Nut Play franked the form of this year’s Triple Crown races by winning the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Nut Play wins the Ilgan Sports Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Nut Play (by Colors Flying) was 4th in the KRA Cup Mile and then 3rd in both the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup, an overall 2nd place in the Triple Crown series behind double Classic winner Global Hit
Nut Play (Pic: KRA)
On Sunday Nut Play joined several others who came out of the Triple Crown, including Derby runner-up Naol Sniper, contesting the Ilgan Sports Trophy over the same Derby distance of 1800M.
Nut Play and Antonio Da Silva in the Ilgan Sports Winner’s Circle (Pic: KRA)
Under Antonio Da Silva, Nut Play, who raced much more prominently than he had in the Classic races, proved too strong late on, finishing three-quarters-of-a-length in front of the fast-finishing Yongam Boss with Ultra Galaxy in 3rd and Naol Sniper, who had led for much of the way, in 4th.
Next weekend Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong is expected to be in action as the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter series gets underway with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday.
There are Sunday cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6) races from 11:50 to 16:35). The highlight is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul over 1800M, which features several of the capital’s better three-year-olds taking on older horses. Here are the previews:
It’s unlikely any of the Ilgan Sports Trophy contenders will complete the 1800M as quick as Crown Pride did last week (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener with seven of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll put experience on top though and (4) GEOLJAK SKY, who debuted on August 12th, running 4th of eleven over 1000M (that race’s winner, Blue Lemon is scheduled to have been in action on Saturday). She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, is the one to beat. (2) RAON TIMOTH won his trial in good order settling handy and going clear, beating a couple of today’s rivals in a fair time. He’ll probably start as favourite. (9) SAHARAMOND trialled up 2nd behind Raon Timoth, two-and-a-half lengths in arrears but showed enough to suggest he can go well first-up. (3) MIGHTY CAP was just a neck behind in 4th and she too can be considered. Returning to the experienced ones, (5) ILINX has raced twice, improving in his second outing, and can continue to make progress here.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies and a couple of standouts. (4) HAENGBOK YEOWANG has raced eleven times without breaking through but enters with her recent form reading well including a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. Her times haven’t been quick, but she might not need to be too quick here and from a good gate, can sit off the speed and then grind away in the straight. The main danger is (10) ARCH CLASS. She has raced just twice, improving to 2nd in the most recent on August 26th when handy throughout. She may have more potential for improvement than Haengbok Yeowang and while she has to contend with the wide draw, can go one better. (2) RAON SPIKE raced twice last year, finishing 3rd on debut. She returns here after forty-nine weeks out, but trialled fairly last month and this is a nice first-up assignment. (1) YEJIMONG and (9) MO CHUISLE others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) HAENGUN BARAM has hinted at ability across five starts to date. Her best was a runner-up finished back in April, but she comes in following a useful 4th place at 1300M on August 27th when, as is her style, she went right back, before running on. The step up to 1400M can suit, and she has as good a chance as any here. (2) SAVANA CHARLIE is the main danger. He is yet to finish in the top-two but has been in the top-five on nine out of ten starts (including a remarkable seven 4th place finishes). From a good draw, he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) SAEROUN BITKKAL beat Savana Charlie as the pair ran 2nd and (where else?) 4th at this distance on August 20th. He can go close again. (6) FIRST CHOUX and (7) HEART SIGNAL others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(1) Haengun Baram (2) Savana Charlie (8) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) First Choux
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 6
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(9) WITH STAR comes in having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two at 1400M and a mile, beating a few of these in the process. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong at the business end of the race. (4) WISE BOY returns to action for the first time since March. He has a runner-up finish to his name over this distance and looked well when leading an August trial, ultimately finishing 2nd in a quick time. He will need this but can be close first-up. (8) FLYING AARON was 6th to With Star’s 4th when they raced one another at a mile on August 25th. Franco climbs on here and he can go closer. (3) LUCKY BRAND and (2) AQUARIUS are among plenty of others with minor money claims.
Selections
(9) With Star (4) Wise Boy (8) Flying Aaron (3) Lucky Brand
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(5) THEME TANSAENG has steadily improved across six starts so far culminating in a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two over 1200M and 1400M. In those two, he has raced on or close to the pace and similar tactics can be expected here. He is the one to beat. (11) BANFF has shown promise across five starts so far with the best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in March. He has consistently posted good times at the shorter distance and has a smart finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can challenge late. (1) BRIGHT WINNER has two 4th places among four outings. She draws nicely here and will probably be on the early pace with prospects to stay in it a long way. (4) GREEN BULPAE and (10) GEOMOON among others with placing chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and it’s hard to go past (1) POCKET MILLION. She ran 4th on debut in July over 1000M and then followed up by beating some of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on August 20th. She raced on pace both times so draws very nicely to get the lead again and she will take some beating. (9) QUEEN AND SERVE will be the second pick for most. She ran 3rd at start number two before finishing 4th behind Pocket Million in that August 20th race. She was only a head in arrears so while she draws wide and Pocket Million appears to have more potential for immediate improvement, she can be taken seriously. (2) DAY BY DAY has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest couple and can go close. (4) YONGBI KHAN and (3) FIRST MENI the other minor money hopes.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
It’s a week since Remake won the Korea Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time with the remaining seven having appeared once each. We’ll side with experience and (5) SPEED ONE was sent off as favourite over this distance on August 18th but was slowly away before rallying well for 2nd. With a better start he can go one better today. (7) GEUMSE raced on pace throughout his own debut on August 26th, leading until the closing stages when he was overhauled and had to settle for 2nd. It was a quick time, and he should be on pace again here with every chance of winning. The pick of the first timers is (9) UMAPOY. He sat handy in his trial, finishing off well to cross the line 1st in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he should have a big say first-up. (8) IRISH MAN and (2) MYUNGJINBULLPAI others who hinted at ability in their trials.
Selections
(5) Speed One (7) Geumse (9) Umapoy (8) Irish Man
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens and while the field is small, it’s competitive. (3) VINCERO CAVALLO ran 5th on debut over 1000M in June before stepping up to this trip on August 5th and running an on-pace 2nd in a good time. He draws nicely to be on pace again and he won’t need to improve much to win here. (5) LUCKY PARTY was a solid 3rd in debut over 1000M on August 26th, settling midfield and running on pleasingly. The step up in trip can suit and he should have benefited from the experience. (2) NAEGILUI WINNER ran 5th behind Lucky Party in that August 26th race. He had previously run 2nd on debut and steps up to 1200M for the first time with Moon Se-young staying aboard. (1) PURGE KING and (8) YEONGWON GIANT others with the potential to improve.
Selections
(3) Vincero Cavallo (5) Lucky Party (2) Naegilui Winner (1) Purge King
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 5
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
More juvenile maidens and once more, all have raced either once or twice before. (6) DOKKI DRAGON beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut on August 13th when overcoming gate eleven to race handy. The step up in trip can suit and he shape as the one to beat. Plenty of the others have shown ability though. (1) MIRAE TOWER has finished 4th in both his starts so far, both at 1000M and both times running on well and most recently in that August 13th race behind Dokki Dragon. Furkan gets the ride today and he should thrive with the additional trip. After two less than impressive trials (3) GEOLJAK EUTTEUM was totally unfancied on debut but ran a fair 5th of eleven. The presence of Moon Se-young will ensure he has plenty of backers. (4) NAEGILUI LEADER, who debuted over this trip, and (8) KNIGHT CHARM, another who comes out of the August 13th race, are others in the frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
After running 5th on debut, (4) WINNER JERIN was an improved 2nd over this distance on August 6th racing on pace, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He draws very nicely to get to the lead again here and this time, he can go all the way. (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far which have included two 4th place finishes. He steps up to further than 1000M for the first time and given that he has finished off two of his three races well, it may suit. (7) DAONDI comes in off a good 3rd place over 1300M on August 19th when settling back and running on and should be in the mix again here. (2) HAEJE YEOGEOL and (9) MUNHAK CENTRAL are other placing chances.
The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener and all twelve are racing for the very first time. A couple caught the eye in trials, principally (3) MOTO MOTO and (2) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST. They both posted the same quick time in their respective heats, and both ran close to the pace throughout. They draw nicely and it’s a toss up between the pair of them. We’ll side with the Power Blade colt Moto Moto for no specific reason. (6) BLACK FALCON went through two trials, finishing 3rd in both and posting useful times. The experience should stand him in good stead, and he can put in a bold showing first-up here. (7) BROWN FALCON and (9) OH JJANG are others who didn’t disgrace themselves in their trials, the latter winning his heat.
Selections
(3) Moto Moto (2) Yeonggwanguifirst (6) Black Falcon (7) Brown Falcon
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(6) LOUD COLOR has nine top-five finishes from twelve starts so far and comes in with recent form reading the best of these with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1300M and 1400M. She is up 3kg on those performances, but she should be able to overcome that, and is likely to be on pace and to take some beating. (8) GREEN PAPAGO doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but she has plenty of experience at this level and comes back to a trip at which she has been consistent. She can settle midfield here and can run into some money at what should be an each-way price. (3) SOUTHERN SUPERONE has been well-backed on both starts so far and while he has finished 5th and 7th in them, they were at 1200M and both times he drew wide. The additional trip can suit, and he gets a much better gate this time around. (4) HAVE A GOOD DAY and (2) LOKI BLISS others who can challenge for the minors.
Selections
(6) Loud Color (8) Green Papago (3) Southern Superone (4) Have A Good Day
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Small but competitive field for this maiden. (6) FABULOUS BEATER has improved across five starts so far, culminating in a very close 2nd place over this distance on August 13th when he overcame gate eleven to sit midfield and then ran on well in a quick time. He carries the same weight but draws a better gate, and he could go one better. The main danger is (2) HEUIMANG GARAM. He has only raced once before and showed promise, running through the line well for 4th place in a quick time over 1000M. He should have derived plenty of benefit for the experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he should be a danger. Thos two will fill out almost everybody’s quinella but (9) U PING has hinted at ability across six starts so far and can be aiming for a place here. (3) ARION KING showed nothing on debut but previously trialled well and carries a light weight with an apprentice claim. (7) ARA NURI the best of the rest.
Selections
(6) Fabulous Beater (2) Heuimang Garam (9) U Ping (3) Arion King
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG looks the most likely here. He has picked up well in his latest two, running 2nd and 4th, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles, once from on pace and the other from behind. In this company, he can settle behind the early speed and the additional half furlong can see him home on top. The main danger is (4) BUGYEONG LION. He finished well back in a very quick race on August 27th, but he previously ran a strong 3rd on debut, both of them at this distance. He draws nicely here, and he won’t need to improve much to be in the finish. (6) BEST CHAMP too an age to get into gear on debut over 1000M but he finished off well enough to suggest that the additional trip here can suit. (7) WHITE FALCON and (5) ACE RUN others in the placing frame.
1. SIMJANGUI GODONG – 10th in this race last year, he comes in having run 3rd behind Tuhonui Banseok and Winner’s Man in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) in July when, as is his style, he raced handy. Reliable but will struggle to beat the best of these.
2. THE GUMPU – Enters in career-best form having won two of his latest three and running 2nd in the other. Tactically versatile, he can go well on pace or settle midfield and run on and while he doesn’t look a winning chance here, a top half finish is more than possible.
3. HAENGBOK WANGJA – Never really kicked on from his 2021 Grand Prix Stakes win, he was 5th in this race last year and spent part of the winter in Dubai where he was well beaten in two starts. Returned to domestic action with 6th place in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) in June. Likes to settle back and run on but plenty to find here.
4. GLOBAL HIT – The winner of the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup, he is this year’s outstanding Korean three-year-old. Likes to settle midfield and has an explosive finish, this is a significantly sterner test, but he does get a weight allowance for his age. Don’t rule out a big run.
5. BRIGADIER GENERAL – Returned from seven months out to finish down the field over 2300M at class 1 in July. He should strip fitter for that, but he hasn’t troubled the scorers in Group company in the past and that probably won’t change here.
6. MOONHAK CHIEF – Won this race in the absence of Japanese competition in 2019, and has performed sporadically since, but he has struggled for form this year and has been beaten by plenty of today’s local rivals in recent starts. Outsider.
7. CRAZY CONTI – 7th in this race last year, he enters off back-to-back class 1 wins, most recently a dead heat with Calm Strong on July 30th. Likes to settle midfield and then run on, he should be finishing strongly and can pass plenty late on.
It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint Day. The big features are races 7 and 8 on a 10-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:50 to 17:00. Here are the previews:
Eoma Eoma will attempt to defend the Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the ten racing for the first time. The exposed form isn’t great, so we’ll side with first timers. (4) SPALTA was much improved in the second of two trials, crossing the line in front having led all the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he did what he needed to and if he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance first-up. It’s a similar story with (7) DANCING GANGJA, who failed to qualify first time around but led all the way at his second attempt. He too didn’t post a fast time but won’t need to improve much to be competitive here. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has raced twice, finishing 7th on both occasions. They were both at 1000M and he can improve third-up here. (8) GEUMAK STAR and (1) LADY CODI others with potential to get better.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) SPECIAL FORCE will be a hot favourite, having only gone down narrowly on debut in a quick race over 1000M on August 12th when she was handy throughout. She previously made all in a trial and the step up in trip can suit. She is favoured to lead all the way this time. (6) ANYANG CHEONDUNG only really started to run on when the race was gone on debut over 1000M on August 13th. She should have come on for the run and may appreciate and extra furlong to get stuck into. (4) LOVE MUNMAK trialled up behind Special Force and then debuted behind Special Force, running 7th of eleven on August 12th. She began slowly but did find some late speed and with some more maturity and an additional furlong, she may go better. (5) HAPPY ICTUS and (3) WONDERFUL PAGO others who may improve.
Selections
(8) Special Force (6) Anyang Cheondung (4) Love Munmak (5) Happy Ictus
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Wide open maiden. (3) COLITAS has mixed his form across six starts so far. He has a bit of a tendency to get too far back in his races, but he does run on. He draws well here and if Kim Yong-geun can have him in contention at the top of the straight, he has as much chance as any. (1) DINSI CHAMP and (8) EFFEL TAP came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at this distance on August 12th. For Dinsi Champ that was a sharp improvement while Effel Tap is generally consistent, and both should be among the main chances here. (10) SHARP SUNSHINE is another who is unspectacular but consistent. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and can run into some money. (4) GRAND SILVER among others in the frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Two standouts in this maiden. (6) SKY JILJU will probably be favourite. He has raced twice so far, both at 1000M, improving in the second of them in terms of both time and finishing position. Both times he did his best work late suggesting that the step up in trip can suit. (5) MADE HEEMANG has also raced twice but in his case, over this distance. He too improved in the second of them, running 3rd and why Sky Jilju may have a little more potential for improvement at this stage, he can be a danger again. What form there is, drops off after this two but (4) LIGHT BROWN ran well enough on debut behind Sky Jilju over 1000M. She was slow away but ran on well and there could be some progress in the tank. (7) GREAT INDY and (9) DREAM BIGGER others who have hinted at ability.
Selections
(6) Sky Jilju (5) Made Heemang (4) Light Brown (7) Great Indy
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (8) FLYING LIGHT is a form-mixer but based on his latest, when a strong 2nd at class and distance on July 23rd having overcome gate ten to settle midfield and run on well, he must be given a very good chance here. He can sit behind the speed again and run on. (4) SILVER BOOSTER beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this class over 1300M on August 12th. He comes up slightly in the weights, but draws well, and can be considered again. (10) GEUMSEONG SIDAE is yet to win in eleven starts but has finished in the top-four on no fewer than eight occasions including an on-pace 2nd over a mile last time out. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a little luck at the start can get to the front and should be in this a very long way. (1) STAR RUSH and (3) ARGO GONGJU among others in the hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(3) COLONEL FLYING shapes as a warm favourite here. That’s based on his latest effort on August 20th when he came from well off the pace to run a very close 2nd at this distance, in the process recording a quicker time than any of the others here have done for the 1400M. He draws well and in this modest company, can win. (6) EONJENA YEONGUNG mixes his form, but he has also posted a quick time for the distance and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, he can go close today. (8) UNMATCHED was slow away last time before running 6th behind Colonel Flying. There is little in the way of early speed here so if she can get a better start, she may be able to get on pace and if she does, she has a chance. (9) BLUE CAVIAR and (4) MIRACULUM the best of a limited rest.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Tricky one. (7) BIG BLED may not have the most attractive of names for a racehorse (with the greatest respect to Slovenian lakeside resort towns) but she has shown ability. She was a good winner in a quick time at 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before finishing midfield on her first try at this level on July 23rd. She likes to sit on or close to the pace and she can win here. (4) BEST CLONE is yet to score in eight but has a 4th and a 2nd in two tries at this class, both at 1200M. She’ll be on the speed here and she steps up to 1300M looking set to be close again. (11) TANGJA has plenty of experience at this class and has been a model of consistency of late, positing quick times at this distance. While he has the challenge of the widest gate and he may once more find one or two too quick, he will be there or thereabouts again. (1) V QUEEN and the up in class (5) SAEBYEOK ANGAE others in the hunt.
Saturday is the eve of the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint and there are six trophy races on the 10-race card which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener, with three of the ten racing for the first time. Among those with experience, the standout is (9) EXCELLENT MATTA. Following a fair trial, he ran a solid 5th of eleven in a decent time over this distance on debut on August 12th when racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement is the one to beat. A couple of the first timers have promise. (5) JERAQUEEN won her trial having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t fast, but she did everything she needed to do and if she brings that form to the races, she’ll go close. (4) MISS CONCORD showed handy in her heat and while a long way back behind the experienced trial winner, she held her own against the rest and can put in a bold first-up showing. Returning to the already tried ones, (6) HAKSAN MACHO and (8) BUNDANG TSUNAMI can improve from their respective debuts.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) BOREUM DALBIT will be a warm favourite here. She’s run 4th and 3rd in two starts so far, most recently over this distance on August 12th when settling back and running on well having had to overcome gate eleven. From the inside gate this time, she should be much closer to the speed, Moon Se-young climbs on, and she will take some beating. (9) FINE DAY looks the only credible danger on form. She comes in off a close 3rd place on August 13th when getting up to sit on pace. In this relatively small field, she should have enough early speed to get to a forward position again and she should be in this a long way. (6) TIZ ROCKET mixes his form but going on his close 4th two starts back and given he gets a 4kg apprentice claim, he makes for a place chance here. (4) FEDERAL PRESS and (5) CHEONGPAUI KKUM others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Boreum Dalbit (9) Fine Day (6) Tiz Rocket (4) Federal Press
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TROPHY / KRW 150 Million
(3) RAON GIANT comes in off disappointing runs in first the Korean Derby and then the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the latter the 2000M final of the Triple Tiara. She was 4th in the Luna Stakes over a mile in April and comes back to a sprint trip for the first time in a while. She draws nicely to lead and in this shallower company the three-year-old, who still boasts a 50% win-rate, can return to winning ways. (12) COSMO is the main danger. She too came unstuck when tried in Graded Stakes company two starts back but was a super winner over this distance at class 2 level in April. She carries 5kg more than she did that day, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she should be in the frame here. Whenever (7) SOBERANIA gets off to a good start, she goes close, and she looks nicely in here. (1) ACHIM GISANG and (9) RAON THE ARIA, the latter up in class after an eye-catching win at 1400M last start, are among plenty of others with at least a placing chance.
Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / MACAU JOCKEY CLUB TROPHY / KRW 150 Million
(3) RAON FOREST is only behind Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong in the three-year-old filly standings, having run 2nd in both the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks and then 3rd in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. The last time she raced at this distance, she won at it, back in March at class 4 level and down in weights and drawn very nicely, she is very much the one to beat. (7) TROTTING RILEY is ultra consistent and enters off a close 4th at class 2 level over 1200M on August 26th. He’s gone well at this distance too and should be on or close to the pace here and has a big chance of going close. (5) GLOBAL BOBAE has a 3rd and two 2nd place finishes, all over this distance since being promoted to class 2 (which is essentially the level of this race). He likes to settle back and run on, and he should be doing his best work late here. There is plenty of depth in terms of place chances with (2) QUICKLY RUN and (8) SURE WIN among them.
Selections
(3) Raon Forest (7) Trotting Riley (5) Global Bobae (2) Quickly Run
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / GOLD CIRCLE TROPHY / KRW 150 Million
(4) RAON THE POINT is a perfect four for four and hasn’t been behind a horse at any point in his races so far. He has won up to class 1400M and class 4 level; this is the equivalent of class 3, and while he is set to face by far his sternest test so far and carries his fair share of weight, he can continue on his merry way today. (11) S.I. COCO has won four of his latest five, most recently at 1300M in a very quick time on August 5th. He has to contend with a wide draw, but he has overcome that before and he is a more than credible danger to Raon The Point’s record here. (8) SUPER FINISH is another on a streak having won his latest two at class 4 level, both over 1400M. He can race on pace or come from behind and he too can measure up in this company. Plenty more can enter the calculations with (10) SUN DRAGON and (5) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS chief among those to be considered for at least the minors.
It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint weekend! The biggest races of the Korean season will be run at Seoul on Sunday and we will have a full preview over the next couple of days. In the meantime, the weekend’s action kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with five of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and after two very good trials, (1) SEVEN DRAGON was sent off as hot favourite on debut over 1000M on August 11th. After being slightly slowly away, he was ridden up to rejoin the field before running on for a solid 3rd. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong can suit, and with a better start this time, he is the one to beat. That will mean overturning the form on (6) HWANG YO, who was 2nd in that race. That was his second outing having been 3rd on debut, also in a good time, and the way he ran through the lines suggests he can be a big danger again. (2) BINNANEUNGIL came from a long way back to run 4th on debut at this distance on June 25th and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. Among the debut makers, (4) LEMON PIE is the pick while (7) THE BIG SHOT did nothing on debut but has subsequently been back to trial and looked much better.
Selections
(1) Seven Dragon (6) Hwang Yo (2) Binnaneungil (4) Lemon Pie
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
An extremely modest maiden with none of the eleven having finished better than 7th in their respective latest starts. (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY goes around for the thirty-eighth time. She does have fifteen top-five finishes and two starts back registered a career best 2nd. It’s not impossible she could break through here. (3) SAVAGE GIRL hasn’t done much in six starts but she comes in fresh having last raced in April and she looked well when positing a quick time on an August trial. If she can bring that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (9) WORLD ROYAL CAT has been ordinary in her latest two, but she has a 3rd place to her name as recently as June and in this limited company, that’s enough to put her in the frame. (11) DAEJI MULGYEOL and (6) GREEN LEGEND other potential improvers.
Selections
(8) Wonderful Smarty (3) Savage Girl (9) World Royal Cat (11) Daeji Mulgyeol
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
5, 7, 10, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Another modest maiden, this one involving nine fillies and one colt. (3) VELOCIRAPTOR shapes as the one to beat. Yet to finish in the top two, she has run between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eight occasions and has the fastest time among these for the distance by almost a full second. She likes to settle back and run on but in this company should be a little further forward than usual, and she should prove too strong. The solitary colt is (1) EVERY KING IJI. He has a 2nd and a 3rd among his eight appearances so far and has run fair times. He draws well and should be in this a long way. (5) RED JASPER hasn’t done much in three starts so far although she did post a good time at 1200M at the end of July. She has since been back to trial where she raced on pace and stopped the clock in a good time. That brings her into contention here. (9) SSING GA and (4) ILCHUL GOLD others in the placing frame.
Selections
(3) Velociraptor (1) Every King Iji (5) Red Jasper (9) Ssing Ga
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) OK DREAM was an all the way winner over this distance on debut in April before running 2nd, having raced handy throughout, on her first try at this class over 1300M on May 25th. She has had over three months off since then, so she comes in fresh, and she is the one to beat here. (5) BURNING PASSION comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, both at this class, over 1200M and 1300M. She likes to race on pace and should be challenging for the early lead again and can be in this a long way. (2) HWARANG SHINHWA got her maiden win three starts back and then proved she can compete at this level with a smart 2nd over this distance on July 30th when she led for much of the way around. She comes up 2kg in the weights but draws well and should be competitive again. (3) FIRST STAR and (8) TWO TWO LIME others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) OK Dream (5) Burning Passion (2) Hwarang Shinhwa (3) First Star
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(10) FUSAICHI returned from over six months out to run a good 2nd at class and distance on August 20th when he settled a long way back before running on very strongly, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but he should strip fitter second-up, the wide draw won’t be an issue, and he can win. The big danger is (2) DOCTOR WICKY He comes up in class having got his maiden win when stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 25th and making all. He comes down slightly in the weights, he draws well, and he can measure up. (3) TOP FRIEND was 5th behind Fusaichi in that August 20th race and while he is yet to win, he has been consistent over this distance and can place again. (5) NALA and (6) NAMDO ILDEUNG among plenty of others with placing chances.
Both Seoul (11 races from 10:35) and Busan (6 races from 11:50 to 16:35) host Sunday cards. Here are the previews:
Speed Young was last year’s Champion Juvenile (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
A small field of juvenile maidens with all but one having raced before. (5) ORAEDAHAMKKE ran 4th on debut in June before improving to a close 2nd on August 6th when racing handy throughout. Both of those races were over 1000M and the step up can suit and he looks the one to beat. (7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and (6) LEGENDSUN came home 3rd and 4th respectively with little between them when they raced one another at this distance on August 5th. For Seongsil Yeongung it was an improved performance at start number two while Legendsun was making his debut. Both look set for further improvement and can go close here. The solitary debut maker (1) MAGIC PLEASURE won his trial and while it was a very slow time, he did what he needed to. He can go well first up. (2) SINUI UNMYEONG another who can improve from his debut.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(8) BUTTER K has made steady progress across four starts so far, including a close 3rd place at this distance last time out on August 6th. In the process, he recorded the fastest time of any of these for the distance, and today can be his day. (2) PURPLE SHINHWA was behind Butter K in that race on August 6th, but he does have a runner-up finish to his name over this distance. He goes best on pace so he draws very nicely, and Moon Se-young’s presence will encourage plenty. (5) ONE SPEAR ran a fair 3rd over this distance on August 20th. He tends to get quite far back in his races, but he should be competitive here. The form drops off precipitously after those three with (4) GEOMOON and (7) CATS WOMAN perhaps the most likely of the rest to improve.
Selections
(8) Butter K (2) Purple Shinhwa (5) One Spear (4) Geomoon
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Tricky maiden. (11) SSING SSING SSING enters having posted the fastest time among these for the distance when 4th on August 5th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. Third-up this preparation, he should be peaking fitness wise, and he can win. He does draw a touch wide though and that may open the door for (8) LUCKY HONEY. She was 5th in that August 5th race but that followed a 2nd and a 3rd in her previous two. She is another who will probably be a shorter price than she should be because of Moon Se-young being aboard, but she should go close. (1) WONPYEONG LIST was an improved 2nd at start number three on August 6th when racing on the pace for the first time. From a good draw, expect similar tactics today and she should be a big chance. (9) LAFEYETTE and (3) K N START the latter for whom it is a fresh start nine months after his debut, are others who can enter the calculations.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (8) PURE DANCE gets the nod following an encouraging debut on July 30th when after a slightly sluggish start, she ran on pleasingly for 5th over 1000M. Like all those here racing for the second time, she should have derived benefit from the experience and the extended trip should be in her favour. (10) MY MELODY also ran 5th on her debut at 1000M on July 23rd, in her case having jumped well and settled on the speed. She faces the challenge of the wide draw here but should be showing some development. (3) TODAY QUEEN was an improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on July 29th. She raced on pace that day and will be expected to do similar here with another place a strong possibility. (4) B.K. ZENA and (7) PERFECT ACTION others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Pure Dance (10) My Melody (3) Today Queen (4) B.K. Zena
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK remains a maiden following seven attempts, but he looks set to be a hot favourite here. He got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes in June and July and then ran a close 3rd on his first try at class 5 on August 6th when always racing handily over this distance. He draws well here and should prove too good. (2) FLYING CARAVANE comes up in class following a maiden win on debut over 1000M on July 23rd when settling midfield and running on. He comes down in the weights and can be measuring up in this company. (8) DALMAJI was 3rd at this class over 1300M on July 1st. The same apprentice claims 4kg once more and he can be competitive. (5) MR QUALITY and (6) WONDERFUL JOY others in the minor money hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden. We’ll take a chance on (3) DOCTOR LEO. He debuted at 1300M on August 11th and having settled back, he ran on promisingly for 2nd. The time wasn’t quick, but he looks to have plenty of potential for development; he should strip fitter for the run and the experience, and he can go one better. (12) FLYING DIA unseated her jockey as the gates opened on a scheduled start on August 18th and made her own way home. That would have been her first race since March when 2nd at 1300M and she was well-fancied having performed well in a trial. She will be well-fancied here too. (8) FIRE MAGIC started to run on far too late on debut over 1200M on July 29th. He should be better for the experience and the additional trip can suit. (4) MOST RAPID and (9) HANEUL BULPAE among other placing chances.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (2) MIRACLE HANGANG, who comes in here for the third time having run 2nd and 3rd in his first two appearances, both at this distance and both times leading. He draws very nicely to get to the lead here and he should exit what has been an extremely lucrative class 6 for his connections as a winner. Having won a trial, (9) RAON THE FANTA was sent off as favourite on debut over his distance on August 5th. She raced handily throughout and ran on for 3rd. She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement can go closer here. (4) GOLDEN LINE has raced twice before and has posted decent times, especially when 3rd on debut. He was well beaten by Miracle Hangang last time out but should be in the placing mix here. Among the debut makers (5) WATZUI YEOWANG and (6) CUPID MIR look the best at this stage.
Selections
(2) Miracle Hangang (9) Raon The Fanta (4) Golden Line (5) Waltzui Yeowang
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) GEUMAK JINJU will be hot favourite. She ran a strong 3rd on debut on July 22nd over this distance having been handy throughout. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (11) SINUI YEOJE debuted in the same race, finishing 5th having been on pace for much of the way around. She too should have benefitted for the experience and with some natural improvement can get closer today. (3) CHOEGANG TIME looks the best of the debut-makers. He was on pace in his trial, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time. If he can bring that form to the races, he won’t be far away. (4) GANGCHEOL DRAGON and (7) CHAMJOEUN JILJU other first-timers who could make an impression.
Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
A maiden for imports (northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern hemisphere three-year-olds) and seven of the eleven are racing for the first time. The favourite is one of those with experience and that’s (2) PANORAMA KING. Having won a trial, he was the market leader on debut over this distance on August 5th but came home 3rd. He should have come on for the run and should win this. (11) UWARYUNG has raced twice, finishing 2nd and 3rd coming off the pace both times. She should be there or thereabouts again. (3) LUCKY HANUL raced fairly for 5th in her debut in July and she too can be getting closer with some natural improvement. Among the debut-makers, (9) EOSEOMAREULHAE is the standout, having made all in a trial in a quick time on August 18th alongside some experienced racehorses (it was a voluntary trial so be aware it may not appear in all race cards). If he brings that form to the races, a win isn’t out of the question. (5) HERO LEGEND has been through three trials and seems to be getting the hang of things.
Selections
(2) Panorama King (11) Uwaryung (3) Lucky Hanul (9) Eoseomareulhae
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A very modest maiden. We’ll need to draw a line through his latest but (1) KING GO TAEYANG is probably the one to beat here. Last time out he drew the widest gate and while he used up plenty to get to a forward position, he didn’t have much left over 1300M. He comes into a much better gate today and going on his 2nd place at this distance two starts back, he has every chance. (5) MUNHAK CENTRAL has picked up a bit in her latest couple of appearances. She has run fair times and shouldn’t be far away here. (12) NAOL ROONEY has finished 4th in all three of her outings so far. She may need a touch of luck from the widest gate but if she can get on or close to the speed, she should be in this a long way. (4) MISTER STAR and (7) NEMO SPIRIT others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) King Go Taeyang (5) Munhak Central (12) Naol Rooney (4) Mister Star
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and it is wide open. (4) CLASS HEEMANG has raced just the twice and there was more than a year between them. She ran well on her return on August 6th, sitting at the back of the field from a wide draw before running on well for 4th. She should strip fitter for that run and Moon Se-young climbing on will tempt plenty. (7) VELVETY has shown steady improvement across four starts so far with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on August 6th when she settled midfield and ran on. She draws nicely today to sit on pace or handy and with a bit more progression, she can win. (5) WONDERFUL FOX has been very consistent with five finishes between 3rd and 5th. She likes to settle back and has a good finish on her, and she should be aiming for a career best placing here. (1) MENI CHARM and (3) MENI SHARK the other placing chances.
Horse Racing in Korea 