Author: gyongmaman

BUSAN’S FIRST ERA CONCLUDES AS TRAINER KIM YOUNG-KWAN AND JOCKEY YOU HYUN-MYUNG RETIRE

As Busan Racecourse approaches its twenty-year anniversary, the first era of the southern track is over with the most successful trainer of the past two decades Kim Young-kwan, and its most significant jockey You Hyun-myung, both retiring this coming Sunday.

Kim Young-kwan (left) and You Hyun-myung (2nd right) celebrate Blue Chipper’s 2019 Korea Sprint win with owner Choi Byung-bu and then KRA CEO Kim Nag-soon (Pic: KRA)

An aspiring jockey in the mid 1970’s, Kim Young-kwan realized at an early stage that he wasn’t going to make it in the saddle and switched to horse management and training. He finally got his Trainer’s License in 2024 and was among the original line-up of trainers to be based at Busan when it opened in 2005.

Kim went on to win the Busan Trainer’s Championship thirteen times, saddled a Triple Crown winner, won races overseas, and in all won fifty-five Group races, a record that under the current structure of racing in Korea, seems unlikely to ever be repeated.

Fillies have bookended his career. Luna, Busan’s first real star racehorse, was responsible for his first three group wins between 2005 and 2007, while Jeulgeounyeojoeng provided six out of his last seven between 2023 and this year, the last coming in the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in April.

Kim also trained three fillies to win the Korean Derby, Sangseung Ilro in 2010, Speedy First in 2013 and Queen’s Blade in 2014. That was back in the days when the calendar allowed the best fillies to compete in the Derby as well as the Oaks. He also trained another filly, Gamdonguibada, to win the Grand Prix Stakes in 2012.

The Triple Crown would be won with Power Blade in 2016 while Triple Nine, who would become his stablemate’s great rival, won four consecutive President’s Cups. Kim also prepared Blue Chipper to win the Korea Sprint in 2019 while Mister Park won a Grand Prix on his way to a Korean record of seventeen consecutive victories.

Overseas, Kim was the first Korea trainer to saddle a Dubai Carnival winner when Main Stay scored in 2017. He also took Blue Chipper to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita in 2019 where he ran 3rd behind Spun To Run and Omaha Beach.   Power Blade and Triple Nine also both ran with credit in Dubai.

The first Korean trainer to reach 1000 winners, Kim has 1539 in total from 7045 runners but has chances to add to it this coming weekend.

You Hyun-myung’s first Group race win also came with Luna, who he partnered in the 2006 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. You became a jockey at Seoul in 2002 and transferred to Busan on its opening. He was champion jockey at the track four times between 2014 and 2019.

You also paired up with Kim Young-kwan for his two Group 1 wins: Mister Park in the 2010 Grand Prix and Blue Chipper in the Korea Sprint. While he didn’t ride a Korean Derby winner, he secured plenty of other Classics, most recently with Success Baekpa in the 2024 KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup.

In total, You, who is not scheduled to ride this weekend, rode 1253 winners from 7559 rides.

Also retiring this weekend are Seoul trainers An Hae-yang and Yoo Jae-gil. An saddled two Korean Oaks winners, Amaranth in 2003 and Uaryung in 2020. Yoo’s sole Group success came with Gwacheon Ruler in the 2007 SROA Chairman’s Trophy. Busan’s Yang Kui-sun is also saying his farewells this weekend after saddling 430 winners.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 22)

No Listed or Graded races this weekend but still plenty to get stuck into on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

(6) GEOSEN JIJON took a couple of goes to figure things out but has a 4th and a 3rd from her last two outings at 1200M and 1300M. (10) P N S JU has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two since returning from a three-month absence. She is not a quick starter so the wide draw shouldn’t be important and at start twenty it isn’t impossible that she could finally make her breakthrough. (4) JUHWA has made progress across three starts so far with 4th on his latest being his best. He draws well here and can continue to get closer. (1) GIDAEHARA and (9) K SIMON are others who can potentially improve in what is not an especially strong opener.

Selections(6) Geosen Jijon (10) P N S Ju (4) Juhwa (1) Gidaehara
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(1) SAINT WINNER has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places from his latest three, most recently at this distance on May 24th when handy throughout. From the inside gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (7) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has a best of 3rd from three positive starts so far. He too should be on the early speed in this company and with Moon Se-young staying aboard, he is sure to have plenty of backers. (3) HERO CHOICE has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from his six outings to date. He ran 3rd on his sole previous try at this trip, and that should be a minimum aim here. (9) TIGER K and (6) STEP BY STEP are among others who can have placing aspirations.

Selections(1) Saint Winner (7) Cheongryong Giun (3) Hero Choice (9) Tiger K
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) SLING STAR was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two over 1200M on May 24th, leading all the way and scoring with ease. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but he overcame an even wider gate last time out, and he can win again. (2) LALA GIRL is yet wo win but she enters off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on May 18th when leading for much of the way and with three of today’s rivals behind here. She carries a light weight, she draws well, and she can be in this a long way again. (11) BILLION BOY was a solid maiden winner at start five over this distance on May 10th and he is another who can measure up at this level. (1) RAON SILENCE and (9) RAIN STAR are the other place chances.

Selections(10) Sling Star (2) Lala Girl (11) Billion Boy (1) Raon Silence
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) HEUIMANG TAEYO ran 2nd on debut over this distance on May 23rd, leading for most of the way before being passed late by a good winner. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he should have come on for that run, and he will be a short-priced favourite to go one better here. Seo Seung-in rode Heuimang Taeyo in that race but today he rides debut-maker (1) WILD PARK. The Bayern colt was a trial winner at the end of May and if he brings that form to the races, he can be a threat.  (2) MOTHER WONDERFUL races for the first time since last September. She looked well winning a trial in May and can be a factor first-up. (10) DEFENSE PLAY and (3) K ROYAL others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Heuimang Taeyo (1) Wild Park (2) Mother Wonderful (10) Defense Play
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) LADY FOX returned from four months out to get her maiden win over this distance on May 24th, coming from well off the pace. She is up in class but down in weight and second up she can strip even fitter. (4) BEOLGYO LAVA has been consistent in three tries at this class since her maiden win back in February. She is drawn very nicely to be on pace here and she can be in this a long way. (7) KYLIE remains a maiden but came desperately close to breaking through last time when 2nd at this class and distance on May 18th. In this company, she should be firmly in the finish again (3) POETIC NUBI and (9) YES MADAM other place chances.

Selections(8) Lady Fox (4) Beolgyo Lava (7) Kylie (3) Poetic Nubi
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 21)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juveniles with eight of the ten racing for the first time. Pegasus Farm’s Air Force Blue is an exciting addition to the stallion ranks and their home bred (5) AIRFORCEONE makes his debut here. He looked very assured when comfortably winning a trail on May 29th from the front and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (10) JILPUNGA rana fair 5th on debut on May 31st. The time wasn’t quick, but the actual race experience should be beneficial, and he can improve here. (1) ANYANGBITCHUISOKDO ran 2nd in his trial and from the inside gate can be on pace and put in a bold showing. (2) MADE and (3) SAENAE FIGHTER others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(5) Airforceone (10) Jilpunga (1) Anyangbitchuisokdo (2) Made
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) GLORY QUEEN was 2nd when sent off as favourite over this distance on May 11th, continuing a run of positive efforts. She laid out for part of the race to the extent she got sent back to trial, but if she can behave herself today, she should go one better. (3) NESSUN DORMA raced three times last year with a best of 4th. She’s not raced since last September but she looked very well when 2nd in a May trial (beating Glory Queen) and if she brings that form to the races, she can be a danger first-up. (2) JISAN FRIEND has hinted at ability across her four starts so far and drawn well, she should be at least a place chance. (4) SEOHAE BADA and debut-maker (10) SONGDANG PARTY others who could have a say.

Selections(9) Glory Queen (3) Nessun Dorma (2) Jisan Friend (4) Seohae Bada
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4,

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Could today finally be the day for (7) MIGHTY BOM? He has placed ten times without winning including last time out when 2nd at this class and distance on May 25th, coming from off the pace. An apprentice keeps his weight low, and he has as good a chance as any. (4) WANGCHOEGO is also a maiden but comes in after a sharp class and distance 2nd on May 10th and should be in the mix again. (8) WONDERFUL TECHNO races for the first time since getting his maiden win at 1700M last July and a chip fracture. He has been in and out of work since February but got his act together finally with a solid trail win last Thursday. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. (6) CALIPH and (10) ARCH DAY, the latter needing a line through his latest, others in the frame.

Selections(7) Mighty Bom (4) Wangchoego (8) Wonderful Techno (6) Caliph
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

(11) CYCLONE STAR has won his latest two, both over this distance, and most recently at this class on April 26th when settling midfield and running on. He comes up 3kg in weight, and has the challenge of the widest gate, but a hat-trick can’t be ruled out. (2) STUNNING WORLD is yet to win in seven attempts but has been getting ever closer, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on May 18th. That brings her up in class here, but she comes down in weight, she draws well, and she can measure up. (5) FLYING CONCORD returned nine months after his debut to win at this distance on April 20th. He is up in class but down in weight and if anything, should strip fitter for that April run. (1) ECLIPSE LUCKY and (10) DUSON EUTTEUM others who can challenge.

Selections(11) Cyclone Star (2) Stunning World (5) Flying Concord (1) Eclipse Lucky
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 20)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL ran 6th on debut and has followed up with back-to-back 3rd places at 1300M and 1200M in contrasting styles. Seo Seung-un stays on and from today’s draw, she can be expected to be on-pace from the start, and she can win. (8) SEONGSIL WORLD has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place in a similar race over this distance on May 18th. Franco gets on for the first time, and she can be a danger. She will need to overturn the form on (11) SEUNGNI YEYAK who was a much-improved 2nd in that May 18th race, coming from off the pace. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can be in the finish again. (10) BREEDO QUEEN STAR and (5) QUEEN RACE, the latter an all the way trial winner since her latest start, others to consider.

Selections(4) Areumdaunnaldeul (8) Seongsil World (11) Seungni Yeyak (10) Breedo Queen Star
Next Best5, 6,
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(4) BUGYEONG TRIPLE beat a couple of these on his way to a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on May 11th. The step up to 1400M can suit and he has every chance of going one better this time. (1) COME ON GLORY was 5th in that race but has since recorded a 2nd of his own on May 30th when settling midfield and running on over a mile. From the inside gate, Franco can pick his spot, and they can be challenging late. (6) JADE PALACE ran a solid 5th on debut over 1200M on May 23rd, racing handy throughout. She should have come in for that run and with some natural improvement, she can get closer today. (2) TEUTA and (5) WORLD TAEYANG among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Bugyeong Triple (1) Come on Glory (6) Jade Palace (2) Teuta
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) SHOOT FOR THE MOON got her maiden win at start two over 1300M on May 2nd before running 2nd on her first try at this class on June 1st when she settled midfield and ran on. She is up 2kg in weight, but the step up to 1400M can suit, and she can prove too strong late on. (3) CHOEGANG TRIPLE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M and then finishes a solid 4th at 1200M on May 23rd when handy throughout. He looks the logical early leader here and he can be in this a long way. (7) TEAM SURPRISE is still a maiden but had a spin round in the Oaks last month. She has multiple places and this class and while she may find one or two too quick again, she can be in the mix. (11) BURUI TONGCHI and (4) GLOBAL HEROINE other place chances.

Selections(2) Shoot For The Moon (3) Choegang Triple (7) Team Surprise (11) Burui Tongchi
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

Seo Seung-un continues his very promising book of rides with (4) SO GOOD. A winner at start four over 1200M in March, he was 2nd on his first try at this class over 1300M on April 11th, coming from off the pace and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He comes in fresh following ten weeks out and he shapes as the one to beat. (1) ROAD TO PARTY races for the first time since last November, having had a chip fracture. He looks very well when 2nd in a quick trial in May and he can be a danger first up here. (5) KING FIGHTER was a beaten favourite when 4th over 1300M on May 16th. From a good draw he can be on the speed here and is worth another chance. (6) RACE MAN and (7) TAEYANG EUTTEUM others in the frame.

Selections(4) So Good (1) Road To Party (5) King Fighter (6) Race Man
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

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

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Oasis Blue’s Triple Crown Bid Thwarted as Gillespie’s My Dream Day Takes Minister’s Cup

The wait for a successor to Power Blade will stretch to at least a decade as KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue could only manage 5th as MY DREAM DAY won the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Crown, at Seoul Racecourse last Sunday afternoon.

My Dream Day and Seo Seung-un win the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

After his Cup Mile and Derby romps, Oasis Blue was sent off as the prohibitive 1.4 favourite even after a similarly short-priced prospect, Fantastic Value, failed in her bid to complete the Triple Tiara a week ago. Coming out of gate six, Jin Kyum positioned Oasis Blue prominent racing just behind the early pace which was set by Wonderful Groom and the favourite’s stablemate, Oasis Red.

My Dream Day, who was being partnered by Seo Seung-un for the first time since January, settled just behind the leading group, much closer than he had been in the Derby. Wonderful Groom gave way fast as they turned for home but instead of Oasis Blue, it was My Dream Day who made his move, striking the front just inside two furlongs out.

Storm Fighter and Young Skywalker would emerge as the closest challengers but never looked like getting on terms with the winner, who crossed the line three-quarters of a length to the good. Oasis Red was 4th with Oasis Blue 5th, a full eight-lengths behind My Dream Day.

While it was yet another big race win for jockey Seo Seung-un, making up perhaps for missing out on the Tiara last week, it was a first Classic for trainer Thomas Gillespie and his second Korean Group win since opening his stable in 2015.

Thomas Gillespie and My Dream Day connections (Pic: KRA)

Gilliespie has trained 367 winners from just under 3000 starters in Korea maintaining a win percentage of 12.5%. His previous Group win was in the 2016 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup with Ms. Margaux.

My Dream Day is by Save The World (by Menifee), who was campaigned by My Dream Day’s owner Shin Woo-cheol and who won the Covid-delayed 2020 Korean Derby in which he suffered an injury that led to his retirement. He is out of Coming Soon (by First Samurai). Runner-up in the Cup Mile and 4th in the Derby, his only previous win came at class 5 level over 1400M just before Christmas.

The wait for a successor to Power Blade goes on although there could be plenty more to come from Oasis Blue. Global Hit could only manage two out of the three Classics two years ago and so could Success Baekpa last year. They are currently the two best two-turn horses in the country.

Korean racing is about to enter its summer slumber, at least in terms of Graded Stakes, with only the Busan Owners’ Cup at the end of this month and the KRA Cup Classic at the start of August before the big international races at the start of September.

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday when Oasis Blue makes his run for glory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Oasis Blue (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) WINNER GLORY returned from over three months out to run a much-improved 2nd at this distance on May 4th, racing handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and she won’t need to progress very much to win this.  (7) RAON THE CAVIAR enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this distance, racing handy both times. She’ll be behind the speed again and can be in the finish. She will need to overturn form on (1) CRAZY MARI, who beat her as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in a similar race to this on April 12th. Crazy Mari returns for the first time since, and she should be in the mix. (4) LADYBIRD and (2) SOON LIKE others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(6) Winner Glory (7) Raon The Caviar (1) Crazy Mari (4) Ladybird
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(6) VINCERO CUE had been working his way to his maiden win, and it duly arrived over this distance on April 12th when on pace throughout. He comes up in class but is down in weight and in fresh after nine weeks out, he can measure up. It’s been a while since (4) SEGWANG JILJU got his maiden win, but he has been coming back into form recently, and was a front-running 2nd last start at this class and distance. He will be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (5) QUEEN ABIGAIL enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on May 17th, coming from off the pace and she should be there or thereabouts again.  (9) ALL NUT and (10) SAMGIM DAEPYO are the other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Vincero Cue (4) Segwang Jilju (5) Queen Abigail (9) All Nut
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) GOLD QUEENS has been a beaten odds-on favourite in both of her latest outings at 1200M and 1300M, running 2nd both times. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in her five career starts and from another good draw, she can make it third time lucky.  (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in ten attempts but has never been outside of the top five. He has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this distance and while he may once more find one too quick, he can be in the mix again. (4) MAX PARTY has a win and a 2nd from his last two starts and while that means he carries his fair share of weight, he can be a danger once more. (8) GRACE ROUTE and (3) VINCERO KING other place chances.

Selections(1) Gold Queens (2) Haksan Cairo (4) Max Party (8) Grace Route
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After doing nothing on debut, (9) VICTORY STORY has run 4th in both his subsequent starts, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. Munro stays in, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) LION MAGIC has finished between 2nd and 5th in each of his four starts so far and has actually beaten Victory Story as well as a couple of the others who go here. He can settle behind the pace and big a big danger late on. There is one debut-maker. (8) POWER STONE led all the way in a May trial, stopping the clock in a fair time, and if he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive first up. (6) JUST SHINY and (11) GOLDEN CARD are the others to consider.

Selections(9) Victory Story (4) Lion Magic (8) Power Stone (6) Just Shiny
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(9) ACAPEL returned from five months out on May 11th and duly won over 1300M, settling midfield and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she should strip fitter for that run, the 1400M can suit, and she can follow up here. (8) STUNNING FLATTER is the main danger. Two starts back in February, he beat three of these on his way to a front-running 2nd at this class and distance and then ran 5th in slightly stiffer company on his return on May 18th. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and will be running on strong. (4) POWER BAND has a win and a 3rd from her two tries at this distance, the latter coming at this class on May 31st. She makes a quick return and can be in the mix again. (1) J ONE POWER and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others in the frame.

Selections(9) Acapel (8) Stunning Flatter (4) Power Band (1) J One Power
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) BLAZING MAN was a class and distance winner two starts back before running a disappointing 7th when stepped up to 1800M last time out, starting badly and never really look like being a threat. He comes back to a trip at which he has two wins and two places, he draws much better and even gets a slight weight drop. (3) RAON THE MASKE is up in class having won over 1400M on May 11th when on pace all the way. He is up to a mile for the first time but is down in weight and can more than measure up. (5) ROCK AND ROLL had gone a bit cold but hinted at a return to form when 3rd at this distance on May 30th. He likes to come from off the pace and can be a danger late here. (7) STELL LUNA and (6) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Blazing Man (3) Raon The Maske (5) Rock And Roll (7) Stell Luna
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) LOVE SCARLET debuted all the way back in January 2024 but then didn’t appear again this March. She has a 4th and a 2nd in two starts back, both at this distance and most recently on April 6th, coming from off the pace. She has had a further ten weeks off since, but the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be a big danger late here. (2) PERFECT DANAEUN has mixed his form across five starts so far with his best being a 4th. He races for the first time since March but looked sensational when winning a trial at the end of May, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fast time, many lengths to the good. So long as she didn’t leave her race there, she has every chance. There is one first-timer. (5) SILLAUI FIGHTER posted a fair time in his trial and with Moon Se-young booked will have backers. (1) HAEMAJI and (9) CLAIR BIG BANG other place chances.

Selections(10) Love Scarlet (2) Perfect Danaeun (5) Sillaui Fighter (1) Haemaji
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

The second division of the 1300M maiden. It’s hard to go past (2) DONGJIN THUNDER here. She has a best of 2nd from six starts recorded at this distance three outings back when setting a time considerably quicker than any of the others have achieved. She draws nicely to be on pace, and she will take some beating. (10) BEST JOY did nothing on debut last August after which he was put away and gelded. He has been back in training for a couple of months and looked a totally different prospect when 2nd in a May trial. He can go well first-up here. (9) NAEGEROWAJWO was an improved 4th last time out and can maintain that momentum in this modest company. (1) HERO GOLD and (4) SOMETHING DARK others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Dongjin Thunder (10) Best Joy (9) Naegerowajwo (1) Hero Gold
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BLACK SATANG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, the latter being a close reverse at this distance on June 1st. She makes a quick return here, third-up she can be peaking fitness wise, and she can go one better. (5) EUNPA SWEET stepped up to this distance at start five on May 18th and came from off the pace to beat three of today’s rivals on her way to a best to date 3rd. She should have benefited from that experience and can go even closer today.  (9) DYNAMIC SONG was 5th in that same race and can similarly aim to get a bit nearer here. (1) ECLIPSE TANGO and (4) COMMANDING LEAD others who can be backed on a place line.

Selections(3) Black Satang (5) Eunpa Sweet (9) Dynamic Song (1) Eclipse Tango
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

Fillies only here. (5) CHARMING QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in April before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance on May 11th, settling midfield before striking the front just over a furlong out and winning by plenty. She is up in class but down in weight and she can win again. It’s been a long time since (7) YEOWANG SOCKS got her sole win, but her recent form reads well and going on her last start 3rd place over 1400M, she should be in this from on the pace. (4) VIVA CHEONGSU came from well back to run 3rd last time out at class and distance and should be in the mix again. (9) RAON THE AFFIRMED and up in class (2) SONEULNAEMILEO others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Charming Queen (7) Yeowang Socks (4) Viva Cheongsu (9) Raon The Affirmed
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 13)

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eight juveniles racing for the first time. (1) DOCTOR CENTUM is the only trial winner among them, scoring in his heat from the front and stopping the clock in a fair time. He draws well to lead again and can go all the way first up. (7) BEOLMAUI GANGJA registered the fastest trial time among these, coming from off the pace to run 3rd and looking competent enough. He will dispute favourite status here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL went through two trials with a front-running 2nd in the first of them and then a midfield position in a quicker time from a wide draw in the second. On that showing he can play a part here. (6) CARAT KING and (3) HEY BROTHER others who hinted at ability in the morning.

Selections(1) Doctor Centum (7) Beolmaui Gangja (4) Somanguigil (6) Carat King
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) PURE MARINE returned from three months out to win an improved 3rd over this distance on May 11th.  She should strip fitter for that run and from the inside gate can be on pace and is the one to beat. (5) NAMYANG RUBY has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record although they were both recorded before a five-month layoff. She hasn’t shown much in two starts back, but third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can show her old form in this limited company. (8) WONDER MOCCASIN also has a 3rd place at this distance and that’s enough to make her a place chance here. (11) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (2) GAMDONGUI DOLPA the other chances.

Selections(1) Pure Marine (5) Namyang Ruby (8) Wonder Moccasin (11) World Triple Cat
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(8) HEAVY DUTY was a much-improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on May 30th, leading all the way and beating three of today’s rivals. He should have benefited from that experience and won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) STORM POINT has been getting closer across his nine starts and enters off his best to date with 3rd at 1400M on May 9th, racing handy and running on. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (6) FLYING ICE was 5th behind Heavy Duty in that May 30th race. He has a lot of experience at this distance and should be challenging for the places here. (1) DIA MATE and (5) GOLDEN SPOT others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Heavy Duty (3) Storm Point (6) Flying Ice (1) Dia Mate
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

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

(7) YULIM SEASANG was a winner at this class and distance two starts back when leading all the way, before running 4th, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, on May 9th when leading into the closing stages. Seo Seung-un, who has ridden him to both of his wins, returns to the mount, and he can win here. (4) QUEEN TYCHE is up in class following a 2nd place at 1200M on May 18th when overcoming gate 10. She laid in to such an extent that she was sent back to trial which she came through in fine fashion and, under a light weight, if she behaves herself, she can be a danger. (1) GOLDEN AIR was found to be slightly lame after her underwhelming latest effort. She gets a class drop here and while that means a hefty weight rise, she can be close. (6) BUSAN TODAY and (8) AMAZING BOSS are the other place chances.

Selections(7) Yulim Sesang (4) Queen Tyche (1) Golden Air (6) Busan Today
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

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Boryeonglightqueen Denies Fantastic Value Triple Tiara Sweep

There is no Triple Tiara winner in 2025 as Boryeonglightqueen swept by Fantastic Value to win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Boryeonglightqueen and Jung Do-yun (Pic: KRA)

Having won both the the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks in facile fashion, Fantastic Value was sent off as the odds-on  favourite to emulate Golden Power and Jeulgeounyeojeong in being a Tiara winner.

As in the Oaks, Oneuldo Smile led for most of the way around what was an unchartered 2000M for all nine fillies. Fantastic Value loomed up in the home straight and briefly took the lead but was powerless to resist the challenge of Boryeonglightqueen, 3rd in both the Luna and the Oaks, who flashed home to score comfortably under Jung Do-yun.

Boryeonglightqueen is by the 2015 Minister’s Cup winner Rock Band and is out of Yaho Prez (by Menifee). Rock Band’s Rock Candy was 4th. The winner is owned by Choi Won-gil and is trained at Busan by Kim Gil-jung. She moves on tothree wins from eleven starts.

Next week it is the big one. The Triple Crown is on the line on Sunday afternoon in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) when KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue will make his run for glory.

FANTASTIC VALUE SET FOR TRIPLE TIARA SWEEP

Next weekend all eyes will be on Oasis Blue’s attempt to become the first three-year-old since Power Blade almost a decade ago to sweep all three-legs of the Triple Crown. This Sunday at Seoul Racecourse, Fantastic Value has the opportunity to become the third filly in four years to claim the Triple Tiara as she starts the hot favourite for the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Fantastic Value and Oneuldo Smile were 1st and 2nd in the Oaks and meet again (Pic: KRA(

After winning the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks in 2022, Golden Power successfully completed the set with victory in the Gyeonggi while a year later Jeulgeounyeojeong did the same. Having pulled off dominant victories in both the Luna and the Oaks, FANTASTIC VALUE should be joining them.

All of the top five in the Oaks return with runner-up ONEULDO SMILE the probable second-favourite. Having skipped the Luna, she entered the Oaks with a perfect four from four record but while she led for much of the way, she was powerless to stop Fantastic Value from sweeping by and was five-lengths in arrears on the line.

CC Wong will be aboard Oneuldo Smile once more and it will be interesting to see whether they employ the same tactics and lead again.

BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was 3rd in both the Oaks and the Luna and should be in at least the placing mix again, while a newcomer to the Series is ROCK CANDY. The Bart Rice trainee gets her chance having won two of her last three up to class 5 and a mile and her running style suggests that she could be a filly who can make the step up in trip.

The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup is race 7 on the 9-race Sunday card at Seoul.

1. FLASH RUN – Only win came in maiden company at 1300M but she was a good 5th in the Oaks as the longest shot on the board and from the widest gate. Further improvement is possible.

2. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – 3rd in both the Luna and Oaks but she has won over 1800M. Hard to see her overturning the form on Fantastic Value but shapes as a place chance and the additional trip can suit.

3. LIME TREE – Class 4 winner over a mile and 4th in both the Luna and the Oaks, eight-lengths behind Fantastic Value in the later. Will race handy and can match or better that 4th.

4. RISING MO – 2nd in the Luna Stakes coming from well off the pace but only beat one him in the Oaks. Has run better when coming from a long way back but too inconsistent to confidently recommend for a place

5. ONEULDO SMILE – Won her first four up to Class 4 and 1200M and then led the Oaks before being passed by Fantastic Value. She has five-lengths to make up but will probably be on pace again and will be 2nd favourite.

6. ECLIPSE THE QUEEN – Enters off her maiden win over 1400M on April 5th when coming from midfield. Fresh after nine weeks off, but big step up here.

7. FANTASTIC VALUE – Comfortable winner of the first two legs of the series and no reason to suggest that the step up in trip, or the new environment at Seoul, will be a problem. She will be the strong favourite.

8. ROCK CANDY – Gets her chance having won two of her last three up to class 5 and a mile, coming from off the pace. Extended trip may suit and may offer some each-way interest.

9. ALPHA FEMALE – The only maiden in the race, she hasn’t even finished in the top three. Seirene won this race as a maiden for the same owners last year but surely lightning does not strike twice.

Selections(7) Fantastic Value (5) Oneuldo Smile (2) Boryeonglightqueen (8) Rock Candy
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9