into a much better gate today and third-up he can be peaking. (9) REIGN QUEEN was 3rd behind Aegis Crown when the latter got his maiden win in May and then beat a couple of today’s rivals when 4th on his first try at this class on June 28th and that makes him the logical third pick here. (3) SEONGSIL WORLD and (8) SAENAE HILL perhaps the best of a less than intimidating rest.

Selections(7) Aegis Crown (6) Huimang Tayo (9) Reign Queen (3) Seongsil World
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

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GANGPUNGMA TASTES GROUP GLORY AT LAST IN KRA CUP CLASSIC

He’s an enigma no longer. Gangpungma, the horse who always has an excuse, finally needed none as he roared clear of Global Hit, Success Baekpa and Speed Young, to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Gangpungma (Pic: KRA)

As the eleven-strong field entered the home straight, the four big guns of Korean racing – in the absence anyway of the clearly better but scarcely raced Clean One – fanned across the track having seen off the seven lesser lights. Defending champion Success Baekpa led, but it seemed set up for Global Hit, ominously showing signs of his best form, to take advantage, Speed Young meanwhile was close and dangerous.

Instead, the day finally belonged to Gangpungma. Back with trainer Kim Dong-chul, his trainer license restored, back with the pounds piled on and weighing in at 572kg, this time starting well and being much closer to the speed and avoiding traffic, Gangpungma broke his Group race duck at last.

“I’ve been riding him for three years now and for the last two I have thought he surely has a big race win in him, but something always seems to happen” winning jockey Jo Jae-ro, who has partnered him in all but one of his races, told KRBC. “Be it the race pace or bad luck, nothing seems to go right, but it has never been about ability with this horse.”

“Well done to the stable, they got him physically at his best, with the weight back on but in very good condition with it. The start was good this time, and we were able to get all the way to the third corner without using too much energy.”

“I thought just stay close to those three Busan horses (Success Baekpa, Global Hit and Speed Young) and then see what happens. 90% of the race went how we planned (and) Gangpungma did the rest at the end.”

Looking forward to the future, and September’s Korea Cup, the jockey was under no illusions that it would be as straightforward: “The Korea Cup will absolutely not unfold in the same way as today’s race.” said Jo. “The pace will be much stronger, and it will be all about choosing when to try to catch up to that pace. But I trust the stable to prepare well and we will give it a good go.”

After five months on the sidelines, Kim Dong-chul is training again and has Gangpuungma back as his stable star: “I always felt just a few percent had been lacking with him” Kim Dong-chul told KRBC. “2nd, 3rd, always just missing out. I think that today, he was where he should have been in the previous races, on the outside and close instead of stuck inside, and the jockey was quite firm about what he wanted to do this time.”

Gangpungma and Jo Jae-ro (Pic: KRA)

As for what’s next. “We’ll check how he is and then go for the Korea Cup or if not, the President’s Cup.”

A six-year-old, Gangpungma is by Peace Rules and out of Wonder Dreamer (by Hawk Wing). The victory moved him on to ten wins from twenty-eight starts.

Racing now takes a short summer break with all three tracks dark next weekend. Racing returns to Korea at Busan on Friday August 7th.

KOREA RACING REPORT – JULY 24-26: KOZZI TREBLES, DERBY WINNER BEATEN, SUPER AERO MAKES WINNING RETURN

ON SUNDAY AT SEOUL GANGPUNGMA FINALLY BROKE HIS BLACK TYPE DUCK WITH A BRILLIANT VICTORY IN THE PRINCIPAL LOCAL PREPARATION RACE FOR THE KOREA CUP.  ON THE UNDERCARD JAPANESE JOCKEY KOZZI ASANO rode A TREBLE WITH THE PROGRESSIVE HERO CHEETAH his main winner in the concluding 1200M Class 3 (writes Luke Humphreys).

Gangpungma beat Global Hit in the KRA Cup Classic (Pic: KRA)

The Tony Castanheira trained Hero Cheetah (Yaupon) MADE it three wins from five starts and that one loss aside. he has looked very smart. He was the 4.6 second favourite and scored by one-and-a-quarter lengths over the 2.8 favourite Korean Dream who attempted to lead throughout and lost no admirers in 2nd.

The other two victories for Asano came with CHAOS (To Honor And Serve) who won Race 2 (1200M Class 6) before MUNHAK CHUKJE (Blame) made it back-to-back course, distance, and grade victories in Race 7 (1600M Class 4). After finishing 3rd at his previous two attempts Chaos broke through at the fourth time of asking, leading throughout to score by three-quarters of a length as the 3.6 second choice over the 1.9 favourite Pieonari whilst Munhak Chukje scored by one-and-a-quarter lengths over the resuming 2.4 favourite JD Gangja.  Other favourites included KRA Cup Mile 3rd placegetter Chocolate, who was a never nearer 7th.

The other jockey with multiple success on the day was apprentice Woo In-cheol who led for most of the way to score by four-lengths on 3.7 favourite ISIMNYEON SEWOL (Mischieviously) in Race 5 (1400M Class 5) before landing Race 8 (1800M Class 4) on GLOBAL COMPUTING (Cloud Computing) who was recording his first win at start nine. That was the upset of the day with Global Computing returning 24.4. He defeated the hat-trick seeking 5.4 second favourite Pasa Spark by a half-length with 7.5 third favourite Shining Road in 3rd. The two pacesetters in the race were the 2.0 favourite Gwanaksan Sky, who was previously unbeaten bar his 9th place in the Derby, and 7.6 fourth market choice Parisui Bulkkot and they burned their petrol too early and were beaten a long way from home ending up in 7th and 10th places in the full field of eleven.

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KRA Cup Classic 2026: Preview & Form Comments

With just six weeks to go until the international Korea Cup and Korea Sprint, the leading Korean contenders will contest their main prep race, the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and with a Clean One-shaped hole in the field, it’s set to be a showdown between familiar foes. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Global Hit and Success Baekpa face off again (Pic: KRA)

That’s because the main local hope for the first weekend of September, Clean One, is skipping the race and will head straight to the international race. Meanwhile the exciting up-and-comer Roshe isn’t expected to run at all until October as part of a conservative three-year-old campaign.

Moon Hyeon-cheol, trainer of Clean One, confirmed earlier this week that while the KRA Cup Classic had initially been on Clean One’s agenda, the intention was now to take him straight to international weekend. Interestingly, throughout the short interview with KRBC, trainer Moon continually referred to Korea Cup/Sprint rather than just Korea Cup, an indication perhaps they haven’t quite settled on which race to run their stable star in.

That leaves the “troika” of Global Hit, Success Baekpa and Speed Young at the top of the market for the Cup Classic. Global Hit won the race two years ago while Success Baekpa is the defending champion. While Success Baekpa won the YTN Cup, Global Hit was 2nd in all three legs of the Stayer Series, and his consistency will make him the favourite here.

Gangpungma is back with trainer Kim Dong-chul after a few months of enforced moves and that can be a plus for a horse who is very much the nearly-but-not-quite of racing right now. He scarcely runs a bad race, and he will be finishing strongly but it may well be that there are just one or two too quick again.

Fillies are represented in the shape of Boryeonglightqueen and Satang Sonyeo while the each-way wildcards look set to be Jeongmun Cobit and Pepper X.

The KRA Cup Classic is race 8 on Seoul’s 10-race Sunday card with a local post time of 16:30.

1. GLOBAL HIT – Won this race two years ago and while he did suffer injury and a downturn in form, he looks to be back. After a close 2nd to Yeonggwanguifirst in February, he was 2nd to Success Baekpa in the YTN Cup, beaten just three-quarters of a length, then six-lengths 2nd to Clean One in the Busan Mayor’s. He has a winning chance here.

2. EAST WEST – Joint lowest-rated in the race, he enters off back-to-back placings at class 1 level over 2300M and 2000M both times behind Pepper X and once behind Satang Sonyeo. Only previous try in elite company was 14th in the Grand Prix, and he has plenty to find.

3. SUCCESS BAEKPA – The defending champion and the winner of the YTN Cup in April when on pace throughout. He was 2nd in the Herald Business, four-lengths behind Clean One, and 4th in the Busan Mayor’s. At his best he has every chance of winning again, but inconsistency has also been a feature of his career.

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 26)

There is no racing next week what with the short summer break, but we go out with a bang with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) headlining a 10-race (10.35 to 17.55) card at Seoul. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Classic a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time, but the experience is good. (4) YONGBI SINSEONG was 2nd on debut, coming from off the pace after a very slow start over this distance on June 20th. He should have come on for that run and with a better start, he can go one better. (2) LEGEND MONSTER was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on June 27th, settling midfield and running on. He comes into a much better gate, and he too should have derived benefit from that debut experience. As for the first timers, (10) SAMJEONG CHEF went through two trials, finishing 2nd in both. He should be nice and fit first-up and can have a say. (8) MYEONG POWERFUL and (11) POWER RACER others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Yongbi Sinseong (2) Legend Monster (10) Samjeong Chef (8) Myeong Powerful
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

(5) PIEONARI has raced three times and has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. He was the beaten favourite last time out on June 20th when he just got a bit further back early than in his prior two runs, but if he can be a bit handier today, he can win. (8) CHAOS registered back-to-back 3rd place finishes at the start of the year, leading both times. She hasn’t raced since March, but she looked well when running 2nd in a trial earlier this month in a good time, and she can be a danger first-up. (1) JEONGMUN KINGDOM was a much-improved 3rd at start number two when leading on June 14th over this distance. He can be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) NURI DOLPUNG and debut-maker (11) ILSAN SNIPER are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Pieonari (8) Chaos (1) Jeongmun Kingdom (10) Nuri Dolpung
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

(8) THUNDER WAVE was an improved 5th at start number two over 1000M on June 26th coming from off the pace in a race where everything was blown away by debut-maker Seraph. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and the step up in trip could suit very well. (10) RUBY GONGJU has a 5th and a 6th from two starts so far with the second of those coming in the June 26th race when beaten just a neck by Thunder Wave. Third-up she can be peaking and she can go much closer today. (7) OASIS ROSE debuted fairly enough in midfield on June 19th over 1000M. He should have come on for that, and he is another who may like the extra furlong. Debut-maker (1) SEOBULINA, along with (2) WILD CHAMP, the latter another out of that June 26th race, are others to consider.

Selections(8) Thunder Wave (10) Ruby Gongju (7) Oasis Rose (1) Seobulina
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

(6) DELTA EAGLE didn’t do much in her first two outings, but she comes in here having run 3rd at the end of May over 1300M, and then 2nd on June 28th at 1400M, both times coming from off the pace. She beat a couple of today’s rivals last time and she can beat them all here. (4) BEST A ONE similarly enters having run 3rd and 2nd in her latest two appearances, both at this distance and both times having been ridden much closer to the pace than in her previous outings. Expect similar tactics today from a good draw, and she can be in the finish again. (5) PNS GUNS completes a trio of last start runners-up, in her case over this distance on July 5th when on pace. Maia stays on and she can be close again. (10) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA and (1) GRAND COURAGE others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Delta Eagle (4) Best A One (5) PNS Guns (10) Bulgeun Yeojeonsa
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GOLD ROGER has never finished outside of the top six with her best being a 2nd place over 1400M three starts back when handy throughout. She was a beaten favourite on her latest, which was her first try at a mile on June 19th when she was awkwardly away and much further back than usual. Seo Seung-un is on and with a better start here this time, she can make her breakthrough. (6) BEOLMAUI GEOIN did absolutely nothing in his first seven starts but patience appears to be paying off as he has a 3rd, a 2nd and a 4th from his latest three with the 2nd at this distance in that June 19th race, and he can be close here. (3) SO FAST was 4th on her first try at this distance on June 26th and can match or better that here. (10) MORE QUICKLY and (9) HAENGBOK TREE other place chances.

Selections(2) Gold Roger (6) Beolmaui Geoin (3) So Fast (10) More Quickly
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Derby winner Hwang Geom Eo Jjang is back on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

(5) MIGHTY HUNKY is a Seo Hong-soo trained debutante by Happy Saver that trialled twice in April for a second and a victory. The score was by four-lengths and considering the second placed horse in that trial Major Fury has subsequently had two races for two wins this colt should be extremely hard to beat indeed. (8) MAHO was an odds-on chance on his debut and was a seven-length second behind a smart looking type. He may very well be able to go one better. (3) SAUDI SOCKS has six-and-three-quarter lengths to find with Maho from that race but rates next over Jung Ho-ik prepared Caracaro newcomer (4) GARAKAI with (7) MIGHTY HUSH and (2) SUPREME DIA best of the rest.

Selections(5) Mighty Hunky (8) Maho (3) Saudi Socks (4) Garakai
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 8

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

(8) BREEDO GALAXY comes off a last start second where he was only beaten a half-length and had been just behind the placegetters at his previous two runs so he will go close again. (10) ROAD TO PERFECT has only missed the top five on one occasion from seven starts so with that sort of record rates as a chance. (1) ILGEUP BISUL has almost seven-lengths to find with Breedo Galaxy from their last runs a month ago but rates next whilst (11) DONGBAEK has been consistent enough to be given a hope. (3) LOVELY JACKPOT is best of the rest over (7) SEOBU KING.

Selections(8) Breedo Galaxy (10) Road To Perfect (1) Ilgeup Bisul (11) Dongbaek
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8

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

(4) LAVITA has been close-up in three of her five runs whilst being well out the back in the other two. If putting her best foot forward she can prove hard to beat. (5) QUEENS TIGER has been beaten five-lengths into third and fifth in two runs so that form is more than good enough and Seo Seung-un is on board. (3) DREAM DIA has been a beaten favourite in each of her last three starts but will be around the mark if on song whilst (7) SONGDANG JILJU rates next over (9) ANGEL TIME and (10) P N S ME.

Selections(4) Lavita (5) Queens Tiger (3) Dream Dia (7) Songdang Jilju
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 8

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

(8) FLYING SMART was a bit of an enigma in her first three starts getting out of her ground as favourite on each occasion and subsequently was not sent off favourite last time and duly got the cash. She showed early pace to lead last start, unlike any of her previous runs, and that win should have done her confidence the world of good. She has ability and can go on with the job. (11) GANGHAN GAMMA was behind a couple of nice winners at maiden level but after three minor placings at that grade to be promoted to one win company she only beat three home when running at this class for the first time. She can be given another chance, however. (3) MIGHTY SHINE comes off a last start second and rates as one of the each-way chances as does (4) X-TEN with (7) CUPID K and (10) GRAY GO next best.

Selections(8) Flying Smart (11) Ganghan Gamma (3) Mighty Shine (4) X-Ten
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8

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

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

The last week of racing before the brief summer break kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. After a good trial, (1) VICTORY TIME was 2nd on debut over this distance on June 26th, beaten seven-lengths by the mightily impressive Seraph having been handy throughout. He should have a fitness edge on these and will be odds-on to score. (9) GAME MAKER was a close 4th in is trial, coming from off the pace and registering a decent time. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can be competitive. (7) STRONG TIGER ran 3rd in his heat, well-back behind the experienced Global Week and Jade Palace and showing enough to suggest he can go well first up. (6) MAX LEVEL and (4) TRIPLE GANGJA others who could make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Victory Time (9) Game Maker (7) Strong Tiger (6) Max Level
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Imported maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (6) SUPEX WORLD was slightly slow away in his trial but ran on well under minimal urging to finish just two-lengths in arrears of Classic winner My Dream Day (who was urged even less). The time was quick and if he brings that form, he can win. (4) OVERLORD KING is the only one who has raced before, doing nothing and getting sent back to trial. He duly won that trial in June 11th showing on pace early before taking it easy and then being asked for an effort at the end. The time was good and he can be much better this time around. (7) POTEN SSONSAL was a close 3rd in a decent time in his heat, running on from a handy position and he can be in this. (2) BREEDO ONE and (5) UNCLE PARK others who hunted at ability in their heats.

Selections(6) Supex World (4) Overlord King (7) Poten Ssonsal (2) Breedo One
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(9) BEST TIGER has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place on his first try at this distance on June 26th, when close to the pace throughout. The same apprentice keeps his weight nice and light and he can win here. (7) DOCTOR ATE came from a long way back to run 5th of ten over 1000M on debut on June 19th. He should have come on for the run, the extended trip should be far more suitable, and he can be much closer today. (5) FANTASTIC CITY similarly did his best work late on debut over 1300M on May 17th and coming in fresh after ten weeks out and slightly up in trip, he too can be a danger. (8) YONGBI CHEONMA did nothing on debut but had posted a good time in trials and with Seo Seung-un staying on, so will plenty of punters. (1) TAESAN SHINHWA another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Best Tiger (7) Doctor Ate (5) Fantastic City (8) Yongbi Cheonma
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. (6) WIDAEHAN HEART debuted with 2nd place last October but then didn’t run again until May 31st. It was a winning return as she made all to score by six-lengths over 1300M which led her to be sent off as favourite on her first try at this class over 1400M on June 28th. She was slow away but did run on for 3rd and wit a better start and up in trip, she can win here. She will need to overturn form on (9) MAGIC SHOW, who ran 2nd in that June 28th race, having settled midfield and run on. She’s yet to win but now has three consecutive runner-up finishes at this class and she will be there or thereabouts again. (5) SEOGWI CREST was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and can be in the mix today. (4) WONDERFUL LALA and (8) MORE AND MORE among others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Widaehan Heart (9) Magic Show (5) Seogwi Crest (4) Wonderful Lala
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT (JULY 17-19) – HERO FIGHTER, BIWOL CLAIM CLASS 1 VICTORIES / SLING STAR MAKES IT FIVE IN A ROW / MOON SE-YOUNG TRAINS FIRST WINNER

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY A HYBRID CLASS 1 WAS THE MAIN EVENT WITH HERO FIGHTER landing the prize for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira (writes Luke Humphreys).

Hero Fighter (American Freedom) scored by a narrow margin over One Punch Dragon who was returning to form after a couple of average runs following five consecutive wins last season. Vet Captain, who was dropping back in trip after racing over further in better races at his previous two starts, was a never nearer 4th whilst the 1.4 favourite G B Vault disappointed at his first Class 1 run only running 5th and never really looking like a winning chance.

SPARK THUNDER (Hansen) was a two-and-a-half length winner for Andre da Silva in Race 7 (1600M Class 3) proving too quick for the Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s 3rd placegetter Tiger Roar who was a two-and-a-half length 2nd as the 1.6 favourite. Tiger Roar after not the cleanest of starts was ridden through to lead from the inside gate by Jo Jae-ro, who was riding for the first time, but was eventually caught for speed over a distance short of her best. To her credit she did kick back in the final 200M after looking unlikely to get anywhere near Spark Thunder.

The victory of Spark Thunder completed a double for trainer Lee Shin-woo after the in form YONGBIGYO (Nitrous) earlier won Race 4 (1300M Class 5) from the front as the 2.0 favourite and that was the first of two wins on the day for owner Jung Sung-jin who later had YONGBI HERO (Goldencents) score in Race 8 (1400M Class 4). Yongbi Hero had gotten close to Sling Star, to be mentioned later, and Comeback Holymoely at his previous two starts and continues to race in good form. Kim Yong-geun was the winning rider on Yongbi Hero and he completed a double when SMILING PRINCE (Smiling Tiger) was a soft three-length winner of Race 10 (1400M Class 3). Lala K could not follow up his previous 1200M victory as he finished 9th of the ten runners.

Owner Lee Kang-woon had a race-to-race double on the card in Race 2 and Race 3 with his charges winning both divisions of the 1300M Class 6 maiden with BROWN JACKPOT (Shackleford) landing the first of them by five-lengths under Kim Hyo-jung, who has bounced back from injury in good form, before WHITE JACKPOT (Hansen) was a four-length winner for Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi.

An exciting juvenile prospect was unleashed in Race 1 (1200M Class 6) with this year’s Derby winning jockey Lee Dong-ha riding CLUTCH DERBY (Cairo Prince) to a brilliant nine-length front-running victory in impressive time. Clutch Derby only pulled further clear from his rivals and followed up his trial victory on July 2 where he led and won by seven-lengths. The Choi Yong-geon prepared colt looks one to keep a close eye on. 

Lee Dong-ha followed up in Race 6 (1400M Class 4) on RAON NIZHINSKII (Shackleford) which drew clear late to score by five-lengths over 3.3 favourite Flutter who attempted to lead throughout and was looking to bounce back to winning ways after defeats in his previous two starts, including the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas), with Kim Hyo-jung returning as his rider but was grabbed in the last 200M and finished 2nd.

AT BUSAN ON SUNDAY WHAT WILL EFFECTIVELY BE THE BUSAN TRIAL RACE FOR THE KOREA SPRINT TOOK PLACE AS RACE 7 AND THE PROGRESSIVE BIWOL scored by two-and-a-half lengths as the 5.6 second favourite.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 19)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (10.25 to 16.55). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience is generally good, but we have an eagerly awaited debut-maker in the form of (1) CLUTCH DERBY. He was an easy trial winner, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fast time and if he brings that form to the races, he wins.  Helpfully for us, three of the ones who have raced before debuted together over 1000M on June 13th. (10) GEOLJAK RUBY was the best of them in 2nd place finishing well having previously won a trial, and the step up in trip can suit. (5) CHEONDUNGUIBULKKOT and (8) NEWBAL SOCKS were 3rd and 4th respectively in that race and both can have come on for their runs. Returning to the newcomers, (11) ECLIPSE GOLDEN trialed up fairly behind the experienced JD Gangja, and is another who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Clutch Derby (10) Geoljak Ruby (5) Cheondunguibulkkot (8) Newbal Socks
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BLUE RIBBON has made solid progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 3rd over 1400M and ridden further forward earlier than in his first two. That was back at the engining of May, so he has had eleven weeks off, but he can win here. Probably betting favourite will be (11) DAEDONGYONGMA. That follows a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 13th when on pace throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to improve much, if at all, on that effort to having winning chances. (5) HERO DRAGON has hinted at figuring things out in her latest couple, and she gets a 4kg claim here. (2) VIVA CISSIMO and (8) NIGHT CAPTAIN are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(3) Blue Ribbon (11) Daedongyongma (5) Hero Dragon (2) Viva Cissimo
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(2) GYEONGBOK PORTAS has been getting closer over his latest couple with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 5th. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim today but Park Jae-I climbing on for Kim Hye-sun suggests that he is ready to win. (10) OASIS KINGDOM has also been getting closer and took a big leap last time out at start four when a close 2nd over 1200M on June 12th. A previous try at this trip wasn’t great but he should be ready for another crack here. Those two are the standouts though (3) ONE PLUS ONE does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him on a place line here. (9) OVER RAINBOW and (4) SMART YULIM others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Gyeongbok Portas (10) Oasis Kingdom (3) One Plus One (9) Over Rainbow
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(1) PALPALNARA did nothing in four starts across the turn of the year but returned from over four months out on June 21st to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance, showing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for the that run and she can go one better today. (8) WHITE JACKPOT didn’t do much on debut at the end of May but was a strong 2nd at start number two on June 27th over this distance, showing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be a danger here. (4) SONNY K came from off the pace to run 4th on debut in May before finishing 2nd when handy throughout on June 7th and he will have plenty of backers to go close again. (6) VICAR DELLA and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others who can compete for the places.

Selections(1) Palpalnara (8) White Jackpot (4) Sonny K (6) Vicar Della
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race. (5) WONDERFUL MUD has been quietly getting closer and most recently ran 3rd over 1300M on June 21st, settling midfield and running on. Franco gets on for the first time, and she may well be available at an each-way price. (3) GAON PERFECT has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far with a 2nd place over this distance two outings back his best. He can settle just behind the speed and run on, and he can be in the finish again. (7) DUBAI DREAM was 4th to Wonderful Mud’s 3rd on June 21st. That was his first run since last November so he can strip fitter here and has every chance of going closer. (1) DOCTOR QUE SERA and (2) THANKYOUFORTHETIME are the other main chances.  

Selections(5) Wonderful Mud (3) Gaon Perfect (7) Dubai Dream (1) Doctor Que Sera
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(7) BONBON TIARA comes from the Tony Castanheira stable which has produced some impressive debutante winners in recent weeks so with this filly by Old Fashioned having had the one trial for a second beaten a nose there is every chance she can be another newcomer winner for the French trainer. (1) GRAND POKPUNG has not been far away in two race starts and can close under Ruan Maia from the lowest draw. (8) WHIZ CROWN will be looking to give former champion jockey Moon Se-young his first winner with his sixth runner as a trainer and can do so as she finished fourth in her one and only trial in May. (6) A. K SUN and (9) ROAD SOCKS both won trials on June 25 and rate next over (4) MIGHTY MULAN with (3) NAREUSYA LUNA not hopeless.

Selections(7) Bonbon Tiara (1) Grand Pokpung (8) Whiz Crown (6) A.K Sun
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

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

(5) SAEROUN BISUL comes off a nose trial victory on June 18 where he defeated Bonbon Tiara, who looks hard to beat in Race 1. He chased home some start types in his three juvenile starts last year and his most recent race in November where he split Mr. Taeyang, subsequent Group Two runner-up, and Comeback Holymoely, subsequent multiple winner, is the best form on offer in this maiden by a long shot. (1) AMOS JEONSA did nothing in his first trial in June but looked good when leading throughout to win last week by four-lengths so on that this debutante by Race Day rates as the danger. (2) MY DOLPUNG was a beaten odds-on chance on debut but was not far away and can go close again. (10) DU UM, (11) BIBA CHARM and the second of the newcomers (8) WONPYEONG DREAM are next best.

Selections(5) Saeroun Bisul (1) Amos Jeonsa (2) My Dolpung (10) Du Um
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) DAEBI MAMA has been beaten a long way in two of her three starts however those two runs were against good opposition including at Group Three level last time in the last leg of the Korean Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies. Her second-place effort to Purple Korea at the second of her three starts to date would give her a good chance in this. (4) INSPIRE has been consistent enough so far without winning and strikes a winnable maiden to go close in. (10) SAMJEONG BLUE has been just behind the placegetters of late and can be around the mark once more. (1) GRAY PHANTOM, (6) DELTA CHOEGANG and (8) LUGE rate next.

Selections(3) Daebi Mama (4) Inspire (10) Samjeong Blue (1) Gray Phantom
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(2) ARION QUEEN CAR is by far the most untrustworthy commodity in this field, but she is also the one with by far the most ability on her day. She has refused to race in effectively two of her past four starts with the other two runs yielding a good second splitting The Excellent and Raon Blaide, subsequent winner, but also a disappointing seventh. She gets the nod on her best ability, but just the same she is far from a safe bet. (4) GOLDEN VENTUS is a two-year-old that won on debut on June 13 and with just fifty-one-and-half kilograms on his back he must be given a strong chance. (6) TIGER MANGCHI came from the other side of Seoul when winning on his debut and whilst that was a bizarre race in many ways, he would have to be given a hope on that effort. (11) SEVEN KAISER has been the most consistent of the raced brigade in the line-up that have never won and rates over (7) BEOLGYO EMPEROR and (1) MUHAN ARGO.

Selections(2) Arion Queen Car (4) Golden Ventus (6) Tiger Mangchi (11) Seven Kaiser
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11

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

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