Author: gyongmaman

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 20)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Bring an umbrella, rain is forecast! Here are the previews:

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

Just eight in the first division of this maiden and (1) CUPID MIR will be the clear favourite. He has finished 3rd once and 4th three times across his five starts so far, posting decent times along the way. From the inside gate he will surely be on the pace, and he should lead all the way. (7) SEOUL DOLPUNG is the clear second pick. He overcame a wide draw to run 4th at 1300M on March 16th and in this smaller field should be closer to the front from the start. He has six finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be aiming for at least 2nd here. (5) BOLLIN ran 3rd over 1200M two starts back in a good time and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (8) CAMP DAVID and (3) EUNSEONG SARANG other possibles for the minors.

Selections(1) Cupid Mir (7) Seoul Dolpung (5) Bollin (8) Camp David
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(9) BREEDO GIRL will be heavy favourite in the second division of this maiden. After running 4th on debut over 1200M in December, she returned in February to finish 2nd at 1400M, coming from off the pace. She has had eleven weeks off since, but she really should be able to score in this company. (8) CROQUIS is second pick. She has two 3rd places from her last three including last time out at this distance on March 30th. She was beaten by a couple of these in between, but a repeat of her latest effort will see her close. Given the strength (or lack thereof) in this race, we should at least consider the solitary first time starter. That’s (7) SAEROUN GUY who while a long way behind the winner of his trial, looked competent enough, and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. (4) THUNDER SPEED and (3) ELITE PEACE potential improvers.

Selections(9) Breedo Girl (8) Croquis (7) Saeroun Guy (4) Thunder Speed
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Fillies only here. (5) DIANA got her maiden win two starts back, leading all the way over this distance, before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 31st over 1300M when on pace again. She comes up slightly in the weights, but back at 1200M, she can win again. (4) MUJANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over 1400M at this class.  She comes in der a very light weight here and from a good draw, she shapes as the main danger. (6) SMART SOCKS ran 3rd over 1200M on April 7th, coming from off the pace. That was a big uptick in recent form and while still a maiden after nineteen attempts, she can be close again. (11) DREAM SKY and (3) ELITE ROYAL are others to consider.

Selections(5) Diana (4) Mujang (6) Smart Socks (11) Dream Sky
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

(9) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN got his one win in February at this class and distance when coming from well off the pace. He then had a poor day at the office at his latest start at class and distance on March 23rd, when settling back after a slow start and this time not running on, but we’ll draw a line through that and with CC climbing on, he can return to winning ways. (4) JEONGMUN PAPAGO enters having got his maiden win at the eighteenth time of asking at this class and distance in that same race on March 23rd that Naegilui Captain disappointed in. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result, but he warrants respect. (2) BAEKRYONG remains winless in nine but comes up in class after a few too many near-misses. He is down in the weights, draws nicely, and can measure up in this company. (8) GLORY K and (7) MIGHTY BOM others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Naegilui Captain (4) Jeongmun Papago (2) Baekryong (8) Glory K
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

The short spring evening race season comes to an end this week with the action kicking off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those. (1) QUEEN OF DRAGON went through two trials in March and April, settling midfield in both and running on well to cross the line 4th in both in good times. She draws nicely, the 1200M can suit first-up, and if she brings her trial form to the races, she’ll be close. Among the experience, (12) KING DRAGON. He ran an on-pace 5th on debut over this distance on March 15th and while he was a fair bit behind the first-three, he should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (9) SHINING MORNING enters off a 3rd place over 1300M last time out, her bets in six attempts so far. That’s enough to put her in the frame here. (2) GOLDEN NICE and (3) THE GREY MAN other potential improvers.

Selections(1) Queen Of Dragon (12) King Dragon (9) Shining Morning (2) Golden Nice
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 12

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) SKY ARCH has shown improvement across eight starts so far, and she comes in off her best when 2nd over this distance on April 5th when settling midfield and running on. She is third-up this preparation and from a good draw, she can go one better here. (5) HYPER FORCE improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on March 1st when racing handy. She looks to have scope for more development and has posted the fastest time of any of these for the 1400M. (7) UNJU LEGEND enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at a mile. An apprentice keeps her weight low, and she should be in the mix again. (9) DIA GRIT and (4) HAERANG JINJU others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Sky Arch (5) Hyper Force (7) Unju Legend (9) Dia Grit
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

(7) BLUE POINT has quite the name to live up to, but he looks to be figuring things out following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to this distance at start number three on March 17th. There isn’t much speed in this race so he should get a nice run to the front, and he can win here. The danger is (6) GREAT BOY. He made his first four starts last year recording a best of 4th but was then off from October until re-appearing on March 15th. The break seemed to do him some good as he was an improved 2nd on return at 1300M and can be expected to strip fitter here. (3) MY WAY leaves himself too much to do but may appreciate the step up to the mile for the first time, while (5) NANGMAN DAERO has finished 4th on each of his last four starts and could well do so again. (9) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG another to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Blue Point (6) Great Boy (3) My Way (5) Nangman Daero
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(8) HUNTER DRAGON remains a maiden but comes up to this class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two, both over a mile and both times racing on pace. He comes down in the weights, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance of getting off the mark here at what is only his fourth career start.  (6) NALA beat three of these on her way to a close 2nd at big odds over a mile on March 22nd when overcoming the widest gate and flying home late. She’ll be at least an each-way price again and could provide some interest. (3) TOP FRIEND ran 5th in that March 22nd race having raced on pace. He is a twenty-start maiden but has five 2nd place finishes and should be in the mix here. (9) STREET ROCK and (5) QUEEN OF JOY others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Hunter Dragon (6) Nala (3) Top Friend (9) Street Rock
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

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Beolmaui Star Puts Start & Dubai Woes Behind Him in SBS Sports Sprint Triumph

It was always going to be about the start for Beolmaui Star. At Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the five-year-old shrugged off his recent gate woes to begin beautifully and cross to the lead and then proceeded to make every post the proverbial winning post in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un after winning the SBS (Pic: KRA)

The so-called generational shift hinted at with Raon The Point’s victory over fellow four-year-old Something Lost in the first leg of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint last month, will have to wait. Something Lost was sent off as favourite and was in the race a long way, crossing the line 3rd, just a length and a half behind Beolmaui Star.

But Raon The Point, while showing near the front early on, faded from the scene early and finished well back. Instead, it was the veteran Eoma Eoma, showing he is far from done yet, who was a fast-finishing 2nd, three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

Beolmaui Star was unable to run in the Busan Ilbo as his quarantine period on his return from his disappointing Dubai sojourn meant that he wasn’t able to return to work in time Local punters didn’t care about that and also ignored those Dubai results and his latest start in Korea, when missing the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November, and they made him 2nd favourite behind Something Lost. 

“I was actually nervous” winning trainer Baik Kwang-yeol told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The first time I have ever been nervous before a Group race.”

Eoma Eoma made a late bid but couldn’t get there (Pic: KRA)

Baik didn’t talk much more about the race but expanded on his chastening experience at the Dubai Carnival with a horse he felt, given the times he had run at 1200M – and having finished just four-lengths behind international superstar Remake – should have been competitive, but was not:

“I thought we prepared well for Dubai but ultimately, I felt like that frog in the well (who knows nothing of the sea). He can (run the times necessary to be competitive) but just couldn’t adjust to the pace and tempo of the race there. If we can’t adjust to that then (Korean racing) will never be any better, I feel good and fortunate to have won today, but I will not just be satisfied with this.”

Beolmaui Star seems to love racing at Seoul. After the Korea Sprint and before his Dubai disgrace, he also messed up the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy in Busan last November, but this time, back in the capital, there was no mistake.

“(Beolmaui Star) has just one drawback” winning jockey Seo Seung-un explained to KRBC. “He can get anxious in the gates, and he is a lead horse so if he makes a mistake at the start, he simply won’t get a result. So, we trained a lot to get the start right and he did and then we were able to carry out our plan effectively.”

(Pic: KRA)

As for the Dubai expedition, Seo, who travelled over to Meydan to ride his first race, didn’t have much of an explanation and quickly moved on. “There wasn’t a particular problem with the horse, he just didn’t run well. Next month is the SROA Chairman’s Trophy over the same 1200M distance so if the horse is in good health and condition then there will be a high possibility that we will be here.”

Like Moon Se-young two weeks ago, Seo also noted the demographics among the racegoers. “When I come to Seoul, I feel like I can receive a lot of support because the crowd is so big. The number of younger fans has increased a lot, so the atmosphere makes it feel like the culture has changed a lot compared to just ten years ago. It is really nice to see.”

The final leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday May 19th. Next weekend, the focus shifts back to the Korea Cup lead-up with the Stayer Series and Global Hit heading the field in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

SBS Sports Sprint – Sprint Series 2nd Leg: Preview & Form Comments

When the four-year-old pair of Raon The Point and Something Lost flashed to the front in the final furlong of the Busan Ilbo Sprint a month ago, it seemed to show a generational change was finally taking place among the one turn elite. At Seoul on Sunday, they have to opportunity to confirm it as a full field of sixteen line up for the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Sprint Series. SEE HERE FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

At this point it is fair to acknowledge that part of the reason for the generational change is because of the absence of the biggest older star. Raon The Fighter won this race last year before suffering an injury that was confirmed this past to week, to have ended his racing career. But the new set are exciting, nonetheless.

Raon The Point and Something Lost have raced just nine times apiece. The former has won seven and the latter five, but they won’t necessarily come home in the same order as in the Busan Ilbo, when Raon The Point got the better of their late duel by a neck. Something Lost comes into a much better gate this time around, and he will probably start as the market leader.

Don’t rule out the old order striking back. Chief among those of course, is Eoma Eoma, who won this race in 2021 and then went on to claim the big one, the international Korea Sprint in 2022. He had an ordinary 2023 for the most part but came back into form when winning the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M at Busan last November and that provides some hope that he can bounce back from his 5th place in the Busan Ilbo last month.

The wildcard is Beolmaui Star. He temporarily shot to the top of the sprinting ranks by leading the 2023 Korea Sprint, only being passed by eventual winner, the world class Remake. It’s all gone a bit wrong since though. He missed the start in the Kookje Shinmun and then travelled to the Dubai Carnival where he scarcely featured in two disappointing efforts. He won a trial in fine fashion in March and if the Beolmaui Star of last year’s S   print shows up, he can win.

1. PREEMAX – Has long since lost his form. 9th over 1400M on season reappearance in February and is a big outsider here.

2. DOCTOR CAESAR – An excellent 3rd place in the Busan Ilbo having led from gate 1. Draws well again to be on pace and can be in this a long way, although others favoured.

3. SSONSAL – Won the G3 SROA Chairman’s Trophy at this distance here last June but has shown patchy form in three starts since. 6th in the Busan Ilbo and that would be par here. Regular jockey Da Silva staying in Busan may be a clue.

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SBS Sports Sprint & International Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, takes centre stage on Sunday, but there are plenty of other valuable races spread across both the capital and Busan with Trophy Exchange races for the Singapore Turf Club (evidently for the final time), Jockey Club of Turkey, Tokyo City Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club and the China Horse Industry Association. There is also a big money race to mark the end of the Cherry Blossom season. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the opening leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) SEOBU CHAMP comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on March 16th when settling back and running on strongly. She comes in here carrying the same weight and has every chance of coming out on top this day. It’s a competitive maiden though. (4) TAP DIA has a 2nd and a 3rd among her own three starts so far. In this company, she may be further forward than in those races and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) PROCEED showed improvement to run 3rd at start number two over 1300M on March 2nd. He too may like the increased distance and CC Wong climbs up. (3) EUMSEONG POWER and (10) ALL EYES ON ME among others capable of at least challenging for the places.

Selections(5) Seobu Champ (4) Tap Dia (8) Proceed (3) Eumseong Power
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and it’s hard to go past (3) APPLE QUEEN. Having run 4th on debut, all the way back last June, she didn’t race again until this March 16th when she was an on-pace 3rd over 1400M. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly fancied to lead from gate to wire. (6) SHINE BOLT has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1200M on February 24th over this distance. She comes into a better gate here and can continue to get closer. (8) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places among her four appearances. That means that any top-three finish will get her a rating and see her at class 5 next time and she could well match or better. (4) SMILE GOLD and (7) BYLONG STAR, the latter having been back to trial since a chastening debut, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Apple Queen (6) Shine Bolt (8) Complete Party (4) Smile Gold
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4 ,7

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

Competitive opener. (10) GANGSEO PRIDE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on March 8th, when on pace throughout. It wasn’t a quick time, and he was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, he has as good a chance as any here. (9) GIANT MARINE raced three times without distinction up until July last year. He was then put away and returned on March 15th this year and ran much better, finishing 3rd in a decent time over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (11) ONE WAY ROAD has been getting steadily better in recent outings and can continue his upward trajectory here. (5) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) DREAM WAY others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Gangseo Pride (9) Giant Marine (11) One Way Road (5) Choegang Chongal
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

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

(3) LOVE COWGIRL returns to action for the first time since last September. After winning on debut, she finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd in three subsequent starts before her layoff and going by her all the way trial win two weeks ago, she can pick up from where she left off. (8) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA got his maiden win at this class and distance on March 3rd, settling handy and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights today, but he can be competitive again. (6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win at this distance three starts back and has since run 4th and 5th in two tries at this level, most recently over 1700M. He looks nicely in here and should go close. (4) SINUI YEOJE and (11) GOOD SEONGBONG the other logical place chances.

Selections(3) Love Cowgirl (8) Seoul Choegangja (6) The Sun Fighter (4) Sinui Yeoje
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(5) I AM LEGEND got her maiden win two starts back over this distance before running 2nd at big odds on her first try at this level on March 8th settling right back and running on. She seems to be hitting her groove and she can win this. (3) RAON THE TANGO enters off a useful 3rd place at this class over 1400M on March 8th. The same apprentice jockey keeps the edge off his carried weight and from a good draw, he can go close again. (11) HANEUL EUTTEUM scored a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 15th. He comes up 2lg in the weights and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he should be running on to be a danger once more. (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS are others who can enter at least the placing calculations.

Selections(5) I Am Legend (3) Raon The Tango (11) Haneul Eutteum (2) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 13)

Saturday’s racing is an afternoon and evening meeting at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

The Seoul Racecourse blossoms are on the way out now, sadly, although evening racing continues

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

Maidens in the opener with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of the first timers and (5) GOLD SIDAE. He took two attempts to qualify but did so in some style at the second time of asking, racing on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a decent time. He draws well to be on pace here and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. Of the experienced ones, (4) CANVASEN GO will be the best fancied and will probably start as favourite, having run a fair 5th of twelve on debut on February 18th. He should strip fitter for that run, he comes into a better gate, and he has solid claims. (11) HERO GOLD improved from 7th on debut to 5th at start number two and can continue to make progress here. (9) BEST MAYA and (1) CAPTAIN MUSIC are other debut-makers who warrant consideration first-up.

Selections(5) Gold Sidae (4) Canvasen Go (11) Hero Gold (9) Best Maya
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(3) SOLAIRE has four top-four finishes from five starts so far and comes in off the best of them, when runner-up over this distance on March 16th. She likes to settle back and run on and if she shows the same sort of late speed here, she should go past this lot comfortably. (1) ASSI JANGGUN enters off a 3rd place in a very slow race over this distance in February. She had previously shown more in the way of speed though when 2nd over 1200M three starts back and from the inside gate, shapes as the main danger here. (4) JURING SKY was an improved 4th at 1200M on March 9th and in the absence of much in the way of early speed in this race, may find herself much further forward today and can be in this a long way. (5) MK LEE and (9) DAEWONYONGMA others who may improve.

Selections(3) Solaire (1) Assi Janggun (4) Juring Sky (5) MK Lee
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

Weak maiden. (2) MO CHUISLE has a 3rd and most recently a 4th place to her name across five starts so far, generally racing best when on pace. From a great draw today, she should get a comfortable run to the lead, and she can go all the way. The main danger is (4) YEJIMONG. Her best from fourteen starts so far is a 2nd but she has finished either 4th or 5th on no fewer than seven occasions, including her latest three, all at this distance. She is an unspectacular type but should be close to the pace and be there or thereabouts again today. (1) TESTA RUBY ran a much-improved 4th at this distance on March 9th and a similar run will see her in the finish again. (6) BAEKDU DAEMUL and (9) TOHOMARKET other minor money hopes.

Selections(2) Mo Chuisle (4) Yejimong (1) Testa Ruby (6) Baekdu Daemul
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(3) BLOOD MOUNTAIN will be a warm favourite. He has been getting closer in his seven starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place when stepped up to this distance for the first time on March 16th when racing against plenty of today’s rivals. He should have benefited from the experience of racing around two turns and he comes into a much better gate today. He will need to overturn the form on (5) COSMO KING, who ran a very good 2nd place in that March 16th race having tarted at odds in excess of 60/1. That was by far his best finish to date, and he warrants more respect here. The rest don’t inspire much confidence. (1) YONGBICHEON was 5th in that March 16th races and that’s enough to make her the next best. (9) QUEEN ABIGAIL and (4) EVER THE CROWN are minor money hopes.

Selections(3) Blood Mountain (5) Cosmos King (1) Yongbicheon (9) Queen Abigail
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) SSEULMO remains a maiden after eleven attempts, but he has seven top-four finishes, including a last start 3rd at this class over 1300M on March 10th when he overcame gate ten to race handy and run on. He draws much better today and with similar tactics, he can make the breakthrough. That will mean overturning the form on (7) GREEN VIVACE, who was 2nd in that March 10th race, having led for much of the way around. She got her win at this distance, she should be on pace, and third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness wise. Plenty of others enter with recent form reading well, but the wild card is (8) BEAT UP. He hasn’t raced since a 2nd place at class and distance just over a year ago, but he looked very well when going through a trial in March and he can go well first-up here. (3) GOLDBERG and (9) JAEWOO SIDAE are others to keep safe.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 12)

The Stakes racing action moves to Seoul this weekend with Sunday’s SBS Sports Sprint. The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday though with 8 afternoon and evening races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies in the opener. (4) MARIA’S CALL went well in trials and debuted fairly in 5th place over 1200M on debut on March 8th when racing handily throughout. It wasn’t a quick race, but she should have come on for the run and she has as good a chance as any here. (2) WORLD ANGEL CAT was a much-improved 3rd on her latest appearance on March 10th, leading for much of the way. She draws nicely here, and a similar effort will see her in the finish again. (9) ROSE DRAGON improved to 4th place at start number two over 1400M on March 15th having been slowly away and run on well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer here. (3) BORAM and (5) RUNNING FASHION others in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Maria’s Call (2) World Angel Cat (9) Rose Dragon (3) Boram
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

(5) FLYING THE FORD didn’t do much in two starts around the turn of the year, most recently in February, but he went back to trial in late March and led all the way around, stopping the clock in a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be the one to beat here. (6) FLASH DAY beat a couple of these when racing on pace on his way to an improved 4th place on his second start over 1200M on March 15th. In this company, he should be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (9) BREEDO PELL did nothing on debut last October but looked a much better prospect when trialling up again in March. He can go well first-up here. (10) WHITE FALCON and first timer (4) GLORY GANGSEO are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Flying The Ford (6) Flash Day (9) Breedo Pell (10) White Falcon
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

(2) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG is a sixteen-race maiden. But he has no fewer than nine top-five finishes on his record including a last start 4th over this distance on Mach 22nd when settling midfield and staying on. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. (3) HERE THE QUEEN got her maiden win two starts back over 1400M before running 4th on her first try at this class, again at the 1400M, three weeks ago. She looks nicely in here and can be competitive again. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER came from well off the pace to get his maiden win over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is slightly down in the weights, and he can measure up in this company. (12) B.K. ZENA and (11) CHOICE ROAD are others who can go close.

Selections(2) Success Yeonggwang (3) Here The Queen (7) Majestic Dancer (12) B.K. Zena
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 12

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

(2) OVER THE TRIPLE was a beaten favourite over a mile on March 22nd when he led for much of the way and then weakened late on. He comes back down to a distance at which he has a win and a runner-up finish at in two prior attempts, and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go all the way. (1) DOCTOR CAPTAIN won that March 22nd race, settling handy from the widest gate and running on for a narrow score. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but that is balanced a little by a much better draw, and he can be competitive again. (7) MORNING FLOW was a winner at this class and distance two starts back and with an apprentice claim here, can go close. (11) ROAD TO TOP and (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE are among others to be considered.

Selections(2) Over The Triple (1) Doctor Captain (7) Morning Flow (11) Road To Top
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) SUCCESSFUL has been ultra consistent, finishing in the top five in all ten of his starts so far. He comes in having run 3rd in a quick race over 1200M on March 1st which he led at one point, and under the same weight today and up slightly in trip, he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (4) SKY ROJO. He was the winner of that March 1st race, settling midfield and proving too strong in the closing stages. He comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but he is not to be dismissed here. (5) SKY JILJU led every step of the way to win in a decent time over this distance on March 17th. He is up in class here but should be competitive again. (2) NICE BIG GUY and (11) WISE KING are other placing chances.

Selections(7) Successful (4) Sky Rojo (5) Sky Jilju (2) Nice Big Guy
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) MASARANGGIL won back-to-back races over the turn of the year with the most recent being at this class and distance in January. She didn’t really feature on her latest start over 1800M at the start of February, but she comes in here fresh and back at a mile and drawn well, she can win. (1) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK doesn’t win out of turn, but he enters in very solid form with two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three at this class, all over 1800M. He draws nicely here, he carries a light weight, and he should go close again. (2) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE is up in class having won over 1400M on March 3rd. He has placed at this distance before, and he can measure up here. (6) PURPLE LINE and (12) BLACK VOLT others who can enter the calculations.

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Success Baekpa Swoops To Claim Triple Crown 1st Leg

If there is to be a Triple Crown winner this year, his name will be Success Baekpa after the Min Jang-gi trained colt roared home late to sweep past Nice Time to claim the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Last year’s champion juvenile Hangang Class was sent off as the odds-on favourite among the thirteen-strong field, but just as in the Busan Classic Trial in February, he was a touch slow coming out of the gate and was always on the backfoot from there on. Ultimately, he did well to run 3rd.

Seoul’s Classic Trial winner Nice Time set the early pace along with second-favourite Wonderful Lear. The latter was quickly beaten but Nice Time stayed on and looked set to go on to score until You Hyun-myung launched 13/1 chance Success Baekpa, who had settled well back in the pack, down the centre of the track to sweep past everything in his path and beat Nice Time by three-quarters of a length on the line.

“The horses drawn in one, two, and three (Hangang Class, Wonderful Lear and Nice Time) were so strong that I would have been very happy even to make it into the top-three, so it is a little unexpected” winning trainer Min Jang-gi told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I instructed (You Hyun-myung) to follow the leaders from midfield and I think he made good decisions at the right time and was able to win the race.”

Accordingly, expectations have changed now for the remainder of the Triple Crown series. “Now that he has successfully passed the first hurdle, there are two races left. This horse can come from behind and pick up speed, so I think that the distances getting longer mean his winning chances increase.”

For You Hyun-myung it was a return to the Graded Stakes winning enclosure for the first time since enduring a horrible 2023 when he missed most of the season after two heavy falls resulting in multiple surgeries.

“It makes it more special because it’s my first Grand Prize since returning and my family were here today so I’m even happier” he told KRBC. “I think of winning this race as a new beginning and a reason to work even harder, starting from next week.”

You may have to wait a little longer than next week as he picked up a 2-day ban for excessive whip use. Moon Se-young on Nice Time also got a two-day ban for shifting out in the straight.

Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). She was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. She moves on to a record of four wins from seven starts – and four in a row.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday May 12th. Next week, attention shifts to the Sprint Series and the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

KRA Cup Mile – Triple Crown 1st Leg Preview & Form Comments

The 2024 Korean Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday afternoon as thirteen three-year-olds line up for the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL ON SUNDAY.

Nice Time and Eunpa Sarang have headed South for the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Six colts have made the trip down from Seoul to face seven from the host track and it is a race of many chances.

Champion juvenile HANGANG CLASS will probably start as the betting favourite locally, but he comes in having been beaten in Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy (1400M KOR-Listed) in February, when taken down late by WONDERFUL LEAR. The pair meet again with Hangang Class this time much better drawn.

NICE TIME was Seoul’s best juvenile last year, and he has started 2024 in fine fashion with two wins, including in the capital city’s Classic Trial. He will be ridden by Moon Se-young, who last week won the opening leg of the Triple Tiara on Eclipse Berry and could well make it a double here.

DOCTOR KINGDOM had plenty of near misses throughout the juvenile series last year but an improvement shouldn’t be ruled out while his stablemate, BACCHUS, has taken the same route that last year’s winner Betelgeuse did, and is already a winner at 1800M, let a lone a mile. SUCCESS BAEKPA and STORM BREAKER are others who skipped the Juvenile Series and the Classic Trials to take a different path here.

1. HANGANG CLASS – Dominant seven-length winner of the Breeders’ Cup in December to be crowned champion juvenile. He was favourite for Busan’s Classic Trial in February but was a touch slow out of the widest gate and was then ridden hard around the outside to ultimately establish a four-length lead turning into the straight before being picked off late. He is drawn much better today for an easier run and his class can see him through. The favourite.

2. WONDERFUL LEAR – Picked off Hangang Class late on to win Busan’s Classic Trial, he is a winner of three from six. He has mixed his form and Hangang Class beat him twice last year. Don’t read too much into his midfield finish at this distance in January in a tough and quick race against older horses at class 3 level. He can be very competitive here.

3. NICE TIME – A winner of five from six stars so far with his only defeat coming at Busan when 4th in the Breeders’ Cup. He was slowly away in Seoul’s Classic Trial but showed a lot of heart to haul himself to the lead and then to keep it under pressure. The mile may well suit.

4. LALA KA – Won the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy but has never come close to repeating his explosive exploits from last August’s Rookie Stakes. 5th of ten at class 3 level in his only start this year back in January, he does at least come in here fresh, and the mile could be to his liking.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 7)

The Triple Crown season is upon us with the first jewel being contested at Busan on Sunday afternoon in the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). The big race is number 5 on a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 16:05. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul – where the cherry blossom festival continues – from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Wonderful Lear beat Hangang Class in the Busan Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) TAENGGEURI has five top-five finishes and comes back in trip after a couple of spins at 1700M and one at 1400M, not without some success. He has a 3rd place over this distance and has as good a chance as any here. (1) B.K. BELLE is the main danger. She has mixed her form across five starts so far but her running style suggests that the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be running on late. There isn’t much early speed in the race though. (8) HAYAN TAEYANG returns to action for the first time since last November. She has trialled up well on two occasions and should be in the mix first up here. The form falls off a bit after those three so it may be worth taking note of the debut making pair of (11) WONDERFUL LORD and (2) MAGIC PRINCE, both of whom hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(7) Taenggeuri (1) B.K. Belle (8) Hayan Taeyang (11) Wonderful Lord
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

A small field of maiden fillies. (2) MAGIC IMPACT won a February trial and then finished midfield on debut over 1200M later that month. She should have derived benefit from that experience, she draws much better today, and she has every chance here. (4) BAEDARI HYANGGI has been getting closer in recent outings, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 2nd. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can get even closer today. (7) GENERAL POWER may sound like an energy company and she has mixed her output across her four starts, but going on her 3rd place at 1200M in a good time two starts back, she is a chance here. (1) FLYING LION and (8) NEXTLEVEL are other placing chances.

Selections(2) Magic Impact (4) Baedari Hyanggi (7) General Power (1) Flying Lion
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

(4) BLACK JILJU led for much of the way around over this distance on March 1st and was only narrowly beaten into 2nd place. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and she looks very much the one to beat here. (1) NAEPYEON ran an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on February 23rd. From the inside gate he should be on pace and with Seo Seung-un booked to ride, more improvement seems probable. (10) SEOGWI STAR has been solid if unspectacular across her four appearances to date. She generally finishes off well and can run into some money again here. (8) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE and (6) DANCING BOY are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Black Jilju (1) Naepyeon (10) Seogwi Star (8) Yeonggwangui Rose
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) STUNNING CHAMP enters off a close 2nd place over 1300M on February 24th when settling midfield and running on well. She has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin, and she can win here. (1) SPALTA is clear second pick. He was an improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on March 3rd when racing handy throughout. From a good draw, he should get a relatively easy run to the lead and is the one the favourite will have to get past. There are a couple of debut-makers. Both (9) SPARKLING and (8) MAX PARTY went through plenty of trials, and both are capable of a bold first-up showing. (4) PERFECT TIARA the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Stunning Champ (1) Spalta (9) Sparkling (8) Max Party
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win in six attempts but is also yet to finish outside of the top four. She comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes, the most recent of which was ahead of a couple of today’s rivals at this class and distance on March 3rd. She comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but today should really be her day. If she manages to find one too quick again, it could be (2) FLYING DANU, who was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 8th and duly obliged, racing on pace throughout. She is up in class here but carries a light weight, draws well, and can measure up. (7) SKY GRIT is up in class after a maiden win in a good time at 1200M on March 3rd. She’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) GRAY QUEEN and (8) DONGNAM WINNER other placing chances.

Selections(1) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Flying Danu (7) Sky Grit (6) Gray Queen
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

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

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