Author: gyongmaman

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 10)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday running from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews: 

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

Very ordinary maiden to begin with. (8) FINAL CAPTAIN and (5) CHANGSEONG ILHO have come the closest of these with both having a 3rd place to their name, the latter at this distance. Final Captain may be preferred here though. He didn’t go especially well on his first try at this distance last time but had a poor start and ran on well after. (1) PINEAPPLE MARK has raced four times in useful company so far and should improve here. (6) JEOKTO BIMA led for much of his first try around this distance last start only to blow up late on and she should have come on for that.

Selections (1) Pineapple Mark (8) Final Captain (6) Jeokto Bima (5) Changseong Ilho
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 6, 8

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

Juvenile maidens only here and six of the eleven are racing for the very first time. Taking the experienced ones first though and (11) SENTOSA looks to have a good shout here. She debuted in a valuable race in August before returning with a decent 3rd place at this distance a month ago. The widest gate may not be ideal but with a little improvement, she can win this. (10) BARAMEUL GEURIDA too did nothing wrong when 5th on debut back in September and returns here following nine weeks off. The rest of the likely ones come from among the first-timers. (7) CHARON BLADE is chief among them. She won a trial in fine fashion at the end of August and while it’s taken her a while to make it to the track, her stable is bang in form now and she should go well. (3) SUNSHINE TEUKGEUP and (6) WIND RIVER are others who showed some promise in trials and it may be worth watching out for them in the market.

Selections (7) Charon Blade (11) Sentosa (10) Baraeul Geurida (6) Wind River
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 3, 7, 10, 11

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

More juvenile maidens – eleven of the twelve are fillies and only three have raced before. As ever, we’ll start with the experienced ones and of the trio, only (1) HAE SAEM CHAN did much on debut, running 4th of 11. That was all the way back in August but it still might be enough to see her to favourite status here. The only trial winner was (9) MATCH QUEEN. She’s a half-sister to Hansen Glory who has been pretty useful in seven starts so far and will be well-backed first-up here. (10) LUXURY TOWN and (8) WONDERFUL WARRIOR trialed up together finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. There was four-lengths between them and that will be reflected in their odds today but both can go well. (7) SPEED FLYING is another to take note of. Trainer Song Moon Gil has had an uncharacteristically quiet time recently but could get back in form here.

Selections (1) Hae Saem Chan (9) Match Queen (10) Luxury Town (8) Wonderful Warrior
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 9, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) CHEONGDAM JEPAE returned from five months off in September and has run well twice since, both at this distance. He’s drawn well to get on speed today and he can go all the way. (3) LUCKY SOCHEON has only raced twice but she’s shown promise, improving to 3rd in the latest of those. She’s started slowly and run on well both times and the additional trip today should suit. (4) HEUNG BUJA did nothing wrong when stepped up to this distance for her second start last month and she too can continue to improve here. (7) STEEL RUN’s one previous effort at 1300M didn’t go well but she comes in here off her best finish to date when 2nd at the minimum distance a month ago and could be better this time. (8) M.J. TOWN is another with the potential to improve.

Selections (2) Cheongdam Jepae (3) Lucky Socheon (4) Heung Buja (7) Steel Run
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

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

(2) BODEURAM had a hard time when sent up to 1200M last start but back at the minimum today, should be much better. He has a win and a 2nd place from his latest two outings at this trip and looks dangerous here. (10) FANTASTIC QUEEN and (9) DOUBLE A came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on October 13th in what was arguably a slightly stronger race than this. Both met a bit of (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 9)

There is group race action at Busan this coming Sunday with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. the final leg of the Queen’s Tour, but before that things get underway with an 11-race card on Friday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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It’s Friday. It’s Busan!

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

A step up in trip could well be what (1) RACING GALLOPER needs and that’s what he gets after three decent but unspectacular spins at 1000M. He’s not shown much in the way of speed but has run on each time and can win here. (3) KEEP GOING already has a 2nd place to her name at this distance in what was perhaps slightly tougher company than this and she has very solid claims too. Those two are the standouts although (6) HUNTER PARK and (10) TONGIL HANGUK have shown some potential and could get close while (2) GIDAEHAE actually managed to finish ahead of Racing Galloper when they faced each other in August. That form was overturned when they next met but an improved showing can’t be ruled out.

Selections (1) Racing Galloper (3) Keep Going (2) Gidaehae (6) Hunter Park
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 1, 7, 10

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

(2) GEUMA GHOST was set to be favourite two weeks ago when she dumped her jockey on the ground on the way to the gate. That confidence among punters was caused by her 2nd place on debut in September and while she’s up in trip here, if she manages to make it to the start, she should be on pace early and can go close. The biggest danger is (4) GIRL CRUSH. She made an inauspicious debut in February and then didn’t return until August. She’s been very solid in three subsequent outings with two 3rds and a 5th and looks to have a win in her sooner or later. (1) EDGE OF WINNER made a comeback of her own two weeks ago and while she only managed an indifferent 7th of 12 over 1000M, she most likely needed the run and today’s trip should suit more. (10) GOLDUI INYEON resumes today off a spell and is another who has proven herself competitive at this distance.

Selections (4) Girl Crush (2) Geuma Ghost (1) Edge Of Winner (10) Goldui Inyeon
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 2, 3

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

A full field of juvenile maidens and seven of the twelve are making their racecourse debuts here. Among the ones who have raced before, (3) FOX COLORING is the only one to have raced twice, improving into 4th on the latest of those and she can be expected to run solidly today. (2) SAND TIGER ran a decent 5th on debut a month ago and will also be well backed here. Aside from that pair, it’s the first-timers who will be expected to go well. (6) MABEOP CHEOREOM won a trial in a fast time last month and if she brings that kind of form to the races, she’ll go very close. (11) SAMBA RHYTHM wasn’t too far away in the very same heat and she too can go well first up. (8) FUNKY and (9) B.K. SOUND also trialed up together, Funky emerging on top and both of those should be in the hunt for at least some minor money. As ever with this kind of race, keep an eye on the market for clues.

Selections (6) Mabeop Cheoreom (8) Funky (2) Sand Tiger (3) Fox Coloring
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 2, 7, 9

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

It should be hard to recommend a twenty-six race maiden to win any race but this race does look to be (7) DANCING BLAZE’s to lose. She comes in off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes, beating three of these along the way last time and this could well be her day. So it could too for (8) FELICE. He’s also a maiden, in his case after eleven attempts and while he was one of those beaten by Dancing Blaze a month ago he returned just two weeks ago and ran a good 4th at this distance. He tends to leave himself a bit much to do but he’s not without ability. (3) B.K. MARINE was a winner at this distance in August (beating Dancing Blaze) and should be on pace early. (4) LUCKY ADELE steps up in class after coming close on each of her first four outings and shouldn’t be out of his depth here. (9) REALLY ONE looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Dancing Blaze (8) Felice (3) B.K. Marine (4) Lucky Adele
Next Best 9, 11
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 10

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

(8) K PLUS WON is up in class following a 4th and a pair of 2nd place finishes from three starts so far. He looks nicely in here, should get on pace from the starts and can go all the way. (3) JAESAENGMYEONGNI ran a good 2nd over class and distance on October 19th, just missing out by a nose. He’ll be ridden patiently again and can be a danger late on. (5) ROYAL CLUB was a touch disappointing last start on October 12th at 1200M. He entered that race following two very close 2nd and 3rd place finishes in August and September and is well worth another chance here. (11) SWEEP MAN actually finished ahead of Royal Club in that October 12th race and can look to match the 4th he managed that day.

Selections (8) K Plus Won (5) Royal Club (3) Jaesangmyeongni (11) Sweep Man
Next Best 7, 12
Fast Start 6, 8, 12

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) SPOT survived an inquiry to keep a narrow victory over 1200M on October 26th. It was his second win in six starts in what has been a bit of an interrupted career to date. (more…)

Triple Nine Lands Sensational 4th President’s Cup

Triple Nine galloped his way in to Korean racing history books at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as he cruised to an unprecedented fourth consecutive win in the President’s Cup. The six-year-old struck the front a furlong and a half from home and eased to a dominant six-length win to eclipse the achievement of Dangdae Bulpae, who won three straight editions of the nation’s biggest race for domestically-bred horses between 2012 and 2012.

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Triple Nine in the President’s Cup winner’s circle

At a packed Seoul Racecourse on a bright autumn afternoon, Triple Nine was sent off as the odds-on favourite for the 2000M test which for the past fifteen years has decided the Champion Korean bred horse of the year and has also been when the season’s three-year-old Classic winners face the best older horses for the first time. So that was to be this time with Ecton Blade and World Sun, winners of the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup respectively both taking their chance.

 Neither was able to show very much. Ecton Blade, a stablemate of Triple Nine, was hindered by a wide draw and was scarcely involved while World Sun, a closer, did eventually arrive on the scene but far too late. Other fancied contenders Cheonji Storm and Gangtoma also offered little. Instead it was left to Gasokbulpae, more noted as a sprinter and sent off at odds in excess of 90/1 and who set a game pace throughout, and Yaho Sky Cat, a 130/1 outsider to get the closest, eventually finishing in 3rd and 2nd respecitively. Another long-shot, Ultra Rocket was 4th.

They might as well have been in a different race to Triple Nine. Kim Young-Kwan’s stable star settled in midfield and gradually improved down the back straight before being shaken up by jockey Lim Sung Sil on the turn for home. From then on it was inevitable and Triple Nine duly took a stranglehold on the race in the home straight.

 The margin on the line was six-lengths, the greatest in Triple Nine’s President’s Cup. The time was his second quickest, half a second slower than last year’s. Then though he had Power Blade to contend with. While this year’s competition may not have been the strongest, the sheer consistency of Triple Nine over the past three years, as well as his exploits in Dubai in 2017, surely takes him to the top of the all-time ranks of Korean-bred horses, even ahead of Power Blade.

 Bred by Isidore Farm on Jeju Island, Triple Nine has won 14 of his 30 races in Korea and placed 3rd and 4th in the first two editions of the Korea Cup. For trainer Kim Young-Kwan it was a record fourteenth Group 1 winner while for jockey Lim Sung Sil, it was a fifth G1. Three of those have now been on Triple Nine in the President’s Cup while he matched his mount’s achievement having also ridden Indie Band to win the race in 2013.

It may not be over yet. The Grand Prix Stakes is a possibility next month and given Triple Nine’s career to date, a return next year for a previously unthinkable fifth President’s Cup is surely not impossible.

 

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″

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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:

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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:

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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.

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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…)