Author: gyongmaman

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

Sunday’s feature is the second leg of the 2026 Korea Stayer Series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

The great Winner’s Man was YTN Cup winner (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) IKKEULIM returned from four months out in January to run a close 2nd over this distance having led for most of the way. He weakened late on his latest outing on March 7th over 1300M, but slightly back in trip and in this company, he should have too much and can make his breakthrough. (1) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut in February and then an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when handy throughout. He looks to have scope for more progress here and from the inside gate, can be on pace early and in this a long way. (9) THUNDER RUN enters off back-t-back 4th places and against this lot can be aiming for better. He hasn’t raced since January but looked well when finishing (where else?) 4th in a trail two weeks ago. (4) ONNURI BIT and (5) LEGEND MATCH others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Ikkeulim (1) Cowboy Queen (9) Thunder Run (4) Onnuri Bit
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) PLAY MATCH was a good 4th on debut over 1200M back on February 7th when settling midfield and running on well. It has taken him a while to get back though he has been in regular work since the start of this month and with some natural improvement, he can win this. (3) BINNALEEDS has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd at 1200M on March 8th when for the first time she raced on pace. She comes up to this trip for the first time, and she should be a danger. (1) MEGA WIND got a long way back from the widest gate on debut but ran on well enough for 6th. With that experience under his belt and with a much better draw, he can improve today. (7) SINCHEON HEART and (5) SPICE BAND other place chances.

Selections(2) Play Match (3) Binnaleeds (1) Mega Wind (7) Sincheon Heart
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (5) INDIE TIGER trialed last May without making it to the races but came back this March and won a heat in a quick time, settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance. (2) PERFECT POINT didn’t do a lot on debut last November but has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts since at 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times.  Under an apprentice claim he comes down in weight and drawn well to lead again, he can be in this a long way. (12) CHAMPUI HYANGGI has finished 5th in both starts so far, coming from off the pace, and should be aiming to be closer this time. (4) DREAM BIG and (1) MUHANDAE BIT finished 4th and 5th respectively in a March 19th trial and look the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Indie Tiger (2) Perfect Point (12) Champui Hyanggi (4) Dream Big
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) DREAM DIA has been working towards a win across her eight starts so far, with her latest being her best when an on pace 2nd over this distance on March 21st. She draws the same gate and from on the speed again, she should win this time.  (2) DUSON LIFE came from off the pace to run 3rd in a very weak maiden last time (for non-placers of at least five). This race isn’t much stronger and from a better draw and Kozzi on for the first time, he can get closer. (7) DAEHAN COCO’S has a 3rd and four 4th place finishes to her name, and she should be there or thereabouts again. (3) EUNPA SWEET returned from eight months out on March 15th but had a hard time after a bad start. She should strip fitter for that run and be closer today. (1) BROWN SUGAR another who could improve.

Selections(4) Dream Dia (2) Duson Life (7) Daehan Coco’s (3) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) HAENGBOK TREE was a fair 4th on debut last November but then didn’t reappear until March 22nd when she was a strong 2nd over 1400M racing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for that run, and while she comes up to the mile for the first time, it can suit. (4) RESONANCE MARINE stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 27th and uncharacteristically led. It paid off as she ran a best to date 3rd, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process, and she can back that up here. (2) JEONGMUN SKIP is up to a mile for the first time but gets a better draw than in his latest two and he should be close. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK was 4th in that March 27th race and in this company, looks a good chance of making the minors again. (3) THANKYOUFORTHETIME another in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Haengbok Tree (4) Resonance Marine (2) Jeongmun Skip (5) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 18)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After showing on pace then weakening on debut, (5) GOLDEN MATCH stayed on at start number two for a solid 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd in a good time. He draws well to lead again, and it can be third time lucky here. (6) PURPLE KOREA has raced twice for two 3rd place finishes, both times over this distance and both times showing on the early speed. She too can be nice and fit for this and will be challenging for the lead from the start. (8) JEJU BLUE was a much-improved 2nd in his second start over this distance in March 2nd when leading for much of the way around. Another who will be competing to get to the front form the start, he can be in this a long way. (4) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK is half-sister to Jeulgeounyeojeong and showed well in two trials. The only debut-maker, she can make a good impression here. (1) K-QUEEN another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Golden Match (6) Purple Korea (8) Jeju Blue (4) Nasca Bulchunggaek
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Ten fillies and one gelding here. (3) CALL ME SKY was a quick 2nd on debut but was well beaten when sent off as a 1.2 odds-on favourite for start number two on February 8th. He missed the start that day and was always up against from there ultimately finishing in 6th. Following that he missed some work with back pain but has been back in regular work since the start of this month and with a better start today, is the one to beat. (6) DAJEONGHAN enters off a 3rd place over 1400M on March 21st when beating two of today’s rivals. She can settle behind the speed here and be in the finish.  That solitary gelding is (11) SUN RISE KING, who improved to a close 2nd at this distance on March 22nd. He has the challenge of the widest gate but can be a danger. (5) GOLDEN WARRIOR and (7) JEJU PRINCESS others in the frame.

Selections(3) Call Me Sky (6) Dajeonghan (11) Sun Rise King (5) Golden Warrior
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A maiden for horses who have raced at least five times without placing so something here is going to win for the first and almost certainly only time. That might be (3) LUGE, who returned from four months out to run 5th of ten over 1300M on March 2nd, beating two of today’s rivals in the process. He has a 4kg claim again and won’t need to improve any to win this. (5) M J VET was 6th in that race having been sent off at a considerably shorter price than Luge. She has run fairly at this trip before and that can help her try to overturn the three-lengths she has to find. It’s tossing darts with the rest. (1) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO led over 1700M so the combination of dropping back in trip and the inside gate can be in his favour. (4) STAR KILLER comes out of the March 2nd race where he was 7th but this time gets an apprentice claim bringing him down 3kg. (6) BITCHUI SUNGAN is one paced but that may be enough to run into some minor money here.

Selections(3) Luge (5) M J Vet (1) Beolgyosamjoko (4) Star Killer
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A couple of maidens go on top here. (9) MASTER PLAN has mixed his form over seven starts but proved he is competitive at this level with a 2nd place over this distance on March 8th when settling midfield and running on. Three of his four placings have come over 1400M and he has a chance of breaking through here. So too does (3) GEOMEUN SUP, who will get the nod from those favouring consistency. While yet to win in seven outings, he has finished no worse than 5th and has run 3rd (dead-heating) and 4th in two tries at this class at 1700M and 1800M. He drops back to the trip at which he got his best results so far and from a good gate can lead early.  (1) TAEGISAN KING has won a race and while he has mixed his form in five starts at this level since, he enters off a very close 2nd at class and distance on March 21st, and a similar effort will see him in the finish again. (10) JIJON BULPAE and (8) HAKSAN SWORD other place chances.

Selections(9) Master Plan (3) Geomeun Sup (1) Taegisan King (10) Jijon Bulpae
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

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

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) GOLD POCKET was on pace on debut over this distance on March 20th when beating a couple of these on her way to 2nd place behind a good winner. She should have come on for that run, she should be on pace again, and she will be a short price to go one better. (2) OASIS KINGDOM has raced twice and was an improved 5th over 1400M on March 29th. He makes a quick return here and possible peaking fitness wise, he can get much closer. (1) GAON PERFECT ran 3rd on debut in that March 20th race behind Gold Pocket. He has seven-lengths to find on the filly, but it wasn’t a bad effort and he can improve. (11) OVER RAINBOW and debut-maker (5) STEALTH KINGMAN others who can be in the finish.

Selections(8) Gold Pocket (2) Oasis Kingdom (1) Gaon Perfect (11) Over Rainbow
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

The second division of the opening maiden and there will probably be an equally strong favourite. (2) POWERFUL THUNDER has made steady progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on March 20th. He draws a much better gate than in any of his last three so he should get an easier run to the front and then take some beating.  (10) VELOCI QUEEN has impressed in all three outings with a 4th, a 2nd, and a 3rd. She has a strong finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she will be a big danger late. (4) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA was 2nd on debut all the way back in July last year and then finally returned to run a fair 3rd on March 8th when leading for much of the way. He’ll be challenging for the speed again and can be in the finish. Those three will be at the top of most tickets, with (11) DIA X and perhaps the sole first-time starter (5) BUTTER CRASH others to look out for.  

Selections(2) Powerful Thunder (10) Veloci Queen (4) Success Pyeonghwa (11) Dia X
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(6) TRIPLE SINHWA stepped up to this distance for the first time last November and was a solid winner at class 4 level. Since then, he has raced three times at this class, all again over the 1800M and has finished 2nd all three times, most recently racing handy on March 6th. He has his fair share of weight but Seo Seung-un stays on, and he is favoured to return to winning ways. Second favourite will be (4) BEST BOY. Remarkably, at start number thirty, he is racing at both this class and distance for the very first time, but he enters in very good form, winning over a mile three starts back and following up with a 3rd and a 2nd. That brings him up in class, but he is down a full 5kg in weight and that should make him very competitive. (2) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG could only manage 6th of twelve last time out on March 20th but she was a winner at this distance in January and under a light weight, she can be in the finish. (8) GASOK JEIL and (5) VEREUDA will need passes on their respective latest efforts to be best of the rest.

Selections(6) Triple Sinhwa (4) Best Boy (2) Tohamsan Taeyang (8) Gasok Jeil
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

VINCERO CAVALLO EASILY WINS SBS SPORTS WITH KOREA SPRINT IN HIS SIGHTS

Vincero Cavallo confirmed his status as the fastest horse in Korea as he comfortably won the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) for the second year running at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. In doing so, he claimed his second consecutive Sprint Series victory with one leg to spare.

Vincero Cavallo (Pic: KRA)

With the field having been reduced to fifteen after the scratching of Yeonggwangui World, VINCERO CAVALLO started as favourite but not as short as some might have expected, given how well he won the first leg of the series, the Busan Ilbo, on the south coast last month.

Part of punters’ reticence may have been the wider draw for Vincero Cavallo and also perhaps that jockey Jo Jae-ro had been heavily unseated from his mount in race 5 and had a nervous wait before being passed fit to partner his career-defining horse.

Once the gates opened, all doubts disappeared. As expected, Born Dia showed the way early Vincero Cavallo began well too, Jo Jae-ro settling him in the front of midfield. Once he made his move in the home straight, the race was won with his now customary turn of foot proving far too much for his rivals. 38/1 chance Wonderful Groom was 2nd and 15/1 Haksan Speed 3rd.

“This was the first time we drawn this wide in the Sprint Series, so my thought was let’s just focus on the start and do well.” Jo Jae-ro told KRBC. “I trusted the horse and once we were away, I thought winning was inevitable and the race unfolded very comfortably.”

(more…)

Korea Racing Report – April 10-12

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY VINCERO CAVALLO WAS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ONCE MORE BUT ON THE UNDER CARD THE PRINCIPAL HANDICAP WAS RACE 9 AT CLASS 2 GRADE AND IT SAW CHOEGO GAME race away in the closing stages to complete a remarkable weekend for jockey Jo Jae-ro and be one of five winners on the day for trainer Kang Sung-o giving him 50% of the card.

Jo had had two falls across the weekend at Seoul, one on each day, however, was fit to ride Vincero Cavallo to victory in the G3 feature and then followed up on board Choego Game (Frosted) who charged away in the closing stages of the 1800M contest to score by three-lengths on his fourth attempt at Class 2 grade. Eclipse The King, who was 3rd in last year’s Derby, finished 2nd on his first run back since going lame in winter, and led for much of the contest until fitness caught him out late. Wonderful Northern was two-and-a-half lengths away in 3rd after being on-pace throughout. Ace K, who was a 13-length Class 3 winner back in February, was once again well beaten at Class 2 level.

The victory of Choego Game was the fourth of the quintet on the day for Kang Sung-o with one of his earlier winners being ECLIPSE BOSS (Shackleford) who won Race 5 (1200M Class 5) and as he did when winning his only other race he led throughout to score by three-quarters of a length as the 4.8 third pick over the 3.8 second choice Flying Honor. There was action a plenty at the start with 2.5 favourite Rapid Thunder knuckling horribly leaving the gates and leaving Jo Jae-ro with no chance of staying on in the second of his two falls across the weekend.

Kang’s other wins were with NAMSAN ROCK (Known Agenda) who won Race 3 (1400M Class 4) by the shortest possible margin at 24/1 after the 1.7 favourite Samjogo folded tamely for 4th after leading, PRIMERO (Indie Band) led throughout to win Race 4 (1700M Class 6) by one-and-a-quarter lengths as a 3.2 equal favourite, and was a 950th career winner for Choi Bum-hyun, whilst the last of the five was in the concluding 1200M Class 3 with ROYAL SOCKS (Hansen) making it five wins from nine starts defeating Raon The Affirmed by a half-length with Crazy Star a neck away third. All three horses are racing very well at present.

START UP (Medici Glory) was an impressive victor of Race 6 (1400M Class 5) showing good early speed to cross to the fence before racing away for a nine-length victory. He was always travelling strongly and after what was surely a confidence-boosting victory it will be interesting to see how and if he can progress.

(more…)

SBS Sports Sprint 2026: Preview & Form Comments

The Sprint Series reaches Seoul on Sunday afternoon and having won the first leg in Busan a month ago, VINCERO CAVALLO will be a warm favourite to successfully defend the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

While he swept all three legs of the Sprint Series last year, Vincero Cavallo’s form fell off in a disrupted second half of 2025 and that led him to only be second in the market when he returned from a four-month layoff to join the rest of the sprint division for the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast on March 8th.

The doubters – and there were plenty – were silenced as under a patient Jo Jae-ro ride, Vincero Cavallo emphatically announced he was back in form with a two-length win to put him in pole position to sweep back-to-back series.

So, who can stop him?  WINNER CLEAR was sent off as favourite in the Busan Ilbo, and he was the one who ultimately got closest. He and Vincero Cavallo were in adjoining gates in Busan too but this time they are much wider. That should be of less concern to Winner Clear, and the start will be key. Seo Seung-un is on board.

BORN DIA led the Busan Ilbo, setting a strong pace before ultimately running 4th. Drawing the inside gate once more, she can lead again but only two horses were slower than her in the final furlong in Busan so making sure there is something left in the mare’s tank will be a key concern for jockey Masa Tanaka.

MAGIC POTION is a newcomer to the elite level. A winner of eight from fourteen, he won the KRA Sprint (Seoul) at the end of November. That was for horses rated 80 and down but he has since gone on to win twice at class 1 level. Winner Clear won the corresponding race at Busan the same day.

Veteran BLACK MUSK along with WONDERFUL GROOM are the other main hopes for at least the places. The SBS Sports Sprint is race 7 at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.

1. BORN DIA – In the best form of her career with a class 2 win over this distance last October followed by a desperately close 2nd to Winner Clear in January when she very nearly led from gate-to-wire. She was 4th in the Busan Ilbo, racing on pace, and from the inside gate, she can be on pace and cause a lot of problems here and her 2kg mare allowance may help her late.

2. BEOLGYO VERITAS – Remarkably has the fourth fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning at class 2 in December, settling, as is his style, in midfield and running on. All six wins have come at this distance, but he is yet to race at higher than class 2 and he will need to lift here but he draws very well and will probably seek to lead.

(more…)

SBS Sports Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 12)

Sunday sees the second leg of the 2026 Sprint Series with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Meanwhile at Busan there are six international trophy exchange races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55 and 7 at Busan from 11.25 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) GANGHAN GAMMA has made steady progress across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place in a filly only race over this distance on March 14th beaten seven-lengths by Breedo Aqua. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong late on. (3) RACE DIVA was 6th behind Ganghan Gamma in that March 14th race. That was a slight improvement from her debut and from a much better gate she can continue to get better here. (9) BEST THE ON ran three times last autumn with a best of 2nd over this distance. He hasn’t raced since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be in this first-up. Debut maker (2) VINCENT KATHY went through two trials, winning the second of them. She draws very nicely to be on pace and can put in a bold showing. (11) DONGBAEK among the other place chances.

Selections(5) Ganghan Gamma (3) Race Diva (9) Best The On (2) Vincent Kathy
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not the strongest of maidens. (2) SAENAE RANIA came from a wide gate to lead on what was her first try at this distance on March 8th and ultimately finished a solid 3rd. This race is no harder and from a much better draw, she can win. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG has four top four finishes from five starts with his best being a close 2nd to Saenae Fighter at start two last November. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he can finish strongly and be a danger late here. (6) GEOSEN MUJEOK was ridden a bit further forward on his first try at this distance on March 22nd and finished a fair 5th. With similar tactics here, he can get closer. (3) NICE WINNER and (7) YONGBIGYO are the other main chances.

Selections(2) Saenae Rania (5) Sangim Yeongung (6) Geosen Mujeok (3) Nice Winner
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / “New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Trophy” / KRW 30 Million

Interesting maiden to open things on the south coast and (3) OASIS GIJEOK gets the nod. He raced three times last year for a best of 3rd and then didn’t reappear for another six months. His return on March 13th saw him beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1200M and stripping fitter for that run, he can go one better today.  The main danger could well be the debut maker one gate to his inside. (2) FLASH COCO first trialed in October of 2024 but never made it to the races after a chip fracture and several other setbacks. Her owner/breeder has persevered though and she looked good when 2nd in a trial in March showing handy throughout. From a good draw, she can make an immediate impact. (7) RESPECTING GIRL was an improved 4th behind Oasis Gijeok on March 13th and can continue to make progress here. (1) POWERFUL RUBY and (5) SKY BOY others in the frame.

Selections(3) Oasis Gijeok (2) Flash Coco (7) Respecting Girl (1) Powerful Ruby
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) SAMJOGO led early in the Listed Sports Seoul on March 1st before being overwhelmed late and finishing a well beaten last. Prior to that he was an all the way winner at this class over 1300M and returning to shallower waters today, he can return to winning ways. (9) KOREAN DREAM enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 21st when handy throughout. In this company he should be on pace, and he shapes as a big rival. (1) STAY BIG was a 60/1 winner at this class over 1400M on March 8th, coming from off the pace. He only comes up 1kg in weight and warrants significantly more respect this time. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII and (6) SAHARAMOND among other place chances.

Selections(4) Samjogo (9) Korean Dream (1) Stay Big (11) Raon Nizhinski
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / “Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy” / KRW 60 Million

(3) BUNKER BUSTER has won two of four so far with his others ending in 2nd and 3rd. He is up in class having scored over 1400M on March 15th when he led all the way around and while he was 3rd on his only previous try at this distance, he draws well to lead again, and he will take some beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (9) GRAND MORE came home in 2nd and 3rd place respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on March 6th. The draw here is more favourable to Doctor City although he comes up 1.5kg. Both have ever chance of being in the finish again. (11) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK returns to action for the first time since last November. She has won at this trip, and she looked well enough in a March trial to suggest she can put in a good effort here. (8) BREEDO MIRACLE another firmly in the frame.

Selections(3) Bunker Buster (2) Doctor City (9) Grand More (11) Nakdong Myeongjak
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 11)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 17.55. The cherry blossoms are almost over but the festival is scheduled to continue and there is a drone show after races. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) GLOBAL CARD was ordinary on debut but improved to 3rd place at start number two on March 1st, beaten just over six-lengths by a good winner, but not far off 2nd. In this company and well-drawn, he should be on pace and third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise. (3) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG won a January trial and then came from the widest gate to run 4th on debut over this distance on February 28th. He should have come on for that run and from a much better draw, he can get closer today. (4) STORM CRUSH was a fair 5th on debut at 1200M on March 7th and can similarly make some progress here. Debut-maker (1) P.K. BEST along with (10) HAKSAN TAEPUNG, the latter having registered a 2nd on debut before a couple of ordinary follow-ups, are other chances.

Selections(5) Global Card (3) Geumbit Yeongung (4) Storm Crush (10) Haksan Taepung
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

All but two are fillies or mares and (2) STORM LIGHT took a few goes to figures things out but has a 2nd, a 5th and most recently a 3rd from her latest three, the latter two over 1700M with the former at this distance back in January. Her best performances have come when she has been on pace, and she draws well to do precisely that. (7) BEST FREEDOM came from a wide draw to run a best to date 2nd over this distance on March 7th. He should get an easier run to the speed here and can be close again. (6) WONDERFUL TUNE UP hasn’t finished in the top three in ten attempts, but she has no fewer than five 4th place finishes and, in this company, can be aiming to finally better that. (1) BEST JOY should contest the lad and along with (5) SAHARA ROSE can contest the minors.

Selections(2) Storm Light (7) Best Freedom (6) Wonderful Tune Up (1) Best Joy
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) ECLIPSE SUNNY was a solid 3rd on debut in a filly only maiden over 1200M on March 14th when she raced handy throughout and finished off very nicely. She has the challenge of the widest gate, and she doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, but she should have come on for the run, and she can win. (6) INSPIRE was ordinary in his first couple but he has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both over this distance. He’ll be on the speed today and can be a big danger. (1) CRAZY CHAMP was a much-improved 3rd at start three over this distance on March 7th and can back that up here. (3) SUPERTRAMP has raced just twice and looks on the right trajectory with a 5th last time out. For the first time he draws an inner gate and can continue to make progress. (5) RAON KINGSMAN another in the wider placing frame.

Selections(11) Eclipse Sunny (6) Inspire (1) Crazy Champ (3) Supertramp
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) STUNNING DOLPHIN got her maiden in convincing fashion at start two before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on February 28th when going down by a just a neck late on. She is up 3kg in weight and has the widest gate, but she can overcome both and she can win here. It’s a competitive race though. (5) GOLDEN DIVA is yet to win in five tries but has been close and comes up in class after two 2nd places from her latest three, most recently when on pace over this distance on March 14th. She can measure up in this company. (8) RAPTURE has won twice, including last time out in a very similar race to this at class and distance on March 7th. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she should be in the finish again. (3) WONDERFUL SEEKING and (2) POWERFUL PRADO among plenty of others who can be in the hunt.

Selections(11) Stunning Dolphin (5) Golden Diva (8) Rapture (3) Wonderful Seeking
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with three of the ten racing for the first time. (4) NINETEEN NINE WON has raced twice and finished 2nd twice in filly only maidens, both over this trip, first showing handy and then coming from midfield. She should be on pace and against this set of opponents, she should have far too much. (3) NORTHERN QUEEN has a 4th place on her record and while she only managed 7th of twelve last time out over 1300M when she was on pace, she did beat a couple of today’s rivals. Back in trip today, she should be closer. (1) SO POWERFULL did nothing in three starts last year and not all that much on his return on March 13th. He should strip fitter for that run though and can improve. Debut-makers (9) AEGIS CHEONMA and (8) UNJU DAEBAK are two debut-makers who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Nineteen Nine Won (3) Northern Queen (1) So Powerfull (9) Aegis Cheonma
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden. (5) OASIS HAPPY did nothing on debut at the end of last year but agter going back to trial, was a much-improved 2nd on March 15th when he ran on from midfield and beat three of today’s rivals. He stays under an apprentice claim, and he can go one better today. (4) NICE MYEONGGA has a 2nd and two 4th places from three starts so far, finishing off her races well. She comes up to the 1400M for the first time, and it can suit.  (11) THEMIS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 6th and recorded her best finish to date when an on-pace 2nd. She has the challenge of a wider draw this time, but she can be in the finish again. (1) WONDERFUL BAND and (6) STRONG WINNER among others firmly in the frame.

Selections(5) Oasis Happy (4) Nice Myeongga (11) Themis (1) Wonderful Band
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After two good trials, (9) WONDERFUL FASHION ran 2nd on debut over 1400M on March 15th, racing handy throughout and beating a couple who re-oppose here. He should have come on for the run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he is favoured to go one better today. (10) DOKKI TIGER was one of those back down the field on that March 15th race when she got a long way back from a wide draw and never threatened. We’ll go on her 3rd place two starts ago and give her another chance here on what is her first try at a mile and Seo Seung-un’s first time up. (5) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL comes in off three consecutive  4th place finishes, most recently on her first try at this distance on March 20th and she can be aiming to at least match that here. (1) QUEEN THE GOLD and (12) DOCTOR CARA can arrest recent slumps.

Selections(9) Wonderful Fashion (10) Dokki Tiger (5) Dolgyeok Special (1) Queen The Gold
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) ROAD TO CLEO was a winner on debut last October before rounding out her juvenile campaign with two very average runs and was lame after the latter. She looked very well when going through a March 26th trial and first-up from a good draw, she has every chance. (10) MAGIC SWEETIE got her second career win at start twenty-nine in January before following up with 2nd place ahead of a couple of these on March 8th. She carries 3.5kg more than when she won, but she’s clearly in form and can be close. (3) B K. SPIRIT has been well backed on both her last two starts but has disappointed both times with not a huge amount of excuses bar a wide gate last time. He was 2nd at this class and distance in December and from a good draw can get forward and go much better. (5) TAEYANG EUTTEUM and (9) STORM POINT perhaps the best of an out of form rest.

Selections(2) Road To Cleo (10) Magic Sweetie (3) B K. Spirit (5) Taeyang Eutteum
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

CLEARLY WINNER LANDS KIM HYE-SUN FIRST STAKES WIN AS TRAINER – WITH HUSBAND PARK JAE-I ABOARD

Trainer Kim Hye-sun and jockey Park Jae-i became the first wife and husband to win a Korean Stakes race together as CLEARLY WINNER produced a comfortable victory in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guineas” – the first leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Clearly Winner with Park Jae-i and Kim Hye-sun (Pic: KRA)

After a fair start, CLEARLY WINNER travelled easily behind a pace set by CHIEF STAR, who jumped the favourite despite her previous troubles with the barrier. Clearly Winner easily went past a tiring Chief Star and the game SHACKLE SUN in the final furlong to ease away to win by three-lengths. Long-shots FAPPI BABE and CATCH RACE arrived from well off the pace to run 2nd and 3rd.

Clearly Winner won her first two races in fine style at the end of last summer but then suffered a setback and didn’t race again until this February. By that time, her original trainer Kim Hyo-seok had handed back his license and Kim Hye-sun, who had been waiting for boxes since passing the trainer’s exam, had an unexpectedly fast promotion from the riding to the training ranks.

Now under Kim Hye-sun’s care, Clearly Winner returned to action in style, winning at class 4 before finishing 3rd behind Clutch Winner and Hey Brother in the Gyeongnam Shinmun (1400M Listed) at the start of March.

For jockey Park Jae-i, it was a fourth Stakes race win having a G3 and G2 along with another Listed race already to his name. For his trainer – and his wife – Kim Hye-sun, it was a first Stakes race win since getting her training license at the end of last year.

“I think it’s harder to watch than to ride, so from a viewer’s perspective I was very nervous” Kim Hye-sun told KRBC.

“I saw (Clearly Winner) move back a bit on the corner, so for a moment I wondered if she had got tired or maybe there was something we hadn’t thought about, but at the same time, it didn’t look as though the two in front would keep going at that speed.”

“I’m married to the jockey, so we were able to have plenty of opportunities for a somewhat detailed conversation as to the race but today I didn’t say much, and we got a good result.”

As for jockey Park, he admitted to having some pre-race concerns: “She had only raced up to 1400M, and I had a feeling the pace would be strong early so there was a chance of kickback” but, he added “it went well.”

Clearly Winner is by Hansen and out of Pokpung Hero (by Henny Hughes). She was bred by Jang Yong-seok of Yujeong Farm and races in the colours of owner Shin Woo-cheol.

The second leg of the Triple Tiara is the big one, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) back at Busan on Sunday May 10th. Next week the Sprint Series resumes with Vincero Cavallo set to head the field as he defends his title in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul.