The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. The meeting is open to the public but reservations must be made one day in advance via the “MyCard” app. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maidens kick things off with five of the eleven racing for the very first time. Among those with experience, (4) ALPHA AGAIN looks the best. He’s led in all three of his races so far only to be passed on each occasion with a best finish of 3rd. The drop back in trip may be to his benefit and he could make the breakthrough here. It won’t be easy though as there are a few first-timers with potential. (1) COOL GUY was the best in trials, putting in a competent front-running performance and registering a good time. If he gets to the front, he may be hard to beat. (3) YEONGGWANGUI POWER and (11) HAEUNDAE BADA likewise impressed in their heats and should go well first up. Returning to the experienced ones, (9) SIMON LADY has been inconsistent but has proven capable of finding some money in similar company to this.
Selections
(1) Cool Guy (3) Yeonggwangui Power (4) Alpha Again (11) Haeundae Bada
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A small field of nine will face the starter in the second where the Class 6 gallopers will go over the six furlongs. (1) YEONGSEONGTEUKGEUP effectively gets a second chance in this grade after winning a Class 6 event when there were no penalties for winning, as result of covid relief racing organized by the KRA. The Old Fashioned colt clocked a good time for this grade, he lines up with the same weight over the same distance and we predict the result will be the same as well. (6) DAMYANG DOLPUNG lines up for his second start after finishing third on debut back in July. The Purge colt finished off strong on debut and should appreciate the extra furlong. (4) CAPTAIN GIRL is on debut from the Kim Young-kwan stable. The Menifee filly clocked a fair time but there appeared to be more in the tank. (3) SMART YEONGUNG has had a handful of starts and whilst is yet to place, based on previous runs he looks capable of collecting some minor money.
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another horse who can take advantage of the temporary relaxation in the class 6 rules is (7) GREY ANGEL. She came from well off the pace to score on debut a month ago, winning very handily indeed. Carrying the same weight again today and at the same distance, it’s hard to see her being beaten. (3) WONDER RUNNER was a useful 3rd on debut on October 16th having briefly led late on. She should be prominent again and should be at least placing once more. (2) TWO TWO CHALLENGER has improved over three starts so far. The apprentice jockey knows the filly very well and she shouldn’t be too far away here. There are two first-time starters, both of them with eye-catching jockey bookings. Of the pair, (4) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON showed the most in trials and should be in the placing hunt.
Selections
(7) Grey Angel (4) Gwangdaeseungcheon (3) Wonder Runner (2) Two Two Challenger
Next Best
8
Fast Start
2, 3, 4
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The maiden gallopers go over 1300m in the fourth where there looks to be limited early speed engaged. (4) PEACE BAEK looks ready to win coming off successive placings including one just four weeks back. The filly lacked early speed last time out before reeling off a good sectional. Kim Myoung-sin gets a good opportunity to break a run of outs. (11) DAESAN GAPBU looks an each way chance in the event albeit still a maiden after thirteen starts. The filly finished fourth late October behind Gold Magic when hitting the line in fair style. You Hyun-myung will be legged aboard for the first time. (8) GEUMA GOOD POINT lines up for his fifth start with Lee Hyo-sik staying aboard. The Peace Rules gelding finished fourth last time out when running on well. (9) DIVINE QUEEN was somewhat disappointing last time out when well beaten over the 1200m. She has finished third on two occasions from the six starts and should take improvement out of the recent run.
Selections
(4) Peace Baek (11) Daesan Gapbu (8) Geuma Good Point (9) Divine Queen
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
8, 11
Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(3) SUN ALPHA is another one who benefits from being allowed another crack in class 6 despite already having broken his maiden last month. That win had been coming too, following on from a runner-up finish in August and there is no reason why he can’t repeat today. He does like to come from off the pace though so there is always a danger of him being left with a little too much to do. If this happens then (7) ALPHA STAR is perhaps the one to take advantage. He too would normally be up at class 5 by now with two solid runner-up finishes to his name. He should be on pace from the start and can go close. (8) KING OF JOY passed plenty late on last time and should be in the placing frame again here while (4) CHEONMA HASEO and (5) PILSEUNG IJI are others in the hunt.
Sunday sees full cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:00). Cheongdam Dokki headlines Seoul’s class 1 feature race. The race meeting is open to the public, however, there is an attendance cap of 20% and seats must be reserved in advance through the “My Card” app – there is no admission on the gate. Here are the previews:
Cheongdam Dokki goes at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A field of twelve to line up in the first where all but two runners are on debut. Watching the vision of (12) LONDON ACTIVE suggests the Colonel John filly is ready to perform at her first race start. The two-year-old bounced out of the gates in good style in her trial before running through the line in good fashion. The outside draw is a concern, but she should be able to muster quickly and sit on speed. (4) K N MAGIC is another debutant that trialed up in good style. The Kantharos filly clocked a good time on a rain affected track. She is drawn well and should be able to sit just behind the leading division. (5) RAON GARAM appears to be an each-way chance in a field with plenty of unknown ability. She is by the progressive stallion Musket Man whose progeny have been performing well early on in their careers. (8) CHEROKEE MARINE is one of just two gallopers engaged that has had a previous run. The Thunder Moccasin gelding finished fifth behind the very talented East Jet on debut but was beaten from here to Gangnam.
Selections
(12) London Active (4) K N Magic (5) Raon Garam (8) Cherokee Marine
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
8, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maidens go around here with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’re going to stick with experience though and (3) HAPPY SOCKS perhaps has the edge. The Tiz Wonderful filly ran on very nicely for 3rd behind a couple of promising ones on debut over 1000M in August and the additional furlong should suit. It’s a similar story with (8) LUCKY WORLD who ran very similarly for his own 3rd place on debut and can be expected to run on strongly again and go close. (1) MAGICUI HAMSEONG could only manage 6th but nevertheless put in a fast time on a sloppy track on his August debut and is another who may have some promise. (9) GO GO STAR has raced twice with solid 3rd and 4th place finishes to her name, each time with a contrasting running style and she should be there of thereabouts again.
Selections
(3) Happy Socks (8) Lucky World (9) Go Go Star (1) Magicui Hamseong
Next Best
7, 10
Fast Start
6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A field of twelve lightly raced maidens will take to the track in the third event. (10) LEGEND WIN is the on top selection albeit he has had six previous attempts to break maiden status. The Old Fashioned colt comes off a last start third when sitting on speed and being passed by a couple quicker in the run home. His opposition today is not overly strong, and he looks like an each-way chance who will get every chance sitting on pace. (12) CHEONJI ULLIM has finished close up at his two starts to date. The three-year-old hasn’t raced since February when he finished fourth behind Ice Punch. He trialed up in a few weeks ago and clocked a good time. The draw is a concern, but he needs to be treated as a winning chance. (5) SPECIAL STORY has notched placings at his past two starts. The filly’s time wasn’t overly fast in these performances, but her competition today looks even. (1) SPEED FLYING comes off successive minor placing during the mid-part of the year. The filly is likely to settle closer to the speed as per last start, from the good draw.
Selections
(10) Legend Win (12) Cheonji Ullim (5) Special Story (1) Speed Flying
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
1, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(1) UNCLE BELL made all for a commanding maiden win at start number five back in August with a couple of these a long way back down the track behind him. He’s at the same class today and although he carries a whopping additional 5kg he remains hard to bet against. There are a couple who could beat him though. (4) PINE TOUCH has come close on a number of occasions over his five starts so far and has shown he has a strong finish. The slight step up in trip today may suit. (11) FULL BOOSTER comes in off a last start runner-up finish and if jockey Ueda Masashi can overcome the wide draw to get him close to the pace, he could be in with a shout. (2) SIRIUS A and (8) EAGLE EAGLE are among a number of others who could aim for the places, the latter a strong contender to challenge the favourite for the early lead.
Selections
(1) Uncle Bell (11) Full Booster (4) Pine Touch (8) Eagle Eagle
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 8, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The maiden gallopers go over the seven furlongs in the fifth event on the card. (9) POWER MUSIC has shown enough previously to suggest she can figure. The Winchester filly has settled both rearwards and on speed in her past couple of starts, from barrier nine she may have to settle midfield or worse. She has placed at two of her past three starts including a last start second over this distance. (7) ONE PUTT handed in a better performance last start back in August when finishing second over this distance. The three-year-old hit the line with gusto and is likely to settle towards the tail once again, before reeling off a good sectional. (8) ACE HAMSEONG is another who has finished close up at his past few starts. His times have been competitive enough to suggest a forward showing, he should be benefited from a lack of early speed engaged in the event. (4) TRUE looks best of the rest in a race where there is no standout.
Selections
(9) Power Music (7) One Putt (8) Ace Hamseong (4) True
Next Best
5, 12
Fast Start
3, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The speed map for the second looks to be sluggish suggesting riders that wish to work forward should be able to do so. (7) HAPPY WITCH lines up for her third start after a good start to her career in the mid-part of the year. The Officer filly won on debut in June in good time before finishing second over the six furlongs in July. She looks to be one of a few runners who can work forward and sit in the first few in running. (11) DOCTOR GREY has shown that he is capable of reeling off a good sectional. He finished off strongly last time out running into third behind VIP King last time out in August. He looks one to watch as he steps out over a long journey down the track. (10) PARTY LION has not raced since January but trialed up in good style in August. The filly has finished in the top three on three occasions from eight attempts but is yet to break maiden status. The horse looks best suited if Jo In-kwon can get her to work forward early. (4) QUEEN OF ADELE looks next best and one worth including in your novelty bets.
There is a big 12-race card at Seoul on Saturday running through from 10:45 to 18:00. Attendance is permitted but must be pre-booked through the My Card app. Here are the previews:
There will be punters- though not this many and not like this – in Seoul Racecourse this Saturday
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The Korean-bred maidens line up in the first over the short course where the main chances appear to have drawn wide. (10) CHEONGDAM WICKED was good on debut when finishing third behind White Queen over this distance. Connections then elected to place the filly in an open class race for the two-year-olds where she found the task far too hard. She looks a very good chance to notch her first win in this easier company today. (12) TOUGH MAN lines up for his first run after trialing up in good style. The Take Charge Indy colt trialed up in good style when clocking 62.2 seconds for the 1000m on a dry surface. (5) CHEONSANGUI YEOIN was disappointing last time out when well beaten but it was the filly’s first attempt over 1200m. She drops back to the 1000m where she has placed on both attempts over the short course. Debutant (4) LEAD VOCAL looks capable of a minor placing based on her trial performance. She will have her first career start and jump from a good draw.
Selections
(10) Cheongdam Wicked (12) Tough Man (5) Cheonsangui Yeoin (4) Lead Vocal
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
5, 10
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maidens tackle the 1200M here. (7) SUPER CHAMPION looks to be superior. He ran a good 2nd in a decent time on debut over 1000M and the additional furlong shouldn’t be too problematic. (4) BLACK CAR weakened a little on debut in August but previously posted a fast time in a trial. He could well have come on for having some racing experience and should improve today. (9) GREEN CHOEGANG and (10) FIGHTING GIRL have faced each other twice already with little between them on either occasion. The latter posted a fast time in an October trial and may be the one to improve a bit more here. First-timer (5) SMART PINK looked much better in the second of two October trials she undertook. She is well drawn to get forward early and can go close.
Selections
(7) Super Champion (4) Black Car (10) Fighting Girl (5) Smart Pink
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 7
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The third on the card is a tough race for punters to digest with no standout selections. (7) SINUI ADEUL goes on top based on his effort last start when running home fairly over the 1000m. He was beaten a long way when finishing fourth on that day but this looks an easier assignment. (8) CHEONGSAN GANGHO looks an each-way play after settling well back last time out and hitting the line fairly. Rider Victoire will need to bustle his mount out of the gates to sit closer to the speed if he wants the two-year-old to be a winning chance. (3) JEONGMUN POKJU lines up for his second start after a midfield performance when debuting over this distance. His debut was back in August and it is fair to say you can expect some improvement at his second start. (1) DANANEUN SUCCESS did place at his last start when second over 1300m. The query is the time away from the track as his last start was back in October of last year. He showed us nothing in his recent barrier trial but we will include him on the effort of his last start albeit quite some time ago.
A really good looking race for the level with very few of the twelve being easy tosses. (1) CHOTOMA is perhaps the one to beat. A good winner on debut, he ran 3rd on his first try at this level on August 22nd, recording the fastest time among these at this distance by some margin. From the inside he can sit handy and could be too strong. (11) P.K. DOLPUNG got his maiden win at this class over 1300M on August 29th with a front-running performance. He’s drawn a bit wider today but he still has claims. (7) NEVER WALK ALONE ran well for 4th on his first try at this class and is already a winner at the distance while (9) ROYAL GHOST remains a maiden but already has two 3rd place finishes at this class and won’t be overawed here. (5) RAON DIA found herself overmatched against the track’s best juveniles last start but showed plenty of speed on debut and can be a factor here. Among those up in class, (2) SUN OF STORM, (4) WIND HILL and (12) BOBBY BLADE were all good winners last time out and none would be a surprise.
Selections
(1) Chotoma (12) Bobby Blade (4) Wind Hill (7) Never Walk Alone
Next Best
11, 5, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10, 11
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another maiden for punters to dissect but this time the Korean-bred gallopers will go over 1300m. (5) SEONGSIL MONEY looks hardest to beat and will likely start favourite. The Dialed In filly has never finished worse than fourth including a last start second when clocking a quick time on a good track. Expect rider David Breux to settle in the first three and finish the race off strong. (11) GRACE QUEEN is another that has performed good enough to suggest she can run into the money. She has finished in the top four at all three starts. The downside is her wide draw but with the extra half furlong today she will have more time to wind up. (9) HEUNG DREAM looks to be the likely pacemaker and this looks his easiest assignment to date. The Testa Matta two-year-old is expected to cross early and may take some running down. (3) CHEONDUNG GISE comes off a last start placing in July over 1200m. The chestnut finished off strong on that occasion and another forward performance would not surprise.
No fewer than four of these are up in class having recorded their maiden wins on their respective latest starts. (10) UNPARALLELED was always prominent but took things up late and ran on pleasingly on debut over 1200M on August 29th. The gate is only one wider than last time and he has every chance of maintaining his 100% record. (5) SANTTEUTHANSEUCHIM excelled when finally given a bit of distance to play with and over the same trip today can be a danger again while (6) AMAZING WHIZ also won impressively at this trip las start and if Kim Jeong-jun can get him on or close to the speed again, he will be in the frame. As for those with experience at this level, (1) GOOD WONDER can perhaps be forgiven her latest effort. She is much better drawn today and is capable of good times. (8) CHALLENGE SOCKS another who should be in the hunt.
Selections
(10) Unparalleled (6) Amazing Whiz (5) Santteuthanseuchim (1) Good Wonder
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 10
Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The seventh will see some progressive types go over the 1300m at Class Four level. (8) RAON FASHION obliterated a Class Five field last time out when winning by a massive margin. He proved on that occasion that he can carry weight when he lumped 57kg to victory. He will have to carry 57.5kg in this event but based on the last start effort that should not be an issue. (6) DREAM PO RE is another progressive type who has won two from three with a minor placing as well. The Shackleford colt has sat on speed at all three starts to date and from barrier six he is likely to find the rail before Raon Fashion. (3) WONDERFUL STORM has won two from three and is proven over this distance. The Menifee colt was a last start winner on a sloppy rated track but also clocked a good time when debuting over 1000m on a dry track. With a good draw he needs to be treated as an each-way prospect. The US bred (10) OKRYONG looks next best after some reasonable performances in this grade in the mid-part of the year.
Selections
(8) Raon Fashion (6) Dream Po Re (3) Wonderful Storm (10) Okryong
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
1, 6, 8
Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(1) SUN BOOM made all to score his maiden win at class and distance last time out in August. He has a similarly tough impost today but if he can get away well from the inside, he has every chance of repeating. After doing very little on debut, (4) MUNHAK ZENYATTA came out to record a very good 2nd place on her reappearance. She was a long way behind an excellent winner but still managed to record a very fast time and if she brings that form to the races today, will go very close. The biggest threat, however, could well be the only first-time starter. (5) MEDICI STORY has been through two race trials and has won both of them with ease in competitive times. The Song Moon-gil/Kim Yong-geun combination will tempt many and the More Than Ready colt could well score first up today. (7) LEVEL TAP and (11) MAX RUN, the latter a very good 2nd on debut, although somewhat unfavorably drawn today, are others who should go close.
Selections
(5) Medici Story (1) Sun Boom (4) Munhak Zenyatta (11) Max Run
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 10, 11
Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
An extremely tough race to assess with many live chances in the ninth. (6) MENI CHAMP goes on top coming off a good performance in this grade back in August. The Menifee colt should be able to sit behind the leading division as per previous runs and let down with a solid burst in the straight. He looks for his third win at start number nine. (7) HAEK SOCKS is building a nice record winning two of his three starts to date. This is a step up in grade but he’s a bombproof horse who does everything right. He will give you a good run for your money if you like him. (2) JEONGMUN SUMMIT finished second last start in this grade over the same distance. There is a slight query with the extra 2kg he carries today putting him at the top of the weight scale with 57kg. He has drawn well and should be able to kick up early on and hold a prominent position. (3) YEONGHWA FLYING has won three from five but struggled at his most recent effort back in August when capitulating in the run home. She will appreciate the 4kg claim of Lim Da Bin.
Race 10: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Trainer Song Moon-gil and jockey Kim Yong-geun team up once more and they really should be winning here. (6) BLUE K was a good maiden win over 1300M two starts back before running a strong 2nd over this class and distance behind Jangsan Bada. She’s not been seen since July but the Testa Matta filly looks a cut above her rivals here. (7) GEUMSEONG ACE steps up in class and slightly in distance following a good maiden win at start number four over 1300M. She’ll need to improve significantly if she is not beat the favourite but has claims over all the rest. (8) DONGJJOK GLORY and (10) FEDERAL KING both come in off useful 2nd place finishes at this distance and can be aiming to hit the board once more. (1) MANSE has been knocking on the door of the places at this level and could sneak some money too.
Selections
(6) Blue K (7) Geumseong Ace (10) Federal king (8) Dongjjok Glory
Next Best
1, 2
Fast Start
6, 7
Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
The eleventh on the card is a brilliant race for Korean racing fans to watch as there are plenty of up and coming types. The ever-impressive (12) LEGEND STORM is first up over 1400m after a dominant victory back in June. He is a versatile type and there is a lot to like about the Officer colt who is likely to work forward early from the outside gate. The three-year-old has won four from six and with just 52kg on his back he a looks a good bet in a market where there should be some value on offer. (10) MIGHTY GO is another building a good record winning four of his five race starts. The US import is another that likes to race on speed and Ham Wan-sik will get the plum steer with no Alan Munro available. He won over this distance last time out back in late August and must be considered a winning chance. (7) MUNHAK ARIARI should be considered in your selections on the basis of his last win albeit back in February. He is a class and distance winner which is in his favour compared to the aforementioned horses who line up in this grade for the first time. (6) WANG BEOTKKOT is another impressive last start winner in this grade who clocked a very good time. The Discreet Cat gelding will have to lump 58kg as a result and there is a slight query with the 1400m.
Selections
(12) Legend Storm (10) Mighty Go (7) Munhak Ariari (6) Wang Beotkkot
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
7, 8, 12
Race 12: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
(2) HAENGBOK WANGJA registered his maiden win at the eighth time of asking on his latest start in August and it had been coming. The Daredevil colt had previously finished runner-up to a couple of very useful types and he looked very good in victory. He steps up to 1800M today but has run well at 1700M before and he is the one to beat. (9) SURISURIMA came from off the pace for a good win 1300M on her latest start. She was previously beaten by Haengbok Wangja over 1700M but the only filly in the race has solid placing chances here. (11) MOONHAK EMPIRE beat a couple of these last start over 1700M and looks nicely in again today. (3) FLASH JET and (1) MALIBU GINGER are others who can at least aim for the placings.
Punters returned to the racecourses in limited numbers last weekend and this week, with prize money restored to normal levels, Busan begins the weekend’s proceedings on Friday with an 11-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. The races will be on overseas simulcast in the usual places:
It’s Friday. It’s Busan.
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A maiden to kick things off with two colts taking on nine fillies. Seven have raced before with (3) HAPPY SECRET having posted the fastest time among them at this distance. That was back in January but while she has neither raced nor trialed since August, the featherweight she carries on her back today should put her right into contention. (10) WORLD REMEMBER ran 6th of 14 over 1200M three weeks ago but led for much of the race. The drop back in trip plus the jockey booking means we can have some confidence of improvement here. (9) WONDERFUL SMARTY too has tired late on in her past two and should appreciate the shorter distance. Of the four first-timers, (7) YEONGGWANGUI ROAD looked sharp if a little green when positing a decent time in his trial while (1) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC also looks set to go well first-up.
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The second event on the card is an all-aged maiden over the short course. (9) MAGICAL SONG will line up for her debut run after an encouraging trial. The daughter of Purge showed early natural speed and coasted through the line in good style. The time for her trial was good and to the eye she looked as if she had more to give. (1) ICE DANCE is another debutant who trialed up in good style. The Thunder Moccasin filly jumped away only fairly in her trial before quickening and running through the line in good style. When comparing her trial time to her opposition here, she looks to be one of the main chances engaged. (6) SINBARAM GIL will line up for her third start after some reasonable performances back in the mid-part of the year. She hasn’t had the early speed to match the leaders in her races to date, expect her to finish off strong. (4) BAEDARI SUNSHINE is looking to break maiden status at start number six. He placed in similar company back in May but the two runs since then have only been fair.
Selections
(9) Magical Song (1) Ice Dance (6) Sinbaram Gil (4) Baedari Sunshine
Next Best
11, 2
Fast Start
4, 9
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(6) GOOD SOCKS ran 3rd on debut in a fast time over 1000M back in July. She’s not been seen since and today’s conditions will be very different. However, the Kim Young-kwan/Djordje Perovic combination is a difficult one to overlook and she is the pick here. (11) GALAXY ROAD debuted in the same race running 6th. The step up in trip may suit and the only colt in the race can improve here. (1) NEW LUX has shown improvement across three outings so far. She came from well off the pace to run 4th last start recording the best time at this distance of any of these and look for her to run on strong late once more. (2) LUCKY MAGIC backs up quickly having put in an indifferent run two weeks ago but can improve here. (10) MAGIC STEALTH too has been knocking on the door of the places for a while and is another who should finish strongly.
Selections
(6) Good Socks (1) New Lux (2) Lucky Magic (10) Magic Stealth
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The fourth event is a competitive maiden event where a case can be made for many runners. (5) PERDIDO FASHION has had four trials before lining up in his debut race. He has been prepared to debut twice this year but has been denied his chance due to the Covid hiatuses. His most recent trial was very good when clocking a fast time, coasting through the line with minimal urging. Two-year-old (3) BANJIUI GIJEOK finished off in good style at her debut run over the 1000m. It looks as if she will appreciate the step up to the six furlongs and should be considered a winning chance. (11) CATCH THE VICTORY debuted back in August in a two-year-old event where the Hansen colt finished third. He looks another that should appreciate the extra furlong today. Djordje Perovic will have to produce a gem of a ride to overcome barrier twelve. (2) BABY LINE has had the two starts for two minor placings. The Officer colt is likely to sit in the first couple or runners early in the race, he should have every chance as they turn for home.
Selections
(5) Perdido Fashion (3) Banjiui Gijeok (11) Catch The Victory (2) Baby Line
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
1, 2
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky race this with plenty looking ready to step up. There is just the solitary debut-maker here but it does catch the eye. (4) ENDLESS RUNNING ran 2nd in a trial in a good time just a couple of weeks ago and with Perovic aboard will warrant consideration. (1) WONDERFUL SECRET ran 4th on debut just two weeks ago leading in the early part of the race before running on adequately enough. He should have come on for the run and can go closer today, most likely leading again. (8) TRIPLE STORM has given himself too much to do on each of three appearances to date but has run on strongly each time. He has an additional half furlong to play with today and can get closer. (10) MOVIE BROTHER has a 2nd and a 3rd to his name already and should be at least aiming for another place here. (9) TOHAM STRONG is the most experienced in the race and while that’s not really a good thing in a maiden, should have enough about him to get close.
Race 6: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A field of twelve maiden gallopers will line up over 1400m in the sixth event on the card. (6) CHEONGDAM DRIVE lines up for his first run since August when finishing third over the same distance. The Rock Hard ten colt looks as if he will be one of the pacemakers in the race, showing plenty of early speed last time out. Expect the three-year-old to cross in the early stages and take some running down. (2) INDIAN PARTY improved at his most recent effort back in August when settling in the leading division and eventually running third. From barrier two rider Jo In-Kwon may should be able to kick up and hold a prominent position. (4) STAR EYE lines up for his second start after rattling home on debut in a race over the six furlongs. The Violence colt will naturally appreciate the step up to the 1400m. Lee Hyo-sik needs to ensure the deficit at the top of the straight is not too great to reel in. (11) ADELE FIRST is yet to place after four career starts but looks capable of running into some minor money. The Bob And John filly will line up over the 1400m for the first time today.
Selections
(6) Cheongdam Drive (2) Indian Party (4) Star Eye (11) Adele First
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
2, 6
Race 7: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Another race with plenty of live chances. (2) TOP LUCKY was a front-running 2nd at class and distance three weeks ago and is nicely drawn to get on speed again. She has been a touch inconsistent over five starts so far but should be close. A wide draw doesn’t harm the prospects of (12) MAGIC PARTNER. The Tapizar gelding has the best time of any of these at this distance and should run on strong late on. (1) TOP MATE is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes from his first two runs. He takes a considerable step up in trip too but looks to have scope for more development and should be a factor. Also up in class is (10) DOCTOR KHAN. He was indifferent on debut at this trip in July but looks ready for another crack following a 3rd and then a maiden win back at 1200M. (9) BEAUTIFUL GALLOP is another serious contender having run on well for 2nd place at 1300M last start and is nicely in the weights today.
Selections
(10) Doctor Khan (2) Top Lucky (12) Magic Partner (1) Top Mate
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 7
Race 8: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The eighth race will a very competitive Class Five event take place. (3) PAI BLADE is the on top selection after backing up his maiden victory with a good performance to finish second over the 1400m. The four-year-old is yet to finish worse than third from four starts and should handle the step-up to the mile with ease. (2) JEONSEOLUI FIGHT handed in a good performance last time out to finish runner-up to Sky Win over the mile. The galloper’s consistency sees him line up in Class5 company without a maiden win yet. He gets a great chance to sit just off speed and run over the top of his rivals in the final stages. (6) MISS ADELE is another yet to win but has shown glimpses of promise in her eleven start career to date. She lined up in the inaugural running of the Luna Stakes last start for the fillies, where she was severely outclassed. With fresh legs she is capable of running into the money. (4) PORRIMA has broken the heart of many punters in her six start career to date. The Old Fashioned filly has placed on four occasions and with just 51kg on her back she must be considered.
Selections
(3) Pai Blade (2) Jeonseolui Fight (6) Miss Adele (4) Porrima
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
3, 4
Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) NICE ONE steps rapidly up in class having won his latest two in fine style. Today sees a significantly stiffer assignment but the manner of his last start win at this distance suggests he needs to be taken seriously. Four of these raced each other at class and distance back on August 28th. (4) GOOD THUNDER came out the best of them that day with a good 2nd place. He has won over this distance and has never finished worse than 5th in seven outings. While he carries an additional 2kg today, he still has solid claims. (8) ACE BOOM ran 4th in that race and can aim to match or better that today. (11) VEGA THUNDER has just the one win from nine starts but has finished runner-up on no fewer than six occasions. The win might be beyond him again but don’t rule him out of going close once more. (1) DAEDONG GISANG and (3) FINE TRUMPET are others in the hunt while (6) QUEEN OF THE WORLD was overmatched in the Oaks but should find today’s company more amenable.
Selections
(4) Good Thunder (9) Nice One (11) Vega Thunder (8) Ace Boom
Next Best
3, 1, 6
Fast Start
6, 3, 9
Race 10: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A field of twelve will face the starter in the tenth where there appears to be a handful of chances. The win of (3) AKER’S DREAM back in August was very good. The Discreet Cat colt clocked a good time when taking up the lead and never being caught. He stays in the same grade but will carry an additional 4kg. He goes over the same distance once again and looks a great chance of back to back wins. (6) CHEAT KEY comes off a last start second in this grade behind Black Eagle Wind back in August. The import normally races in the first four or so runners and he should get the chance to do so once again with limited pace engaged. A maiden win does not look too far away. (10) HANBIT YEONGGWANG has finished second at her past three starts. The consistent type has shown a liking for the sprint distances. She gets in well in the weight scale with just the 54kg on her back. (9) ROCKY SKY will line up for his first run since January. The Sky Mesa gelding trialed up in September clocking a good time. Keep the three-year-old safe in your novelty bets.
Race 11: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
(2) RETURN OF SUBSIDY ran a useful 5th on his first try at this distance in August. He doesn’t win out of turn but the booking of a promising apprentice jockey takes 4kg off his back this time around and he has claims here to go very close. The experienced pair of (6) GANGHAN JILJU and (4) GYEONGJUUI DUREBAK came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at class and distance at the end of August. Both are very capable and despite the weights they carry, they should both be competing here. (1) GWANGHWAMUN SIDAE was a touch disappointing on his latest appearance back in August but he has won at this distance in the past and is worth another chance here. (9) ORYONG has plenty of quality and while he hasn’t been at his best in his recent appearances, is a very capable type and can’t be discounted. (8) CURLIN TIME and (12) MALIBU BYEOL are among others in the frame.
A second attempt at admitting a small number of racegoers to Korean racecourses and off-track betting centers will begin this weekend. Permission was previously granted in late July for a partial reopening but was rescinded one day beforethe scheduled start date.
Could closed-door racing finally be coming to an end?
While new COVID-19 cases in the country continue to hover between 50-120 per day, Korea nevertheless lowered its social distancing guidelines to the lowest level in mid-October as it seeks to manage the virus while enabling parts of the economy that have been shuttered, to reopen.
Fans were immediately admitted to football, baseball and basketball stadiums. Two weeks of attendance at those sports have now passed without incident and permission remains in place for a partial re-opening of the racecourses.
From Friday, up to 20% of the average attendance will be permitted to enter the Seoul, Busan and Jeju Racecourses while 10% of capacity will be allowed at Off-Track Betting Centers (OCBs). The exception is the OCBs at Bucheon and at the Walker Hill in Seoul, both of which will remain closed for the time being.
All seating will be allocated and punters must make a reservation one day in advance using the “My Card” betting application. No walk-up admission will be available at either the racecourses or OCBs. Masks will be mandatory.
It it goes ahead it will mean that Friday’s card at Jeju will mark the first legal betting on horse racing in Korea since February 22nd. Only horse owners were permitted to enter the track during the behind-closed-doors summer meeting. Permission was granted in late July for a partial reopening but was rescinded one day before the planned start.
This weekend, racing will be conducted at Jeju on Friday, Busan on Saturday and Seoul on Sunday for the same reduced prize money that has been raced for at the closed-doors Friday meetings over the past two weeks. Thoroughbred races will be run only over 1200M, 1400M and 1800M. It is hoped that a more normal schedule, as well as international simulcasting, will be permitted from one week later.
Eoma Eoma was the star of Friday’s behind-closed-doors meeting at Seoul Racecourse, taking out the class 1 feature and in the process breaking the track record for 1400M,
They might only be racing for small stakes but for the second week running, the form mostly held up. Aside from Eoma Eoma, the shock Korean Oaks winner Uaryung (Testa Matta) showed that her win in Busan in August was no fluke by handily defeating a batch of class 4 gallopers while down at Busan, exciting juvenile Winner’s Man (Musket Man) moved on to three wins from three starts with an easy score over older horses, also at 1400M.
Eoma Eoma (Algorithms) didn’t debut until December of his juvenile season but won his first three races – either side of the first shutdown – in such style that he was allowed to take his chance in both the SBS Sports Sprint and Owners; Cups. He performed valiantly in both finishing 3rd and 2nd to Morfhis and East Jet respectively. Given his lack of experience those were a tough ask but he ran well both times and the manner of his win today, with Moon Se Young needing to do very little in the way of encouragement, suggests he will be the one they need to beat next season.
As it stands, there is a possibility that some spectators can be admitted to the racecourses next weekend, which would mean that racing would return to a more normal Friday to Sunday schedule. However, this morning’s Covid-19 figures showed 138 new local transmissions nationwide with 98 of them in Gyeonggi Province – in which Seoul Racecourse is located. If the numbers remain at that level or higher over the next few days, there is a chance the government may reinstate “Level 2” social distancing, which would in effect put everything back to square 1 and would mean these Friday “zombie meetings”, with no crowds and no betting and low Stakes, would have to continue.
After a second prolonged shutdown, Korean racing took its first steps back toward resumption on Friday with behind-closed-doors/no wagering cards at both Seoul and Busan. They may have been racing for significantly reduced prize money but there was no shortage of competitiveness as Ioannis Poullis rode four winners at Busan while Japanese jockey Msasahi Ueda landed his first Korean winner at Seoul.
The very good Ssonsal (Adios Charlie) was the pick of Ioannis Poullis’s four winners on the ten-race card at Busan. The four-year-old Bart Rice trainee moved on to seven wins from thirteen starts as he outlasted two-time SBS Sprint winner Doraonpogyeongseon and regular rival Seobu Cat in the 1400M class 1 feature.
At Seoul there were 15 races and while Tiz Plan was scratched from the feature, there was still plenty of interest in the 1800M Class 1 affair. Ultimately it would be won by Cheongdam Jewang (Shackleford) ahead of the progressive Australian import Brigadier General (Tapit).
While it was a relief for everybody involved to be out and racing, albeit in somewhat surreal circumstances and for vastly reduced prizes, for Masashi Ueda it was no doubt especially so.
Japanese jockey Ueda was licensed early this year but his arrival was delayed first by the initial Covd-19 shutdown and then by Japan and Korea’s tit-for-tat entry bans. He finally arrived in mid-August and completed his mandatory quarantine only for racing to then immediately shut down again before he had managed a single ride.
Ueda kept busy riding work and trials throughout September and early October and his reward came in race 5 as he made all on Most Speed (Federalist) to secure his first Korean victory.
Another set of these low-stakes/no broadcast meetings will take place next Friday. If Covid-19 restrictions remain at their current “level 1” grade, then there is a chance of more normal racing resuming in November.
Racing – of a kind – will resume in Korea on Friday with both the thoroughbred tracks at Seoul and Busan, as well as the pony racecourse on Jeju hosting race meetings. The meetings will take place behind closed doors for significantly reduced prize money. There will initially be no wagering either locally or internationally. Races will only be held on Fridays.
Following a four-month hiatus in the first half of the year, racing was abandoned again at the end of August. The purpose of these race meetings is to support connections and horsemen who have kept horses in work throughout the prolonged shutdowns. It was felt that offering prize-money – albeit at a significantly reduced level – was the best way to distribute the money while keeping the industry ticking over so it is in the best shape possible if and when a normal resumption becomes possible.
Class 1 thoroughbred races – the top level of racing – will have a total purse of 40 Million Won (compared to 110 Million normally) while Class 6 – the lowest level – will keep its usual purse of 22 Million Won. Across all levels there will be a more even distribution of prize-money among place-getters with each winner receiving 33% of the total purse compared to 58% in normal circumstances. Thoroughbred races will be run over three distances only; 1200M, 1400M and 1800M. All races will be run under allowance conditions with set weights according to ratings bands.
Korea unexpectedly lowered its social distancing alert to “level 1” earlier this week. This has enabled spectators to return to baseball and football stadiums and means there is an outside chance of some spectators being admitted to the track from the first week of November (racing needs other sports to have successfully completed at least two weeks of fans in attendance). If this were to happen, then more normal weekend racing with wagering would be able to resume. We have been here before though.
Triple Nine, a record-breaking four-time President’s Cup winner and Korea’s all-time leading money earner, has been retired. The eight-year-old last ran in the Herald Business Cup in June and with racing in Korea on another indefinite hiatus, the decision was taken to retire him.
Triple Nine (Picture: Alex Cairns)
With fifteen wins from thirty-three starts in Korea and 4.7 Billion Won (US$4Million) in prize money, Triple Nine retires as one of the most successful and significant horses in local racing history. He won five Korean Group 1 races, including an unprecedented four consecutive Presidents Cups from 2015 to 2018 as well as the Grand Prix Stakes in 2018.
Bred by Isidore Farm on Jeju Island, and placed by owner Choi Byung-bu with trainer Kim Young-kwan at Busan, Triple Nine ran 2nd on debut as a juvenile in late November of 2014. He then won four in a row before being beaten by Yeongcheon Ace in the Korean Derby the following May. He would be runner-up again in the final leg of that year’s Triple Crown with stablemate Rock Band besting him in the Minister’s Cup.
Triple Nine in the President’s Cup winner’s circle for the 4th time (Pic: KRA)
There weren’t many more setbacks. In October of 2015, Triple Nine turned the tables on Rock Band to secure his first President’s Cup, a race he would go on to make his own. In the 2016 edition he defeated another stablemate, the Triple Crown winner Power Blade before equaling Dangdae Bulpae’s feat of three wins in the race in 2017 with Power Blade once more coming home in 2nd place. A year later he came from off the pace to score his historic fourth win in what is, Derby aside, the richest race restricted to Korean bred horse.
Triple Nine didn’t only run well against his fellow Korean-bred horses though. He finished in 3rd place behind the Japan-trained pair of Chrysolite and Kurino Star O in the inaugural Korea Cup in 2016 and was again the best of the locally-trained runners in the international race a the following year when 4th to London Town.
In early 2017, Triple Nine joined Power Blade in travelling to the Dubai World Cup Carnival. His 2nd place on his Meydan debut coupled with a 4th and a 5th in Group company earned him a spot in the Godolphin Mile and while that was a race too far, he had proved he could hold his own internationally, a precursor of what was to come from Korea-trained horses both in Dubai and at the Breeders’ Cup in subsequent years.
Across his career, Triple Nine also picked up victories in the Gyeongnam Ilbo and Busan Owners’ Cups but the one that appeared to be eluding him was the Grand Prix Stakes, the traditional season-ending finale in December. He finished 4th in 2015, 2nd in 2016 and 3rd in 2017. In 2018, he got it right, overhauling Cheongdam Dokki and Today in the closing stages to claim victory at the fourth time of asking. Future stars Dolkong and Moonhak Chief were 4th and 6th.
That would ultimately prove to be his final victory. Injury kept him out for the entire 2019 season and while he reappeared earlier this year to run a creditable 3rd in a tune-up race, racing’s enforced shutdown then intervened. His 8th place in the Herald Business behind Cheongdam Dokki in June and then the second shutdown meant that Triple Nine’s racing days were over.
“Triple Nine has had a huge influence on my life” said owner Choi Byung-bu. “He is like a child to me and I am sorry he can’t end his career in a flashy way. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have supported Triple Nine”.
That “flashy way” would have been an official retirement ceremony on a Sunday afternoon during racing at Busan Racecourse that as a Group 1 winner, Triple Nine would have been entitled to. Instead he quietly exits the scene, initially to Challenger Farm, which is also home to imported stallion Cowboy Cal.
Two and a half months of behind closed doors action was brought to an end of Sunday when Touch Star Man confirmed his status as Champion Three-Year-Old by adding to his KRA Cup Mile win with victory in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup at Seoul Racecourse. Following the conclusion of the meeting, Korean racing entered its most uncertain period since the Korean War with the sport going on indefinite hiatus from September after a rise in Coronavirus cases ended any prospect of any spectators – and therefore betting – being permitted for the foreseeable future.
A strong winner of the KRA Cup Mile in early July, Touch Star Man was never a factor in the Derby earlier in August though did rally late on to make it into 5th place. He was dominant in the 2000M Minister’s Cup, however, always racing prominently before leaving his rivals trailing in the home straight to record a four-length win.
It was an extremely turbulent race. After long-shot Miracle Icheon refused to leave the gates, Touch Star Man was involved in an incident himself when he crossed sharply causing a chain reaction that disadvantaged A To Z, Complete Kingdom and Top Day to all be impeded. Jockey Seo Seung-un picked up a five-day ban and was perhaps a touch fortunate that the incident was so early in the race and that his ultimate winning margin was so great.
More was to come on the second corner when at the back of the field, Derby runner-up Raon Tough Man took it upon himself to suddenly try to hurdle the inside rail. He achieved it and continued running on the empty inner-track but left jockey Choi Bum-hyun requiring hospital treatment for three fractured ribs after a heavy fall.
Thankfully the rest of the race passed off without incident and Touch Star Man [Testa Matta – Useung Touch (Menifee)] proved his superiority in the home straight. He moves on to five wins from nine starts. For jockey Seo Seung-un, it was a third win in a Classic race, having taken the KRA Cup Mile on Cheongnyeong Bisang in 2014 and the Korean Oaks on Deep Mind in 2019.
As for trainer Kim Young-kwan, Touch Star Man was his fifth Minister’s Cup winner. His previous ones were Namdo Jeap in 2009, Dongseo Jeongbeol in 2011, Rock Band in 2015 and Power Blade in 2016.
One of very few positives to come out of this wretched year is that the three-year-olds got to have their Triple Crown races (although the fillies have missed out on the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the “Tiara” which was scheduled for this coming Sunday).
This year’s juveniles look set to miss out on most, if not all the rest of the season but at Seoul, they gave us a glimpse of what to look out for in next year’s Triple Crown in the inaugural running of the “Rookie Stakes”.
Thirteen juveniles went around in the 1200M test and it was Heungbaragi [Old Fashioned – Grand Marketing (After Market)] who led from gate to wire, just as he had done on debut a month ago. Will he get further? Which of the ones he beat will emerge as threats as the distances get longer? And what about Busan which was due to run its first big juvenile race later? Those are questions about which we can only speculate on the answers.
So what now? The new shutdown will encompass at least all of September and will likely include the Chuseok holiday in the first week of October. After that things will be dependent upon whether there has been an improvement in the Coronavirus situation to the extent that there is a real prospect of spectators being allowed on course or if the legislation to legalise online wagering is making progress.
The majority of KRA staff have been placed on furlough three-days a week, however, trackwork is for now continuing as normal so that if things do go well, the horses are ready to race right away with just a week’s notice to be given for resumption.
Horse Racing in Korea 