Author: gyongmaman

Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan with 8 races from 11:00 to 17:30. The feature is the G3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup over 2000M where Fantastic Value will be seeking to sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies. Here are the previews:

Seriene was the Gyeonggi winner a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

The form is totally unconvincing here to the extent that we’ll take a chance on one of the first-time starters. (9) CHAMPION SOCKS showed handy in his trial finishing in midfield in a fair time. With some natural improvement on that, the Shackleford gelding has as much chance as any. (1) FLYING GLOW debuted in August 2023 but then didn’t appear again until two efforts last May and June with a best of 4th. He then got injured but he looked well when showing on pace in a May trial and can go well first up in this company. (8) P N S JU was an improved 3rd at start eighteen three weeks ago in similarly weak company and that is enough to give her a chance here. (5) BULGEUNTAEYANG and (10) P N S OHOH others to consider in a race that perhaps won’t see the track record threatened.

Selections(9) Champion Socks (1) Flying Glow (8) P N S Ju (5) Beulgeuntaeyang
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

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

(6) BIGBANG CLASS was front running 2nd on debut over this distance on May 9th. He should have come on for that run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) PLUTO has a 2nd a 3rd and a 4th from three starts so far and while that may make it seem it is trending the wrong way, he has shown progress in each of them. He will be on pace here and should be in this a long way. (11) JJAK SARANG has hovered around the placings across her four starts so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. Debut-maker (5) SOMETHING ELSE looked well when an on pace 2nd in her second trial and along with (4) DIA KNIGHT, is another to consider.

Selections(6) Bigbang Class (8) Pluto (11) Jjak Sarang (5) Something Else
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

It’s hard to go past (1) WILD WHIZ. He ran once for 3rd last summer and then wasn’t seen again until this May 19th when he led from gate to wire over this distance. He comes up in class but should strip fitter for that run and down in weight and drawn well, he can go all the way again. The main dangers are both up in class after last start maiden wins too. (8) SAMJEONG LADY raced on pace for a comfortable win at 1200M back in February. She comes in fresh and can measure up. (7) CHOEGANG SPEED didn’t do much in his first two outings but came from off the pace to score at start three over 1200M on May 3rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be challenging late. (2) CUPID HEART and (9) SEMYEONG STRONG are the other main placing chances.

Selections(1) Wild Whiz (8) Samjeong Lady (7) Choegang Speed (2) Cupid Heart
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

(5) MISSOURI CHAMP got her maiden win in March and has since run 3rd and 4th in two starts at this level at 1200M and most recently at 1300M on May 9th She came from off the pace in both of those, but in this company, she can be ridden further forward, and she can win. (7) BROWN ROOKIE has finished 4th in each of her latest three outings, including behind Missouri Champ two starts back. She has been running on well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) RAINBOW ROAD mixes her form but her latest two have been good, especially a 2nd place at this class over 1400M on May 2nd. From a good draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) TRIPLE J and (10) GEUMA REJOICE are other place chances.

Selections(5) Missouri Champ (7) Brown Rookie (2) Rainbow Road (8) Triple J
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (10) SMART TAKE returned from five months out to get her maiden win over this distance at the end of March before running 3rd over the same trip on her first try at this class on May 4th. She has a smart finish on her so the widest gate is no problem and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) RAON THE KEISHA has two 2nd places and a 3rd in three goes at this class since her maiden win last November and hasn’t missed the top three since her debut. She draws nicely to sit handy, and she shapes as the main danger. (1) I AM GO has been similarly consistent and will have plenty of backers with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time. (4) LUCKY DAY and (11) ANYANG TSUNAMI others in line for the minors.

Selections(10) Smart Take (2) Raon The Keisha (1) I Am Go (4) Lucky Day
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

Just 9-races for Saturdays and Sundays at Seoul in June. The 1st is at 10:35 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A few of these look ready to win, chief among them (1) DOUBLE NINE, who enters off a close 3rd at this distance on May 3rd when he led for most of the way. He draws very well to lead again, CC gets on abord for the first time, and he can win. (4) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG was one of a couple of these who finished ahead of Double Nine back in February and comes in following a 2nd place at 1300M on May 10th. He was well beaten by a good winner and in this company can sit handy to the speed and finish strongly. (5) EAST SKY has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two – the former beating both Double Nine and Jeulgeoun Sangsang – and he can be in the mix again. (6) BURUI SEGYE and (2) SEMYEONG GHOST the other place chances.  

Selections(1) Double Nine (4) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (5) East Sky (6) Burui Segye
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (8) ALIFER took a couple of goes to figure things out but has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing just behind the speed. In this company, she should be on pace again and has as good a chance as any. She will need to overturn the form on (6) SWITCH POWER, who was 3rd to Alifer’s 4th on May 10th. While yet to finish in the top two, Switch Power has five top five finishes and should be close again. (10) GOLD CATCHER was a fair 4th over 1200M on debut in April and stripping fitter and stepping up slightly in trip, may make for some interest at an each-way price. (7) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN and (9) CHEONGHAE STAR others to consider.

Selections(8) Alifer (6) Switch Power (10) Gold Catcher (7) Yeomyeongui Sungan
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(9) WESTERN GUN was an also-ran in Seoul’s Classic Trial in February, after which he was moved stables and following almost two months out, returned for a front-running 2nd at this class and distance on April 19th. That Classic Trial was the only time he has missed the top two over 1400M and with Moon Se-young staying on, he can return to winning ways. (1) MINT PLAY got her maiden win at the twenty-fourth time of asking at this class and distance May 5th racing on pace throughout. She comes up 2.5kg in weights but shouldn’t be dismissed from a good draw. (4) LOTUSMIREU is yet to win in eighteen tries but recent form reads well with a last start 2nd, and she should be there or thereabouts again. (6) CHEONGONGUI SEOM hasn’t raced since winning at start three last September, but he looked well winning a trial a month ago and he should be on pace and in this a long way. (10) SWEET SONG another on the hunt.

Selections(9) Western Gun (1) Mint Play (4) Lotusmireu (6) Cheongongui Seom
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

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

(1) MUNHAK BELL is yet to score in four attempts but has a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all over this distance. That has earned him a rating and brings him up in class, but he is down in weight, he draws well and today can be his day. (6) FLYING LION took thirteen goes to get her breakthrough but she seemed to enjoy it as just two starts later she got another, the latter at this class and distance on May 3rd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but a repeat can’t be ruled out. (9) MG FIRST led for much of the way around over 1400M last time out, ultimately coming home in 3rd. That was back in February so he comes in after seventeen weeks off and while up in class, he is down in weight and can measure up. (10) CAPTURE and (3) CHROMITE others in line for the minors.

Selections(1) Munhak Bell (6) Flying Lion (9) MG First (10) Capture
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 5)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) HOLIDAY QUEEN was a much-improved 2nd at start number two in a very similar race over this distance on May 2nd when unlike in her debut, she raced on pace. She only went down narrowly in a quick time, and she won’t have to improve much to win this. The next two both come off long layoffs. (9) BREEDO QUEEN STAR raced twice last spring with a 2nd among them. She is now four so evidently is believed worth persevering with and she looked well in a trial a couple of weeks ago. (5) NICE BUDDY was 2nd on debut last September, well beaten by a good winner but showing promise. She then had some setbacks, but she also trialed satisfactorily in May and can go well again first-up. (4) TUHONUI ACE and debut maker (10) SAILING others to look out for.

Selections(1) Holiday Queen (9) Breedo Queen Star (5) Nice Buddy (4) Tuhonui Ace
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

Competitive maiden. (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE ran a close 2nd at this distance at start number two over this distance in March before beating a couple of these on his way to 4th place on April 18th. Franco gets on for the first time, he can be on pace, and he can win this. (5) BLACK SQUALL was one of those beaten that day, but he has a couple of placings on his record including a 3rd place at 1400M on May 16th, when on leading for part of the way. He will be on the speed here and can be in this a long way.  (2) SEOBU DANCING was another behind Apdojeok Numberone in that April 18th race, but he had a wide draw that day and has since run 3rd at this distance. (4) SCYTHAI and (10) DIA X are other placing chances.

Selections(8) Apdojeok Numberone (5) Black Squall (2) Seobu Dancing (4) Scythai
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Another tricky one (11) THUNDER PASSION has the challenge of the widest gate, but he comes in off 2nd and 3rd places over 1200M both times doing by far his best work late. The step up in trip can suit and he has a big chance here. (2) REMENT beat a couple of these when running on for a best to date 3rd over this distance on May 18th. He comes into a much better gate this time and should be aiming to go even better. (9) EAGLE POWER was 4th in that May 18th race, coming from off the pace. He has a runner-up finish at this distance and can be in the mix again. (3) GLORY ALPHA and (5) FAST QUEEN among others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Thunder Passion (2) Rement (9) Eagle Power (3) Glory Alpha
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) ASTIN MARINE has been only fair in three goes at this class, all at this distance, with a 3rd place the best of them. He has won over 1800M and Seo Seung-un, who rode him to his maiden victory, returns. He can settle back and run on and has as good a chance as any here. (7) BLUE POINT beat Astin Marine when 3rd at this class and distance two starts back. He too is a winner over this distance and with a strong finish, can be challenging late. Veteran (6) MILK DAY has both beaten and been beaten by plenty of these but on his last start 4th – ahead of Astin Marine – has to be considered a chance here. (1) SKY SHOT and (8) STORMY DAY among others to consider on a place line. 

Selections(5) Astin Marine (7) Blue Point (6) Milk Day (1) Sky Shot
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

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RAON FOREST BLOWS START BUT ROARS BACK FOR UNLIKELY KNN TRIUMPH

Raon Forest found herself in a world of trouble when veering wildly out as the gates opened , before not only catching up, but cutting through the entire field to win the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Raon Forest defeats Bang Bang Bang (Pic: KRA)

Having returned from five months out to comfortably win the Ttukseom Cup, Jeulgeounyeojeong was sent off as the 1.6 favourite with last year’s winner Wonderful Slew second in the market ahead of Donga Ilbo Trophy winner Gladius.

After Raon First’s antics coming out of the gate, it seemed safe enough to forget about the fourth favourite as speedster East Jump set the early pace with Jeulgeounyeojeong in close attendance. Into the home straight and it was Gladius who had the lead, but the field was fanned across the track with any number of chances still at the furlong pole.

Jeulgeounyeojeong never really looked a winner, but Gladius did and so too did Wonderful Slew as she launched her bid to successfully defend her title under Moon Se-young on the extreme outside. Ultimately neither would finish in the top two.

After that dreadful start, Choi Bum-hyun aboard Roan Forest had gathered up his mount and taken her across to the rail where instead of using up energy and hurrying back to the main group, they started to run their own race. The only one even remotely away as badly was Bang Bang Bang.

Yet it would be those two who would ultimately scythe through the pack. Raon Forest struck the front just inside the 100M and prevailed   from none other than Bang Bang Bang by half a length. Wonderful Slew was 3rd with Gladius ahead of Jeulgeounyeojeong in 4th.

The returning Lady Vader, who spent much of the first part of the race in company with Raon Forest and Bang Bang Bang, was a creditable 6th.

“More than anything, I’m happy we ended up winning” Raon Forest’s jockey Choi Bum-hyun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I thought it was game over when the start went wrong and it messed up our plan. But she was calm, we took our time to get back into it and by the 3rd corner (the end of the back straight), I thought we were ok again. The inside was open, and she was running well.”

“It feels a bit inconsequential to say it now but even if she had broken well, we would have been patient. When it happened, I felt ‘oh gosh’, but I guess I’m a lucky guy today.”

Choi is one of the most decorated Korean jockeys of all time with the KNN his fourteenth Group level win, a tally that includes two Grand Prix Stakes and a Korean Derby but in the past twelve months he has only taken seventy rides, albeit for a healthy return of ten wins.

“This was my first time back in Busan for a year, so I had prepared very hard and then after all that preparation everything changes at the start, and we get some luck and win. I haven’t ridden very much at all recently, so I have had to change my mindset, and I am ready to take the opportunities when they come.”

A post-race inspection found Jeulgeounyeojeong to be lame in her right foreleg which may account for her run. It continued a luckless streak for her at her home track that encompasses taking a race-ruining back straight bump in this race last year as well as a first bleeding attack in the Breeders’ Cup Queen last November. She bounced back from both and with any luck, can again.

Next Sunday, attention shifts to finding the next generation of Queens’ Tour contenders. The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul is the final leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies and having comfortably won the first two jewels, Fantastic Value will be a hot favourite to emulate Jeulgeounyeojeong from two years ago in claiming all three. The Queens’ Tour itself resumes in late September with the Jeju Governor’s Cup the first leg of the Fall/Winter series.

Jeulgeounyeojeong Set To Be Strong Favourite in KNN Cup

There were plenty of doubters when JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG returned to action five months after having bled and finished at the back of the field in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Queen. Few remained after she made her return a winning one in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul on April 24th, and she will be a hot favourite for the third and final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.

Wonderful Slew is the defending champion in the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)

While Crown Hamseong, who was 2nd in both of the first two legs of the series (the first was the Donga Ilbo over 1800M in March while Jeulgeounyeojeong was still out) doesn’t run, having finished 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint two weeks ago, but plenty of other top fillies and mares do.

They include GLADIUS, who won March’s Donga Ilbo Trophy before running 5th to Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Ttukseom when sent off as favourite. She has to contend with the challenge of the widest gate but can be a threat. Meanwhile, WONDERFUL SLEW, the defending champion having won this race a year ago, is also back having run 3rd in the Ttukseom.

The KNN Cup is the final race on the six-race card at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:30. There are also eleven races at Seoul. Here is a full run-down of the field:

1. CARPE BABEL – Generally runs midfield at class 2 level, coming from off the pace. Unlikely to be a threat here

2. GEOLJAK ONE – Decent 6th in that  Donga Ilbo after an uncharacteristic slow start and gets her chance having won at class 2 over 1800M. On pace and place chance.

3. EAST JUMP – Midfield in the Donga Ilbo then 2nd to Blue Lemon in a Trophy race at 1800M in April then 4th at class 2 over a mile. Will be on pace.

4. BLUE LEMON – Winner of a big Trophy race at 1800M in April but 9th in the Ttukseom Cup when further back than usual. Needs more to be in the frame here. Same owner as Jeulgeounyeojeong.

5. HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK – Not been in great from this year and has been beaten by a few of her fellow Seoul visitors. First time at a mile and an outsider.

6. RAON FOREST – Main stay in these types of races, she was 4th in both the Donga Ilbo and the Ttukseom, coming from off the pace. Place chance.

7. WONDERFUL SLEW – Last year’s winner struggled against the boys in the Herald Business in March but was a good 3rd in the Ttukseom. This distance suits more than that and she is the main danger to the favourite

8. BEST TORCH – Well back in the Donga Ilbo followed by 4th over 1400M at class 2 level. 3rd on only try at a mile, she could be a minor money chance.

9. JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG – Returned from five months off to take a very good win in the Ttukseom Cup. She can race on pace or from behind and at her best, she wins this.

10. FLYING STAR – Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Queen last November followed by a class 1 3rd at this distance on January. Midfield in both the Donga Ilbo and Ttukseom but don’t rule out back at Busan and at a mile.

11. BANG BANG BANG – Has only won up to class 3 level but was a solid 5th place in the Donga Ilbo and coming in fresh can challenge for minor money again

12. MIGHTY LOOK – Solid class 1 campaigner and ran fairly for midfield in the Ttukseom. Little to suggest she can win this but can match or better that finish.

13. LADY VADER – A winner of five from ten but she makes her first start since last August. Looked very well in two trials but this is a hard ask first up.

14. GLADIUS – Three wins in a row between December and March culminating in her Donga Ilbo triumph. 5th in the Ttukseom and drawn wide here but can’t be ruled out.

Selections(9) Jeulgeounyeojeong (7) Wonderful Slew (6) Raon Forest (14) Gladius
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 13

KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 1)

The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is the highlight on the first day of June with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30, plus 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only. (4) BISANG BELL was a much-improved 2nd and only very narrowly beaten at 1200M when coming from off the pace on May 3rd. She draws well here and that can help her to go one better today. (8) EXCELLENT HANSEN has been showing consistent form recently with a 2nd, 4th and 3rd from her latest three, each time racing on pace. She is likely to be on pace again and will have plenty of supporters to go all the way. (2) NAMSAN MINYEO is the solitary debut-maker. She was 2nd in her trial showing on pace and posting a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be in this. (5) YONGAM SARANG will be on the speed too. She did weaken last time out but going on her runner-up two outings back, warrants another chance. (6) CLUB Q, 3rd on debut, another to consider in a competitive opener.

Selections(4) Bisang Bell (8) Excellent Hansen (2) Namsan Minyeo (5) Yongam Sarang
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) BLACK SATANG came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on May 10th. She should have come on for that run, the step up to two turns can suit, and she can win here. (6) HEEMANGBAND has been getting closer across his nine starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when tried at this distance for the first time on April 27th when he finished strongly with three of today’s rivals behind him. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (2) STREET RUBY was 3rd in that race, a big improvement on her first try at two tuns. She led that day and from a good draw similar will be expected here. (3) BEST KINGDOM and (4) SAVANA CHARLIE others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Black Satang (6) Heemangband (2) Street Ruby (3) Best Kingdom
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Not the strongest of races for the level so we’ll take a chance on (7) RAON NOTHERN DANCE. He is still a maiden after seven attempts but got promoted to this class after too many near-misses and he has continued to hold his form at this level. He was 5th last time out at this class and distance but the margins weren’t huge, and, in this company, he can be on pace, and it may be his day. (1) SONE SONJABGO and (2) JOSE came home 3rd and 6th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on May 3rd. The former will come from off the pace while the latter will be on the speed and both can play a part in the finish today. (4) GOOD FIGHTER has only been ordinary in his latest couple, but he is a two-time winner at this distance and is a chance in this company. (6) BREEDO KING STAR another who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Raon Northern Dance (1) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Jose (4) Good Fighter
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only and it is wide open. (8) SUN LIGHT was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on May 2nd coming from well off the pace. Leving herself too much to do has been a trend but she may be ready for another crack at 1400M and has as good a chance as any here. (4) ALL THE WAY has a 3rd and a 5th in two outings to date, most recently behind Sun Light in that May 2nd race. She has been doing her best work late and is another who the 1400M can suit. (7) GRACE CAL enters off a 3rd place when tried at this distance for the first time on May 4th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) WONDERFUL TEAM and (11) DIA MATE others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Sun Light (4) All The Way (7) Grace Cal (10) Wonderful Team
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(5) WONDERFUL FAPPY took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this class but has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times having led. From a good draw, he surely leads again here and may take some beating. (6) MORNING WONDER is up in class having registered his maiden win at start five over 1200M on May 4th when on pace. He finished no worse than 4th at class 6 and under a light weight, he can measure up here. (7) MR.STORM was 3rd at this class over 1200M on April 26th, racing handy throughout. His win came over this trip and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be in the mix again. (10) GANDAGO also has weight to deal with following a last start win at this class over 1400M but should be competitive. (9) CANVASEN GO another place chance.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fappy (6) Morning Wonder (7) Mr.Storm (10) Gandago
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

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

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

The first juvenile race of the season. (5) UNIVERSAL went through two trials registering a 4th and a 3rd (the latter one was voluntary so may not appear on all racecards). He’s a half-brother to multiple winners Black Mamba and Seungbusa, both of whom won on debut, and he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) SILLAUI FIGHTER showed on pace in his trial ultimately finishing in 5th but not far back and in a fair time in what was a slow month for trials. Moon Se-young is booked and he may start as favourite. (4) GHOST is another who showed at the front in his heat and can be on pace here. (2) YONGBI SHINHWA and (3) THE EXCELLENT are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Universal (6) Sillaui Fighter (4) Ghost (2) Yongbi Shinhwa
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

Ten fillies and one gelding in this maiden in which five race for the first time. (2) MUNHAK FIGHTER ran a solid 2nd on debut in February which led him to be sent off as favourite on his reappearance in March when he proceeded to blow the start and ultimately finish 5th. He’s been back to do starting tests since then and with a smoother departure today, can win. Among the debut-makers, (6) RAON FLORENCE looks the best. He trialed a couple of times last year but didn’t make it to the races but looked well when showing on pace and running 3rd in a heat a month ago. If he brings that form to the races, he can be close. (11) GEOLJAK CHUKJE has mixed her form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd and a 3rd which is enough to put her in contention here. (5) DALBIT SONATA has been back to trial since her last start in February and can be better this time around. (1) GLOBAL GISANG ran well enough in her trial.

Selections(2) Munhak Fighter (6) Raon Florence (11) Geoljak Chukje (5) Dalbit Sonata
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) BITNARA has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at 1300M on May 4th when settling behind the speed and running on. Expect similar tactics today, and he can go one better. (7) JOY CHEONHA has made similar progress lately and enters off a 2nd place at 1300M on April 19th. He beat a couple of these when 5th on his sole previous try at 1400M and can beat plenty again. (9) SALVADOR was a strong 2nd on debut and while he was a well beaten favourite at start two when getting a long way back, the step up in trip can suit here and he can be a danger. (10) BLACK SMILE and (6) GRAY PHANTOM are the other main chances.

Selections(5) Bitnara (7) Joy Cheonha (9) Salvador (10) Black Smile
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

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

Fillies only. (8) SUHYANG MIIN got her maiden win in March over 1300M before running a fair 3rd on her first try at this class and distance on April 27th having led for much of the way. In this small field she can navigate her way to the lead again and this time can go all the way. (2) POWER BAND got her maiden win at this distance in April but had a hard time when stepped up to two turns for her first try at this level on May 3rd. The drop back in trip should help and she can be given another chance. (7) UPPERHAND also gets another chance after an underwhelming first go at this class three weeks ago. She too broke her maiden at today’s trip. Up in class pair of (6) STUNNING STEP and (5) COMMAND BLUE are others to consider.

Selections(8) Suhyang Miin (2) Power Band (7) Upperhand (6) Stunning Step
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 30)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(8) YEONGGWANGUI CLEAR overcame a slow start on debut to run on strongly for 2nd place at this distance. He should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and he will be favoured to go one better. (1) TOP OF THE RANK didn’t do a whole lot on debut when slow away from a wide draw. He previously looked good in trials and from a much better gate, he can improve. (5) FLEX TAP beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place in a filly only maiden at this distance on May 2nd and she can be in the mix again. (3) SWORN QUEEN enters off a 3rd place at 1400M when racing on pace and can aim for a money finish again. (6) SPEED GOOD another who can improve.

Selections(8) Yeonggwangui Clear (1) Top Of The Rank (5) Flex Tap (3) Sworn Queen
Next Best6,
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an indifferent effort on debut, (3) STUKA has put in two consecutive 3rd place finishes at 1300M and 1200M, showing on pace both times. He comes up significantly in trip today but draws well to lead again and may take some beating. The rest of the form is patchy to say the least, so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut-maker and the first juvenile to get a run out this year, (9) AMAZING ONE. It took him two goes to qualify but he did his best work late in both and both the mile and the competition can suit first up. (7) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA was an improved 3rd when coming from off the pace on his first try at this distance on April 25th. That was his best in ten tries but he won’t need to improve much to be close again. (2) DAEJI DAEBONG and (11) PHANTOM KING others to consider on a place line.

Selections(3) Stuka (9) Amazing One (7) Boryeongjeoktoma (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

The second division of the mile maiden. We’ll take a chance on (1) HIGH LEVEL. She enters off her best finish of 4th over 1300M on April 27th when, as has been her style so far, she has settled back and finished off well. The mile can suit, there is no speed here so she can be much further forward earlier from the inside gate, and she has as good a chance as any at probably an each-way price. (5) FLYING ICE has a 2nd and a 3rd on her resume, along with no fewer than five 4th place finishes. 1600M seems to be her go – she comes in off back-to-back 4th places over the trip, and she should be in the mix here. (9) WONDER ROAD and (2) HEUIMANG GUNJU came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced one another over 1400M on May 4th and both can be there or thereabouts again. (3) DOCTOR SOLAR was further back in that race but going on his 2nd place at 1400M two starts back, can be given another chance.

Selections(1) High Level (5) Flying Ice (9) Wonder Road (2) Heuimang Gunju
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

A rare mid-Friday afternoon class 1, albeit with a rating cap of 95. (5) CLEAN ONE was placed in Listed juvenile company last November and returned to winning ways with victory in the NZTR Trophy over 1800M on April 13th when he led all the way around. He is very nicely in under today’s conditions, and he can go all the way again. That will mean overturning the form on (4) LOVE KING IJI, who was 2nd to Clean One’s 3rd when the pair raced one another over this distance at class 2 level in January. Love King Iji has a 2nd and a 5th from two subsequent outings and can be a danger. (2) DESPITE WIN tackles further than a mile for the first time but has seven top three finishes from eight starts and can measure up. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT and (1) CATALINA MARINE others to consider.

Selections(5) Clean One (4) Love King Iji (2) Despite Win (3) Jeongmun Cobit
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

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Global Hit Grinds To Busan Homecoming Victory

Global Hit found himself in trouble but managed to dig himself out and ultimately grind down stablemate Speed Young to take a narrow win in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit edges out Speed Young in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Making a rare appearance at his home track, GLOBAL HIT was sent off as the prohibitive 1.1 favourite for the race but found himself pocketed and unable to find a run until late on. By that time SPEED YOUNG had launched his bid for home and it took until the very final strides for Global Hit to get on terms and ultimately pass him to win by a neck.

The one-two was the same as in last month’s YTN Cup at Seoul, when Global Hit finished five-lengths to the good. That day’s fourth placegetter and Herald Business winner SUCCESS BAEKPA was six-lengths back in 3rd.

“The start was quicker than in the 2000M races so it was hard to find position, especially when (Daeam Janggun) came across and I couldn’t get out” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun explained to KBS N Sports. “It was then very close in the straight. I think we will take this experience of 1800M and try to avoid making the same mistake in the Korea Cup.”

The win was Global Hit’s twelfth in twenty-one lifetime starts. It was his ninth Group race success but his first at Busan, where his and Speed Young’s trainer Bang Dong-suk is based.

It’s probable that Global Hit will follow the same route as he did last year and not race again until defending the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on August 3rd in the lead up to the Korea Cup (1800M IG3) on September 7.  Speed Young will probably be sent to defend the Busan Owner’s Cup (1600M KOR-G3) that he won last year on June 29.

Despite only prevailing narrowly, Global Hit looks a far better horse than he was a year ago. With his early pace and sustained finish – the latter getting him and his jockey out of trouble on Sunday – he very nearly has the full package. He is the best local hope for September’s international races.

In related news, three-year-old import WONPYEONG STORM, who was five for five before finding the Herald Business in March a bit too much too soon returned to action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The Tale Of The Cat colt was a dominant winner of the Sports Kyunghyang Trophy (rating 95 or less), cruising home eight lengths to the good over a mile.

Next weekend the feature action is at Busan again with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer for fillies and mares on Sunday.

Busan Mayor’s Cup 2025 – Form Comments

Global Hit returned from Dubai to successfully uphold local honour by seeing off Japan’s Yumeno Honoo in last month’s YTN Cup. Now, the highest rated horse in Korea makes a return to the track where he does his training, but scarcely ever races, as he headlines the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2), the final leg of the Stayer Series, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.

Global Hit was far too good in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

While he does his day-to-day training on the track, since his breakout performance in the 2023 Korean Derby, only one of Global Hit’s subsequent fourteen outings have been at home. That was in this race last year when as favourite, he was narrowly beaten into second by Tuhonui Banseok. He’ll be favourite again.

Tuhonui Banseok is the double defending Champion having won the race in both 2023 and 2024 but on recent form, SPEED YOUNG shapes as the main danger. The stablemate of Global Hit was 2nd in both previous legs of the series, the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) and YTN Cup (2000M KOR G3). SUCCESS BAEKPA won the Herald, and along with TIZ BAROWS and NUT PLAY will be among the next line of favourites.

Here’s a rundown of the full field of fourteen for the big race which, for live TV purposes (KBS N Sports in Korea), is race 2 at Busan with the early post time of 13:10:  

1. BYEOLNARA JILJU – The lowest rated in the field by a considerable margin and while he placed at class 2 level over 2000M in February, he is a big outsider here.

2. NAOL SNIPER – Hasn’t quite kicked on this year and with a 6th and a 12th in the two prior legs of the series, and on those efforts, he has plenty to find here.

3. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Winner of this race the past two years, he ended 2024 with 2nd to Global Hit in the Grand Prix but was well back in both legs of this series so far. Return to Busan may help and not to be dismissed.

4. SPEED YOUNG – Stablemate to Global Hit and the main danger. Has finished between 2nd and 4th in each of his last six starts, all at Seoul and all at Group (or Listed) level. Tactically versatile and will run on but has five-lengths to find on Global Hit. Solid place chance but will be a short price for that.

5. GLOBAL HIT – Returned from Dubai to win the YTN Cup in dominant fashion. This is a rare big race missing from his CV and while he hasn’t scored at 1800M since his 2023 Derby victory, at anything like his best, he wins.

6. BEOLMAUI MONSTER – First time in Graded company, he got back-to-back wins at the turn of the year at class 2 before running 2nd at class 1 over 2000M at the end of March. On pace or handy but this is a hard ask at level weights.

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