Author: gyongmaman

Multiple Stakes Winner Tough Win Retired Aged 9

After a career spanning more than six years and featuring 24 wins and over 2 Billion Won in prize money, Tough Win has been retired. His retirement ceremony took place at Seoul Racecourse last Saturday afternoon.

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Tough Win in the winner’s circle at his retirement ceremony at Seoul Racecourse

Tough Win [Yonaguska – Maggie May’s Sword (Sword Dance)] was purchased for $12,000 at the Ocala 2-year-old sale in June 2009. and arrived in Korea the following month.

He made his racecourse debut that November, being sent off as third-favourite for a class 4 event over 1200M. He won by 16 lengths. The victories quickly piled up and Tough Win was very soon established as the hottest 3-year-old in the country. So it was in July of 2010, unbeaten in 7 starts that he traveled down to Busan to take on his toughest assignment to date, the Busan Mayor’s Cup and a showdown with Dongbanui Gangja.

Dongbanui Gangja (Broken Vow) came in following 12 consecutive wins stretching back almost two years and which included two victories in the Grand Prix Stakes. He was sent off as favourite. Tough Win sat handy early under regular jockey Cho Kyoung Ho while Dongbanui Gangja, with Moon Se Young on board for the first and only time, was away patiently. The older horse improved up to 4th as they began to straighten up and it looked like we were in for quite the finale. We were, but not the one we expected. Dongbanui Gangja spooked and ran wide, ruining his chance leaving Tough Win to get the better of a furious battle with Yeonseung Daero and Vicar Love, winning by a neck on the line.

Dongbanui Gangja’s antics meant for unfinished business between the pair and accordingly, they met again in October in the KRA Cup Classic at Seoul. Dongbanui Gangja ran well that day but lacked his usual spark, lugging 63kg around, and he finished a well beaten 2nd as Tough Win prevailed by five lengths.

So Tough Win was a perfect 9 for 9 heading into the season finale, the Grand Prix Stakes in December of 2010. Tough Win was the even-money favourite, slightly ahead of Dongbanui Gangja, who was looking for an unprecedented third consecutive triumph in the race. It was not to be for either of them as another 3-year-old, Mister Park, up from Busan, upset the favourites to record his 11th straight win on his way to what would become a record-breaking 17 consecutive victories.

Tough Win Grand Prix

Tough Win beat Mister Park and Smarty Moonhak to win the Grand Prix Stakes in 2011 (KRA)

Revenge for Tough Win on Mister Park would come a year later. 2011 started off in mixed fashion, Carrying a very high weight in handicaps, Tough Win suffered a couple of defeats – including one at the hands of a 51kg carrying Dongbanui Gangja – as well as victories before heading south to defend his Mayor’s Cup at Busan in July. It all went wrong as he engaged in an early speed battle with Dangdae Bulpae that scuppered both of their chances leaving the previous year’s runner-up Yeonseung Daero to narrowly defeat Dongbanui Gangja.

The rest of the year would be flawless, however. Three runs and three wins culminated in the Grand Prix Stakes in December when he finally ended Mister Park’s unbeaten record. The precocious 2-year-old Smarty Moonhak was 3rd.  The three of them – quickly dubbed the “Troika” by the Korean racing media – should have been competing with each other in the big races for the foreseeable future. Little is foreseeable in racing, however, and within a few short months, Mister Park’s story would end in tragedy and Smarty Moonhak would be suffering from tendinitis that he would not recover from. The rigors of racing an unrelenting schedule on a hard track took their toll, making Tough Win’s longevity even more remarkable.

He wouldn’t be able to retain the Grand Prix in 2012. finishing 5th behind the emerging filly Gamdonguibada after a year in which none of his 4 wins arrived in Stakes company. He and Smarty Moonhak did face each other in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in July but Tough Win had an off-day, finishing 4th, while Dangdae Bulpae defeated Smarty Moonhak for the win.

Tough Win began 2013 in fine style though, winning three races in the Spring before travelling to Busan once more to take on the Busan Mayor’s Cup for the fourth time. It would end in triumph, as he ran away from Beolmaui Kkum and Dangdae Bulpae in the closing stages to win by nearly three lengths on the line. He followed it up with a 4th place in the SBS Korea/Japan Goodwill Cup in September but the injuries started to mount up – indeed, Tough Win’s Studbook entry lists 621 veterinary visits during his career.

Tough Win Busan Met 2013

Tough Win claiming his 2nd Busan Mayor’s Cup in 2013 (KRA)

Tough Win only ran three times in 2014, each time without success and it looked like all those hard races had caught up with him. Remarkably though at the beginning of 2015 he came back and with a new running style – dropping all the way to the back from the gate, conserving energy and then picking off his rivals in the home straight -he returned to the winner’s circle that January. He promptly came out and repeated the feat in February. Those victories – wins number 23 and 24  – would prove to be the Indian summer of his career and following six subsequent unsuccessful starts, he was finally retired. His last race was in March this year.

Maggie May’s Sword herself was imported to Korea in late 2010 although she only produced one foal who made it to the races prior to her death in May 2012.

In Mister Park’s obituary, it was noted that the lot of a gelding can be to keep on running until the injuries and general wear and tear finally take over. Unfortunately this was true in Tough Win’s case with his retirement coming perhaps a year later than it should but he bows out in good health and is to be sent for re-training as a riding horse. We will be watching carefully. Subsidy, one of the most important racehorses of the past two decades here was to be retrained too but quickly disappeared without trace after retirement. There’s no reason to suggest that will happen to Tough Win. It had better not. With his, for want of a better word, toughness, those wins and his sheer longevity, he retires as one of the greats of Korean racing.

Prosecution Charges Several In Racing Integrity Probe

Racing was featured on most of the main news outlets in Korea on Thursday morning and not for positive reasons with a number of people, including trainers and jockeys, being indicted by the prosecution in a long-running investigation into corruption and race-fixing.

Most of the charges date back to incidents alleged to have taken place in 2010-2011. The suspects cannot be named for legal reasons but according to JTBC, they include jockeys from Jeju Island as well as three retired jockeys and two trainers from Seoul. Those in question who were still license-holders had been suspended since the allegations first came to light some months ago.

Also indicted were individuals identified as “brokers” and the suspected operator of an illegal betting operation. Most media reports this morning outlined that the prosecution continues to investigate possible links with organised crime. Here is the link to JTBC TV’s report.

JTBC and KBS1 News illustrated their reports with several video examples of horses allegedly being deliberately stopped by jockeys in pony races on Jeju Island in 2010.

Sun Strong Too Strong In Sports Chosun / Punters Land Big Tierce Wins

Sun Strong ran out the winner of the Listed Sports Chosun Cup at Seoul Racecourse this past Sunday, another big race winner for the track’s Champion jockey Moon Se Young. 

Sun Strong, a 4-year-old colt, was sent off as the pre-race favourite and got the better of Gasokbulpae, 2nd favourite and early pace-setter, in the closing stages.

Sports Chosun Cup (Listed) – Seoul Racecourse – June 19, 2016

1. Sun Strong (KOR) [Volponi – Strategic Reward (Bold Revenue)] – Moon Se Young – 2.8, 1.5
2. Gasokbulpae (KOR) [Psychobabble – Honey Bee (Pro For Sure)] – Kim Hye Sun – 1.8
3. Super Tank (KOR) [Gold Money – Make Mine Minnie (Honor And Glory)] – Yoo Seung Wan – 1.7
Distances: 0.75 lengths / 2 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Cosmos King 5. Haetbinna 6. Special Star 7. Kaeon 8. Taesan Cheonji 9. Gangja 10. Forever Daemul 11. Argo Asset

Sun Strong, a 4-year-old colt, was sent off as the pre-race favourite and got the better of Gasokbulpae, 2nd favourite and early pace-setter, in the closing stages.

In other news, the new tierce (trifecta) pool has made quite an impact already since its introduction last week. Despite only being available on the mobile betting platform, it has quickly become the fourth most popular pool behind quinella, trio and exacta.

On Sunday, the pool saw it’s first big dividend winner as Thomas Gillespie’s Lion Park, a 70/1 chance led home a top three in race 1 at Busan that yielded a return of 20,601.6. A total of 35 punters successfully picked the winning combination; three of them wagering 1,000 won while the rest staked amounts between 100 and 500 won.

Those three, who placed their bets at three different off track locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, turned their 1,000 won into 16,059,500 won (after tax).

The tierce pool will remain restricted to mobile betting only for the time being but is expected to receive a general launch later in the year.

Sunday Preview (June 19)

Full cards at both Seoul and BUsan today with the Listed Sports Chosun Cup the feature race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 along with 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:05.

English racecards are available here

Three races are available for betting on the TAB in Australia, including the Sports Chosun Cup. See below for brief notes on them:

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 (KST)

Hot favourite here is (7) GOREOUS DREAM. He’s won four from five so far and is up in class following an emphatic six-length win over 1200M on May 7th. He tries an extra half furlong for the first time but should have far too much for this field and will most likely lead from gate to wire once more. A proven money winner at this level (6) HORURAGI looks to have the best chance of stopping the favourite. She beat (4) GEUMSUNI EOMJI when the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1400M last month. Horuragi will also be on the early speed. Coin from just behind will be (5) BOLT SIGN, who is up in class following a good win at this distance at the end of May and should be competitive here. (2) LITTLE BROWN is best of the rest.

Selections (7) Goreous Dream (6) Horuragi (5) Bolt Sign (2) Little Brown
Next Best 4, 8
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class Open (R80&Down) – The Sports Chosun Cup / 2000M / Weight for Age / KRW 200 Million / 16:40 (KST)

Having beaten three of these when making all to win by a neck over 1800M on May 21st, (2) GASOKBULPAE is favoured to strike once more on his first try at 2000M. He’s won six of ten so far and still looks to have scope for more development. (6) COSMOS KING returned from a five month absence to run 3rd at 1800M in May and should have come on for it. He’s quick with a strong finish. Champion jockey Moon Se Young takes the ride on (5) SUN STRONG, who races for the first time since beating a couple of these in April. He looked sharp in a trial last week and can be considered. (1) SPECIAL STAR and (9) SUPER TANK, both beaten by Gasokbulpae in May, are others who can go close.

Selections (2) Gasokbulpae (6) Cosmos King (5) Sun Strong (9) Super Tank
Next Best 1, 10, 3, 11, 8
Outsiders 4, 7
Fast Starters 2

Seoul Race 10: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 17:30 (KST)

Competitive event this and (1) RAON BOLAVEN can improve on a couple of slightly disappointing outings and get back to winning ways following a seven-week break. (6) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG is up in class and also in distance following a two-length win over 1400M a month ago and looks the main danger. Both of those will look to come from behind the early speed which is likely to be set by (3) TOUR MIDAS, 2nd at class and distance last start and capable of going well here. (2) MAGIC QUEEN and (7) DAEWANGSIN – the latter beat Raon Bolaven at long odds at the end of April – are others to take into account.

Selections (1) Raon Bolaven (6) Gwangyang Dolpung (3) Tour Midas (2) Magic Queen
Next Best 8, 7, 4
Outsiders 5, 9
Fast Starters 3, 7, 9

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 17)

The weekend’s racing in Korea gets underway on Friday afternoon with a 10-race card at Busan with the first at 12:40 and the last at 19:00. English cards are here.

Last week at Busan saw plenty of odds-on favourites – and plenty of them got beaten. The races look a little more open this week. Form jockey at the moment is Seo Seung Un, who has ridden ten winners in June already. He’s on some fancied ones today too. Here are brief notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(5) EUNGNIBYEOSU pushed a good winner all the way only to be beaten by a neck over 1000M last month and back up at 1200M today looks ready to win. (2) BAEKDU YEONGUNG got his second consecutive 3rd place that day and can be close again but the one attracting most interest is likely to be (1) FEISTY. For a Kim Young Kwan trainee, the gelding was unusually unfancied on debut three weeks ago after trialling indifferently but he scored a solid 2nd and should have come on for it. (3) TAEYANG GWANGSOK and (6) TONGHAP ACE are others to consider.

Selections (5) Eungnibyeosu (1) Feisty (2) Baekdu Yeongung (6) Tonghap Ace
Next Best 3, 4
Outsiders 7, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

A 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, (2) IKSAN DAEWANG is favoured to make the breakthrough here. He’s not the fastest of starters and has left himself just a little too much to do in both outings so far so the slight step up in distance may suit. (10) CAPE MAGIC also looks on the verge of going up in class. He was narrowly beaten into 3rd last start at this distance and can go well again. Fifth in that race was (6) RAON BENTREE, who should be competitive in this company. (3) SUPER SONIC returns from seven months out and may be considered while (12) KWAESEOK BOLT is more than capable of matching the 3rd places he has achieved in each of his last two outings.

Selections (2) Iksan Daewang (10) Cape Magic (12) Kwaeseok Bolt (6) Raon Bentree
Next Best 3, 11, 8, 4
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 9
Fast Starters 8, 5

Race 4: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(12) NORTHERN TRACE has been coming into form lately and following a narrow 3rd last time, looks ready to win here. He’ll look to get to the front early from the outside gate and has strong claims. (2) TAKE AGAIN and (8) YEONGGWANGUI JAEIN are others who do look to have a win in them at this level with the latter slightly favoured. Debut-maker (3) ROSETTA won a trial a couple of weeks ago and must be given a chance in this company although the jockey booking will deter some. (10) BEATBOX was dreadful last start but had shown glimpses before.

Selections (12) Northern Trace (8) Yeonggwangui Jaein (2) Take Again (3) Rosetta
Next Best 10, 9, 11, 5
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 12

Race 5: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(7) TOUGH COUNTRY has shown good improvement over his last two starts and can continue to progress in this modest affair. 3rd last time out, he’s the best of the imports here. That leaves us with a couple of Korean bred horses, both of whom were victorious last time out. (2) DAEHO GANGJA looks the pick, winning by five lengths at domestic class 5 three weeks ago. She will likely get an uncontested lead here and can win once more. (1) WINNING NUMBER won at lengthy odds over 1400M on the same day and is in the best form of his lengthy career. (6) CHEONMA CHUPUNGO and (8) CINNADAR are hard to recommend to win but they may make the places.

Selections (2) Daeho Gangja (7) Tough Country (1) Winning Number (6) Cheonma Chupungo
Next Best 8, 10, 4
Outsiders 3, 5, 9
Fast Starters 2

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(3) LUCKY TIME was a six-length winner two weeks ago on what was just his second start – his first was all the way back last November after which he got himself gelded – and while up in class here, looks set to go on and make it two in a row. Also up in class following a victory is (1) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE. He’s a front-runner and will be hard to pass. This two look head and shoulders above the rest with (4) YUSEONG VICTORY next best. He was a little disappointing last start but is quick and tries this distance for the first time. (2) AREUMDAUN KKUM also disappointed when favourite last start but can go better today.

Selections (3) Lucky Time (1) Choegang Adventure (4) Yuseong Victory (2) Areumdaun Kkum
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4, 7

Race 7: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(11) WISH ME LUCK beat five of his rivals here when finishing 2nd – just beaten a neck – over class and distance on May 20th. He does carry 2.5kg extra today but he will look to get to the front early and can win this. It’s the ones he beat in that race who will be his main rivals once more. (10) FOUR STAR was just a nose behind Wish Me Luck in that race and can challenge once more while (4) MAYA COUNTRY and (8) THE STARS were 4th and 5th that day and may also be considered. Among those who didn’t go in that race, (1) NOBLE WARRIOR is up in class but may also appreciate the increase in distance while (2) GANGHO IRON comes in following a couple of placings in decent events and can be considered.

Selections (11) Wish Me Luck (10) Four Star (8) The Stars (1) Noble Warrior
Next Best 4, 2, 6, 9
Outsiders 3, 5, 7
Fast Starters 11

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Full sister to President’s Cup winner Triple Nine, (10) BLACK SAPPHIRE ran well within herself when recording her second victory over 1300M three weeks ago. She is up in class here but is the one to beat. (11) MAGIC LINE has run into a couple too good on both his starts at this level to date but he is the main danger here. He beat (1) HWARYEOHANHAMSEONG when they faced each other at this distance in April and the latter can also be competitive here. (6) HAEUNDAE GISANG was beaten on her first try at this class last month but will set the early pace here and may be considered. Bart Rice’s (2) DAEHANUIMYEONGSUNG is up in class but should be competitive at this level.

Selections (10) Black Sapphire (11) Magic Line (6) Haeundae Gisang (2) Daehanuimyeongsung
Next Best 1, 9, 12, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 8,
Fast Starters 5, 6

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(1) SAENGIL GIPPEUM saw a run of three straight victories come to an end on his first try at this level last month. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough in 2nd to suggest he will be competitive at class 2. He is a front-runner, he should lead and he is the one to beat. (7) IN THE BACK was a little disappointing on his first go at this distance last start but wasn’t beaten too badly and can go better today while last year’s Derby winner (4) YEONGCHEON ACE can place. (2) GHOST BLONDE and the back following surgery (6) AXION are others to look out for in what is a competitive event.

Selections (1) Saengil Gippeum (7) In The Back (4) Yeongcheon Ace (2) Ghost Blonde
Next Best 6, 5, 3
Fast Starters 1, 7

Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

A disappointment in the KRA Cup Mile but a creditable 5th in the Korean Derby last month, (8) BANJIUI JEWANG should be much more at home both in this company and back at a sprint distance and is favoured to return to winning ways. (9) USEUNG LINE beat five of these when finishing 3rd over 1400M on May 20th and is the main danger; he’s won two from four so far and looks a solid prospect. (1) FURIOUS RUNNER didn’t go well when stepped up to a mile last time but should be much happier at this distance and is a threat while class and distance winner (6) GHOST MADRONE will be on the early speed and will be competitive. (3) GOLD BANK looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Banjiui Jewang (9) Useung Line (6) Ghost Madrone (1) Furious Runner
Next Best 3, 7, 4, 11
Outsiders 2, 5, 10, 12
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8

Tierce Betting Makes Solid Mobile Debut

The tierce, or trifecta, made its debut in Korean horse racing wagering this past weekend and this new bet type, the seventh to become available on all races in the country, made an immediate impact, despite the pool initially only being accessible through the KRA’s mobile betting application. 

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Tierce odds for one of the very first races to offer it last Friday at Jeju

By Sunday’s final race at Seoul, the Tierce was accounting for 4.3% of the total turnover, higher than Win, Place and Quinella Place pools. The Quinella remains the most popular pool with the Trio (first three in any order) a close second, followed by the Exacta. Overall turnover remained similar to the previous week. The fact that the Tierce will, for the time being, not be available to cash bettors, looks set to provide a major shot in the arm to mobile betting.

Mobile betting has had a predictably shaky start. Despite the name conjuring up images of people having a bet from home on their smartphones, like in a normal jurisdiction, this isn’t the case. Since the regulator ordered the closure of the “KNetz” telephone betting service in 2009 (essentially handing the monopoly in off-course betting to illegal operators), the Authority is only permitted to accept bets on course or at its OTBs. The App therefore can only be used when the device on which it is installed is connected to the”LetsRun Free” Wi-fi connection.

Despite heavy investment in what is a very impressive and user-friendly app (there will be a foreign language version) packed with information, as well as an excellent new lounge at Seoul especially for mobile betting, take-up has not been high and mobile turnover had been declining slightly since its launch. Since April, at least one simulcast race from Jeju Island on Fridays and Saturdays has been designated “mobile only” with no cash bets accepted, however, most punters have looked on those races as opportunities to take lunch or a coffee break.

It’s understandable that punters have resisted. With the regulator wanting all bets to be tracked and to eventually be linked to a bank account with a real name, in a country where gambling – despite being hugely popular – carries a major social stigma, it is seen by many as an unwelcome intrusion into privacy. It also prevents any circumventing of the rules on the maximum betting limit (which can easily be done simply by visiting more than one betting window or terminal before the race), something that is a challenge for both punters and no doubt the Authority alike.

However, the Tierce and its high dividends compared to Stake, is always going to be an attractive bet and it’s a pool that punters will want to play into. Eventually it will be expanded to cash betting too, most likely towards the end of this year. For now though, the signs are that it could be the game-changer that mobile betting has been seeking.

Ottug Ottugi Too Good In Korean Oaks

Ottug Ottugi strolled to victory in the Korean Oaks at Busan on Sunday afternoon, the odds-on favourite led from gate-to-wire to win by an eased down five lengths on the line.

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Ottug Ottugi and Choi Si Dae in the Oaks winner’s circle (Pic: Hiromi Kobayashi)

Ottug Ottugi finished 2nd to her stablemate Power Blade in the first leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile in April, and just as with Power Blade in the Derby last month so long as Ottug Ottugi completed the race, it seemed a case less of “if” but more of “by how many lengths?”

In the end it was five. Under Choi Si Dae, Ottug Ottugi led from the gate into an easy lead and never for a second looked like being caught. Outsider Quick Force, the only maiden in the race, adding a fifth 2nd place to her record, got the closest in the end ahead of Hoseungjibyeok – the latter having been sent off as 2nd favourite at odds approaching 10/1.

Embarassingly, no Seoul fillies bothered to make the trip down while Jangguneui Huye, Bart Rice’s first Korean Classic runner, gave it a go but ended in 8th.

Ottug Ottugi’s win means that trainer Kim Young Kwan has now won the Oaks for four years running. For jockey Choi it was a second win in the race following his triumph on Useung Touch in 2011.

Ottug Ottugi herself is by Forest Camp and out of the Main Objective (Lion Heart). Main Objective was purchased for the princely sum of $1200 at the 2009 Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale. Ottug Ottugi is her third foal to race in Korea and a two-year-old colt by Rock Hard Ten recently went through the Jeju Sales. The other two failed to make much of an impression scoring just one win between them

Ottug Ottugi has certainly made an impression.

The Korean Oaks (KOR G2) – Busan Racecourse – 1800M – June 12, 2016

1. Ottug Ottugi (KOR) [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] – Choi Si Dae – 1.1, 1.0
2. Quick Force (KOR) [Vicar – Madam Winette (Danewin)] – Lim Sung Sil – 3.9
3. Hoseungjibyeok (KOR) [Didyme – Everything Nice (Elusive Quality)] – Song Keong Yun – 1.3
Distances: 5 lengths / 1.5 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Special Rookie 5. Santa Gloria 6. Steal The Show Why 7. Byeolmuri 8. Jangguneui Huye 9. Miracle Bolt

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (June 12)

It’s Korean Oaks day at Busan. Nine fillies will line up for the Classic race, a full preview of which can be found here.

There’s plenty of other racing happening at both Seoul and Busan. Rock Band makes his long awaited return on the south-coast, while Sotong Sidae heads the line-up in Seoul’s feature handicap. Rain is forecast at both tracks.

There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30. English racecards are here. Notes on races from Seoul race 5 onwards are below:

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Fillies only here and (2) GRIFFIN comes in following back to back victories, most recently beating five of these over class and distance on May 22nd. She won well that day and can repeat but she carries and additional 4kg today and that may be key. (3) DONGHAE CHANGA could be the one to take advantage, coming in after consecutive 3rd places at domestic class 4 and ready to win at this level. (8) J ONE was just over a length behind Griffin last time and can make that up today while (1) QUEEN’S PALACE and (5) DRAGON VILLAGE are the others to watch.

Selections (3) Donghae Changa (2) Griffin (8) J One (1) Queen’s Palace
Next Best 5, 9, 7
Outsiders 4, 6, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:50 (KST)

(2) TAIL WIND won a good race at class and distance on May 13th, beating three who go here and he is favoured to strike again here. Main danger could be the up in class (5) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG, who got her maiden win last time showing plenty of speed. (4) CAPITAL GANGJA is talented and can be forgiven a poor outing last month while the three who were beaten by Tail Wind in that good race in May; (1) GODAE, (11) USEUNG CHEONJI and (12) SKY RUNNER, can be given another chance today.

Selections (2) Tail Wind (5) Kwaehan Yeongung (4) Capital Gangja (1) Godae
Next Best 12, 11, 6, 8
Outsiders 3, 7, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:15 (KST)

Small field and (4) WHIZ RUN should have the beating of them having just been beaten half a length on his first try at this class last month. (6) JOARA steps up in class following victory at this distance and is the main danger. (2) FLAME CAT can be given another chance after a disappointing run last month (behind Griffin who we saw in race 5) and will join Whiz Run on the early speed. (7) COTTON PRINCE looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Whiz Run (6) Joara (2) Flame Cat (7) Cotton Prince
Next Best 5, 3, 1
Fast Starters 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 3: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 14:40 (KST)

(2) TARIAT TALE has won three from five so far and looks well set to add to that here. He’ll come from just behind an early speed that will likely be set by, among others, (11) PALMAUI SEONDU, who was just beaten a neck in a tough contest over this distance two weeks ago in what was a much improved performance and he can build on that today. (1) TOP SPRING has beaten (3) BADA DOSI at 1800M twice recently and both should be competitive at a mile while (7) DYNAMIC TANK is up in class and significantly in distance for what’s just her fourth start. She returned from eight months out to record her maiden win last month.

Selections (2) Tariat Tale (11) Palmaui Seondu (7) Dynamic Tank (3) Bada Dosi
Next Best 1, 9, 10, 6
Outsiders 4, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Competitive event here with three stepping up in class following victories last time. Of those, (7) INSUJAE was the most impressive and accordingly is narrowly favoured today although the other two, (6) DAEDOLPUNG and (9) BINGO STAR are likely to be the main dangers. The latter two are likely to look to lead early with Insujae being given a more patient ride. The ones with experience at this level have plenty to find but (5) TONGIRUI HAMSEONG and (10) SMART CAPTAIN looking the most likely.

Selections (7) Insujae (6) Daedolpung (9) Bingo Star (10) Smart Captain
Next Best 5, 2, 1
Outsiders 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Bart Rice’s (10) TRIPLE FIVE has two wins and three seconds from five starts to date and is up in class following a dominant five-length win in a good race at this distance last month. He should have too much here. (4) FRENCH BOY, while inconsistent, showed he can compete at this level with a 3rd place in a solid contest last start and is the main danger while (8) POKPUNG CHOEGANG beat three of these when running 2nd at class and distance on May 13th and must be respected. One of these was (2) WORLD LOVE, who will be on the early speed, while (7) CHOEGANG BULPAE is another to consider.

Selections (10) Triple Five (4) French Boy (8) Pokpung Choegang (2) World Love
Next Best 7, 11, 6, 3
Outsiders 1, 5, 9, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Since getting his maiden win last November, (2) MR MOUNTAIN has managed to narrowly dodge the winner’s circle at class 5 but can put things right today on what will be his first try around two turns. (8) CURRICLE is yet to win in fifteen but was 2nd at class and distance last start, beating a couple of these in the process and can place once more. (5) JISANGGEOTAP and (6) DEVIL MAN have both also raced well at 1700M and may be considered with (7) VICKY LIE one who may appreciate the increase in distance.

Selections (2) Mr. Mountain (8) Curricle (6) Devil Man (7) Vicky Lie
Next Best 5, 11, 10, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 9
Fast Starters 3

Busan Race 5: Class Open / 1800M / Allowance – The Korean Oaks / KRW 500 Million / 16:30 (KST)

Runner by runner guide here

(2) OTTUG OTTUGI was 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile and then skipped the Derby in order to target this race. On Derby weekend she won at 1800M, will be the quickest away and will be the strong favourite. (4) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK will be 2nd favourite although she wasn’t convincing when racing 2nd at this distance last month and was beaten in March’s Oaks trial not only by Ottug Ottugi, but also by (9) SANTA GLORIA and (1) STEAL THE SHOW WHY. Both of those can go well here and the latter was beaten by (3) SPECIAL ROOKIE at a mile in April. Neither have run since but both looked good in recent trials. Special Rookie is a stablemate of Ottug Ottugi; their trainer Kim Young Kwan has won the race for the past three years and one way or another, looks likely to win this time as well.

Selections (2) Ottug Ottugi (9) Santa Gloria (3) Special Rookie (4) Hoseungjibyeok
Next Best 1, 7, 5
Outsiders 6, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:00 (KST)

It’s time (8) SOTONG SIDAE returned to winning ways. His win record would be much higher were it not for the fact that he is always entered in the toughest company and today offers a really good opportunity to change that. He will go back at the start but if he leaves himself a little less to do late on than he has in recent outings, he can win. (6) SEONBONG is of course a big danger. While more dangerous at sprints, he has shown himself more than capable of winning at this level and can do so again. (7) KWAESEOK JILPUNG races at class 1 for the first time and can take advantage of a light weight to secure a good finish while (4) GLOBAL FUSION and (5) IMPETUS can’t be ruled out after recent decent efforts.

Selections (8) Sotong Sidae (6) Seonbong (7) Kwaseok Jilpung (4) Global Fusion
Next Best 3, 5, 1, 11
Outsiders 2, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:30 (KST)

After eight months, (2) ROCK BAND is back. He won the Minister’s Cup but hasn’t been seen since running 2nd to Triple Nine in the President’s Cup at Seoul last October. He has won six of eight starts and came through trials ok. If he is anything like the old Rock Band, he wins. (6) MACHEON BOLT returns for the first time since beating two of these when winning at class and distance in February and is a genuine threat to the favourite as is (1) WONIL GANGJA wo was sent back to trial after laying out last time – he’s since completed two trials. (3) FOREST BOLD, who won the race in which Wonil Gangja behaved badly and (5) DARKEST NIGHT look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Rock Band (6) Macheon Bolt (1) Wonil Gangja (5) Darkest Night
Next Best 3, 8, 11
Outsiders 4, 7, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 8, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Up in class following his maiden win by five-lengths at 1200M on May 15th, (9) CHOEGANGJA is the pick to immediately follow up here. It took him a couple of tries to figure out what to do but he now looks a solid prospect. Also up in class following victories are (2) BLAZING STAR and (6) SMOKEN JOE and both can compete while (4) READ AGAIN comes in following a victory at this class and distance, coming from right off the pace, on May 1st and can go well again. (3) JEONSEUNG DAESE struggled a little last time but can go better today.

Selections (9) Choegangja (4) Read Again (2) Blazing Star (3) Jeonseung Daese
Next Best 6, 10
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 8
Fast Starters 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

The Korean Oaks 2016: Full Preview

Ottug Ottugi will be hot favourite when nine fillies line up for the 2016 Korean Oaks at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. If the race goes as expected, she will give trainer Kim Young Kwan his fourth consecutive victory in the race.

Ottug Ottugi

Ottug Ottugi is the strong Oaks favourite (Pic: KRA)

Rather shamefully, Seoul has not managed to muster a single filly in this crop to take part in the Classic so the Oaks is a 100% Busan affair this year.

South African trainer Bart Rice saddles his first Korean runner and while Jangguneui Huye will be an outsider, beyond the favourite, the race is quite open. Paolo Aragoni is the only foreign jockey to secure a mount in the race and will partner Steal The Show Why.

While a succession of odds-on favourites went down at Busan on Friday (including some trained by Kim Young Kwan), were Ottug Ottugi – whose conqueror in the KRA Cup Mile Power Blade went on to romp home in the Derby at Seoul last month – to be defeated, it would be as big a shock as when Derby winning filly Sangseung Ilro lost the race in the final strides back in 2009.

Korean Oaks (KOR G2) – Busan Racecourse – 1800M – June 12, 2016 (16:30)

1. Steal The Show Why (KOR) [Whywhywhy – Steal The Show (Cat Thief)] (11/2/2/3) KY Baik – Paolo Aragoni
Fifth in the trail in March she has followed up with 3rd place finishes at a mile and at this distance of 1800M. One of a number of likely early front-runners, she will stay on and could challenge for a place.

2. Ottug Ottugi (KOR) [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] (9/6/2/0) YK Kim – Choi Si Dae
The hot favourite, she will be odds-on. She won the Trial easily and was then 2nd to stablemate Power Blade in the first leg of the Triple Crown before comfortably winning her first try at 1800M last month. No reason to oppose her, she should lead from gate to wire.

3. Special Rookie (KOR) [Menifee – Swing City (Carson City)] (3/2/0/0) YK Kwan – Kim Yong Geun
Stablemate of Ottug Ottugi and still a slightly unknown quantity. She beat Santa Gloria when winning at a mile in April but hasn’t raced since. Won a trial just last week and Kim Young Kwan’s horses must never be underestimated. Goes forward with Ottug Ottugi.

4. Hoseungjibyeok (KOR) [Didyme – Everything Nice (Elusive Quality)] (6/4/1/0) BE Kang – Song Keong Yun
More advanced than the rest of the field with the exception of Ottug Ottugi, she has made it up to class 3, despite being beaten by three of these in March’s trial. She came 2nd on her first try at 1800M last month in a decent but not overly convincing performance. She deserves second-favourite status but still has things to prove. She will sit behind the early lead and if the others go too fast, she can take advantage.

5. Miracle Bolt (KOR) [Sharp Humor – C’Mon Maria (Maria’s Mon)] (7/3/3/0) KH Choi – Seol Dong Bok
All three of her wins have come at 1000M and she is yet to show anything that would suggest she is capable of getting 1800M at this stage, let alone competing at it. The outsider of the field, she may as well go out as quickly as possible and see what happens.

6. Jangguneui Huye (KOR) [Gaeseon Janggun – Mercy Matters (Cozzene)] (3/1/0/0) BN Rice – Chae Sang Hyun
Bart Rice’s first Korean Classic runner and a welcome entrant by Gaeseon Janggun, who won the final leg of the Triple Crown in 2008. Only three runs so far and only one this year which was a 5th place in a tough race over 1300M. She will therefore be one of the outsiders here

7. Byeolmuri (KOR) [Colors Flying – Sink Or Swim (Meadowlake)] (10/3/3/0) SB Han – Kim Dong Young  
Yet to be tried at further than 1300M, she comes in following two convincing wins at that distance and looks to have solid potential. She has tended to be on the early speed but may let others go forward here and she can find the money.

8. Quick Force (KOR) [Vicar – Madam Winette (Danewin)] (6/0/4/2) SJ Kwon – Lim Sung Sil
The only one of these yet to get her maiden victory and it is unlikely to arrive here. She has done ok, never finishing any worse than 3rd but this is obviously a significant step up and a top five finish would be a good result.

9. Santa Gloria (KOR) [Menifee – Pupil (Unbridled)] (7/1/1/2) KY Baik – Seo Seung Un
Third in the March Oaks Trial, she was just beaten a neck by Special Rookie over a mile in April. That was her most recent start although she won a trial last month. Like to have no problems with the distance, she will be ridden patiently by Seo Seung Un, who is in great form at the moment. She could go very well.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 10)

Korean Oaks weekend gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon with 10 races from 12:40 to 19:00. There will be racing at Seoul on Saturday and both Seoul and Busan on Sunday.

Last weekend Seo Seung Un took full advantage of many of Busan’s top jockeys being away in Seoul to ride seven winners across the two days. Seo is back in action today add could well add to his winners but only one of his mounts is expected to be favourite. Other jockeys to follow today look to be the Italian pair of Paolo Aragoni and Pasquale Borelli – both should partner two favourites. In terms of trainers, champion trainer Kim Young Kwan could quite easily send out three or four winners. Here are brief notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance/ KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Can (9) HAEGA TTEUNDA get it done this time? She’s been well-backed since her debut but has managed to come up short each time. She needs a good start – something she has often failed to do – and if she gets it, she can win this. Main danger is (4) HAPPY JILJU, who got her best finish of 2nd last time out at this distance on May 13th. She beat (5) CHASEDAE into 4th that day which was a big improvement for the latter too. (2) ATHENS was a disappointing 7th on debut on May 20th but Kim Young Kwan’s colt can be given another chance here while another disappointing debut-maker (10) HAMAN YEOJEONSA is also expected to improve.

Selections (9) Haega Tteunda (4) Happy Jilju (2) Athens (5) Chasedae
Next Best 10, 7, 1
Outsiders 3, 6, 8
Fast Starters 4, 9, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

It’s an unfashionable trainer/jockey combination but (8) DANGCHAN JILJU was 2nd at the distance last time and a similar run today could well be enough to see off this field. He’s likely to get an uncontested lead and can go all the way. (1) SUPER BLADE was 6th in an all-filly race on debut last month and she’s the one from who improvement is most expected, having looked sharp in earlier trials. Thomas Gillespie’s (3) WINNING ALL was much improved on his second start just two weeks ago and can build on that today while (6) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK and (7) WONDER BOY look to be the best of the rest.

Selections (1) Super Blade (8) Dangchan Jilju (3) Winning All (6) Yeongung Chulgyeok
Next Best 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 4, 5
Fast Starters 8

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

No fewer than five of these are up in class today and of those, it’s (2) KKOKDAEGI who looks the most likely to build on what was a winning debut on May 22nd. He came from off the pace to win over the minimum distance last time and the step up to 1200M today should suit him very nicely. Of the others up in class (8) MUJEOK VICAR, an eye-catching six-length winner last start, and (7) YEONGGWANGUI CAMP look to have the best chances to go on while among those with experience at this level (4) GANGJA DAERO and (1) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL can find the places.

Selections (2) Kkokdaegi (8) Mujeok Vicar (1) Sangseung Mulgyeol (4) Gangja Daero
Next Best 7, 9, 3
Outsiders 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 5, 8, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(11) BLACK TETRA has been favourite in both her last two starts but despite missing out both times, she is the choice to get it right today. She will look to lead from the gate. (8) MUJEOK SINHWA hasn’t found things easy in three starts at this level so far but can improve today while (12) CLEAN CHOEGANG started awkwardly and raced poorly last time but can be considered again following six weeks off. (2) LUCKY HANMA and (4) CHOEGANG EXCELLENT are best of the rest.

Selections (11) Black Tetra (8) Mujeok Sinwhwa (4) Choegang Excellent (12) Clean Choegang
Next Best 2, 9, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 6, 10
Fast Starters 2, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(6) KKEUTPAN HERO is two for two and up in class and distance but he is going to be up against it here against some promising imports. He is very nicely in the weights though and shouldn’t be overlooked. Kim Young Kwan’s (3) GUMALLI was a solid winner over 1400M and returning after over two months, looks to have solid claims while (9) GOLD BLUE beat a couple of these when winning, also over 1400M, last month. Both (4) PAMPAS FARM and (5) QUEEN ELEGANCE are yet to win but both are capable of coming close.

Selections (3) Gumalli (6) Kkeutpan Hero (9) Gold Blue (4) Pampas Farm
Next Best 5, 1, 7
Outsiders 2, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 5, 6

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Banker favourite of the day here in (8) SAEROUN STEALTH. Last seen running 8th in the Korean Derby at Seoul four weeks ago, he should have too much for this field. Clear 2nd choice is (3) V MAN, who also went in the Derby and should be too quick for most. (4) HWANHUIUI BYEOL is the likely pacesetter and so long as he doesn’t do too much too early, can stay on well at this distance while (5) FIRST KING and (7) WORLD QUICK are others to consider.

Selections (8) Saeroun Stealth (3) V Man (4) Hwanhuiui Byeol (5) First King
Next Best 7, 1, 2
Outsiders 6, 9, 10, 11
Fast Starters 4, 10, 11

Race 8: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(3) SISEON POCHAK drops back to a mile today following a couple of spins around 1800M – one of them successful and the other a 7th place in the Korean Derby – and having won at this distance in the past, should go well here. (2) ACME returns for the first time since January. He was on a strong of three consecutive wins before the spell and looked ok in a trial at the end of last month. He may need to sharpen up a little bit but can be considered. (5) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR is two starts back from a lengthy spell of his own. Both have resulted in 3rd place finishes and he should be at least matching that today, (1) SINCHEON YEOMANG and the up in class (6) CHEONJUNGWANG are others to consider.

Selections (3) Siseon Pochak (2) Acme (5) Sangseung Junior (6) Cheonjungwang
Next Best 1, 4, 7
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(4) BIT BLADE returned for the first time in a year on May 13th to go six for six and while he jumps up to two turns for the very first time, he is favoured to maintain his 1000% record here. Main danger is (3) MAGIC PARK who beat two of these when winning at a mile on May 1st and must be respected. One of those beaten that day was (1) SHARP GALE and he along with (2) WILD BURNING and (7) PROFESSOR SILVER look the most likely of the rest.

Selections (4) Bit Blade (3) Magic Park (1) Sharp Gale (7) Professor Silver
Next Best 2, 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5

Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

Four of these raced each other at class and distance on May 22nd and the winner that day (5) SUPER STORM is favoured to follow up today despite carrying an extra 2.5kg. The ones who got closest to him that day, (6) GANGHO DRIVE and (3) MACHU PICCHU look to be the main dangers again with Machu Picchu favoured to get a bit closer this time. (7) UBAKI and (4) SMILE QUEEN are others to consider for the places.

Selections (5) Super Storm (3) Machu Picchu (6) Gangho Drive (7) Ubaki
Next Best 4, 1, 2
Fast Starters 4, 5