Boryeonglightqueen is the defending champion (Pic: KRA)
All the big hitters of the division are there, including the defending champion BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN, as well as the 2023 and 2024 winner JEULGEOUNYEOLJEONG. Others who have won Queens’ Tour races in the past and take their chance include GLADIUS, who was such an impressive class 1 winner last month, as well as the evergreen RAON FOREST and Ttukseom Cup winner FANTASTIC VALUE.
Then there is the three-year-old generation, who take on their elders for the first time. All three winners on the Triple Tiara series line up. CLEARLY WINNER won the Luna Stakes before running 2nd to CATCH RACE in the Korean Oaks. Both face off again and they are joined by Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner SUN RISE.
Here is a full run-down of the full field of sixteen who will go to post for race 8 at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 15:40:
1. SUNRISE – 4th in the Oaks, she won the final leg of the Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, over 2000M in June. 2nd at class 3 level over a mile in her latest when closer to the pace than usual, she may not be a top line favourite here but can be a minor money chance.
2. CLUB Q – A winner of five from ten, all of them coming over this distance and at up to class 3 level. First time in elite filly and mare company today, this has been jockey Kim A-hyun’s career defining horse so far and she returns from injury to partner her. A very strong finisher, she could run into some money.
3. ONEULDO SMILE – A winner of six from twelve, two at this distance, but she struggled in the Spring/Summer series and hasn’t raced since May. She came back into work on August 20th but didn’t offer too many clues in a trial at the start of this month. Others favoured but should be on the early pace.
It’s the final weekend of racing before the short Chuseok break and the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter kicks off with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) the main event. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Yeongcheon from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Gladius will be favourite for the feature (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Juvenile maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time and a couple of them look interesting. (6) THE ROAD led in his second trial, crossing the line alongside top sprinter Super Finish in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. (3) ULTRA CROWN went through two trials, winning both of them, most recently last week when settling back and running on strong in a quick time. The 1200M should suit and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can win first-up. (8) BULTAOREUNE was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over 1000M on August 9th when he beat three of today’s rivals. Third-up he should have a fitness edge here, and the way he has finished off these races, suggests the step up in trip is in his favour too. (5) FLASH BOLT and (2) NAREUSYA GOAT finished 4th and 5th respectively on debut behind Singsing Nashe and both can improve here
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens, although all of them have raced at least once before. After running 4t on debut, (9) UNICORN ACE was a close 2nd at start number two on August 22nd in a quick time over 1000M. He is up significantly in trip, but he has been doing his best work late, and he has every chance here. (8) GOLD X stepped up to this distance at start number two on August 30th and came from off the pace to run a solid 3rd place. Luis climbs on for the first time, and he can be dangerous here. (4) ECLIPSE GOLDEN has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M. He as been back to trial since his lates, which he came trough well, and he can at least place again. (11) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (6) CHEONSANGGEOMNYONG among plenty of others who can step up.
Selections
(9) Unicorn Ace (8) Gold X (4) Eclipse Golden (11) Cheonmaui Hanseong
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 25 Million
A “second chance” race for those yet to win any prize money from at least five starts. And none of them started their respective last race at odds shorter than 26/1, so it’s a case of good luck solving this one. (3) SEMYEONG HEIDI has done the least wrong in that she has only raced five times and does at least have a 6th place. She also hasn’t raced since May and crucially went through a trial in August that she won in a quick time, making all. If she brings that trial form to the races, she will win this. (1) PNS RUNNER does usually show on the early speed and if from the onside gate he gets off to a good start, most of these rivals might not be good enough to get past him. (6) VICTORY SECRET is another who can be on pace and in this a long way. Without any level of confidence, (7) DUKE SOCKS and (4) HAEMARU CHAT are others who could run into some money.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been knocking on the door in recent starts wit a 2nd place tree back and then a 3rd on his latest on August 9th. Both those were at this distance coming from off the pace and against this modest opposition, he won’t need to improve by much to win this. (10) SONGDANG JILJU has picked up in her latest two, both at 1400M, passing plenty late for back-to-back 4th places. Previous tries at 1700M were not successful, but she may be ready for another crack. (1) NURI EUTTEUM has never been better than 4th but managed to finish in that position last time out on September 6th and making a quick return here and drawn in a much better gate, she can match or better it. (8) GANGHAN PRINCESS and (7) GRAND COURAGE other place chances.
Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) WIND MIREU is a winner of three from four and enters having run a close 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on August 16th when coming from off the pace. He has his fair share of weight to carry again, but he can go one better. (9) SEOBU DANCING returns to racing for the first time since winning at class 5 level under an apprentice claim over a mile in May. He is up in class and bereft of a claim today, but he has Franco on and he looked well when winning a trial two weeks ago. (11) KEUTPAN YEOGEOL enters having finished in 3rd place over this class and distance on July 24th. She races best on pace so she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can be competitive. (6) STRAWBERRY QUEEN and (7) SHACKLE LAUD among others in the frame.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(7) NIGHT THUNDER and (1) SONGDANG FIRST both come from the Lee Kang-seo stable, and they are the only two horses in the field that have a won a trial. They both came from well back to score by narrow margins, Night Thunder on August 27 and Songdang First on August 6, and can both go close with the preference being for the former under Seo Seung-un however the latter will start favourite. (6) EVER WINNING comes from the Moon Se-young yard and attempted to lead throughout in her trial on August 20 when only beaten a narrow margin. (5) BEST LOVE has trialled once for a fourth whilst (11) SILVER WAVE, who is out Silver Wolf, and (8) HAKSAN SMARTY rate next whilst the Kozzi Asano ridden Tony Castanheira trained (2) SISILI was only seventh of nine in her trial but the jockey-trainer combination can never be denied.
Selections
(7) Night Thunder (1) Songdang First (6) Ever Winning (5) Best Love
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) NURI YEOWANG came from last to run second on debut to a smart juvenile in Road To Champion, a subsequent winner last Sunday, at the end of June. If not getting too far out of her ground, she can go close to going one better. (6) BLUE ROSE is another that ran second on their debut with her run occurring only three weeks ago and this Lee Shin-woo trained filly has a good chance. Seo Seung-un is riding (7) RAON CHARIS GIRL who in another millimetre would have broken her maiden status on her debut on August 23, she was still five-lengths from the lead with 100M to go, and the extra furlong will help her cause very much. (4) SHARP GUY attempted to go with a smart one on debut and did not run badly and rates next over (9) WHITE STORM, a stablemate of Raon Charis Girl that made up a lot of ground in her trial back in June, and (11) SEVEN FORCE.
Selections
(5) Nuri Yeowang (6) Blue Rose (7) Raon Charis Girl (4) Sharp Guy
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) GRAND POKPUNG is a two-year-old filly that has been close in each of her four runs including behind some of the better juveniles of the year so far in her earlier runs. She gets another chance to break her maiden in this and will be hard to beat. (7) THUNDER RUN is a Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old gelding that was stood down for two months after finishing a forty-two-and-a-quarter length last on April 19. He did however win a trial on August 6 so can be given a chance in this field. (11) LOVING PURPLE was going to be right in the finish before ducking in and out violently and subsequently parting company with her rider early in the home straight last start. She was stood down to trial twice and those two heats yielded fourth and second place finishes. (2) DONGBAEK has not been too far away and rates next over (9) SEOBU KING, which ran well last start behind a subsequent winner, (3) TWOTWO MAGIC and debutante (1) PARKA RACER.
Selections
(6) Grand Pokpung (7) Thunder Run (11) Loving Purple (2) Dongbaek
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) CLUTCH WORLD ran a decent third on debut over this distance on August 23, only one-and-three-quarter lengths behind a subsequent winner and can be expected to go close to going a few places better for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (3) LOOM CHUKJE is a juvenile filly but gets into a maiden where she should be able to at least finish closer than what she has in three previous starts where her best effort has been a fifth, which was her last run. (8) BREEDO EPIC was a beaten odds-on favourite last start when stepping up to 1700M. Kozzi Asano once again rides and she is an interesting runner. (11) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN will do his best work late and is an each-way chance along with (1) DELTA CHOEGANG and (2) SPICE BAND with (10) GOLD STEP next best.
The final weekend of racing before the short Chuseok break gets under at Busan on Friday where there are 9 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with all eleven racing for the first time. (10) TO WIN was held together very nicely in her trial, crossing the line 4th in a fair time but withing four-lengths of the experienced winner and getting stronger as the heat went on. Franco stays on and she could win on debut. (8) MIRACLE PACE was a fair 4th in her trial coming from off the pace. She was a touch slow away which is a concern at 1000M, but she looks to have ability. (9) FANTASTIC QUEENS finished off well in her trial, beating a couple of today’s fellow debut-makers in the process. Those three were the clear standouts from trials with (7) ROMANTIC TIARA and (11) GLOBAL LUNA others who hinted at ability.
Selections
(10) To Win (8) Miracle Pace (9) Fantastic Queens (7) Romantic Tiara
Next Best
11, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden colts here with all eleven racing for the first time. (4) ROYAL PRIDE was on pace in his trial, running a close 2nd to an experienced horse who came out and won at class 5 level a week later. He draws well to be on pace and looks a big chance here. (6) B.K RICH was the other standout in trials, similarly leading before crossing the line in 2nd, a length behind the very experienced Sincheon Freedom and that form should be good enough to challenge here. (11) TOHAMSAN STAR went trough two trials and was quick in both. He has the challenge of the widest gate but with Seo Seung-un engaged, he will have plenty of backers. (2) BUHWARUI SEOMAK and (10) SUPEX MAGIC others in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Royal Pride (6) B.K Rich (11) Tohamsan Star (2) Buhwarui Seomak
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) RIVER RUN has been getting closer across his six starts to date with a 4th, a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest three, most recently when stepped up to a mile for the first time on August 16th. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw should be no problem, and he could go one better today. (5) FANTASTIC ROYAL didn’t do much in his first two starts but stepped up to 1300M on August 21st and was an improved 2nd, coming from midfield. The further step up in trip can suit and he can be close. (9) SHINY KOREA looks to be figuring things out at last with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, the latter his first try over the mile behind River Run on August 16th and he should be a danger again here. (6) RESPECTING GIRL and (1) SEOGWI FOREST others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) River Run (5) Fantastic Royal (9) Shiny Korea (6) Respecting Girl
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) CHAMPUI HYANGGI enters off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently over this distance on August 28th when she beat three of today’s rivals, settling midfield and running on. She comes into a slightly better gate today and can potentially come out on top. (2) YEONGGWANGUICROWN has made steady progress across three starts today with her best being her latest when 4th in that August 28th race. She has four-lengths to make up on Champui Hyanggi, but she has a light weight, she draws well, and she looks to have plenty of scope for more improvement. (3) NAGAN CHUEOK comes in after a 2nd place over 1200M on July 17th when coming from well off the pace. She comes up significantly in trip, but it may well suit. (10) DOCTOR MUJEOK and (9) FLYING SKY others who can be in this.
THE 2026 KOREAN JUVENILE SERIES BEGAN OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE FIRST SEOUL LEG OF THE SERIES ON SUNDAY WAS THE GWACHEON MAYOR’S TROPHY AND MAJOR FURY made Hope K look good with a neck success under Seo Seung-un (writes Luke Humphreys).
Major Fury (near side) holds off Clutch Derby in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Major Fury (Revolutionary) had won his first two starts before being best of the rest behind Hope K, a subsequent winner on international weekend, in the Rookie Stakes in August and with no Hope K to worry about, he got the prize after trailing the long-time leader and eventual 2nd placed Clutch Derby throughout.
“I was able to pick up the ride as trainer Kim Dong-kyun had also entered Samjeong Chef which Jang Chu-youl elected to ride,” Seo Seung-un told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “He looked like a good horse to ride and after riding him today I think he is a very smart and good horse. I only rode in Seoul (instead of Yeongcheon) today because of this ride, so I am grateful for the opportunity. The trainer’s instructions were to just sit behind the leaders and then make a run. Jang Chu-youl also told me about the horse as he had ridden him previously so I would like to thank him.”
The Korea Cup disappointment last week of home hope Clean One, who was subsequently found to have fractured his off-fore sesamoid, was still laying heavy on Seo.
“Because the results at last week’s Korea Cup were poor, as a jockey, I sincerely want to apologise to all horse racing fans regarding the fact that I did not ride well. I felt extremely sorry. It is in the past, but I had to focus more than usual this week and thankfully still got satisfactory results.”
Seo also made comments on him riding regularly in both Seoul and the Yeongnam (Busan and now Yeongcheon) region.
“It has been three months (since the integrated freelance jockey system was established) and of course, when I first came here to Seoul for regular meetings, not everyone would be able to give me many opportunities because it came suddenly but as a month or two passed, I have been given a lot of opportunities.”
It’s been sixteen-and-a-half years in the making but racing at Yeongcheon finally begins on Sunday. There are 6 races at the new track from 12:45 to 16:30 and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Yeongcheon (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all eleven racing for the first time. (2) RISING KILLER took three goes to qualify but when he did on August 13th, he looked good, racing handy throughout and crossing the line 3rd in a decent time. He should be nice and race fit following all those trials, and from a good draw, has every chance first-up. (8) FIORANO posted the quickest time among these in trials, when 4th on August 27th. That’s enough to have him firmly in the numbers here. (7) SAMJEONG RACE was a fair 3rd in his heat on August 20th, settling midfield and running on and is another who, if he brings that form to the races, can go close. (6) CRAZY BLUE, who led his trial before being passed by an experienced horse, and (9) GEUMBIT CODE are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After winning a trial, (3) MIGHTY CHAMP ran a close 3rd on debut over 1200M on August 8th, showing on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run, he draws better here, and he won’t need to improve much to win. (11) MY DOLPUNG has raced twice for a 3rd and a 4th place, both over this distance and both times leading. She has the challenge of the widest gate here, but with a bit of luck at the start, she can be competitive again. (2) BEAT STAR should be similarly nice and fit having raced twice for a 4th and a 5th, in his case over 1000M and 1200M. He draws nicely and can be a danger. (8) TONNERRE DOS and the solitary debut-maker (6) WORLD OF DREAM, the latter very quick in a trial two weeks ago, are others to consider on a place line.
Selections
(3) Mighty Champ (11) My Dolpung (2) Beat Star (8) Tonnerre Dos
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BLUE HAWAII was ordinary in trials, but they were evidently at too short a distance as he was a very solid 2nd on debut over 1400M on August 23rd, when he settled back and ran on strongly behind a good winner. He should have come on for the run and won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (7) WINNER NAMCHON didn’t do much in his first two outings when ridden on pace but was much better when coming from behind for a very close 2nd over 1200M on August 8th. The step up in trip can suit and he can be the danger here. (8) WONDERFUL TUNE UP had a poor day at the office when favourite last time out but going on his 2nd place at this distance two starts back, he can be given another chance here. (11) CHEONGGANG BOM and (4) PASA ACE other place chances.
Selections
(3) Blue Hawaii (7) Winner Namchon (8) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Cheonggang Bom
Next Best
4, 9
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) LAST K got his maiden win at start three over this distance in April, before finishing 2nd on his first try at this class at the end of May. He hasn’t raced since but he has been back in work since early August and while match fitness must be taken on trust, he looks the best of these. (10) WOW RUNNER was an all the way winner on debut over 1000M on June 20th, scoring by plenty. She’s had twelve weeks off since then and she is up in class and in trip as well as drawing a wide gate. But she carries a very light weight and she can measure up, (5) RAON THE TONY was a gate to wire winner at this class over 1300M on June 14th. She comes up 3.5kg in weight today but Seo Seung-un is aboard and she can be close again. (9) HAKSAN TAEPUNG and (1) HOT FEVER others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Last K (10) Wow Runner (5) Raon The Tony (9) Haksan Taepung
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 9
Yeongcheon Race 1: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight A / KRW 150 Million
The opening race at the new racecourse and three-year-old fillies get us underway. (3) PACHOUI KKUM was 2nd on debut over 1200M and has since followed up with back-to-back wins over that trip and most recently over 1400M at class 5 level on August 7th. She has been on pace all three times and she is, like all but one here, up to the trip for the first time, but she looks to have plenty of potential. (4) P.D SPECIAL won back-to-back races at 1300M and 1400M in April and May from the front, before struggling from a wide draw last time out. Franco stays on and she can be a chance here. (7) MOMENTUM is the highest rated in the field by a big margin having won up to class 4 level and most recently coming 3rd at class 3. She may not have as much scope for improvement as the other two, and she too steps up in trip for the first time, but she has to rate as a chance. (2) OASIS RUBY ran in the Korean Oaks and is the only one who has previously tackled 1800M and on that alone gets into the minors. (5) POWERFUL DEVIL another in the frame.
We’re back to a fully daytime Saturday schedule and Seoul plays host to 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
(7) MIGHTY ROG led throughout in his one and only trial on August 6 for a seven-length win in smart time and this Seo Hong-soo trained son of Rogueish looks hard to beat based on that. (3) A.K JUN brings the best of the raced form following a fourth on debut prior to a second place one month ago. He has been behind some smart enough types and can run well in what is a winnable race for him if the trial form of Mighty Rog is not to turn out as good as it looks on paper. (8) GARAKAI has run once for a fourth and this is perhaps a tad easier so he can be close again. (2) STORM PETREL has trialled once for a twelve-and-three-quarter length eighth but coming from the Luigi Riccardi stable he should not be dismissed. (4) NAREUSYA LUCKY, which is the mount of Seo Seung-un, and (9) DREAM KNICKS, which has had one trial for a second beaten a nose, are far from hopeless whilst Ruan Maia and Lee Shin-woo combine with (5) SEJONG BISANG and Tony Castanheira prepares (10) TORRENS.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(1) HWANSANGUI LUNA has been a beaten favourite in two runs but has not been too far away in each. She was third on debut, after getting terribly upset in the gate, before a fifth most recently. From the low draw she can play a part with Furkan Yuksel riding after CC Wong and Seo Seung-un rode her in her first pair of runs. (4) SANGSANGSOKGEUDAE is a Nasca owned filly by 2012 Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan trained by Moon Byeong-ki who has trialled once for a fourth on August 6 and can be given a chance. (8) CITY OF DREAM was out the back on debut but was much better at her second run and Kozzi Asano riding for the first time is no disadvantage. (10) RAON POLIS should appreciate the extra furlong and gets Seo Seung-un to steer whilst (2) MYEONG POWERFUL, another Moon Byeong-ki prepared filly that has trialled once for a fourth, and (6) TUN TEJA, which is from the stables of Luigi Riccardi, rate next.
Selections
(1) Hwansangui Luna (4) Sangsangsokgeudae (8) City Of Dream (10) Raon Polis
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DANAEUN RUBY has produced the best two efforts of her career to date at each of her last two starts and with the lowest weight in the field, thanks to a one-kilogram claim from top apprentice Woo In-cheol, she can prove hard to pass. (9) AREUMDAUN BIT was ridden for the first time by Seo Seung-un last start, and she came the closest she has come to winning so far with a second. Seo retains the mount and she will be well fancied and can go close. (10) ECLAIR WIND came from well back to pass all her rivals bar the winner, which scored by ten-lengths, two back and has got the most consistent record in the field so that is enough to rate her as a decent chance. (6) SKYLOR TAEHA, (8) EUNHA KALAS and (7) ONLY YOU rate next.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) JEJU BLUE has arguably got the most consistent record in the race with a sixth, a second, a fifth, and a third from four runs so far. She rates as a strong each-way chance in what looks a winnable race. (11) DAREURI YEOWANG comes off the worst run of her career result wise when finishing eighth of ten last start as favourite but margins wise it was the closest she has come so she should not be written off. (2) SEMYEONG CROW was seventh on debut but has since been fourth in two subsequent runs and rates as a hope with Johan Victoire. (3) ILGEUP BISUL came from well back for second last start and that sort of form gives her a good chance, she will likely start as the popular pick, with (9) GLOBAL DINO, which Seo Seung-un rides, and (5) WALLSTREET next best.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) K SOCKS made up good ground on debut for a midfield finish before appreciating the extra furlong last start when breaking through at the second time of asking. The extra half-furlong will not hurt, and this Luigi Riccardi trained two-year-old colt will be hard to beat under Kim Hyo-jung and he may start at value. (1) CHOWOLMA led throughout to win his maiden easily six runs ago and in five runs at this class has been close on each occasion and can run well again. (6) COMPLETE FUTURE was fifth when running at this grade for the first time most recently following his maiden win and can be around the mark with (9) WHIZ DREAM, which won on debut but has struggled since, next best over last start course, distance, and grade winner (10) SUNGANUI FIGHTER, which rises six pounds and four kilograms on that success, (2) INSPIRE and (4) BREEDO GALAXY.
Friday’s racing is at Busan with 9 races from 10:15 to 17:55. A reminder that this will be the only meeting taking place at Busan last week with Sunday’s “Yeongnam” card set to take place at the new racecourse in Yeongcheon. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Small field of imported maidens with three of the seven racing for the first time. All of the others raced against one another on their respective debuts back on July 24th over this distance. (7) TOHAMSAN BOSS came from off the pace to run 2nd and the best of them on that day, albeit a full nine-lengths behind the eye-catching winner Supex World. He can have come on for that run and it’s hard to go against him here. (4) UNCLE PARK was 3rd in that race, a length and a quarter in arrears, having raced handy throughout and he shapes as the main danger today. (5) ALL CLEAR went through two trials, winning the second of them (which may not appear in all racecards, but was an all the way score in a time of 62.2 seconds on July 9th) and he looks the best of the debut-makers. Returning to the July 24th race, (1) PERFECT LINE and (3) LUNA CROWN were 4th and 6th and there is no reason to change that order today.
Selections
(7) Tohamsan Boss (4) Uncle Park (5) All Clear (1) Perfect Line
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5,
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (7) SUNNY WILD debuted over 1200M on August 7th, showing on pace and ultimately finishing in 3rd place. He should have come on for the run, and he can win here. (5) BRAVO YOUNG was a fair 5th on debut in a quick race over 1000M on August 14th. She too should have derived benefit from that, and she can be closer today. Among the debut-makers, (1) POWERFUL INDIE was the best. He went through two trials, improving in the second of them when 3rd from the widest gate in a time of 62.8 seconds on August 13th. If he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive. (10) OASIS YEONGCHEON and first-timer (8) RUN FOR ME are other place chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Filly maidens. (2) HEAR WE GO won a July trial and was then 3rd on debut over 1300M on August 9th, racing handy throughout. She should have come on for that run and from a good draw, she is the one to beat here. (11) MISS COCO is the most experienced in the field, with four starts behind her. The best of those was her latest when she was 4th behind Hear We Go in that August 9th race, having settled back and run on well. She previously posted a fast time over this trip, and she can be a danger late here. (4) ACE LOVE and (10) HERO HIT came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced one another over 1000M on August 9th and both can be in the mix to go better here. (1) GEUMBIT SPRING another who can improve.
Selections
(2) Hear We Go (11) Miss Coco (4) Ace Love (10) Hero Hit
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GAME MAKER was 3rd on debut in July over 1000M coming from off the pace and followed up with a 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 7th when ridden much closer to the pace. Third-up he can be peaking and he has every chance of going one better here. (5) LOST KINGDOM debuted over 1300M on August 23rd, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough for 4th. Seo Seung-un climbs on and plenty will be backing him to go better. (8) SIERRA GOLD didn’t do much on debut back in May but looked well when running 2nd in a quick trial on August 20th and can be given another chance here. (10) CHAMPAGNE WINNER and (1) TIGER BLUE among others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Game Maker (5) Lost Kingdom (8) Sierra Gold (10) Champagne Winner
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The 9th editions of both the Korea Cup (1800M) and Korea Sprint (1200M) are set for Sunday at Seoul Racecourse. Japan and Hong Kong are both represented while there is a strong local challenge as well. Both races are local Group 1 contests, with the Korea Sprint holding international Group 3 status while for the first time this year, the Korea Cup will be run at international Group 2 level.SEE HERE FOR FORM COMMENTS FOR KOREA CUP AND KOREA SPRINT AND HERE FOR ALL 16 SUNDAY RACES.
Korea Cup
The Korea Cup has attracted a relatively small field of nine. Hong Kong’s Romantic Thor had to pull out so it leaves seven local-trained horses taking on two visitors from Japan, including the defending champion. DIKTAEAN closed late last year for victory and the NAR superstar is back with solid claims to repeat.
“Winning overseas is difficult, coming form Japan to Korea, then the training process and then winning” reflected Naoki Nishida to KRA broadcaster KRBC. Nishida traveled with Diktaean a year ago and is back in Seoul with the horse again. “He’s turned eight now and at that age sometimes you can see a decline, but trainer (Katsunori) Arayama strongly believes he is as good as ever.”
“Last year there was a big gap from Chancheng Glory and Ramjet, but you saw how he finished. This year, even if there is a bigger gap for him to cross, I am confident he can do it again.”
Takayuki Yano, who dashed back from rising work on Diktaean in Seoul to ride a winner in a Stakes race at Oi on Wednesday evening, will again be in the saddle.
1. FUNNY WILD (KOR) – The top locally bred three-year-old takes his chance here. He won the first and final legs of the Triple Crown; the KRA Cup Mile over 1600M and Minister’s Cup at 2000M, with a 3rd place in the Derby between them. In total he has five wins from nine starts and while regular jockey Seo Seung-un understandably opts for Clean One, there is no reason why he can’t sit behind the early speed and run into some minor money.
2. UNJU GUY (KOR) – Runner-up in the 2025 Korean Derby, he has won up to 2000M and class 2 level. With a 5th, 2nd and 4th in three starts as class 1 he is establishing himself as a regular prize money winner if not quite at an elite level. He likes to race on or close to the pace although that will be testing here. Not the worst.
3. WONPYEONG STORM (USA) – Began his career with five straight wins up to class 2 level before struggling when tested in Group company. He showed signs of a recovery with a win and a 2nd in the last three starts of his three-year-old campaign, but it has been a hugely disappointing 2026 for him, finishing down the field in all three starts, two of them at Group level. He will probably be sent to challenge for the lead here and to hang on as long as he can.
4. DAEJI CHOICE (KOR) – Since getting a win and a 2nd in the first three months of last year, he has been in absolutely no form at all. Regularly participates in big races but always finishes well back. This is his first start since April so he may have benefited from a proper break and he looked well enough in an August trial, but he is hard to have here.
5. BIG MUSICAL STAR (KOR) – Enters in very good form having won his latest two in May and June at Busan’s longest two distances of 2200M and 2000M but both times leading all the way. That brings his rating comfortably into class 1 territory and while this is his first time in Group company, on the evidence of those past two efforts, he should be aiming for at least a top five finish here.
6. AMAZING KHAN (KOR) – Takes his chance following a smart seven-length win at class 2 level in June when close to the pace throughout. That was just his third win, but he has nine further placings to his name. He has only raced once over 1800M finishing in 2nd place, and while this is his first time in this kind of company, he is another who can have top five aspirations.
7. CLEAN ONE (USA) – The big local hope, he capped his three-year-old campaign with a nine-length demolition in the Grand Prix last November, having his rivals, including Japan’s Yumeno Honoo, off the bridle almost four furlongs from home. He has raced just twice in 2026, registering easy wins in the G3 Herald Business over 2000M and G2 Busan Mayor’s Cup at 1800M. Rivals he beat in those races including Global Hit, Speed Young and Success Baekpa are swerving this race. A real talent, he can take a few strides to get going but has a tempo about him that few locals can match. A chance.
8. DIKTAEAN (JPN) – The defending champion went on to win the Tokyo Daishoten last December and while he has a 5th and a 3rd in just two starts this year his effort in the latter, the Teio Sho in June was arguably better than his one in the 2025 edition of the same race. With this clearly being the big target of his season, then it is possible he will have come on again for that run. Likes to settle behind the speed and run on and there will certainly be pace to run at.
9. SUNDAY FUNDAY (JPN) – Enters off a Listed win in the Mercury Cup over 2000M at Morioka in July when making all the running, he also won at G3 level on the Nakayama dirt in March. A serious JRA horse, he likes to be on pace and while he has the challenge of starting on the outside of Diktaean and Clean One, there is every chance that if he gets off to a good start and gets to the lead, that he won’t be caught.
Horse Racing in Korea 