Author: gyongmaman

Beolmaui Star, Eoma Eoma To Clash Again in SROA Chairman’s Sprint

The road to September’s Korea Sprint hots up on Sunday as the domestic Sprint Series reaches its conclusion with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race that is being run for the first time with international Listed status, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

Following his gate to wire win in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on April 14th, BEOLMAUI STAR is the favourite to back up. He ran a huge 2nd to Japanese star Remake in last year’s International Korea Sprint but struggled with his start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy at Busan last November and then in two forgettable efforts in Dubai to begin the year.

Seoul seems to suit Beolmaui Star though and under Seo Seung-un, he was the fastest away in the SBS Sports Sprint and was never headed, scoring by three-quarters of a length. He comes into a much better gate this time around and so long as he gets the start right, he will prove hard to beat again.

EOMA EOMA was the horse who got closest to Beolmaui Star in the SBS. It was a return to form for the 2022 Korea Sprint winner who had been an underwhelming 5th in the first leg of this year’s series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) in March 10th. To add to the intrigue, CC Wong gets legged up for his first real live chance in a Korean Group race.

The result of the Busan Ilbo had hinted at a generational shift as the four-year-old pair of RAON THE POINT and SOMETHING LOST swept home late to finish 1st and 2nd respectively. The older sprinters struck back in Seoul last month but Something Lost finished a close 3rd and Raon The Point is worth another chance from a better draw.

A newcomer on the Sprint Series trail is VICS GO. In the absence of the top line of sprinters he won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M in February but instead of persisting into the Busan Ilbo, he was sent back up to two turns and the Stayer Series instead. That didn’t go well so he comes back down in trip again and from a good gate, can be in the mix.

Several old-favourites among the sprinting ranks return including last year’s winner SSONSAL as well as the venerable MORFHIS, now nine-years-old but a creditable 6th placegetter in the SBS Sports. Among the lesser-known ones, FANTASTIC KINGDOM is a winner of six of nine starts up to class 2 level and while facing the elite at level weights will be a new experience for him, he may just measure up.

The SROA (Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association) Chairman’s Sprint is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30.

Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 19)

Sprinters take centre-stage on Sunday with the 3rd leg of the Sprint Series, the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) the highlight. There is also Listed action with the Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M). There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 plus 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Ssonsal beat Eoma Eoma to win last year’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint. Both return (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden and there will be a strong favourite. (6) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places and a 4th among five starts so far and the fastest time among these for the 1200M by a considerable margin. In this company, she can settle just behind the early speed and should prove too strong. (1) BYLONG STAR was 6th to Complete Party’s 4th when they raced each other at 1200M on April 14th. She has certainly shown more in trials than she has at the races, but it marked an improvement, and we could see more here. (9) JANGBI DAEUN debuted fairly back in December and while she hasn’t raced since, she looked well in an April trial and can be a danger. (8) HERO GOLD and (3) STUNNING QUEEN other placing chances.

Selections(6) Complete Party (1) Bylong Star (9) Jangbi Daeun (8) Hero Gold
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

(6) BREEDO KING STAR has two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three, all at 1400M. In this company he can be expected to be on the pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (9) DONKEY PLAY wasn’t fancied at all on debut after an undistinguished trial, but she ran a close 2nd over 1200M, coming from off the pace. She should have derived benefit from that experience and while this field is stronger, she could match that or even go one better. Like Breedo King Star, (7) BOLLIN has two 3rd places in his record including at this distance last time out on April 20th. He comes in under the same weight and warrants consideration. (10) TOHOMARKET and (8) WONDERFUL JET others in the frame.

Selections(6) Breedo King Star (9) Donkey Play (7) Bollin (10) Tohomarket
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) FLYING THE FORD did nothing in his first two starts in December and February, but after going back and winning a trial, re-emerged at this distance on April 12th and led for much of the way before finishing 2nd. He draws very nicely to get to the lead here and he will be favourite to go one better. There are three debut-makers and among them, (7) WONDERFUL BIDDER makes for the most appeal. He trialled in October and then again at the end of April, crossing the line in 2nd place in both in good times. This is a great race to debut in and he can be close. (8) SHINING MORNING comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M and 1200M in contrasting styles. She continues under a light weight and Choi Si-dae climbs up. (4) WORLD ANGEL CAT and (9) THE BIG SHOT are others to consider.

Selections(2) Flying The Ford (7) Wonderful Bidder (8) Shining Morning (4) World Angel Cat
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) USEUNG CONCORD got a 3rd and then a 2nd in two outings late last summer before returning in April and getting his maiden win at start number three over 1200M. Up in class here, he should strip fitter for that run and the step up in trip can suit. He’ll be a short-price favourite. (7) BAEKRYONG remains a maiden after ten attempts but has had plenty of near misses including his last start 2nd at 1300M when trying this distance for the first time. He comes up 2kg in the weights but can be in the mix again. (4) THE SUN FIGHTER similarly enters with recent form reading well. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and an apprentice claiming 3kg should make him more than competitive. (1) BAEDARI HYANGGI is up in class following a maiden win over this trip on April 7th and he can measure up. (11) STAR RUSH another to consider.

Selections(10) Useung Concord (7) Baekryong (4) The Sun Fighter (1) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. (3) SEKWANG CHOEGANG is yet to win but has five top-three finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at 1200M at this class. She has a strong finish on her and having already placed at 1300M, the slight step back up in trip can suit. (6) FLEX DAY took a couple of goes to get used to this level but ran well for 2nd over this distance on April 19th. She comes up 3kg in this company, but a similar effort will see her as a major danger here. (1) RED JASPER is, like Sekwang Choegang, still a maiden and she can mix her form, but she comes in off a last start 3rd place in a similar all filly race over 1400M and from a nice gate and still under a light weight, she shouldn’t be dismissed. (4) JINJU BIT and (2) JAZZ STAR among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Sekwang Choegang (6) Flex Day (1) Red Jasper (4) Jinju Bit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

(more…)

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive maiden with five of the eleven racing for the first time and we’ll go with a first timer in (4) PHANTOM DRAGON. He led all the way to comfortably win a trial in a quick time on May 2nd and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to hold out here. (2) YEONGUNG JARYONG was similarly impressive in a trial at the end of April, racing handy and running 2nd behind a class 2 horse. He too draws well, and Moon Se-young’s booking will attract plenty. (1) GRAND LARGE came through two trials, improving in the second of them in early April and he too can go well first-up here. As for those with experience, (11) CUPID MIR looks the best with a one 3rd and four 4th place finishes to his name. (5) WONDERFUL LORD may improve on a nondescript debut.

Selections(4) Phantom Dragon (2) Yeongung Jaryong (1) Grand Large (11) Cupid Mir
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) EAST RISING was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on April 14th, racing handy throughout and only narrowly missing out. She draws well to be on pace again and she can go one better here. (7) AMAZING ROCK similarly improved on her second start, when 4th over 1400M on April 28th. In this company she too can be expected to be on the pace from the start and she should be in this a long way. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE has a 2nd place on her resume from two starts back over this distance. She then got a bit far back before running on for 4th place at her latest effort on April 21st. She should be in this. (10) WONDERFUL WELLS and (9) YONGBI QUEEN are the other placing chances.

Selections(4) East Rising (7) Amazing Rock (6) Chogangbulpae (10) Wonderful Wells
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Since landing his maiden win in January, (8) ROYAL BEST has two 4th places and a close 2nd in three attempts at this class. That 2nd was last time out on April 21st when he led close to home and with CC aboard again, he can go one better. The main danger is (11) JECHUK IHO. He is yet to win but has finished no worse than 4th in six starts. Most recently, he was 3rd in that April 21st race, just half a length behind Royal Best. That was his first outing since last November so he should strip fitter for the run and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. Another non-winner with plenty of near misses is (7) SSEULMO. An on-pace type, he comes in off a 2nd place finish at this class and distance on April 13th when he led for much of the way, and he should be in the finish again here. (9) SAENAE VIVA and (3) ARCH CLASS among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(8) Royal Best (11) Jechuk Iho (7) Sseulmo (9) Saenae Viva
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) APPLE QUEEN got her maiden win over 1200M on April 14th leading every step of the way. She comes up in class here, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but with only three starts to her name there is plenty of scope for more development and this looks a winnable assignment again. (5) GOLDBERG comes in having beaten a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place at this class over 1200M on April 13th. She can settle behind the speed and should be challenging late on. (7) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL is winless, but she finishes off her races well and she can be beating the 5th place she secured last time out on what was her first try at this class. (4) MY THUNDER and (10) GREEN VIVACE are others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(11) Apple Queen (5) Goldberg (7) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) My Thunder
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

(more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden. (11) PURE DANCE returned from seven months out to run a fair 3rd place over this distance on April 26th, racing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for that run and can win here. That will mean overturning the form on (3) CHAS QUEEN. She ran 3rd in that April 26th race, settling midfield and running on to record her best finish to date. She draws nicely here and will be a danger. (10) SEOGWI STAR has the fastest time among these for the distance and comes in under an apprentice claim which can bring her into contention. (12) GOLDEN NICE and (5) STORMING MAGIC are others who have top-four or better finishes in their records and can be considered.

Selections(11) Pure Dance (3) Chas Queen (10) Seogwi Star (12) Golden Nice
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BREEDO PELL did nothing on debut last October and wasn’t seen again until March when he trailed well, before returning to action on April 12th and looked a totally different prospect, finishing 3rd over this distance. He should have come on for that run and will be a warm favourite over this somewhat limited looking set of opponents. (2) SKY ARCH comes in following a 2nd and a 3rd in her latest two, both over 1400M, both times coming from off the pace and she can be one of the main dangers here. (6) BEST BOY was an improved 3rd at his latest outing on April 21st. He showed a smart finish on him and should be coming home strongly again. (8) OAK RIDGE and (4) ARA NURI are the other placing chances.

Selections(7) Breedo Pell (2) Sky Arch (6) Best Boy (8) Oak Ridge
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(5) HYPER FORCE didn’t do much on debut but has since run a 3rd and a 2nd, the latter in a filly only race over this distance on April 19th when she settled just behind the speed and ran on very pleasingly. She was found to be slightly lame after that, but she was quickly back in work, and she can go one better today. (9) ONE WAY ROAD has been consistent across his latest few and in this company, he really should be looking for a best finish to date. There is very little early speed in the race so the widest gate shouldn’t prevent (10) BEOLGYO FRANCHE from getting to a forward position and with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, he should be in the mix at the business end of the race. (2) ROSE DRAGON and (7) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Hyper Force (9) One Way Road (10) Beolgyo Franche (2) Rose Dragon
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

The only downside about (12) JEOLDAE BOSS is his draw. And perhaps that he is yet to win in fifteen attempts. He has plenty of near-misses though including last time out over 1300M on April 14th when he led late but ultimately had to settle for 2nd. In this company he can get a forward position, regardless of the gate, and he can win today. (6) CAPTAIN DIA was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back before running close 5th over the same distance at his latest outing when slowly away. He carries his fair share of weight again but with a better start he can be in the mix here. (5) GANGSEO JEORYEONG can mix his form, but he comes back in trip today and can be a threat. (4) BRUG KINGMAN is up in class following a last start maiden win and can measure up. (2) POWER PLANE another place chance.

Selections(12) Jeoldae Boss (6) Captain Dia (5) Gangseo Jeoryeong (4) Brug Kingman
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 12

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

(more…)

EUNPA SARANG AND MOON SUNG-HYEOK LAND KOREAN DERBY

Eunpa Sarang stalked and then pounced, and then won the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Korean Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, at odds of 47/1. Not only was it a fine win for a hitherto undervalued three-year-old, it was also a redemption of sorts for jockey Moon Sung-hyeok.

Eunpa Sarang pulls clear in the Derby (Pic: KRA)

Having run 5th in the KRA Cup Mile, Eunpa Sarang settled right back among the fifteen-strong field, improving only in the back straight to race handy on the turn and then prove too strong by some margin at the business end. 20/1 chance World Dragon was 2nd, with KRA Cup Mile winner and pre-race favourite Success Baekpa in 3rd, the latter remaining in pole-position for overall Triple Crown honours.

“Is it true that I won? Am I right that we were first?” a disbelieving jockey Moon Sung-hyeok asked his in-house broadcaster KRBC inquisitor immediately after the race.

Last autumn, jockey Moon’s career seemed in the abyss after he mistook the 100M pole for the winning line and eased down what should have been an easy winner to an embarrassing beaten on the line 2nd. He served 3 months on the sidelines as a result.

Eunpa Sarang and Moon Sung-hyeok take the acclaim of the Seoul crowd (Pic: KRA)

“(Eunpa Sarang) was in great condition and after he was 2nd in the Sports Seoul Cup, he was 5th in the Cup Mile, but to be honest, he improved in that race” an enthusiastic Moon continued. “This horse is a slow starter, so I decided I will go outside and then wait for an opportunity. It came at the 3rd corner, and I thought that it was then or never, so I went for it. And he responded so well.”

Reflecting on his own comeback, Moon said “There weren’t many opportunities to ride, and it was hard to control my weight. Of course, it was my fault, but I had been worrying a lot about what I should do. I haven’t been able to show my good side. I am really grateful to those who supported me and to those fans who called my name out today.”

“It doesn’t feel real, but it feels good,” Trainer Seo In-seok told KRBC. “I thought Eunpa Sarang was improving, but I thought the same about a lot of the other horses here. I thought the jockey rode a great race and so we have won.”

(Pic: KRA)

Eunpa Sarang is by Hansen and out of Achim Sarang (by Broken Vow). He was purchased for just 10 Million Korean Won by his owner Lee Mi-gyeong in April 2023. The Derby was his third career win on his ninth start.

The final leg of the Triple Crown is the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Soeul Racecourse on Sunday June 16th.

Next week the focus shifts to the sprinting division and the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race which will have international Listed status for the first time.

KOREAN DERBY 2024 PREVIEW & FORM COMMENTS

A full field of sixteen will go to post for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR RACE-BY-RACE GUIDE.

Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

The field is headed by SUCCESS BAEKPA, who claimed the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile, at Busan on April 7th for trainer Min Jang-gi and jockey You Hyun-myung. They will be favourites to score again but it is a wide-open renewal.

Jockey Moon Se-young was the most relieved man on the peninsula last Sunday after he dropped his crop when clear in the Korean Oaks on Eclipse Berry. The filly just about managed to get him home in a photo-finish. He partners Sports Seoul Trophy (Seoul’s Classic Trial) winner NICE TIME, who ran 2nd in the Cup Mile. The only concern is the wide draw but they shape as big dangers.

Another threat is HANGANG CLASS. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but missed the start for the second consecutive race and was then always on the back foot. He did rally for a strong 3rd though and Franco Da Silva, who rode the winner of this race in 2018, is engaged. The widest gate will probably make the start moot in any case as different tactics may be required.

Trainer Kim Young-kwan has won the Korean Derby five times but it is one big race that still eludes top jockey Seo Seung-un. Seo partners WORLD DRAGON for trainer Kim and having won at this distance at class 4 level in April, they are not without a chance.

Last Year, Kim Hye-sun became the first female jockey to win a Korean Derby, adding to her Oaks score in 2017. Almost a year on and Global Hit has firmly established himself at the top of the Korean racing pyramid. This time around, Kim partners WONDERFUL LEAR for trainer Tom Gillespie. They combined to win Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, over 1400M in February, but weakened having shown on pace in the Cup Mile. Don’t rule out a return to form.

UMAPOY would be a popular winner. Running in the colours of Japanese owner Yoshiaki Kimura, and named with a certain racing based video game in mind, he has become the mascot horse of a sizeable portion of the young “MZ Generation” fan group. He has won twice at 1800M and is not without a chance although he is racing for the first time since early March and, like Nice Time and Hangang Class, has the challenge of a wide gate.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GEOLJAK ONE – The only filly in the race, she skipped the Oaks last week to come here. Won a Listed race for juvenile fillies last December and was 3rd in the Sports Seoul but well back in the Cup Mile when drawn gate 14. Much better draw today and CC Wong up. Potential value play.

2. MEGA DRAGON – Well back in the Sports Seoul but a smart winner at class 4 over a mile on March 24th. Ran 2nd at class 3 level on first try at this distance in a good time on April 20th. Likes to be on pace, gets a great draw and can make excellent each-way appeal.

3. MY CENTER – The highest rated in the race and the most experienced with twelve starts and five wins, his latest a valuable Trophy race at a mile. First time at 1800M but is by a Korea Cup winner over the distance and not impossible he can run a big race.

4. LAST DRAGON – Gets his chance after winning his last three, most recently over this distance on April 21st in a good time. Likes to settle midfield and run on and from a good gate, Choi Si-dae, who has won the Derby, can pick his spot. Will have support.

5. EUNPA SARANG – Ran a strong 2nd to Nice Time in the Sports Seoul and then 5th in the Cup Mile, making up excellent ground both times. The step up to 1800M should suit and while others are favoured, don’t rule out him running late into some money again.

(more…)

Korean Derby Day Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 12)

It’s Korean Derby day! There was rain on Saturday but things should be fine and dry for the greatest jewel in the Korean Triple Crown which is race 8 on the 10 race program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. The card runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun won the Derby a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) BEST WHIZ will be hot favourite in the opener. Yet to finish outside of the top-five in four starts, his best is a 2nd place over 1200M in January when racing on pace. His latest was only fair when 5th of eleven over 1200M but in this limited company, he should be on pace and should win. (5) MK LEE has hinted at ability across three starts so far with his best being his 4th place on debut. CC climbs up here and he has as good a chance as any of running 2nd. (8) RAON THE KLAMMER comes in off an improved 5th over this distance on April 13th and in this company, a similar performance will see him very much challenging for the places. (1) FLYING LION and (6) CALIPH other minor money hopes.

Selections(7) Best Whiz (5) MK Lee (8) Raon The Klammer (1) Flying Lion
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

(3) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG will be hot favourite. He has shown steady improvement across his six starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 24th when slowly away from this widest gate and then settling right back before running on. Drawn much better today, he is the one to beat. (4) P N S CAR is the only other one with a top-three finish on his resume, achieved two starts back when 2nd at this distance. An apprentice claims 4kg and that’s enough to make him the danger here. (6) CLOUD HEART was an improved 4th behind Beautiful Hwaseong in that March 24th race and can get close again. First time starter (10) BRIGHT QUEEN improved for a good 2nd in the latter of two trials and can be considered first-up. (7) GANGCHEOL DRAGON another place chance.

Selections(3) Beautiful Hwaseong (4) P N S Car (6) Cloud Heart (10) Bright Queen
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

We need to discard the latest effort of every single runner here if we are to give any of them a chance. We’ll go with (6) NEVER GIVE UP, who has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and races for the first time since a chastening experience at a mile in January. He looked well when trialling in April and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (1) CHOEGANG CHONGAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance back on March 15th and notwithstanding his last start 8th, that’s enough to make him the danger. (3) GREEN BULLDOZER has been back to trial since his latest start and performed adequately. She also has a 3rd place over 1200M and from a good draw should be on pace here. (8) SUPER KANEL and (4) BIG BOY are other place chances.

Selections(6) Never Give Up (1) Choegang Chongal (3) Green Bulldozer (8) Super Kanel
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) SOLAIRE enters having scored his maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 13th. He comes up in class but is down in weight and there is little to fear here. (4) MACALLAN was a winner on debut last August and then ran fairly for 5th place last September. He offered few clues in a March trial, but Franco’s booking is a plus and he may surprise on his return. (2) JAEWOO SIDAE is yet to win in twenty-two attempts, but she was 2nd in a similar class and distance race two starts back and this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (7) HANGANG GLORY and (8) BOSS BABY are others who can be considered for the minor money.

Selections(9) Solaire (4) Macallan (2) Jaewoo Sidae (7) Hangang Glory
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here and it’s competitive. (7) BORAM enters having led every step of the way to get her maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1300M on April 12th. She comes up in class here but looks nicely in and she can repeat. (10) DYNAMIC WINNER has been a consistent type and enters off a fair 5th place at 1300M on April 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. She has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be in contention here. (6) SANGIM STAR is another who usually runs a decent race and comes in having finished 4th in a similar race at class and distance on April 26th with two of these behind her. She likes to come off the pace and she has the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance. The form drops off rapidly after those three with (3) ROAD STAR and (9) TWO TWO LIME possibly the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Boram (10) Dynamic Winner (6) Sangim Star (3) Road Star
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

(more…)

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

It’s Derby-Eve! There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Nice Time will be among the Derby hopes on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) FLYING GLOW raced once last August finishing a fair 5th over 1200M. He hasn’t been seen since, but the Shackleford colt returned to training this Spring and looked well when a close 2nd on a trial on April 11th, leading for most of the way around. His early speed should see him to the lead here and he can win first-up. It took (6) MAX PARTY a few tries to qualify but once he did, he ran well on debut got 4th place over this distance on April 7th, coming from off the pace. He should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (5) DAEMYEONGJANG was an improved 3rd at 1300M at start number four and can continue to make progress here. (11) RAON THE PARTA and first-time starter (3) P N S OHOH are others to consider.

Selections(8) Flying Glow (6) Max Party (5) Daemyeongjang (11) Raon The Parta
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) KKUMUI HYANGGI was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 30th only to go down a very narrow 2nd. She should have come on for that run, Moon Se-young climbs up, and she will be expected to go one better today. (10) TESTA RUBY is the clear second pick. It took her a few goes to figure things out but her latest two when 4th and 3rd, both at this distance, suggest that she is finally getting there. She draws a touch wide but expect her to sit close to the speed and she has the fastest time among these for the distance. (1) SMILE GOLD also looks to be on the right trajectory and from a good draw, can be on pace here. (3) MISS CONCORD and (9) MAGIC SOUND are other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Kkumui Hyanggi (10) Testa Ruby (1) Smile Gold (3) Miss Concord
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) BEAT YEONGUNG stepped up to this distance on April 27th and ran a solid 3rd place, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The time was quicker than any of the others here have managed for the distance, and he is the one to beat here. With five top-five finishes from eight starts, (7) BLOOD MOUNTAIN has been getting closer, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on April 13th with three of today’s rivals back down the track. The time wasn’t quick, but he won’t need to improve much to be in the mix here. (9) COSMO KING. He finished 2nd ahead of Blood Mountain two starts back before finishing 4th behind him in that April 13th race. He isn’t favoured by the draw but is a place chance again. (2) YONGBICHEON and (1) MARUBYEOL are the other contenders for the minors.

Selections(6) Beat Yeongung (7) Blood Mountain (9) Cosmo King (2) Yongbicheon
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

Small field but many chances. (2) TRAUM KING was a winner at class 6 level last summer and then ran 3rd and 4th in two tries at this class. He hasn’t raced since last October but looked very well when winning an April trial, and from a great draw, he can go well first-up here. If there are concerns about race fitness, then (7) JEONGSEONGTIGER will be the one to go for. She got her maiden win at this class and distance in an all-filly race on April 6th, settling back and running on strongly. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but Harry remains on board and a repeat isn’t impossible. (5) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM ran 2nd in that April 6th race. She has three-lengths to make up on Jeongseongtiger but she gets a weight swing in her favour and shouldn’t be dismissed. (6) LADY TAEPUNG and (1) CLOUTER are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Traum King (7) Jeongseongtiger (5) Baedari Kwaegeom (6) Lady Taepung
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(more…)

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

It’s Korean Derby weekend with the big race set for Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

With plenty of top riders away in Seoul, Park Jae-i is set to be the jockey to follow at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

After an ordinary trial, (9) PRIME PARK wasn’t fancied at on debut over this distance on April 7th. She made light of that as well as a wide draw, to sit back and then run on strong for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of todays rivals. She should have come on for that run and will be much more respected here. There are three first time starters and one of them is the second pick. That’s (1) DREAMING BOY, who has been through his fair share of trials before finally making it to the track. He won a March trial before running a good 3rd in another heat last month, stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll go close. (8) GOLDEN AIR took a few goes to figure things out but enters off a 3rd and a 5th, most recently behind Prime Park and he can be in the mix again. (5) RAON THE LEGEND ran 4th on debut in the Prime Park race and similarly should have come on. (3) LASER GRIT another who could improve.

Selections(9) Prime Park (1) Dreaming Boy (8) Golden Air (5) Raon The Legend
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

Fillies only here and (4) FLYING BABY is the one to beat. After a couple of ordinary outings, she was ridden further forward at start number three over this distance on April 5th and run on for a solid 2nd place. She draws nicely here and can go one better. (3) SUNCHEON YEOWANG also has a 2nd place on her resume, recorded over 1200M two starts back. She came from well off the pace to run a fair 5th on her latest appearance at 1400M last month and she shapes as a potential danger here. (10) MARIA’S CALL has a 5th and a 3rd in two outings most recently over this distance on April 12th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can continue to make progress. (7) HAERANG JINJU and (9) WORLD PINK CAT others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Flying Baby (3) Suncheon Yeowang (10) Maria’s Call (7) Haerang Jinju
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

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

(2) BLISS MARINE has mixed his form across four starts so far but has a 3rd and a 2nd among them, the latter on his most recent appearance when stepped up to the mile on April 5th. The distance seemed to suit, he draws well to be on pace again, and he is the one to beat here. (12) UNJU LEGEND also seems to suit the mile, having finished 3rd on both of her two tries at it. She is one of the quicker starters among these, but she doesn’t need to lead, and she can be working home well here again. (5) NANGMAN DAERO has four 4th place finishes but comes in off a solid 3rd over this distance on April 19th when he led for much of the way around. He draws well to lead again, and he should be in this a long way. (4) STORMY DAY and (9) BLAZING MAN are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Bliss Marine (12) Unju Legend (5) Nangman Daero (4) Stormy Day
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

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

(2) JANGSAN LEMON got his sole win to date over this distance and enters with a 3rd and two 6th places in three tries at this class, most recently racing alongside a couple of others who go here over 1300M on April 14th. He comes into a better gate today and back up at 1400M, can return to winning ways. That will mean overturning the form on (4) YEONYEIN, who ran 3rd in that April 14th race, settling midfield and running on well. He comes up just 1kg in the weights but should be prominent here. Tise two are the clear top picks. (6) GHOST AMAZON was a winner over 1200M at start number two before getting a bit far back on her first try at this class and distance on March 24th. She can be given another chance here. (3) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) DAEHOMA others in the placing hunt.

Selections(2) Jangsan Lemon (4) Yeonyein (6) Ghost Amazon (3) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(more…)

Korean Oaks 2024 Form Comments

Eclipse Berry enters the second leg of the Triple Tiara as hot favourite to take out the most prestigious jewel in the series, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The Korean Oaks is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan with a local post time of 16:05. There is also a 10-race Sunday card at Seoul. SEE HERE FOR THE RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW.

Eclipse Berry (Pic: KRA)

The top-nine placegetters from the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) on March 31st all return, but with ECLIPSE BERRY having won that race by a cool seven-lengths, making all the running, she is going to be hard to oppose. She has already won over 1800M, the only one in the race to have done so, and that was on a wet track. Rain is forecast for Busan on Sunday afternoon. Moon Se-young returns to Busan to partner the Seo Hong-soo trained Shackleford filly.

GLOBAL TAEYANG was 2nd in the Luna Stakes and from a much better draw this time can get closer, while last year’s champion juvenile BAEKDUUI KKUM is not to be dismissed. WONPYEONG LIST had plenty of excuses in the Luna and is a class 3 winner already while BANG BANG BANG was a revelatory 3rd in the opening jewel of the Tiara and only four races into her career, still has plenty of scope for further development.

1. STAR CHANGER – Maiden winner at start seven at class 5 level over 1700M on March 30th making all. Well drawn but a big ask here.

2. GLOBAL TAEYANG – A winner up to a mile and class 4 level and 2nd in the Luna Stakes. Has seven-lengths to make up on Eclipse Berry but draws better this time and can get closer. Second favourite.

3. PERFECT ACTION – Won three of nine up to a mile and class 4 but was 8th in the Luna Stakes so plenty of form to overturn. Will race handy and may offer each-way value.

4. LOVE MUNMAK – Only win came at class 6 level but was a smart 2nd over 1700M at class 5 last time out when on pace. Plenty to find in this company but has a strong finish.

5. FLYING STAR – 5th in the Luna and was found to be slightly lame. Returned to work on April 19th. Has won at class 4 over a mile but a few too many question marks to recommend.

(more…)