Author: gyongmaman

Busan Friday: Race By Race Preview (August 12)

Just Seoul and Busan this weekend as the Jeju Ponies take their summer vacation and that means its another lond card on the south coast on Friday with no less than 14 races from 14:30 to 21:00.

On Sunday, the feature race race at Busan will be the Owners’ Cup. Korea Cup Day possibles Triple Nine, Rock Band and Success Story are all set to run over a mile in what looks a very solid race. We’ll have a full preview of that on Saturday. In the meantime, English cards are here. Brief notes on races 1-11 below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 13:30 (SIN)

Nine debut makers here and fastest in trials was (8) DAREUMBAKJIL which should be enough to make her favourite. Among others who looked competent in the morning were (5) RACHEL and (6) SILLAUI DALBAM, both of whom have top jockey bookings and should go well. Slightly less eye-catching but worth considering are (2) PARTY AGAIN and (7) KING ICE.

Selections (8) Dareumbakjil (5) Rachel (6) Sillaui Dalbam (2) Party Again
Next Best 7, 3, 9, 1, 4
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:55 (SIN)

(6) NAMYANG TOWER finally gets a chance to go further than 1000M and it could well be what she needs against very modest company here. Main danger is (10) JUNGANG YOJEONG who’s shown promise in two prior starts and comes in fresh following eleven weeks out. (4) CHASEDAE has been coming closer in recent starts and should look to place again while (1) SAEROUN NA and (5) AQUA QUEEN look best of the rest.

Selections (6) Namyang Tower (10) Jungang Yojeong (4) Chasedae (5) Aqua Queen
Next Best 1, 11, 8, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 9
Fast Starters 3, 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:20 (SIN)

Apprentice jockey Jung Do Yun will ride his first career winner if he can guide (2) DANCING STAR to victory in this all-filly race. She beat (5) SHARP QUEENS as the pair raced 3rd and 4th over 1000M last month and is the one to beat here. Look for her to try to make all. Bart Rice’s (6) LISA was a decent 4th when unfancied on debut a month ago and can progress further here while (4) SOLYEONJISE and the more experienced (8) PALMYRA have also shown glimpses of ability.

Selections (2) Dancing Star (6) Lisa (5) Sharp Queens (4) Solyeonjise
Next Best 8, 3, 1, 7
Fast Starters 2, 8

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:45 (SIN)

Small field with two standouts. (1) TOP OF QUEEN debuted inauspiciously in January and then didn’t return until last month when she dead-heated for 3rd at 1200M. The extra half furlong may suit here. The other top pick is (5) GAMSEONG POKBAL who has a best of 2nd among five prior outings and should also welcome this distance. (2) GOYOHAN JILJU is yet to win in 23 but comes in following back to back 4th place finishes and should place here while (4) ROAD TO SUCCESS is the best of a limited rest.

Selections (1) Top Of Queen (5) Gamseong Pokbal (2) Goyohan Jilju (4) Road To Success
Next Best 6, 7, 3
Fast Starters 4

Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:10 (SIN)

Aussie import (1) POKPUNGUI JEWANG is one of just two prior winners in this field and underneath the inform Yonekura Satoshi, he’s the pick to win again. His main rival could be another from Australia with (7) BARAMUI HEUNJEOK, a 3-year-old gelding by Equiano, making his debut having shown plenty of potential in a trial last month. Also looking good in a July trial was (9) SINSEGYE SINHWA, who returns from almost four months out to take on the minimum distance for the first time in over a year. Kim Young Kwan’s (4) DIVINE TOUCH will surely improve from his debut while (2) MARION COUNTY did improve to 3rd last start and can keep it going here.

Selections(1) Pokpungui Jewang (4) Divine Touch (7) Baramui Heunjeok (9) Sinsegye Sinhwa
Next Best 2, 6, 10
Outsiders 3, 5, 8
Fast Starters 2, 3, 6, 7

Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:40 (SIN)

With two wins from seven and a 2nd place at domestic class 4 last start, (1) TURBO ENERGY looks very nicely in here against modest imported opposition and should have too much with a gate to wire victory the most likely outcome. Another Korean-bred, (7) LADY CHAMP should also be in with a chance while among the imports, (2) MAERYEOK DEONGEORI, (3) GYERIMUI JILJU and, especially, (6) QUEEN ELEGANCE are best.

Selections (1) Turbo Energy (6) Queen Elegance (7) Lady Champ (2) Maeryeok Deongeori
Next Best 3, 8, 4, 5
Fast Starters 1

Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:10 (SIN)

(1) FIRST SUN got her maiden win at the second time of asking on July 15th and while up in class and also slightly in distance, she can win again. Expect here to try to come from just behind the early pace. That pace could well be set by (7) BOUND QUEENS, beaten by First Sun on both their debuts in June but a 12-length winner on her reappearance last month and she could go all the way again. Completing a trio of up in class following maiden wins on their second starts is (6) SMART LADY. She’ll be on pace early as well and must be considered. Among those who already have experience at this level, (3) CAPE MAGIC and (8) FOUR STAR look most likely.

Selections (7) Bound Queens (1) First Sun (6) Smart Lady (3) Cape Magic
Next Best 8, 2, 11, 5, 4
Outsiders 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7

Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (SIN)

Large field and really competitive with many having claims. (2) OH MY CAPTAIN beat (3) SUPER BLADE as the pair raced 4th and 6th at class and distance last month. The latter especially will be expected to improve here. (9) BAEDARI HAENGUN is yet to win in twelve but enters following two 2nd places and a 3rd and drops slightly down in distance. She likes to come from well off the pace and the race could set up nicely for her. Similarly (11) DANGCHAN JILJU has come close in recent starts and could well have a win in him at this level. (1) SEUNGJEONPILSA and the up in class (5) TAEYANG GWANGSOK are others to consider in a wide open race.

Selections (3) Super Blade (9) Baedari Haengun (2) Oh My Captain (11) Dangchan Jilju
Next Best 5, 1, 6, 8, 4
Outsiders 7, 10, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3

Race 9: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:10 (SIN)

Barry Irwin’s (5) CHASTITY returned from five months off to get her maiden win over 1400M on July 15th and has every chance of following up here on her first try at a mile. (10) BAEKDU YEONGUNG, 2nd in a challenging race at class and distance a month ago is the clear main danger although (1) BAEDARI GOSU, winner of an all-filly event at 1300M on July 17th is also to be considered. She beat (6) GO JJANG by a nose that day and the latter should be competitive too. (4) THE STARS, 4th behind Chastity last start, looks best of the rest.

Selections (5) Chastity (10) Baekdu Yeongung (1) Baedari Gosu (6) Go Jjang
Next Best 4, 3
Outsiders 2, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 3, 5

Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:50 (SIN)

An eight-length winner of a good 1400M race at class 5 at the end of June (6) SMART VALOR looks to have potential for much more and will be warm favourite to lead from gate to wire here. (1) FIVE VICTORS never travelled well and ended up last when well-backed in June but can be given another chance coming in fresh after 7 weeks off and should be the main danger. (4) GANGHAN NAMJA and (7) SAMIL STAR are others who should be challenging for the places.

Selections (6) Smart Valor (1) Five Victors (7) Samil Star (4) Ganghan Namja
Next Best 5, 2, 3, 8
Fast Starters 1, 3, 6

Race 11: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:30 (SIN)

After three consecutive 2nd place finishes, it’s time (1) ILMANGMUJE went one better and got back in the winner’s circle. She’ll look to lead all the way here. (7) HUIMANG QUEEN, winner of three from seven and quick when successful over 1000M last start is a big danger as is (6) VALKYRIE, who was 3rd on her first try at this class a month. Ago. Those three will be the market leaders with (2) WORLD QUICK the best of the rest.

Selections (1) Ilmangmuje (7) Huimang Queen (6) Valkyrie (2) World Quick
Next Best 5, 3, 4
Fast Starters 1, 7

Weekend Round-Up: Choi Eun Kyeung Rides First Winner

There’s been quite the heatwave across the peninsula for the past week and with temperatures in Seoul hitting 35C, it was probably for the best that it coincided with the capital track’s summer vacation. It wasn’t much cooler at Busan, which returned following its own weekend off last week and where there were no less than 23 races across Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday will have been memorable for apprentice jockey Choi Eun Kyeung. The 19-year-old qualified from the Jockey Academy this spring and was sent to Busan where she is not only the track’s only female jockey but also the first Korean female to be licensed there since 2010.

Choi landed on her feet on the South Coast, however, being assigned to South African trainer Bart Rice. She made her debut back on July 10th, riding For My Sis to a par 5th place. She didn’t have another ride until Saturday when her boss put her on Barry Irwin’s Swoop in race 2 at Busan. Swoop, who had raced 6 times without success, was sent off as an 8/1 chance for the 1000M race and didn’t get off to the greatest of starts, exiting the gate hesitantly and was last into stride.

However, the three-year-old improved around the turn and under a hands and heels ride from Choi, picked off his rivals in the home straight, running on to win by half a length. It was a second Korean winner for US owner Barry Irwin and another for Bart Rice who continues to be the in-form trainer at Busan. As for Choi, it was her only ride of the weekend and she suddenly finds herself with a 50% win rate.

In other races at the weekend, Diferent Dimension (Into Mischief) returned to the winner’s circle in Sunday’s feature handicap. Peter Wolsley’s US import struggled under a high weight last start but ran away from a decent class 1 field in the 1800M test. Diferent Dimension now has 8 wins from his 13 starts and was ridden by Seo Seung Un, who was partnering his 6th winner of the weekend.

Among the foreign jockey ranks, both Yonekura Satoshi and Paolo Aragoni rode winners.

Busan Sunday Notes (August 7)

No racing in Seoul this weekend so Sunday sees a Busan-only day. There are 15 races at the south coast track with the first at 10:50am and the last at 18:00.

English language racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Race 6: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:30 (KST)

(7) SUPER JJANGJJANGI made all to win comfortably on debut a month ago and while up in class today, should have too much for these. (9) YEONGTO DAEWANG, a much improved 3rd at this class last time should also be off to a fast start and can challenge while (4) V DIVA and (10) FOCUS LINE both return from a couple of months off and can go well here. Best of the rest is (8) JAYUROUN HWANHUI

Selections (7) Super Jjangjjangi (4) V Diva (10) Focus Line (9) Yeongto Daewang
Next Best 8, 3, 5, 2
Outsiders 1, 6, 11
Fast Starters 7, 8, 9

Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:00 (KST)

(4) MACHEON CHIRON is up in class and distance following a six-length win over 1000M on July 1st and can go on to win again here. She will look to make all as will (6) YUSEONGCHEOREOM, also up in class following victory on her debut in June, albeit slightly less impressively and in slightly weaker company. Yet to win, (2) HAEGA TTEUNDA is also up in class and can come close once more while of those with experience at this level, (10) BIHO JILJU, 2nd at this distance a month ago in decent company looks the best and will be away to a quick start. Trainer and jockey combination means that (8) HWANGJEUI TANSAENG, disappointing on his return from a spell two weeks ago, will be given another chance.

Selections (4) Macheon Chiron (6) Yuseongchereom (10) Biho Jilju (8) Hwangjeui Tansaeng
Next Best 2, 5, 9
Outsiders 1, 3, 7
Fast Starters 4, 6, 10

Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:30 (KST)

(8) SUPERNOVA IJI was a closely beaten 5th last start at class and distance but from gate 6 today can get to the front early under Yonekura Satoshi. If she can get forward, she can win this. Main danger – and possible favourite – is (8) CAPITAL GANGJA. She’s been getting closer at this level and was 2nd in a decent all-filly race a month ago. She’s beaten (3) AREUMDAUN YEOWANG in each of her last two but that filly has also been improving and is capable of finding the money at this level. (2) YEONGWON CHUKJE and (5) KWAESOK BOLT are also worth considering in what looks a nicely competitive race.

Selections (6) Supernova Iji (8) Capital Gangja (2) Yeongwon Chukje (3) Areumdaun Yeowang
Next Best 5, 1
Outsiders 4, 7, 9
Fast Starters 6

Race 9: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:00 (KST)

Another Bart Rice one on top here with (9) DAEHANUIMYEONGSUNG poised to return to the winner’s circle having come very close in each of her last four starts. She drops down just slightly in distance today and that could make the difference. Thomas Gillespie’s (6) GREAT SONG is yet to win in four but has been getting closer and looks to have a win in him at some stage at this level. He can go close once more although does have to deal with top weight. (12) MUJEOKUI SAMSON was an encouraging 4th when back from four months off on July 1st and can build on that today while both (4) WHITE CASTLE and (10) EOROK both have claims.

Selections (9) Daehanuimyeongsung (6) Great Song (12) Mujeokui Samson (10) Eorok
Next Best 4, 7, 1, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 8, 11
Fast Starters 2, 12

Race 10: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:30 (KST)

(8) SPECIAL ROOKIE was 4th in the Oaks behind her stablemate Ottug Ottugi and returned to action last month to win over a mile. She drops down to a sprint distance today for her first try at class 4 and should have too much. She makes all here. (6) HWANHUIUI BYEOL, also a fast starter, is the main danger while the up in class (3) WORLD FLASH can be competitive. Always competitive is (7) FOR MY SIS and while (4) GANGJA DAERO is yet to win in 37 outings, he comes in following his sixth 2nd place and can aim for the money again today.

Selections (8) Special Rookie (6) Hwanhuiui Byeol (7) For My Sis (3) World Flash
Next Best 4, 11, 1
Outsiders 2, 5, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 3, 6, 8

Race 11: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:00 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (7) JUNGANG YEOJE comes in following three straight wins and looks very nicely in here against this modest imported opposition. She should be looking at four-in-a-row, most likely making all. (5) TAEGWON CHAMP is yet to win in fourteen but enters in reasonable form and should be competitive, however, the main danger may be debut-maker (10) I’M YOUR FATHER, a $50,000 purchase as a yearling who looked good when trialling last month and has a top jockey on board. (3) DANCING CAT and (8) DAEHO GANGJA are best of the rest.

Selections (7) Jungang Yeoje (10) I’m Your Father (5) Taegwon Champ (3) Dancing Cat
Next Best 8, 4, 12, 1
Outsiders 2, 6, 9, 11
Fast Starters 3, 7, 11

Korea Cup & Sprint Nominations Well Underway / Keeneland Sponsor Both Races

There are just a week to go until preliminary nominations close for the inaugural Korea Cup and Korea Sprint. The two international races, which will be sponsored by Keeneland, will be run at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 11th.

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Choegang Schiller and Lee Chan Ho won last year’s Asia Challenge Cup which this year is the Korea Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt)

The Keeneland Korea Cup has a total purse of 1 Billion Won ($830,000) – making it the most valuable race ever to be run in Korea – and the Keeneland Korea Sprint 700 Million Won ($600,000) and there has been keen interest in both races with close to 50 nominations from overseas so far. The bulk of those are from Japan and Singapore, however, horses from Hong Kong, UAE, France and Ireland are also set to take their chance.

Reports in Hong Kong confirm that well known runners Gun Pit and Circuit Land have been nominated for the Cup and Rich Tapestry and Super Jockey for the Sprint:

Early Cup and Sprint nominations from Japan and Singapore are strong too for the two races, which will be run on Seoul’s sand track at 1800M and 1200M respectively. While fewer in number, those from Europe and the UAE are also extremely competent. The full list of nominations, including local ones from Korea, will be released during next Friday’s card at Busan Racecourse. There will be a maximum field size of 16 for each race.

Keeneland, whose three annual sales are popular with Korean buyers, previously sponsored a race at Seoul on Derby Day in 2015 and were quick to acquire naming rights for the two races. “For many years, Keeneland has enjoyed a successful partnership with Korea and its horsemen through our premier horse sales. We now look forward to supporting the KRA as they prepare to welcome the world to Seoul” said Bill Thomason, Keeneland President and CEO in a joint press-release last month

In that same release the KRA’s Executive Director of Racing, Yangtae Park said of the event “Following our recent promotion to PART II and our successful hosting of international races with Japan and Singapore over the past three years, we are delighted to present the inaugural Keeneland Korea Cup, the most valuable race ever to be run in Korea. Over the coming years, we plan to build this event into one of the top weekends of international racing in Asia.”

As the latest incarnation of the already established Asia Challenge Cup, the Sprint is included in Part II this year, while the Cup, despite being of greater value is not (and the current exchange rate has unfortunately meant it won’t be quite worth US$1M).  However, both races look set to be very competitive and could be the start of something very exciting.

The same weekend also sees the running of exchange races at Seoul with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Singapore Turf Club and Horse Racing Ireland as well as the official  unveiling of the new 120 metre long “multi-vision” screen and the opening of the infield “horse experience” theme park.

Key Dates in the build up to the race are as follows:

Friday August 12: Preliminary Nominations close
Friday August 26: 1st/Entry/Nomination
Wednesday August 31: Overseas horses expected to begin arriving in Korea
Friday September 2: Late Entry/Nomination
Thursday September 8: Declarations/Barrier Draw
Sunday September 11: Race Day

The Korean Horse That Gets Everywhere: Sgt. Reckless Awarded UK’s Dickin Medal

Late last Wednesday afternoon I arrived into London’s Liverpool Street Station and noticing that the Evening Standard is now free, picked up a copy as I headed off into the bustle for an exciting evening in the Greatest City on Earth (ok, to eat Marks & Spencer sandwiches and drink cheap wine in an overpriced hotel room in the Greatest City on Earth).

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London Evening Standard – July 27th, 2016

On the second bottle glass of Prosecco and having established there is still nothing on British TV, I opened the Standard and was mildly surprised to see on page 8 the familiar black and white picture of the Korean warhorse Sgt. Reckless coming under fire in battle. It turned out that that very morning at the Korean War Memorial in London’s Victoria Embankment Gardens, Sgt. Reckless had been posthumously (she died more than 50 years ago) awarded the Dickin Medal, which is Britain’s highest honour for an animal who has served in conflict – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Her story has been told many times before, including on this site but over the past few years, it’s been told most prominently by American writer Robin Hutton, who set up the website Sgt.Reckless.com and in 2014 published a book about the horse, which reached the New York Times Bestsellers list for its category. The Dickin Medal sounded like it would have the hand of Hutton behind it so I messaged to inquire: “Yes! I was there” came the answer “HRH Princess Alexandra presented the Dickin to the Marine Corps. attache and then a smaller one for me. It was awesome!”

Awesome is one way to describe Hutton’s dedication to this horse. A few years ago I corresponded with her during the preparation of her book and met her briefly in Seoul earlier this year. Hutton was in Korea with sculptor Jocelyn Russell, with whom she had worked to create a monument to Sgt. Reckless at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. in Quantico, Virginia. A similar monument is to be installed in the Korean county of Yeoncheon – site of the Battle for Outpost Vegas and close to the present day DMZ – and the pair had traveled to view the site and participate in a number of other Marine Corps. veterans’ functions across the peninsula and on Jeju Island. They also visited the current Seoul Racecourse – complete with its own Sgt. Reckless tribute – and also the site of the former Sinseol-dong track in downtown Seoul.

The story of Sgt. Reckless is a very American one and as such was barely known in Korea until recently. Hutton’s passion and energy for her cause has begun to change that and “Achimhai” as she was supposedly called in Korean, is gradually seeping into the public consciousness here. While that’s especially true in the small towns near the battlefields where her exploits took place – and where savvy entrepreneurs have naturally been quick to try to cash in – she’s also making more general headway. A children’s book was published (albeit one that bears little relation to the actual story) and the Korea Racing Authority runs an annual “Achimhai Memorial” race on the weekend closest to the anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. A number of mainstream Korean language news outlets also covered the Quantico memorial unveiling.

The Korean media has picked up on the Dickin Medal award too (Korean) and the Sgt. Reckless story will be sure to get more coverage here when the Yeoncheon memorial is dedicated. The story would, of course, make for a good film and given the current success of domestic Korean War movie “Operation Chromite”, perhaps that is not too far away either.

At the ceremony in London for Sgt. Reckless, the medal itself was worn by Somme, a horse from the King’s Troop mounted artillery. In addition to the London Evening Standard, numerous media covered the award, including the BBC, ABC News and Horse & Hound.

 

Catching Up: Supreme Magic & Yonekura Satoshi Won The KNN Cup

I’ve been away. There are several things to catch up on, most notably developments with regard to the Korea Cup and Sprint, however, the day before I left, the big action was the second leg of the Queens Tour, the KNN Cup at Busan.

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Yonekura Satoshi and Supreme Magic win the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)

Billed as a battle between Bichui Jeongsang and New York Blue, the race was instead won by a 70/1 outsider as Supreme Magic flew home late on under a perfectly timed ride by Japanese jockey Yonekura Satoshi, to take the honours.

A full-field of sixteen contested the KNN Cup, which was run over a mile. Unusually for a big Stakes race – and a welcome change – Seoul sent a strong contingent to the race including Bichui Jeongsang, who had won the first leg of the tour, the Ttukseom Cup, in the capital in June. She would be sent off as second favourite, behind New York Blue, 3rd in the Ttukseom Cup and who fell in this race last year when expected to win.

Last year’s Korean Oaks winner Jangpung Parang would set the early pace with New York Blue handy while Bichui Jeongsang, coming out of a wide gate, went right to the back. Supreme Magic settled just a couple of spots off the back of the field. Not that many were paying too much attention to where she was.

In the home straight, Jangpung Parang was quickly done and New York Blue took things up.  It looked like this may be her year but that was to reckon without the closers. Once she found a  run, Bichui Jeongsang finished the quickest of them all, but it was too late and she only managed 5th. Instead, out of nowhere emerged Supreme Magic on the stands side to sweep past and run on for a surprisingly comprehensive two-length win.

Supreme Magic [Lookin At Lucky – Thru N’Thru (Stormy Atlantic)] was a $27,000 purchase from the June 2014 Ocala sale in Florida. A four-year-old, she finished 8th in the Ttukseom Cup but had just been promoted to class 1 following a pair of victories and a 2nd place at class 2. The win was her 5th in 14 career starts.

It was a huge win for jockey Yonekura Satoshi. The Japanese rider has had plenty of rides since starting in Korea in April but had been afforded little in the way of quality. Nevertheless, he’s managed to get 27% of his mounts home in the first three. Supreme Magic was his 9th winner at Busan and of course, his biggest so far. The 40-year-old Satoshi’s license has been extended for six months to run until the end of next January. Hopefully there are plenty more winners to come.

The KNN Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Racecourse – 1600M – July 24, 2016

1. Supreme Magic (USA) [Lookin At Lucky – Thru N’Thru (Stormy Atlantic)] – Yonekura Satoshi – 73.4, 8.5
2. New York Blue (USA) [Candy Ride – Aim For The moon (Deputy Minister)] – Lim Sung Sil – 1.2
3. Silver Wolf (AUS) [Orotorio – Ready For More (More Than Ready)] – Yoo Seung Wan – 2.6
Distances: 2 lengths / 1.75 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Who’s Perfect (USA) 5. Bichui Jeongsang (USA) 6. Ms. Margaux (USA) 7. Areumdaundonghaeng (USA) 8. Jangpung Parang (KOR) 9. Winner’s Marine (KOR) 10. Hwanggeumbitjijung (KOR) 10. Model Line (USA) 12. Bear Queen Trophy (USA) 13. Rush Running (KOR) 14. Yuseong Tiger (KOR) DNF: Balios Queen (USA)

Touch Flying Soars In Ilgan Sports

Touch Flying landed her biggest win to date, taking the Listed Ilgan Sports Cup at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The filly won by three lengths under apprentice jockey Jo Jae Ro to claim her sixth victory on her tenth career start.

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Touch Flying and Jo Jae Ro get some assistance in the Ilgan Sports winner’s circle

Winner’s Glory, 4th in this year’s Korean Derby, was sent off as a strong favourite for the 1800M race but it was Touch Flying, under apprentice jockey Jo Jae Ro, who made all to take the win. Cheonji Storm, 6th in the Derby, was 2nd and Chanma 3rd, with Winner’s GLory having to settle for 4th.

Apprentice Jo did find himself having to explain why Touch Flying seemed to impede Cheonji Storm half a furlong out and while he was given a three-day ban (and Touch Flying herself ordered to barrier trial before her next start), stewards decided the result should stand.

Ilgan Sports Cup – Seoul Racecourse – 1800M – July 31, 2016

1. Touch Flying (KOR) [Colors Flying – Jeongtongseong (Lassigny)] – Jo Jae Ro – 6.7, 2.0
2. Cheonji Storm (KOR) [Admire Don – Great Thought (Empire Maker)] – Lee Sang Hyeok – 1.8
3. Chanma (KOR) [Menifee – Candleglow (Carson City)] – Kim Dong Soo – 2.3

Distances: 3 lengths / 2 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Winner’s Glory 5. Cosmos King 6. Haetbinna 7. Super Tank 8. Royal Victory 9. Simsin Jiryeo 10. Special Star 11. Gangja 12. Special Win DNF: Oneuri

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 31)

Just Seoul today and it’s full fields for almost all 15 races as the capital track prepares to take a break next week. There are 15 races from 10:50 to 18:00 with the feature being the Ilgan Sports Cup.

English race cards are here. Notes on selected races below:

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

Competitive race and dropping back to 1000M following a couple of months off after a good 2nd place at 1200M is (6) ONGNYEOBONG and she has as good a chance as any here. She’ll be off to a fast start along with (5) GANGHO CHEONNYEON, who should build on his 5th from last time. (12) MASANG GWIJAE is yet to win in six outings but comes in after back to back 2md places and could make the breakthrough here despite the unfavourable draw. (1) CHOROK YEOLMAE and (8) BALGEUN NAEIL best of the rest.

Selections (6) Ongnyeobong (12) Masang Gwijae (5) Gangho Cheonnyeon (1) Chorok Yeolmae
Next Best 8, 7, 3, 9
Outsiders 2, 4, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4, 6

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:30 (KST)

Just fillies here and another really competitive event. (3) MORNING SKY and (8) SEOUL QUEEN have both come close to adding to their solitary wins in recent starts and both will be expected to go well here. They will both look to come from just off a pace that could well be set by (1) CLEANUP SEED, beaten two lengths by Seoul Queen last start and who should look to get closer today. (10) CHERRY PICKER was another also-ran that day who can improve while (7) SILVERGRAY CAT is back up to this distance following a pair of decent results at 1000M.

Selections (3) Morning Sky (8) Seoul Queen (1) Cleanup Seed (10) Cherry Picker
Next Best 7, 4, 12, 6, 5
Outsiders 2, 9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 7

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:00 (SIN)

(1) DANGCHANBISANG beat (12) DIDORPHIN by just over two lengths as the pair raced 2nd and 4th over 1300M on June 26th. The latter has four 2nd places from nine outings but will be well backed once more to finally make a breakthrough. A big danger is class winner (11) BEST TAKER, who came very close to adding another victory in a narrow finish at 1400M last month. Those three should be market leaders although (4) BOM DONG I and (7) TWO KAY also have claims.

Selections (11) Best Taker (12) Didorphin (1) Dangchanbisang (7) Two Kay
Next Best 4, 9, 2, 5
Outsiders 3, 6, 8, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3, 7

Race 8: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:30 (KST)

With four wins from six so far, all of them at this distance and most recently at this class, (4) MIDAS ROAD is very much the one to beat here. He looks a talent at this minimum distance. Main danger is (7) GEUMA BALIOS, who drops back to 1000M for the first time since last year and looks an intriguing entry. (8) OUR CAT was 3rd to Midas Road last time and can match that here while (3) MUHANDOMA and (10) FORESTRY, the latter last in that race behind Midas Road, needing what was his first start of the year, the others with scope for improvement.

Selections (4) Midas Road (7) Geuma Balios (8) Our Cat (3) Muhandoma
Next Best 6, 10, 12, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 5, 11
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6

Race 9: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:00 (KST)

A long-shot winner over 1000M on June 26th, absolutely flying home from off the pace, (10) CHUGJE HANMADANG requires more respect today and has every chance of making in two in a row. (6) CITY WOLF is yet to win in nine but has two 2nd place finishes from his last three and should set the pace here. (5) FINE TODAY looks capable in this company with (3) PRO MATHEUS looking best of the rest.

Selections (10) Chugje Hanmadang (6) City Wolf (5) Fine Today (3) Pro Matheus
Next Best 2, 9, 1, 11
Outsiders 4, 7, 8, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6
Race 10: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:30 (KST)

(9) HOMERUN MAKER won her first two all the way back around the turn of 2014/2015. Since retuning in March this year she’s been 2nd in three of four starts and looks poised to return to the winner’s circle here. If it is to be another 2nd for Homerun Maker then (6) SWEEP TROPHY looks the one to take advantage. He comes in following solid placings in his last two and he should go well in this company. (2) YONGCHONG is up in class following a good win at this distance in June and can be considered as can (5) PRIME GOLD and (7) CHEONGCHUN YEOLCHA.

Selections (9) Homerun Maker (6) Sweep Trophy (2) Yongchong (5) Prime Gold
Next Best 7, 11, 3, 8
Outsiders 1, 4, 10, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 4

Race 11: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:00 (KST)

Another very competitive race to conclude and (2) SPECIAL RUNNER, up in class following victory at 1400M on June 25th can be considered for an immediate impact at this level. It won’t be easy. (4) TOTAL WALKER and runner-up specialist (6) IGWANGSASEOK have strong claims too with both proven money winner at this level even if they have just one win between them prior to today. (3) WHIZ BROWN and (5) JWACHEONGNYONG are others who can go close.

Selections (2) Special Runner (4) Total Walker (6) Igwangsaseok (3) Whiz Brown
Next Best 5, 11, 12, 7
Outsiders 1, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 3, 11

KNN Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (July 24)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the 2016 Queens Tour and a strong challenge has headed south from Seoul to Busan for the KNN Cup, which will be run over a mile. Also, three Korea-trained horses are in Singapore for this afternoon’s KRA Trophy at Kranji Racecourse.

img_20160722_130847.jpg

For the first time ever in Korea, a “contest” – not actual betting which remains illegal – will be offered on an overseas race, the KRA Trophy in Singapore

Of those three, it is Busan-based Triple Five that looks to have the most chance of making an impact in what looks a tough race over 1200M. The race will be beamed back live to Korea where punters are being offered a free to enter betting “event”. Plenty going on at home though and English racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races at Seoul and Busan, including the KNN Cup below:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

A comfortable winner on debut over 1000M last month, (3) ICE MARINE steps up in class and is favourite to land this all-filly contest. She should be on speed early and can lead all the way. (8) HWANGGEUM GEOTAP beat (6) TEXAS RUSH and (9) WINNING GILI at 1300M on Jun 24th. All three are accordingly up in class today and Hwanggeum Geotap is favoured to be most suited to this level and looks a danger again. Among those with experience of this class, (7) CHALLANHAN ACE and (10) VICAR HOPE, the latter of whom struggled in wet conditions last start, look the best while front-runner (1) LION PARK can’t be discounted either.

Selections (3) Ice Marine (8) Hwanggeum Geotap (10) Vicar Hope (7) Challanhan Ace
Next Best 6, 1, 2, 4
Outsiders 5, 9, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

A winner on debut, Brian Dean’s (3) JUNGL DRUMMER couldn’t follow up when favourite for his first try at this class on June 25th, finishing 4th. Since then, he’s gone back to trial – which he won – and he should be given another chance here. (8) DOLCE VITA beat (1) MINSON as they finished 2nd and 3rd respectively at class and distance in June. Minson is slightly favoured here. (4) GEUMTAEPUNG and (10) YAHO GIANT look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Jungl Drummer (1) Minson (8) Dolce Vita (10) Yaho Giant
Next Best 4, 7
Outsiders 2, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 3, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13:50 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (1) HANEOLUI JILJU was the easy winner of a weak race at class and distance on July 3rd and should really have too much against similar opposition today. (9) PRIVATE DANCER saw a run of three straight wins come to an end last time out but can be given another chance here while similarly (6) GABOGAPJJANG disappointed when favourite on his return from five months out last month but can go better today. (7) LET’S WIN is yet to, but has shown promise in two outings and looks ready to try this distance again. A $50,000 purchase and impressive in trials, (3) B.K PARK may be considered on debut.

Selections (1) Haneolui Jilju (9) Private Dancer (7) Let’s Win (6) Gabogapjjang
Next Best 3, 11, 10, 2
Outsiders 4, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 (KST)

Competitive race this but despite being beaten into 4th when favourite last time we’ll make (2) DOCHI, who tries this distance for the first time, the slight favourite. He started badly last time but should be on the early speed here. (8) MAKGANG JILJU is also up in distance following a solid 3rd last start and can be considered. (3) NOBLE WARRIOR was a class and distance winner just two weeks ago and should go well again – he does carry an extra 3.5kg though. (1) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK and (7) RUN STAR also look capable.

Selections (2) Dochi (3) Noble Warrior (8) Makgang Jilju (1) Yeongung Chulgyeok
Next Best 7, 11, 12, 6, 4
Outsiders 5, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Up in class following two consecutive wins, (7) GOLD MORNING looks very much the one to beat here. She should make all. (8) RAON ROUIS and (9) SSONSALGACHI are capable and should be competitive while (3) SHINE CLOVER and (6) BARWONJI can find at least the places. Two others up in class following wins are (5) S CLASS and (10) SOKBO WANGJA and both have a bit to find today.

Selections (7) Gold Morning (8) Raon Rouis (9) Ssonsalgachi (10) Sokbo Wangja
Next Best 3, 5, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 11
Fast Starters 3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 15:30 (KST)

(6) TOP FIGHTER beat (1) GUMPO MIRACLE (and three others who go again here) by a full ten lengths at class and distance on June 26th. However, while Top Fighter may well end up being favourite, he carries an extra 5kg today and that may be enough to give Gumpo Miracle the edge. (7) BOHEMIAN was another of those beaten that day but can be given another chance here while (2) GOSOK JILJU and (8) MORNING GANGJA look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Gumpo Miracle (6) Top Fighter (7) Bohemian (2) Gosok Jilju
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 3, 5
Fast Starters 3, 7

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Small but very competitive field. (6) THEME DEUNGGEUK, an also ran in the Korean Derby, is up in class after a facile win at 1300M last month and looks an intriguing prospect here. He will have to deal with another intriguing prospect in the shape of (7) SEOMGWANGI, who tries this distance for the first time following a solid 2nd place at 1200M at this class a month ago. (4) SPACE SHUTTLE and (8) MUSOE are proven at the distance and will be dangerous while (3) INBEACTIVE looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Seomgwangi (6) Theme Deunggeuk (8) Musoe (4) Space Shuttle
Next Best 3, 5
Outsiders 1, 2
Fast Starters 6, 7

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The KNN Cup (KOR G3) /1600M / Allowance (Fillies & Mares) / KRW 400 Million / 16:30 (KST)

The 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour and many see this as a contest between the winner of the 1st leg (14) BICHUI JEONGSANG and (8) NEW YORK BLUE. The latter was 3rd in that race, the Ttukseom Cup and has home-track advantage this time. Bichui Jeongsang looks strong though and the wide gate shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Both look very competitive as does TJK Trophy winner (1) AREUMDAUNDONGHAENG who champion jockey Moon Se Young returned a week earlier than expected from injury in order to ride. Last year’s Oaks winner (4) JANGPUNG PARANG was 5th in the Ttukseom Cup and will be more suited to today’s distance. (13) MS. MARGAUX and (6) SILVER WOLF are among a number of others set to be dangerous.

Selections (14) Bichui Jeongsang (8) New York Blue (13) Ms. Margaux (1) Areumdaundonghaeng
Next Best 4, 6, 9, 15, 11, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 7, 10, 12
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(8) CHANG SE is up in class following a smart win at 1200M a month ago. Back in March, she won the Sports Seoul Oaks Trial at this distance and it’s hard to see her getting beaten here. The experienced pair of (1) OSAENG MYEONGJANG and (9) CLEAN UP STAR can be competitive in this company while (4) GREY KAISER and (5) BLACK DIA are others to take into consideration.

Selections (8) Chang Se (9) Clean Up Star (1) Osaeng Myeongjang (4) Grey Kaiser
Next Best 5, 2, 7
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(1) READY WHEN YOU ARE was surprisingly beaten by Power Bullet last start at 1400M having led for most of the way, but coming in after seven weeks off and back at 1200M today, can reverse that form. (6) MORNING DAERO and (7) WORLD LOVE are capable at this class and can go close. (3) POKPUNG CHOEGANG has beaten plenty of these recently and while the new apprentice jockey may deter some, there’s no reason why he can’t perform well.

Selections (1) Ready When You Are (6) Morning Daero (3) Pokpung Choegang (7) World Love
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 2, 5
Fast Starters 1, 2, 5

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Really competitive event to end with and while (3) SPACE PORT was overmatched in last month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup and is carrying 59kg today, he should still be very competitive. At the other end of the weight scale, (5) GOLDHOLIC looks beautifully in here and should have a chance. (8) BICHUI WANGJA will be on speed early and could go all the way while (7) IMPETUS and the returning from a short spell (2) DAEHAN JANGGUN could also be dangerous.

Selections (5) Goldholic (3) Space Port (8) Bichui Wangja (7) Impetus
Next Best 11, 9, 2, 12
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 10
Fast Starters 4, 8

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 23)

It’s evening racing at Seoul on Saturday. 12 races from 14:00 to 21:00. There’s also a card of pony racing on Jeju.

English racecards are here. Notes on races 1-9 at Seoul below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 14:00 (KST)

(4) DAEGI SOKDO was 2nd on debut on June 26th and while well beaten by a good winner, will be strong favourite to go one better today. (9) MIGHTY MAMBO was 5th in that very same race, following on from an encouraging 4th on debut and can get closer today. All except one of the rest are debut-makers and among them (5) REBECCA and (6) DOUBLE A looked best in trials.

Selections (4) Daegi Sokdo (9) Mighty Mambo (5) Rebecca (6) Double A
Next Best 3, 1
Outsiders 2, 7, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45 (KST)

(4) LUCKY EYE has shown the most of these so far and while she could only manage 3rd when sent off as favourite over 1200M last month, back at the minimum distance today she is very much the one to beat again, (2) FIRE BALL looked promising when less than a length behind Daegi Sokdo, who we saw in race 1, last time and can go close while (5) PRIVATE PARK and (7) GASOKDOLPUNG look to have scope for development. Returning from eight weeks out, (1) BONGWHA DON should also like the drop back in distance.

Selections (4) Lucky Eye (2) Fire Ball (5) Private Park (7) Gasokdolpung
Next Best 1, 3, 11, 8
Outsiders 6, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 6

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Two standouts here and we’ll go with (2) CLAY SHOOT to just get the better of (3) NEULPUREUN KOKO. Both fillies enter having come close to their first win and both will be on the early speed. Best of the rest is (5) GWACHEON WONDER, 5th at the distance last time and capable of better here. (7) AGAIN SINHWA has been well supported in both his starts so far but is yet to perform. An apprentice jockey takes some weight off today and he’ll be backed once more. (8) CHOEGOUI CHANSA returned from six months out in June and looked promising and can go better today.

Selections (2) Clay Shoot (3) Neulpureun Koko (7) Again Sinhwa (5) Gwacheon Wonder
Next Best 8, 10,
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 3, 7

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:20 (KST)

With two 3rd places among her past three, (7) CHEONJI GONGSA is the pick to get it right today. She’ll come from behind the early speed and can finish strongly. On the speed will be the main danger (3) MENI VET, the only one of these with 2nd place to her name and not without a chance of finally making the breakthrough. (4) LION WINNER is consistent and should find the money again with (2) PUREUN SIDAE also likely to be involved. (5) EONJE EODISEONA and (10) CHOEGODA DANGSIN put in creditable debuts last month on which they can both build.

Selections (7) Cheonji Gongsa (3) Meni Vet (2) Pureun Sidae (4) Lion Winner
Next Best 10, 5, 8, 6
Outsiders 1, 9, 11
Fast Starters 3, 6, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:10 (KST)

Competitive race here in which any number have claims. (3) SAETBYEORI and (7) ELECTRIC CHROME both come in following 2nd place finishes last start. Saetbyeori is generally quicker away and that could be key here. (1) YEOUI KING makes a quick return following a dreadful effort just two weeks ago and should go better today. (9) BRAVO JINSEONMI and (10) NEW NANCHO looks best of the rest.

Selections (3) Saetbyeori (7) Electric Chrome (1) Yeoui King (9) Bravo Jinseonmi
Next Best 10, 4, 5
Outsiders 2, 6, 8
Fast Starters 2, 3, 9

Race 6: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 17:50 (KST)

This race is open to imports but the favourites are likely to be the Korean-bred runners who have won their way up this level. (5) BONGHWA SARANG and (1) KKUM KAERA were both winners at this distance on their respective last starts and both should go well here with Bonghwa Sarang the slight pick. (10) TIZ KING and (2) OPEN BANK also have strong claims while the best of the imports is (4) GANGTA, who is yet to win but is quick and should be looking for a career-best finish here.

Selections (5) Bonghwa Sarang (1) Kkum Kaera (4) Gangta (10) Tiz King
Next Best 2, 6, 11
Outsiders 3, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 1, 2, 7, 8

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:30 (KST)

Another competitive event, this one for fillies & mares only. (1) BEST QUEEN is the slight pick having come from well off the pace to finish a strong 2nd on June 18th over 1400M. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do here, she has strong claims. (8) BOKDEOGI is up in class and distance following her maiden win over 1200M and should be competitive while (3) GEUMGOKSEONG can improve on a 4th place in a similar event last month. (4) HEEL TOWER and (6) ECTON GAYA are among others capable of finding the money.

Selections (1) Best Queen (8) Bokdeogi (3) Geumgokseong (6) Ecton Gaya
Next Best 4, 2, 5
Outsiders 7, 9
Fast Starters 3, 4, 8, 9

Race 8: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(5) CHOWON GANGTA is up in class following victory on his return from almost a year out and he can be considered once more today. (8) HONEY BUTTER NINO was slightly disappointing in a tough race at this distance last month and should go much better today while (6) WELLBEING STORY proved he can be competitive at this class with a battling 4th last time out and can build on it here. (2) WANJEON MUGYEOL and (7) LUCKY SHARP may also provide some interest.

Selections (5) Chowon Gangta (8) Honey Butter Nino (6) Wellbeing Story (7) Lucky Sharp
Next Best 2, 9
Outsiders 1, 3, 4
Fast Starters 2, 4, 6, 9

Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 19:30 (KST)

Another really competitive one but Brian Dean’s (7) MUHUDAEJE looks superior having beaten two of these when winning over 1800M last month. (1) NIGHTOUTONTHETOWN, 4th in that race, and (10) ROYAL JIBBLY look to be the main dangers, the latter being a class and distance winner and racing for the first time since a 5th place in the YTN Cup at the end of May. (6) USEUNG HOUSE and (9) NAESARANG DAMYANG look best of the rest.

Selections (7) Muhudaeje (1) Nightoutonthetown (10) Royal Jibbly (6) Useung House
Next Best 9, 8, 4
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 11
Fast Starters 1, 8