Raon The Spurt was a beaten favourite in the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy in January, but the four-year-old filly went some way to making amends with an authoritative performance in Sunday’s Class 1 feature at Seoul, downing Segye victor Wow Wow by three-lengths.
Raon The Spurt won the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)
After a successful three-year-old campaign that saw her finish runner-up in the Triple Tiara series before winning the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Group 3 level against older fillies and mares, Raon The Spurt was sent off as favourite in the Segye Ilbo. But on a day when the going was brutal for front-runners, she ran out of petrol in the home straight, finishing back in the pack as Wow Wow took the glory.
There were no such issues this time around in Sunday’s class 1 finale over 1400M. Punters kept faith with Raon The Spurt, sending her off as the even-money favourite. Under Lee Hyeok, who replaced the suspended Choi Bum-hyun in the saddle, Raon The Spurt was quickly into the lead and she proceeded to keep the rest of the field at arm’s length throughout, with Wow Wow ultimately getting the closest. Long-shot Preemax was 3rd.
The win was Raon The Spurt’s seventh from fourteen starts and stands her in good stead ahead of this year’s Queens’ Tour series, which begins in April. Raon The Spurt is by Musket Man and is out of Tomiken Spring (by Japanese sire Suzuka Mambo). Her three-year-old “full” sister and stablemate with trainer Park Jong-kon, Raon The Quality, has three wins from six starts and is penciled-in to race in Seoul’s Classic Trial on April 19th.
On Friday at Busan, Speed Young worked his way back into Classic contention with a fine win at class 3 level over a mile.
A Menifee colt, Speed Young, who won the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race over 1400M in December, had begun his three-year-old campaign in disappointing fashion, weakening badly in the final furlong over a mile in January.
By contrast over the same trip on Friday, Speed Young struck the front on the home turn and stayed on strongly to down a field that included top-rated three-year-old filly Jeulgeounyeojeong.
Trained by Bang Dong-suk, who saddled Hit Yegam to two legs of the Triple Crown in 2021, Speed Young doesn’t hold an entry into the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, Busan’s official Classic trial on March 19th. However, his rating is already high enough to ensure him a spot in the gate for the first leg of this year’s Triple crown, the KRA Cup Mile, at Busan on Sunday April 30th.
Meanwhile the saga of Park Tae-jong’s 2,200th career winner will drag on into another weekend. The jockey, who has won more races than any other in Korean racing history, has been on 2,199 since February 5th and drew a blank from seven rides across the weekend, a runner-up finish on Joeun Gwangye in race 10 on Sunday. His winless streak now stands at thirty-four.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 races from 11:00 to 15:40. The highlight is at Seoul where surprise Segye Ilbo Trophy winner Wow Wow returns to face that day’s favourite Raon The Spurt. Black Musk also joins them in the class 1 feature over 1400M. Here are the previews:
Wow Wow won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at odds of 47/1. Can he win again on Sunday? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and there will be a warm favourite. (2) LEGEND K comes in off a good 3rd place at this distance on February 4th, having settled back and run on, beating a couple of these in the process. He comes un under the same conditions today and from a similarly gate and he won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) CHECK POINT took a string of trials to finally qualify but once he did appear on the racecourse, he came from well back to run 3rd over 1200M. The time wasn’t quick but should have come on for the experience, he comes into a much better gate and the additional half furlong can suit. Also coming into a better gate is (5) HUNTER BLADE. He ran on fairly for a midfield finish last time out and should have more scope for further development. (7) GROW and (12) EVERY CHARM the others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Legend K (3) Check Point (5) Hunter Blade (7) Grow
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with two of the ten racing for the first time. One of those, (7) KALJABI, goes on top. He trialled up well last October and then blitzed another heat in double quick time on February 11th, making all and stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws fairly enough to get on pace here and if he brings his trial form to the races, he may take some beating. The main danger is (10) SINHAE MANGCHI. He ran a strong 3rd on debut on February 5th over this distance beating a couple of today’s rivals. The draw isn’t the best here, but he doesn’t need to lead, and he should be going close again here. (3) CHOICE ROAD has run fairly in all three starts so far including an on-pace 3rd at this distance on February 3rd and from another good draw should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE and (9) HAERANG JANGGUN others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens and two standouts here, both of whom finished in 2nd on their respective debuts in pretty much identical times over this distance. It’s a coin-toss but we’ll go with (4) URUS QUEEN. After a positive trial she was relatively well backed on debut on January 28th in an all-filly maiden and was handy throughout before running on for that 2nd place. She draws well to sit behind the early speed again and can win. (8) COMPLETE LEADER ran very similarly on his debut the following day, sitting handy and running on. He will be on or close to the pace here and can go close. (7) THIS WEEKEND was 5th in that race behind Complete Leader, having led for much of the way around. That was an improvement from his debut, and he can continue to make progress here. (3) SSEULMO should be on pace and in this a long way while debut-maker (2) VET CAPTAIN is another in the hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(3) MA GUN will probably be favourite here. He returns to action for the first time since last August when he was 4th over 1300M having run 5th on debut. He looked sharp in a February trial and has winning chances first up today. From a wide draw, (2) PURPLE LINE failed to get involved on his second start on January 27th and his first at this distance. Go on his debut just before Christmas though when 3rd over 1300M, and he warrants a chance from a much better draw. (5) MIRACULUM is a seventeen-race maiden but enters with his recent form reading well having beaten plenty of these in his latest two over 1400M and a mile. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (8) HAPPY BLUE, a stablemate of Miraculum, and (11) STORMY DAY others who can enter the minor money frame.
Selections
(3) Ma Gun (2) Purple Line (5) Miraculum (8) Happy Blue
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
8, 9, 11, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A maiden for fillies and mares only. (6) TES MARY is the one to beat with a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, at this distance and at 1300M. She has tended to get a bit back in her races before running on strongly, but she may be a little more forward today and with Moon Se-young aboard, she is sure to be well backed. The main danger is (10) FOUR ACE. She ran 4th to Tes Mary’s 3rd two starts back before registering a 3rd place of her own over this distance on February 5th when settling at the back of the field and working home well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can be challenging late again. (8) TOP TIER has shown on pace in both starts so far before finishing 4th and 5th and can build on those here while (2) COSMO QUEEN defied big odds to record a significantly improved 3rd last time out. That was back in November so she comes off sixteen weeks away but draws well and can go close. (7) JAEWOO SIDAE has placed before and could again.
Selections
(6) Tes Mary (10) Four Ace (8) Top Tier (2) Cosmo Queen
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
3, 7, 8, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
It took (7) PHANTOM ACE twelve attempts to get his maiden win, which he finally achieved in January, but based on his first try at this class on February 10th, he should be getting his second much quicker. He sat midfield that day before running on for 3rd at this distance. He has the fastest time among these for the 1200M too (albeit recorded on a weekend the track was very fast), and he is the one to beat here. (5) GOOD MAGIC was 2nd on debut before scoring at start number two over this distance on February 5th when on pace throughout. She comes up in class here but carries a feather weight in his back and she can measure up in this company. (3) DOCTOR KONGDOLI comes back in trip after a fair enough spin over 1400M a month ago. She has a good finish on her and so long as she doesn’t too far back, can be a danger. Up in class following maiden wins, the pair of (6) FAST FURY and (1) JEONGSEONG DAERO will need to improve but can be considered.
Selections
(7) Phantom Ace (5) Good Magic (3) Doctor Kongdoli (6) Fast Fury
Next Best
1, 12
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) GLOBAL POWER has been knocking on the door of a second win in four starts since being promoted to this level in which he has finished no worse than 4th. On his latest outing on January 29th, he came from midfield to run 2nd, well beaten by a good winner, but well clear of the favourite in 3rd place. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but he won’t need to improve much to win here. The main danger is (2) UNICORN KINGDOM. He has mixed his form across five starts so far but comes up in class following a smart front-running win over this distance on February 5th. He comes down in the weights, draws well to be on pace again, and should be in this a long way. (5) CLOUTER is another who can mix good and bad runs but based on his latest when 2nd at class and distance, settling back and running on, he can be considered. (6) JAKDUKONG and (8) TUHON GISANG others to keep safe.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a 10-race program and an early start with the 1st race at 10:35 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:
Antonio Da Silva could be the man to follow at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. Three of the twelve race for the first time and we’re happy enough to take a chance on (7) KING DIA. It’s taken him an age to get to the races after his first trial all the way back last May but looked very sharp in the latest of them a couple of weeks ago when prominent throughout and stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws well enough to be on pace and he looks set for a bold showing first up. (11) YUKWAEHAN SARANG has finished no worse than 5th in four appearances to date. He has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before by a significant margin and while the draw is a touch wide given that he seems to like to race on pace, he surely goes close again. (1) THEME TANSAENG ran 5th of ten on debut a month ago and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard today, will be backed to improve. (8) BEST CLONE and (9) SAEBYEOK BULBIT others to keep safe.
Selections
(7) King Dia (11) Yukwaehan Sarang (1) Theme Tansaeng (8) Best Clone
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Standard maiden here and (9) WONDERFUL TIZZY looks ready to win having seemingly figured things out in his latest three. At his last start on February 5th, he ran 3rd over 1400M having set up camp just behind the early leaders and the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue here. Having parted company with her jockey coming out of the gate two starts back, (1) CATS WOMAN was sent off as the longest shot on the board on her return on February 4th. She made a mockery of that, running 3rd over 1300M having settled right back and finishes strongly. The additional half furlong can suit, and she can go even closer here. (2) BLACK GUN has been getting closer across his five previous outings culminating in 4th place at this distance on February 4th when handy throughout. He draws nicely here and should be in the mix a long way again. (4) TWO ACE has finished 4th in each of his last three races and could well do so again. (7) CHOEGO POINT another in the placing frame.
Selections
(9) Wonderful Tizzy (1) Cats Woman (2) Black Gun (4) Two Ace
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Small but competitive field. (4) KING’S EYE blew the start on his latest outing on January 28th and was subsequently scarcely a factor. He had been going well prior to that though with back-to-back wins at classes 6 and 5 before running 3rd over 1700M on his first try at this level in December. He led in all those races and with a better beginning today, he is the one to beat. If we’re going to forgive King’s Eye his latest then it is only manners to extend the same courtesy to (8) ELITE RULES. She has a poor day at the office at the end of January but is a class and distance winner as recently as Christmas Eve and she can be given another chance here. (6) WONDERFUL INDY comes up in class following a goof win over 1300M on January 38th when settling midfield and running on. He comes up in trip but gets a significant weight drop and can measure up. (5) STILL PLAY is another up in class and distance, in his case after two wins from four starts and he too is nicely in at the weights here. (3) COLJOY is much more experienced and does mix his form but on his day is right in this.
Selections
(4) King’s Eye (8) Elite Rules (6) Wonderful Indy (5) Still Play
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Tricky race, at least at the top end. (5) SAENAE KHAN comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the fourth time of asking over this distance on February 4th, making all. That win had been coming and the manner of it suggests that there can be more to come. He will be on pace and another all the way showing is possible. (1) ARGO GONGJU is the main danger. She got her maiden victory two starts back at 1300M before running 3rd in an all-filly affair over 1400M on her first try at this level on February 4th. From the inside gate, Antonio can pick his spot, probably sitting just behind the speed, and she has every chance. (8) GEOMIBULU ran 2nd on debut at 1000M before winning over the 1200M on January 15th, leading every step of the way. Like Saenae Khan, she is up in class but should more than fit in at this level. Continuing on the last start winner up in class theme is (9) JEONGWOO FOREVER, who overcame a wide draw to score at this distance on February 4th. (7) GEUMSEONG SIDAE the best of the rest.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies (and one mare) here. (7) CHEOLLICHONG shapes as a warm favourite here, having beaten three of these rivals on his way to a class and distance 2nd on February 5th when close to the pace throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, he draws marginally better, and he may take some beating. (8) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI remains a maiden but comes up in class following three near misses including 2nd on her latest on February 4th when leading into the home straight. She is nicely weighted her and can be competitive. (4) DANAEUN ROSE could only manage a midfield finish after a slow start last time out but has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning well at class 6 level last November. She is worth another chance in this company. (3) TOP POSITION and (10) BIG SMART among others capable of troubling the scorers at their best but will need their respective latest efforts overlooked.
March’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Speed Young won the Breeders’ Cup in December but didn’t begun his 3-year-old campaign well. He will attempt to return to winning ways at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
March kicks off with a maiden for three-year-olds and a couple come in looking ready to win. (9) DALLILLAEYO has been knocking on the door across his five starts, culminating with 2nd place on his latest over this distance on February 10th when he settled right back and worked home strongly. He has as good a chance as any here and the unfashionable jockey booking may mean he is at bigger odds than he should. Disputing favourite status will be (8) DIA BOSS. He too comes in off a 2nd place with a much-improved performance over this trip on January 29th when racing on pace throughout. He doesn’t have the benefit of as big an apprentice claim this time but he should go close. (7) NEOGA CHOEGO was 3rd on debut before running 7th behind Dallillaeyo on his reappearance. He comes down 3kg in the weights with last week’s treble winning rider Gwon O-chan aboard and he can make further progress here. (10) PINHOLE EYE and (12) SEOGWI FLASH both come in off last start 3rd place finishes and can aim for the places again.
Selections
(9) Dallillaeyo (8) Dia Boss (7) Neoga Choego (10) Pinhole Eye
Next Best
12, 3
Fast Start
7, 8, 10, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. (12) MIRACLE ONE is set to be a warm favourite based on her last start 3rd in a similar race over this distance on February 3rd when she overcame the same wide draw to get to the speed and beat a few of today’s rivals in the process. She may need a touch of luck at the start once more but she should prove too good. There are three debut-makers and among them (3) MASTER ROAD looks to have a fair shout first-up. She was on pace in her trial, crossing the line 2nd in a decent enough time and from a good draw, she can get to the lead again and be in this a long way. (11) SUCCESS TIME has a 4th and a 3rd in two starts so far, most recently at this distance. She came from off the pace last time so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can continue to make progress. (4) SOLEDAD and (10) FANTASTIC WOMAN others in the hunt.
Selections
(12) Miracle One (3) Master Road (11) Success Time (4) Soledad
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 10, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(5) SUCCESSFUL ran a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M back on December 23rd racing on pace throughout. It’s taken him a while to line up again but he looks very nicely in here, the additional furlong can suit and he is the one to beat. (11) DOCTOR CUCKOO has hinted at ability with back-to-back 4th place finishes from his latest two outings. With an apprentice claim he comes down in the weights here and should be aiming for an even better finish today. The solitary debut-maker is (10) LAND BANK. He put in a fair performance in his trial and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. The jockey/trainer combination ensures that he will get plenty of backing. (9) UNJU MACH has mixed her form so far but has two 4th places and along with (3) WONDERFUL DIGGER, can enter the calculations here.
Selections
(5) Successful (11) Doctor Cuckoo (10) Land Bank (9) Unju Mach
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only in this competitive race. We’ll side with (2) PAN STAR, who comes up in class following her maiden win over 1300M back in December when making all. That was a win had been coming as she had made progress across all her starts so far and while she has been away for twelve weeks, from a nice draw and under a light weight, she can potentially lead all the way again. (9) GOHEUNG CLASS remains a maiden but comes up in class following a pair of runner-up finishes as well as a 3rd at class 5 level. She might have won last time were it not for a slow start and despite this ostensibly being harder, there isn’t much to fear here, and she can measure up at a distance that may suit. (6) SKY JEJUHYANG overcame the widest gate on February 10th to run 4th over 1300M. She draws better here, can be on pace, and can go close. (1) STATICE was an improbable winner of that February 10th race. Lightning may not strike twice but she does warrant more respect today and along with (10) WONDERFUL ANDOVER, the latter better than her latest two suggest and who trialled up somewhat smartly in February, can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Pan Star (9) Goheung Class (6) Sky Jejuhyang (1) Statice
Next Best
10, 11
Fast Start
2, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The winners of last year’s international Korea Sprint and Korea Cup both made their 2023 debuts on Sunday but while Eoma Eoma ran out a comfortable winner at Seoul, Winner’s Man could manage no better than 4th in the feature event of the afternoon at Busan.
Winner’s Man, who also won the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes to take his Group 1 tally to three, was sent off as the odds-on favourite for the class 1 1800M south coast feature. Always prominent, the five-year-old briefly struck the front under Seo Seung-un in the home straight but unlike in his big race wins, he failed to kick on and with half a furlong to go it was clear it wasn’t going to be his day.
Victory ultimately went to the Franco Da Silva ridden Flat Babe, runner-up in last November’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, with veteran King Of Glory rolling back the years with a fast finishing 2nd and Tuhonui Banseok, 3rd in the Grand Prix edging out Winner’s Man in a photo for 4th.
A five-year-old mare by Flat Out, Flat Babe has been something of a revelation in the last few months, rapidly moving from a solid but unspectacular class 3 campaigner to class 1 winner in the space of four races since being upped to racing around two turns. She looks set to be a serious contender in this year’s Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares.
As for Winner’s Man, connections pointed afterwards to it being the first time he had carried 60kg in a race – he was giving 8kg to the winner – in addition to him racing at his heaviest ever bodyweight of 550kg – up 18kg since the Grand Prix. Winner’s Man’s anticipated next run will be in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on April 16th. There he will renew his rivalry with Raon The Fighter, so impressive last week in his own seasonal opener.
Perhaps it was because of Winner’s Man’s performance earlier in the afternoon, as well as the disconcerting sight of regular jockey Moon Se-young’s name next to another horse, that led to Eoma Eoma being sent off at better than even money for his first outing as a six-year-old at class 1 over 1200M at Seoul.
With the race under handicap conditions, Eoma Eoma would, like Winner’s Man, have been assigned 60kg but trainer Song Moon-gil opted to use apprentice O Su-cheol and take advantage of his 2kg claim. Moon Se-young accordingly climbed aboard Jangsan Laser who was strongly backed into a close second-favourite.
Those who kept faith with Eoma Eoma were rewarded as Algorithms entire was quick out of the gate to be on the early speed with East Jet, racing very keenly and pulling hard. Apprentice O Su-cheol kept his cool though and once he let Eoma Eoma stride out in the home straight, the US-bred sped away for a three-length win with his rivals always at arm’s length.
The next five home were separated by just a length with Moon and Jangsan Laser in 2nd while the venerable Morfhis ran 3rd with a typical Morfhis late run. The victory, Eoma Eoma’s fourteenth in total, completed a treble on the day for apprentice O Su-cheol, who may not get the call once the star horse returns to Group racing, but enjoyed surely the best day of his career so far.
That next run for Eoma Eoma is likely to be the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast on April 2nd.
Korea Cup and Sprint champions Winner’s Man and Eoma Eoma both make the 2023 debuts on Sunday. The Cup winner and Horse of the Year Winner’s Man goes in the class 1 race 6 at Busan while Eoma Eoma makes his seasonal debut in the class 1 race 11 at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:05 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Eoma Eoma will race for the first time in 2023 although Moon Se-young doesn’t get the call-up (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open the Sunday proceedings. (4) NINE EAGLE is probably going to be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day, having run 2nd on debut over the distance o January 8th, leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he should be on pace again, and this time can go all the way. Nothing else in the race has finished any better than 6th. (7) COLITAS finished in exactly that position on debut in that same January 8th race behind Nine Eagle. He was slowly away that day and went around at the back before running on and should be better for the experience. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE has raced twice, both times well backed after a trial win. Moon Se-young gets back aboard and punters are likely to remain faithful for at lease a place. (8) CHONGAL COLONEL and (10) CLUB D others who could potentially improve.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) ARBELOUR is the pick, having improved at start number two on February 5th. Racing on pace and running 2nd over this distance. Without an apprentice claim, he comes up a full 4kg in the weights but from a good draw he can get an easy lead and can prove too good. The main danger is (12) RAON STRONG. He debuted in that February 5th race and ran a creditable 4th behind Arbelour, having settled in the middle of the pack. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he should have derived benefit from that run. As for the debut-makers, (9) TAEWANG SINGI was on pace in his trial and crossed the line in 3rd place in a good time. (8) QUEEN OF JOY similar looked promising in her heat and is capable of a bold showing first up. Returning to the experience ones, (7) GREY CHAMP improved at start number two and can continue to make progress here.
Selections
(5) Arbelour (12) Raon Strong (9) Taewang Singi (8) Queen Of Joy
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
3, 5, 9, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Maiden three-year-old fillies and it’s hard to go too far past (3) SARYEONI TYCHE. She’s run 3rd and 4th in tow starts so far, sitting handy over 1000M and then settling back at 1200M. She draws nicely, the additional half furlong should suit, and she probably won’t need to improve very much to win. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL has shown good consistency in her latest three appearances with a 4th place over this trip the most recent. She can settle in midfield here and has a strong finish on her. (9) HERO QUEEN was a touch disappointing at her latest start on January 28th when failing to run on. She had finished off very nicely in her preceding two outings though and in this company is worth another chance today. (7) BEAUTIFUL MELODY and (1) SMARTY GLORY others who may improve.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden with a few looking ready to win. (4) PEGACORN is one of them as he comes in after a career to date best of 2nd place over 1400M on January 27th when settling handy, dropping back and then running on, only going down by a head. The further step up in trip can suit and he has a good chance. (9) K GOLD BAR is another of those in the “ready to win” category. He enters off a solid 4th place over 1300M at the end of January he too may like the chance of a longer distance today. (5) HAMAN BAEKISAN is one of only three of the twelve to have prior experience of racing over a mile. He settled right back out of the widest gate on February 3rd before running on strongly for 3rd. The same apprentice enables him to carry the same light weight here and he can be running into some money again. (11) WONDERFUL CHANCE has five-lengths to make up on Pegacorn and also carries more weight than he did on January 27th but, along with (8) ADELE HORANGI, warrants consideration as a place chance.
Selections
(4) Pegacorn (9) K Gold Bar (5) Haman Baekisan (11) Wonderful Chance
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Another maiden and a couple of prolific non-winners have solid claims to finally get on the board here. (3) EUREKA stepped up to 1700M on January 28th and beat several of these on his way to a career-best 2nd place racing handy throughout, although well beaten by a good winner. He carries the same weight, draws a similarly favourable gate, and can go one better. (7) HOUYHNHNM was 3rd in that race at what was start number seventeen. He is in the best form of his career having run 2nd at the start prior, also at this distance. He settles back and runs on and he has as good a chance as any here. (8) CAMINO comes up in trip having led and ultimately finishing 3rd on his second start on Christmas Day. He comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim today but should be competitive in this company. (10) FIRST CHOUX and (1) SSANG OK RU among others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(3) Eureka (7) Houyhnhnm, (8) Camino (10) First Choux
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only and (5) THUNDER FURY looks to be the one to beat here. She’s only finished outside the top-four on one occasion and enters off a close runner-up finish in a very similar race over class and distance on January 27th when settling midfield and running on well. She draws nicely here to stalk the early leaders and can prove too strong. (1) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD had a poor day at the office in the same race when showing prominently early before weakening. Her form before that was good and she may have come on for what was her first try at tis distance and from the inside gate she can lead again and stay in it longer. (7) DOCTOR TIFFANY was a good winner over 1000M on debut in January before being stepped up to a mile for her first try at this class on February 5th. She showed at the front but ultimately finished 6th and may find today’s assignment more suitable. (6) WORLD CLASS CAT and (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI other place chances.
Selections
(5) Thunder Fury (1) Graphene Rap World (7) Doctor Tiffany (6) World Class Cat
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
1, 7, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A competitive race. (4) JILJU DAESE ran 2nd on debut before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance at the end of last October. She hasn’t raced since but looked well enough when not asked to do too much in a trial last week. She is up in class from since we last saw her but has every chance of making a big impact first up here. (7) LONDON SKY come sin off a 2nd and a 4th place both at this class and both at 1200M. He likes to settle back and run on and with Lim Gi-won climbing aboard today, he will have plenty of backers. (1) ROCK IMPACT comes up in class after a good win over this distance on January 28th when coming from off the pace. He comes down 2kg in the weights, draws well, and can measure up in this company. (6) HUIMANG CHAMP and up in class (12) SAINT LUCCA among others to keep safe.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. The existing form isn’t hugely impressive so we’ll break the general rule of siding with experience in these kinds of races and take a chance on first-timer (5) PHOENIX CLASS. She settled handy in her trial and ran on well for a close 3rd in a fair time. She draws well enough here and she won’t need to improve too much to put in a bold showing. She won’t be favourite and may offer some value. (2) GIANT RULER ran pleasingly enough for 4th on debut over this distance on January 14th, settling midfield. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go close here. She will dispute favourite status with (7) ARGO MIJEOK. He is the most experience in the race and does have a 3rd place in his record. An Apprentice takes the weight down and he should be aiming to match or better that 3rd here. Other first timer starters (11) CRAZY JACKPOT and (8) FYING ZEST may have a say in the minors.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies with three racing for the first time. (8) DANDI is the one to beat. She was well backed on debut on January 7th when she ran 2nd in a similar race over this distance. She should have some natural improvement here and Moon Se-young climbs on. The logical danger is (2) FINAL JILJU. After a midfield finish on debut, she improved to 3rd place having overcome a wide gate over this distance on January 28th. She draws much better this time and can go even closer here. The exposed form drops off precipitously after those two (the quinella will be an extremely short price) so we might as well look at the newcomers. (7) SOARA TO TO looks the most likely to make an immediate impact having looked all over the place n a string of failed trials at the back end of last year before suddenly coming out in January and running very pleasingly in a heat. If she brings that day’s form to the races, she can aim for 3rd here. (9) HONOR ROSE won her trial and while that time was slow, that’s enough to give her a chance here. (4) CUPID CHIC a potential improver.
Selections
(8) Dandi (2) Final Jilju (7) Soara To To (9) Honor Rose
Next Best
4, 5
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (6) HIGH GRAND has been consistent across his five starts to date and was a very good 2nd over 1200M two starts back when leading until the closing stages. He came up to this trip for his latest appearance on December 17th when he had to deal with gate ten but got to a handy position and ran on for 4th. (2) ARA MOA debuted last October in good fashion when an on pace runner-up over 1200M. She hasn’t reappeared since, but she came back to trial last Friday and won her heat. So long as she didn’t leave her race back there – and it wasn’t a particularly quick time so she shouldn’t have done – she can go well here. (5) GOLD MIGHTY is another who has shown promise across his three starts so far with the best being a 2nd place – well beaten by a good winner – over five furlongs in December. He came from off the pace to run 4th on his first try at this distance on January 7th and looks at least a place chance here. (8) GRAND SILVER and (7) WONPYEONG CHUKJE others in the placing frame.
Selections
(6) High Grand (2) Ara Moa (5) Gold Mighty (8) Grand Silver
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Three-year-old imported fillies here. There is one previous winner and (7) MIGHTY LOOK is favoured to strike again. She ran 5th on debut but then scored in a very similar class and distance race on January 28th when settling towards the front of midfield and proving too strong with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She comes up slightly in the weights but should be too good. There are three debut-makers and (10) POWER VICTORY is sure to be of interest. She ran a good 2nd in a decent time in her trial and the jockey booking will make punters take note. (8) MOONHAK SONG has mixed her form across four starts so far and was disappointing in that January 28th race. She has a 3rd and a 4th to her name though and can be given another chance here. (4) MEDICI WOLF too will need her latest one forgiven when she was never a factor over 1400M. She ran 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy at this distance last October and she too gets another chance. (9) AKDONG ARGO another in the money hunt.
Selections
(7) Mighty Look (10) Power Victory (8) Moonhak Song (4) Medici Wolf
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
This is a really competitive race so it might be best to try to find one at odds. (8) BLACK MOTION was an eye-catching winner on debut over 1000M in December before weakening to last place on his first try at class and distance on January 28th. Since then he has been back to trial, which he won in a fast time two weeks ago and he looks worth another chance today. (11) EUNHYE just about warrants favourite status. He returned from ten months out to run a very solid 3rd in that January 28th race. He should have come on for that run and can go close here. Like Black Motion, (4) YONGBI SEOUL was a smart winner on debut over the minimum trip before struggling on his first try at this class and distance. He bounced back from that to finish 5th in a fast race on January 14th and from a nice draw he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) BEAT RUNNER and (6) JEONGSANG FIGHTING among others in the hunt.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) ROAD TO GLORY ran a fair 5th on debut over 1000M before coming back on January 27th at 1200M and settling right at the back of the field before finishing strongly for 2nd. He was well beaten by a good winner but it was a solid effort and with the slight step up in trip, he can be winning today. (7) RAON THE HARLEY has a 2nd and a 3rd from two outings to date, both at 1200M, the first time racing on pace the second in midfield and running on. In this company, he should be at the front early and is the main danger. (12) SPECIALIST has raced fairly enough in two outings to date and was an improved 5th in the most recent of them. He has the fastest final furlong time among these so the wide draw may not be a problem and he can continue to improve. (8) SKY SHOT and (10) SILK FASHION ROAD other potential improvers.
Selections
(5) Road To Glory (7) Raon The Harley (12) Specialist (8) Sky Shot
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A maiden restricted to three-year-old fillies with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll go with (3) THEIA who has raced adequately for 5th and 6th in two prior appearances and has recorded the fastest time among those here who have already tackled this distance. In both of those she was drawn wide, but she comes into a much better gate here, and she can win. She will be disputing favourite status with (6) B.K. GALLOP. She’s been on pace in both outings so far and led until the final furlong on her second start on January 27th, ultimately finishing 3rd ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She will be on pace again and will surely be in this a very long way. (9) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT was 4th in that same race. She has two-lengths to find on B.K. Gallop but she improved from her debut and can improve again here. (10) DYMANIC WINNER and (11) GREEN LEGEND are others who should have some natural improvement from their respective debuts.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A regular maiden here and the form isn’t great with the twelve of them having thirty-two prior starts between them but not a single top-three finish. (11) SAEKDAL FIGHTER does have a couple of 4th places, recorded at this distance and at 1300M in back-to-back starts in December and January. His times have been fair, including on his latest when tried over 1400M two weeks ago and he has as good a chance as any here. (10) AQUA MAGIC also has a brace of 4th places. They were both over this distance and she also has the fastest time of any of these for the 1200M. She likes to race handy so may need some luck from the wide draw, but she should have a big say here. (1) GANGSEO JEORYEONG raced once without distinction last autumn. She re-qualified at the beginning of this month and then went through a second voluntary trial two weeks ago when he stopped the clock in a very encouraging time. He draws nicely and could be much better this time around. (8) WORLD POINT and (5) WONDERFUL CHACHA the others who have hinted at ability
Selections
(11) Saekdal Fighter (10) Aqua Magic (1) Gangseo Jeoryeong (8) World Point
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 10, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) HANGANG SAVER is the one to beat here. His win came at this distance three starts back when making all and he enters having run a good 4th in a fast time at this class on January 13th. From a nice draw he can get an early lead and he may take some getting past. (11) MY MANTRA was an all the way winner on January 29th having previously run 2nd. She comes up in class here and while she draws a touch wide for comfort, her early speed can see her to a good position and she has every chance of measuring up at this level. The wildcard is (2) CUTE GUY. He raced three times between March and June last year finishing no worse than 4th and secured a class 6 win over 1400M. He has been out for seven months but looked well when trialling up at the end of January and a bold first-up showing is possible. (1) JEONGMUN COBIT needs a line drawn through his latest in December but has placed at class and distance and can be given another chance here. (5) CHEONHA NUMBER ONE another in the placing frame.
Selections
(3) Hangang Saver (11) My Mantra (2) Cute Guy (1) Jeongmun Cobit
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
2, 3, 9, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Tricky race. (10) TAP STAR returned from almost six months out to run 3rd in a fast race over 1200M on January 13th. He should have derived benefit from that run and he doesn’t need to lead so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. This is his first time tackling 1400M but Seo Seung-un remains aboard and he has every chance. (1) SPECIAL HERO enters off a very close 4th place in what was a tight finish over 1300M at this class on February 3rd. That was an uptick on her recent form but she draws the same good gate today and continues under a light weight. Speaking of light weights, an apprentice claim enables (2) RUBY STORM to come down a full 5kg from his latest effort, which was an unsuccessful tilt at 1800M on January 27th when weakening in the straight. Prior to that he recorded back-to-back 3rd places over this trip and today should be much more to his liking. (7) CHEONMA HASEO has won just once in thirty-eight starts but he knows how to pick up a cheque at this level and will be running on late. (8) DOCTOR PENTAGON among plenty of others capable of challenging for minor money.
Raon The Fighter opened his five-year-old campaign with a statement performance, crushing a hopelessly outclassed Class 1 field over 1800M at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Sent off as a prohibitive favourite under the lights in what was the final race of the day as dusk fell across the capital, Raon The Fighter was quickly in command of the twelve-strong field and had opened up a big lead even before the home straight, with the rest unable to match his tempo. Asked for a brief effort by Lim Gi-won, who was partnering him for the first time, the Bayern entire was then eased in the final stages, crossing hte line ten-lengths to the good of The Gumpu in 2nd place.
The Gumpu just about gets in shot after Raon The Fighter crossed the line
Runner-up in both the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes, the goal for Raon The Fighter in 2023 is to win a Group 1 race, and to achieve that, he is going to have to overcome the horse who beat him on both those occasions, Winner’s Man. The 2022 Horse of the Year is slated to make his first start of the year at Busan next Sunday.
Assuming that Raon The Fighter remains targeted at staying races as opposed to dropping back to the sprinting distances (at which he is still probably the best horse in the country, even including Eoma Eoma), the first race in which he and Winner’s Man could conceivably meet is the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday April 16.
Raon The Fighter, runner-up in the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes and second highest rated horse in Korea after his nemesis, Winner’s Man, kicks off his five-year-old campaign at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. He goes around in the very final race of the day at class 1 over 1800M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:05 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Raon The Fighter put daylight between himself and the field in last year’s KRA Cup Classic (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. (2) ELITE ROYAL will be a warm favourite having been very slow going through the gears on debut but running on for 5th and then an on pace 2nd when stepped up to this distance at start number two on January 15th, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. She draws nicely here and may tale some beating. (11) DALGEUM has raced fairly across three starts so far. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem here and the slight step up in trip may suit. (7) DASI TAEEONADO was 4th behind Elite Royal on January 15th, settling midfield and running on. That continued a consistent start to her career that has seen her in the top0five on each occasion, and from a better draw today, she can go closer. (4) SEMYEONG LADY and (3) NAOL SKY others with potential to improve.
Selections
(2) Elite Royal (11) Dalgeum (7) Dasi Taeeonado (4) Semyeong Lady
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and we’ll take a chance on one of the two first-time starters. That’s (9) LEMON DOKKI who after failing to qualify in his first trial last November, looked a much better prospect when running 2nd from off the pace in another in January, stopping the clock in a good time. The 1300M first-up should suit and he can win. (3) COOL RUNNING has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes to his name from three starts so far. That runner-up finish was at this distance in December when leading for much of the way around and from a good draw, he should be on pace again and has solid chances. (5) ROCK POWER was sent off as favourite on debut having won a trial. He ran 4th on his race day bow over 1200M when overcoming gate ten to sit handy. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can be considered for improvement here. (1) NAMYANG BOLT and (6) MORNING FLOW others in the placing frame.
Selections
(9) Lemon Dokki (3) Cool Running (5) Rock Power (1) Namyang Bolt
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (7) JANGSAN SPO is favoured. He was sent off as favourite on debut on January 29th having own a trial and though he led, he ultimately ran out of petrol in the home straight and ended up in 5th place. He should have benefitted from that run and is worth another chance today. (2) BAEDARI WANGJA also comes in having been a well beaten favourite in his latest outing over 1300M. Prior to that though he had registered back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance and that form puts him in in the frame here. (4) AGAPANTHUS ran fairly on debut in December when on pace. He should be showing at the front here and with some natural improvement can be in the finish. (9) RUBY AGAIN has made progress across three starts so far and can continue her upward trajectory today while first-timer (12) BANFF might be worth a chance at an each-way price.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the ten racing for the first time. (6) WONDERFUL PHONE will be favourite, having run 2nd and 3rd in her two prior outings at 1000M and 1300M respectively. Both times she has been slowly away and settled back before running on but from a central draw today, she may be a little closer and is the one to beat. Of the first timers, (8) NORTHERN BID is the pick. He went through two trials, winning the second of them on February 4th when settling back and running on, recording a fast time. If he brings that form to the races, he should be right in this. (2) POWER SOUND hasn’t raced since running 2nd on his debut at this distance last September. He looked well though when trialling up last week, stopping the clock in a fast time, and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, should be competitive. (5) GEMIJIN went through the same trial having not raced since an indifferent October debut. She crossed the line just a tenth of a second after Power Sound and can go well here. (3) QUEENS LANDING another in the frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A standard maiden here and based on her debut performance on January 8th, when 2nd over 1300M having led from the gate, (2) HANGAWI SEONMUL should start a hot favourite. She draws well, Antonio remains aboard, and she can lead every step of the way this time against a very ordinary field. (11) BEST PLAN probably has the best chance of stopping her. She was 6th behind Hangawi Seonmul in that January 8th race and has subsequently raced once more, finishing 4th of twelve over 1400M on February 5th. She is yet to breach the top-two in sixteen tries but has plenty of minor money finishes and should be looking for a career-best finish here. The form really does drop off after those two. (6) MOON DUST hinted at potential improvement last start when 6th over 1200M and develop further here. (7) RAON JUMP and (3) MAGIC MOCCASIN, the later at least with a couple of 3rd places to her name, others to consider.
Selections
(2) Hangawi Seonmul (11) Best Plan (6) Moon Dust (7) Raon Jump
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies, all of them imported from the USA. (9) CARPE BABEL is probably the banker favourite of the meeting. She found her debut in the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo a bot much too soon but has since finished runner-up in both subsequent starts and crucially has beaten plenty of these in the process. She has been on pace in both of those outings so may be drawn a touch wider than ideal, but she should have too much. (3) ALPHA THOR will be second favourite. She has run 3rd and 5th behind Carpe Babel in her latest two but did beat her when 5th in that DoMin Ilbo Trophy. She comes up 2kg in the weights but should be settling back and running on here. (11) ANOTHER MARINE finished 6th behind Carpe Babel and Alpha Thor on January 27th. That was her debut appearance and while she draws wide again, she can improve. (4) DAINYJI and (5) BABEL SUNSHINE are others to keep safe.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Another standard maiden. (5) GHOST CHARM has really figured out what he is supposed to be doing in his last couple, culminating in a runner-up finish when stepped up to this distance on January 15th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He sat midfield and ran on and can aim to do the same again today, this time going one better. (11) BADAUI KKUM enters with recent form reading well. A previous effort at this trip wasn’t great but he has been working home well in his latest efforts and can be a danger late here. (2) FINAL CHUKJE has finished in 5th place in three of his four outings to date. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it may suit. (9) STAND BY ME and (8) PURPLE STORM the other logical place hopes.
Horse Racing in Korea 