Author: gyongmaman

Busan Friday: Race By Race Preview

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday and in a first for Korea, the meeting will be shown live on Sky Racing in Australia. There are big fields all day and there should be plenty to keep bettors occupied.

Busan Racecourse winning line

It’s Friday…It’s Busan!

See here for English racecards. A word about going. As of Thursday morning, the official going at Busan was “Good” with a track moisture content of 8%. There is currently a 20% chance of rain between now and Friday’s racing.

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 11:40 (KST)

The first of four maiden races but there are two fillies who come in here having finished 2nd on their respective debuts last month. (8) ALBERT VICAR led for much of the way and beat four of these on February 26th and will be supported but the strong favourite will be (6) V DIVA. She was beaten by a good winner on her own debut, should have come for it and has a top jockey riding. She is the banker favourite of the day. (3) DONGNAM CHOEGO was 3rd behind Albert Vicar last month and finishing the stronger while (11) GANGJA TTEUNDA and (12) MISS CANBERRA both have plenty to find from their debuts but can improve. The one first-timer here is (4) WELL MADE. Her only sibling to race in Korea has won three of ten starts so far and she has a top jockey on board. It took her two goes to qualify and she was average in her last trial but can be competitive in this company.

Favourites: (6) V Diva (8) Albert Vicar (3) Dongnam Choego (12) Miss Canberra
Next Best: 11, 1, 4
Remainder: 2, 5, 7, 9, 10
Fast Start: 3, 6, 8, 11

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 12:20 (KST)

South African trainer Bart Rice saddles (3) ACE GLORY and after a 3rd and a 2nd in his first two starts, the colt can go one better here. There are a couple of big dangers though. (7) DONGBANG BULPAE was beaten by V Diva (who we saw in race 1) and may benefit from the extra furlong today while (6) GIFTED SUN, beaten last time by Albert Vicar and Dongnam Choego (both also from race 1) can also improve. (10) NORTHERN TRACE showed development back from a spell last time and gets a top jockey today while (9) BAEKDU YEONGUNG was a slightly disappointing 6th when well backed a month ago and can be given another chance. There are three debut-makers. (12) KKEUTPAN HERO won a barrier trial at the end of last month and may be considered. (4) BEOLMAUI SIN is owned by one of Busan’s most successful owners and while indifferent in trials, will also have supporters.

Favourites: (3) Ace Glory (7) Dongbang Bulpae (6) Gifted Sun (12) Kkeutpan Hero
Next Best: 4, 9, 10, 1
Remainder: 2, 5, 8, 11, 13, 14
Fast Start: 3, 7, 8

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:00

Thomas Gillespie’s (8) MAJOR SLAM was indifferent on debut but much improved her second appearance last month when she ran 3rd over this distance. She can continue her development here. She’ll be the favourite but (4) TRIPLE QUEENS looks to be on the up as well, beating a couple of these when running 4th on March 4th. More experienced is (7) OH DAEBAK, yet to win in ten but capable of at least matching her best of 4th in this company. Also with experience is (12) VICAR SARANG – he’s beaten Oh Daebak recently and can challenge at the business end again. (1) KARIN JJANG, (2) KWAEHAN EUTTEUM and (10) RED YOUNG MYEONGUN look the other ones with claims among a weak field.

Favourites: (8) Major Slam (4) Triple Queens (7) Oh Daebak (12) Vicar Sarang
Next Best: 10, 2, 1, 11
Remainder: 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14
Fast Start: 3, 11, 14

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:40

The final maiden event sees (3) COT WING come in looking ready to win after coming closer and closer in recent starts. Last time he finished strongly only to be beaten less than a length when running 2nd at this distance. Behind him in 5th in that race was (4) ARCH and he will be looking to get closer. Another who looks ready to win is (13) EOROK, who scored a career best 3rd place last time. Bart Rice’s (12) SILENT LAGO was a much improved 3rd on what was her second start at the beginning of this month and further improvement is possible while (1) OLYMPIA QUEEN and (14) YEONGGWANGUI FORE are others for whom a maiden win would not be a total surprise; the latter may look to go forward in a race with not much early speed.

Favourites: (3) Cot Wing (12) Silent Lago (13) Eorok (4) Arch
Next Best: 1, 14, 10
Remainder: 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
Fast Start: 3, 11, 14

Race 5: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:25

(11) SANTA GLORIA comes in following a creditable 3rd of 6 in the Gold Circle Trophy – a Korean Oaks trial – at the beginning of this month and that is going to make her quite an attractive proposition here She is likely to get forward early. This is a tough race though with all but one trying the distance for the first time. (9) ALSO NUMBER ONE was a winner at this class over 1200M at the start of the month and must be respected. He beat Peter Wolsley’s (10) JIBONG JILJU in that race. That colt won his first two early last summer before being out for six months and the step up in distance may be what he needs. (4) BAEDARI HAENGUN has finished 3rd in five of her seven starts to date and there’s no reason why she can’t do that again. (14) V MAN got a slightly unfortunate trip when disappointing at odds-on on March 6th and can be given another chance today. (1) YOUARE THE CAPTAIN and (12) THE STARS are others with claims.

Favourites: (11) Santa Gloria (9) Also Number One (14) V Man (10) Jibong Jilju
Next Best: 4, 1, 12, 7
Remainder: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 13
Fast Start: 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:15

The first event of the day open to foreign-bred horses and (14) GASI GONGJU was a winner on debut over 1000M in February and has every chance of following up here. Main danger looks to be (5) SEUNGNI UNCLE MO who made all to record his maiden win over 1200M last time and will surely try similar today. Much more experienced is the Korean-bred (12) MACH CHAMP, whose best recent work has been at 1000M but could also go well at 1200M in this company. Thomas Gillespie’s debut-maker (13) GREAT SONG won a trial in good order last month and can be considered while (8) AMAZING DAEJI doesn’t look a candidate to win but can find the money.

Favourites: (14) Gasi Gongju (5) Seungni Uncle Mo (13) Great Song (12) Mach Champ
Next Best: 8, 1, 7
Remainder 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11
Fast Start: 2, 5, 7, 12, 14

Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:05 (SIN)

Another race open to foreign-bred runners but the slight pick could well be a Korean bred. (3) FIRST KING is up in class after his second win on February 28th and looks very nicely in here to get a third. Yet to score is (5) FURIOUS RUNNER but the Aussie bred colt beat four of these when running 2nd over 1200M last time. He’ll go forward and while he carries plenty, he must be strongly considered. (13) SSI F STAR was 4th first-up after a spell last time and should have come on for it and can go better. (4) SWEET MYEONGUN and (10) GIMAKIN JILJU have claims on the places while improvement will be expected of (9) EURI EURI.

Favourites: (3) First King (5) Furious Runner (13) Ssi F Star (4) Sweet Myeongun
Next Best: 9, 10, 8
Remainder: 1, 2, 6, 7, 11 12
Fast Start: 5, 6

Race 8: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:00 (SIN)

(7) MIRACLE IJI has raced just four times and looks the one to beat here following a solid 2nd place over a mile last time out. He tries two turns for the first time and that should suit him just fine. Also a first-timer at this distance is Kim Young Kwan’s (13) BAEKDU. He races for the first time this year but finished 2015 with back to back victories, the most recent of them at a mile and he can go very well. Another winner at a mile last time is (3) GIANT HOLD and he is up in class along with (2) SAENGIL GIPPEUM. Both of them can go well with the latter likely to lead early on. (5) SAND KING was 3rd, a length behind Miracle Iji last start and must be respected while (6) LEGEND POWER is also capable of placing while (9) TOP SPRING did exactly that at lengthy odds a couple of weeks ago.

Favourites: (7) Miracle Iji (13) Baekdu (2) Saengil Gippeum (3) Giant Hold
Next Best: 5, 6, 9, 10
Remainder: 1, 4, 8, 11, 12
Fast Start: 2, 5

Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:30 (SIN)

A very open race here with any number having claims. Five of them raced each other over this distance on February 26th though and most of the favourites are likely to be among them. That race was won by one of this year’s hottest three-year-old prospects, Banjiui Jewang. He of course is not here today but (9) SHARP GALE got closest to him that day, just beating (6) SAENA out of 2nd place by a neck. That was Saena’s fourth 3rd place from her last five starts. (2) JANGGUNBONG was a further half-length back in 4th and he should be looking to at least match that today. The real disappointment in that race was (11) WIRE TO. The colt was found to have been suffering a respiratory tract issue that day and while he did win his previous two, punters may be exercising caution today. As for those who didn’t run in that race, (5) MR. KELLY is the pick. He ran 2nd to Wire To in January but has beaten both Sharp Gale and Saena in recent starts and could very well beat them all here.

Favourites: (5) Mr. Kelly (9) Sharp Gale (6) Saena (2) Janggunbong
Next Best: 11, 1, 12, 7
Remainder: 3, 4, 8, 10, 13, 14
Fast Start: 2, 4

Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 88 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Sent off at long odds-on, (7) PERDIDO POMEROY went down to his first defeat on his first try at this class last month. He drops down to 1200M today and runs slap-bang into (2) FRENCH BOY, who has won five of eight so far and steps up in class today. These two are the market leaders but it is Perdido Pomeroy who is favoured to get back to winning ways. They’ll both go forward as will plenty of others. As for those others, eight of them faced each other over 1200M on February 12th. (11) SINHEUNG GOSU came out on top of them that day in 3rd but was indifferent on his reappearance a couple of weeks ago. Instead, (4) CHEOGANG BULPAE, (5) ACE CHEONBOK and (8) WORLD LOVE are likely to be favoured to chase home the favourites.

Favourites: (7) Perdido Pomeroy (2) French Boy (5) Ace Cheonbok (4) Choegang Bulpae
Next Best: 8, 13, 11, 12
Remainder: 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 14
Fast Start: 2, 4, 7, 8, 11

Busan On Sky Racing – A Basic Introduction

Korea will debut on Sky Racing in Australia on Friday with nine of the ten races on the card at Busan the card being shown on Sky Racing 1 (race 10 is available for betting only) as Australian racing takes its customary Good Friday holiday. We’ll have a full race-by-race rundown here on Thursday but in the meantime, here are some very basic things to be aware of about racing at Busan.

The grandstand at Seoul - three more races will be shown in Australia from the capital on Sunday

The grandstand at Seoul – three more races will be shown in Australia from the capital on Sunday

The Track: The track surface is sand. There is often a lot of kickback and as such horses tend to wear pacifiers and give one another plenty of room. Due to the nature of the surface, it usually runs quicker when it is wet.

BusanTrack

Races: 90% of regular races are handicaps. There are six classes in total with class 6 being for new or unrated horses. Horses then progress up (or down) the classes according to rating.

Most horses are Korean bred although there are imports too. Imported horses all begin at class 4. Tab number and gate number are the same and jockeys wear a cap coloured according to their gate number (number 1 always wears a white cap, number 2 a yellow cap, etc.).

Starts tend to be quick and most horses need to be on the pace early. Jockeys are not permitted to shift ground within 100M of the start and there can be quite a battle to find a forward position.

Jockeys: It’s by no means unique to Korea but there is a big gap in jockey ability. As of today, the top of the Premiership at Busan looks like this (RSLW=Rides Since Last Win):

BusanJocks

Trainers: Kim Young Kwan has been the dominant trainer at Busan for some time with Australian Peter Wolsley generally the runner-up. There are two other foreign trainers at Busan; South African Bart Rice and Ireland’s Thomas Gillespie, who previously trained in Malaysia. Here is the 2016 Premiership so far (RSLW=Runners Since Last Win).

BusanTrainers

Favourites: One plus of Korean racing is that favourites do oblige on a regular basis. In Korea, punters overwhelmingly favour exotic bets with the quinella and trio being the two most popular. The win and place pools are comparatively tiny and while they will generally be accurate in terms of who is faovurite, they may not tell the whole story the further down the board you go.

General: Prize money is high and integrity is good. Betting pools in Korea close 30 seconds ahead of the advertised start so races usually jump exactly on time.

Tomorrow (Thursday) we will run through all ten races on Friday’s card. On Saturday we will focus on Seoul in advance of Sunday’s races.

Sunday Round Up: Clean Up Joy Sprints Too

Clean Up Joy dropped down to 1200M but still ended up on top as he sprinted to a half-length win over Mirae Yeongung in Seoul’s Sunday feature.

Third in the Grand Prix Stakes last December, Clean Up Joy (Purge) is one of the top domestic-trained hopes for the Korea Cup later this year but on Sunday, he took the opportunity to race for a big prize at a sprint distance and he didn’t disappoint.

Sent off the odds-on favourite and ridden by Ham Wan Sik, Clean Up Joy pounced when early pace-setter Parang Juuibo faded in the straight. Mirae Yeongung and Djordje Perovic chased him home but never looked like getting up while Bichui Jeongsang was a further six lengths back in 3rd. The win was Clean Up Joy’s 8th in 16 starts and his 4th in his last 5.

While things went to form at Seoul, there was an upset of sorts in Busan’s Sunday feature as 19/1 Winner’s Marine took the inside line and ran on to defeat the Peter Wolsley-trained pair of Goliath Marine and favourite Leave It To Me by a length.

Winner’s Marine began her career with five straight victories and was well-backed for the KRA Cup Mile  – the first of the Three-Year-Old Classics – in 2014. She came 9th in that race and while she would go on to record a creditable 3rd place in that year’s Korean Oaks, she would not win again until yesterday. It was her 26th career starts.

Saturday at Seoul offered little in the way of outstanding action although jockey of the day was Kim Hye Sun, who rode a treble, including on Mighty Gem (Macho Uno) is what was ostensibly the day’s feature, an 1800M class 2 handicap. Honorable mention too for Yuri Takahashi who rode Super Commando (Archarcharch) to a three-length win in race 6. It is likely to be Takahashi’s final winner in the Korea with the popular Japanese rider heading home after the weekend’s cards.

Busan Friday Review

You Hyun Myung ride a true four-timer while Approach continued his march towards Class 1 on a wet Friday afternoon on the South Coast.

With champion jockey Jo Sung Gon having, at least for the time being, relocated to Seoul, You Hyun Myung was always likely to be one of the main beneficiaries. However, the scale of his dominance at Busan this term has nonetheless been a little surprising. On Saturday he rode four consecutive winners – all favourites – in races 4 to 7 to take his total for 2016 to 34 with nearest rival Kim Yong Geun a full 16 behind.

Those four included filly Mad Power (Sharp Humor), who moved onto 2 for 2 in race 5 and US import Super Cheolin (Pure Prize), who took race 7.

You would not have things all his own way though. The well backed Main Stay (Tale Of The Cat), looking for his 6th win in his last 7 starts, got taken down by a nose on the line by Rising Bravo (Discreet Cat) under Choi Si Dae in race 9. And it would be jockey Choi who would claim the day’s feature race too as he guided odds-on favourite Approach (Pico Central) to win the class 2 finale over 1800M. Approach, who missed almost all of his three-year-old campaign, moves on to 6 wins from 10 starts and looks class 1 bound.

In other races three-year-old colt Tohamsan (Kwaedo Nanma) looked good making all for a 5-length win in race 8 and moves on to 3 wins from 4 starts.

Saturday March 19
Seoul Racecourse: 12 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:00

Sunday March 20
Seoul Racecourse: 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 13:00 to 17:00

Busan Friday Race Notes

The weekend’s racing in Korea gets underway on Friday with a ten-race card at Busan. Busan will also hold a card on Sunday while Seoul runs Saturday and Sunday.

Click here for English racecards

See below for notes on simulcast races 4-10:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:40 

Top trainer and jockey combination on (1) CHALLANHAN ACE, who has come close on both his last two starts and is favoured to make all and score here. (5) GORYEOUI KKUM was 2nd on his debut, well beaten by a good winner but ahead of three of these rivals and can be competitive. One of those beaten ones was (3) SMART KING, who has finished 4th of 5th in each of his five starts to date and can look to improve. (7) TAMNA CHEONHA and (10) RAON BENTREE are the others to look out for. (6) NOBLE WARRIOR makes just his second start after a fill six months out but will obviously need this race.

Favourites: (1) Challanhan Ace (5) Goryeoui Kkum (3) Smart King (7) Tamna Cheonha

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:25 

(6) MAD POWER was a good winner on debut last month and while up in both class and distance today, will be among the front-runners here. (9) GOLD SUN and (7) HUIMANG QUEEN were both 4th on their first tries at this level on February 14th and may also be considered; the former was beaten by (14) BYEOLMURI and that one too can overcome the outside gate to be involved. More experienced is (5) SUNDAY ROYAL, who was only beaten a nose having almost made all over 1300M on February 19th and must be respected today.

Favourites: (6) Mad Power (7) Huimang Queen (5) Sunday Royal (9) Gold Sun

Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:15 

A small field but a number have chances. They’re headed by (4) BLACK TETRA, a two-length winner on debut at the end of February and who is up in class here. Going forward out of the gate will be (2) MAGIC LINE and that one is the main danger; he was just beaten a neck over this distance last start and will be strong once more. (6) MAYA COUNTRY has looked much improved since returning from six months out and can go well. (3) DAMYANG CHEONSA and (8) KKEUTPAN JILJU are also ones likely to attract backers.

Favourites: (4) Black Tetra (2) Magic Line (6) Maya Country (3) Damyang Cheonsa

Race 7: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:05 

Another open contest with (7) BRAVO MARINE looking ready to win after a 2nd and three 3rd place finishes in his four starts to date. Main danger (10) SUPER CHEOLIN is already a winner and while he was beaten by (2) MAERYEOK DEONGEORI on January 31st, he can overturn that form today. (9) IRON TRAIN finished behind both of them that day but back up at a mile here, a distance he won over on Christmas Day, improvement is expected. (5) ACE SINHWA, 5th in that Christmas race and a creditable 6th at 1800M last start, may also be involved.

Favourites: (7) Bravo Marine (10) Super Cheolin (2) Maeryeok Deongeori (9) Iron Train

Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:00 

(5) TOHAMSAN steps up in class following his second win in three starts; a five-length triumph over this distance a month ago. He led almost the whole way that day and has every chance of being successful with similar tactics today. (6) WONIL ROOKIE, half-brother of a winner of some of Korea’s biggest races, returned from eight months out on February 12 to beat (3) GUMPO MIREU by a neck. That was a well-run race and they both step up in class too. Both are likely to also go forward early. If we are looking for something to beat those likely pace-setters, (1) NURI BULPAE is the best contender. He was a class and distance winner a month ago. (4) POKPUNG SINHWA, disappointing last start, can be given another chance here.

Favourites: (5) Tohamsan (6) Wonil Rookie (3) Gumpo Mireu (1) Nuri Bulpae

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:30 

Two standouts here but (4) MAIN STAY is the pick on his first try at this distance. He beat three of these over a mile on February 19th and should have little difficulty with the extra furlong. The main danger is (7) SAEMSONNEEUNENERGY, who comes in following back to back 2ndplaces at this distance. He will go right back early but has a strong finish. (2) RISING BRAVO was 2nd to Main Stay last month and can push him again while (8) USEUNGIJI, who didn’t go well in that race, can improve today. Wildcard is (1) PILKKOT, down in class after being out of his depth at class 2 but a proven winner at this level.

Favourites: (4) Main Stay (7) Saemsonneeunenergy (2) Rising Bravo (8) Useungiji

Race 10: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:00 (SIN)

Good race this but (2) APPROACH should have too much. (9) CHEONJI PARK was 4th behind Approach last time and while the weights are further in his favour this time, he will have to improve to overturn that form. A danger is (8) DIFERENT DIMENSION, who looked lively running 2nd when back from a lengthy spell and tries this distance for the first time. (4) SAEROUN BEOPCHIK won a weak class 3 in January and followed it up with a 2nd place to get bumped up in class here but needs to find plenty. (1) WILD BURNING and (7) NOT ANYMORE are the others with hopes of placing.

Favourites: (2) Approach (8) Diferent Dimension (9) Cheonji Park (4) Saeroun Beopchik

Late Show Haemaru Owns SROA Trophy

8/1 chance Haemaru was the winner of the first Korean Group race of 2016, getting up for a last-gasp victory over Segye Ilbo Cup victor Global Fusion in the Seoul Racecourse Owners’ Association Trophy this afternoon.

Punters couldn’t come to any kind of consensus. Magic Dancer ended up sent off as a weak favourite but while he would show close to the front for most of the race he, along with all the early pace-setters; Yaho Sky Cat, Sun Lordly and Always Winner, would fade badly in the home straight.

It would be left to the closers and Global Fusion, the shock winner of the Segye Ilbo Cup in January with a similar late late show, took control with a furlong to go. His lead looked to be big enough to ensure lightning would indeed strike twice but that was to reckon without Haemaru. Fifth at the furlong pole, he relentless ground down the leader under jockey Choi Bum Hyun and snatched victory in the final strides.

Sotong Sidae, Sun Burster and Seonbong would likewise fly home from the back to occupy the minor prize money positions.

For Haemaru (Vicar), a 5-year-old gelding, it was an 8th career win on his 25th start and first Stakes victory. He was 9th in this race last year. For Jockey Choi Bum Hyun, at one-time the go to man in the weighing room for the big occasions, it was a first return to the Stakes winner’s circle since 2012.

SROA Trophy (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1200M – March 13, 2016

1. Haemaru (KOR) [Vicar – Forest Flower (Timber Country)] – Choi Bum Hyun – 8.6, 2.9
2. Global Fusion (KOR) [Menifee – Morning Red Sky (Chisos)] – Yoo Seung Wan – 4.0
3. Sotong Sidae (KOR) [Gold Money – Myeonggahuiye (Black Minnaloushe)] – Park Byeong Yun – 3.1
Distance: Head/2.5 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Sun Burster 5. Seonbong 6. Always Winner 7. Yaho Sky Cat 8. Singyu Gangja 9. Best Guy 10. Gumanseok 11. Goldholic 12 Magic Dancer 13. Power City 14. Impetus 15. Raon Morris 16. Sun Lordly

Down at Busan, Beolmaui Kkum (Wildly Magic) cemented his return to the top of racing on the south coast, beating Gamdonguibada (Werblin)for a second consecutive time. over 1400M. There was a length between the pair on the line and they were split by Darkest Night (Ghostly Minister), who recorded a very solid 2nd place on his first try at class 1.

SROA Trophy – Full Preview Of First Korean Graded Race of 2016

Sunday sees the first Graded race of 2016 at Seoul in the shape of the local Group 3 Seoul Owners’ Association Trophy. A full field of sixteen will line up for the 1200M sprint.

img_20160131_162313.jpg

Global Fusion was the rather unlikely winner of the Segye Ilbo Cup in January

Six of them ran in the Segye Ilbo Cup on January 31st with the first two home that day – Global Fusion and Always Winner coming home as an 1800/1 exacta that day. This time there are set to be strong challenges from the likes of Sotong Sidae, Power City and Magic Dancer in what is set to be a nice competitive race.

Here is a full rundown of the field. All are Korean bred and all will carry 57kg with fillies and mares receiving a 2kg allowance (Name [Pedigree] Age Sex (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) – Jockey):

SROA Trophy (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1200M – March 13, 2015 (16:40)

1. Impetus [Exploit – Miss Stravinsky] 6 H (30/7/3/8) – Jo Jae Ro
4th behind Seonbong last start over 1400M, he is a solid class 1 competitor and has good closing speed. Generally slow away, the minor money is a realistic aim here.

2. Yaho Sky Cat [Peace Rules – The Relentless Cat] 4 G (8/4/1/0) – Djordje Perovic
He’s won 4 of 8 so far but yet to strike any higher than class 3. A disappointment in the Segye Ilbo Cup, where he was unable to get forward early, he has plenty to find here. Needs a good start.

3. Magic Dancer [Forest Camp – Wildly Magic] 6 H (25/10/4/2) – Jo Sung Gon
This former big Stakes winner has perhaps seen better days but landed a creditable 4th in the Segye Ilbo, his 2nd race back after a spell. He got forward early and gave little away late on and that performance puts him in contention here. A chance.

4. Sun Lordly [Vicar – Stormcloudrising] 7 M (32/6/4/2) – Hwang Soon Do
She’s only raced four times since winning the JRA Trophy last May and has shown very little. Even the jockey booking suggest she is a big outsider.

5. Global Fusion [Menifee – Morning Red Sky] 7 G (36/7/3/6) – Yoo Seung Wan
The 66/1 winner of the Segye Ilbo Cup, lfying home from well off the pace to get up by a neck. Similar tactics are expected here but while a bit more respect is due today, the odds are against a repeat.

6. Sotong Sidae [Gold Money – Myeonggauihuye] 5 G (28/7/4/6) – Park Byeong Yun
He may end up as favourite. It’s been a long time since he was entered in a sprint but he is one of the top horses at the track. The Grand Prix distance was too much for him last start but he comes in fresh today. He goes back early and has very solid closing speed. A real chance.

7. Haemaru [Vicar – Forest Flower] 5 G (24/7/3/4) – Choi Bum Hyun
A consistent placer in 2015, he hasn’t started this term quite so well and was disappointing at 1400M last start. Ideally would be ridden closer to the front today – he ran a close 2nd when put into contention early over 1400M in December and improvement is possible here.

8. Gumanseok [Vicar – Perfect Storm] 7 G (42/11/6/8) – Lee Chan Ho
Came back into form with a pair of unexpected victories in December and January but didn’t go well in a tough race three weeks ago. Capable at sprint distances in the past, he should settle in midfield and makes for an interesting outsider.

9. Goldholic [Volponi – Lovely Memories] 4 C (21/6/4/4 – Lee Joon Chel
Mixes in elite company for the first time following three wins in his last five starts. Led from gate to wire over 1800M last time out and while it will be harder to get to the front here, he shouldn’t be too far away. This is a big step up though.

10. Power City [Archer City Slew – Power Bull] 5 G (17/9/2/2) – Park Tae Jong
3rd behind Global Fusion and Always Winner in the Segye Ilbo last month, he is a proven big race winner. Likely to settle in the middle of the field,he has strong finishing speed and he will be one of the favourites.

11. Always Winner [Always Winner – Hallat’Eukkeup] 4 G (15/4/4/2) – Kim Dong Soo
Just beaten a neck by Global Fusion in the Segye Ilbo and three lengths clear of Power City, that was Always’s Winner’s first try at the top level. He led almost the whole way that day and will try similar today. A chance he will get home in front this time.

12. Seonbong [Duality – Megabuck Gal] 4 C (17/6/6/0) – Moon Jung Kyun
6th in the Segye Ilbo Cup having raced prominently early. He may not get to the front today but he should be close by, has a good turn of speed and is capable of going well.

13. Best Guy [Didyme – Madam Winette] 6 G (11/5/5/1) – Ji Ha Ju
He’s only raced eleven times and has never finished worse than 3rd, winning on five occasions. Facing this level of competition for the first time, he does have the fastest time at this distance of any of those who go here and while the odds are this will be his first time outside the placings, he’s not to be ruled out.

14. Singyu Gangja [Mckenzie Pass – Tamna Bibari] 4 G (16/6/4/3) – Lim Gi Won
Another one up in class and allowed to take his chance following a class 2 win over 1400M last month,. He made all that day and will try to get forward here. He will be one of the outsiders though.

15. Raon Morris [Yankee Victor – Thunder By Night] 5 H (16/6/3/2) – Ham Wan Sik
Winner of last year’s Selangor Turf Club Trophy, he followed up with a 2nd place over this distance at class 1. Not especially competitive in two starts since, he will need to find a bit more here

16. Sun Burster [Officer – Coin D’Or] 4 C (11/6/2/2) – Yuri Takahashi
An up and coming one, he’s won six of eleven to date and came from well off the pace to snatch 2nd in a quick race over 1300M at the end of January. He’ll likely be patiently away again to day from the outside gate and is another interesting outsider.

Busan Friday Review

A pair of US imports, Tongil Sidae and Dongbang Daero provided the stand-out performances at a chilly but sunny Busan on Friday.

Tongil Sidae (Munnings), racing at a mile for the first time, continued his impressive start to his career recording a strong two-length victory in the class 2 race 10. Always prominent under jockey You Hyun Myung, the three-year-old gelding ran on to record his third victory in five starts.

One race earlier, Dongbang Daero (Curlin), who got his maiden win at the ninth attempt at the end of January, quickly followed up with another, once more at 1800M. Carrying top weight, the four-year-old comfortably held off the challenging of the promising Sinhang (who had previously been narrowly beaten by Tongil Sidae), to claim race 9 by just over a length.

Despite getting beaten on hot favourite Smart Gentleman in race 8, You Hyun Myung was jockey of the day with three winners while it was a mixed day for Ikuyasu Kurakane. The Japanese rider claimed race 1 on 5/1 shot Golden Leo but then got left in the gate in race 7 after the well fancied Raon Santos reared up and ran off without him. Makoto Okabe was also among the winners, partnering perennial placer Seorabeol Gongju to victory over Smart Gentleman in the aforementioned race 8.

Saturday March 12
Seoul Racecourse: 12 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20

Sunday March 13
Seoul Racecourse: 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Raecourse: 6 races from 13:00 to 17:05

Busan Friday: Race By Race Preview

This Sunday sees the first Korean Graded Race of 2016 in the shape of the Seoul Owners’ Association Trophy. Sixteen runners will come under orders for the six-furlong sprint and we’ll have a full preview on Saturday. The weekend’s racing, however, gets underway on Friday with a ten-race card at Busan.

Busan Racecourse

Dynamic Busan!

English racecards can be found here

The first race is at 11:40 and the last is at 18:00. Races 4-10 will be simulcast and below are brief notes on each of those races (times local Korean time):

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 

(9) YUSEONG STAR was 3rd over class and distance a month ago and is one of a number of contenders for this very competitive race. (7) BIGBANG BIG was beaten into 2nd by (6) MEGA HEART in January but overturned that form last time and should be involved once again. Another danger is (3) PENTA HEELS, up in class following a maiden win over 1000M on February 19th. That was a much improved performance and she has potential for more. (1) UNFLAGGING HEART and (12) MOMENT are the others to consider.

Favourites: (9) Yuseong Star (3) Penta Heels (7) Bigbang Bid (1) Unflagging Heart

Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:25 

(5) THE QUEEN has two wins from four outings. She made all to win over this distance in a very quick time last start and despite bbeing up in class here, will be hard to beat. (2) DAEHOYEOJANGGUN comes in following a strong of 2nd and 3rd place finishes, generally behind decent horses and can place again while (12) ARION METAL showed some promise in two 4th place finishes in his first two starts last autumn and returns from a spell here. (3) GREEN MIREU, 2nd at the distance last time, can also go well.

Favourites: (5) The Queen (2) Daehoyeojanggun (12) Arion Metal (3) Green Mireu

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:15 

Each week at this time of the year, we mention that we must pay close attention to Korean bred horses running in races open to foreign bred horses as they will usually be stronger. With that in mind, (2) SUPER STORM and (9) JIBONG STAR are the ones to watch. The former gets the verdict although the latter did beat four of these over 1000M last month. Another pair of Korean breds, (4) KKEUTPAN DAEJANG and (8) JAYU DAERO are next best. Among the debut-makers, (12) GUMALLI, from the track’s top stable was quick in trials and looks the best although (10) PHILIP AND GIRAFFE, encouraging on debut, can be given another chance despite a disappointing second start.

Favourites: (2) Super Storm (9) Jibong Star (12) Gumalli (8) Jayu Daero

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:05 

Three come in here off a win last start. (3) RAON SANTOS and (4) MINE are both up in class after maiden wins but both were emphatic enough to suggest they will be  competitive at this level. The former is favoured at this stage. The third is (1) WONIL ROSE. She was a class and distance winner on February 19th by a nose and while she does carry an extra 3kg today, she can be competitive once more. Back in 4th behind Wonil Rose that day was (6) DANCING CAT; she has a weight advantage today which will see her with plenty of support to overturn that form. (9) SEONGHO JEONGSANG is yet to win in ten but has been 2nd on three occasions including last time out over this distance.

Favourites: (3) Raon Santos (1) Wonil Rose (6) Dancing Cat (4) Mine

Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:00 

(11) SMART GENTLEMAN is up in class following three consecutive wins but there is little to fear here and he could very well make if four in a row today. (2) SEORABEOL GONGJU narrowly dodged the winner’s circle in four short-priced outings but nevertheless finds herself up at class 3 today and will probably conspire to be narrowly defeated once again. (12) YESURI MYEONGUN was disappointing last time at 1400M but has beaten plenty of these at this distance already this year and will beat plenty today too. (8) TANK POWER can go better dropped back to 1200M today while (6) SMILE QUEEN could only manage 6th on her first try at this class at the end of January and can go better here. She finished ahead of (13) GRACE who was a winner at class and distance in January.

Favourites: (11) Smart Gentleman (2) Seorabeol Gongju (12) Yesuri Myeongun (6) Smile Queen

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:30 

A class and distance winner, beating four who go here, on his last start, (6) DONGBANG DAERO does carry an extra 4kg today but is still capable of making it two in a row. (10) BADA DOSI was 2nd that day and given the shift in weights, may well be favourite. Another danger is (2) SINHANG. He’s won two from five before today and tries two turns for the first time. He will go forward from the gate and if he stays, he has solid claims. (4) NAGASINDA was 4th behind Sinhang last time and should be looking to at least match that here. The very experienced (11) STAR WARP is unlikely to be winning this but could sneak into a place.

Selections: (6) Dongbang Daero (10) Bada Dosi (2) Sinhang (4) Nagasinda

Race 10: Class 2 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:00 

An up-and-comer, (13) TONGIL SIDAE is up in class following his second win in four starts on February 14th and can take full advantage of joint-bottom weight on his first try at this distance today. He should be too good for these. The rest are all going to need to find improvement in recent starts (4) HEUKGANGJA, likely to join Tongil Sidae in an early lead, looks the best of them with (2) POKPUNG CHOEGANG, (8) SINHEUNG GOSU and (11) PUREUN ACE others who can go well.

Favourites: (13) Tongil Sidae (4) Heukgangja (8) Sinheung Gosu (11) Pureun Ace

New Holland Set For Seoul

Dean Holland has been officially licensed to ride in Korea. The Australian jockey has an initial four-month license, which became effective on March 1 and will run until the end of June. He is expected to start riding in the middle of this month.

dean.jpg

Dean Holland (Pic: Ross Holburt)

27-year-old Holland began his apprenticeship in Adelaide before moving to Victoria at the age of 18 to work under top trainer David Hayes. It was back in South Australia though, at Morphettville Racecourse, where he recorded his biggest winner to date, partnering Tanby to victory in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup in March 2015. He also won the Group 1 Australasian Oaks on Small Minds at the same track in 2010 and has ridden in excess of 500 career winners.

Holland replaces Nicola Pinna, who finished his four months just before the Lunar New Year holiday. Pinna faced difficulties in terms of making weight and also with riding through the coldest time of year in Korea. Holland, still riding in Australia this week and not scheduled start riding until mid-March, as well as being able to do 50kg, is unlikely to have to deal with those two issues.

A number of Australians have ridden in Korea in the past, mainly at Busan. When the south coast track opened, three Australians were granted licenses; Mark Newnham, Nathan Day and Garry Baker. While the former two didn’t stay long, Baker ended up riding for an extended period and won some big races along the way. Nathan Stanley also enjoyed moderate success in 2011. As for Seoul, although Danny Craven rode full time short period in 2008, the experience of Australian riders has mostly been confined to jockey challenges and international races with Noel Callow winning two races and the overall challenge in 2013.

There are currently two other foreign jockeys riding at Seoul. Djordje Perovic is in top form at the moment and lies in 2nd place in the 2016 Jockey Championship with 15 winners, while Yuri Takahashi, who was doing very well at the end of last year, has suffered from a lack of quality mounts in recent months. Regardless, he has still managed to pick up 6 victories so far this year.

At Busan there are currently three Japanese jockeys; Ikuyasu Kurakane, Nozi Tomizawa and Makoto Okabe as well as Italian Pasquae Borelli.

Dean Holland is the son of jockey Darren Holland and is not to be confused with Briton Darryll Holland, who rode very successfully at Busan for a year between 2013 and 2014.

Because you can never have too many Deans – Busan has Dean Russell, a jockey trainer – another Australian, Brian Dean is set to become Seoul’s first foreign Trainer. While still at the moment sending out runners in Singapore, this Dean is in the process of setting up his stable, having been initially granted 18 boxes in the capital. Although there have to date been four foreign trainers active in Korea, all of them have been at Busan and Dean’s debut on a hitherto complacent capital backstretch is eagerly awaited.

*Thanks to Ross Holburt for pointing out that while Darren Hayes may or may not train some horses on his off-days, it is David Hayes who is the Melbourne Cup winning trainer. This has now been amended!