Author: gyongmaman

Triple Nine Bids To “Winx” The President’s Cup: Race-By-Race Preview (November 4)

Triple Nine will be seeking to enter the history books at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday as the three-time President’s Cup (KOR G1) winner, bids to add an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the top Group 1 race for Korean-bred horses. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. Here are the previews with horse-by-horse notes for the President’s Cup which is race 9 on the program at Seoul, scheduled to be off at 16:45″

Triple Nine KRA

Can Triple Nine make it into the President’s Cup winner’s circle for the 4th time? (Pic: KRA)

Last year, Triple Nine equaled the great Dangdae Bulpae’s record of the consecutive President’s Cup victories which were achieved between 2010 and 2012. Unlike Dangdae Bulpae, who was retired after an unsuccessful tilt at the 2013 edition, the Kim Young-kwan-trained six-year-old will be a firm favourite to write his name into Korean racing folklore.

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) SAEROUN CAPTAIN just missed out by half a length when 2nd at this distance on what was his fourth career start at the end of September. He led until almost the very end that day and this time can get home on top. (6) HWANSANGUI BIT didn’t do himself justice over 1300M last start but should be better dropped back to the minimum today and is likely to join Saeroun Captain on the early pace. (7) SONGAM BARBIE has only raced twice, improving to 2nd on the latest of those a month ago, just beaten a neck and she can go close as well. (5) JEONGSANG GOLD was 5th in that race, overcoming a difficult start and is another who looks on the up.

Selections (1) Saeroun Captain (6) Hwansangui Bit (7) Songam Barbie (5) Jeongsang Gold
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 6

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here and only one of them has ever raced before. That was (5) GOLD PERILLA and based on that one race, we’ll leave him well alone. (1) COILRO enters as the only trial winner and while his time wasn’t the quickest, he looked competent and the Simon Foster/Antonio Da Silva combination could be enough to make him favourite. Fastest in trials was (4) HAMYANG SANSAM. She’s half-sister to plenty of average racehorses and could well have a win in her at this level. (2) BANJIUI HAMSEONG caught the eye too when running 3rd in his heat at the end of September. With a top jockey on board, he’ll attract money too. (8) BEST HILL and (10) VICTORY KING could also go well first-up. As ever in this type of race, the market may be the best guide.

Selections (1) Coilro (4) Hamyang Sansam (2) Banjiui Hamseong (10) Victory King
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 2, 5, 12

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) WONDERFUL TRUTH was a nice-looking six-length winner over 1000M on debut on October 6th and while she’s up in both class and distance today, she’s worth putting on top again in this all-filly contest. She should be able to get to the lead from gate 7 and can go all the way. (8) FLYING HERA remains a maiden but goes well at this trip and was 3rd in arguably a slightly stronger race than this at the distance on September 9th and she’ll be one of the dangers, as will another maiden (6) RAON MIRACLE. She has plenty of experience at this level and her recent forms reads well. (3) GOLDSTAR HILLS has been around the block a few times and drops back in trip today and into the frame while (9) RISING SOCKS acquitted herself well running 5th in a similar race to this last time and can build on that here.

Selections (7) Wonderful Truth (8) Flying Hera (3) Goldstar Hills (6) Raon Miracle
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 7

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) WINT SEVEN ran 3rd on debut in August and after having a couple of minor hoof problems returned to trial in October in which he as extremely impressive. He’ll be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day and should win. He’s one of only five of the twelve who have raced before and among the other experienced ones, only (6) CAMPING MANIA really convinced and she’ll be a danger. Of the first-time starters, (4) SAMAE (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 3)

It’s the eve of the President’s Cup where on Sunday Triple Nine will look to secure his historic 4th straight victory. Before that, there is a 12-race card at Seoul on Saturday from 1:45 to 18:00:

RH7_8508

Mighty Ssing will be heard to beat in race 11 at Seoul on Saturday

 

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A rather weak maiden to kick things off and (6) ANGELA, one of only two in the race to have a 2nd place finish to her name, could be the one to take the opportunity to get her maiden win. That 2nd came behind Surfing Point, who has since won again at a higher level and she can win here. The other one with a runner-up finish in their record is (5) SCARLET PERFECT. She’s been a bit ordinary in three subsequent starts but should have enough about her to be competitive today. (4) PARRHESIA got badly bumped about at the start last time but recovered well to run and encouraging 4th and he can improve today. (1) SINUI CHUKBOK and (3) I’M HAPPY are others who may improve.

Selections (6) Angela (4) Parrhesia (5) Scarlet Perfect (1) Sinui Chukbok
Next Best 3, 7
Fast Start 1, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Five of these raced each other over the distance on October 7th filling out 2nd to 5th. (9) BINNANEUN RUBY came out the best of them that finishing a couple of lengths ahead of (5) GEOTAP. Both those tow look nicely in here and it’s Geotap who perhaps has the potential to improve. (1) PUNGMUNEURO ran a solid enough 4th last time out on October 6th, his best finish to date and she looks as though she could get even closer today. (7) REAL GANGJA was a much improved 3rd over 1200M at the end of July. He comes in after fourteen weeks off and up to 1300M for the first time, which may suit. (12) WHITE FLOWER looks best of the rest.

Selections (5) Geotap (1) Pungmuneuro (9) Binnaneun Ruby (7) Real Gangja
Next Best 12, 8, 4
Fast Start 2, 4, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Maiden juveniles only here with five of the eleven racing for the very first time. Starting with the experienced ones though, (4) GAON FORCE ran 2nd over 1000M on October 6th on what was his second career start. He tackles further than the minimum distance for the first time here and is probably the one to beat. (1) SSOARAUTS came 3rd in that same race, a full five-lengths back on what was her racecourse debut. It was promising enough and the way she ran on suggests the enhanced trip will suit. (10) DANGDAE ROYAL debuted at this distance in September, running 3rd and should be a factor too as should his stablemate (6) RULES ICHEON, who has done nothing wrong across two outings to date. Only one of the debut-makers really catches the eye. That’s (7) LUMINESCE, who impressed in a trial a month ago and if he brings that kind of showing to the races, will go very close.

Selections (4) Gaon Force (7) Luminesce (1) Ssoarauts (6) Rules Icheon
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 6, 10

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) POP STREET got his maiden win on his second career start in January but then didn’t reappear until last month. He ran very promisingly on his return, finishing 3rd at this distance behind a couple of useful looking types. He is well drawn to get the lead here and can go all the way. (4) RAON SIRIUS drops back in trip having run 3rd at 1300M on October 7th. He finished in the same position on his last try at this distance too in a fast time back in August and he looks to be the main threat. (1) SUJEBII held his own on his first try at this level, running 5th of 11 on a wet track and can go well here too. (6) LUCKY BONGHWA remains a maiden but returned from five months off with an encouraging performance at the end of September and is another who should be in the hunt.

Selections (2) Pop Street (4) Raon Sirius (6) Lucky Bonghwa (1) Sujebi
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 2

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported juveniles going here with four of the ten racing for the first time. Among the other six though, we have an already proven winner in the shape of (6) ULTRA PUNCH, who achieved one of the fastest times of the year so far in scoring over this distance on October 6th. The time was no doubt assisted but the wet track but nevertheless, it’s enough to afford him favourite status here. Four-lengths adrift in 2nd that day was (3) EAST KWAENAM, who was making his debut. That was encouraging and followed a trial win in September. He’s favoured to get closest once more. (1) PHOENIX WOLF raced very greenly on her debut three weeks ago to the extent a warning was placed against her. She previously won a trial in quick time so evidently has some ability and if she fixes her manners, we may see a big improvement. (5) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI didn’t get the best of trips in her debut the same day and is another who could show more. Of the debut-makers, (10) M J POWER, a trial winner at the end of September, looks the most promising.

Selections (6) Ultra Punch (3) East Kwaenam (1) Phoenix Wolf (5) Wujeongui Hyanggi
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 10

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(11) HAEDEULMOE got his maiden win over this distance in early September, scoring by six-lengths. He ran 2nd on his first try at this level four weeks ago, beaten by Baeksan Meniqueen, who has plenty of potential herself, and he can overcome the wide draw to get on pace and win here. (1) RAON JAMES is up in class following his own maiden win in September. It was even more eye-catching as he prevailed by a full eight-lengths and (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 2)

While Triple Nine’s bid for a fourth consecutive President’s Cup on Sunday is the undoubted headline of the week, there’s plenty to keep us ocupised while we wait. The weekend’s action gets underwat at Busan on Friday where there are 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00:

RH7_4343

You Hyun Myung already leads the Busan jockey standings and with a number of his rivals in Seoul for the President’s Cup, can make further gains on Friday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(5) TROPHY COLLECTOR has run 3rd in his latest two outings, both at this distance and he looks set fair to get his maiden win here. He hasn’t been the fastest of starters so far but is well drawn here to get a good early position and should be too strong. (3) BUGYEONG DANDY was a much-improved 2nd – and only beaten a neck – at this distance three weeks ago and is the expected main danger while (4) BAENGNICHONG and (8) HWANGGEUMIBITMASAENG have both shown signs of figuring things out in their respective latest outings with the latter stepping up to this trip for the first time today. (1) HANEOLUI BIT is the wildcard. He races for the first time since April but looked very competent in a trial two weeks ago and could go well first-up.

Selections (5) Trophy Collector (3) Bugyeong Dandy (1) Haneolui Bit (4) Baengnichong
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 5, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Small field but it’s restricted to juvenile maidens so there’s a big prize on offer. Four of the eight are racing for the first time but it looks to be between two of the ones who have prior experience. (7) TOHAM ACE was a solid 4th on debut at 1000M on September 28th, finishing off very nicely in a manner which suggests the additional trip today can only be beneficial for him. He has solid claims here. (8) TRUE KING also ran 4th on debut and then followed up with a 3rd on his second start. Both those were at 1000M and he too looks the type who can appreciate further. It’s a toss-up between the two and which one to go for may come down to how they look pre-race but for now we’ll side with Toham Ace. The other two with experience haven’t offered much so for next bests we’ll go with debut-makers. (1) TITLE CODE looked good in a trial earlier this month while (4) DONGBANG WARRIOR actually finished ahead of Toham Ace when they qualified together at the beginning of September. As ever, watch the market for clues.

Selections (7) Toham Ace (8) True King (1) Title Code (4) Dongbang Warrior
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second heat of the juvenile maiden sees another set of four first-timers taking on four with experience. (5) RAON ARES ran 4th on debut in a decent time on October 5th. He was close to the pace throughout and today is nicely drawn to lead from the gate and all the way. Of the others with experience, only (4) B.K. VICTOR offered much on debut although (8) THUNDER RAIN looked much better when trialing up again earlier this month after finishing last on debut, so we’ll turn to the first-timers to find some competition. (2) FLYING DANCER has looked good across a number of trials, acquitting himself well in amongst experienced racehorses a couple of weeks ago in the same heat as Thunder Rain. It’s a top trainer and jockey combination and he can begin his career in a positive manner here.

Selections (5) Raon Ares (2) Flying Dancer (4) B.K. Victor (8) Thunder Rain
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Yet more juvenile maidens this time with just two making their racecourse debuts. However, it’s fair to say that none of the ones with experience have been especially impressive so (1) POWER TOUCH, from the track’s top stable and with a bang in-form jockey aboard, has to be taken very seriously indeed. True, he was no better than average in trials but his stable rarely leaves their best in the mornings and he’ll be well-backed here. There’s a fresh start for (8) GEUMGANG CHILBO. She was favourite on debut in August having won a trial but was slowly away and scarcely involved. She comes back over two months later and should be a different prospect here. (3) DOCTOR WEEK didn’t do too much wrong when 7th of 12 on his debut at the end of last month and the prognosis is for improvement today, while (7) DAMYANG CHOEGANG is another who could potentially go better than he did first-up.

Selections (1) Power Touch (8) Geumgang Chilbo (3) Doctor Week (7) Damyang Choegang
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) MORNING BRAVO debuted all the way back in October of 2017 in very indifferent fashion. He didn’t reappear until August of this way, by which time he had been gelded, and he has been much better, running up consecutive 2nd place finishes., both at this distance. That does mean that he is up in class for the first time here but he looks to have scope for more improvement in him and he could win today. (7) BUGYEONG STORY is also still a maiden having been promoted to this level with back to back runner-up finishes in August and September. She ran a solid 3rd on her first try at this level on October 7th and should be close again here. (3) MUCHO and (5) GOLDEN KNIGHT have both proven competitive at this class already and have claims on going close. (9) HOPEFUL SIMON, a stablemate of Golden Knight, is yet another who has been promoted while still a maiden but shouldn’t be out of his depth at this level.

Selections (2) Morning Bravo (7) Bugyeong Story (5) Golden Knight (3) Mucho
Next Best 9, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 7

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Maiden juvenile imports compete for a big prize here and four of them are racing for the first time. They’ll have a hard time beating (1) CURLIN TIME though. The colt was 2nd on his debut in a fast race at this distance and it would be a surprise if he didn’t have far too much here. He doesn’t look particularly vulnerable but he did of course get beaten as favourite on his debut and on the off-chance he does come up short again, first-timers, (more…)

Can He Make It Four In A Row? Triple Nine’s President’s Cups So Far

A year ago, Triple Nine emulated Dangdae Bulpae in winning the President’s Cup for the third consecutive year. Now the six-year-old has a chance to enter unchartered territory as he bids to take home the trophy an unprecedented 4th time.

triple-nine-2-alex-cairns

Triple Nine (Picture: Alex Cairns)

It’s not only never been done in the President’s Cup before but it would be a first time in any Korean Group Race. Here are his wins so far:

2015 – Reward at least after Classic near-misses

Having finished 2nd in the Korean Derby to Yeongcheon Ace and 2nd in the Minister’s Cup to Rock Band, Triple Nine beat both his fellow three-year-olds to more than make amends for missing out in the Triple Crown races. Under Lim Sung-sil, Triple Nine was sent out as slight faovurite and stalked the early leaders before unleashing in the home straight to score by three-lengths from Rock Band and outsider Ildeung Hanghaesa.

2016 – Putting his Stablemate, the Triple Crown winner, firmly in his place

Stablemate Power Blade had won all three legs of the Triple Crown but he was no match for Triple Nine, who two months earlier had also finished ahead of him in the inugural Korea Cup. The younger horse could get no closer than three-lengths on the line as Seo Seung-un steered Triple Nine to a comfortable win. Success Story, who had run well at the Dubai World Cup Carnival at the stand of the year came home in 3rd place. Two months later, both Triple Nine and Power Blade would themselves jet off for successful stints in Dubai.

2017 – Beating Power Blade Again

With Power Blade having recently finally started to get the better of his rival, most pundits were of the opinion that this time there would be a changing of the guard. Not a bit of it as with Lim Sung-sil up once more, Triple Nine collared Power Blade with a furlong to go, zipping by him as if he was wasn’t there to claim his hat-trick by two-legnths on the line. The board ended up identical to that od 2016 with Success Story once more in 3rd.

Dangdae Bulpae won three consective President’s Cups between 2010 and 2012 but while he did attempt a fourth in 2013, it proved a race too far as he finished 10th of 16 as Indie Band took victory and was retired afterwards. Both Indie Band and Dangdae Bulpae are now retired at Isidore Farm on Jeju Island – the farm where Triple Nine was foaled.

DangdaeBulpae Statue4

Dangdae Bulpae now has his own bronze statue at Busan Racecourse (although his greatest wins were at Seoul he, just like Triple Nine, was trained on the South Coast). Triple Nine’s statue is already assured. If he wins on Sunday, it may just be in Gold.

Dae Wan Ma & King Socks Claim Seoul & Busan Juvenile Crowns – Set For December Clash

Juveniles took centre-stage at Seoul and Busan on Sunday as each track hosted its 2nd-leg heat of the Juvenile Series. At Seoul Dae Wan Ma produced a gutsy fightback to win the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, while in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup on the South Coast, it was King Socks who prevailed in style.

Dae Wan Ma Dokki Blade Gwacheon Mayor's Cup - KRA

Dae Wan Ma (yellow cap) gets up to deby Do Kki Blade (Pic: KRA)

Dae Wan Ma entered the Seoul race with 2 wins and a disqualification to his name, the latter coming in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup last month when despite being 1st over the line, he was thrown out after causing another horse to unseat his rider coming out of the gates.

Under Antonio Da Silva, the Colors Flying colt was quickly on the lead but seemed to be beaten when collared by second-favourite Do Kki Blade with a furlong to run. Dae Wan Ma though looks to be made of stern stuff as he rallied up the inside rail to get back on terms and ultimately get his neck in front on the line. Myeongpum Chukje was a full five-lengths back in 3rd place.

Dae Wan Ma will now head to the Breeders’ Cup on the first week of December, the final leg of the Juvenile Series, as Seoul’s top hope. There he will face King Socks, who had an altogether easier time in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday afternoon. While Busan’s field was smaller it was no less competitive with the eight youngsters having already combined for 13 wins from 20 total starts.

Lion Sun set the early pace with filly Top Of World going with him. Once they hit the straight, however, neither were any match for the Kim Young-kwan-trained Officer colt as King Socks came alongside the leaders two furlongs out and cruised away to win by eight-lengths on the line under jockey Lee Hyo-sik. Yeonggwangui Secret passed an exhausted Lion Sun and Top Of World to snatch 2nd.

In other noteworthy performances across the weekend, the exciting World Day (Ecton Park) moved onto six wins from seven starts, making all to win Friday’s class 2 feature at Busan over 1800M while also at the Southern track, King Of Ace ran out a comfortable winner of Sunday’s class 1 handicap for Australian trainer Peter Wolsley. The US-bred colt by Malibu Moon burst onto the scene last year winning his first three races before being interrupted by injury but has now won his latest two and looks set to finally fulfil his potential.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 28)

Dae Wan Man rallied late to land Seoul’s heat of the Juvenile Series 2nd leg on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday it’s Busan’s turn to stage its main lead up race for December’s Breeders’ Cup. The Gimhae Mayor’s Cup is the main event of a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 12:40 to 17:05. There is a alsso a full Sunday program in Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

GCTC 2018

Yeonggwangui Fight won the GCTC Trophy in September and is one of 8 juveniles lining up for Sunday’s Ginhae Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Extremely weak maiden to begin with. (2) FAPP CAT is slow but might just be a little less slow than the rest of these. She ran 2nd in a similar race to this in August and although she only managed 6th when favourite on reappearance last month, is probably worth another go here. (3) MISS MOUNTAIN has been up and down across four starts so far but really should be going close in this company. (6) MONEY SHARP and (10) NEUL SAE ACHIM have both hinted at some ability and can compete here. IN such a weak race, debut-makers have to be given a chance and of the two who go here, (5) STUNNING AGAIN looks the more likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections (2) Fapp Cat (3) Miss Mountain (6) Money Sharp (5) Stunning Again
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Slightly better fare on offer here and after running a decent enough 4th in his latest two outings, (1) UP LIGHT looks ready to push on and win this. He’’ settle just behind the early lead and should run on well. (4) BLACK SPIRIT hasn’t been too far away in her latest two either and should run well for an in-form stable. (8) BANGTANMA comes in having run creditably in two valuable juvenile races and should find the company more amenable here. (9) HANAMICHI and (3) FINAL CAPTAIN ran 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other on what was for both a second career start on September 15th. They both step up to this distance for the first time and can be competitive here.

Selections (1) Up Light (8) Bangtanma (4) Black Spirit (9) Hanamichi
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) GONG SAN remains a maiden after eight attempts but comes in having run a good class and distance 2nd last time out and should be firmly in the hunt today. (8) DAE BYEONHWA was 4th that day and should go close again although a stiffer challenge may come from (10) LOVELY NUTE. She had a poor day at the office last time out a month ago but is proven at this class and distance and should be much better today. (1) RULER has a win and a 2nd place from two outings to date and steps up in trip for the first time here. She’ll be on pace early and should be dangerous. (9) GANGHWA CHONGGAK is another who has proven himself competitive at this level and will be in the hunt as well.

Selections (10) Lovely Nute (4) Gong San (1) Ruler (9) Ganghwa Chonggak
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 11

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(12) HUIMANG STAR has been consistently close in recent starts and while she remains a maiden after ten attempts, that could change here. Her 4th place last time was in stiffer company than this and she has a chance. (1) MISS PYEONGCHON and (2) RULE OF SUM both enter with recent form reading well. Both are proven competitive at both class and distance and they look to be the main dangers. (3) WANY K is up in class having got her maiden victory at this distance last month. She can go well again but probably has a bit to find at this level. (7) SMARTY BLUE has been a touch disappointing in recent efforts and was beaten by two of these last time. That was first up after almost four months off and he can improve here.

Selections (12) Huimang Star (7) Smarty Blue (1) Miss Pyeongchon (2) Rule Of Sum
Next Best 3, 4, 10
Fast Start 1, 3, 7

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Competitive race which could go a number of ways. (10) PRIMO has been on the wrong side of a tight finish in both of her two latest outings, arriving on the scene just a touch late both times. She’ll be in the hunt again today and this time could get it right. (3) CHAPEL ACE is a winner of three from eight so far and ran well in defeat in a good race at this distance last time. He’s one of the main dangers along with (9) GLOBAL QUEEN, who finished 4th behind Chapel Ace at this distance at the beginning of September. Both of them have recently beaten (1) YEOKJEONUI SUNGAN. He goes well at this distance though and shouldn’t be too far away. (8) ULTRA CHAMPION is up in class following a three-length score at the end of last month and while the Gemologist gelding has a bit to find, if he can get to the front early, he has a chance.

Selections (10) Primo (3) Chapel Ace (8) Ultra Champion (1) Yeokjeonui Sungan
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 9, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) BIG FOOT beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on September 28th, his first start at this level after winning a maiden by ten-lengths in August. He’ll lead here and should have too much. (7) SUPER GOLD was 3rd behind Big Foot in that September race on what for him was also a first outing since getting his maiden win and he could well get closest again. (6) GIJEOGUIMYEONGSEONG ran a good 3rd at class and distance just two weeks ago and should be aiming to at least match that (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup Day: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

There is a big 13-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 10:45 to 18:00. The feature race of the day is the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, Seoul’s heat in the 2nd leg of the Juvenile Series:

Dae Wan Ma Dq

Dae Wan Ma crossed the line 1st in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup onlyh to be DQ’d – he’ll be well backed again in the 2nd leg of the Juvenile Series (Pic: KRA)

 

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

This is an especially weak maiden and while (7) BARAMUI MISO hasn’t been hugely impressive across her two starts so far, his 3rd – in similar strength company to this – and 5th – in stronger – suggest that with any kind of improvement at all, she should win, Next best is (2) TAP LUCK, who improved to 5th on his second outing last month and first at this distance. (1) SUPER CREED has shown some glimpses of ability too and while beaten by Tap Luck last time, can find the minor money here. (6) VICAR BRACING and (8) BRAIN SPEEDER have only raced once apiece and can be given a chance to improve.

Selections (7) Baramui Miso (2) Tap Luck (1) Super Creed (8) Brain Speeder
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with six of the eleven racing for the very first time. Among those with prior experience, both (2) BLUE FIRE and (9) GEUMA ZENITH have raced twice each with both registering a 2nd on their respective latest outings. Blue Fire’s was at this distance while Geuma Zenith’s was a narrow defeat in a fast time over 1000M and accordingly steps up for first time today. Both look to have serious claims. Of the other three who have raced before, (7) KAHINAH looks the best. Among the first-timers, there are two standouts. (5) NIMUI HYANGGI and (10) FIGHTING HERO both won trials in fine fashion, the latter especially and both can be backed first-up.

 

Selections (2) Blue Fire (9) Geuma Zenith (10) Fighting Hero (5) Nimui Hyanggi
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 2, 5

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

 

This maiden is restricted to fillies only. (6) FIRST RANK put in a solid shift on debut six weeks ago, finishing 3rd over 1000M. She made a lot of ground late on in the race and the additional distance today could well suit. She’s the top pick. (3) GREEN Y was a much improved 2nd on her latest effort at the end of last month. It wasn’t a very strong race but he improvement was notable and she’s another who may benefit from having further to race. (9) WONDERFUL HEELS is another who showed demonstrable improvement on her latest outing and is one to consider. (2) SOKBO WANGWI is a little more experienced and has raced well at this distance already and looks a good shout to place while (8) QUEEN OF CAMP is another who should be in the hunt.

Selections (6) First Rank (3) Green Y (2) Sokbo Wangwi (8) Queen Of Camp
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 1, 3, 4

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Every time he runs now, we make the same jokes about (6) UNDEFEATED being anything but, however, we’ll draw a line through his latest because he’s back down in distance today and in against opposition he has every chance of beating. He’s well drawn to get a decent start and he can return to the winner’s circle. (3) MIREU STORM and (12) WINNER BROWN are both up in class having landed their respective maiden wins. Both should be very competitive here with Winner Brown marginally the favoured of the two. (8) DAESEUNG AGAIN ran 5th on his first try at this class last start and can build on it today. At the other end of the experience scale, (5) SSONSALGACHI ran 2nd in a not too dissimilar race three weeks ago and can aim for a repeat on what will be her fifty-second career start.

Selections (6) Undefeated (12) Winner Brown (3) Mireu Storm (8) Daeseung Again
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 9

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(9) CLEAN FLOWER has run 3rd and 5th in two outings at this level since getting her maiden win in July. Both times she’s more than held her own in stiff company and under Antonio Da Silva, she can win this, likely leading all the way. (10) HEUNG KKAEBI was a winner on debut on September 15th, over 1000M. She ran on well and should be able to handle both the higher class and increased distance with few problems. (12) RAON PRO SENSE and (8) KAILLUM YEOJE come in having finished 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other at 1000M at the end of September. With the extra furlong today, Kaillum Yeoje can reverse that form. (11) BODEURAM, 2nd last start at 1000M looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Clean Flower (10) Heung Kkaebi (8) Kaillum Yeoje (12) Raon Pro Sense
Next Best 11, 6
Fast Start 1, 8, 9

Race 6: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) GWANGPOK JUHAENG has been showing signs of figuring things out and after a 3rd place last start four weeks ago, he can make the breakthrough today. He’ll likely settle just behind the early pace which should be set by (1) LEADER’S CAMP. She also comes in following a 3rd place last start, albeit against slightly more modest opposition, and should go close again. Another one on speed will be (3) BLACK POKKYEOKGI. It’s been five months since his solitary outing so far but he looked good when making all in a trial earlier this month and could go well first up today. (6) GIVEN WEEKEND and (11) RAON STELLA are others who can go close.

Selections (4) Gwangpok Juhaeng (1) Leader’s Camp (11) Raon Stella (3) Black Pokkyeokgi
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 1, 3

Race 7: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maiden juveniles here and six of the eleven have raced before. (4) MUNHAK TSUNAMI was favourite on debut four weeks ago on the strength of a strong trial showing. He only managed to finish 2nd but it was a fast race and with any kind of improvement at all, will take some beating. Expect him to be an odds-on chance. (2) DARK PLAYER was four-lengths back in 3rd place that day and looks to be clear next best here too. Both are likely to be on the early speed. (5) SENSE JAENGI ran 2nd on debut in August before finishing 4th on re-appearance last month. He’ll need to improve to beat the top pair but should have the beating of most of the rest. Among the first-time starters, (6) GLOBAL BOSS a Cross Traffic colt, shoed some aptitude in his trial and looks the most likely to be competitive first-up.

Selections (4) Munhak Tsunami (2) Dark Player (5) Sense Jaengi (6) Global Boss
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 7

Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(12) SOL PARANG has won two from three so far and is up in class following an eye-catching eleven-length score over 1000M on October 7th. He’s also up in distance but he should be ready for it. He doesn’t need to lead from the gate so the wide draw is no real (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 26)

The final weekend of racing in October gets underway on Friday at Busan with an 11-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Plenty of action to get stuck into with foreign trainers Bart Rice and Peter Wolsley both having a few in contention:

Bart Rice

Trainer Bart Rice has some good chances on Friday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) LUCKY ADELE has a 3rd and a 2nd from among his three starts so far in what has been an interrupted career. He returned from more than a year out to record that 2nd place at the end of September and he’s the one they need to beat here. (5) DAY STAR comes in off the back of her best finish to date, finishing 2nd at this distance and beating a couple of these in the process. He’ll be the main danger along with (1) SUNDAY GLORY, who has shown some potential across three outings. (3) RINGING FLYING and (11) MAKGANG YEOGEOL are others who could step up.

Selections (9) Lucky Adele (5) Day Star (1) Sunday Glory (11) Makgang Yeogeol
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start 3, 6, 9, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with seven of the twelve making their racecourse debut. A few of the five with experience have shown some ability though, principally, (3) TANGENT, who ran a close 2nd on debut on October 5th, having briefly led close to home. It was a wet track that day but with a bit of improvement, he can win this. (6) DOCTOR CHIC gets dropped back in trip after a solid effort over 1300M on his first start in September, when he ran 3rd having led until the closing stages. He’ll be on pace here and could lead all the way this time. (11) JEONSAUI JILJU has raced twice, improving on his latest and is another who can go well. As for the debut-makers, (1) GABO DAY won his trial in fine fashion last month and will be well-backed first-up, but the pick of them could be (5) SECRET LEGACY, who has looked competent across two trials, recording a fast time in decent company on her latest two weeks ago.

Selections (3) Tangent (5) Secret Legacy (1) Gabo Day (11) Jeonsaui Jilju
Next Best 6, 10, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 6, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More maidens here, this time it’s restricted to fillies. Plenty are in the hunt but the slight top pick is (3) KEEP GOING, who looks to be figuring things out having run 2nd at this distance on her latest start a month ago. She can sit close to the early speed and finish strongly. That speed is likely to be set by (5) GEUMA GHOST, who ran 2nd on debut over 1000M last month. She steps up in trip today and will be a big danger. (6) ECTON SPEED came very close on her debut, just missing out in a tight three-way finish at this distance on a very wet track on October 5th. Two of the others here were back down the track and she can be taken seriously. (2) TOUGH GREEN weakened a little late on when tried at this trip for the first time last month but can get close here while (9) YEONGWON CHAMP has hinted at some ability across two starts so far at 1000M and having begun both rather sluggishly, may appreciate a bit of extra distance today.

Selections (3) Keep Going (5) Geuma Ghost (6) Ecton Speed (2) Tough Green
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Another competitive maiden with eight of the twelve tackling a mile for the first time. (9) JANGSAN JOY has offered few clues across two starts so far, both at 1300M. He ran on reasonably well for 4th last time and given the stable, he’s going to be well-backed here. Expect him to be on-pace early with the potential to lead all the way. (7) P.K. NINE looked on the verge of getting his breakthrough win in the summer but has seemingly lost his way a bit in a couple of starts since. The step up in trip could well suit and he looks set to go close. That applies to (12) MARU JJANG too, who actually beat Jangsan Joy on the latter’s debut and can give him a good race again. (2) TORNADO KING returns for the first time since February. He didn’t do a lot in three outings before his layoff but looked sharp in a trial last month. (11) CHEONDUNGBARAMSORI is one of those who has race at this distance before, beating two of the others who go here on his way to 4th place – albeit a long way behind the winner – at the end of September.

Selections (9) Jangsan Joy (7) P. K. Nine (2) Tornado King (12) Maru Jjang
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 7, 9, 10

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

With the exception of his first two starts, (1) FELICE has been sent off at single-digit odds every time. He’s yet to win but has a number of near-misses and today could be his day. The concern is his rather lackluster showing last time when he was beaten by, among others, (9) SHARP BELL. That was a big uptick in form for the latter, who remains a maiden after twenty-four attempts and has to be respected in this company today. (3) EURO SHINHWA and (4) EURO CAPTAIN both do have experience of winning already and both have claims here. Neither are especially quick starters but as long as they don’t leave themselves with too much to do, both are capable. (2) BAEKDU BAEKHO is the wildcard, returning after a twenty-week layoff. He’s been through a number of trials since and looked sharp enough in the latest of those two weeks ago.

Selections (1) Felice (4) Euro Captain (9) Sharp Bell (3) Euro Shinhwa
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 2, 5, 10, 11

Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) MAGIC STREET comes in off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes at this class, the latter of which was at this distance. His solitary win to date was also at 1200M and he looks ready to win again, most likely leading from the start. (6) SPOT returned from almost six months off with hoof issues to run a solid 4th over 1300M two weeks ago. The (more…)

Lead Money Wins Battle Of Greys In Jeju Governor’s Cup

Last Sunday’s Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul turned out to be the battle of the greys and with the pre-race favourites failing to fire, it was left to Ilgan Sports winner Lead Money to lead hime Sinui Myeongryeong to land a 280/1 exacta.

Oaks winner Special Stone was sent off the slight favourite in the G3 contest over 1400M but she was scarcely involved, ultimately finishing 6th.  Meanwhile the well-backed pair of Seouri Byeol and Ice Marine closed strongly for 3rd and 4th but were never in the hunt for the win.

Instead it was a two-horse race by the furlong pole and Lead Money (Exploit) ran on to comfortably defeat Sinui Myeongryeong (Hansen) by half a length on the line. It was the four-year-old’s fifth career win.

At Busan, the notable performance of the weekend came in Sunday’s feature as Ace Korea, the 5th place-getter in the Korea Sprint, returned to action at his home track and despite missing a step at the start, ran on to comfortably win over 1200M. He is definitely going to be one to watch in 2019:

 

 

 

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview for Jeju Governor’s Cup Day (October 21)

The Jeju Governor’s Cup highlights an 11-race Sunday card at Seoul and Indian Star will be bidding to win the 1400 Group 3 test for fillies and mares for the third consecutive year. She’ll be up against it though as a tough field of sixteen, including two Oaks winners and a whole host of others line up.  The 1st is at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. There is also racing at Busan with 6 races from 12:40 to 17:10.

Indian Star Jeju Governors 2017 Finish - Korea Racing Authority

Indian Star won the Jeju Governor’s Cup last year and the year before. She seeks an unlikely hat-trick on Sunday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(7) BANGTAN SONYEO has run 3rd on both his starts to date, both of them in valuable races (he actually was 4th across the line in the Munhwa Ilbo but the “winner” was disqualified). Neither of those races were especially quick but he showed prominently last time and here he will be expected to be on speed early and can win. Of the four others who have raced before, (3) JANGSAN FLY will be expected to improve – he actually ran slower on debut than he did in his trial – while (4) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM went back to trial after his own August debut and showed some potential. There are seven first-timer starters and among them, (12) GEUMBIT JANGIN was perhaps most impressive in trials. He’s a half-brother to plenty who have raced well, at least at lower levels. (9) HOMECOMING posted a fast time and should also go well first-up in what is a better than average looking maiden.

Selections (7) Bangtan Sonyeo (3) Jangsan Fly (12) Geumbit Jangin (9) Homecoming
Next Best 4, 6, 8
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

After an inauspicious debut, (4) RULE BREAKER has come back and posted a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent starts. The latest being at this distance. He’s well drawn to hit the front early and the only thing that should be broken by the end is his maiden. (7) MEGA CITY and (1) K ZONE came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on September 15th. Both have been there or thereabouts for some time now and look to be the biggest dangers to the favourite. (9) JEONGMUN K ran on well for 5th last time at 1200M and the additional half furlong today may benefit while (10) ROAD MAN ran a useful 3rd of 7 at the distance at the start of September and returns form a seven-week layoff with the potential to repeat.

Selections (4) Rule Breaker (7) Mega City (1) K Zone (9) Jeongmun K
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 7

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Small field but competitive with plenty in the hunt. (6) ISCRA is up in class following an eye-catching seven-length score over this distance on September 15th. It had been coming well as he had been getting progressively closer, never finishing worse than 4th over four starts to date. He made all that day and has every chance of doing so again. (9) DAE UNHA was the one who got closest to Iscra and he is accordingly up in class too – while he won’t be out of his depth, he obviously has plenty to find. A stiffer challenge is likely to come from (5) BARAMUI SORI, a winner on debut in August and who ran 2nd on her first try at this level five weeks ago. It’s her first try at further than the minimum distance, but she should be able to cope. Another leading contender is (7) BACK TO BACK, who looks to be coming back into form after a few wobbles in the early summer. (2) CITY CHAMP drops back in trip after good recent work at 1700M. He’s yet to get his maiden win but can challenge for a place in this company.

Selections (6) Iscra (5) Baramui Sori (7) Back To Back (2) City Champ
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 3, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 50 Million

After taking a few goes to find her feet at this level, (6) SKY MARINE has run well over her last two starts, most recently being beaten just over a length into 2nd at this distance on September 15th. That was a good race and she beat some decent horses making it hard to oppose her here. (7) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE also enters following a class and distance 2nd place. Like Sky Marine she’s been a little inconsistent but looks a potential danger today. (1) LUCAS ran a close 5th on his first try at this level just over a month ago. She’s up in trip for the first time and her running style suggests it may suit. There are a couple up in class following maiden wins last start but both (5) I AM WINNER and (10) BLESSING ROAD look as though they have plenty to find leaving (8) CHEONGSU DOLPUNG, who returns after more than a year off but trialled up well last week, and (9) LIVINGSTONE, as potential place-getters.

Selections (6) Sky Marine (7) Neungryeok Sidae (1) Lucas (9) Livingstone
Next Best 8, 3, 10
Fast Start 6, 7, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for imported juveniles here with just three of the eleven having raced before. (4) HAVANA CHARLIE was favourite on debut on September 9th having blitzed a late-August trial. He was beaten by a super performance by Gaon Queen and it would take something very special to beat him today. The other two with experience offered little on their respective debuts so we’ll turn to the first-timers to try to find some competition. (2) INCHEON SPEED showed plenty of speed when winning a trial two weeks ago and is the clear second pick. (5) FIGHTING LANGFUHR also came out on top in a trial and is the likely third-favourite. (3) SPEED WINNER and (7) MAPLE MOON others to catch the eye and both could go well first-up.

Selections (4) Havana Charlie (2) Incheon Speed (5) Fighting Langfuhr (3) Speed Winner
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) EAST KINGDOM enters in good form and was 3rd last time out (beaten a neck by Sky Marine, who we saw earlier) over 1300M. He steps up to two turns for the first time with little to suggest that it won’t suit and he could be hard to beat. (7) ADELEUI KKUM (more…)