Author: gyongmaman

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 14)

Next weekend will be dark in racing terms due to the Chuseok – or Korean Thanksgiving – holidays so this weekend’s cards are the last for a fortnight in Korea. The feature race if the weekend is the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday which will see Special Stone looking to repeat her Korean Oaks victory against a number of the filles she beat in the Classic at Busan in July. First up though is a Friday card at Busan with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

RH7_2434

It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

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

(8) NAEGA DAESE was a much improved 2nd over 1200M on what was her fourth start in July 27th and with only a bit more progress today, she can win this. (1) TOJONG CHAMP too comes in having run 2nd, her best so far, over this distance three weeks ago. She doesn’t have a fast start on her but can grind plenty down late on in the race. (5) INTERCEPTOR was a touch disappointing when well-backed on his latest start in July. That followed a couple of promising runs and after nine weeks off he is worth another chance today. (2) CHOEGANG SEONBONG and (4) SMART BANK look best of the rest.

Selections (8) Naega Daese (5) Interceptor (1) Tojong Champ (4) Smart Bank
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 4, 8

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

He missed out by a length last time four weeks ago when running 2nd on what was his third career start and (1) BUGYEONG STORY should come out of gate 1 on the lead and with every chance of going all the way this time. (2) URANUS J was 6th behind Bugyeong Story in that race on what was his debut. He was sent off as favourite having trialed well and while the result wasn’t great, he can get another chance today. (3) TONGIL HANGUK has shown some promise in running 3rd and 5th in his two outings so far. Both of them have been at 1200M and he’s been on the early pace only to weaken so he looks an interesting prospect dropped back to the minimum distance here. (5) ROYAL RIVER and (8) WANBONG are the others who look most likely to improve.

Selections (1) Bugyeong Story (3) Tongil Hanguk (2) Uranus J (8) Wanbong
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 1, 3

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

This race is restricted to maiden fillies and among the nine starters, five have raced before. Among those with prior experience, only (7) ARCADIA has done anything of note when finishing not far away at all in 4th over this distance a month ago. She should be close to the pace here and has a chance. A couple of first-time starters look like being the main dangers. (3) GEUMA GHOST ran 3rd in her trial last month and looked competent in the process. She led for much of it and will be expected to try to lead here. (8) TONGIL GIPPEUM held her own in a very quick heat, and if she runs in a similar fashion today, she shouldn’t be far away at all. (2) B.K. GAMBOL and (5) PHOENIX QUEEN are next best.

Selections (7) Arcadia (3) Geuma Ghost (8) Tongil Gippeum (5)Phoenix Queen
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 7

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

 (8) FLASHY MISS was sent off favourite for her latest start over 1200M on July 27th. She ran poorly, looking unsettled around the turn and then offering nothing in the straight. Her form going into that race was strong, however, and dropped back to 1000M today, she looks again the one they’ll need to beat. (6) B.K. MARINE was a class and distance winner by a nose on August 17th and while she carries an additional 3.5kg here, a repeat is not impossible. (2) THUNDER STRUCK is capable at this class and shouldn’t be too far away while (7) FELICE too comes in with recent form reading positively and is in with at least a placing chance. (3) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG isn’t as bad as his latest couple of outings suggests and he too can improve here. 

Selections (8) Flashy Miss (6) B.K. Marine (2) Thunder Struck (7) Felice
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Start 10, 1

 Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This race is restricted to juvenile maidens. Four of the eight have race before and two of them raced together when (2) TOUGH GREEN beat (6) GLITTER by a length as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd over 1000M on what for both of them was a second career start on August 5th. They’re the picks to fight it out for top honours this time and with the slight step up in trip in mind, Glitter is favoured to prevail. Of the other two who have raced before, (3) DAEJI CHAMP looks the most likely to improve while among the debut-makers, (1) DOCTOR CHIC, a good trial winner back in July, looks most promising at this stage. (4) MUJEOK SPEED trialed at the beginning of this month and looked sharp too.

Selections (6) Glitter (2) Tough Green (1) Doctor Chic (4) Mujeok Speed
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 2, 8

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

Another set of juvenile maidens although this time all but two have raced before. Plenty of them have shown promise as well with both (3) MIGHTY POWER and (5) GIDAEHAE recording runner-up finishes on their respective debuts, both of them on August 17th. (1) GOLD TICKET and (4) K PLUS WON came home 3rd and 4th with less than a length between them when they debuted a month ago at this distance and both can be in the hunt to improve here, however, the one they need to beat may just be (7) (more…)

2018 Korea Cup & Sprint – Review

The 3rd Korean Autumn Racing Carnival featuring the Keeneland Korea Cup and Keeneland Korea Sprint has been and gone and once more, the highlight of the local racing season made for an interesting and exciting week.

Korea Sprint 2018

Moanin (purple cap) gets the better of Fight Hero in the Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)

The Sprint was a well-run race that saw a tight finish contested by two good horses. Moanin – the highest rated horse in the race – ran out the narrow winner under a vigourous ride by Joe Fujii who added the Sprint to the Cup he won two years ago on Chrysolite.

While the decision to enforce the widest gate on Hong Kong entrant Fight Hero attracted some scorn, it allowed the habitually difficult starter a trouble-free trip and possibly crucially, not a bit of sand in his face the whole way around. Under a very good ride by Derek Leung, Fight Hero made the most of that with a great late run that saw him duel with Moanin in the final 300 metres and almost beat him.

Sprint Presentation

Sprint Presentation (Pic: KRA)

Chublicious navigated a trickier route through but also finished off very strongly for 4th. The US-trained gelding had won plenty of admirers throughout the week for his kind and friendly demeanour in the barn but once out on the track, proved he is a proper racehorse too. over the two years that American horses have been coming, they have a 3rd (in last year’s Cup) and back to back 4ths in the Sprint with all three adjusting the surface very well. The Sprint looks a winnable race for a top level American Sprinter.

Wild Dude ran better than he did two years ago, gettng out to a fast start and while he faded, still managed to come home in sixth place. It wasn’t to be for France’s King Malpic, however, who was scarcely involved and came home last.

Doraonpogyeongseon ran 3rd for the second year in succession, consolidating his position as the host nation’s top sprinter even if that means he’s just a little bit below the standard necessary to win a race such as this. Could that standard be achieved next year by Ace Korea? The only three-year-old in the contest was on pace until the final furlong and while the extra power of the older horses then kicked in, he looks a huge prospect for further improvement.

London Town

London Town (Pic: KRA)

As to the Cup, it is perhaps best to simply look on it as simply a sensational performance by London Town. Yes, his form coming into the race wasn’t as imperious as it had been last year but from the moment he set foot on the Seoul sand last week, he looked a winner. Drawn wide again, he was hustled to the front by Yasunari Iwata (who picked up a two-day ban for his troubles) although it was Cheongdam Dokki who got to lead into the corner.

London Town went past Cheongdam Dokki with five furlongs still to run and for a moment it looked like Iwata may have gone to soon. A very very brief moment. From then on, he was relentless and strung the in now way weak field out in the manner of a three-mile steeplchase. Dokki was done, coming home 4th with Dolkong getting the closest on the line. Although “close” is perhaps not the best way to describe a 15-length deficit. London Town had so destroyed the field that Clean Up Joy was able to run on late for 3rd ahead of the tiring Dokki and the game Forest Ranger, who ran a good 5th for Richard Fahey.

Cup Presentation

Cup Presentation (Pic: KRA)

While successful at Group 2  level on more than one occasion, London Town is yet to win a Group 1 race in Japan. Hopefully he can go on and achieve such a feat in the forthcoming months. Dolkong’s 2nd place was the best finish by a Korean horse in the race to date and if his injury problems are behind him, could go on to be a big player in the months to come. Him against Cheongdam Dokki in the KRA Cup Classic next month, if it comes to pass, could be something to savour.

Singapore’s Maximus ran well but was one of those broken by London Town’s surge and ultimately finished 8th. Riven Light ran in midfield in the early exchanges but ended up eased. That was disappointing given the amount of goodwill the horse had generated in the lead up to the race and the star-power he attracted with Rich Ricci, Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh all in the parade ring.

Foster Antonio

Jockey Antonio Da Silva and trainer Simon Foster after Dolkong’s 2nd place (Pic: KRA)

The races were simulcast for betting in numerous countries. The Sprint was shown during the Sunday program at Sha Tin – and Hong Kong turnover on the race was actually bigger than the Korean turnover (Fight Hero started as 3rd favourite in his home country, compared to 2nd in Korea – both markets had Moanin on top). In the USA, TVG showed both races while At The Races’ coverage of the Cup was the first time a Korean race had been shown live on a British racing channel. Domestically, like last year, KBS N Sports recorded the races and produced a 75 minute highlight show (pro-baseball taking priority in the live slot).

In terms of attendance, it was free-entry to Seoul Racecourse on the day although in the end the on-track attendance was almost the exact same as last year at just over 39,000. Betting turnover on the Sprint was  4.06 Billion Won and 5.15 Billion Won on the Cup; the Sprint being slightly down on last year and the Cup a tiny bit up.

The official events were slightly more low-key this time around although that’s not necessarily a bad thing and the barrier draw taking place in the parade ring on the Thursday before the race instead of at a hotel seemed to work. Naturally, however, there was still a K-Pop group performing before the Cup presentation. On track, with horses representing nine different nations (including Korea), it was the most diverse event yet. The presence of the Melbourne Cup Trophy touring the racecourse also added a pleasingly cosmopolitan touch.

CupPRes

Customary annual picture of Keeneland’s Chip McGaughey, this year assisted by Seungho Ryu and Andrew Hawkins,  along with K-Pop group WJSN (Pic: KRA)

There will be murmurings of disquiet locally about both races being won by Japanese horses and that visitors from across the East Sea have now won five of the six carnival races across the three editions (Hong Kong’s Super Jockey in the inaugural Cup being the odd one out). However, the Sprint was an exciting race while the Cup saw a genuinely world-class performance. The event continues to slowly but surely make its mark in the racing calendar and its development in years to come can play an important role in the integration of Korean racing on the international stage, which in turn can strengthen its standing at home.

 

Japan Doubles As London Town & Moanin Win Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint

For the second year running, Japanese-trained horses emerged victorious in the Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint. For London Town in the Cup, it was just as much of a procession as last year but in the Sprint, Moanin had to battle all the way to the line to see off a valiant challenge from Hong Kong’s Fight Hero.

London Town - KRA

Too good. London Town with Dolkong a distance 2nd (Pic: Ross Holburt/Korea Racing Authority

While his form coming into the race hadn’t been quite as imperious as last year, once he stepped onto the sand of Seoul, London Town stepped up. Local bettors remembered him too, sending the five-year-old by Kane Hekili off as the prohibitive favourite in a field that was reduced to fourteen, due to the scratching of Ennobled Friend.

Cup Presentation - KRA

Korea Cup Presentation (Ross Holburt/Korea Racing Authority)

London Town was drawn wide and this time he was taken on early by Korea’s big hope Cheongdam Dokki under Manoel Nunes. However, ridden by Yasunari Iwata, London Town asserted his dominance in the back straight going past Cheongdam Dokki and then stretching the field out as he galloped away around the home turn. The race was essentially over with the only questions being who would run 2nd and whether London Town would break his own track record.

The answer to the second question was “yes” with London Town shaving one-tenth of a second off the 1800M mark he set a year ago. The answer to the first was Dolkong as the Simon Foster trained four-year-old finished strongly up the rail, abeit a full fiteen-lengths in arrears. Clean Up Joy also finished well for 3rd place ahead of a tiring Cheongdam Dokki and the very game British challenger Forest Ranger.

Korea Sprint - KRA

Moanin (far side) sees off Fight Hero (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Moanin won the Sprint but had to work hard under Kanichiro Fujii as Fight Hero pushed him all the way to the line after the pair had come from well-back. Korea’s Doraonpogyeongseon was 3rd with US-trained Chublicious in 4th and up and coming local hope Ace Korea in 5th.

The official attendance on course at Seoul Racecourse was 39,228. Local betting turnover on the Sprint was KRW 4,062,473,800 and KRW 5,154,087,500 on the Cup.

Moanin Joe Fujii - Ross Holburt KRA

Joe Fujii and Moanin (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

KEENELAND KOREA CUP DAY 2018 ALL RACE PREVIEW (September 9)

It’s Keeneland Korea Cup Day! Full previews of both races can be found here. There is plenty going on with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while Busan also runs a card from 12:40 to 17:25. Here is the race-by-race:

Korea Cup Barrier Draw

SEOUL

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

A maiden to begin with and (8) HANEUL ACE comes in having scored her best finish to date last time when running 3rd over 1200M. While she was a long way behind the winner, she ran on quite well and could make the breakthrough here. (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR has been getting closer across her latest three. She should be on pace early and could well stay on while similarly (9) WANY K comes in after an improved 3rd last start. It looks to be between those three with (2) GREEN PARK and (5) GOLDEN SPARK, perhaps the most likely among the rest to challenge for a place.

Selections (8) Haneul Ace (9) Wany K (3) Daemyeong Solar (5) Golden Spark
Next Best 2
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

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

Another maiden and the wonderfully-named (3) CARROT SEEKER showed signs of improvement as after three very indifferent efforts, he ran 3rd over 1200M on August 11th, handily beating a couple of others who go here. It was a slow race and he’ll need to improve again but if he does, he can win. (6) SO ARA DAEWANG was 4th behind Carrot Seeker in that race, her first at further than the minimum distance and he too can build on it here. (7) GRAND DOLPUNG is the only one of this field who has a 2nd place to his name, achieved over 1000M in June. He’s been 3rd at this distance too and is likely to join Carrot Seeker on the early lead with solid claims to make a breakthrough of his own here. (2) COUNTRY SONG and first-timer starter (1) DAEHAN ILPUM look the best of a limited rest.

Selections (3) Carrot Seeker (6) So Ara Daewang (7) Grand Dolpung (1) Daehan Ilpum
Next Best 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

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

It’s juvenile maidens only here with precisely half the field having raced at least once before and the other half making their debuts. (2) CHOEGANG STAR, 5th on debut in a competitive time on July 21st returns for a second go after seven weeks off and looks to be the one to beat. With Manoel Nunes in the saddle, he’ll look to lead from the gate and should go all the way. Among the others who have raced already, (3) WONDERFUL EVIL looks the best. He was 4th on debut before beating a couple of the others who go here on his way to 6th on his re-appearance. That leaves the debut-makers and (12) JANGSAN FLY won his trial in a quick time and should go well first up with (6) WHITE VELVET and (8) BUCKETFUL GOLD both looked competent when trialing up together in August.

Selections (2) Choegang Star (12) Jangsan Fly (6) White Velvet (3) Wonderful Evil
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 7, 8, 12

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

(2) RAON ZEUS comes in having won two in a row, the latest of which was a seven-length romp over 1400M at the end of July. He’s up in both class and distance here but has every chance of continuing the excellent start to his career. It won’t be easy though. (3) KING POSE is up in class too following victory at 1300M four weeks ago. He came very close to winning at this distance in June and should be a real threat. The one they both need to (more…)

2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Previews

It’s the big one. The 2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 9. Free entry to the racecourse for the 10 race-card which gets under way at 10:45am. The big races are at 3:45pm and 4:55pm respectively.

KEENELAND KOREA SPRINT – 1200M

Korea Sprint Overseas Runners:

 

1 PERDIDO POMEROY (USA) He led this race last year until he was overcome with a furlong to run and ended up in 6th. He rebounded with a win a month later at Busan but has been indifferent across four starts since. Last raced three months ago in the SBS Sports Sprint when he finished 7th behind Doraonpogyeongseon and Today. Very fast in a trial at Busan only last week. He’ll aim for a fast start but looks up against it here.
2 TODAY (KOR) He won 10 of his first 12 races to be sent of as favourite for the SBS Sports Sprint in June where he ultimately ran a close 3rd to Doraonpogyeongseon. He then went to Singapore to run in the KRA Trophy at Kranji in July where he overcame a bit of bad luck to run a strong 3rd again behind Singapore’s Skywalk and Rafaello. From Korea’s top stable, he should be near to the pace here and should go close.
3 ZENTENARY (USA) Ran in this race last year, showing close to the front early on but was quickly bettered. Enters in good form with a win and 2nd place from his latest two starts but in much softer company than this. Will aim for a quick start and try to hold on for as long as possible. Outsider.
4 GEUMA RAPID (AUS) Started his career very promisingly but has been hampered by a succession of injuries. He’s one start into a comeback following nine months on the sidelines and offered few clues running 10th of 12. Hard to recommend.
5 ACE KOREA (USA) This up and coming sprinter is the only three-year-old in the race and accordingly gets a weight allowance. Two very smart wins in the Spring led him to take his chance in the SBS Sports Sprint in June but he had a hard time and finished well back behind three others who go here. Returned to Busan and was an eye-catching class 2 winner at the end of July. Trained by Australian Peter Wolsley, he could make for an interesting outsider.
6 MORNING DAERO (USA) It’s been over a year since his latest win, which was at 1400M last July. Best finish in 2018 so far was 2nd place at this distance in March. He only beat one home on his latest outing a month ago and he’ll be among the outsiders here.
7 DORAONPOGYEONGSEON (USA) Third in this race last year, he returned to Seoul in June to win his second consecutive SBS Sports Sprint at this distance beating Today and establishing himself as Korea’s top sprinter. Stretched out to a mile to win another big Stakes race at Busan last month. He’s versatile so the draw shouldn’t be an issue for him and is in top form. A big chance.
8 KING MALPIC (FR) King Malpic is a prolific winner in France, including three consecutive triumphs between April and June this year at La Teste De Buch and Chantilly at distances between six furlongs and a mile. His latest outing saw him run 2nd of 9 in the six-furlong Group 3 Prix de-Ris-Orangis at Maisons-Laffitte on July 15th. This is a tougher test but the form is good. As with all European runners, how he copes with the sand will be key to his chances.
9 MOANIN (USA) Winner of the Listed Coral Stakes at Hanshin over 1400M in March, that was his first win since the Group 1 February Stakes at Tokyo all the way back in 2016. He won six of his first seven starts and has been racing in top level company since. He’s never actually tackled a distance as short as 1200M but that’s unlikely to trouble him. JRA horses generally have little difficulty adapting to the track and a jockey who knows Seoul very well has been booked. A big chance and very possibly the one they’ll need to beat.
10 WONDER BOLT (USA) Very experienced eight-year-old who finished runner-up to Singapore’s El Padrino in the Asia Challenge Cup all the way back in 2014. It’s been more than two years since his last win but he’s still a regular place-getter in class 1 handicaps. Most recently ran 2nd over 1800M. Usually ridden patiently these days but this is a tough ask.
11 WILD DUDE (USA) Winner of the Grade 2 Kona Gold Stakes at Santa Anita in 2016, he ran in this race two years ago finishing 9th of 16. Since then he’s done his racing in Dubai where he hasn’t quite managed to re-capture the best of his American form although his latest efforts have been encouraging. He last ran on Dubai World Cup night, finishing 4th of 8 behind Mind Your Biscuits in the Golden Shaheen where he ran on well to finish within four-lengths of the winner. Not necessarily among the favourites but he surely improves on two years ago and could offer some value.
12 CHUBLICIOUS (USA) A Group 3 winner in the United States, he enters in very solid form having finished 1st or 2nd in six of his seven latest starts dating back over a year. They include the aforementioned Group 3 at Laurel Park, when he was the longest shot on the board – as well as a victory in a Listed race at Monmouth Park this June. He only beat one home on his latest outing at Delaware Park on July 14th but American-trained horses with similar records ran well here last year and Chublicious could be a factor.
13 FIGHT HERO (GB) Fight Hero will be looking to emulate Super Jockey, who won this race for Hong Kong in 2016. He arrives having finished up the season a winner over the all-weather at Sha Tin on June 24th at this distance, coming from off the pace. All his wins have been over 1200M and if he adapts to the sand, he like any Hong Kong sprinter, has every chance.

Five international runners take on eight local sprinters here and it’s anyone’s race. We’ll go with Japanese raider (9) MOANIN under the guidance of Kanichiro Fujii to get the win but it certainly won’t be easy. US raider (12) CHUBLICIOUS has looked very good since arriving and should take to the track well while Hong Kong’s (13) FIGHT HERO must be respected too. On the Korean side, (2) TODAY has been drawn well and could possibly overturn the form on (7) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON who beat him in the SBS Sports Sprint here in June. Doraonpogyeongseon is the kind of horse who generally steps up when challenged though so shouldn’t be discounted himself. An interesting outsider could be (1) PERDIDO POMEROY. While his Spring campaign this year didn’t go especially well, he was absolutely flying in a trial at Busan last Saturday and from gate 1 will surely lead early. They’ll have to come past him.

Selections (9) Moanin (7) Doraonpogyeongseon (12) Chublicious (2) Today
Next Best 13, 1, 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

KEENELAND KOREA CUP – 1800M

Foreign contenders:

1 FOREST RANGER (IRE) Back to back wins in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket in April and then the Huxley Stakes at Chester in May, the latter race a Group 2 for the first time this year enabled him to take his chance in the Eclipse. He found himself overmatched that day before finishing 5th of 7 in the York Stakes at the end of July. He is a proven top class performer and has won on the all-weather surface at Newcastle.
2 DOLKONG (USA) A rival of Cheongdam Dokki when they were juveniles, his career has been hampered by injury since which has restricted him to just nine starts. He returned to action in August with an effortless victory over this distance in a class 1 handicap and so long as he’s trained on from it – and the word is that he has – there is no reason why he can’t prove he belongs here. Drawn in gate 3, he can take a sit behind the early speed and make his move late on.
3 GREAT KING (USA) Trained by Thomas Gillespie at Busan, Great King has won six of twenty-one in total and three of his latest six. He last ran in early July beating a decent field at 2000M, coming from just off the pace. He looks to still be getting better and while this is obviously a tough assignment, he can acquit himself well.
4 FINAL BOSS (KOR) Korean Derby winner in 2017, he’s been a touch frustrating since, offering hints of real talent but similarly flopping on occasion too. He began the year winning a listed race over 1200M and enters having last run 4th in the SBS Sports Sprint in July. Back up to two turns today, he is versatile – he won the Derby coming home wide and late but has also gone forward too. He’ll be an outsider here.
5 TOSCONOVA CAT (USA) By some margin the lowest rated among the local entrants, the three-year-old has only race nine times for three wins, two of them at this distance. A smart winner at local class 2 on his latest outing in August when he led all the way but this is almost certainly too much too soon for him.
6 RIVEN LIGHT (IRE) He began his career in France winning two of seven starts. He then missed over a year, reappearing with Willie Mullins in Ireland and after winning a Thurles handicap in December 2016, was gelded and sent hurdling. He returned to the flat in April 2017, winning three of five at distances up to ten furlongs before heading to Australia and trying his luck in the Ladbrokes Stakes at Caulfied. He finished 7th of 11 behind Gailo Chop that day and after injury and a lengthy spell, returned to action in style at the end of July, winning a seventeen-runner handicap at the Galway Festival for the second year running. Trainer Willie Mullins has put a Korean jockey on board who knows the track well.
7 DONGBANG DAERO (USA) The last time he came to Seoul he ran a huge race in the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes last December, closing to finish 2nd to Power Blade over 2300M. He’s not won since and his recent Busan form is uninspiring. If the early pace is very hot and the leaders tire, he may make up some ground late on.
8 DYNAMIC DASH (USA) The six-year-old has won ten of forty and was last in the winner’s circle at Busan in May when he scored over 2000M – it was his first win in two years although he picked up plenty of minor money in the meantime. He’s struggled in his latest two and he looks a touch overmatched here but he still may well beat a few.
9 MAXIMUS (USA) A Singapore-based polytrack specialist, his latest win was at a mile in April. He’s run three times since then including finishing 6th behind Southern Legend in the Group 1 Kranji Mile. He has never raced a further than a mile before but is trained by Alwin Tan, who knows what it takes to be successful on this track having saddled El Padrino to victory in the inaugural Asia Challenge Cup in 2014.
10 PLACES TO GO (USA) Found a rich vein of form when scoring in three consecutive class 1 handicaps between February and April this year but has tended to struggle when faced with really top class opposition. Comes in having run 7th of 10 last start over 2000M and has plenty to find.
11 ENNOBLED FRIEND (USA) Expected to be scratched.
12 CHEONJI STORM (KOR) Always talented but coming into his own this year. He won a local Group 3 at 1200M in March before scoring by ten-lengths in a class 1 handicap here at the end of April at today’s distance. He went to Busan for the Mayor’s Cup on July 1st, again at this distance and got to within three-lengths of Cheongdam Dokki. Still will potential to get better, he will try to sit just behind the early leaders.
13 CHEONGDAM DOKKI (USA) Korean racing’s latest great hope. Four for four in 2018, he has established himself as the top horse on the peninsula. His last defeat came in the Grand Prix Stakes here at the end of 2017 but even that was only after he had set some brutal fractions for the first part of the 2300M. He generally leads and dominates his domestic races although he can be patient if necessary. He can overcome the wide gate to get close to the action early and it should be a chance to see what he is made of. He is Korea’s best chance to get a maiden win in the Cup.
14 LONDON TOWN (JPN) He was a dominant winner of the race last year, making all and breaking the track record in the process. It hasn’t been straightforward since, however, as he’s yet to return to the winner’s circle in five subsequent starts, all of them at Group level. This contrasts with his lead up to the race last year when he broke the Sapporo track record at 1700M. Nevertheless, all those races were in very tough company and even if he is not quite as on song as a year ago, back on the sand at Seoul, he remains the one to beat. Wide draw but that was the case last year too.
15 CLEAN UP JOY (USA) Winner of the Grand Prix Stakes in 2016 he has since seen Cheongdam Dokki usurp him as Seoul’s top horse. Nevertheless, he returned to winning form in March before finishing runner-up to Cheongdam Dokki in two big Stakes races in April and May. He always has to start from the widest gate due to his starting manners and don’t be surprised to see him miss the break slightly. He will get stronger as the race goes on though and can challenge for the minor money.

It’s the moment of truth for (13) CHEONGDAM DOKKI. Korea’s superstar is drawn alongside last year’s winner (14) LONDON TOWN in Korea’s most valuable race and both will be looking to get on the early speed here and they are favourites to dispute the prize. London Town’s build up to the race may not have quite as impressive as it was a year ago but he may still have enough to successfully defend his crown. (2) DOLKONG made a hugely impressive return to racing a month ago. He’ll sit behind the early speed and will come through strongly late on. (1) FOREST RANGER and (6) RIVEN LIGHT have both impressed in work this week and both are established group race horses in Europe. They have drawn well and will be in the hunt. Longer shots who may go well include (12) CHEONJI STORM and Singapore’s (9) MAXIMUS as well, of course, as (15) CLEAN UP JOY.

Selections (14) London Town (13) Cheongdam Dokki (2) Dolkong (6) Riven Light
Next Best 1, 12, 9, 15
Fast Start 3, 5, 12, 13, 14

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 8)

Saturday racing at Seoul sees 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00 and the eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint includes a number of international exchange races which are being contested for big prizes. The Melbourne Cup Trophy will be on display at Seoul Racecourse as part of its annual Tour.

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It’s almost Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint again!

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

(4) GOLD SEUTAK beat (11) SURFING POINT as the pair of them came home 3rd and 4th over this distance on July 7th. Gold Seutak has raced once since then finishing 6th in what was actually a very tight finish four weeks ago. Surfing Point could turn the tables today. The one they both need to beat is (2) FAPP CAT. She looks like she is finally figuring things out and recorded her best finish to date when 2nd over his trip in a similarly week race to this three weeks ago. She’s not very quick but might not need to be here. (5) SCARLET PERFECT also has a 2nd place to her name and could be involved while among the three first-time starters, (1) STRIDE UP looks the pick at this stage.

Selections (11) Surfing Point (2) Fapp Cat (4) Gold Seutak (1) Stride Up
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 6, 8, 10

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

An all the way winner on debut in June, (4) SHANGHAI JORDAN could only manage 3rd place as favourite when stepped up to this class for her second appearance at the end of July. Although she got within three-lengths of the winner she was slowly away and never looked like being a threat. She’s drawn well today and should be returning to the winner’s circle. (8) MISS PYEONGCHON ran a solid 3rd place last time over 1300M and drops back in trip today. She’ll be a danger. (10) PERFECT SOCKS is a winner at this level already but has been lightly races since. She last ran in early June finishing 4th of 8 at this distance and looks nicely in here. (1) DOUBLE A and (3) VICTORY STAR are others who can compete for the placings.

Selections (4) Shanghai Jordan (8) Miss Pyeongchon (10) Perfect Socks (1) Double A
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 3, 5, 9

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

Juvenile maidens and just two of them, (4) JEOKTO BIMA and (6) PARRHESIA, have raced before. Of the pair, Jeokto Bima was an improved 4th on her second start on August 19th and she will be among the favourites here. First-time starters are likely to be favoured though, principally (3) TRI THUNDER, who romped home by seven-lengths in a trial at the end of July. If he runs similarly today, he should be able to get to the lead and maintain it all the way through. (7) BARAMEUL GEURIDA also looked competent in trials, going round comfortably in a decent time in mid-August and he can be given a chance first up, as can (11) WONDERFUL DIXIE.

Selections (3) Tri Thunder (7) Barameul Geurida (4) Jeokto Bima (11) Wonderful Dixie
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 3, 7, 10

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

A winner of two from four, (7) DOKDO JIGI returns from five months off, up in class but looking ready to add to his win-column. He looked good in a fast trial in August and should have too much here. (9) L CAR has won three out of six and while he put in a lackluster effort at class and distance a month ago is worth another try today. (4) CHEONHA HYEONGGUK ran a creditable enough 5th over 1300M on August 11th and drops slightly back in trip today. He won at this distance on July and should be in with at least a chance of the places here. (2) OUR CAT and (6) HEUNG BARAM look best of the rest.

Selections (7) Dokdo Jigi (9) L Car (4) Cheonha Hyeongguk (2) Our Cat
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 3, 6, 7, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

He’s finished 4th and 2nd in his two starts to date and (3) CHANGSEONG LUCKY shouldn’t require much in the way of luck to make his maiden breakthrough here. He can get off to a fast start and lead all the way. (4) SPHAERA runs best when she gets on pace early and starting from just outside the favourite, that’s what she’ll be trying to do today. She could stay on for a place. (5) HARD PRINCESS and (6) GEUMBIT HWANHYANG both come in off the back of fair efforts and they too should be looking for a place. (1) GANGSANUI ACHIM the best of a limited rest.

Selections (3) Changseong Lucky (5) Hard Princess (6) Geumbit Hwanhyang (4) Sphaera
Next Best 1
Fast Start 3, 4

Race 6: Class Open “Horse Racing Ireland Trophy” (1400M) Allowance / KRW 100 Million

Valuable prize here and lots enter in good form but it would be a surprise if (9) GALAXY POWER didn’t run out the winner. There was no disgrace in being beaten six lengths by the excellent Gaon Champ over 1200M last start and while he is yet to win at this distance, he ran a close 2nd in the CHIA Trophy in June. (3) CALLIOPE was 4th behind Galaxy Power in April but has come on since then, winning his latest two including one at this distance. He’ll be on pace early and can be a danger to the favourite. (14) CLEAN UP TEUKGEUP was an also-ran in the Korean Derby but returned to form running a close 2nd over 1800M in July. He drops back in trip today and is in with a chance. (1) YAHO SMART CAT was a good winner at this distance last start and will join Calliope on the early speed while (12) WONDERFUL CHAMPION is up in class following a victory at (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 7)

It is international weekend with the Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint being run at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. Before that though, things get underway with a 10-race card at Busan on Friday. Evening racing for the year is over so we’re back to a daytime schedule with with the 1st race at 11:30 and the last at 18:00.

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Jo In Kwen hasn’t gone to Seoul and could be the jockey to follow at Busan

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

(8) DREAM CAT ran a good 2nd over the distance, her best showing in three outings in what’s been an interrupted career to date. She led until the closing stages and handily beat two of the others who go here and can be out on pace once more today, this time leading all the way. (3) HARVEST GOLD also comes in off 2nd place last time on August 5th and looks to have more scope for development. (9) CAR TWO was favourite for that race having debuted very encouragingly a month earlier and while she weakened disappointingly, can be given another chance here. (6) CHEONJI KINGS was also favourite for his latest outing just two weeks ago. He was beaten five-lengths by a good winner but beat a couple of his rivals here and can go close again. (2) HOPEFUL SIMON returns from four months off and trialed up nicely two weeks ago.

Selections (8) Dream Cat (3) Harvest Gold (6) Cheonji Kings (2) Hopeful Simon
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 9

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

Juvenile maidens here and only one of the seven has raced before. That’s (1) NAEGA JJANG and she’s finished last both times. The latest of those was at the end of July so we’ll give her a clean slate today but even so, we will favour the newcomers. Fastest in trials by some margin was (3) YEONGSEONG ACE, who showed prominently in his heat and looks set to start as favourite. (7) LION SUN also showed some ability in his trial and the stable will tempt plenty. (2) MAJOR PUNCH and (5) RAPIDO MAN too did nothing wrong in their respective heats and could go well first up.

Selections (3) Yeongseong Ace (7) Lion Sun (5) Rapido Man (1) Naega Jjang
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

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

Another set of maiden juveniles, this time with four of the eight having raced before. A couple of them showed some promise too and (1) WONDERFUL LION, a close 5th on debut on August 8th in what was a well-run race is favoured to build on that and win today. (3) GWONTOJUNGLAE was an also-ran on debut in that very same race but didn’t do too much wrong and will be expected to improve today. (6) ETERNAL TRON was last on his second career starts three weeks ago but ran better on debut and could be better here. The first-time starters are a little less attractive here than in the previous race but (2) YEONGSEONG STAR and (7) WONDERFUL TALE both trialed reasonably well and can be considered.

Selections (1) Wonderful Lion (3) Gwontojunglae (2) Yeongseong Star (6) Eternal Tron
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) GIRL CRUSH didn’t do much on debut back in February but then didn’t reappear until last month when she was a much improved 3rd over 1200M. She steps slightly up in trip again and could well get an uncontested lead here. If she does, she may be hard to beat. (3) SILENT PARK hasn’t been too far away in any of his four outings to date and can challenge here while his stablemate (7) BRIAN PARK was 5th on debut last month, beaten by Girl Crush, and can build on that here. (8) SONGAK MYEONGJANG has shown some promise in two starts since returning from six months off and steps back up in trip today. (2) GURI TOWER and (5) PEACE RIDER enter having finished 4th and 5th respectively over this distance two weeks ago and both can be in the placing hunt here.

Selections (4) Girl Crush (8) Songak Myeongjang (3) Silent Park (2) Guri Tower
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 4

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

(1) JOYFUL MEMORY remains a maiden after eleven attempts but comes in off the back of a 2nd and a 4th, the latter of which on August 4th was at this distance and today may well be her day. She’ll settle just behind the early speed and can be strong late on. (2) NOPIGOM NAREUSYA was 5th and just half a length back behind Joyful Memory in that August 4th race and can get close again. (9) AREUMDAUN OECHIM registered a somewhat surprising 2nd place over 1200M three weeks ago, beating three of these in the process. That was a big uptick in form and a repeat can’t be ruled out although that day’s 3rd place-getter (5) COOL MINT, just a nose back, seems a more credible challenger. (4) CHEONNYEONUI ACHIM has been no worse than 4th across four starts so far and the slight step up in trip today may be what he needs. (10) BYEOL GEURIDA looks best of the rest.

Selections (1) Joyful Memory (4) Cheonnyeonui Achim (5) Cool Mint (10) Byeol Geurida
Next Best 2, 8, 9
Fast Start 3, 4

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

(8) WINNER CINDY got her maiden win over 1200M in July before running 3rd at this distance on her first try at this level on August 17th. She’s a front-runner and if she can overcome the wide draw to get on speed, she can win. (2) NICE HUMOR and (4) DANCING BLAZE were both well back behind Winner Cindy in that August 17th race. Both are better than that though and in this company will be expected to improve. The hugely experienced (5) KOREA HUNTER also had a bad day at the office last time out but this is the kind of race he will be expected to find at least the minor money in. (6) OKDAN YEOGEOL returns from eight months out and trialed up competently enough in August. He had talent before the layoff and should be competitive here as should the still winless but up in class (7) OS HILL.

Selections (8) Winner Cindy (2) Nice Humor (4) Dancing Blaze (5) Korea Hunter
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 8

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

(3) WIDAEHAN BISANG won her first two starts back in July to get rapidly promoted two classes. She went through a trial three weeks ago in impressive fashion and she could maintain her unbeaten record here on what is her first try at this distance. It won’t be easy though. She’ll be joined on the early speed by (2) CHANG GONG, a very sharp (more…)

Ten Overseas Runners For Korea Cup & Sprint Work At Seoul (Pictures)

All ten overseas-trained horses for the 2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint have now arrived and all worked on the track at Seoul Racecourse on Tuesday morning.

Japanese pair London Town and Moanin schooled in the parade ring as did Hong Kong’s Fight Hero. They were later joined by Riven Light and King Malpic, while the remainder did light work on the track. All ten are expected to be out again at 4:30am on Wednesday. All pictures by Ross Holburt for Korea Racing Authority:

Cup:

London Town.jpg

London Town

Riven Light

Riven Light

Forest Ranger.jpg

Forest Ranger

Maximus

Maximus

Ennobled Friend

Ennobled Friend

Sprint:

Moanin

Moanin

Wild Dude

Wild Dude

Chublicious

Chublicious

King Malpic

King Malpic

Fight Hero

Fight Hero

Gaon Champ Wins Again At Seoul

He may not be running in next week’s Korean Sprint but GAON CHAMP continued his march up the one-turn ranks with an effortless win over six-furlongs at class 2 level at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday.

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Gaon Champ and Manoel Nunes win at Seoul (Pic: Ross Holburt for Korea Racing Authority)

GAON CHAMP missed the kick slightly but it scarcely mattered. Under jockey Manoel Nunes, the Ecton Park colt was quickly back on pace and comfortably left behind his flailing rivals in the home straight, the margin on the line three-lengths from runner-up GAMGYEOGUI SUNGAN although it could easily have been double.

It was only Gaon Champ’s fourth start of 2018 and only his seventh in total with injury setbacks having limited his appearances but after racking up his fifth win in such convincing fashion, class 1 is on the agenda next time. It will be more than a year until he potentially gets a crack at a Korea Sprint Crown, though.

Saturday at Seoul saw an American import producing the stand-out performance. Pioneerof The Nile colt MOONHAK CHIEF was 6th of 12 behind Cheongdam Dokki in the YTN Cup in May, before finishing runner-up behind fellow up-and-comer OP Seven over 1400M in July. In Saturday’s 1800M feature, however, he landed his maiden class 1 win, coming nose-to-nose with seasoned top-level winner GAEULI JEONSEOL in the home straight before easily shaking him off to win by two-and-a-half lengths. Still with scope to improve, Moonhak Chief moved on to six wins from eleven career starts.

Or was it the standout performance of the day? In Saturday’s concluding race 12, another US import SPRING BACK made just his second career appearance. The 2-year-old Gemologist gelding had won his first start over 1000M in July and proceeded to romp home once more, this time at 1400M. The winning time – set in a class 3 event – was faster than all but one class 1 race at that distance this year. His next start will be watched closely.

At Busan, Sunday’s feature race was won by CAPTAIN FORCE. An also-ran in the final leg of the Triple Crown in Seoul in June, the Kim Young Kwan trainee returned to winning ways in style, making all over 1800M for his first class 1 victory.

Next weekend is the highlight of the Korean racing calendar, the Keeneland Korea Cup and Sprint, two big international invitational races. Ten challengers from overseas have travelled to Korea to take in the locals in this year’s events.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 2)

Gaon Champ may have swerved next week’s Korea Sprint but the talented three-year-old returns to Seoul in Sunday’s feature class 2 sprint looking to enhance his burgeoning reputation. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Gaon Champ

Gaon Champ (Pic: Ross Holburt)

An eye-opening six-length score at the end of July with Gaon Champ barely requiring third-gear put the Ecton Park colt into the frame for next week’s big international race and he duly appeared in the preliminary nominations at the beginning of August. However, connections ultimately decided that with only six starts under his belt and with him yet to even face top-class domestic sprint opposition, he wasn’t quite ready to take on the overseas visitors. Instead, he runs at class 2 level for the first time over his favoured six furlongs.

Gaon Champ burst onto the scene with three easy victories last autumn but a couple of setbacks over the winter meant that he didn’t return to the track until Seoul’s Classic trial in early March. He was favourite that day but over 1400M, he found himself bested in the closing stages by Mask, a colt who would go on to run well in all three-legs of the Triple Crown itself. Nevertheless, Gaon Champ traveled to Busan to take part in the KRA Cup Mile, the first Classic in April. After being very unsettled in the gate, Gaon Champ ran a poor race that day and wasn’t seen again until returning to form back down at 1200M in that July 28th race when he crushed a competitive Class 3 field.

On Sunday, he faces just six rivals, although they do include the in-form Mr. Champion and fellow up and comer Lucky Chunyang, the latter with five wins from seven outings so far. An on-form Gaon Champ should have far too much.

Gaon Champ will be ridden for the first time by Manoel Nunes, the Brazilian rider returning from a two meeting suspension this weekend. Nunes has eight rides on Sunday’s 11-race card and plenty of the others have live chances too.

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

(7) HAEDEULMOE enters having finished 3rd in both his two starts to date. He’s run on well each time and the extra half-furlong should be to his benefit here. Manoel Nunes rides him for the first time and he’s sure to be favourite. (3) ROAD MAN has a 2nd place to his name at this distance and while he was slightly disappointing on his reappearance in June, he comes in after a couple of months off and should get another chance (2) MAGIC DOLPUNG was an improved 3rd last time out and can continue his progression here while (4) GOODCHOICE beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd over 1200M last start and is another with the potential to push the favourite close.

Selections (7) Haedeulmoe (4) Goodchoice (3) Road Man (2) Magic Dolpung
Next Best 5
Fast Start 2

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

(10) JACOB overcame a relatively slow start to win on debut over 1000M in mid-July. He’s up in class here but the additional trip should suit and he has a chance. Plenty of dangers though. (8) MACH SEUNGNI ran 2nd, albeit well beaten by a good winner, on his first try at this class three weeks ago. He’s already a winner at this distance and has good claims again. (6) SKY STORM also put in a good performance on his first try at this level at the end of July, leading for much of the race before getting passed late on and ending in 3rd. Likely to be ridden slightly more patiently today, he can go even better. (11) SPEED (more…)