Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 22)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:30 to 18:00 and last year’s KRA Cup Mile winner Indian King finally returns to action for the first time since running 2nd in the final leg of last year’s Triple Crown, all the way back last July.

Indian King

Indian King suffered a suspensory ligament injury but is finally back to take his place in what is the Friday feature, a competitive class 2 handicap over 1400M. Earlier in the card, Yeonggwanguicheon, half-brother to last week’s Minister’s Cup winner World Sun makes his racecourse debut in race 2 while Great Rock will be expected to get back to winning ways in race 7. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-year-olds only kicks things off and (8) MISS PERFECT, 4th on debut over 1300M last month having led until close to home, drops back in trip today and is strongly favoured to score. (4) MUCHO was an improved 3rd last start three weeks ago and looks to be the main danger although (5) TAMNA MENTOR and (7) YEONGGWANGUI STAR look to have the potential to improve. There are three first-time starters here and among them, (3) OFFICE TAP was the only one who showed enough in trials to suggest he may warrant some support first-up.

Selections (8) Miss Perfect (4) Mucho (5) Tamna Mentor (7) Yeonggwangui Star
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 5, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Eleven unraced two-year-olds make their debuts here chasing a valuable prize of almost $40,000 for the winner. Last Sunday, jockey Choi Si Dae partnered World Sun to win the Minister’s Cup, the final race in the Korea Triple Crown series. Back to Busan today, he rides World Sun’s half-brother (6) YEONGGWANGUICHEON. He’s not without a chance either having been one of the more impressive ones in trials and is likely to be on pace from the start. A couple of others are slightly more favoured though. (8) SUNDAY GLORY won his trial beating a couple of these in the process while (7) GIMABUDAEJANG also looked good across a pair of heats in April and May and will be backed to go well first up. Others who look to already have a bit of promise include (2) POWER WINDY and (9) BIG GAMBLER, who trialled up together looking competent enough two weeks ago.

Selections (8) Sunday Glory (7) Gimabudaejang (6) Yeonggwanguicheon (2) Power Windy
Next Best 9, 11, 4
Fast Start 2, 6

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Three of these stand out. (11) EAST WIND improved to 3rd over 1300M on what was her second start a month ago. She hasn’t shown all that in the way of speed so far, but this isn’t a strong race and a little bit more improvement today could see her home in front. (6) NOPIGOM DODASHA ran three times last year before being absent for eleven months. She returned to racing with a solid 3rd place over 1000M on May 25th and can have come on for that run. She looks set to lead here and could win. (7) CHEONHAUI KKUM has a best of 3rd over ten starts so far but has been showing some encouraging signs in his latest two and can get close. (2) P.K. NINE was well supported last time but didn’t get the greatest of trips on his way to a disappointing 8th place. He can improve today while (3) BAEKDU QUEEN is another who can potentially be involved.

Selections (6) Nopigom Dodasha (11) East Wind (7) Cheonhaui Kkum (2) P.K. Nine
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 6, 7, 9, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Both (4) PERFECT ACE and (5) BLACK ARROW came home in 4th place on their respective debuts on May 25th. The latter’s was at 1200M compared with 1000M for the former but both finished off well and both look set to be competitive here. (9) ROYAL TREE was sent off an odds-on favourite at this distance last month but just got pipped to the line having briefly led close to home and the Thomas Gillespie trainee looks well worth another chance here. (2) INTERCEPTOR returned from five months off to run 5th of 11 at 1200M to weeks ago. He has acquitted himself reasonably well at this distance in the past and should be in the placing frame at least here. Peter Wolsley’s (7) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN comes in off back to back 4th place finishes, both at this distance and could improve today.

Selections (9) Royal Tree (5) Black Arrow (4) Perfect Ace (7) Gamdongui Sungan
Next Best 2, 1, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 8

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) DRAGON NINE was an eye-catching seven-length winner over this distance on a muddy track on May 18th. He’s up in class today and the conditions are likely to be quite different but it’s hard not to put him on top and he should win again. (7) NICE HUMOR is also up in class and while his victory was slightly less emphatic, there’s no reason why he won’t be able to compete at this level. Already proven at this level is (2) SWEET MEMORY, who has finished 3rd, 4th and 2nd in three class 5 efforts since getting her (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 16)

We’re just a day away from the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the 2018 Korean Triple Crown, but before that there is Saturday racing in Seoul which sees 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00:

 

IMG_20170930_180912_817.jpg

It’s Saturday! It’s Seoul!

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) DAECHEON HERO comes in off 2nd and 3rd place finishes from his latest two and only needs to finish in the top three here to get bumped up in class. He’s led in both those only to be caught late on and he can bow out of the bottom level of racing an all the way winner here. (1) MISS MOUNTAIN debuted with a 2nd place all the way back in March of 2017 but didn’t race again for slightly more than a year. On her return she led before weakening and has had a further thirteen weeks off since. Top jockey on and likely to get on pace again, she’s a chance. (2) JILPUNG GANGJA also returns thirteen weeks on from his last start. That was a disaster and he was forced to requalify after it. He’s looked good in two subsequent trials and we may see better from him today. (7) WAIT AND SEE has been a slightly one-paced 4th in both attempts so far but can at least match it today. (8) GRAND DOLPUNG has hinted at some ability and could challenge for the places.

Selections (6) Daecheon Hero (1) Miss Mountain (7) Wait And See (2) Jilpung Gangja
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

The first juvenile race of the season is upon us and we’ve got nine babies to get stuck into here with lots of them having impressed in trials and hence getting such an early start. Three of them won their trials and we’ll start with those. (7) HANEULEUL DALRIDA was the most eye-catching, making all in his heat and he’ll be expected to go to the lead under Johan Victoire. As will (3) SHANGHAI JORDAN, who had to work harder when coming out on top in his trial two weeks ago but may well have benefitted from it. Both are from strong stables, as is (6) BI PYEONG, who was also a good “winner” of a trial on June 1st. None of the three recorded the fastest time in qualifying though. That distinction belongs to (4) GYEONGGUKJIMA, albeit on a very wet track, and she should be challenging for the early lead too. Those four will be the favourites but (8) HEUNG OREUM, (9) PARRHESIA and, to a slightly lesser extent (5) CHANGPA also looked competent enough leaving only two to be considered true longshots.

Selections (3) Shanghai Jordan (7) Haneuleul Dalrida (4) Gyeonggukjima (6) Bi Pyeong
Next Best 8, 9, 5
Fast Start 3, 4, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

With a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts to date, (6) CHOIN DAEBO is favoured to get it right at the third attempt today with Moon Se Young aboard for the first time. He’s up slightly in trip and could well get an unchallenged lead. (4) CUPID GANGJA is just one placing away from being promoted out of this level and he hasn’t been far away in his latest three outings. He ran well at this trip last time and can do so again. (3) EVERYTHING WIN showed signs of figuring things out last start and surely benefits from Manoel Nunes riding today. (10) SPEED HWANGNYONG has shown some ability across his four outings to date and can improve here while (9) FIORE too is not without some hope of improvement.

Selections (6) Choin Daebo (4) Cupid Gangja (3) Everything Win (10) Speed Hwangnyong
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 6

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) MONEY CAMP was beaten out of sight over 1300M in early March to the extent that she was banned for two months and sent back to trial. She waltzed through that trial in the kind of time that can win an actual race at this level and back at 1000M today should be a very different prospect. She’ll be joined on pace by (7) CHEONJI BOBAE, who remains winless after seven attempts but has four runner-up finishes and every chance (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

This Sunday sees the final leg of the 2018 Korean Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup at Seoul. Seven horses from Busan, including Derby winner Ecton Blade are involved and that means seven jockeys have gone with them and therefore won’t be riding at Busan on Friday.  Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of action on the South Coast, with 10 Friday races from 11:30 to 18:00:

Jo Sung Gon Jo In Kwen

Jo-Time. Sung Gon and In Kwen could be among the winners on Friday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Those in the capital include You Hyun Myung, Franco Da Silva and Fergus Sweeney and their absence leaves Jo Sung Gon and Jo In Kwen, former and current champion jockeys at Busan, both on several live chances throughout the afternoon.

Foreign trainers could have a good day as well. Peter Wolsley will saddle Cheonnyeonui Gang in Sunday’s big race in the capital, but he sends out seven on Friday afternoon including Contador, who will be favourite to land his fifth win on his ninth start in race 9.  Bart Rice has four, all of whom have at least some claim while Thomas Gillespie’s Royal Blue is set to be favourite for race 4.

Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) FASHION WANG produced a much-improved performance to run 4th in a better race than this at the end of March. She’s been out for eleven weeks since then but should have too much for this limited set of opponents. (2) THUNDER SHOWER did nothing wrong on debut three weeks ago and can build on the 5th place she managed. (1) JISAN OREUM steps back in trip to the distance at which he produced by far his best performance to date back in January and looks next best. Aside from that we’ll be looking for big improvements and (3) MACH RANGER and (7) TAMNA HANEUL are perhaps most likely.

Selections (4) Fashion Wang (2) Thunder Shower (1) Jisan Oreum (3) Mach Ranger
Next Best 7, 5, 6
Fast Start 2, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) HUNTER PARK ran 4th over 1300M on what was his second career start on April 20th. The Macho Uno gelding has had eight weeks off since then and drops back in distance to the minimum for the first time with every chance of making the breakthrough. (8) CLOVER QUEEN came close to making all with an improved performance at this distance on May 25th. Ultimately, she went down by less than a length, but she’ll be expected to go to the front from the gate again and this time could get home in front. (4) SERENDIPITER has shown improvement in his latest two and can continue the momentum here while (5) MUJEOK BEAT and (7) TRIPLE GOLD look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Hunter Park (8) Clover Queen (4) Serendipiter (5) Mujeok Beat
Next Best 7, 6
Fast Start 2, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Tricky contest with plenty in the frame. (3) EURO SHINHWA has started to show some ability in his latest two including a good 2nd last time out over this distance and may well have enough to come home on top here. (5) KKEUTPAN STORM was 2nd on debut, just beaten a nose, at this distance at the beginning of May and while she didn’t go quite so well on reappearance two weeks later, she’s worth another chance here. (9) PEACE RIDER was similarly a touch disappointing last start but has had some good results and should be close. (6) CHOEGANG STEALTH drops back in trip today following some useful finishes behind some reasonable horses and can be involved. There are two debut-makers and one of them, (7) HORTENSE, ran well in a trial last month and there’s no reason why she can’t put in a good showing here. She’s likely to be on the early speed.

Selections (3) Euro Shinhwa (9) Peace Rider (5) Kkeutpan Storm (7) Hortense
Next Best 6, 10
Fast Start 7, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) ROYAL BLUE has come up short when favourite on both his latest starts, missing out by a nose two weeks ago. He should get to the front early here and this time can go all the way. (3) SILENT PARK was an improved 3rd on what was his second start last month, running on pleasingly enough and he is a contender as is (4) SUNSHINE BOLT, who ran creditably on his return from almost a year out last month and should have come on for (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview

It’s a bit of a low-key Sunday of racing in Seoul with nothing higher than class 3 although there is still plenty of competitive action with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Busan does have a class 1 feature with last year’s Grand Prix Stakes runner-up Dongbang Daero in action. On the south-coast there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here is the race-by-race for Seoul with Busan selections below:

RH7_9147

Nongbon Daero will go in search of his sixth win at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) AQUA STROM has been getting closer across his six starts to date, culminating in 2nd place at 1000M running on well on May 12th. He’s not a fast starter so he has a tendency to leave himself too much to do but if he gives himself a chance here, he should win. If you prefer one who will be on speed, then (6) TAMNA YEOSIN is the way to go. She improved to 2nd last time at this distance on a slow running track on May 5th and should be a contender here. Also showing good improvement last time was (11) MACH SEUNGNI while the unfortunately named (1) I AM WINNER has been consistently close in her latest three and can play a role here, likely challenging Tamna Yeosin for the early lead. (8) YONGUI JUDO is another who has a 2nd place in his record and can be considered.

Selections (9) Aqua Strom (6) Tamna Yeosin (1) I Am Winner (11) Mach Seungni
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 1, 6, 10

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look past (8) HANSEN GLORY here. He showed lots of promise in three starts at this distance as juvenile before suffering an injury after his last race in December. He was fast in a May trial and if he’s anything like he was last year, he’ll win. If he does come up short, then (5) JUNGLE BEAT and (6) FLYING JOY could be ones to take advantage. Jungle Beat is up in class despite not having won at class 6 but shouldn’t be intimidated by too much here while Flying Joy comes in following 5th place in a stiffer contest than this at the distance three weeks ago. Neither (1) EVER A ONE nor (9) LEAD UP went especially well behind (11) PARTY POWER last month but both could improve today.

Selections (8) Hansen Glory (5) Jungle Beat (6) Flying Joy (9) Lead Up
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 6, 9

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

Very competitive race with cases to be made for plenty. (3) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG is a front-runner who has had to settle for 3rd place in each of her last three starts. She drops back half a furlong in trip today and it could be to her benefit. (2) SEUNGNI NARAE had to scratched from a scheduled start five weeks ago through injury but he entered that in good form and would have been well-backed having secured a 3rd and a 2nd in his two starts immediately beforehand. He’s back working well now and should be in the frame here. (6) BACK TO BACK has been a touch disappointing in his latest two but is back at the distance he won at today and should be a threat. (12) CHEON MONG and (8) BAEKSAN ISLAND came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at the distance on a wet track on May 13th and both can look to match that here. Most punters will have finally given up on (11) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON who seems to have lost her way.

Selections (3) Naega Kkeutpanwang (6) Back To Back (2) Seungni Narae (12) Cheon Mong
Next Best 8, 11, 7
Fast Start 3, 4, 11, 12

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

Small but competitive field. (5) JAELONGI is the pick, having run 2nd to Nike Street at class and distance on May 12th. He is still a maiden but now has four 2nd places to his name and can go one better today with Moon Se Young riding for the first time and likely attempting to make all. If he is to come up short once again then (6) DONGSEO GADEUK, who has finished behind him in both their last two races, is one contender to take top honours. However, more likely are (1) STAR PERFECT and (8) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG. Neither covered themselves in glory in their respective last starts but both are better (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

There are 10 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_9066

It’s Saturday! It’s Seoul!

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Very ordinary looking maiden for fillies only and (7) SURFING POINT should have enough about her to get things right at what will be the fourth time of asking. She’s outperformed her odds in her latest three and can win for Manoel Nunes and Simon Foster. (3) RAON OPTIMUS has hinted at some ability with a pair of 2nd place finishes at 1700M and 1000M and she looks the main danger. (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR and (5) NALSSAEN GIRL can improve while in such a race, it’s probably worth keeping an eye on the solitary debut-maker. That’s (6) ADEUKAN SEONGJA, and she trialled up in competent fashion in May.

Selections (7) Surfing Point (3) Raon Optimus (6) Adeukan Seongja (2) Daemyeong Solar
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) ROMAN BLADE has been getting closer across three starts to date, culminating in 2nd place on May 27th in a similar filly-only maiden to this. She should be on pace here and should make-all. Joining her on the early speed is likely to be (1) HALLA DAERO, an improved 3rd last time out a month ago and she can be a threat here. (3) JIGONG JILJU has never finished in the top two but is rarely too far away and can go close again for an in-form stable. (6) CLEAN FLOWER drops back in trip after a promising 4th over 100M last month while (4) IRYEO HAYEO has been a touch inconsistent over seven outings so far but has proven capable on her day.

Selections (2) Roman Blade (3) Jigong Jilju (6) Clean Flower (1) Halla Daero
Next Best 4
Fast Start 1, 2

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three debut-makers join five with prior experience and it’s among the ones who have raced before where we find the most likely contenders. (6) SIMON FRUIT was 2nd on debut in April and while he has been a touch below expectations in two starts since, he’s not been far away on either occasion and can get it right today. He’ll be on pace early, most probably alongside (4) ROYAL PRINCE, who has been consistent across five starts so far and steps back to the minimum distance today. He hasn’t shown an awful lot in the way of speed but if he can lead, he may be difficult to overhaul. (7) SEUNGNI LIKE improved last time and couple be a factor as well. None of the first-timers caught the eye in trials but if we had to pick one to consider first-up, it would be (8) RAON BULPAE.

Selections (6) Simon Fruit (4) Royal Prince (7) Seungni Like (8) Raon Bulpae
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) DAESEUNG AGAIN was a solid 4th on debut in a reasonable race at this distance on May 12th. It was a very wet track that day, but he ran on nicely and is the pick to score here, likely seeking to lead from the start. Also making his first start in that race was (7) DAMON ANGEL. She had previously finished ahead of Daeseung Again in a trial and while in the actual race, she was a length and three-quarters back in 5th, she too showed that she has a bit about her and can also improve here. (3) ULTRA MISSILE didn’t perform especially well in that same race but does have a 3rd to his name at the distance and may go better. (1) ADELEUI KKUM tries the minimum distance for the first time but (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

Last weekend in Korea saw big Stakes race action and next weekend it is the final leg of the Triple Crown. This sandwich week is a little more low-key but there is still plenty to keep punters occupied. Racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

RH7_2448

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

The strike by some stable staff that resulted in a number of trainers leading their own horses up the past two weeks is now over, although there is still a slight knock-on effect in terms of field size as not all horses have been able to work their intended schedules during the strike. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) JITTERBUG dead-heated for 2nd on debut at this distance on May 11th and will take some beating here. He should be on speed from the gate and lead all the way. (2) SEONBAL CAT was a useful 4th last start and should be looking to better that today. (8) APRIL STAR beat both (5) GEODAEHAN WONSEOK and (4) TESTA MAGIC as the three of them came home 4th, 5th and 6th at the distance on May 4th and all three can play their part here. Of them, the most likely looks Geodaehan Wonseok, who has actually run once since then – a solid 3rd two weeks ago. Fergus Sweeney takes the ride today and he can get even closer.

Selections (7) Jitterbug (5) Geodahan Wonseok (2) Seonbal Cat (4) Testa Magic
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 4, 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A number of these improved on their latest starts but (2) COOL MINT is perhaps the most convincing. He only missed out by a nose at this distance on May 11th having led almost the entire way around. He’s the pick to go one better today. (4) HWANGJE BONSAEK and (5) MIRACLE ALICE similarly improved last time and both step up to 1300M for the first time. Both should be in the hunt with Hwangje Bonsaek the marginally more attractive here. (3) DARK TEMPLAR has shown ability too with a 5th and a 3rd from two outings so far and she’ll be expected to get close once more. (1) NEW JACK SWING and (8) NEW QUEEN are others who could be in contention in what is a nicely competitive race.

Selections (2) Cool Mint (4) Hwangje Bonsaek (5) Miracle Alice (3) Dark Templar
Next Best 1, 8, 5
Fast Start 4, 5, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) ROYAL CLUB has shown progress across three starts so far and while she was resoundingly beaten into 2nd by the useful Evelyn on May 11th, today could well be her day. She can sit behind an early pace likely set by (10) CHEONNYEONUI ACHIM who led on debut three weeks ago, ultimately finishing 3rd. It was a promising start and one she can build on here.  (3) EXPRESSIVE is one start into a comeback following six months off and can improve. (5) INTERCEPTOR and (11) MR. COLORS are others who have hinted at some ability and can be involved.

Selections (2) Royal Club (10) Cheonnyeonui Achim (3) Expressive (5) Interceptor
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 4, 6, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Small field but tricky one to solve. Back up to a mile today, (2) SEORABEOL YEOJE should improve on recent starts. She’s never finished better than 3rd but can get on pace early here and stick on, possibly even to win. (7) JAESAENGMYEONGNI has a 2nd place to his (more…)

SBS Sports Sprint/Ttukseom Cup Day: Full Race-By-Race Preview (June 3)

On this weekend last year, Silver Wolf was setting out on a clean-sweep of the Queens’ Tour Series with a narrow win over Haeya in the Ttukseom Cup. This Sunday at Seoul, it’s surely Haeya’s turn to win the Ttukseom while Silver Wolf turns her attention to the SBS Sports Sprint, the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series, having already won the Busan Ilbo Cup last month. The exciting Today, a winner of 10 of 12 starts is among a full field of fifteen rivals and the Aussie-bred superstar will be under huge pressure in the 1200M test, but she has the class to overcome it. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Silver Wolf Power Blade Busan Ilbo 2018

Silver Wolf beat Power Blade in the 1st leg of the Sprint Series. Can she win again in the SBS Sports? (Pic: KRA)

A$40,000 yearling purchase, Silver Wolf was last year’s champion filly/mare in Korea. In between winning all three legs of the 2017 Queens’ Tour series, she also went sprinting, winning the Munhwa Ilbo Cup and running a strong 5th in the Korea Sprint. Silver Wolf has made an unbeaten start to 2018 with three consecutive victories including the Donga Ilbo Cup at 1800M in February and significantly, the 1st leg of the Sprint Series at Busan last month, when she downed Today’s stablemate Power Blade over this distance.

Six-years-old and arguably still getting better, the mare by Orotorio is the one to beat. Tactically versatile, she can win from anywhere but is usually ridden patiently and with lots of early speed in the race, it may well play to her advantage.

Drosselmeyer colt Today was imported in-utero and has set about winning ten of his twelve starts so far at distances of up to a mile. The Kim Young Kwan stable has such an embarrassment of riches that Today has gone somewhat under the radar and with any stable only permitted to run a maximum of two in any race, he is yet to get the opportunity to run in Stakes company. However, with Power Blade kept home, Today gets his chance here.  He enters on a four-race winning streak with his latest having been at this distance on March 25th. Jockey Franco Da Silva rode the winner of the Korean Derby three weeks ago and returns to Seoul with another big chance.

The three who contested last year’s finish all return. Doraonpogyeongseon got the decision that day by the narrowest of margins ahead of Parang Juuibo and Choegang Schiller. Doraonpogyeongseon has won just the once since but was an excellent 3rd in the Korea Sprint, beating Silver Wolf, and remains a danger at the top level.

Parang Juuibo isn’t quite of the elite but rarely finishes outside the top five – although making top five will take some doing this time. Choegang Schiller has only raced four times (and switched trainers twice) since the race a year ago. He’s won two of them, most recently in February at this distance and broke the track record in the other and is a live chance.

There are wildcards. Today’s stablemate Finest Warrior gets to step up. A winner of four from seven so far, he was unconvincing when sent up to class 1 for the first time last month but it’s unlikely trainer Kim Young Kwan has opted to bring him to Seoul simply for the experience. There is further Australian interest as Peter Wolsley brings Ace Korea up from Busan. The three-year-old Smiling Tiger colt has won his latest two in facile fashion, both at this distance and while this is a huge step up, he’s highly thought of. It’s a massively competitive contest bit Silver Wolf can win it from Today, Doraonpogyeongseon and Cheogang Schiller.

The Ttukseom Cup should be a little bit more straightforward in terms of finding the winner.

Haya at the Korea Sprint

Haeya (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Haeya is rated no fewer than 27 points higher than the next best and that fact alone tells its own story. She’s been plagued by soundness issues across her career which has restricted her to thirteen starts of which she has won six. The ones she has lost, however, have tended to be in top class company. She was 2nd to Silver Wolf in this race last year before running 3rd in the second leg, the KNN Cup at Busan.

With a mile considered her limit, she didn’t run in the concluding race of the series but did take a crack at the Korea Sprint in which she finished 11th. Haeya has begun 2018 in good form with a win and a 2nd place in two class 1 outings, both at this distance of 1400M. Her last start was in March, but she was kept ticking over with a trial win in late April. A front-runner, this could be her year.

Behind Haeya though, it is anyone’s race, with all fifteen other competitors having at least some claim on the places. Hi Sexy and Cheongsu Yeogeol look to have the best claims but Luigi Riccardi’s Rocket Queen might make for an interesting one at odds. Here is the race-by-race:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Just one debut-maker among the eleven who kick us off but he’s probably going to start the favourite. (1) WINNER SPIRIT took part in an outrageously fast trial on May 18th, registering the kind of time that would win the vast majority of actual class 6 races at this distance. It was a wet track, but he certainly looked competent and while he will surely be slower today, can still win. (2) LIVINGSTONE comes in off back to back 4th place finishes and looks to be improving, despite disappointing when favourite last start. (5) I’M HAPPY and (6) MONKEY SOCKS have both shown glimpses of ability and should go close. (11) RAON SITIEOSEU beat (3) GOLD SEUTAK and (8) NAMJJOK NARA as the trio filled out 3rd to 5th at the distance on May 5th and he should beat plenty again.

Selections (1) Winner Spirit (2) Livingstone (5) I’m Happy (6) Monkey Socks
Next Best 11, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 6, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) BARAM KING beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place at this distance on April 29th. He’s not been too far away in five of his six starts so far and against this modest opposition, with Moon Se Young taking over in the saddle, looks the most likely to make the breakthrough. (8) SEUNGNI PLUS started favourite against Baram King last time but could only manage 6th place. Nevertheless, he is one of only two horses in the race who have managed a 2nd place finish and he can be given another chance. The other one with a 2nd is (6) KHENDUM POWER though he looks to have more to find on recent form. (5) ROAD WOMAN and (11) MACHO HIME can improve on recent starts while (10) DAEJIUI SAESSAK was so slow on debut last month, she was sent back to trial. She completed that trial well last week though and could do much better this time around.

Selections (4) Baram King (8) Seungri Plus (11) Macho Hime (5) Road Woman
Next Best 1, 9, 10
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) SPECIAL GOLD got her second 3rd place finish from four starts so far and she could well be the one getting it right in this maiden for three-year-olds. She’s finished well in all her starts so far and so long as she doesn’t leave herself with too much to do, she can win. She was chased home that day by (5) HANEUL ACE and (1) HYEONGMA PUBU, the (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 2)

There are ten races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_8728

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) TAEYANG SINHWA beat (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG as the pair finished 2nd and 4th on a wet track at this distance on May 6th. Both should be involved again but Speed Hwangnyong, who has shown improvement across his three starts so far, may just be the more progressive at this stage and can overturn the form here. Plenty of others come in off encouraging efforts. (8) GAJA GAJA and (5) RAON GANGHO came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at the distance on April 28th. This is a stronger contest but once more both can be competitive. (9) SPECIAL DREAM was a close 3rd last time and comes in here following a couple of months off and with a top jockey on board. He should be on speed early and has every chance.

Selections (1) Speed Hwangnyong (8) Gaja Gaja (9) Special Dream (5) Raon Gangho
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 2, 8, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(7) SONGAM GONGJU came home from off the pace for a much-improved 2nd over 1000M three weeks ago. The track was wet that day and she’s likely to be ridden much further forward and with the extra furlong in her favour, she should win this weak contest. (3) SUPER YEOWANG ran a good 4th on debut at 1000M in February and returns for the first time with good chances of improving. (6) TA MINA was less impressive on her first try but had previously trialled well so gets another chance. (4) FLYING HERA can beat a few in this company while the debut-maker, (1) ISCRA, by virtue of the being the only one who has done nothing wrong so far may also come under consideration – although the trial evidence is not especially positive.

Selections (7) Songam Gongju (3) Super Yeowang (6) Ta Mina (1) Iscra
Next Best 4
Fast Start 3, 7

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) SIMPLE RULES ran 2nd at the distance on May 5th, having led early. She’ll be on speed again and while this assignment is slightly stiffer in terms of depth, she can go one better here. That day (8) DAESEONG RUBY was four-lengths behind Simple Rules in 3rd and she too can challenge although a few others will be favoured more. The experienced pair of (1) PYEWOL SUHWA and (3) LITTLE LIGHT both enter off the back of decent showings at the distance. Pyewol Suhwa is likely to challenge Simple Rules for the early lead while Little Light just needs to take care that she doesn’t leave herself with too much to do. (2) MJ JILJU is up in class after grinding out an all the way win by a neck over the distance in April and should be competitive at this level.

Selections (7) Simple Rules (2) MJ Jilju (1) Pyewol Suhwa (8) Daeseong Ruby
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 7

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

(2) UNDEFEATED is exactly that. True, he’s only raced once but he won it comfortably enough by four-lengths at this distance. He’s up in class here but should be able to get on the early lead and if he does, he’ll not need a name change just yet. (6) JEJUI HEUKSEON remains a maiden but she’s had some near-misses including a good 3rd place last start on 1300M. She’ll look to join Undefeated on pace at the start and should be at least placing again. (3) SEOUL STORY may benefit from racing at further than the minimum for the (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 1)

June gets underway big week of racing in Korea with two huge Stakes races coming up on Sunday in the shape of the SBS Sports Sprint and the Ttukseom Cup. Before that, things kick off at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

RH7_2448

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

There are relatively small fields throughout as the grooms’ strike continues on the South Coast. Accordingly the race times are slightly different to regular Fridays:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance/ KRW 24 Million

(4) IHYEN led for much of her third start on May 4th, ultimately ending in 2nd place at this distance but Bart Rice’s filly can have come on for that run and can see off this small set of rivals today. (1) GIPPEUM SARANG ran a career-best 3rd last time out and looks to be the main danger although (2) BREAKING NEWS drops back in trip today after some up and down performances over 1300M and can get close as well. (6) OS HILL and (7) EUTTEUM CHAMP, who does have a 2nd to her name, the best of a limited rest.

Selections (4) Ihyen (1) Gippeum Sarang (2) Breaking News (7) Eutteum Champ
Next Best 6
Fast Start 1, 3, 4

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) KING’S POWER has shown progression across four engagements to date culminating in a close 3rd place last time at this distance on April 20th. That was his first start since last October and with a bit more progression today, he can win this weak affair. (5) CHEONHAUI KKUM has shown some glimpses of ability across nine outings and can get close while (7) MUCHO hasn’t totally disgraced himself and may play a part too. (3) NICE HUMOR has only run once and can be given another chance. Neither of the two debut-makers showed anything in trials although given the standard of the opposition, they can’t be completely ruled out. (4) HALLA SKY looks the most likely.

Selections (6) King’s Power (5) Cheonhaui Kkum (7) Mucho (4) Halla Sky
Next Best 3
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Thomas Gillespie’s (6) ROYAL BLUE has a 3rd and a 4th from three starts so far, the latter of them at this distance three weeks ago. He’ll likely get on the early pace today and should have too much. (5) STAR WOMAN has a couple of 3rd place finishes to her name and steps up in trip for the first time here. She’s run through the line well enough so far, so it just might suit. (7) TOP HERO weakened late on over a mile last start but may be better back in trip today. He’ll likely challenge Royal Blue for the early lead and can benefit from the services of Fergus Sweeney. (2) MIR KAN was an improved 3rd on his latest outing and can build on that today. (3) BEOLMA HAMSEONG returns for the first time since January and trialed well.

Selections (6) Royal Blue (5) Star Woman (7) Top Hero (2) Mir Kan
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) CHEONGDAM BLADE was 4th of 11 on debut at 1000M just two weeks ago. He was a long way behind the winner, but it was encouraging enough, and the connections will tempt many. He’s up in trip today and could win. The main danger is (4) AGUILENA. She was 4th on debut at this trip in March before stepping up to a mile for her re-appearance in May. She led for much of that race before being passed in the closing stages and (more…)

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 27)

It’s YTN Cup Day! Cheongdam Dokki takes on Clean Up Joy once more in the big race at Seoul but there’s a whole host of other action going on both in the capital and at Busan. Click here for an in depth preview of the big race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here is the race-by-race:

RH7_6721

Lim Gi Won was among the winners on Saturday and should be on Sunday too, not least with Cheongdam Dokki in the YTN Cup (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) ROMAN BLADE has shown promise across two starts so far, leading for much of her latest outing on April 7th before just weakening a little late on and ending in 3rd. She’s had seven weeks off since then and should win this all-filly affair. (1) CULLINAN made a fresh start in April, several months after her debut and she ran well in 3rd in a similar race to this four weeks ago. (5) BAEKSAN FORCE was three-lengths behind in 4th that day and both can challenge today. (2) L CHOICE debuted in the same race but despite being well backed on the strength of winning a March trial, only beat two home and better will be expected here. There are three first-time starters and among them, (10) SAGWARANG will be best supported, having won a trial just last week.

Selections (11) Roman Blade (1) Cullinan (5) Baeksan Force (10) Sagwarang
Next Best 2, 9
Fast Start 1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) HANIL DALBIT was just beaten a neck into 2nd place on his first try at this distance on April 29th, having made all until close to the line and he has as good a chance as any in what is not a strong, but very competitive race. (11) GANGHWA CHONGGAK registered his second consecutive 3rd place that day and can go close again. (3) GONG SAN has shown good progression across three outings so far, running a good 2nd last time and should be in the hunt. (4) STAR LIST too was an improved 2nd in what wasn’t an especially strong race last time and could go well once more. (7) BURUI GORI ran a creditable 4th on debut at the distance last month and he too has every chance of building on it today.

Selections (5) Hanil Dalbit (7) Burui Gori (3) Gong San (11) Ganghwa Chonggak
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 3, 5, 10, 11

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

(9) THE FINAL began her career with three consecutive 3rd place finishes, improving to 2nd on her first try at this class last time. Today, she can finally come out on top, most likely looking to lead from the gate. (8) SARYEONI DREAM actually beat The Final when registering his solitary win to date back in January. He finished 4th last start but hung out to the extent he was sent back to trial afterwards. He completed his trial in good-looking fashion and should be a factor here. Other factors include (2) DUSON WANGJA, who despite being yet to win, has never been too far away across seven efforts to date, and (11) HIN BYEOL, up in class and distance following a decent win over 1000M at the end of last month.

Selections (9) The Final (8) Saryeoni Dream (2) Duson Wangja (11) Hin Byeol
Next Best 4, 1
Fast Start 9, 10, 11

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

Small field and (7) HAMBAK MISO looks the one to beat. A winner on debut in March, he’s run well for 5th and 3rd in two subsequent starts at this class over 1200M and 1300M. He can take a sit behind the early lead and finish off strongly. (4) SOMETHING MYSTERY got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking in March and steps up in class here following a ten-week break. His stable is in great form at the moment and he should go close. (5) PENETRO showed some talent across four starts in the latter half of last year but hasn’t raced since running 3rd in a good race on December 17th. He romped home in a trial two weeks ago – with (1) JEONGSANG MANSE eight-lengths adrift in 2nd – and can be in the hunt first up. (2) HANIL MAGIC another one with a chance and likely to be on pace early.

Selections (7) Hambak Miso (4) Something Mystery (5) Penetro (2) Hanil Magic
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 1 will not be on any international simulcast service but…selections…ok…(6) CLASSIC MATCH should win: 6-2-10-7.

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) GLOBAL QUEEN won on debut on Christmas Day 2016 and then didn’t race again until this March. She was runner-up on her return before winning at this distance at class 5 on April 28th. She is up in both class and distance today but should have too much for this field. (2) WING FLY is up in class following a good win at 1300M a month ago and should be competitive while (3) WELLBEING STORY can be respected having won at long odds on a muddy track last time out. (6) RAON ACE disappointed when favourite at class (more…)