The 2023 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday at Busan as a full field of sixteen head to the gate for the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). Eight have made the trip down from Seoul while eight represent the home track and the stage is set for the next star of local racing to emerge.
Betelgeuse (Pic: KRA)
Betelgeuse was kept off the Juvenile Series last autumn and instead racked up experience – and victories – against older horses at the Derby distance of 1800M as well as a mile. That extra bit of seasoning and toughness stood him in good stead when he did drop back to face his contemporaries in Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy (1400M Listed) on March 19th. He ran out an easy winner that day and will be favoured to do so again here. Choi Si-dae, who has ridden two Korean Derby winners but is yet to win the Cup Mile, will be aboard for trainer Baik Kwang-yeol.
The only unbeaten record in the race belongs to Something Lost. The Seoul raider win the capital’s Classic Trial, the Sports Seoul Trophy (1400M Listed) on the same afternoon that Betelgeuse was doing his thing in Busan. He has led all his races so far and was hanging on in the Trial, but he has done everything asked of him so far and will be one of the dangers. Lee Hyeok, who has ridden him in all his races so far, will be partnering him again.
Last year’s top juvenile Speed Young returned to form with a win over a mile at class 3 level in March and he’ll be another contender along with two-time distance winner Nut Play and impressive last start class 3 winner Dokki Bulpae.
The KRA Cup Mile is race 6 on Busan’s Sunday program with a local post time of 15:45.
1. CHOICE RUN – Since finishing down the field in the Breeders’ Cup he has won three on the spin up to class 3 level to take his chance here. They have all been at 1200M and on pace, but he draws well and could have a say.
2. SPEED YOUNG – The Breeders’ Cup winner suffered a surprise defeat on his first start of the year but returned to form with an impressive score over a mile at class 3 level on March 3rd. Proven at the distance and having already beaten plenty of these, he has solid claims.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden to open with. (2) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA has run fairly in her latest two, most recently leading for much of the way around 1300M on April 1st and ultimately finishing 4th of eight in a fair time. Slightly back in trip, she can be on pace again and has as good a chance as any. The probably betting favourite is (4) WHITE WITCH. That’s on the back of her very close 2nd place at this distance on March 26th when she overcame gate ten to race on pace. She comes into a better gate today, she should be on the speed again, and she could go one better. (1) SILVER PURGE won a February trial before running a fair 5th on debut at this distance on March 12th. She should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (6) TWO ACE and (7) HANGANG POWER others with minor money hopes.
Selections
(2) Yamujin Saegangja (4) White Witch (1) Silver Purge (6) Two Ace
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Seven fillies and two colts in this maiden. (3) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite having improved to 2nd at start number two on March 19th when slowly away from a wide draw before running on strongly. She comes into a much better gate so may be ridden forward and she should prove too strong. (9) BEST PLAN is yet to finish in the top-two in nineteen attempts but does have seven finishes between 3rd and 5th to her name. She enters with recent form reading positively and a career-best finish isn’t out of the question here. (1) RAON JUMP was a close 4th at this distance on April 2nd, equalling her best finish so far. She tends to get a bit far back in her races before running on too late, but she has a strong finish and if she can be withing striking distance at the top of the straight, she can go close. (4) CHALLANHAN BULKKOT and (5) FIRST CHOUX others to consider for the places.
Selections
(3) Sorara Meme (9) Best Plan (1) Raon Jump (4) Challanhan Bulkkot
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and quite a few look ready to win. After stumbling and throwing his jockey in the home straight two starts back having worked hard to get forward from the widest gate and then tiring, (7) DAEJANGBYEOL returned to run a close 3rd over this distance on March 18th when settling back and running on well. Similar tactics could prevail here and Johan climbing on is a plus. (9) FIRST USER improved to 2nd at start number two on March 25th when settling handy and running on. Despite the draw, she should be on or close to the pace again and can be a danger. (4) HALLSTATT has two placings from four starts including a runner-up finish on his latest over this distance when he led for much of the way. He’s had eleven weeks off since and should be competing for the early lead again. (6) CLUB D has come from midfield to run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two and should be running on again. (5) JEONGSANG HIT ran a creditable 4th on debut and can build on that here.
Selections
(7) Daejangbyeok (9) First User (4) Hallstatt (6) Club D
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (2) DUSON CLASSIC remains a maiden after nine attempts but has six top-three finishes and enters off a close 2nd place at class and distance on March 25th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. Coming into filly and mare only company, she comes up 2.5kg in the weights, but a similar run here will see her hard to hold out. (3) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win over this distance in January and has since run 2nd in two tries at this class over 1400M and most recently at this distance on March 19th when she only went down by a neck. Her time in that race was as quick as any of these have recorded over the distance and she looks a serious chance here. (7) RAON CITY GIRL was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner over 1200M on March 19th. She comes up in class but remains nicely weighted and can measure up. (8) GALSAEK HYANGGI and (5) OKDONG GONGJU others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(2) COMPLETE LEVEL won on debut last August over 1000M before following up with a runner-up finish at class and distance in September. He then had a series of small injuries and illness that kept off the track, but he returned to full training again in mid-March and looked very well when 2nd in a trial earlier this month when settling back and running on in a quick time on a wet track. He’ll need this but if he shows any of his original form, he can win first-up. (8) SUNGAN TOUCH enters with his recent form reading very consistently, most recently a close 2nd place at class and distance on March 18th when ridden on pace. He can settle just behind the lead here and can run into some money again. (3) ULTRA SOCKS was 3rd in that March 18th race, just a neck behind Sungan Touch. From a good gate expect him to be challenging for the lead again and to be in this a long way. (9) BEST FALCON and (5) BICHUICA are among others in at least the placing frame.
This weekend sees the first leg of the 2023 Triple Crown with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday. The south coast is where the action kicks off with 8 races on Friday from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Captain Yankee won the KRA Cup Mile in 2022 (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (6) ZETTA DREAM looks the one to beat following a runner-up finish on debut over 1200M on a wet track on March 24th when briefly leading in the straight. He stopped the clock in a good time, he should have come on for the run and from a central draw can be aiming to lead from gate to wire. The main danger is (11) THE PURE MAN. After a good trial he ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on March 31st, overcoming a slow start and then running on. That run suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he should go close. (4) HERE THE QUEEN has mixed her form across three starts so far but she has a runner-up finish in a quick time to her name over this distance and comes in having overcome gate eleven to run 3rd over 1400M on March 24th. Any top-three finish will see her at class 5 level next time and a win isn’t impossible. (2) DYNAMIC WINNER and (8) QUEEN OF JOY other possible placers.
Selections
(6) Zetta Dream (11) The Pure Man (4) Here The Queen (2) Dynamic Winner
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(6) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the weekend. After winning a trial, he’s run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M and 1300M and in decent times. He settled back and midfield and can do similar here and should be hard to hold out in the closing stages. The clear second favourite will be (1) UNJU OREUM. She has a 2nd to her name at 1200M and come sin off back-to-back 4th places in decent times at 1200M and 1300M. She draws much better than she has done in any of her four appearances so far so may well be ridden more forward. (7) SHINE MONSTER went right back before running on for a valiant 4th at this distance on March 31st. That was a big uptick in form but puts her in the minor money frame here. So too (2) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, who ran 2nd two starts back at 1200M and from a good draw, can be on pace and in this a long way. (8) NINE FORCE ONE another with hopes of the minors.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Tricky one. We’ll go with the filly (5) SKY SEUNG, who has only raced once and that was all the way back last July when 4th at this distance. She looked well in a trial two weeks ago and once again can put in a bold showing first-up. (7) DOCTOR CUCKOO has three 4th place finishes from his latest four appearances including last time out over this distance when on pace. He has the fastest time among these for this trip and shapes as the main danger. (9) MOVIE MORE ran a much-improved 2nd last time out when on the speed in an all-filly affair over this distance on April 7th. That was just her fourth start, it was a good time, and she may well have more improvement. (3) ECTON POWER and (4) GOLDEN CAMP probably don’t have much improvement in them but in this company are capable of money finishes.
Selections
(5) Sky Seung (7) Doctor Cuckoo (9) Movie More (3) Ecton Power
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
This is a good race for the level with plenty entering with recent form reading well. (2) GOLD ROSE just about gets the nod following a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this class and over 1300M and most recently this distance on March 31st. She has been on pace in both of those and is well drawn to lead again. She may prove hard to pass. (3) CUTE GUY weakened late on when tried over 1400M on his latest on March 26th. He is third-up today having returned in February from eight months out, and this lightly raced five-year-old could be peaking fitness-wise. (6) B.K. GALLOP got his maiden win over this distance two starts back before running 4th on her first try at this class on April 16th having raced on pace. She remains under a light weight, draws slightly better, and she can be dangerous. The up in class pair of (1) QUEENS LANDING and, to a lesser extent, (11) AQUA MAGIC, are others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Gold Rose (3) Cute Guy (6) B.K. Gallop (1) Queens Landing
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 6
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) FANTASTIC CHAMP comes up in class having run 2nd on debut all the way back last May and then finally returning to action ten months later on March 26th and winning over 1200M with a front-running effort. H comes sown in the weights, draws the same gate and neither the class rise nor the slight rise in trip should trouble him. He can win again. Also up in class is (12) SINHAE MANGCHI. He was 3rd in his first two starts before getting his maiden win over this distance on April 2nd when leading all the way. The draw here will mean that he should be available at an each-way price, and he could surprise. (1) DIA BOSS ran 2nd on his first start at this class over 1400M on April 2nd when beating three of these and having led for much of the way. He’ll be on pace again and the slight drop back in trip should suit. (11) SPECIAL WIND and (6) MENI GLORY others to consider.
Jeulgeounyeojeong held off a determined late challenge from Raon Forest to win the Luna Stakes, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara (filly Triple Crown) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday.
Raon Forest finished the quicker but Jeulgeounyeojeong had already won (Pic: KRA)
Sent off as joint-favourite for the mile long first jewel, Jeulgeounyeojeong sat handy through the early stages as fellow favourite Raon Giant set the pace under Moon Se-young.
Raon Giant’s challenge would end early in the straight and it was Jeulgeounyeojeong who would take things up building a seemingly unbeatable lead in the final furlong, only for the striking grey Raon Forest, a stablemate of Raon Giant under the care of trainer Park Jong-kon to launch a blistering late run. It went to the judges but Jeulgeounyeojeong was the winner by a nose.
19/1 chance Magic Class was five-lengths adrift in 3rd while Raon Giant came home 4th.
Winning jockey Franco Da Silva was quick to acknowledge that he was fortunate to get the call up following a minor injury to declared jockey Seo Seung-un in trackwork.
“He (Seo Seung-un) got some back issue, and I was free for the race, so I was lucky. It’s a lucky winner for me.” Da Silva told in-house broadcaster KRBC.
Despite only picking up the ride at the last minute, Da Silva had a clear game plan: “I knew that number 5 (Raon Forest) and number 10 (Raon Giant) would be the best two horses and I was worried about the number 4 (Wonderful Week), I thought that she was quite nice. But I knew that they were going to be very fast, so my plan was to jump and just track the leaders and wait.”
“And everything was perfect. She jumped quite good, and I just had to control the pace and wait and take her out and she did her best until the line. I’m happy that she was 100% today.”
Such was the strong finish of Raon Forest that jockey Lim Gi-won raised his crop in seeming celebration and even the TV Producer zoomed in on the Seoul filly after the line instead of the actual winner. Da Silva was having none of it though:
“Right after the line I told that jockey that I had won.”
Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and is out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo) and was bred by owners Nasca, of Eoma Eoma fame, at their farm. She is trained by Korea’s all-time leading trainer in terms of both wins and Group races, Kim Young-kwan. She moves onto four wins from ten starts.
The second leg of the Triple Tiara is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), also at Busan on June 4th and while Jeulgeounyeojeong will rightly be among the leading contenders, the way Raon Forest finished off the race may make her the favourite to turn the tables with an extra furlong to play with. The final leg of the Tiara is the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on July 15th.
Next weekend it is the turn of the colts to kick off their Triple Crown with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday.
The Triple Tiara – or filly Triple Crown – begins at Busan on Sunday with the running of the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas). See here for a full preview of the race. The Luna is the last race of 6 on a Busan card that runs from 11:00 to 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Doctor Oscar is a contender in the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (1) HONOR ROSE will be favourite having run 3rd on debut in a good time over 1200M on March 18th when handy throughout. She draws well here, she has the same weight, and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. All that applies too to (2) MINT PLAY. She ran on from midfield for 3rd on her debut on March 19th over 1200M and she will be a danger. There is one debut-maker and (8) NAOL ROONEY is not without a chance. The Cross Traffic filly improved across three trials and those multiple efforts should stand er in good stead. At her latest trial she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield then handy and ran on well and in limited company, she can put in a bold first-up effort. (5) JANGHEUNG CLASS and (7) SEONGSIL INDONG other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Honor Rose (2) Mint Play (8) Naol Rooney (5) Jangheung Class
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) LAND BANK is the one to beat. He has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times having led from the gate almost until the line. He draws well, he should lead again, and it can be third-time lucky. There is one first-time starter. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE posted a fast time in his trial, albeit aided by the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination) to pull them along. This is hardly the most intimidating of races to debut in and he can be considered first-up. (3) HAERANG THE ONE comes back slightly in trip following a 4th and two 5th placed finishes over 1300M both from behind and on pace. She should be competitive here too. (8) FABULOUS BEATER ran out of steam late on debut but should stirp fitter for the experience and can improve here. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND another in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) Land Bank (10) Captain Charlie (3) Haerang The One (8) Fabulous Beater
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) WONPYEONG KINGDOM ran 3rd on debut at relatively big odds having got away to good start and then led until the closing stages over 1300M. He draws well again the slight step back in trip can suit, and with some natural improvement, he can win. (10) FIJI BLADE also put in a creditable showing on debut, in her case over this distance on March 11th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she too should have come on for the run and while she draws a touch wide, she can be a danger. (5) WORLD FASHION has more experience and has improved across his three outings to date and was 4th behind Wonpyeong Kingdom in the latest of those on March 26th. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but has a strong finish and will be running on here. (2) GEOLJAK TOUR and trial winning debut-maker (7) SEOUL LION among others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Wonpyeong Kingdom (10) Fiji Blade (5) World Fashion (2) Geoljak Tour
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER may take some beating. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from is latest two, both at 1200M. He has the fastest time at the distance by a wide margin and from a good draw, he should be on pace here and will be hard to get past. (1) SEONGSIL STAR came back to this distance and ran a much-improved 2nd on February 17th and after nine weeks off, he can be competitive again from the inside gate. (8) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT has three top-five finishes from four starts so far and while her times have not been quick, she can challenge for the lead here and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA HUGE HIT did nothing on debut last November but was put away after that and looked much better when sent back to trial in March. Franco climbs on and she should show improvement. (5) DREAM RUN another potentially on the right trajectory.
The three-year-old Classic season gets underway this weekend and it’s the fillies who get the first crack at it with the Luna Stakes (1600M – Listed) making up the first leg of the Triple Tiara – the filly Triple Crown – over a mile at Busan Racecourse this Sunday.
Raon Giant won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy in November (Pic: KRA)
Twelve fillies, seven from the host track and five who have travelled down from Seoul, will line up for the what is the Korean 1000 Guineas, which leads into June’s Korean Oaks also at Busan, and then the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul in July.
Heading the Seoul contingent is Raon Giant. The Park Jong-kon trained galloper has won five of her seven starts so far, including the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy last November. Moon Se-young comes down to Busan to ride and she has every chance.
Disputing favourite status with Raon Giant will be Jeulgeounyeojeong. She has a fast 2nd place over the Mile when a very solid 3rd at class 3 level. She will though need to overturn the form on Listed Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy winner Doctor Oscar, who finished 2nd to her 3rd when the pair raced over 1800M. Jeulgeounyeojeong was giving away 3kg that day, but they will be at level weights this time.
Raon Forest and the so far relatively unexposed Gold Cheonsa are among others in the frame for what should be a competitive renewal:
1. JEOMSUNI GO – Only raced four times, winning one over 1200M at maiden level and was most recently 2nd over 1400M at class 5. Her times have been consistently quick, and she may appeal for a place at probable big odds.
2. FURIOSA – Runner-up to Raon Giant in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy, coming from off the pace. Subsequently registered a 4th and 6th at class 4 level up to 1400M. Drawn well but will need to find more here.
3. PEOPLE POWER – One of just four who have tackled the mile before and while she only beat one home, she has since found her form again with a 2nd and then a win over 1400M, both at class 4 level in quick times. On those runs she has minor money claims here.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Spring Festival is finally over…
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and while the field is small, it’s competitive. (7) HEY CUPID debuted in a nondescript fashion last October and was then put away. He returned to training in February having been gelded and looked very well when leading every step of the way in a March trial. He can make a winning return here. The main danger is (5) CHEOGANG HYEONMA. In four appearances, he is yet to finish any worse than 5th with his best being a 2nd place over 1300M two starts back. In this small field he will probably be ridden further forward today, and he could make the breakthrough. (8) CLAIR QUEEN has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks to be figuring things out following back-to-back 5th place finishes. First time starter (2) GANGJAUI BIT, who trialled up behind Hey Cupid, and (1) CHOEGANG NICE among others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) in this maiden. (4) EUNBIT DOLPUNG has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at this distance and 1300M, the latter time beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely here, Johan climbs aboard, and she can make it third time lucky. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1300M on March 26th. She was ridden closer to the pace that day, just as she was in a previous 3rd, and with similar tactics today, she has a chance. (6) COSMO QUEEN has been consistent over her six outings including a 3rd place two starts back when stopping the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance, albeit n a wet and fast track. She is at least a place chance. (3) TOUGH YEOJE and (10) TI AMO others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (4) MIR POINT. After a couple of indifferent runs to start with, he has shown good consistency and has been working towards a win in his latest few. He comes in off a 3rd place at 1200M when he settled midfield and ran on, but in this company, he will almost certainly be ridden on pace and may takes some passing. He has been a beaten favourite before though so if you fancy him to be one again then (8) BADAUI KKUM could be the one. Yet to score in fifteen, he has seven top-five finishes to his name and continues to benefit from a 2kg apprentice claim here. He should be on the speed too and he runs through the line well. (2) WONDERFUL WISHING ran out an improved 2nd over 1400M on March 18th. He draws well and can build on that here. The form drops off after that with (3) SPEAR QUEEN and (5) WONDERFUL DEPUTY perhaps next best.
Selections
(4) Mir Point (8) Badaui Kkum (2) Wonderful Wishing (3) Spear Queen
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (4) ARGO SMILE got his maiden win at start two over 1200M in February when settling midfield and running on. He then ran 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on March 5th behind a winner who has since gone on to place at class 4. An apprentice claim means he carries even less weight today, he draws well, and he has solid claims. (11) BLACK MOTION enters off a 3rd place at 1200M in late February when settling right back and then running on. That effort suggests that the wide draw won’t be a problem and he can be a danger. (10) STRENGTH and (1) ORCHID VALLEY ran 2nd and 3rd respectively when they faced each other at class and distance on March 11th. There is a slight swing in the weights in Orchid Valley’s favour and he also gets the better of the draw, but both can be competitive again. (5) WORLD KING MAN among plenty of others with placing claims.
Selections
(4) Argo Smile (11) Black Motion (10) Strength (1) Orchid Valley
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(1) YEONGWON FIGHTER led from gate to wire to win on debut over 1200M on February 11th. He has had ten weeks off since then and he comes up in class here, but he comes into a much better gate and is down in weight. He can make it two for two. (10) JANGSAN SPO was a similarly good winner at class 6 level in February and while he finished back in the pack on his first try at this level on March 18th, the margins weren’t huge, and he can be given another chance here. (7) YONGBI SEOUL has finished 5th in his latest two. Both at this class and distance and both in quick times. He can settle just behind the speed here and can finish off well. (11) JUMONG CHEONHA and (2) BLOOMING STAR others in the frame.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and such is the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll side with first-timers. (3) OK DREAM went through two trials stopping the clock in quick times in both, having been on pace. That combined with the good draw and Franco on her back is enough to make her the top pick. (2) GOLDEN STELLA was also on pace in her heat, crossing the line 2nd in a good time. She too draws well and can put in a bold showing on debut here. Of those with experience, (5) U PING has been well backed in all of her starts so far and got a 2nd and a 3rd in her first two outings. If she can get a good start, she could be a winning chance here. (11) WIND VICTORY is treated less kindly by the draw than the other two debut-makers, but she improved over the course of two trials and with some natural improvement from those, can also show well in this company. (9) HANEUL HAETSAL the best of the rest.
Selections
(3) OK Dream (2) Golden Stella (5) U Ping (11) Wind Victory
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Quite a good maiden with a few of them looking ready to win. (2) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two in fair times at this distance and 1300M. He sat on pace in his latest start and from a good gate can do similar here and he has a big chance. (9) VICTOR BASIUM has entered these selections on many occasions and remains yet to finish in the top-two. He has though been between 3rd and 5th no fewer than eight times. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be on pace and while we write that every time about him and he will probably once more find at least one too quick, but he should be there or thereabouts. (6) WONDERFUL SMARTY comes in off a fair 4th at the distance on April 2nd. He can sit behind the speed here and run on again. (8) JANGSAN DEFI and (10) NAMYANG BOLT among others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Global Sarang (9) Victor Basium (6) Wonderful Smarty (8) Jangsan Defi
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(6) BABEL HEART has shown significant improvement in his latest two, running 3rd on both times, most recently at this distance on March 26th. He tends to be a slow starter and settles right back before running on, but he has done that well recently and has a chance to go one, or even two, better today. (8) WORLD POINT was 2nd to Babel Heart’s 3rd when they raced one another in a slow race on February 24th. He comes up to this distance for the first time and it may well suit. (4) SOLEDAD has finished 4th or 5th in five of six starts so far including her latest on March 26th behind Babel Heart. There is an absence of early speed in this race so from a good draw, she may well be the pacesetter and can be in this a long way. (9) ACE RUN and (5) FIGHT FAMILY others who could enter the calculations.
Selections
(6) Babel Heart (8) World Point (4) Soledad (9) Ace Run
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M in a quick time before running 4th on his first try at this class and distance in a quick race on March 31st when he led for much of the way. He should be on pace again and it can be his day. (7) BLACK VOLT comes up in class distance following his maiden win over 1200M on March 19th when settling back and running on to score narrowly. He has raced well at this distance already and should measure up in this company. (6) WONDERFUL OCEAN remains a maiden after ten attempts but enters in good form off back-to-back 3rd places both at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and under a light weight she can be in the mix again. (5) RUBY STORM and (2) NOBLE COWBOY among others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Dubai Wonjeongdae (7) Black Volt (6) Wonderful Ocean (5) Ruby Storm
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 8, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) PAN STAR came close to making all over 1300M on March 24th, just being overhauled in the closing stages and finishing 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but draws well, Seo Seung-un stays aboard, and he slight drop back in trip could see him home on top this time. (4) SPECIAL HERO enters with recent form reading well. On her latest on April 2nd, she sat handy before running on for 3rd in a fast race at class and distance she looks nicely in again here. (6) SEOGWI CHUKJE has picked up significantly in her latest two recording back-to-back 2nd places, both times at each-way prices. She continues under a very light weight here and can be competitive again. (10) GREAT BLUE and (5) GAMDONG ENERGY among others with at least placing claims.
Selections
(3) Pan Star (4) Special Hero (6) Seogwi Chukje (10) Great Blue
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(10) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING won his first two starts to get rapidly promoted to this level and has a 2nd and a 4th from three attempts at this class, both over 1400M. He draws a touch wider than ideal but the drop back in trip can suit and he can return to winning ways. The main danger is (12) BLUE ICON. He has only finished out of the top three on one occasion and comes inhere having beaten a few of today’s rivals on his way to a close 2nd in a fast race over class and distance on March 19th. He is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (4) GOLDEN was slowly away last time out and finished well back but his form prior to that was good and from a good gate, he can be given another chance today. (11) DOCTOR TIFFANY and (5) HALLOWEEN PARTY others to consider.
Selections
(10) Seungnimagic King (12) Blue Icon (4) Golden (11) Doctor Tiffany
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Competitive race but (6) CAPTAIN GOLD gets the nod. He was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 4 level before running 2nd on his first try at this level on March 10th, again over the 1400M, when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed again and can win here. (9) MAN OF THE YEAR returned from almost a year out to lead every step of the way over 1200M on March 3rd. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is plenty more to come and he can be a big factor here. (7) SONHADOR also returned to action last start after a lengthy absence. In her case she ran a strong 2nd over 1200M and should strip fitter for that run. (10) SANGSEUNG BOY and (12) MENIFEE SONG among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(6) Captain Gold (9) Man Of The Year (7) Sonhador (10) Sangseung Boy
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
3, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 8: Class 1 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 110 Million
Small but competitive class 1 field to conclude. (3) SO MUCH GO is the one to beat, having won at class and distance on March 26th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He likes to settle back and run on and under the same weight today, he looks a winning chance again. (1) CRAZY CONTI was 5th in that March 26th race when racing on pace. He comes into a good gate today and can get closer. (5) KING OF GLORY returned to form last time out at the end of February when beating (an admittedly out of sorts) Winner’s Man on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. The same apprentice jockey takes the edge off the weight again and he can be a danger. (8) PRO CONSUL and (7) MACH TITAN other placing hopes.
Selections
(3) So Much Go (1) Crazy Conti (5) King Of Glory (8) Pro Consul
Winner’s Man won the opening leg of the Stayer Series a year ago on his way to a clean sweep, and at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, he demonstrated he has lost none of his superiority at the longer distances with a comfortable defence of the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3).
Winner’s Man goes clear of Tuhonui Banseok in the Herald Business (Pic: KRA)
The 2022 Korea Sprint and Grand Prix Stakes winner had been known to throw in the odd lackluster performance, such as when 3rd in last November’s G1 President’s Cup and especially when 4th in his tune up for this, a handicap over 1800M at Busan in February. Winner’s Man though returned to action this time leaner, having come down 15kg in body weight since that setback, and was sent off the 1.5 favourite in the local win pool.
Raon The Spurt, the only filly, set the pace as Winner’s Man slotted into 4th place among ten in the early exchanges with Black Musk and Tuhonui Banseok, the Grand Prix Stakes 3rd, between them. As the field made their way down the back straight, just after halfway, Seo Seung-un took Winner’s Man up closer to join Raon The Spurt and the rest was inevitable.
Winner’s Man struck the front shortly after they turned into the home straight and while Tuhonui Banseok briefly closed the gap up the inside rail, when Seo asked for an effort, Winner’s Man responded and opened up clear daylight again, ultimately crossing the line three-lengths to the good over the Bart Rice-trained Tuhonui Banseok. Barbarian made it a one-two-three for Busan-trained gallopers with Raon The Spurt a brave 4th the best of the Seoul home team.
Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man (Pic: KRA)
Winner’s Man [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (by Volponi)] moved on to fifteen wins from twenty-two starts. For jockey Seo Seung-un, it was a thirteenth Group winner, and his fifth on Winner’s Man. For trainer Choi Ki-hong, who only has eighteen horses in training, it was a fifth Group win (a year ago, the Herald Business only had Listed status).
The next leg in the Stayer Series is the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) back at Seoul on May 21st before the series moves to Busan for the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on July 2nd. Winner’s Man won both those races in 2022 and barring setbacks, few will be betting against him repeating the feat this time around.
In other news, spare a thought for Lee Dong-ha. A week ago, the jockey got the biggest winner of his career to date when partnering Eodigana to success in the Donga Ilbo Trophy. He followed up with a winner this Saturday and another in race 1 on Sunday. Racing has a habit of bringing you crashing back down again – often literally. Lee suffered a heavy fall in race 5 on Sunday and was transported to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone.
Next week the three-year-old classics get underway with the Luna Stakes, the first leg of the Triple Tiara for fillies being run over a mile at Busan on Sunday.
Sunday’s feature is the G3 Herald Business where Winner’s Man, who went on to win the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, will bid to retain the trophy he was a year ago. See here for a full preview of the race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Winner’s Man beat Raon The Fighter in the Grand Prix but the big screen shows just how close Tuhonui Banseok got in 3rd (Pic; KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (10) THEME TANSAENG will be the favourite. After running 5th on debut, he was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 4th. He was well beaten by a good winner that day, but the time was fair, and his running style so far suggests that the wide draw won’t be a problem. (4) HIGH BORN ME was an improved 3rd on his latest start over 1300M on March 18th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day having been slow away and settled back in each of his previous three and with similar tactics here, he can make further progress. (5) GOLD MIGHTY has three top-four finishes from four starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can sit behind the speed and run on here. (6) SAENAE VIVA, who has the fastest time of any of these over the distance, and (9) COLITAS are other potentials for minor money.
Selections
(10) Theme Tansaeng (4) High Born Me (5) Gold Mighty (6) Saenae Viva
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (6) UNJU BONNEUNG ran 4th on debut on March 19th when settling midfield before getting shuffled back but then running on well. He should have benefitted for that run, Franco climbs on, the slight raise in trip can suit and he could be the one to beat. His time on debut was a little quicker than that of (5) NAMHAE MISO, who ran 3rd on her first start on March 17th. She too should have come on for the run and draws a much better gate this time around. (7) RUNNING FASHION also draws better than she did on debut when from an unpromising position, she worked home well for 5th over this distance. She should go better here. (8) PINHOLE EYE and (1) HAMA among other placing hopes.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. (2) HAEUNDAE GALMAEGI ran 5th on debut before almost leading all the way around on her second appearance in a similar race to this over 1300M on March 18th, ultimately going down less than half a length. Third up here she may be peaking and under the same weight and from a good draw, she could go all the way this time. (3) CANDY GLOW was a big improver at start number four on March 19th when on pace and running a close 3rd. She’ll be disputing the lead here and can be in this a long way. (7) FINE CAMP has been knocking on the door in her latest two, coming from off the pace for 2nd in her latest outing over 1300M on February 5th. She has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these and after a couple of months off comes in fresh and should go close. (10) APEX and first-time starter (1) NEW POINT among others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go far past (3) PURPLE LINE. He comes in having run 2nd over 1400M at start number three on March 5th beating three of these in the process and while well beaten by a good winner, the time and the performance was good. He draws similarly well, and it would be a surprise were he not to go one better today. (1) ADELE HORANGI has seven top-five finishes from eight starts so far with just the win remaining elusive. He was a beaten favourite last time out on March 24th when 4th over 1300M and while he hasn’t tackled this distance before, he has run well at a mile and should be close here. (6) WONDERFUL IMPACT beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on March 17th. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights without an apprentice claim but Choi Si-dae climbing aboard can be in her favour. (8) ECTON POWER and (2) GASOK JEIL others.
Selections
(3) Purple Line (1) Adele Horangi (6) Wonderful Impact (8) Ecton Power
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(2) SILVER BOOSTER comes in following a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M at 1300M, both times settling handy and running on. There isn’t much speed here so he may well be on pace, and he has a stronger finish than any of his rivals here. (4) JEONGSANG LUCKY comes back in trip and into a much better gate than she has had in any of her last three. The last time she ran over this distance she was 2nd in a time faster than any of the others here have managed for 1200M and she should get a much easier earlier run than has been available to her of late. (5) TIZ ROCKET was 4th behind Silver Booster two starts back and followed up by finishing in the same position three weeks ago. He comes down a full 4.5kg in the weights with an apprentice claim and can be considered for improvement here. (1) ARGO MUJEOK and (6) J.Y. COCO others to consider.
Horse Racing in Korea 