Author: gyongmaman

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 11 races scheduled between 10:35 and 18:00. The forecast is for snow. Here are the previews:

2024 Oaks winner Eclipse Berry makes her second start back since a lengthy layoff (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (11) HOLLY TIARA, who after a trial ran a close 2nd on debut over this distance on November 8th, racing handy throughout. She drew wide that day too and will be favoured to go one better here. (6) STEEL MORE came from a long way back to run a close 2nd over 1000M on her debut on November 1st. She should have come on for that, and the additional furlong can suit. (3) YUKWAEHAN SEUNGJA has finished 4th in both starts so far, most recently behind Holy Tiara. She too has been doing her best work late and can be finishing strongly again. Among the debut makers, (1) MISS CHRISTIE was the best in trials and gets a 4kg claim as well as the inside gate. (12) JEJU PRINCESS also ran on well from an unpromising position and 1200M can suit first up.

Selections(11) Holly Tiara (6) Steel More (3) Yukwaehan Seungja (1) Miss Christie
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens although all of them have racing experience. (10) HAKSAN SWORD has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and at this distance, settling midfield and running on.  The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. The other standout is (4) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY. After a 4th place on debut, he was 3rd at this distance on November 11th having raced handy. He is in a good gate and should be close. (3) BEST THE ON was 2nd at start two over 1200M and while the time wasn’t quick, he ran on well and the additional half furlong can suit. (6) GOLDEN DIVA and (8) FIGHTER can improve on their respective debuts.

Selections(10) Haksan Sword (4) Comeback Holymoely (3) Best The On (6) Golden Diva
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

(8) COMPLETE TOUCH ran three times across the turn of the year, registering a 4th and a 3rd after an indifferent debut. She hasn’t appeared since March, but she looked well in an on-pace 2nd in a trial in November and has every chance first-up. If match fitness is a concern, then (4) YEONGWONHAN STAR is an option. She was an improved 5th at start number three on November 9th, coming from a wide gate to race handy. She draws much better here and can be closer. (11) NINE SPEAR needs a lone drawn through her latest but prior to that registered a 2nd place and she can be given another chance here. (9) EODIGADO and (3) GAPJAENGI others who can be in the placing hunt.

Selections(8) Complete Touch (4) Yeongwonhan Star (11) Nine Spear (9) Eodigado
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

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

(6) AMOS CHEONHA won an October trial and then ran out a comfortable winner over 1200M on debut on November 9th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class but down in weight and looks to have plenty more potential for progress. He will be a warm favourite here. (9) EODIDEUNJI got his maiden win at start number two in September before finishing midfield on his first try at this level on October. He comes in fresh after eight weeks out and can be closer today. (8) FLUTTER comes up in class following his maiden win on October 26th when making all over 1200M. Like the favourite, he is down in weight and can measure up. (1) SEOBU SKY and (7) TEN BAGGER others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Amos Cheonha (9) Eodideunji (8) Flutter (1) Seobu Sky
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field of juvenile maidens in the opener. (7) GLOBAL PRINCE was a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on October 24th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that and he shapes as a warm favourite here. (8) BIG STAR has raced twice and has registered a 3rd and a 2nd at 1000M and 1200M, coming from off the pace in the first of them and leading in the second. Third-up she can have a fitness edge on most of these. (5) DIMENSION underwhelmed on debut at the beginning of October but caught the eye when sent back to trial on November 22nd, crossing the line six-lengths to the good and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in the finish. (4) MYSTIK JIN and (1) BAMTORI BAMBAM can improve from their respective first outings.

Selections(7) Global Prince (8) Big Star (5) Dimension (4) Mystik Jin
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(4) OASIS RUBY enters off back-to-back 3rd places at 1400M, finishing off well enough both times. The step up to a mile can suit and she can win here. (9) SKYLOR JIYOU has made solid progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M on November 14th when settling handy from the widest gate. He too should be fine with the increased trip, and may well start as the market elect. (8) HWANHUI BANK beat a couple of these in his way to 2nd at big odds on November 17th. That was his best result in seventeen attempts so there may be limited scope for improvement, but he can be there or thereabouts again. (1) HIGH GOLD BAR and (5) VORTEX others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Oasis Ruby (9) Skylor Jiyou (8) Hwanhui Bank (1) High Gold Bar
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

(10) DOCTOR ACE has hinted at ability across three starts so far with a 3rd and a couple of 4th place finishes, including his latest at 1300M on November 14th when he led for much of the way. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but Franco climbs on for the first time and today can be his day. (6) PISTOL CUT was an improved 3rd at start two on November 14th over this distance when leading until the straight. She can lead again here and once more be in this a long way. It’s been thirty-six weeks since (2) MAGIC HAMMER ran 3rd on debut. He didn’t offer many clues in a November trial but with a 4kg claim and a good draw, he has to be a chance in this modest company. (9) WONDERFUL PREACH can improve while (1) PRAY MORE was adequate in trials.

Selections(10) Doctor Ace (6) Pistol Cut (2) Magic Hammer (9) Wonderful Preach
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) ENCORE got his maiden win at start two in August and then put in a fair, if well-beaten, effort in Listed Juvenile company in September. Since returning to shallower waters, he has a 3rd and a 2nd at 1300M and 1200M and under an apprentice claim, he can return to winning ways on his first try at a mile. (3) FLYING CHAMPION enters off back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on November 14th when narrowly missing out. He only comes up 1kg in weight and is a big danger.  (2) BARBELL TROFEO has been very disappointing in his latest two, laying in both times and finishing well back. He has had six weeks off and has trialed positively during it.  (1) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (8) COLONEL FLYING are other place chances.

Selections(5) Encore (3) Flying Champion (2) Barbell Trofeo (1) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

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Seoul& Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 7)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener. (1) GRACE DAY was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on November 9th when settling handy and running on well. Like the others here racing for the second time, he should have come on for that run and from the inside gate he can be on pace and go all the way. (5) TIGER BULPAE was also 3rd on debut, in her case over 1000M on November 1st. It wasn’t a quick race, but she showed enough to suggest that she has ability and can follow up here. (10) NIGHT GANGJA was 5th behind Tiger Bulpae in that race and get closer. (11) PARAIBA and (3) VINCENT ALEX can improve.

Selections(1) Grace Day (5) Tiger Bulpae (10) Night Gangja (11) Paraiba
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(10) GOLDEN SAVE has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M on November 8th when handy throughout. Despite the wide draw, he can be on pace here and can win. There are three first-timers, and helpfully for us, they all came through the same trial on October 23rd. The best of them was (7) RAON THE TONY, who showed prominently and crossed the line a close 3rd in a fair time – and well clear of the other two debut-makers here. Bringing that form to the races will be enough to go close in this limited company. (5) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN was an improved 4th at start two over this distance on November 1st and while the time wasn’t quick, that’s enough to be in contention here. (2) BEST CHEONHA and the debuting (9) THE SUN AMIR others who may be in the place market.

Selections(10) Golden Save (7) Raon The Tony (5) Wonderful Darshaan (2) Best Cheonha
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

(2) GLORY JOY has been getting closer across seven starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1400M on November 16th when close to the speed throughout. He steps up to two turns for the first time and having drawn well to lead, can go all the way. (3) SUBMISSION is the big danger. He came from a wide gate and well back to run 3rd over 1400M on November 1st and should be similarly suited by the step up in trip. (6) BLACK SMILE and (1) BLUE DRAGON came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on November 11th and both can be in the frame here. (7) O P S TAP another who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(2) Glory Joy (3) Submission (6) Black Smile (1) Blue Dragon
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field of juveniles for the south coast opener and (5) HEY BRO will be a warm favourite. After a positive trial, he was a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 31st, settling handy and finishing off well. He should have come on for that run, and the additional furlong can suit. (7) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN debuted in the same race and was also close to the speed, ultimately finishing 3rd, just half a length behind Hey Bro. He too can have come on and is the main danger. (4) SEOGWI FOREST and (8) DOCTOR CHAMP did nothing in their respective debuts but have both trialed well (the latter since that first start) and can improve. There are three first time starters and of them, (3) UNJU NURI was the best in trials.

Selections(5) Hey Bro (7) Boryeong Ultra Man (4) Seogwi Forest (8) Doctor Champ
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

(7) GHOST CHRYSOL is yet to win in nine attempts but has four 2nd places including on his latest start at this class over 18000M on November 8th when settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and he can come out on top. (8) SEUNGNI BAROWS got his sole win to date at this distance and enters off a 3rd place at class and distance on November 15th when coming from off the pace. He has the fastest time among any of these for the 1700M and is a big danger. (11) SAVANA CHARLIE beat Seungni Barows when 2nd in that November 15th race, matching his best ever finish at what was start twenty-right. He may not be a winning chance, but his recent form has been solid, and he can place again. (3) BULGEUNTAEYANG and (10) SHARKTEN others who can trouble the judges.

Selections(7) Ghost Chrysol (8) Seungni Barows (11) Savana Charlie (3) Bulgeuntaeyang
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

(6) WHITE FLARE has two 3rd place finishes and a 5th from three outings so far, most recently at this distance on November 2nd when on pace throughout for the first time. He will surely be ridden to be on pace again and he won’t need to improve much to see off this modest set of opponents. (2) WE STRONG was an improved 4th at start number four on November 16th and from a good draw can maintain his positive momentum. (4) SOMANGUIGIL finished outside of the top four for the first time on November 21st over a mile and may be better for coming back in trip here. (10) DELEKOOMDA and (9) DIA X are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) White Flare (2) We Strong (4) Somanguigil (10) Delekoomda
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 6)

After the temperatures plunged in midweek, the weekend is set to be milder and Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It probably won’t be this bad

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (3) WORLD VICS ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 18th having led for most of the way. She should have come on for that run, Maia climbs on and drawing well to get to the front again, she can go all the way. (6) JEONGSANG HERA has a 2nd and a 4th from two starts so far, the latter at this distance when handy throughout Third-up she can have a fitness edge on some of these and is a big danger and will be favourite. (9) HWANG GEUM EO JANG was, to put it mildly, eye-catching in his trial, scoring by fourteen lengths. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (7) COWBOY SOCKS was quite green on debut but still managed 4th place over 1000M. He has been back to trial since and can match or better today. (8) AMOS STAR came from well off the pace for 6th last time and Moon Se-young being booked will attract plenty.

Selections (3) World Vics (6) Jeongsang Hera (9) Hwang Geum Eo Jang  (7) Cowboy Socks
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens. (4) GEUMA SPLASHY ran 2nd on debut at this distance and was then 3rd at start number two over 1000M on October 25th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He draws well to lead here and has as good a chance as any. (1) MUCHO MACHO RAPIDO was an all the way trial winner on November 13th. He draws nicely to lead and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in the finish. (5) HIGH MOUNTAIN has run 4th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M coming from off the pace both times. He looks to have plenty of scope for more improvement, and he can be a danger. (6) PASA SPURT was an improved 2nd at start number two at this trip on November 8th and he too can be in the mix here. (8) VICTORY SOCKS another who can improve.

Selections(4) Geuma Splashy (1) Mucho Macho Rapido (5) High Mountain (6) Pasa Spurt
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Fillies only. (6) GEOLJAK TIARA has a 2nd and a 3rd in from her two tries at 1200M distance, showing handy both times. In this company she will be on pace, Maia stays on, and she will take some beating. (8) WILD MAGIC was 3rd on debut at this distance before stepping up to 1700M for her second outing on November 2nd. She should be more comfortable back in trip and should be competing from the start. Those two will be at the top of most quinellas as the form quickly drops off. (2) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has been ordinary in her latest couple but does have a pair of 4th places on her record and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (1) ROAD TO SPEAR and (10) DALBIT SONATA are others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Geoljak Tiara (8) Wild Magic (3) Wonderful Tune Up (1) Road To Spear
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

(4) SANGIM YEONGUNG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, most recently over this distance on November 1st when slow away and running on strongly. He has plenty of weight to carry here but third up he can be peaking, and he can go one better. (11) CHOCOLATE has shown steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place on his first try at this distance on October 25th. Given his racing style so far, the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) GEOMEUN SUP has also raced three times and has shown some ability with two 4th place finishes. He is up to 1400M for the first time but with no early speed in this race, he can get an easy run to the lead and be in this a long way. Debut maker (2) WITH DORTIE hinted at ability across two trials four months apart and from a good draw can make an impression first up. (6) K SIMON another in the hunt.

Selections(4) Sangim Yeongung (11) Chocolate (7) Geomeun Sup (2) With Dortie
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 5)

December’s racing begins with a 9-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(3) FAST MAN was 4th in both the Rookie Stakes and the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy, and then 5th of eight in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s. He comes back in company several orders of magnitude softer today and will surely make his breakthrough. (5) OASIS STAR is the solitary debut-maker. He has been through plenty of trials, most recently two weeks ago when he was a close 2nd across the line showing at the front throughout. This is a great race to debut in. (8) SOMETHING ELSE debuted back in June with a 4th place over 1200M. He hasn’t raced since and offered few clues in a November trial but should be a place chance. (2) NAIAD and (7) FLYING SHOOTER could be the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Fast Man (5) Oasis Star (8) Something Else (2) Naiad
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) PORT MORE was an improved 3rd at start number three over this distance on October 2nd when overcoming a wide draw to get on pace. He can overcome this one too and can go one better. (7) BEOLMAUI GANGJA ran twice in the summer for a 3rd and a 2nd at 1000M. He was then out for a couple of months but has been back in work since mid-October and looked well enough when trialing fairly at the end of November and he can be a danger first up. (3) CAPTAIN WARRIOR was 6th of eleven in a quick race over 1000M on debut in early October. He is drawn better here, the step up in trip can suit, and he can improve. (11) TRICK SHOT and (8) CARAT KING, the latter having bled last time out, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Port More (7) Beolmaui Gangja (3) Captain Warrior (11) Trick Shot
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. After a good trial, (7) FLASH TO ME was a solid 4th of ten on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this, settling back and running on. She should have derived benefit from the experience, the additional furlong can suit, and she can win here. (9) FINAL ATTACK has picked up in her latest couple of starts, most recently coming out of the widest gate to run 3rd over a mile on November 7th with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She has run fairly at this trip too and can be in the finish. (2) MOTHER WONDERFUL has been cold of late but draws well to be on the early speed here and Munro riding for the first time makes her worth a chance at an each-way or better price. (12) GLORY WIND and (5) EOKSAE others who could trouble the place judges.

Selections(7) Flash To Me (9) Final Attack (2) Mother Wonderful (12) Glory Wind
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 12

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

(1) ACE SUN got his maiden win at start two over 1200M on September 12th before running 2nd over the same trip on his first try at this level on October 24th when leading for much of the way around. He is up to 1400M for the first time but from the inside gate he can use his early speed to get an easy run to the lead and can be in this a long way. (5) DEIMOS came from well off the pace to get his maiden win at start three over this distance on October 31st. He is up in class but is down 3kg in weight and can measure up. (4) BEOLMA WINNER was sent off as favourite at this class and distance on November 7th but after jumping inward at the start never played a role. We’ll draw a line through that and going on his prior form, give him another chance. (3) RICH TREE and (12) SUCCESS COW others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Ace Sun (5) Deimos (4) Beolma Winner (3) Rich Tree
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(12) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL secured her maiden in at the fourth time of asking over this distance on October 31st, racing on the speed throughout. She is up in class here but is down 2kg in weight and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, there is little to fear here. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR ran poorly last start on October 31st when well supported but was later found to have been slightly lame. He has been back in work since November 21st and can be given another chance here dropping back in trip. (9) STUKA was similarly slightly lame after an underwhelming effort on November 7th. He only missed a week of work and his form prior to that read well. (10) WHITE OIL and (7) BLACK JILJU are potential placers on a good day.

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SENSATIONAL CLEAN ONE RAMPAGES TO GRAND PRIX GLORY

Clean One pulled off one of the most comprehensive demolition jobs in Korean racing history at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The three-year-old led from gate-to-wire to win the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) by nine-lengths, the biggest winning margin recorded in the traditional final G1 of the year in thirty years. Gangpungma was the distance 2nd with Speed Young and Japanese visitor Yumeno Honoo a strung-out 3rd and 4th.

Clean One dominated the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)

Relatively unexposed with a 3rd place in June’s Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) his only previous Group race experience, Clean One entered the race with four wins from eight starts. But, while he hadn’t raced since a strong Class 1 victory over 2000M in August, the market didn’t entirely miss him, and the public sent him out as the sixth favourite among the sixteen runners at approximately 13/1.

The market elect was Yumeno Honoo. Making his second visit to Korea after his 3rd place in April’s YTN Cup, the Kochi star’s adeptness at staying distances persuaded punters to send him off just the right side of even money. With Seo Seung-un and Global Hit tracking his every step, Yumeno Honoo and Yoshihara Hiroto settled midfield and wide and while he got a bit closer around the final turn, he did well to ultimately run into 4th place in a tumultuous race. He lost nothing in defeat.

Gangpungma had been slow away but grew gradually into the race, sitting midfield exiting the back straight and ran on quicker than all but the winner. Speed Young sat in midfield early before steadily improving and finished as well as ever. Behind Yumeno Honoo, the recently out of form Tuhonui Banseok put in a spirited 5th ahead of Wonpyeong Storm and Global Hit. The gap from 1st to 5th was twenty-six-lengths.

Clean One simply ran the legs off them. Jockey Franco Da Silva took Clean One straight to the lead from gate eleven and by the time they were halfway home, they already held a two-length lead. This would be stretched to four with three-furlongs to run and five entering the home straight. Still full of running, he continued to extend, completing the final furlong in a quicker time than any, Gangpungma included.

Not since Ka Shock Do landed the 2nd of her two Grand Prix in 1995 had a horse won the big race by such a margin and only Po Gyeong Seon in 1985 and 1986 have exceeded it (in all three of those races, the Grand Prix was contested at a shorter distance).

“I don’t have many words because I’m speechless” winning jockey Franco Da Silva told KRBC. He promptly found some: “The plan was I always go with the horse’s speed, without worrying about anybody else. I talked to the trainer, and he let me ride very freely so I told him if I go to the front, it shouldn’t be a problem or if the pace is too fast, I can sit 2nd.”

“I was lucky, I got an easy lead and from there I just had to control the pace and make sure nobody can catch me.”

“I’ve always known he was a very talented horse since he was two years old; unfortunately, I didn’t ride him for his first few starts, so I’m lucky he’s shown his potential now.” As for how far Clean One can go: “I think he’s a really special horse, I still think he has plenty in the tank although, of course, we never know for sure.”

Clean One is owned by the Healing Farm Union and trained at Busan by Moon Hyeon-cheol. Moon is third-year trainer who scored his first Group race win just last week with Supex Winner in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. The juvenile was also ridden by Franco Da Silva, who with Clean One registered his ninth Korean Group race success and second G1. The 46-year-old Brazilian rider is just shy of 540 Korean winners overall over nine seasons in the country.

An American bred, Clean One is by Bernadini and out of No Fault (by Blame). He was a $22,000 purchase out of the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

The Graded race schedule for 2025 may be over but racing doesn’t stop. Action returns to Busan next Friday and Sunday and Seoul next Saturday and Sunday.

STAYING TEST WILL SUIT JAPAN’S YUMENO HONOO BUT DON’T RULE OUT LOCALS IN GRAND PRIX

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY

SEE HERE FOR FULL GRAND PRIX FORM COMMENTS

With the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) listed in the IFHA “blue book” for years now and it being run over a distance of 2300M that the best Korean horses simply don’t ever run at while boasting a big prize fund, it always appeared a matter of time until the race appeared on at least the regional, if not wholly international radar. And so on Sunday, in its 43rd running, Japan’s Yumeno Honoo will become the first overseas trained runner to contest the Grand Prix.

Global Hit, Speed Young and Yumeno Honoo all return for the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)

YUMENO HONOO has of course been to Korea before. The “King of Kochi”, the regional NAR track located on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, travelled to the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) in April. That was his first time leaving Kochi, let alone travelling abroad, but he ran a strong 3rd, beaten only by Global Hit and Speed Young.

Since returning to Japan, Yumeno Honoo has picked up a further two wins at Kochi and he returns with designs on winning the Grand Prix. Key to this is the distance, while in Korea 2300M is the maximum trip and the best horses only tackle it in the Grand Prix, Yumeno Honoo is a multiple winner over 2400M at home. He is arguably the only horse in the field guaranteed to stay the distance.

Except perhaps GLOBAL HIT. No doubt a big factor in connections being once more willing to pay the not inexpensive shipping costs (as an open race, unlike the invitational Korea Cup, connections are responsible for all expenses) is that Global Hit, who easily accounted for Yumeno Honoo in that YTN Cup, has not been at his best since having been diagnosed with a manageable but chronic leg condition. The defending champion is fit to race, but he was a well beaten 2nd in the KRA Cup Classic and 4th in the President’s Cup in his two latest starts, missing the Korea Cup entirely.

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GRAND PRIX 2025: FORM COMMENTS

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN

1. NEW DOLKONG (USA) [Accelerate – Swear By It (Broken Vow)] C 4 – 19(4/3/2) O: Lee Tae-in T: Seo In-seok J: Jang Chu-youl – Has slowly worked his way up the grades and has established himself at class 2 with three placings, two at 2000M. Has been racing closer to the pace recently although his wins have come from further back. Can stay the trip but may struggle with the tempo his rivals will set here.

2. YEONGGWANGUIFIRST (KOR) [Boys At Tosconova – Yeonggwangui Kiss (Hansen)] C 4 – 20(6/8/1) O: Byun Chang-deok T: Kang Eun-seok J: Song Kyeong-yun – Only managed 9th of eleven behind plenty of these in the KRA Cup Classic in August but gets his chance having won at class 1 level over 1800M on September 21st when settling back and running on. That race had rating cap of 100 though and at level weights against the elite, it may be hard again.

3. BLACK BELT (KOR) [Speightster – Lovin Empire (Empire Maker)] H 4 – 26(7/4/6) O: Lee Kang-woon T: Luigi Riccardi J: Jeong Jeong-hee – Joined the field at the late entry stage, he finished 8th of fourteen in this race a year ago as a three-year-old. He has one class 1 win in ten 2025 starts which came at 2000M in June, beating Gangpungma, and enters off a 3rd at 2300M and 4th at 1800M from his last two. He can race on pace or behind the speed and while he doesn’t shape as one of the leading contenders, he will get the trip.

4. YONGAM SESANG (KOR) [To Honor And Serve – Chalanhanyeonmeoung (Pure Prize)] G 4 – 11(6/2/1) O: Kim Hak-rok T: Bae Hou-jun J: Lee Hyeok – Won at Listed level over 2000M in May but only managed a midfield finish in similar company to this in the President’s Cup. A winner of six from eleven who is tactically versatile, the extended trip may suit but this is a very tough ask.

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Grand Prix Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 30)

Sunday is Grand Prix Stakes day. We’ll have full form comments on the big race a little later but in the meantime here is the race-by-race for all Sunday action at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30):

Power Blade’s Grand Prix was a good one (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (4) FOREVER HIT was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on October 25th, settling handy and ultimately running 3rd. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she is the one to beat. There is just one debut maker and (5) BARAMGAEBI looks a chance. He won his trial with a front running effort and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (1) CLUTCH MAGIC beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on debut over 1200M when coming from well off the pace. He is another who should have come on for his debut run and he should appreciate a bit further. (8) PARKA SHINE and (9) EUNPA BOOSTER the other pair who look the most likely to improve at this stage.

Selections(4) Forever Hit (5) Baramagaebi (1) Clutch Magic (8) Parka Shine
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) MIGHTY SHINE has a 3rd and a 4th among three starts so far, most recently in a very similar filly maiden to this over 1200M on October 26th when racing forward earlier than previously. Moon stays on and she won’t need to improve much on that effort to win this. (2) SAMJEONG WINNER returned from eight months out to run 4th over 1200M on October 3rd. She should have benefitted from that and get closer today. (4) DAEHAN COCO’S beat a couple of these when 3rd in a slow race over this trip on November 2nd. From a good draw, she can be on pace again and in this a long way. (11) OUTSTANDING GIRL and (8) JISAN FRIEND among other place chances.

Selections(6) Mighty Shine (2) Samjeong Winner (4) Daehan Coco’s (11) Outstanding Girl
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(9) POWERFUL SLEW has shown ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1400M. Each time he has come from off the pace and done his best work late, so he may well appreciate the step up to two turns today and he is the one to beat. (4) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN has finished 4th or 5th in six of his eight starts. 1700M seems to be his go and in this company, he can be aiming for a better finish today. (5) MANGEUM CROWN was a3rd on debut and was then given a chance in Listed juvenile company in October. That proved too much too soon but he should be better on his return to shallower waters today. (8) SMART WARRIOR and (3) MAX MAN may have some improvement in them.

Selections(9) Powerful Slew (4) Yeomyeongui Sungan (5) Mangeum Crown (8) Smart Warrior
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 1 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

Busan opens with a class 1 and while the field is small (which is why it is race 1), it is competitive. (4) GALAXY ROAD comes out of the Korea Cup where he was a fair 7th of eleven. Prior to that he was a solid 3rd at this class over 2000M and coming in fresh after almost three months off, he can be coming from off the pace and winning. (3) DOCTOR CAPTAIN is ultra consistent having placed in every one of his last ten starts. He takes a shy at class 1 here which means a nice weight drop, and he can continue his positive record. (5) HUNTER DRAGON beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance in September and can be in the finish again. The evergreen nine-year-old (2) PRO CONSUL, along with (7) DOCTOR CAESAR are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Galaxy Road (3) Doctor Captain (5) Hunter Dragon (2) Pro Consul
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

A winner on debut over 1000M in July, (1) NAOL PASS finished midfield in the Rookie Stakes in August and was then a beaten favourite at this class and distance on September 21st. She hasn’t raced since but from a good draw, under a light weight, and with Moon Se-young staying on, she is worth another chance here. (7) DUSON EUTTEUM enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class over 1200M and 1300M. She led both times and will probably lead here too with every chance of being in the finish. (5) DAEWONYONGMA is yet to win in nineteen tries but has plenty of money finishes and this is the kind of race he can be competitive in. (10) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) KARIZMA others in line for the minors.

Selections(1) Naol Pass (7) Duson Eutteum (5) Daewonyongma (10) Breedo Trophy
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (9) OASIS YOUNG ran 2nd on debut over 1000M all the way back in August. He hasn’t raced since but he has been in consistent work since early October so there shouldn’t be any fitness worries, and he can make a winning return here. (3) YOUNGYOUNG BRAVO beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on debut at 1200M on November 2nd. He should have come on for the run and cab be in this. (8) BAMTORI BAMBAM was 4th on debut at 1000M on October 31st, settling midfield and finishing off pleasingly enough. He too should have derived benefit from that and can get closer. (5) AEGIS CROWN and the solitary debut maker (7) POWERFUL THUNDER are others who can be competitive.

Selections(9) Oasis Young (3) Youngyoung Bravo (8) Bamtori Bambam (5) Aegis Crown
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

(2) SAENAE FIGHTER was a maiden winner over this distance on November 1sr, racing close to the pace throughout. He comes up in class but is down 3kg in weight and from a good draw, he can win again. (11) LASER RUN hasn’t raced since getting his maiden win over 1300M on May 24th. He didn’t offer too many clues in an October trial, but he couldn’t hope for a softer race to return in, and he can be competitive. The rest all need an uptick in form (8) SOFT POWER is second-up following four months out and can improve on the 6th she recorded on her return. (4) CUPID MIR and (9) X FACTOR are better than their respective last starts suggest.

Selections(2) Saenae Fighter (11) Laser Run (8) Soft Power (4) Cupid Mir
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 29)

Saturday – Grand Prix Eve – racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (8) SUPERDAY came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M back in September. He has had over two months off, but the experience should stand him in good stead and the step up in trip can suit. (1) G FLEX was an on pace 2nd in his trial in a decent time. He draws well to lead and can be in this a long way. (9) ROAD TO MOCCASIN and (2) PAS DE CHEVAL came home 1st and 2nd when trialing together on November 6th. Moon Se-young being booked on the latter means he is sure to be backed. (11) BINNALEEDS another who won her trial.

Selections(8) Superday (1) G Flex (9) Road To Moccasin (2) Pas De Cheval
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

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

After winning a trial. (11) HAKSAN TAEPUNG ran 2nd on debut over this distance on November 1st, leading for much of the way. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but should have come on for that run and can win. (2) YONGBIGYO has a 5th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently at this distance on November 2nd when on pace throughout. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise, and she is a danger. (3) SEVEN KAISER has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from three outings to date racing handy in each of them. From a good draw he can be on the speed and should be in the mix again. (4) RAON SNIPER and (5) SU BU TAI others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(11) Haksan Taepung (2) Yongbigyo (3) Seven Kaiser (4) Raon Sniper
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

(5) LIVE STAR has a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th from three outings to date most recently over this distance on October 18th. From a good draw and in the absence of any early speed in this race, he should be on or close to the pace from the start and he will be a short price favourite to score. (1) EAN PERFECT has been slow away both times so far but has run on well enough over 1200M. The step up in trip can suit, and he should be much closer today. (2) ROAD TO STAR has mixed his form but does have a couple of 4th places to his name, most recently at this trip and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (11) BEOLGYO ALADDIN and (9) K N STORM others who can challenge for a place.

Selections(5) Live Star (1) Ean Perfect (2) Road To Star (11) Beolgyo Aladdin
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here. (11) HWANSANGUI NARA was 3rh in August’s Rookie Stakes and while she finished down the field in Listed juvenile company in September, she returned to shallower waters to get her maiden win over 1300M on October 19th. Leading all the way. She comes up in class and distance here and while she gets neither a weight drop or a good draw, she is the one to beat. (7) ECHO STAR was a winner on debut over 1000M on October 18th showing on pace throughout. She is up in class but should have come on for that run and she can measure up. (4) CLUB Q got her maiden win at this distance two outings back and then ran 4th on her first try at this class a month ago. She is up slightly in weight but should be in the mix. (10) GINA SONG and (6) TIGER ROAR are other chances.                                                                                                                                  

Selections(11) Hwansangui Nara (7) Echo Star (4) Club Q (10) Gina Song
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

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

(4) SAMJEONG SPIDER was an all the way winner on debut over 1200M on October 18th, scoring by plenty. He comes up in class and marginally in trip, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come and down in weight and nicely drawn, he can win again. (10) GRAND KWAEMA is the wildcard. He hasn’t raced since this March and while he didn’t win before the layoff but finished in the top four in each of his six starts and while he didn’t offer too many clues in a competent trial at the end of October, Moon is booked, and he can go well. (2) NAEGILUI ACE is a winner at this class and enters off a 4th place at 1300M on October 25th which she can be aiming to match or better here. Last start winner (5) ROYAL SOCKS along with (8) GLOBAL HAMSEONG also strong chances.

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