Author: gyongmaman

Wonderful Fly Sensational In The Derby

The 2019 Korean Derby was turned into a one-horse procession as Wonderful Fly got the jump on his rivals early and and powered away to win the nation’s top three-year-old race by a near-record 13-lengths at Seoul Racecourse last Sunday.

Wonderful Fly KRA

While Global Chukje was sent off as a prohibitive favourite, the KRA Cup Mile winner was scarcely a factor. Breaking from an unfavourable gate he was wide the entire way around and could only run on for share of the minor money.

Wonderful Fly has similar bad luck with the draw down in Busan but from a perfect gate 5 this time, the result was never in doubt even if jockey Moon Se Young didn’t quite do as he was told.

“It wasn’t my instruction to lead” said trainer Park Dae-heung, “I wanted to be close but not in front. But I trust this jockey. It turned out he was right”.

Most of the other pre-race fancies such as True King and Glitter also struggled to play much of a role and so it was left to outsiders Simuangui Godong and Power Windy to fill out 2nd and 3rd, the latter coming from a seemingly tailed off last at the top of the stretch.

They finished the race an entire two-seconds after the winner, however.

Wonderful Fly Derby KRA

For trainer Park Dae-heung it was a first Derby in his twenty-third year of training. For Moon Se Young it was his third triumph in the race.

Wonderful Fly is a colt by Tiz Wonderful and out of Butterfly (by Pioneering).

The final race in the 2019 Korean Triple Crown series is the Minister’s Cup over 2000M at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday June 16th.

2019 KOREAN DERBY – FULL PREVIEW (May 12)

The 22nd running of the Korean Derby (KOR G1) takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (race 9 of 11 races which run from 10:45 to 18:00). Global Chukje, the dominant winner of the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the 2019 Triple Crown at Busan last month, is set to be hot favourite to score a repeat in the second jewel against fourteen rivals over 1800M.

Horse by horse comments for the Derby are followed by race-by-race for the rest of the Seoul card and then selections for Busan:

Seoul Race 9: KOREAN DERBY (1800M)

  1. DELTA BROTHER – Didn’t run as a juvenile but has won two of four starts this year, with his latest being a front-running victory over 1700M in April. It was only at class 5 so he is still relatively untested, but it showed good potential.
  1. DO KKI BLADE – Only start this term was a good win over 1700M at class 4 level on April 13th when he made all to win by three-lengths. Plenty of potential for improvement. He’ll want to be on pace from the start but has got the ideal draw to do it. There’s a bit of hype around this horse but it could be justified, especially after the draw.
  1. POWER WINDY – Takes his chance having run 2nd to True King at this distance on April 12th having previously racked up back to back wins at shorter. Ran on well that day but will need to find significantly more here.
  1. GABO DAY – Got wiped out coming out of the gates in the KRA Cup Mile but his 45/1 odds that day were likely fair anyway. A class 4 winner but only up to 1300M, the distance is a question too. Outsider again.
  1. WONDERFUL FLY – (KRA Cup Mile 7th) – Won his first two last summer but then suffered some injury setbacks. Showed promise when 2nd on his return over 1400M in March before running a creditable but unthreatening 7th in the Cup Mile. Ran on pleasingly enough from an unpromising position and could be one under the radar here. Multiple champion jockey Moon Se Young takes the ride.
  1. ENDURANCE – Just the one win from six starts so far, he comes in having run 2nd at class 5 over 1300M a month ago. Despite his name, his one attempt around two turns didn’t go well so there are question marks over the distance too. Likely to attempt to get close to the early speed and stay on as long as possible. Outsider.
  1. JANGSAN JOY – Has won twice over a mile at Busan and comes in here following back to back 3rd-place finishes at that same distance at class 4 level, beaten by useful ones both times. Had a couple of setbacks which makes this his first start since February. From a top stable and jockey Franco Da Silva won this race last year. Settles behind the early speed.
  1. DAEJI CHAMP – Two wins as a juvenile but yet to come out on top this term. Runner-up twice to promising filly Doctor Thunder over a mile in January and February. Latest effort saw him 3rd, again at a mile, at class 4 level a month ago. More needed here. Another likely to head for the front from the gate.
  1. WONDERFUL EVIL – Ran 5th in the Seoul Classic trial in March, coming from well-back to finish the quickest of all, but swerved the Cup Mile in order to win over 1700M at class 4 level, once more coming from of the pace. Could be coming into form at the right time and there could be more to come. Live outsider.
  1. SIMJANGUI GODONG – Only debuted in January and after finishing 3rd in his first two, went on to win his next pair, including a wild score over 1700M at class 5 on April 20th when he went so wide, he almost ended up climbing the grandstand. A Korean Derby has actually been in that manner in the past – Final Boss in 2017 – but you’d think he’ll need better manners in order to prevail here.
  1. GAON FORCE – Well backed for the Cup Mile having run a close 3rd in Seoul’s Classic trial in March but was one of a number who was severely hampered coming out of the gate and he accordingly never figured. He’s won 1700M
  1. TRUE KING – A little later coming onto the scene than most rivals, but he was a winner at this distance when he beat Power Windy on his way to scoring by two-and-a-half lengths at class 4 level in April. That puts him right in the hunt. Tucked in behind early lead and finished well. More improvement possible.
  1. GLOBAL CHUKJE – (KRA Cup Mile Winner) – The winner of the KRA Cup Mile, he cruised to the front early that day and won with a full eight-lengths to spare. He’s also a standout winner at class 3 level over 1700M and has shown plenty in the way of speed. He’ll be favourite and won’t need to improve too much to win. He doesn’t need to lead but there will always be question marks about such a wide draw.
  1. MYEONGPUM CHUKJE – (KRA Cup Mile 5th) – Likeable colt who could thrive on the distance. 4th in the Sports Seoul and then 5th in the Cup Mile but both were perhaps too short. Easy gate to wire winner over 1700M at class 4 in January. He has a chance.
  1. GLITTER – (KRA Cup Mile 4th) – Solid but unspectacular 4th in Cup Mile but he does hold a 3rd place in a fast class 3 race over 1800M – albeit on a wet track – which may stand him in good stead here. Needs more and will have to do it from the widest gate but can’t rule out the stable. Settles mid-position.

Verdict: A really competitive renewal of the Korean Derby sees (13) GLOBAL CHUKJE set to start a prohibitive favourite on the back of his demolition job in the KRA Cup Mile a month ago. He is the best horse at this stage and all things being equal, he’ll win. However, there are one or two doubts, not least the draw and it’s not impossible he could find himself in trouble in the straight. If that happens then the front running (2) DO KKI BLADE, the big winner from that draw, could be the one to take advantage leading gate to wire but also that one’s stablemate, the improving (5) WONDERFUL FLY, who can run his own race from gate 5. Then there is Kim Young-kwan’s (15) GLITTER, who can be expected to stick to Global Chukje like glue throughout. The long-shot play could be (9) WONDERFUL EVIL, a really good winner over 1700M last month and with potential to improve further still.

Selections (5) Wonderful Fly (13) Global Chukje (15) Glitter (2) Do Kki Blade
Next Best 9, 12, 14
Fast Start 1, 11, 12, 13

Here’s the race-by-race for the rest of the Seoul Sunday card:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Filly maiden to begin with. (4) CRAZY QUEEN came from just behind the early pace to run a strong 2nd on what was just her second start and first at this distance on April 14th. She’s well drawn to get to the front here and can win. (1) SONGAM BARBIE has been knocking on the door for a while and steps back up in trip in good shape to be competitive while (5) BINNANEUN RUBY too has been consistently close and could make a breakthrough here. (2) SUNSHINE MARINE and (8) JANGGUNUI SIDAE were both a touch below par last time but could improve here.

Selections (4) Crazy Queen (1) Songam Barbie (5) Binnaneun Ruby (8) Janggunui Sidae
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 3, 4, 9

Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) SPEED BELLE was a good winner in a fast time over 1000M on April 13th and steps up in class here with solid claims of a repeat. She raced promisingly over 1300M before so should have few problems with the trip today and can lead all the way. (2) LOOKING GOOD looked anything but when weakening on his latest start. He had a win and a 3rd place before that though, the latter at this class, and is worth another chance off six-weeks break. (7) HANEUL ACE beat Looking Good last time on her way to 5th on what (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 11)

It’s Derby Eve! There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(단신2) 출발 참관 프로그램 (2)

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

(6) SENTOSA has come by far the closest of these and looks set to start as firm favourite here. She’s the only one to hit the board so far and comes u following back to back 4th places in slightly stronger company than this. She may well lead all the way. It’s going to take a big improvement from anything else to beat her. (2) NAE GIRUI BIT has done nothing in six starts so far but did look good in an April trial so may improve while (3) HAENGBOGUI NAEIL has a 4th place to her name and should aim to beat it here. There is one debut-maker and in such a race it would be remiss not to give it a chance and (5) CHEONGSU BIG EAR put in a reasonable showing in a trial two weeks ago.

Selections (6) Sentosa (2) Nae Girui Bit (5) Cheongsu Big Ear (3) Haengbogui Naeil
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) ROAD HILL STORM and (2) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM came home 3rd and 5th with less than a length between them when they raced each other at this distance on April 13th. Both come in here looking ready to go close and we’ll side with Cheonnyeonui Baram to overturn that form and get his maiden win. (1) SINBU led early but weakened on her latest start five weeks ago but looked sharp in a subsequent trial and should be on pace from the start here with claims to stay on this time (8) O PI M J and (9) KKAEUCHIM are others with potential for improvement.

Selections (2) Cheonnyeonui Baram (7) Road Hill Storm (1) Sinbu (9) Kkaeuchim
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 5

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) FEDERAL CAT didn’t live up to expectations when well-backed over 1300M n March 30th. He drops back in trip today and can be given another chance with Moon Se Young retaining the mount in what is an inferior contest. (8) LUXURY POWER ran a much improved 4th in a better race than this four weeks ago and can continue to make progress here while (3) KHAN ACE and (4) DAEGUN OK also find themselves in more amenable company today then they have faced so far and can improve. There are two debut-makers and while (7) BEST WOMAN’s trial time wasn’t quick, she ran 2nd in her heat and showed that she knows what she’s supposed to do.

Selections (6) Federal Cat (8) Luxury Power (7) Best Woman (3) Khan Ace
Next Best 4, 1
Fast Start 3, 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) GOLDEN ANGLE ran a close at hand 2nd on debut at this distance on April 13th having previously caught the eye in trials. He should have come on for that run and is strongly favoured to go one better today. He’ll try to come from behind an early pace that will most likely be set by (2) BAEKSANG, who significantly improved into 2nd place himself on what was his second start last month and who looks like the primary danger here. (3) JEONGJOUI KKUM should be on pace as well and drops back in distance after a decent effort at 1300M three weeks ago. Also dropping back is (10) NUNBIT EUNYAK, who was 3rd on debut at 1300 at the end of March. He’ll have to overcome the widest gate but should be a factor. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, Luigi Riccardi’s (6) DIAVOLA won a trial just last week and can go well first-up here.

Selections (1) Golden Angle (2) Baeksang (6) Diavola (10) Nunbit Eunyak
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 9

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

(8) PLATINUM EURO was a winner on debut over 1300M on March 30th coming from just behind the early leader to run on well. He is up in class and distance here but looks to have potential for more. Despite the wide draw, he could well get a soft lead and is likely to be strong favourite here. Also up in class following a maiden win in (3) MAIN EVENT, however, it took him eighteen attempts to make his breakthrough and he likely has more to find. Instead the biggest danger may be (5) BARAM KING. A class and distance winner already, he was no better than ordinary when 6th in similar conditions last time out but can get closer today. (7) ADELEUI KKUM, with Busan-based Franco Da Silva aboard, looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Platimun Euro (5) Baram King (3) Main Event (7) Adeleui Kkum
Next Best 1
Fast Start 8

Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Small but competitive field. (5) HAPPY MAUNTAIN ran 3rd in a good race at class and distance on April 7th. He’s a runner who likes to come form off the pace and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do here, he has solid claims. (4) SUN START and (2) ECHO GOLD come home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

It’s Korean Derby weekend and we’ll have all the build-up to the big race over the next couple of days. In the meantime, however, there is a nine-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

https://twitter.com/KRAOfficial/status/1126339674534887431

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

Two standouts here with both (4) CHODONG DAEJANG and (6) BARAMGWA GUREUM coming in looking ready to win. Both came close int heir respective latest outings and both a are front-runners well drawn to lead. We’ll give the slight edge to Baramgwa Gureum, who comes in off just a three-week layoff and has a couple of kilos in hand. The rest of the experienced ones here don’t especially inspire so we’ll look at the two first-time starters. Both (1) MAJOR GUY and (10) SEOGANG YEOJE looked well in trials and couldn’t have picked a better race to debut in. Both can go well.

Selections (6) Baramgwa Gureum (4) Chodong Daejang (10) Seogang Yeoje (1) Major Guy
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens here. (5) NEW QUEEN comes in with recent form reading well and she can continue that here. She’s one of only two in the field to have a runner-up finish to her name already and she can at least match that today. (4) GOOD TREND hasn’t done too much wrong in two outings so far, both times finishing in 6th place and while he hasn’t really quickened in either, he can continue to make progress here. (1) DAENERYS IJI and (6) HWANGGEUMBITMASENG are others who have hinted at ability and could be in line for places. There are three debut-makers and among them, (2) CHARGE POWER looks the best. A half-sister to a few useful horses, she performed well in an April trial, showing decent speed and she has a chance first-up here.

Selections (2) Charge Power (5) New Queen (4) Good Trend (1) Daenerys Iji
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 8, 9, 10

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) YEONGSEONG STAR and (9) MORNING BRAVO came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on a wet track on April 12th. There was just a neck between them that day and both should be competitive here. It’s a wide-open affair, though. (4) HALLA HWANGHU was the beaten favourite in that same race on April 12th off the back of some good showings. She bumped at the start and then used up a lot of energy getting to the front. We’ll draw a line through that and give her another chance today. (6) LUCKY ADELE comes in off a useful 3rd place at class and distance three weeks ago and can get close again while (2) SECRET MEMORY remains a maiden after eighteen attempts but has shown positive signs in her latest two and could be a factor here.

Selections (4) Halla Hwanghu (6) Lucky Adele (9) Morning Bravo (2) Secret Memory
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

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

(9) SILLAUI MISO has finished no worse than 4th in five outings to date and comes in having had eight weeks off since running 2nd at class and distance on March 17th. Under You Hyun-Myung, she’ll look to get to the front right from the start and looks to be the one to beat. (10) YONGYEON steps back up in trip following a win and a runner-up finish over 1000M in his latest two starts. He too will look to get on pace early and looks a danger. (1) GHOST RIDER was slowly away and then failed to offer much last start but is better than that and can be given another chance here. (11) COMING AGAIN and (12) B.K. THUNDER are others in the hunt.

Selections (9) Sillaui Miso (10) Yongyeon (1) Ghost Rider (12) B.K. Thunder
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 5, 8, 9, 10

Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

This is as weak a maiden as we’re likely to see so (6) GOLDUI INYEON’s 5th place in and almost – but not quite – as weak event at the distance on April 19th, may be enough to her favourite here. She’s certainly the top pick. (10) BUSAN MAGIC finished 6th in that same race, less than a length behind and is also to be considered. That was her first try at this distance and she can improve here. (7) MAEPSI COLOR has been inconsistent across five outings to date but steps up to a mile for the first time here and it may suit while it’s a similar story for (4) TWO TWO HAMMER. Of all of them (1) RICH WONDERFUL has done least wrong, having only raced once. True, he only managed 8th but can have come on for the run and do better here.

Selections (6) Goldui Inyeon (10) Busan Magic (7) Maepsi Color (1) Rich Wonderful
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 4, 5

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

The second heat of this maiden is just as weak as the first. (4) YEONGBONGSAN performed badly in that April 19th race behind Goldui Inyeon, weakening to only beat three home. He was well-backed for a reason though, having run well in his previous two, and in similarly poor company today, gets another chance. (6) BAEKDU JANGSU ran (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

Sunday sees racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). Feature races are a pair of class 1 staying events over 2300M in the capital and 2200M on the South Coast. Here are the previeews (Busan selections below):

RH7_1841

It’s been a bit hazy at Seoul this weekend with plenty of dust in the air

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

(2) INDEPENDENCE came from off the pace to register a career-best 2nd place on March 17th, running on well when dropped back to this trip. He’ll be favoured to score here. (8) SEOUL MAGIC similarly scored on his return to this distance on March 30th, beaten in to 2nd at long odds by a good winner. That was a big uptick in form, and he can aim to repeat from the front under the same apprentice rider. (3) JIOBANA can perhaps have a line drawn through her latest having been bumped around at the start but ran well the time before and can come under consideration. (10) WANSEUNG MUPAE and (11) ANYANG LEOPARD come in off promising runs last start – the latter despite being later found lame – and either could run into a place here.

Selections (2) Independence (8) Seoul Magic (3) Jiobana (11) Anyang Leopard
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 7, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) CUPID CHOICE has been getting closer across five starts so far and was 2nd in a quick time over this distance on April 6th. From gate 2 she should be well positioned to come through strongly and go one better here. (7) PRIME QUEEN was a touch disappointing when favourite in a similar race three weeks ago but previously showed ability at this distance and can be given another chance today while (4) COMPLETE MOTION hasn’t shown an awful lot in the way of speed but did improve with 3rd last start and can continue to progress today. (1) CHEONJI POKPUNG and (12) JEONGSANG STAR are others to consider.

Selections (2) Cupid Choice (7) Prime Queen (4) Complete Motion (1) Cheonji Pokpung
Next Best 12, 11
Fast Start 3, 11, 12

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

Small filly-only field but it’s competitive. (6) SINGGEUREOUN TIME, the latest out of one of Korea’s most successful broodmares, is the likely favourite having followed up her maiden win in February with a runner-up finish on her first try at this class on April 7th. Both were at this distance and she can come from off the pace to mount a strong challenge ger (1) TAP LINE is yet to win in three starts but finds herself up in class today after three near-misses. Alan Munro takes the mount for the first time and she looks nicely in here. She’ll be expected to be on pace alongside (4) LUCKY SOCHEON, who came home behind (2) AMARONE last time. Both of those two should be in the hunt as well.

Selections (6) Singgeureoun Time (1) Tap Line (2) Amarone (4) Lucky Socheon
Next Best 3, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) INGRAN QUEEN looks as though she is finally figuring things out and rana solid 3rd over 1300M four weeks ago. She drops back in trip here and with Moon Se Young riding for the first time, this could be her day. (11) SAMAE JILJU should appreciate stepping back in distance too here. She’s run well on all three of her previous tries at it and if she can get forward early from a wide draw, should have a chance. (5) BIG PRO didn’t really recover from some jostling at the start on his latest effort but has had over two months off since then and can go better today. (2) WONDERFUL HEELS and (12) BLUE MEGA ELLA are others in the placing frame.

Selections (9) Ingran Queen (11) Samae Jilju (5) Big Pro (2) Wonderful Heels
Next Best 12, 10
Fast Start 3, 4, 11, 12

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

(8) MISTER HERO returned from six months off on April 6th to make what was just his third career start and it ended very well indeed as he recorded an eye-catching eight-length win. He is up in class today but with a good start once more, has every chance of backing up. (7) SA SA comes in off the back of a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two efforts, beating a couple of these in the latest of the, and she should be a danger here while (2) THANK YOU MOTHER’s form reads similarly and she should go well from a nice draw. (4) ROYAL SHALOM is up in class after a somewhat unexpected maiden win last start and looks equipped to be competitive at this level. (5) CHOEGANG STAR returned from five months off in April, running a solid 5th which he can build on today.

Selections (8) Mister Hero (2) Thank You Mother (7) Sa Sa (5) Choegang Star
Next Best 4, 11
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens and (3) BIG CLASSIC is set to be strongly favoured to make her breakthrough here. After finishing 3rd on debut, she was slow to begin and raced a touch ungenerously when 5th of 12 on her re-appearance at the end of March, but once she got going, she ran on really well and should thrive on the additional furlong today. It’s hard (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 4)

Racing moves up to Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_2659

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

(2) STRONG VULTURE returned from almost eight months off to run a useful 4th at this distance on April 6th. He should have improved for that run and can go closer here, likely looking to lead from the start. (7) KAHINAH was disqualified from her latest effort at the end of March for causing another horse to unseat its rider. She only ran on moderately anyway but previously had been looking ready to win. Since then the stable has come into form and with Moon Se Young up today, can be a big factor. (8) CHEONNYEON HAPPY is another who seems to be inching closer to a maiden victory. She ran a close 3rd last time at this distance, beating a couple of these along the way. (1) ACE SHINE and (10) DREAM MONEY are others who can go close.

Selections (2) Strong Vulture (7) Kahinah (8) Cheonnyeon Happy (1) Ace Shine
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 2, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(11) GEUMA MAJESTY enters having finished as beaten favourite in both his latest two outings. He hasn’t run badly on either occasion and while he’ll have to overcome a wide draw again, the opposition today is not intimidating and he’s worth another chance on top. (3) CAMP BADA came home 4th but less than a length in arrears of the winner at this distance on March 31st. From gate 3 she’s nicely drawn to get to the lead and can go even closer today. (4) ROAD WOMAN returned from almost four months off to run a good 2nd first-up on April 6th over 1000M. She’s run well at this distance in the past and is in the frame here. (1) YAHO M J CAT and (2) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK are others worth considering.

Selections (11) Geuma Majesty (3) Camp Bada (4) Road Woman (1) Yaho M J Cat
Next Best 2, 10
Fast Start 3, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here and it’s one of the three debut-makers who might just be the one to beat. (4) MYEONGWANG certainly caught the eye when making all to win a trail in a fast time at the end of March and if he brings that kind of performance to the track, he’ll take some beating. Plenty of those with experience have shown promise too though. (3) CUPID YEOWANG ran a good 2nd in an all-filly affair a month ago. She’s still learning but looks on the right track and can continue her progress today. (7) HANSEN BLADE was similarly green on debut last month but still did enough for 4th and with improved manners should be closer here. (2) UTGE HAEJULGE and (9) JEONGSANG DREAM also come in following promising runs last time and can come under consideration.

Selections (4) Myeongwang (3) Cupid Yeowang (7) Hansen Blade (2) Utge Haejulge
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 2, 4, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive handicap here with a number of the main contenders up in class. (6) RED BLADE may still be a maiden and may be up in class, but he still has every chance of scoring here. He come in following back to back runner-up finishes behind good winners and dropped back to 1200M, can make his breakthrough. (7) BULUI QUEEN is similarly up in class after two runner-up finishes and while she looks to have a little more to find, she should be competitive. (11) HAWK HAENGJINGOK was a winner on debut over 1000M three weeks ago and the increase in both class and trip are things he should be able to handle. Among those who have tackled this level before, (1) NEUL PUREUN CAT, who returned from his latest effort slightly lame, and (4) DANGDAE JILJU, who needs a line drawn through her latest effort, look best.

Selections (6) Red Blade (11) Hawk Haengjingok (7) Bului Queen (1) Neul Pureun Cat
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 7, 11

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) TOHAMSAN POWER has been consistently close in three starts at this level and comes in following a close at hand 5th in a good race over 1300M last month. He’ll be on pace from the start and can return to the winner’s circle. (1) ILGAKSU actually beat Tohamsan Power back in January and he too is consistent. He stumbled at the start in his latest effort last month, putting him at an immediate disadvantage, so with a cleaner break, (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

May’s racing kicks off on Friday at Busan where there are 9 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_2448

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A filly-maiden to begin with (2) KAHEKILI ran a very solid 2nd on debut a month ago and Peter Wolsley’s filly looks very much the one to beat on reappearance today. She led for much of that race and should do so again and is this time unlikely to be caught. (7) VEGA THUNDER is the danger, having beaten four of these on her own debut the same day. She started at odds of 90/1 that day but will be given much more respect this time. (10) MILLION BEAT was 3rd in that same race and can build on it here while (9) QUEEN OF ADELE and (11) YEONGGWANGUI KISS are others who have shown improvement recently and could go close.

Selections (2) Kahekili (7) Vega Thunder (11) Yeonggwangui Kiss (9) Queen Of Adele
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 2, 8, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-year-olds with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) YEONGGWANGUICHEON debuted all the way back last June and looked very promising running in a 2nd and a 3rd from 2 starts. He then had some setbacks but returns here having looked very good in an April trial and if he can bring that form to the races, will have a serious chance first-up. (8) GRAND YEONGUNG ran an improved 3rd at this distance on his own return from three months off and can continue to improve here while (3) HUSE JEWANG and (11) AUTO SONIC are others with scope to get better. The one they’ll need to beat though is one of the first-timers. (6) HANSEN DREAM looked very capable in trials, is drawn well to get on pace from the gate and could well make a successful start.

Selections (7) Yeonggwanguicheon (6) Hansen Dream (8) Grand Yeongung (3) Huse Jewang
Next Best 11, 10
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) EVER CHAMPION ran 4th on debut at this distance on March 22nd. He was beaten ten-lengths by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he can be winning sooner rather than later and looks the one to beat here. (7) TITLE CODE returned from four months off to run a solid 4th  at the end of March and looks set to go better here, while (11) SPICE ROCK and (6) MAX POWER came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other at this distance three weeks ago and both can aim to at least match that today. (2) SUNDAY GLORY raced five times last year without success but returns here after five months off looking in good shape following an April trial win.

Selections (8) Ever Champion (7) Title Code (2) Sunday Glory (11) Spice Rock
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 9

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

Not the strongest of maidens here and that makes (9) DOCTOR MIMI a warm favourite to make the breakthrough. She’s run well at this trip in the past and steps back up following a good 3rd over 1300M last start. She’s not a front-runner but shouldn’t be too far away and can win. (11) ALBERT KING was beaten by Doctor Mimi when they raced each other over this trip at the beginning of March, but he too comes in having run well when dropped back in trip last time out. He’ll come from off the pace and finish strongly. (12) RINGING FLYING was 4th behind Albert King on his latest start and can go close again while (1) EL DRAGON and (10) POWERFUL PIT are others in the frame.

Selections (9) Doctor Mimi (11) Albert King (12) Ringing Flying (10) Powerful Pit
Next Best 1, 6
Fast Start 12

Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) RAPIDO MAN is a winner of two from four so far and is up in class following his latest score which was a comfortable victory over 1300M on April 14th. He’s up in distance to a mile for the first time too but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t suit, and he can lead from the start. (6) BRAVE KINGDOM too takes on a mile for the first time. He registered his maiden win at this class over 1300M last month and can be a threat here. (5) CURLIN FANTASY is yet to win in thirteen attempts but has done his best work at this distance, just missing out by a nose in February, and should go close again. (4) GRAY STORM and (more…)

Busan Ilbo Sunday – Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

The second leg of the Sprint Series takes place at Busan on Sunday and it’s set to be a big one as New Legend, five-for-five in Korea, takes on Doraonpgyeongseon and a host of top sprinters in the Busan Ilbo Cup (KOR G3) over 1200M. It’s the first leg of the 2019 Sprint Series which concludes with the Korea Sprint International race in September. There are 6 races at Busan on Sunday from 12:40 to 17:10 as well as a full program at Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Race-by-race is below along with horse-by-horse for the big race:

Doraonpogyeongseon SBS

Two-time SBS Sprint winner Doraonpogyeongseon is among those looking to upset New Legend 

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off and nice and competitive it is too. The pick is (9) ROYAL GHOST, 3rd in both her starts so far and only narrowly defeated in a tight three-way finish last time out. (2) GEUMSUNI STAR has a 3rd and a pair of 4ths from his latest three and while all three times he’s been quite far back, his times at this distance have been decent and he has potential for more. (10) MANSEOK JIGI ran a couple of times at the end of last year and hinted at ability. He looked very solid when trialling up two weeks ago and can be considered first-up. As can the solitary debut-maker (11) CHUNGDAM HORANGI. He impressed in his heat and should do well here.

Selections (9) Royal Ghost (11) Chungdam Horangi (2) Geumsuni Star (10) Manseok Jigi
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) CHEONNYEONUI BI ran on well for an improved 3rd place over 1300M four weeks ago and steps up in trip to two-turns for the first time with solid claims to get her maiden win. She’ll go back at the start and the extra trip should suit. (1) LUCKY FACTORY, (11) INDIAN BOSS and (5) BINNANEUN RUBY filled out 3rd to 5th when they raced each other at this distance on March 23rd and all three will have placing designs here. (12) CHOEGANG PARTY looked good when trialling last week and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip.

Selections (9) Cheonnyeonui Bi (1) Lucky Factory (11) Indian Boss (12) Choegang Party
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Four of these raced each other at class and distance on March 23rd and they filled out the top four places. (8) CHANGE MAKER was the one who came out on top that day, finishing well to score by half a length and he must accordingly be respected here. (5) HWANSANG STAR was 2nd, registering his third consecutive runner-up finish and he too should be in the hunt again. Favourite that day though was (1) MIGHTY M. It was his first try at the distance and he should have come on for having run well in 3rd. He is given another chance as top pick here. (2) PALA STAY was 4th in that race and can aim to match or better that here while among the ones who didn’t go that day, (7) DAEGUNUI GIL looks best

Selections (1) Mighty M (5) Hwansang Star (8) Change Maker (2) Pala Stay
Next Best 7, 12
Fast Start 1, 4, 5

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

Having scored his maiden win over 1000M in February, (3) BUCKETFUL GOLD ran a good 2nd on his first try at class and distance on March 24th. He should have come on for that and can go one better today. It won’t be easy though. (8) DIXIE AGAIN was an eye-catching winner on debut last month, scoring by six-lengths over this distance. He’s up in class today but looks very competitive. (2) EX BLADE also steps up after a gutsy win, again at this trip on March 31st and should be in the hunt as well. (9) VICAR BRACING was a mildly disappointing 4th when favourite two weeks ago but gets another chance here with Moon Se Young keeping faith, while (11) MAPAEBONG comes in with his most recent form reading well and can go close too.

Selections (3) Bucketful Gold (8) Dixie Again (9) Vicar Bracing (2) Ex Blade
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 1, 3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 1 Selections: 1, 9, 2, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(8) HORSE QUEEN led for much of the way around at class and distance on March 24th only to be denied by a nose on the line. The Testa Matta filly will be on pace again today and this time can get home in front. Joining her on the early pace is principal danger (5) SLING STONE. He too narrowly missed out last time but has won well at this distance before and should go close. (1) CHEON GOE SEONG remains a maiden but is up in class after a close 2nd place last start and should be competitive. (6) YEOKDAE CHOEGO, 4th behind Horse Queen last start, and (10) STRIDE UP, are others who should be in the frame.

Selections (8) Horse Queen (5) Sling Stone (1) Cheon Goe Seong (6) Yeokdae Choego
Next Best 10, 11
Fast Start 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) SUCCESS PARTY won on debut at this distance the tail-end of last year but was disqualified when passing the line 1st on his second start in January. He ran 4th in Busan’s Classic trial in March and dropped back slightly in trip today, he’s going to be a strong favourite. (6) ROSA remains winless in six attempts but has plenty of near misses and should be aiming for at least a fourth runner-up finish today while (7) JUNGKKOT is an up and comer who should have progressed from a 4th place on her first try at this distance a month ago. (8) FOREVER NINE and (10) HAPPY KOREA are the others with serious placing claims.

Selections (5) Success Party (6) Rosa (8) Forever Nine (10) Happy Korea
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 5, 6

 Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Really competitive race with lots coming off last start maiden wins. (5) YEONGHWAS FLYING was perhaps the most impressive of them, although both (7) DIA STORM and (9) WINNER CROWN also have solid cases in that regard. All three should be firmly in the frame today. Winner Crown will aim to lead from the gate as will (1) ROYAL BRONZE, who already has experience at this level and ran a good 3rd second-up on April 7th. On the subject of experience, (6) PARTY POWER races for the fiftieth time today and while a win looks unlikely, the mare is more than capable of finding the money in this company.

Selections (7) Dia Storm (5) Yeonghwas Flying (9) Winner Crown (1) Royal Bronze
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 1, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) TOHAM ACE has finished no worse than 4th in six outings so far and is up in class having been on target over this distance last month. He made all that day and can do the same again here. (2) SANGSEUNG DAEHAN was a winner at this class and distance on March 24th. It was his maiden win on his twelfth start, and he is carrying an additional 3kg today, but he warrants respect. As does (11) EAST WIND, who was 2nd in that race, continuing a run of placing finishes. (6) VEGA KHAN and (9) MYEONGSIN POWER are others who can be expected to be close.

Selections (1) Toham Ace (2) Sangseung Daehan (11) East Wind (9) Myeongsin Power
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 11

 Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) GONG SAN comes in off the back of two consecutive runner-up finishes, both at class and distance. She’s not a fast starter so she may need a little bit of luck in running, but she’s the class filly of the race and can win this time. (5) ACE SOLONGO beat a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at class and distance on March 30th and looks to be the main danger today although the up in class (8) MUNG CHI, (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 27)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Jockey Lee Hyeon-jong returns from national service. Here are the previews.

RH7_2659

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

Not the strongest of maidens to kick things off with and that could give (1) CARROT SEEKER the chance to finally make his breakthrough. He’s run well enough for 4th in his latest two outings, both at this distance, and has as good a chance as any here. (2) DALLINEUN UNGJI comes in following a 2nd place finish in his most recent start and steps back up in distance today looking the main danger. He’s likely to be on the lead early alongside (10) I’M HAPPY and (6) CHEONHA YEOJE who came home 3rd and 5th respectively when they raced each other over 1000M on March 10th and should be in the hunt as well. (8) IL MARE looks best of the rest.

Selections (1) Carrot Seeker (2) Dallineun Ungji (10) I’m Happy (6) Cheonha Yeoje
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 2, 6, 9, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies only here. (2) SEOUL CITY improved on what was her second career start over this distance on March 24th, running 3rd and she won’t need to get much better in order to win what is a weak affair. The same is true for (7) HWANGGEUM DOYAJI, who ran 5th on debut in a different race on the same day, having started poorly, and (12) CHODONG BOBAE, who returns for the first time since last autumn when she registered back to back 4th place finishes. She was slow in a trial last month but couldn’t ask for a softer race to return in. It’s also a nice race to debut in and Simon Foster’s (10) KOOKA CAT won a trial at the end of March and could go well first-up today.

Selections (7) Hwanggeum Doyaji (10) Kooka Cat (2) Seoul City (12) Chodong Bobae
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More maiden fillies but this heat looks a little stronger. (1) RUNNUNG BOX ran 2nd on debut over 1300M behind a colt who went on to win again last week. From the inside gate he should be on pace from the start and is favoured to go one better today. (4) SEONGPAJANG too finished runner-up on debut a month ago and while she has a little more to find, she’ll be on pace as well and could go close. (12) GEOM HYANG improved significantly on her second start three weeks ago, running a close 3rd and can build on that momentum today while (2) GOLDEN JAY and first-time starter (6) COLORS WING are others who can be considered.

Selections (1) Runnung Box (12) Geom Hyang (4) Seongpajang (6) Colors Wing
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

More fillies all this time it’s not a maiden. (2) UDAERYUNG was a winner on debut in January and has since run 5th and 3rd in two starts at this level, the latest of which was over this distance on March 23rd. She’ll aim to lead here and is the one to beat. (10) INDY LADY has also proven herself effective at this level with a 2nd and a 3rd place from her two most recent. She’s run best when making all so if she can overcome the wide draw, has solid claims to go close. (3) GENERAL ROSE is up in class having registered her maiden win with a five-length score at this distance last month She’ll need more improvement in this company but has potential. (4) MASYA and (7) SILVER LION, the latter and improved 2nd behind a very good winner last time, look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Udaeryung (10) Indy Lady (3) General Rose (7) Silver Lion
Next Best 4, 5
Fast Start 2, 7, 8, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) ACTIMON ran 2nd in a decent race at class and distance on March 24th, coming form off the pace to finish strongly. There will likely be similar tactics today and he can go one better. (7) EONEU MEOTJIN NAL ran 4th in that race, a couple of lengths in arrears. Jockey Moon Se Young gets on Actimon this time but there’s a more than adequate replacement in Alan Munro and he can get closer today. (2) GEUMA ANNUITY comes in having run 2nd in both his latest two outings. He’ll be on the early speed here but may (more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_2448

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

(2) USEUNG STORY has been close in each of his latest three, running on well for 3rd last time out in a slightly stronger race than this. He can set up camp behind the early speed here and come through strongly late on. (4) GRAND JILJU will be on pace from the start. He was an improved 2nd at this distance last time out a month ago and should be dangerous today. (3) FUNKY steps up in trip following some near-misses at 1000M while (8) GIDAEHAE and (9) HAPPY GATE are others who have shown some competency and can be in the hunt for money here.

Selections (2) Useung Story (4) Grand Jilju (8) Gidaehae (3) Funky
Next Best 9, 11
Fast Start 3, 4, 12

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

(7) NUMBER ONE STAR ran 2nd on debut at this distance on March 22nd. He’s from the track’s top stable, should have come on for the run, and is the one to beat here. (9) MATCH WINNER has a 3rd and a 2nd from two outings so far, both at this distance and both times in reasonably company. He’ll be on speed from the gate and can go close again. (12) NAEGA SAEGANGJA has finished no worse than 4th in four starts to date. He ran 4th behind Number One Star last time out and while he has a bit to find if he is to win, he can maintain his record today. (8) TWO TWO SIMON and (10) TURBO SPEED are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (7) Number One Star (9) Match Winner (12) Naega Saegangja (8) Two Two Simon
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 8, 9, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here with five first-time starters among the field. (4) MAJOR PUNCH has raced just the once, all the way back last September. She ran well too, finishing 3rd and did enough to be entered for a big juvenile race later in the month. She didn’t make it there but returns today having won a trial in good order at the end of March and could well be the one to beat. (2) TOHAM IMPACT ran well at this distance in February and while she had a hard time at 1300M on her return last month, should be better today. (10) RAINBOW PARK has run 4th in both outings so far and can aim to match or better that here. Of the first-timers, (7) FAMILY SONG and (8) TOHAM STAR look the best at this stage.

Selections (4) Major Punch (2) Toham Impact (8) Toham Star (7) Family Song
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 4, 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(8) RAON TOWN ran 2nd on debut over 1300M on March 29th, running on nicely. The extended trip today should suit and he’s the one to beat. (2) DANDI QUEEN was 3rd in that same race. She was a full five-lengths adrift but came from well back and is another who may well appreciate the opportunity to stretch out in distance. (6) ROYAL TICKET has only narrowly missed out in his latest two, both at the distance and he should be close again while (9) SINHEUNG BULPAE was a much improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance last start and while this is tougher, can run well once more. (4) HAENGBOK KOREA looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Raon Town (2) Dandi Queen (6) Royal Ticket (9) Sinheung Bulpae
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 5, 6

Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) MUJEOK VETERAN is two starts into a comeback and showed enough when 5th in stiff company last time out to suggest his form is improving and he’s not far away from (more…)