Author: gyongmaman

Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

It’s Korean Oaks Day. The Filly Classic is race 6 on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry is hot favourite to return to winner’s circle in the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time, and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (4) UASEN looked very competent in her trial crossing the line in 4th place in a good time (albeit with a class 1 horse up front helping them to some fast fractions. She ran through the line well and 1200M can suit first-up. Of the experienced ones, (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has shown the most so far. She comes in following a runner-up finish over 1200M on March 24th when she settled midfield and ran on. That continued an upward trajectory in her recent appearances, and she should be close again. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has a 2nd place on her resume and in this limited company that’s enough to put her in the numbers while (2) SEMYEONG GHOST and debut-maker (5) TIZ THE FASHION look other minor chances.

Selections(4) Uasen (6) Beautywonderful (10) Hampyeong Jangmi (2) Semyeong Ghost
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

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

(3) NAOL INDY was a much-improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on April 5th, settling midfield and running on. That was a full ten months after his inauspicious debut last summer and he should strip much fitter for the run and from a good draw, is the one to beat. (7) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across six starts so far with a 3rd on his record and a last start 4th over this distance. In this small field and this company, he can be a little further forward than usual and can be in this a long way. (4) DANCING GANGJA enters off a much-improved 3rd place over 1200M on April 7th when racing handy throughout. He is drawn well to attempt similar here. (9) CHROMITE and (2) P N S JU are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Naol Indy (7) Galsaek Dojeonja (4) Dancing Gangja (9) Chromite
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Two debut-makers in this field and she looks interesting. (6) YOUR TURN has been through three trials, dating back to last September and has won two of them and finished 2nd in the other, all three in quick times. This is not an intimidating field to debut among and if she brings the trial form to the races, she can win. (7) STORM GRIT is the big danger. He was very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when coming from off the pace and almost getting there. He will be running on strong again here. The other first-timer is (9) NEW LEADER. She went through two trials, finishing behind Your Turn in the second of them. The time was quick though and a big first-up run can’t be ruled out. (3) DANCING BOY and (1) DONGBU CHOEGANG are other experienced ones who may have a say.

Selections(6) Your Turn (7) Storm Grit (9) New Leader (3) Dancing Boy
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(10) ECLIPSE HONOR will be a hot favourite. He ran 2nd over this distance on debut on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but nothing here has gone much quicker and with some natural improvement from his first start, he will be hard to beat. (7) EUMSEONG POWER was 5th behind Eclipse Honor on debut in that March 23rd race and has since come back out and run 4th, again at 1400M. He seems on the right trajectory and third-up can be peaking fitness-wise. (8) NONSTOP YEOLCHA enters off a solid 2nd at 1300M on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit. (4) TAENGGEURI and (9) MAGIC PRINCE others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Eclipse Honor (7) Eumseong Power (8) Nonstop Yeolcha (4) Tanggeuri
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

Fillies only here. (9) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win but has also never finished outside the top-four in seven starts. She loves finishing 2nd, which she has done on each of her last four outings, but she really should be stepping up here. On her latest she was a very close runner-up in a quick time over this distance and she won’t need to improve much on that to win. If she does find one too quick yet again, it could be (2) TROUBLEMAKER. She is one for one at this distance but has been slow away in her two subsequent tries at this class over 1400M. She draws nicely here and if she gets out of the gate even only fairly, then she can be a threat. (8) GREAT QUEEN got her maiden win over this distance on March 29th. She comes up in class today but can measure up. (11) BLACK JILJU and (10) RAID HIT among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(9) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Troublemaker (8) Great Queen (11) Black Jilju
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (3) FOUR ACE. She is yet to win in seventeen starts but she has come close on plenty of occasions including a smart 3rd place last time out on March 17th over this distance when, as she often does, she got a long way back. CC Wong climbs aboard today and if she can be a bit closer in touch, it can be her day. (6) BEST DAERO got his maiden win at stat number three over 1300M on March 30th, leading all the way. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and there could be more to come. (7) WONDERFUL SWEET got his maiden win at this distance on Christmas Day and has since run 4th in two tries at this class. He should be there or thereabouts today. (4) LEGENDSUN and (5) SEMYEONG LADY others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Four Ace (6) Best Daero (7) Wonderful Sweet (4) Legendsun
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(8) MONSTER DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M in January and has since run 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, both times settling handy and running on. Expect similar tactics today and this time he can come home on top. (2) SKY GRIT was a winner two starts back at 1200M before running 4th on her first try at this level at 300M on April 7th. She draws very nicely to be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (4) GRAY QUEEN was 3rd in that April 7th race having run on from midfield. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish again. (6) BIG WILD has won a trial since his latest showing and can be given another chance. (11) DOCTOR LEO another possible placer.

Selections(8) Monster Dragon (2) Sky Grit (4) Gray Queen (6) Big Wild
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 4)

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

(2) EUNPA PARTNER beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on March 31st when racing prominently throughout. That followed a 3rd place two starts back and suggests he is figuring things out. He draws very well in a race with not much early speed, and he should be on the front and in this a long way. (9) BLACK SPECTER will dispute favourite status. He debuted in that March 31st race coming home a very solid 3rd. He had been sent off as the favourite that day having won a trial, and he should have benefited from the run. (6) HIPPODROME was 4th on March 31st, marking an uptick in form. He’ll come from off the pace again and can be a danger late on. (5) SEGWANG JILJU and (7) SCALE KING others who may improve.

Selections(2) Eunpa Partner (9) Black Specter (6) Hippodrome (5) Segwang Jilju
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and it’s hard to go past (4) YONGBISU. She’s shown steady improvement across her five starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M on March 23rd when she led for much of the way around. In this company and having drawn well, she can lead again, and back at 1300M, she can go one better. Jockey Kim A-hyun rode out her apprentice claim last week, and she could go close here on (9) CRAZY SHAH. She enters off a close 2nd over 1200M on April 6th and the slight step up in trip may be to her liking. (2) THUNDER STORM and (8) B.K. BELLE both come in off last start 3rd place finishes and both can be in the hunt again. (5) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER another with at least a place chance.

Selections(4) Yongbisu (9) Crazy Shah (2) Thunder Storm (8) B.K. Belle
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

(9) YONGAM SESANG will be a short-price favourite. He enters here having run 2nd and 3rd in his two prior starts although there was a full eight months between them. He comes in having not raced since January, but he won a trial in fine order two weeks ago and if that is any indication of his fitness level, then given the standard of this opposition, he will be hard to beat. (7) SPARKLING took several trials to qualify and then raced fairly on debut a month ago. He should have come on for the experience and can get closer today. (5) ARCH ROCKET has a lot more experience – not necessarily a good thing in a maiden – but she comes in off a fair 5th of eleven over 1200M last time out and in this company should be closer. (1) GEUMSEONG POWER and (6) DANGCHAN NANGBO other potential improvers.

Selections(9) Yongam Sesang (7) Sparkling (5) Arch Rocket (1) Geumseong Power
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

None of these have raced over this distance before. (2) STUNNING FLATTTER comes in having got his maiden win at the third time of asking over 1400M on March 23rd. It had been coming too after a 3rd and a 2nd from his first two outings and while he comes up in class here, he is down in the weights, draws nicely, and the step up to two turns should suit. (5) SPECIAL HILL got his maiden in two starts back over 1200M and was then slowly away on his first try at this level before running on for 5th over 1300M on April 6th. He tackles two turns for the first time and looks the main danger. (6) E.H. COCO is yet to win but comes up in class following a second runner-up finish over 1400M on April 6th when on pace throughout. An apprentice keeps his carried weight light enough to make him competitive. (4) MAGIC WITH YOU and (1) WONDERFUL WISHING others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Stunning Flatter (5) Special Hill (6) E.H. Coco (4) Magic With You
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

It’s Korean Oaks weekend and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11: 50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Last year’s Oaks winner Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Ttukseom Cup last week (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (2) GRAND CHASER will be the one to beat. She ran 2nd on debut on Christmas Eve before running a fair 5th of eleven when favourite on her return in January when she was impeded in the straight. She comes in fresh here and from a good draw, should win. (11) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE has hinted at ability across three starts so far. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a bit of luck at the start, she can find a forward position and be in this a long way. (3) MOTHER WONDERFUL comes in off a (admittedly distant) 3rd place over 1300M at the end of last month and can be in the mix again. (4) QUEEN’S FLETAR and (6) ONE WAY others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Grand Chaser (11) Yeonggwangui Rose (3) Mother Wonderful (4) Queen’s Fletar
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

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

(3) WHITE FALCON returned from four months out to run a fair 4th over 1200M on April 12th having settled right back. She has bled in the past but has shown ability with her best being a runner-up finish back in December. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, Moon Se-young climbs up, and she should strip fitter for that outing three weeks ago. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (4) ONEULISUNGAN has a 3rd and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1400M. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and is a real chance here. (7) ALICE MARINE ran 2nd over this trip two starts back. She’ll be on pace here and should be in it a long way. (6) NAEPYEON and (5) GWANGSOKMA others to consider.

Selections(3) White Falcon (4) Oneulisungan (7) Alice Marine (6) Naepyeon
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) BLACK EAGLE enters off her best finish to date when 3rd over 1400M on March 29th. She settled right back that day and ran on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she will be the one to beat here in this limited field. (2) SEUNGNI GITBAL ran an improved 4th place when stepped up to this distance on April 5th, also settling back and running on, and that’s enough to make her the danger here. There is not early speed in the race so that may allow (7) ILCHUL GOLD to be further forward today and with Tanaka up, she can improve on recent performances. (4) JOJOBA and (1) FLYING ICE, the latter having been back to trial since an underwhelming debut, others in the frame.

Selections(9) Black Eagle (2) Seungni Gitbal (7) Ilchul Gold (4) Jojoba
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) MOUNTAIN DADDY got his maiden win in March when making all over a mile, before stepping up to this class and distance on April 5th and beating a few of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place. He comes up only slightly in the weights and from a good draw can be on or close to the pace here and will be expected to win. (9) WITH STAR loves coming home in 4th place, somethings he has done in each of her latest four starts and on seven occasions in total. She was (of course) 4th behind Mountain Daddy in that April 5th race but she has a sharp finish on her and really should be closer this time. (3) OVER THE TRIPLE and (4) QUEEN’S ROAD will need their respective latest efforts overlooked but both can be competitive in this company. (8) SEOGWI OREUM another place chance.

Selections(2) Mountain Daddy (9) With Star (3) Over The Triple (4) Queen’s Road
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

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JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG HARD TO OPPOSE IN TTUKSEOM CUP

Jeulgeounyeojeong will start an odds-on favourite to confirm her position as the nation’s top filly or mare in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES AT SEOUL & BUSAN.

Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)

Having swept all three legs of the Triple Tiara Series last year, Jeulgeounyeojeong went on to make inroads into the big filly and mare late season races too, culminating in victory in the brand-new Breeders’ Cup Queen race at Busan in December. She then had a welcome three-months of rest before tackling the first leg of the Queens’s Tour S/S, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M in March.

Sent off as the 1.5 favourite, Jeulgeounyeojeong came through that test although she was pushed hard by Wonderful Slew, who beat her in the Gyeongnam Governors’ Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan last October and got within a length of her in the Donga. However, with the distance dropping to one-turn, Wonderful Slew doesn’t take part this time, instead being sent out against the boys in last week’s YTN Cup over her favoured 2000M when she finished a creditable 5th behind Global Hit.

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Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is Sunday’s feature and is race 7 on the 11 race program at Seoul that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Raon The Spurt is the defending Ttukseom Cup Champion but will have to hold out Jeulgeounyeojeong is she is to repeat (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) SPINNING BOOM will be a warm favourite for the opener. After a middling debut when he was slowly away, he has recorded, a 4th, a 2nd and a 3rd in three subsequent starts, all at 1200M. In this company and from a good draw, he will be racing on pace and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today should be the day. (6) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG has hinted at ability across three starts so far, running better times than most of those over 1200M. He can be further forward today and the very slight step up in trip can suit. (3) YEONGWON POTEN enters off an improved 3rd place over 1200M in a filly only maiden a month ago. She draws nicely and should be close. (5) AMAZING STAR and (1) BREEDO MAGICIAN are others to consider.

Selections(2) Spinning Boom (6) Geumak Myeongjang (3) Yeongwon Poten (5) Amazing Star
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

(1) TONNERRE has shown signs of figuring things out and while he did get sent back to trial having continuously lain out in his latest outing when 4th over this distance on March 23rd, he won his subsequent morning heat by leading all the way. He draws nicely here and can win. (6) CHEONMA BULPAE has two 3rd place finishes among his latest three starts, both at this distance. He can sit behind the speed here and can run into some money again. (4) AMAZING ROCK ran fairly on debut with a midfield finish over this distance. He should have come on for that run and can get closer second-up. (10) KNIGHT CHARM and (7) SOFT POWER among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(1) Tonerre (6) Cheonma Bulpae (4) Amazing Rock (10) Knight Charm
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) SWEET BEOMHAN debuted inauspiciously last November but having been put away for four months, looked much better when returning on March 31st over 1200M and beating three of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place having raced handy. She won’t need to improve very much to win this. (10) RUN TO QUEEN similarly improved to 2nd at start number two, in her case over 1200M on March 22nd. Her times haven’t been quick, and she has the challenge of a wide draw, but she still shapes as the testing material here. (1) SIMON STAR debuted in that March 31st race and ran a fair 5th behind Sweet Beomhan. With some natural improvement as a result of that experience, she can get closer today. (3) WORLD MAID CAT and (4) MY HIT are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Sweet Beomhan (10) Run To Queen (1) Simon Star (3) World Maid Cat
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only. (3) BEOLGYOWISU will be the one to beat. After getting her maiden win over 1200M in December, he had an off day when tried at this class for the first time in January, sent off as favourite and showing close to the pace, but weakening badly. She came back into form with a 2nd place, again back at 1200M on March 2nd and coming in fresh from eight weeks off, she can win. The danger is (6) SHACKLE POINT. She too got her maiden win three starts back before running midfield on her first try at this class in February. That was followed by a good 3rd place at this distance on March 23rd when she almost led the entire way around and she should be a big player here. (8) SMART BYEOL has two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) SINUI YEOIN and (10) WONDERFUL SHADOW may provide some each-way value.

Selections(3) Beolgyowisu (6) Shackle Point (8) Smart Byeol (4) Sinui Yeoin
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in six outings but has been no worse than 4th in each of his last four starts, including when beaten into a close 3rd as favourite over this distance on March 31st. He comes up slightly in weight today but is in a good gate and this time can get the win. (4) DRAGON FIRE broke though at start two over 1300M on January 28th, settling right back and finishing very well. He comes up in class here and has had thirteen weeks off, but the step up in trip should suit and he can be competitive. (10) KOHINOOR has been consistent across nine starts to date and enters having beaten a few of these, including Seobu Vision, at class and distance on March 31st. He comes up 2kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wider gate but should be close again. (5) GUKDAE HERO and (1) BARADEON BADA among plenty of others with placing hopes.

Selections(2) Seobu Vision (4) Dragon Fire (10) Kohinoor (5) Gukdae Hero
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) GIANT M got his   maiden win at 1400M two starts back before running nowhere on his first try at this class over the same trip on March 24th when drawn wide and using up plenty to get a forward position. He comes up to two turns for the first time, but it can suit and from the inside gate, Jeong Jeong-hee can pick his spot. (2) DONGHAENG FIRST is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has been getting closer, culminating in a runner-up finish at class and distance on April 13th when on pace all the way. One of only three here with prior experience of two-turns, he has every chance of breaking through. (7) EUNPA JOY come sup in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1300M and 1400M. The step up in trip can suit and he is down in the weights. (11) NARAOLA and (8) PLAN B are the other logical placing chances.

Selections(1) Giant M (2) Donghaeng First (7) Eunpa Joy (11) Naraola
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) EUNSEONG CHAMPION got his maiden win at start number seven with a front-running score over a mile on March 17th. He comes up in class here but us down in the weights, Franco remains aboard, and he can win again. (3) MAX THE CAT shapes as the main danger. He too comes up in class and down in the weights following a maiden win over a mile last time out, in his case in February. In contrast to Eunseong Champion, he came from well off the pace so just who starts as favourite may depend on how the track has been playing in the first couple of races. (5) LEMON DRAGON completes a trio of up in class last start winners over this distance. His winning time was slow, but he has plenty more scope for progress and can be competitive. (12) WONDERFUL KAYLAN and (2) UNJU WINNER, who has been through a quick trial with Beolmaui Star since his last race, are others to consider.

Selections(8) Eunseong Champion (3) Max The Cat (5) Lemon Dragon (12) Wonderful Kaylan
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

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

(Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens to begin with and (9) BIG BRIDGE will be the favourite having improved to 2nd place at start number three on March 23rd when racing handy throughout over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but it was still quicker than any of the others here have achieved over the 1200M, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOJEONSA will be the second favourite. She also showed improvement in that same March 24th race, coming home in 4th place, having been similarly on pace throughout. From a nice draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way again. (10) SARYEONI NIKE has shown slow but noticeable progress across her three appearances to date and can continue to get closer here. There are five debut-makers, and of them (7) USEUNG DOLJIN and (5) KHAS look the most likely to make an immediate impact. 

Selections(9) Big Bridge (2) Haengbok Yeojeonsa (10) Saryeoni Nike (7) Useung Doljin
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden with more than one looking ready to win. We’ll side with (4) BAZOOKA BOY. His best among three starts so far is a second place and while he hasn’t been the most fluent of runners so far, he does seem to have ability. He was sent back to trial following his last start 4th and he came through his heat well. He draws nicely and the two turns can suit. The main danger is (7) BEAT YEONGUNG. He was a beaten favourite behind Bazooka Boy on March 16th but previously recorded a 2nd and a 4th and with Moon Se-young climbing on, plenty will be backing him to bounce back here. (6) P N S CAR comes in off a 2nd place at 1300M on March 30th. That was just his third start, and his running style suggests the step up in trip can be to his liking. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) YONGBICHEON others in the minor money hunt. 

Selections(4) Bazooka Boy (7) Beat Yeongung (6) P N S Car (8) Craze Chang
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

(1) MR. TROT was a good winner over this distance at start number two over this distance in February when leading for most of the way, before putting in a somewhat ordinary showing when favourite for his first try at this class over 1400M on March 16th when he was scarcely involved. He comes back in trip and into a better gate, and he can be given another chance. (9) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win having been promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes in his opening two starts. He enters off a solid 3rd place at this class and distance on March 31st when handy throughout and while he comes up 2.5kg in the weights, he should figure strongly here. (2) RAON THE CLIPPER is another maiden up in class in his case following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two. He draws nicely to be on pace, comes down in the weights, and he can measure up and more here. (8) FIJI BLADE and (6) MORNING BOLD others in the frame.

Selections(1) Mr. Trot (9) Geumak Dia (2) Raon The Clipper (8) Fiji Blade
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 11

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

(7) HWASANGHWIHWAN remains a maiden after nine attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, most recently last time out over this class and distance on March 3rd when racing midfield and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights but with CC climbing on, today can be his day. If he does manage to find one too quick again, it could be (8) TRISTAN WANGJA. He has been finding his feet at this level and looks to be working towards a second win with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. (1) THUNDER A ONE comes up in class after registering his maiden win at start number five on March 16th when le led every step of the way. He draws nicely to lead again, and a repeat isn’t impossible. Those three will be in the majority of trifectas, with nothing else entering in good form. (4) EXPECT and (10) SUNGANUI CHANCE are perhaps the best of the supporting case.

Selections(7) Hwasangwihwan (8) Tristan Wangja (1) Thunder A One (4) Expect
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

Racing returns to the daytime schedule this week and kicks off with an 8-race program at Busan on Friday running 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) SUPREME QUEEN has finished between has been getting closer in her latest starts, culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on March 29th when leading for much of the way and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should be on pace again here and this time can have too much. (5) GONJOHARI ran once in the middle of last year, finishing a fair 6th. He hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up in March and in this company can go well first up. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th on both starts so far. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and should get closer. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST and (4) PURE DANCE among others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Supreme Queen (5) Gonjohari (7) Pompeii (11) Yeongwanguifirst
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) POWER BANK enters off a to-date best of 2nd over 1300M on March 24th when on pace throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace again here and this time looks like the one to beat. (2) AWESOME SUNRISE is the probable second favourite. She has plenty of experience over this trip and she won’t need to improve much on how she ran when 4th last time out in order to get closer here. (1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE enters odd a fair 3rd place over 1200M on March 31st, when he led for much of the way. He can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) BRUG KINGMAN and (11) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others to consider.

Selections(9) Power Bank (2) Awesome Sunrise (1) Beolgyo Franch (3) Brug Kingman
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

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

(4) FUERTE has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, both over a mile and both times settling midfield and running on. Tanaka climbs on today and she can settle back once more, and this time prove too strong late on. That will mean overturning the form on (7) STAR PARK who comes in having run 3rd to Fuerte’s 4th when they raced each other at this distance on April 5th. He also has a 2nd place to his name and is another who likes to settle back and be doing his best work late. (12) BABEL DREAMY has shown progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on March 24th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be a factor. (2) STORMY DAY and (8) TRICKSTER other placing chances.

Selections(4) Fuerte (7) Star Park (12) Babel Dreamy (2) Stormy Day
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) RUBY STONE got her maiden win in a quick time over 1200M two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 29th, leading almost the entire way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. Her win came from the same wide draw she has today and this time she should go one better. (4) SEKWANG CHEOGANG was 3rd on that March 29th race. She has mixed her form over her six appearances, but she has a good finish on her and can be a danger. (9) SEUNGNI PARTY has been consistent over her own six starts, with her win coming at this distance. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can go close.  The up in class last start winner (10) BUSAN TODAY along with (5) BRAVE CAPTAIN are others to look out for. 

Selections(11) Ruby Stone (4) Sekwang Choegang (9) Seungni Party (10) Busan Today
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

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GLOBAL HIT DOWNS TUHONUI BANSEOK IN LAST GASP YTN SUCCESS

Tuhonui Banseok put up a valiant defence of his title, but Global Hit ultimately wrested it away from him with a last gasp drive to win the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series, in the very final stride at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit pursues Tuhonui Banseok in sight of the line (Pic: KRA)

Global Hit had been on the wrong side of a photo-finish when going down to Winner’s Man in last December’s Grand Prix, but with Winner’s Man out of the picture, and Global Hit having won the first leg of the series, the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) in March, the four-year-old was sent off a warm favourite to once again defy a wide draw and  take out the Stayer second leg.

Tuhonui Banseok set off meaning business. Under Chae Sang-hyun the now five-year-old, who won the race by a remarkable eleven-lengths a year ago, went straight to the lead alongside 100/1 outsider Bolt Man. Kim Hye-sun aboard Global Hit meanwhile used the same tactics she did in the Herald Business and rode patiently, setting up camp in midfield and gradually improving as the field made their way down the back.

Pic: KRA

It was a brave effort from Tuhonui Banseok and while Global Hit inexorably raised the pressure in the sprint, he would not go down without a fight and continued to hold the younger horse at bay. They crossed the line together, but momentum saw Global Hit strike the front just when it mattered, the margin a nose. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit, was a length back in 3rd.

Pre-race the market consensus was that the biggest danger was Nut Play, who got within a length of Global Hit in the Herald Business and drew a better gate this time around. Just like the Herald Business, jockey Jo Jae-ro opted to follow favourite. They would not get on terms and ultimately finished 4th. Wonderful Slew, the only filly or mare in the race, was a game 5th.

The diminutive Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] may not look like a racehorse, but he is fast and gutsy and he moves on to seven wins from twelve starts. For jockey Kim Hye-sun, as well as trainer Bang Dong-suk, he is proving to be a career-defining horse. He is owned by Kim Joon-hyun, who also had Minister’s Cup winner Hit Yegam in Winner’s Man’s year.

Jockey Kim will have plenty of time to reflect on the win as she picked up a four-meeting ban for the way she came off the fence to the detriment of Wonderful Slew on the 3rd corner.

The final leg of the Stayer Series is the slightly shorter Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast on Sunday May 26. Tuhonui Banseok is the defending champion there too having lifted himself up off the canvas to go past Winner’s Man. He will need all that and more if he is to prevent Global Hit from carrying off a clean sweep.

Next week, the focus moves to the filly and mare division and the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Jeulgeounyeojeong heads the field with Raon The Spurt looking the main danger.

Can Nut Play Overturn Form on Global Hit in YTN Cup?

The Stayers’ Series reaches its second stage on Sunday when a field of fifteen line up for the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Global Hit remains the one to beat in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

After running 2nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit asserted his claim to be the new King of Korean racing with victory in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul last month.

Despite Winner’s Man being out of the picture for the foreseeable future – and possibly to be retired – the margin of victory was less than a length as another four-year-old, Nut Play was bearing down on Global Hit. The pair head the line up for the YTN and a reversal in form shouldn’t be ruled out.

At his best though, (14) GLOBAL HIT may prove hard to beat. He draws the same wide gate as he did in the Herald Business and Kim Hye-sun on board will be very aware of the threat that Nut Play – and others – can pose. Expect tactics to be adjusted accordingly.

(3) NUT PLAY also featured on the Triple Crown trail last year, running 4th in the KRA Cup Mile, before 3rd place finishes in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup. He picked up a Listed win last September over 1800M and began this year with a victory at class 1 level before his Herald Business runner-up. He comes into a much better gate this time.

Although they will be at the top of the market, this is no two-horse race. (7) TUHONUI BANSEOK is the defending champion, having demolished a field including Winner’s Man by an astonishing eleven-lengths. He made his season re-appearance in the Herald Business, running a creditable 3rd. A big run is possible here.

The wildcard is a stablemate of Tuhonui Banseok’s. In fact, it isn’t initially obvious which is the second string from the Bart Rice barn as (2) JEONGMUN COBIT enters in sensational form, having won his latest four at distances between 1400M and 2000M, posting some very quick times and for the most part, giving away weight. This is a step into the unknown competition wise, but he may well step up.

(10) SPEED YOUNG was champion juvenile in 2022 and has consistently threatened to break through at the very top level, including a strong 2nd behind Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and a 3rd in the President’s Cup. He can mix his form, but he was a fair 5th in the Herald Business and shouldn’t be dismissed today.

Others who may find some interest at longer prices include (11) CHIEF INDY and the only filly in the race, Luigi Riccardi’s (4) WONDERFUL SLEW.

The YTN Cup is race 7 on the 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05.

Selections(14) Global Hit (3) Nut Play (2) Jeongmun Cobit (7) Tuhonui Banseok
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10, 14

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 21)

After the sprinters last week, this week it’s the second leg of the Stayer Series and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) headlines the daytime card on Sunday at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Global Hit headlines Sunday’s YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(9) USEUNG CONCORD raced twice in late summer last year, recording a 3rd and a 2nd over 1000M and 1200M. He hasn’t raced since but trialled up fairly in March and Moon Se-young’s engagement makes it likely they intend to pick up from where they left off and win first-up against this very limited set of opponents. (5) ARCH ROCKET has hinted at ability and should at least be on pace here. An apprentice keeps his weight very light, and he should be in the mix. (10) POWER TRY is the solitary debut maker. It took hm two goes to qualify but he looked competent enough at the second time of asking and he can be considered against this lot. (7) JEONGSEONG VICE and (6) HERO NARA others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Useung Concord (5) Arch Rocket (10) Power Try (7) Jeongseong Vice
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

(9) BREEDO KING STAR enters off a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and both times settling behind the lead before finishing well. Despite the wide draw, he can be expected to be on pace here and he us the one to bear. Clear second-pick is (1) GEUMSEONG REVERE. Having returned from almost nine months out to run a 4th place over 1300M on March 14th, she should strip fitter here and can be a danger. The form falls off significantly after those, but (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has hinted at ability across his three starts so far. He has got a bit far back in his races but should be running on strong here.  (7) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG and (3) HIGH END are potential improvers.

Selections(9) Breedo King Star (1) Geumseong Revere (5) Éclair Power (7) Changjoui Gidung
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

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

(9) BLAZING MAN will be the favourite here. He has shown steady improvement across his three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1400M on March 22nd when racing on pace. He has finished ahead of a few of these already and he should be finishing ahead of all of them today. (3) THUNDER GUY comes in having finished a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 31st. The time wasn’t the quickest, but he should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. (4) HANEUL SINHWA dead-heated for 5th place behind Blazing Man last time out and can there or thereabouts again. (2) BEST BOY and (7) GOAT KING IJI among others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) Blazing Man (3) Thunder Guy (4) Haneul Sinhwa (2) Best Boy
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

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

Fillies only and (2) JERAQUEEN will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across her five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1300M in a similar all-filly race on March 17th when leading almost all the way. She draws nicely to lead again and will be expected to go one better. (10) BEATRIZ enters having run an improved 3rd over this distance in February when racing on the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light, and despite the wide draw, she can be on pace and in this again. (7) PINK WIND was one of those behind Jeraqueen on March 17th, but she has a 2nd place to her name and can be a factor here. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE and (5) MONEY TOUCH others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Jeraqueen (10) Beatriz (7) Pink Wind (6) Chogangbulpae
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

(5) MORPHEUS is up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking when stepped up to a mile and leading all the way on March 24th. He has performed well at this distance as well and while he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight break, he can be on pace again and can go back-to-back. (4) MOVIE MORE is yet to win in ten attempts, nine of hem at this distance but she comes in with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two. She carries a light weight, draws well to challenge Morpheus for the early lead, and it could well be her day. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. It may have been her first win on her twentieth start, but she has loads of experience at this level and this is the kind of company she can place among. The rest need to improve on recent form with (11) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (6) SINHAE MANGCHI perhaps the most likely.

Selections(5) Morpheus (4) Movie More (2) Velociraptor (11) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) YONGAM MARENGO finished down the field when sent off as favourite at class and distance on March 23rd. The margins weren’t huge though and we can give him another chance after two near-misses leading up to it. He can sit behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (6) RAON THE TAP has two placings at this class and enters off a fair 5th, ahead of Yongam Marengo in that March 23rd race. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he will have plenty of backers here. (5) MEOTJIN GIROK has been working his way back into form and enters off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on March 17th. He is another with a strong finish who should be doing his best work late. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (7) NAOL DAEWANG others to consider.

Selections(9) Yongam Marengo (6) Raon The Tap (5) Meotjin Girok (4) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (11) JAZZ STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M in an all-filly maiden on March 22nd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and, under a light weight, she can maintain her 100% start. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE is the main danger. She was a winner at this class and distance in February – the only one in the field to have prevailed at 1400M – before running midfield in stiffer company than this and under 56kg last time out. She comes down in the weights here with an apprentice engaged, is drawn well, and she can return to form. (10) ARION QUEEN will need a line drawn through her latest over a mile but should be happier back in trip here. (7) NONSTOP DUTY and (1) CHIMING RUN others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Jazz Star (2) Wonderful Cutie (10) Arion Queen (7) Nonstop Duty
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

(3) ROYAL BEST got his maiden win over 1300M in January, making all, and has since been 4th on both tries at this class, both times having led. He draws nicely here, CC climbs aboard, and he can win. (2) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish any worse than 4th after five starts last year. He hasn’t raced since last October but he looked very well when leading all the way in a trial at the start of this month, and from a good gate, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) HAEJE YEOGEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on January 14th having led. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks out and she can be in the hunt. (4) GOLDEN LINE and (6) TAMNA CHOEGANGJA others to consider.

Selections(3) Royal Best (2) Jechuk Iho (9) Haeje Yeogeol (4) Golden Line
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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