Racing Previews

Seoul Cherry Blossom Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 4)

The blossoms are out at Seoul Racecourse and the festival gets underway on Saturday. There are 11 races from 10.35 to 17.55 and a drone show after races as well as the usual food-trucks etc. Here are the previews:

That time of year again

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

Three-year-old maidens and we’ll take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but looked assured when he did, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time behind an experienced rival. From a nice draw he can lead and he can win. After a couple of trials, (1) PEGASUS KING was a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on January 17th, settling back and running on. He’s had eleven weeks off since then, but he should have come on for that and will probably start as favourite. (8) NAOL AURORA was 3rd on debut over this distance on March 7th and can build on that here. (10) MANGEUM DAON, who races for the first time since his debut last October, and (5) ÉCLAIR WIND are the other main chances.

Selections(5) Jeongmun Kingdom (1) Pegasus King (8) Naol Aurora (10) Mangeum Daon
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 10

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

(1) DRAGON MIJIN was slow away on debut over 1200M on January 17th but recovered well to run on for 3rd place, seven-lengths behind a winner who has gone on to score twice more (Maeum Hana). He didn’t return to work until mid-March but with a better start, he should have too much for this lot. (10) POWER BEST is second-best. He has finished in the top five in each of his last four starts, most recently 3rd on February 14th. In this company he should be on pace and a similar effort will see him place again. (2) PARAIBA has two 3rd places on her record and while she only managed 6th of ten last time out, she comes into a better gate today and should be closer. (8) SEOPOKCHAT and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others in the frame.

Selections(1) Dragon Mijin (10) Power Best (2) Paraiba (8) Seopokchat
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

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

(6) SMART RISE has finished 3rd in both his latest two, most recently beating two of today’s rivals over this distance on March 7th. That was his second placing over 1400M, and he won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) TOUR FELIX has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times doing his best work late. He comes up to this distance for the first time, and it may well suit. (9) DAEHAN SIDAE looks to be figuring things out with a 5th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the speed and he can be in this a long way. (5) SU BU TAI and (2) NAEGEROWAJWO are others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Smart Rise (3) Tour Felix (9) Daehan Sidae (5) Su Bu Tai
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) LOVE IN SEOUL got her maiden win at start number three, leading all the way over 1300M, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance in a similar filly and mare race on March 2nd behind Raon Finalle who goes in tomorrow’s Luna Stakes. She draws nicely to lead, and she can go one better. (2) POMADE had been working towards her maiden win, and it duly arrived at start number six over this distance on March 1st. She comes up in class but can keep her momentum going here. She will be competing for the lead from the start. Those two will top most tickets as the rest have patchy recent form. (7) DURAY SHOW has a 3rd place at this class as recently as January and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (11) MACHEON WORLD and (8) POETIC NUBI others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(3) Love In Seoul (2) Pomade (7) Duray Show (11) Macheon World
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 3)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17: 55. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and a couple of the newcomers catch the eye. (7) POWER TIGER was very quick in trials, posting 61.8 seconds when 3rd behind two experienced horses, showing handy throughout. That form on race day can be winning. (6) BYEOLBIT SONATA won his trial, racing close to the speed throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. Seo Seung-un’s booking will tempt plenty. Of the experienced ones, (9) BEST VALUE was an improved 3rd at start two over 1200M on March 1st when leading for much of the way. She should be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) BREEDO SHOOTER and (8) POWER HIT are others who can get better.

Selections(7) Power Tiger (6) Byeolbit Sonata (9) Best Value (10) Breedo Shooter
Next Best8, 12
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

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

Very ordinary maiden, although that means from a punting perspective, there are plenty of chances. (6) LIKE DRAGON has a 3rd place as recently as three starts back at this distance and enters off a fair 5th in a stronger event than this. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and today could finally be the day. (3) BIG SMILE beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place on March 6th coming from well off the pace. That was her best so far and with only four starts under her belt, she may more to offer. (11) DALBITWIE ran 2nd at 33/1 over 1300M two weeks ago. That was his first race since last August and it’s not impossible that he can strip fitter with a quick turnaround. (12) JEONGMUN SKIP and (7) PILSEUNG WINNER are others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(6) Like Dragon (3) Big Smile (11) Dalbitwie (12) Jeongmun Skip
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(9) MAENGNYONG was a class and distance winner on February 6th, leading all the way to score narrowly over Nice Buddy. Since then, he has been through a trial, in which he continued to look well, and while he comes up 3kg in weight and draws the widest gate, he can win again. (8) HUIMANG RANI is generally slow away but was even slower than usual when brushing the gate on exit on her return from over three months out on March 13th. She can strip fitter and has proven competitive at this level. (5) LEMON PIE hasn’t done much in two starts back from a lengthy absence but has won at this distance and in this company and third-up, she can be given a chance. (1) TTANBONG QUEEN and (2) JEOLDAE BOSS other place chances.

Selections(9) Maengnyong (8) Huimang Rani (5) Lemon Pie (1) Ttanbong Queen
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

Fillies and mares only. (2) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE won a trial in January and then scored on her debut over 1200M on February 27th, leading all the way. She is up in class here and slightly in trip, but she comes into a much better gate, and she can lead again and win again. (1) MOMENTUM struggled when tried over a mile on March 13th, settling handy but knocking up fast and only beating two. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 2nd place two starts back at this trip and give her another chance today. (4) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win but has placed twice at this class and distance this year already and can be in the mix again. (8) ARE YOU READY and (9) QUEEN WIND both broke through on their respective fourth starts and can be competitive at this level.

Selections(2) Road To Number One (1) Momentum (4) Dolphin Kick (8) Are You Ready
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul (March 29)

The Triple Crown Series gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW AND FORM COMMENTS FOR THE BIG RACE. There are 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55

Who will succeed Oasis Blue as the KRA Cup Mile winner? (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) EVER LOVELY ran 2nd at start number two and then was a beaten favourite when 3rd over this distance on March 2nd, settling midfield and running on. In this company, she should be on pace and this time she can win. The danger is on her inside. (5) THE SUN MONSTER was a much-improved 2nd on his own third outing at this distance on March 8th when handy throughout. He carries more weight than Ever Lovely but should be in the finish again. (10) TRIGONUS was a fair 3rd on debut back at the end of February and should have come on for the run. (2) POWER MAGIC and (7) WORLD VICS are the other main contenders in an interesting opener.

Selections(6) Ever Lovely (5) The Sun Monster (10) Trigonus (2) Power Magic
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) BEOLGYO EMPEROR did nothing on debut in December but was an improved 4th at start two in January and then a solid 2nd, albeit beaten by a good winner, over 1300M on February 8th in a quick race. He draws well and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (6) COSMO JJIN did nothing on her first two starts but then came home in 2nd place at big odds in all filly maiden over 1200M at start three. She did her best work late that day so the slight increase in trip may suit and with an apprentice claim keeping her carried weight light, she can be in the finish. (4) BLACK MAMA was 4th two starts bac k and that’s enough to have her in placing contention in this company. (5) ANYANG LASER and (10) STUNNING BOLT others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(3) Beolgyo Emperor (6) Cosmo Jjin (4) Black Mama (5) Anyang Laser
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

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

(8) GLOBAL ONE PICK did nothing when debuting las July and then didn’t reappear until trialing in January. She put in a very solid effort on her return to racing on February 27th, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd over 1300M with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She should have come on for the run, and she is the one to beat here. (12) DELTA FORCE was 3rd on debut over 1200M and then 5th behind Global One Pick on February 27th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be challenging late on. Kim Hyo-jung is in town to ride Flutter in the Cup Mile later and picks up a promising ride on (6) DOCTOR HUNTER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1400M on March 6th and should have come on for the run. (1) ONNURI PARTY and (9) SINHEUNG GANGTAJA debuted together, and both can show some natural improvement second up.

Selections(8) Global One Pick (12) Delta Force (6) Doctor Hunter (1) Onnuri Party
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

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

(1) PNS TWIN has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place at 1300M on March 7th when coming from well off the pace. His racing style so far suggests that he needs a bit of distance, and he gets the chance to prove it here. (3) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish inside the top three in sixteen attempts, but she enters off a best to date 4th place over this distance on February 8th when she came from well back and beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, another career-best should be the aim. (5) LUCKY JOY was only ordinary on his first try at this distance last time out, but prior to that he registered a 5th and a 4th and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here.  (8) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (11) NURI EUTTEUM are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) PNS Twin (3) Bulguksidae (5) Lucky Joy (8) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

After winning a trial, (11) WIN NOW beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut over 1400M on February 27th. Settling behind the speed and running through the line well enough. He should have come on for the run and is the one to beat. (4) GOLD ROGER has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M. She too has finished off well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (6) TOP OF THE RANK needs a line drawn through his latest when he was fractious in the gate and missed the start. He was well backed that day following a 2nd place in January and as he has subsequently completed a stall test, he can be given another chance. (2) FLYING SKY and (10) OASIS KINGDOM others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Win Now (4) Gold Roger (6) Top Of The Rank (2) Flying Sky
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

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KRA Cup Mile: Preview & Form Comments for Triple Crown 2026 1st Leg

Sixteen colts will set out at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, bidding to be the first since Power Blade a decade ago to win the Triple Crown. The series gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the “Korean 2000 Guineas”.

Eight of the sixteen have travelled down from Seoul, but capital visitors do not have a good record in the race, registering only three victories since the race began in its current form in 2008 and none at all since Global Chukje scored in 2019. This time though a formidable line-up travels.

LIVE STAR has won his last three starts by a combined thirty-eight lengths, including a full eighteen last time out at class 4 over 1800M. While the robustness of the opposition he faced is debatable, he has been nothing if not impressive.

DI NE was well beaten behind Roshe in the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy on March 1st but prior to that was going very nicely and will be firmly in the market while FLUTTER and HWANG GEOM EO JJANG also travel down with solid credentials.

Don’t rule out the home team though. HEY BROTHER enters with the highest rating. He was 2nd behind Clutch Winner in the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy but prior to that was an excellent winner over a mile at class 4 level in January. Jockey Choi Si-dae won the race on Betelgeuse in 2023.

Seo Seung-un won the Cup Mile on Cheongnyong Bisang, one of those three Seoul horses to triumph in the race. Now firmly Busan-based, this year he partners FUNNY WILD, who while he lost his way late on when 2nd over 1800M last time out, was very strong prior to that and from a great draw, will be on the speed.

There is sadness over the race. Champion Juvenile Supex Winner began the week set to be favourite but suffered a catastrophic ligament and sesamoid injury on Monday morning which he ultimately succumbed to on Wednesday.

The KRA Cup Mile is race 6 on the 7-race program at Busan with a 16:05 post time:

1. HEY BROTHER – The highest rated in the field and one of the most experienced with nine starts. He’s won four times up to class 4 and a mile. His most recent start saw him 2nd to Clutch Winner in the Classic Trial at 1400M on March 1st. A front-runner, the mile suits and the draw suits, and he is among the favourites.

2. BREEDO SOL – Only beat two home in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie but has begun his three-year-old campaign well with a win over 1800M at class 5 level and then 2nd at class 4 over the same distance on February 15th, beating Legend Hit. Likes to come from off the pace and can aim for some minor money.

3. FUNNY WILD – A strong winner over 1800M at class 4 level in February, he led when trying to repeat at class 3 on March 1st but ultimately weakened late on and was caught. He is one for one at the mile, he has a great draw to get on pace and with Seo Seung-un riding him from potentially several options, he will probably be the betting favourite.

4. LIVE STAR – Took a few goes to fully figure things out, but he has won his latest three, most recently at class 4 level over 1800M on February 7th when leading all the way and scoring by a full eighteen-lengths in a time that would win the Korean Derby most years. On that evidence, he has to considered a real threat here.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 28)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Big crowd last week (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) CHEONJI TANK has a 4th and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far at 1200M and most recently at this distance on January 25th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today, and coming in fresh after nine weeks, he looks to be the one to beat. (9) NINJA TIGER was an improved 3rd at start two in an all-filly race over 1200M on February 8th. Third-up she can strip fitter and Johan is on for the first time. (6) ROAD TO PERFECT has run 4th in all three of her outings so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. (5) HANAM LASER and (10) YEOKJEONUI HIT are the other main contenders in what should be a competitive opener.

Selections(8) Cheonji Tank (9) Ninja Tiger (6) Road To Perfect (5) Hanam Laser
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

After winning a trial in January, (12) SOUTH CARNIVAL was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 14th and from a midfield position, he proceeded to finish off well for 3rd place, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He should have learned plenty from that and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) WHIZ STAR was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 28th. The only one in the race who has two starts under her belt, she can have a fitness edge on plenty and should be on pace in a race with little obvious early speed. (10) SUN DOLPUNG was last on debut but has since looked much better in a trial and gets another chance. With the first-timers not catching the eye, (9) JEONGWANGSEOKHWA and (7) SMART SHINHWA are the next bests.

Selections(12) South Carnival (6) Whiz Star (10) Sun Dolpung (9) Jeongwangseokhwa
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start6, 7, 10, 11

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

(10) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 2nd when he led for much of the way. He doe shave to contend with a worse draw this time so he may need a touch of luck at the start, but if he can get to the front, he can win. Betting favourite will be (7) BREEDO CALEY. He has mixed his form across his four appearances but his latest was a strong 2nd over 1300M on February 28th, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (11) MADE returned from six months out to run 3rd over this distance on February 15th form a similarly wide draw. He should strip fitter for the run, and an apprentice takes his weight down. (4) SEMYEONG PEAK and (5) CHEONGRYONG GIUN others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Sunganui Fighter (7) Breedo Caley (11) Made (4) Semyeong Peak
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 11

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

(5) GEUMJEOKSAN got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M in November and has since run 3rd and 5th in two subsequent starts, showing on pace both times. The 3rd place came over this distance and from a good draw, she can be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (6) AGAIN GOOD MAN stepped up to this distance on March 2nd and registered his maiden win having raced handy throughout. He is up in class here but is down 2kg in weight and he can measure up. (1) FINAL JILJU went through a bit of a cold patch but has picked up in her latest couple of outings with a 2nd and a 4th and she can be there or thereabouts again. Up in class (11) JAZZ PURPLE, along with (9) GRAND KWAEMA, are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(5) Geumjeoksan (6) Again Good Man (1) Final Jilju (11) Jazz Purple
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(3) CHOEGO GOLD enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 2nd when on pace throughout. He is up 2kg in weight, but he comes into a much better gate and can accordingly get an easier run to the lead and go all the way. Like Choego Gold, (4) REFLECT has never been outside of the top five, in his case in six appearances. He has been 3rd and 4th in his latest two, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and in this company can race on pace and be a danger. (5) WIDAEHAN HAMSEONG is yet to win in seven attempts but following his first two runs, he hasn’t been outside of the top four. He is another who should be on the pace and can at least place again. (7) JURING SKY and (9) YONGBI SHINHWA among other placing chances.

Selections(3) Choego Gold (4) Reflect (5) Widaehan Hamseong (7) Juring Sky
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

The Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday. Before that, the weekend’s racing kicks off on the South Coast on Friday with 11-races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Franco is going to be on mainstream TV next Monday! – He might have some winners before then too! (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens which means a small field. (3) VEGAS JEONTU was 3rd on debut in January before being a beaten favourite from a wide draw when 6th of twelve on March 6th. He is up in weight today but should be on pace and in this a long way.  (5) ONE LAST MARGARITA has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on March 1st when he settled back and ran on. He won’t need to improve much to win here. Solitary debut-maker (2) MISS WONDER showed fairly in her trial and has to be given a chance in this company first-up. (6) BARAM DAERO and (7) BIWOLUI KKIM can improve.

Selections(5) One Last Margarita (3) Vegas Jeontu (2) Miss Wonder (6) Baram Daero
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 6

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

(3) YONGBI JJANG has made progress across three starts to date, culminating in 2nd place at 1400M on February 27th when settling right back and running on. His style suggests that the step up to the mile can suit, and he can go one better today. (6) FLASH TO ME was a beaten favourite on February 15th over this distance when ridden from a wide gate to be handy but not offering much in the straight. If we go on her outing two starts back when 3rd at 1400M, she can be afforded another chance here. (9) TAMNA BRAVO was similarly disappointing when well back as favourite on March 1st. He has an excuse as he was found to be lame on the near-fore. He has been back in work since March 13th and if recovered, should be a danger. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK and (2) RESONANCE MARINE are other place chances.

Selections(3) Yongbi Jjang (6) Flash To Me (9) Tamna Bravo (5) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

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

After winning a trial, (4) SKYNEX ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M being slowly away and then running on well.  He should have learned from that and with a better start today, he is the one to beat. (5) BACK TO THE DREAM came from midfield to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on February 27th. That also followed a good trial and with some natural improvement, he is a danger. Solitary debut-maker (3) CHEONNYEONDOR went through three trials, and he posted some good times. He draws well to be on pace and if he brings his morning form to the races, he can be in the finish. (11) I AM HAPPY and (9) SHINY KOREA other potential place chances.

Selections(4) Skynex (5) Back To The Dream (3) Cheonnyeondor (11) I Am Happy
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

(10) FAST MAN got his maiden win at this class and distance two outings back and then ran 3rd at 1400M on February 27th when leading for most of the way. Seo Seung-un returns and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can get on pace here and he should have too much here. (11) B.K. SPIRIT had a poor day at the office when favourite over 1300M on January 18th, showing on pace but weakening. He comes in here fresh after ten weeks off and back at the trip over which he won, he is worth another chance. (12) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was 3rd in that January 18th race and was 3rd in his latest too on March 15th. The veteran makes a quick return here and this is the kind of race he can money in again. (5) CLUTCH RUNNER and (4) WIND SWORD both need their respective latest starts overlooked.

Selections(10) Fast Man (11) B.K. Spirit (12) Taeyang Eutteum (5) Clutch Runner
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start6, 10, 11, 12

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

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Donga Ilbo – Queens’ Tour 1st Leg: Form Comments

SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN

There is something of a changing of the guard in the filly and mare ranks as the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer Series kicks off with the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Gladius (Pic: KRA)

While defending champion GLADIUS returns, the likes of Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew, who have dominated the top of the division over the past couple of years, are not here and a new set of up and comers could be set to take over.

ACE HIGH is set to be the favourite.  She rounded out her three-year-old campaign by winning the Breeders’ Cup Queen and then began this year with a strong class 1 win at this distance and the Ha Mu-seon trained Busan raider can take some beating.

She isn’t the only four-year-old taking her chance. ONEULDO SMILE was 2nd in last year’s Korean Oaks while BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was the fast-finishing winner of both the final leg of the Triple Tiara and also the Jeju Governor’s Cup. Meanwhile FANTASTIC VALUE won both the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks and hinted at a return to form with a 2nd place in her latest start at class 2 level.

A host of other up and coming four-year-old fillies also step up and with many of them front-runners, the pace could be hot.

Aside from Gladius, RAON FOREST represents the older generation. While the only six-year-old in the race is only a winner of six of her thirty starts, three of those victories have come at class 1 level against the boys and she has been a Queens’ Tour mainstay, winning the final leg of this series last June.

The Donga Ilbo is race 7 on the card at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.

1. SATANG SONYEO –A winner of five from twelve, including twice at this distance, she has lost her way a little of late, albeit in very tough company – 10th of sixteen in the Grand Prix as a three-year-old filly isn’t bad. Interesting outsider, who can lead or come from behind.

2. RAON FOREST – 4th in this race last year, she recorded 5th, 3rd and 4th in the three legs of the Queens’ Tour Fall-Winter, so has form to overturn on a few of these. Enters off a class 1 3rd over 2000M when closer to the pace than usual. Nicely drawn and can be in the finish.

3. CLAIR BIG BANG – Five wins from eight including two at this distance. She is though yet to win at higher than class 4 with her latest outing being 2nd place at class 3 over 1800M when on pace. This is a big step up, but she has potential.

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Donga Ilbo Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 22)

The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer gets underway on Sunday with the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-Listed) for fillies and mares attracting a very competitive field of fourteen. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11;25 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Gladius won the Donga Ilbo last year (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive maiden to start with. (1) TOUR FELIX returned from almost a year out on February 8th and despite not having done much in two trials, put in a very solid effort in 3rd place over this distance. He should stop fitter for that run, and he can win here. (3) GLOBAL LAND has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1200M and 1400M coming from off the pace in the first of them and racing handy in the latter. She has a smart finish on her and can challenge late here. (10) ONNURI BIT has a 5th and two 3rd places from three outings to date. She comes up slightly in trip for the first time and it can suit. (6) WONDERFUL CHIEF and (11) VINCENT ALEX others who can aim for the places.

Selections(1) Tour Felix (3) Global Land (10) Onnuri Bit (6) Wonderful Chief
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

(2) HAKSAN HENNY has a pair of 4th places to his name, coming from well off the pace both times. He steps up slightly in trip to 1400M for the first time and it could be what he needs to get home on top. (4) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI could finally be figuring things out with a 4th and a 2nd from his latest two, both over this trio. He is another who likes to go right back and run on and with an apprentice claim, he carries a light weight. (5) KIA ORA had a hard time over 1700M three weeks ago but prior to that ran 2nd at this distance on January 4th and can be in the mix again. (10) DOUBLE BLADE and (7) VALKYRIE are the other two who can be considered for a place.

Selections(2) Haksan Henny (4) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (5) Kia Ora (10) Double Blade
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 10

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

(8) KISS THE RAIN has proven green in just about every one of her five starts to date but regardless of that she hasn’t been far away in her last couple of runs. She eventually tested the patience of the stewards enough to be sent back to the trials, however in that trial on February 26 she was impressive leading throughout to score by eight-lengths. She looks a good chance of leading and staying there providing she stays on the straight and narrow. (4) WORLD EAGLE CAT needs to bounce back from a basic run last time, but her prior effort would give her a chance, however it must be noted that in that contest she effectively hung her chance, if not victory, away. (2) QUEEN PERFECT has been around the mark to date whilst (7) PERFECT POINT was a much-improved run at her second start. (5) CHOEGANG HAPPY and (12) SAENAE HILL are yet to place but rate next.

Selections(8) Kiss The Rain (4) World Eagle Cat (2) Queen Perfect (7) Perfect Point
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) GHOST CHRYSOL was a winner over 1700M two starts back and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class over the same distance on February 7th when settling back and running on. He remains under a light weight, CC knows him, well, and he can win here. (7) DANGDAECHOWOL enters in super form having won or placed in each of his last six appearances. He is up 3kg on his class and distance score on February 28th when he was close to the pace throughout, and he can be a big danger again. (3) CHEONGSAN JILJU enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 15th. An apprentice takes his weight down here and from a good draw he should be one of the early pace-setters and in this a long way. (1) HANGANG CAPTAIN and (6) HEUNGHAENG DOLPUNG others in the frame.

Selections(9) Ghost Chrysol (7) Dangdaechowol (3) Cheongsan Jilju (1) Hangang Captain
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(7) GREAT POWER has finished fourth in each of his last two starts, over course, distance and grade, attempting to lead throughout on each occasion. Those two efforts look to be the best pieces of form on offer in this contest. (2) HAENGBOK TREE made up a bit of ground back on debut in November and following a midfield finish in a trial earlier this month can go close. The extra 200 metres in this contest compared to her first race could potentially suit also. (8) WORLD TRIPLE CAT has been out the back in each of her last two but did finish third the time prior back in November. (5) WORLD BOLD MAN placed two runs back and rates over (1) BEOLGYO VILLAIN who placed as recently as last start with (4) MY BEST next best.

Selections(7) Great Power (2) Haengbok Tree (8) World Triple Cat (5) World Bold Man
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 21)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 11:00 to 17:50. Due to the cancellation of Saturday’s pony-race card at Jeju, the post times for most races have been amended. Here are the previews:

Geudaemaniddamyeon will try and behave a little better on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) GREEN JACKET won his trial and then ran a solid 2nd place on debut when settling midfield from a wide draw and running on over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, he gets a better gate here, and he can win. (8) MONEY MOVE trialed up behind Green Jacket and then ran 2nd himself on debut over this distance on January 31st, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be close again. (1) BARAMGAEBI ran 3rd in a decent time at this distance on debut on January 30th and will have plenty of backers to go better here. (5) COMPLETE TURBO and first time starter (11) URUS SABBIA look the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Green Jacket (8) Money Move (1) Baramgaebi (5) Complete Turbo
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6 

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) PURPLE KOREA will be a hot favourite here. She was sent off at big odds on debut on February 7th but defied those to run a close 3rd having shown on the pace throughout. She won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) SEOUL BIHAENG ran 2nd on debut in January when leading for most of the way before finishing 6th behind Purple Korea on February 7th. He’ll be on pace here and is second choice. (2) DIA JILJU was a slow 6th of eleven on debut at this distance and from a good draw can get closer. With the newcomers not showing much in trials, (4) BULPAEUI YEOWANG and (7) DAEHAN POWER may improve.

Selections(8) Purple Korea (6) Seoul Bihaeng (2) Dia Jilju (4) Bulpaeui Yeowang
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

Competitive maiden with a few looking ready to win. (5) K N STORM came from off the pace to get his second 3rd place finish over this distance on February 8th. He doesn’t get the benefit of an apprentice claim today, but a similar effort can see him win. (9) POWERFUL PRADO also has a pair of4rd places to her name. She can get a bit far back in her races, as she did last time, but she gets a weight drop here and can be a danger. (8) SAMJEONG WINNER is yet to crack the top two but has four finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be close again. (2) JEJU PRINCESS and (4) DREAM DIA other chances.

Selections(5) K N Storm (9) Powerful Prado (8) Samjeong Winner (2) Jeju Princess
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) WHIZ DREAM was a winner on debut over 1000M in a very quick time but has struggled a little in two starts at this class over 1300M, both times using up quite a bit of energy to get forward and weakening. Today the slight drop back in trip should suit but crucially she draws well and should be able to get a softer run to the front. If she does, she should win. (6) RAON THE PLUMA got her maiden win at start three over this distance on February 8th, leading all the way. She is up in class but can measure up in this company. (4) SEVEN KAISER is yet to win but likewise has never finished outside of the top four and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) YEONGWONHAN STAR and (11) YES ANGEL are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Whiz Dream (6) Raon The Pluma (4) Seven Kaiser (10) Yeongwonhan Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 20)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens with all but two racing for the first time. The experience should be good enough. (2) GYEONGBOK ATOS trialed well and was a beaten favourite when 3rd over 1200M on debut on January 16th when only beginning fairly before being ridden up to the pace. He should have come on for the run and will be favourite again.  (9) NICE MYEONGGA has raced twice for a 2nd and a 4th, the latter at this distance. She should have a fitness edge on these and is a chance. Of the first timers, (3) GOLD POCKET took two goes to qualify but looked very well in the second of them, running an on-pace 2nd in a decent time. He draws well; Seo Seung-un is on, and he can put in a bold showing. (6) GAON PERFECT and (8) GIROL SIDAE hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(2) Gyeongbok Atos (9) Nice Myeongga (3) Gold Pocket (6) Gaon Perfect
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 3

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

(12) POWERFUL THUNDER has been getting closer across four starts so far culminating in 3rd place at this distance o February 27th when handy throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but should have enough about him to get to a prominent position again, and he looks ready to win. (10) YONGBI LEGEND was 2nd in a slow race two starts back over this distance. She has mixed her form across five starts but should be placing in this company. (6) MAGIC HAMMER too hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has a 3rd and two 4th places among four outings to date, and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (3) CHAMPUI HYANGGI and first-time starter (1) DOCTOR PUNCH are others who could play a role in the finish.

Selections(12) Powerful Thunder (10) Yongbi Legend (6) Magic Hammer (3) Champui Hyanggi
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 10, 11, 12

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

(9) FANTASTIC BOSS has a 3rd on his record and enters having been the beaten favourite on February 13th when 6th of eleven over 1400M. Coming up to the mile for the first time can suit, and he can win. He will have to overturn the form on (3) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL, who was 4th in that February 13th race, coming from a long way back. She has a 5th and two 4th places from three starts so far and while her times have been slow, she carries a featherweight, and having done her best work late, she should thrive at the mile. (5) NICE POWER beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 5th place on March 8th and makes a quick return here to strike while the iron is at least at room temperature. (4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN and (8) OASIS CHAMP could improve.

Selections(9) Fantastic Boss (3) Dolgyeok Special (5) Nice Power (4) Hwaeryeohan Sungan
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

(5) THE POINT enters off a maiden win that had been coming on February 13th when he scored from on pace at 1200M. Despite coming up in class he carries an additional kilo today, but that shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win again. (11) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN is the danger. He is similarly up in class following his maiden win, which in his case arrived at start four over this distance on January 18th when on pace all the way. He doesn’t get a weight break either and he draws wide, but Seo Seung-un stays on and he can measure up. (7) VICTORY STORY is yet to win in thirteen but has seven finishes between 2nd and 4th and can be there or thereabouts again. (10) DOCTOR ACE and (2) GREAT STAR others in the frame.

Selections(5) The Point (11) Boryeong Ultra Man (7) Victory Story (10) Doctor Ace
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start5, 7, 11,12

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

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