Author: gyongmaman

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 1)

July’s racing program – and the second half of the season – kicks off on Saturday with a 10-race program at Seoul 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 although three of the eight have raced once apiece already – all in the same race. And they will be the favourites, especially (5) MY CENTER, who ran 3rd on debut on May 28th in a fast time on what was a wet and fast track having been on pace throughout. From a central gate, he should lead again, and this time can go all the way. (4) LUCKY DRAGON and (1) MAGIC STRONG came home 5th and 8th respectively in that same May 28th race and they shape as the main dangers. Both recorded good times and while Magic Strong was some way back, he draws much better here. As for the first timers, (6) SEOCHEON LION was best in trials, running on pace and coming home second in an admittedly slow heat (as many were in June). (3) HANGANG LEGEND the next best.

Selections(5) My Center (4) Lucky Dragon (1) Magic Strong (6) Seocheon Lion
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Standard maiden here. (7) PURPLE WORLD will be the favourite. He has raced just the once and it was all the way back in January of 2022, but he showed promise running in 2nd place over 1000M. Then all sorts of setbacks started. He refused to load for his scheduled second start in March of last year, and while he passe his trials to requalify, he then had a litany of setbacks. He returned to full work at the start of June and looked well when running 3rd in a good time in a June 16th trial. If he brings that form to the races, he should be hard to beat. If he does manage to find something to go wrong again, (11) NAOL ROONEY may take advantage. He has run solid 4ths in both starts so far and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, can go closer today. (1) SHOOT UP SPARK has the fastest time for the distance among these, while (5) WONDERFUL FOX and (8) GRATITUDE are among others in contention for places.

Selections(7) Purple World (11) Naol Rooney (1) Shoot Up Spark (5) Wonderful Fox
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Unusual combination of seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (5) FOUR ACE gets the nod based on her last start runner-up finish over this distance when she overcame gate eleven to race handy. From a better draw and in a smaller field, she should get an easier run to the front in the early stages, and she can go one better. (2) GOLDEN PEARL is the logical second choice. She comes in off an improved 3rd place over this distance on June 4th when handy throughout. She too draws a better gate and with an apprentice claiming 2kg, she looks very nicely in. Jockey Lee Hyeon-jong is back from a year in the suspension wilderness (off track things) and he rides the solitary gelding, (6) ONE SPEAR. He enters off his best run to date when 5th over this distance two weeks ago and they look to strike again while the iron is at least lukewarm. It may be enough in this company. Something else has to improve and (7) SAMBA ZONE and (1) GALAXY SOCKS look the most likely.

Selections(5) Four Ace (2) Golden Pearl (6) One Spear (7) Samba Zone
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) BYEOLBIT MARU has won just one out of eighteen so far but enters off a strong 3rd place at big odds at class and distance on May 27th when ridden a bit further forward than usual. She has a good finish on her and with Kim Yong-geun taking the mount, it could be her day. (4) DREAM PLAY comes up in class having won over this distance on May 27th when settling in the front end of midfield and running on well. That win had been coming and he can measure up at this level. (11) SAENAE KHAN was slowly away and had an all-around poor day at the office last time out on May 28th. He was favourite that day for a reason though with his prior form reading well and he can be given another chance here. (3) MONEY STONE and (9) CHEONGGYE GISANG others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Byeolbit Maru (4) Dream Play (11) Saenae Khan (3) Money Stone
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race. (9) CHADOL RUN comes in off a quick 2nd place at class and distance on May 28th on a very wet and fast track when she overcame the widest gate to race handy. At the start before she was a winner at this class over 1300M in similarly swift fashion when coming from well off the pace. She is nicely weighted still, we know the wide draw isn’t a problem, and she can win here. The main danger is (7) MENI WONDERFUL. On May 21st he beat a couple of these on his way to a smart 2nd place at class and distance continuing a positive trend in recent outings. Expect him to be on pace here and in this a long way. (2) NEULGAEUL was 5th in that quick race behind Chadol Run in May and has also placed at class and distance. He draws well here and can go close. (8) COMPLETE LEADER and (4) CLOUTER others with minor money hopes.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 30)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 7-race card from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens in the opener. Having won a trial, (3) MAGARITA was sent off as favourite on debut on June 2nd when she raced on the pace and ultimately went down to a narrow defeat. Her time was more than a second quicker than any of the others here have managed for this distance and she won’t need to be much better to win here. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on May 12th. The wide draw may not help here but a similar performance will put her in the finish again. (6) CAPTAIN COMMANDO raced twice across the turn of the year and hinted at ability. He races for the first time since January and looked well when trialling up in May. (5) ACE RUN and (2) HAPPY BRIANNA are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Magarita (11) Baedari Dolpung (6) Captain Commando (5) Ace Run
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A competitive maiden. (9) GEUMA HUGE HIT has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in a good time over 1200M on May 26th. She comes up to this trip for the first time but the way she has finished off her races suggests that it can suit, and she can win here. (10) I’M KING IJI has been there or thereabouts in most of his starts so far. He draws wide again which is less than ideal, but he should be in the hunt here. (7) FANTASTIC TIME enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at 1200M. Seo Seung-un climbs on here and the step up to 1400M can be in her favour. (11) VELOCIRAPTOR and (8) CHEONMA DOKJU, the latter coming in after a much-improved 4th at this trip ahead of I’m King Iji earlier this month, are others to look out for.

Selections(9) Geuma Huge Hit (10) I’m King Iji (7) Fantastic Time (11) Velociraptor
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Good maiden with all but one of these coming in having finished 5th or better in their respective latest outings. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (1) ROSE BLADE. He hasn’t shown a huge amount of speed over his two starts so far, but he has finished 3rd and 4th over 1200M, finishing off well both times. He draws nicely here and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (9) SUCCESS BATTLE has shown big improvement in her latest two, coming home 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1400M. She raced on pace last time out but came from midfield at the start before and she can keep her positive run going here. (5) PIMI will surely be on the pace. She comes in off a significantly improved 3rd when stepped up to this distance on June 4th and can follow-up in this company. (2) HANEUL HAETSAL and (3) GLOBAL SARANG others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Rose Blade (9) Success Battle (5) Pimi (2) Haneul Haetsal
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Another competitive race. (11) SEONGSIL CHEONHA was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 6 level before running a good 3rd on his first try at this class on June 4th when leading part of the way around. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of the outside gate but he has every chance of winning here. (3) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA had a hard time when stepped up to a mile for his first race at this level in May. At the start before though he made all over this trip to win and back down in distance and well-drawn, he warrants another chance. (6) FANTASTIC WOMAN was slowly away last time before rallying for 5th over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and under a light weight, she can be in the finish. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO and the up in class last start winner (9) DAEHO NARA are the other logical contenders.

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Calm Strong Lands KNN Cup Double

For the second year in a row, Calm Strong was sent off in excess of 20/1 in the KNN Cup, the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring and Summer Series for fillies and mares. And for the second year in a row, she made a mockery of those odds, racing home in front to complete a year on year double while hot favourite Raon The Spurt was back down the track in a disappointing 7th.

Calm Strong wins the KNN Cup for the second year in a row (Pic: KRA)

Last year Calm Strong made all, holding off the fast finishing Wish Me by a neck while the odds-on Raon First started slowly and then briefly threatened before wilting. This time around, the favourite – another Raon – Raon The Spurt got a beautiful start and looked to have the race fully under control as the field headed into the straight.

Once in sight of home, Choi Bum-hyun pulled the trigger on the favourite. And nothing happened. It quickly became apparent that today was not to be Raon The Spurt’s day and Calm Strong, who had settled stalking her, took up a lead she wouldn’t relinquish. The fast-finishing Mahameru came home 2nd, three-quarters of a length in arrears while Gangseo Giant, the only three-year-old in the race, was 3rd.  Longshot Yellow Cat, under a first Busan ride for Kim Tae-hui, was an excellent 4th.

Since last year’s triumph, Calm Strong had only won one more race and that was her first one back, last August (the KNN was run in July last year) at class 2 level. Those consecutive wins saw her rating rise rapidly from the low sixties into the mid-eighties and accordingly into class 1 level where life has been hard for her, a good 3rd place over 1200M two starts back notwithstanding. She led the 1st leg of this series, the Donga Ilbo Trophy at Seoul in April, before weakening for 9th, and entered the KNN hard to back despite the drop in trip.

“It was difficult around the turn of year because she had a cracked hoof that was hard to get right” trainer Kang Hyoung-gon explained to in-house broadcaster KRBC. “But that has now cleared up completely and she’s also a more mature filly now. To be honest, I thought we were going to be caught (in the closing stages) but she showed good spirit.”

Jockey Lee Hyo-sik added: “Calm Strong needs early speed and a forward position. We had planned three possible scenarios for the race and the best of them worked out. We knew Raon The Spurt was the danger but she had a bad day today and Calm Strong just ran better.”

Calm Strong is an American-bred four-year-old by Bayern (who now stands in Korea) and is out of Diva’s Seastar (by Broken Vow).  She was imported to Korea as a yearling in December 2020 and is owned by Lee Hae-lan. It was her fifth win on her seventeenth start.

For winning trainer Kang Hyoung-gon, it was a fourth Group race win. In additional to Calm Strong’s success in this race last year, he has also won two legs of the Triple Crown: Soseuldaemun in the 2011 KRA Cup Mile, and Rock Choice in the Minister’s Cup in 2019.

Winning jockey Lee Hyo-sik only returned from his mandatory national service earlier this year. It was his second Group win having partnered King Socks to victory in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup. “I’m just three months back from the military,” he said afterwards, “Every jockey wants to win Group races and I am happy to repay the fans who believe in me. I will always do my best for the fans.”

Calm Strong and Lee Hyo-sik (Pic: KRA)

The Queens’ Tour now moves into its “Fall & Winter” phase. That series begins with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Seoul on September 24th, followed by the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and then a new race, the Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M Listed), both at Busan, on October 29th and December 10th respectively.

Next week the focus stays at Busan and a real three-way heavyweight match-up. Winner’s Man takes on Raon The Fighter and Tuhonui Banseok in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M) KOR-G2) in what sees Korea’s three main hopes for September’s international Korea Cup (in Raon The Fighter’s case, possibly the Korea Sprint) face off.

Winner’s Man is the defending champion as well as the reigning Korea Cup champion, but Tuhonui Banseok beat him by a full eleven-lengths in a career defining performance in the YTN Cup at Seoul in May. Meanwhile, Raon The Fighter, runner-up in last year’s Korea Cup had been targeted at the Sprint Series this campaign but a bout of colic delayed his return to work by two weeks and he wasn’t ready for the most recent short distance prize. He therefore renews hostilities with Winner’s Man and it makes for a fascinating race.

KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 25)

The Spring and Summer portion of the Queens’ Tour wraps up on Sunday at Busan when Raon The Spurt will be hot favourite for the KNN Cup. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 while at Seoul there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon The Spurt (KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here. (6) LAFAYETTE ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 27th, racing handily throughout. He should have come on for the run and the additional 1300M can see him home here. (2) JEWELRY FASHION similarly ran 3rd on her debut back on May 13th. The time was slightly slower, but she too showed promise, running through the line well, and she can be considered for improvement here too. (7) PHOENIX CLASS ran well for 2nd on debut in February before weakening having led for much of the way at start number two in April. She has had eight weeks off since and can be given another chance today. (3) BUTTER K and (4) SESANG APEURO are others to be considered.

Selections(6) Lafayette (2) Jewelry Fashion (7) Phoenix Class (3) Butter K
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

The form is not especially convincing in this maiden to (5) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK’s last start 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M when racing on pace, is enough to put him on top here.  He also has a 4th place to his name and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (8) BRAVO HANSEN beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th place at 1200M on May 27th when settling midfield. She can do similar here and should be getting closer. (1) HEART SIGNAL was 6th in that race, an improvement over here opening two efforts. She has tended to get quite far back in her races but for the first time she draws a good gate here and can improve. (6) NAOL TANK and (11) GEOMOON others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Sidaeui Myeongjak (8) Bravo Hansen (1) Heart Signal (6) Naol Tank
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time and those first-timers look set to dispute the honours. (5) GANGSEO BULPAE ran out a good trial winner on April 29th running on pace throughout. She is from Busan’s top stable and first up in this company, she won’t need to improve much on the trial to win. (9) ACE FIGHTING also looked very well in her trial when she was 2nd. The quick time was due to the winner, the Class 1 Hunch, but it was encouraging nevertheless, and if she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. Nor will (2) BINNANEUNGIL, who improved significantly in the second of two trials and draws very nicely first-up here. (10) BUGYEONG LION also went through two trials, crossing the line 2nd and 1st and posting good times. He draws wide here but should be a factor. As for those with prior experience, (6) THUNDER GONGJU looks the best.

Selections(5) Gangseo Bulpae (9) Ace Fighting (2) Binnaneungil (10) Bugyeong Lion
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Not the strongest of maidens so we’ll take a chance on (3) RAON JUMP. She has raced encouragingly across her latest three with a 4th and pair of 5th place finishes, all at this distance and all in fair times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, as well as the best finish and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win. (6) PURPLE WINK has a 4th and a 6th in his two outings so far, at 1200M and 1300M and also has a trial win to his name. Expect him to be on pace here and he looks to be the main danger. The form drops off after those two, so we’ll give a chance to solitary debut-maker (2) COMPLETE STEP. She performed fairly in her trial from a wide draw and couldn’t hope for a softer race to step out in. (9) AUSTIN LEADER and (1) DANGCHAN NANGBO other possible contenders for the minor money.

Selections(3) Raon Jump (6) Purple Wink (2) Complete Step (9) Austin Leader
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) UNJU BONNEUNG has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date with his best being a 2nd in an admittedly slow-run race over 1300M in April. He has finished off his races well and the step up to a mile may suit. He can win. (6) SUCCESS FRONT is the main danger. He went right back on his latest appearances, over 1200M on May 28th, before running on strongly for 3rd place. He too should find the mile can suit. (4) SHINE MONSTER is yet to finish any better than 4th in nine attempts but she has managed that position on each of her latest three appearances, running on well all three times. She has raced once before at this distance, without distinction, but she may well be ready for another crack. (11) DREAM RUN and (10) LUCKY BAND others in the frame.

Selections(8) Unju Bonneung (6) Success Front (4) Shine Monster (11) Dream Run
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) ARGO TAP will be a warm favourite. Yet to make the breakthrough after nine attempts, he does though have no fewer than eight top-five finishes including a last start 3rd place at class and distance on June 3rd. He draws a touch wide here but can be expected to be on or close to the pace and he is the one to beat. (3) SSEULMO is another maiden but comes up in class having got his act together in his three latest, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all at this distance in consistently fair times. He draws well and comes down a full 5kg in the weights with an apprentice claim, and he can measure up. (1) HWANGGEUMKKOT won well at this distance two starts back before finishing a solid 4th on her first try at this class on May 21st. She should be in the mix again. (4) BULPAE BLADE and the up in class (5) GROW are others to keep safe.

Selections(10) Argo Tap (3) Sseulmo (1) Hwanggeumkkot (4) Bulpae Blade
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT gets the nod having beaten three of these on his way to a close 2nd place at class and distance on May 29th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws well, and Franco climbs aboard. (9) GOLD ROSE was 3rd in that race having led for much of the way around. She was the best fancied that day among those who return here and with an apprentice taking her weight down, she can be given another chance here. (4) SUCCESSFUL was exactly that at the fourth time of asking, settling handy and then running on to win well. He is up in class here but slightly down in the weights and can measure up. (5) GEUMA UNO is still a maiden but has eight top-five finishes and will be close again here. Up in class last start winner (11) WAITING FOR YOU is another who can go close.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 24)

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 75 Million

Eleven unraced two-year-olds so it’s to the trial videos we head. (8) OKCHEON SNIPER won his heat on May 26th bounding into the lead straight from the gate and did it very nicely without his jockey needing to ask for very much. If he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance of winning first-up here. (3) ZIGGURAT ran handily in his trial, crossing the line in 2nd place in a fair time. He was just a neck behind Gana Power, who won on his own debut last weekend. (4) RAON THE SPRINTER is half-brother to Cheongu and Segi Gangja, both of whom won plenty. He looked lively enough in his trial, running through the line well, to suggest he can go well on debut. (5) BREEDO KING STAR and (10) LADY CODI others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(8) Okcheon Sniper (3) Ziggurat (4) Raon The Sprinter (5) Breedo King Star
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) WORLD FASHION has two 4th places and a 2nd from his latest three, with a very positive trial in the middle of them. At his latest on May 27th, he came from well off the pace over this distance and didn’t come up short by much. Today can be his day. (7) GEOMUI JEONSEOL has picked up in his latest two, registering a 3rd and a 4th, the latter over this distance in a time quicker than any of the others here have achieved. In this company he can be ridden on pace or handy and he shapes as the main danger. (2) DAONDI enters off a good 2nd in a decent time over 1200M (albeit on a wet and fast track). He comes up to 1300M for the first time and given the way he has finished off his races, it may well suit. (9) HAPPY PLAY and (8) COLITAS among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) World Fashion (7) Geomui Jeonseol (2) Daondi (9) Happy Play
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) CHOEGO POINT enters off a good 2nd place over 1400M on May 27th when ridden handier than he had been in previous outings. He steps up to 1700M for the first time, he draws well to be close to the front again, and he can win. (6) SAVANA CHARLIE is the logical second pick. He has run 4th on each of his last three appearances (and five in seven in total) including last time out behind Choego Point on May 27th. He too comes up to two turns for the first time and it could be exactly what he needs to get a bit closer. (7) HANGANG TSAR is another who may like the extended trip. He came from well off the pace for his best finish of 3rd over 1300M last time out and can be considered here. (3) TRES VITE, who has tackled the distance before, and (2) GEUMSEONG REVERE are others to consider.

Selections(1) Choego Point (6) Savana Charlie (7) Hangang Tsar (3) Tres Vite
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) HONOR ROSE comes up in class having scored her maiden win at just the second time of asking on April 24th when she made all over 1200M. She ran 3rd over this trip on her March debut and while she has had a couple of months off, she looks the one to beat here, most likely racing on pace again. There are plenty of others in the frame though. (11) APEX comes up in class following a maiden win at start number six on May 20th when she staled the leader before going clear. It’s fair to say she had mixed her form prior to that but the manner of the win – to the tune of ten-lengths – means she can’t be dismissed here. (1) GANGHAN QUEEN has a 3rd and a 5th in her latest two, both at 1200M and both at this class. From a good draw, she should be on pace here and in this a long way. (4) WHITE WITCH and (2) LEGAL HIGH among others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Honor Rose (11) Apex (1) Ganghan Queen (4) White Witch
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) FINAL CHUKJE made his breakthrough at start number seven on May 27th, making all at this distance. That win had been coming and while he comes up in class here, he draws very nicely to lead once more, and he should be in this a long way. (2) TIZ INDY got her breakthrough back in January and while it took her a couple of goes to find her feet at this level, she has looked good in her latest two with a 3rd and a 2nd, both over the 1300M. This will be her first time at the slightly extended trip, but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and she can go close. (9) EUNBIT DOLPUNG is still a maiden after four attempts, but she has produced some positive performances. She comes up in class here but is down in the weights and should be able to hold her own in this company. (7) GEUMBIT CHEONHA and (4) STAR RUSH among others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 23)

The main even this weekend is the KNN Cup, the final round of the Queens’ Tour spring and summer series. That’s at Busan on Sunday afternoon but the action kicks off on the south coast on Friday when there is a 7-race card from 12:30 to 18:00:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven previously unraced juveniles step out for the first time here so it’s to the trial videos. One of two fillies in the race, (1) AUTUMN BREEZE goes on top. She ran on pace in her heat on June 3rd, crossing the line 2nd, well back behind five-time winner Raon The Power but well ahead of the rest. The time was fair, she draws nicely here, and she has as much chance as any first up. (10) BACCHUS actually went a bit quicker in the second of his two trials albeit on a wet and fast track. That additional experience can be in his favour, and he can be the main danger with the wide draw not set to be an issue. (11) GREAT WINNER raced on pace in his heat so the outside gate may not be quite as ideal for him, but he showed enough in that trial to warrant consideration. (8) DREAM WAY and (9) CAPTAI N DIA were others who trialled well and can enter the calculations. As ever, watch the market for clues.

Selections(1) Autumn Breeze (10) Bacchus (11) Great Winner (8) Dream Way
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) CHAS PALPAL has got his act together in his latest two, registering a 2nd and a 3rd, both over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace having drawn wide. He comes back up to 56kg today but that’s balanced somewhat by him coming into a much better gate, and he is the one to beat here. The logical danger is (6) CAPTAIN CHARLIE. After a good trial, he ran a solid 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on April 23rd. It’s taken him nine weeks to return but he should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement can go closer here. (8) B. K. HUNTER has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1300M before. He races for the first time since January, but he looked well when 3rd in a quick trial last week and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can be competitive. (7) EVERY KING IJI and (5) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK among other placing chances.

Selections(1) Chas Palpal (6) Captain Charlie (8) B. K. Hunter (7) Every King Iji
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

This is a very tricky race. Without much confidence we’ll side with (5) DONGNAM WINNER on the perhaps spurious grounds that she has only raced four times and can still have plenty of scope for more development. Those four include a win at this distance at class 6 level on March and a fair 6th of eleven last time out at this class over 1200M. She can settle on pace or handy here and can be in this a long way. (3) GLOBAL CHOEGO overcame big odds to run 2nd at class and distance on June 4th, beating three of these in the process. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and will warrant more respect here. (1) DOCTOR PANGPANG remains a maiden, but he has a 4th and a 5th from his two starts at this level. He is nicely weighted and draws very well to get on pace and it isn’t impossible that today can be his day. (9) SEOGWI CHUKJE and (10) NALA among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Dongnam Winner (3) Global Choego (1) Doctor Pangpang (9) Seogwi Chukje
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

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

(9) FAST GUN was a winner at this class over 1400M on May 21st when racing handy throughout. He is yet to finish any worse than 3rd in five attempts and while he comes up in the weights to the tune of 3.5kg, and up to the mile for the first time, he can sit behind the speed here and can prove too strong again. (3) CUTE GUY is the main danger. He has only missed the top-four on one occasion and was a good winner at class 5 level two starts back over 1200M. He likes to run on pace and the distance is a question mark, but he should be equal to the challenge. (10) COOL RUNNING was a good winner at class 5 over 1300M on May 28th. He comes up in trip here but down in the weights and his recent running style suggests this can suit. (6) WONDERFUL APPEAL and (7) INFINITY POWER among others who can challenge at least for places.

Selections(9) Fast Gun (3) Cute Guy (10) Cool Running (6) Wonderful Appeal
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 11

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

Another tough puzzle to solve. (11) HWANGU DAEJANGGUN probably warrants favourite status, having won three of his four starts so far including his latest on May 28th at this class over 1200M. There are a couple of concerns. His only defeat came at this distance, and he was a long way back on a very wet track, and he comes up a full 5kg in the weights from his latest appearance, but he still looks to have scope for more development, and he can win here. There are plenty of dangers though. (8) RELEASE EDITION had a poor day at the office on his first try at this class on March 24th, but he has run well at this distance in the past and comes in here fresh with the in-form Da Silva climbing aboard. (5) FINAL SEVEN was an also-ran in Busan’s Classic Trial in March but enters off a solid 4th over a mile at this class and should be competitive in this company. (9) TAEYANG EUTTEUM and (7) SPECIAL WIND, both up in class but nicely weighted, are others in the frame.

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SUPER SSONSAL SCORES SENSATIONAL SROA SPRINT SUCCESS

At the age of seven, Ssonsal hit the heights he had always promised as he swept home late to clean up Eoma Eoma and Raon First in the shadow of the post to win the SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3), the third leg of the Sprint Series, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Pic: KRA

Ssonsal had come home in 3rd place in both of the first two legs of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint. But with the dominant winner of both those races, Raon The Fighter, absent the door was left open for the rest. Most pundits, as well as the punting public, believed that would be Eoma Eoma, last year’s Korea Sprint winner, who ran 2nd in the SBS Sports Sprint and was sent off the odds-on favourite ahead of Ssonsal and the President’s Cup winning mare Raon First.

From wide draws Raon Tap Man, a 48.8 outsider, and Lord Ban (21.5) flew across at the earliest opportunity to join Raon First on the early speed. That seemed to rattle Eoma Eoma who having drawn gate nine was, after the attack, neither able to lead nor save ground and was stuck somewhat in no-man’s land out wide. Ssonsal meanwhile, as is his style, settled towards the rear under a calm Franco Da Silva.

Into the home straight and Raon Tap Man and Lord Ban did not capitulate although Raon First and Eoma Eoma started to assert their superiority as they entered the final furlong. But then arrived Ssonsal, who had been quietly making progress since the two-furlong pole and he and Da Silva swept by to strike,  going away. Raon First was 2nd, a head in front of Eoma Eoma in 3rd while the early pacesetters Raon Tap Man and Lord Ban were rewarded with very solid 4th and 5th places.

“I’m very pleased to get back to Seoul and win a big race,” winning jockey Franco Da Silva told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “It’s very special because this racecourse is so full of life, with the fans all cheering, so I am very pleased to get a big winner here.”

Da Silva said he was always confident about Ssonsal. “Always I expect this horse to do much better than he sometimes does because he has a very special mind. Sometimes, he doesn’t want to run to his potential, but the last three races he has done his best, so before the race, I was expecting to get the win today because Raon The Fighter was not there. So, I thought he would be the best horse today.”

Pic: KRA

As for future plans, Da Silva is keen for Ssonsal to move up in trip. “We don’t know what’s after this, because I always know this horse can get a longer distance. The owner and the trainer pointed him to shorter, but I prefer him to go longer because I know if he stays behind in the pack, he has very strong power in the last three hundred (metres), so if the owner and trainer agree, we can put him (up to) a little bit longer distance.”

Winning trainer Lee Sang-young was tasting Group race victory for the first time in his sixteen-year career.  “It’s like a miracle.” Lee told KRBC. “I was a bit worried about the gate number (12) but Ssonsal stays on and with so many front-runners in this race, I guessed they wouldn’t all stick on as well as he (Ssonsal) can.”

Lee also paid tribute to his jockey. “We could win this race thanks to the jockey. I really appreciate Da Silva. I love him!”

Pic: KRA

Ssonsal is a seven-year-old American entire by Adios Charlie and out of Wink At The Boys (by Graeme Hall). He was bred by Dee-Ellen Cook and Suzette Parker and was purchased for $8500 by KOID out of the OBS October Yearling Sale in 2017. He is now owned by Hong Kyung-pyo. Ssonsal was recording his thirteenth career win on his thirty-fourth start and has amassed in excess of a Billion Korean Won’s worth of prize money.

Next week attention shifts to Busan and filly and mare division with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) on Sunday afternoon. Ttukseom Cup winner Raon The Spurt heads the nominations.

SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 18)

Sunday see the third leg of the Sprint Series with the running of the SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. Winner of the opening two legs, Raon The Fighter won’t be present leaving the way open for last year’s Korea Sprint Champion Eoma Eoma to return to winning ways. See here for full preview. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

The SROA went to the wire last year, Black Musk the winner (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) SAEBYEOK BULBIT will be the one to beat in the opener She has run 4th three times out of four so far including last time out in a fair time at this distance when handy throughout. In this company she should be on pace, and she won’t need to improve too much to win this. (1) SAEROUN BITKKAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance as recently as April and that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. He is one-paced but can settle back and pass plenty. (6) BEAT RACER has picked up in his latest couple, scoring the fastest time for this distance any of these have managed when 5th on his latest appearance on May 21st. He too can be considered as a result of that. (5) BEST SHUNSHINE and (2) CHONGAL COLONEL others with minor money chances.

Selections(3) Saebyeok Bulbit (1) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) Beat Race (5) Best Sunshine
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER is yet to finish in the top two, but she comes in following her best to date when 3rd over 1300M on May 21st when handy throughout. She draws well here and won’t really need to improve much on that to win. The danger is (8) DAEJANGBYEOL. He ran a very good 3rd over 1200M in March and while he got sent back to trail after finishing well back in re-appearance in April, he looked very well when winning a heat just last weekend and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. This is not a strong race so the solitary debut-maker can be given a chance. That’s (5) WONDERFUL SWEET, who ran fairly in a trial alongside some experienced horses. (1) SSING SSING SSING and (6) TOUGH YEOJE others with potential to improve.

Selections(3) Hampyeong Fighter (8) Daejangbyeol (5) Wonderful Sweet (1) Ssing Ssing Ssing
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME ran a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on April 30th when racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement, he can win here. He will be a short-priced favourite. (1) ROCKS has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places to her name. She tends to settle back and run on and under an apprentice claiming 3kg, she can be finishing strongly here. (2) BARBELL QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. That’s not exactly quick but it is enough to put her in the placing hunt in this company. (8) CHOEGANG WEEK and (7) WORLD ROYAL CAT could potentially improve in a race with unconvincing form.

Selections(4) Success Show Me (1) Rocks (2) Barbell Queen (8) Choegang Week
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(10) GEOSEN CHAMP shapes as a warm favourite here.  He enters off his best finish so far when 3rd over this distance on June 3rd and while he comes up a couple of kilos in the weights, he can settle handy or midfield and should prove too strong against this very moderate opposition. (4) LEMON BLADE will be second-favourite simply by virtue of his 3rd place two starts back at this distance. True, he sandwiched that between two very ordinary outings but few others in this field have shown themselves capable of such a run and a repeat would put him right in this. (2) THUNDER GALLOPER has run slow times but does have a reasonably strong finish on him compared to the rest here and should pass plenty late on. (7) MUNHAK CENTRAL and (1) MOON DUST are other potentials for minor money.

Selections(10) Geosen Champ (4) Lemon Blade (2) Thunder Galloper (7) Munhak Central
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) HAENGBOKHAN GIL enters following a best to date 2nd over this distance on May 19th when he led for most of the way around. He comes into a good gate here and looks have more development in him. He won’t need to improve much to win here. (8) POWER PLANE has put in some fair performances with a 3rd place at 1300M being his best back in February. In this small field he should be able to get on pace and can be in this a long way. (5) ECTON POWER has never finished inside the top-two in thirty attempts but has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eleven occasions. This is very much the kind of race that he picks up a cheque in. (2) MORO and (3) KICK’N RUSH perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Haengbokhan Gil (8) Power Plane (5) Ecton Power (2) Moro
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Wildly competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (10) SEONGSIL INDONG, who comes up in class following a maiden win over this distance on May 21st when settling just behind the speed and running on. She only comes down slightly in the weights but has only raced four times and can have more development in her. (6) J MOTION was a winner on debut over 1200M last December before running down the field on reappearance in January. He hasn’t raced since but has been through two trials in May and early June, running very well in both. If he brings that form back to the races he has solid claims first-up. (5) DREAM SKY is yet to win in ten attempts but has two solid 4th places at this class. She comes up slightly in trip and under a light weight, she can be running on strong. (8) BADAUI KKUM and (9) SMART BYEOL others in the frame.

Selections(10) Seongsil Indong (6) J Motion (5) Dream Sky (8) Badaui Kkum
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) MULTI HIT will be favourite here. A very quick winner over 1200M in February, he then put in a couple of ordinary performances in his first two goes at this level before coming back into form with a 2nd place over 1200M on May 12th. He come sup slightly in the weights but in this company, he should be able to get to his favoured forward position, and he can win. (1) NAMYANG BOLT comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1400M on May 19th. His running style has tended to be to go back and finish well, but he comes down in the weights and from a good draw can be a danger. (6) GEUMA STARRY returned from six months out to get her second runner-up finish and accordingly be promoted to this class. She should strip fitter for that run, she carries a very light weight, and she can measure up. (4) JEOLDAE BOSS and (10) DAMYANGUISIN others in the hunt.

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Eoma Eoma Poised To Return To Sprint Summit

Eoma Eoma has had a mixed year so far, but the 2022 International Korea Sprint winner looks set to return to the top of the sprinting division on Sunday afternoon when he will start a short-price favourite for the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association (SROA) Chairman’s Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse.

Eoma Eoma (Pic: KRA)

The SROA is the third leg of the Sprint Series a series where Raon The Fighter is in an insurmountable position having won both the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint in emphatic style. Raon The Fighter though, had a mild bout of colic in late May that prevented him from returning to work until this Monday and he has instead been pointed back up in trip towards next month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) in the Stayer Series and another crack at Winner’s Man. That leaves the door wide open for Eoma Eoma to return to the top.

There is a big field of sixteen in the SROA, but Eoma Eoma, who after an out of sorts 6th in the Busan Ilbo, got within two-and-a-half lengths of Raon The Fighter in the SBS Sports, will take some beating. The main danger looks to be another (and it is hard to keep track of all of them), Raon First, who having been beaten by stablemate Raon The Spurt in the Ttukseom Cup over 1400M, comes back to renew hostilities with the boys, and is never to be underestimated over any distance.

Ssonsal has had a resurgence this year and lies 2nd overall in the Sprint Series standings having finished 2nd in both legs so far. He will have support on a place line once again. Backing for Beolmaui Star seemingly evaporated once the front-runner drew the widest gate, while the evergreen Morfhis – who did draw well – as well as newcomer to the series, Legend Day, are others in the frame.

“I would prefer it if I had a lower draw but nine is ok, all things considered.” Eoma Eoma’s jockey Yoo Seung-wan told in-house broadcaster KRBC following the barrier draw.

“There are loads of horses in the race with fast starts. There is speed on the outside and those who have drawn well won’t want to give up their places either. In the previous race we ran well following the speed, I don’t think you need to lead.” Yoo continued. As for how the horse is: “His condition is great, I think even better than last time and it’s all systems go.”

Song Jae-hwan, assistant to trainer Park Jong-kon (Raon First) told KRBC that the draw was a good one but Raon First wouldn’t necessarily need to lead; “Against these male horses going to the front won’t be easy. We’ve got a middle gate and I will be happy to see her settle forward to middle. She is going well but Eoma Eoma, Beolmaui Star and Morfhis will be very tough to beat.”

The SROA Chairman’s Trophy is race 8 on the 10-race card at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Selections: (9) Eoma Eoma (7) Raon First (2) Morfhis (16) Beolmaui Star

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 17)

Saturday’s action moves to Seoul where there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Racegoers may also want to check out the Asian Junior Showjumping event that is taking place at the equestrian arena inside the racecourse complex throughout the afternoon as well. Here are the (racing) previews:

It is set to be a warm Saturday in Seoul

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven unraced two-year-olds so we head for the trial videos. (6) GANA POWER, from the first crop of Korean Triple Crown winner Power Blade, gets the nod. He drew wide in his heat but quickly made his way to the front and then proceeded to lead all the way.  If he brings that form to the races, he is the one to beat. (1) HWASANGWIHWAN took a couple of goes to qualify but he looked well when winning a heat on May 12th. He stopped the clock in the same time as Gana Power and he too will have plenty of backers first-up. (11) DAEMUL SOCKS also won a trial and while he has the challenge of the outside gate, he settled back and ran on in his heat so it may not be too much of an issue for him. (7) SMART CAT and (8) P N S JU are others who caught the eye in their trials.

Selections(6) Gana Power (1) Hwasangwihwan (11) Daemul Socks (7) Smart Cat
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (5) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA. He has shown steady progress across his four starts and enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this distance, both times settling midfield and running on. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance by more than half a second and he should be winning this modest maiden. (9) WONPYEONG SKY has mixed his form so far, but he does have a 2nd place to his name, two starts back when he finished off well. A repeat of that run would put him in the mix here. (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO has hinted at ability. She has finished 4th or 5th on four of her five starts so far and should be aiming to improve here. Solitary debut-maker (10) SPECIALTIME trialed fairly alongside some experienced horses and can be given a chance first-up in this company. (3) SEONGSIL TAEYANG another with potential for improvement.

Selections(5) Tamra Choegangja (9) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Damjaengi Argo (10) Specialtime
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Plenty come in with recent form suggesting they are ready for a win but (1) HANGANG POWER will be favourite. In his latest two, he has a 4th and a 3rd in good times over 1200M and 1400M and from a great draw he can be on pace today and may take some catching. (4) ARCH RUNNER looks to be the main danger. She enters off a strong 2nd place at this distance on May 21st when handy throughout and while she carries an additional 2kg this time, she should be close. (5) SECRET WANGJA and (3) WONDERFUL RULES come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other over 1200M on May 20th. Both came from well off the pace and should be challenging late again here. (6) SHARP SUNSHINE is another to keep safe.

Selections(1) Hangang Power (4) Arch Runner (5) Secret Wangja (3) Wonderful Rules
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) PEERLESS is yet to win but has only finished outside the top four once in six starts. She has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two both at this class and distance and from a good gate and under a light weight, she can make the breakthrough here. It took (2) SILVER BOOSTER a few goes to figure things out, but he has significantly picked up of late. He comes in following a maiden win over 1200M on April 16th when he made all and while he comes up in class here, he draws well and can be a danger. (10) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK has been consistently beating her odds in recent starts and has been getting closer, including a good 2nd to Raon Empire over 1200M last time out. In this company she can get on pace, and she can maintain her good run of form. (3) TAKE MONEY and (9) WONPYEONG KILLAR are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Peerless (2) Silver Booster (10) Haengbokan Munmak (3) Take Money
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) MILLION PARTY debuted last November, running well for 4th, but then wasn’t seen again until May. She made a very impressive return, leading all the way over this distance to score by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class here, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and she is the one to beat. The logical danger is (3) NONSTOP THUNDER. A maiden winner two starts back she comes in off a close 2nd on her first try at this class on April 23rd when she settled back and ran on strongly over this distance only going down narrowly. She will drop back again and should be strong late on. (8) BEST FALCON remains a maiden but has no fewer than nine to-four finishes. She is up in weight compared to recent starts, but this is the kind of field she is competitive in. The up in class (6) ZIRCON along with (7) DORIPO are also in the frame.

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