Racing Previews

Seoul Owners’ Trophy Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

#UPDATE – Final Boss is a non-runner in the Owners’ Cup – Lame in left-foreleg.

Final Boss produced a late surge in a dramatic finale to January’s Segye Ilbo Cup and the 2017 Korean Derby winner can see off the same rivals once more in Korea’s first Group race of 2018, The Owners’ Association Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (Seoul: 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 and Busan: 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05).

FInal Boss Segye

There was a dramatic finish to the Segye Ilbo Cup in January. The same horses return for Sunday’s Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Segye Ilbo Cup – January 28, 2018: https://youtu.be/Xr5dN9un_TE

In total, seven of the thirteen who lined up for the Segye Ilbo Cup on January 28th, take their chances again in the Group 3 Owners’ Cup including the top five place-getters that day and they will be favoured to battle it out for top honours once more. 2017 winner Always Winner, who pulled off a Segye/Owners’ double a year ago, set out in front that day and for a time looked like he was going to repeat his feat of leading gate-to-wire.

That was until a frenetic final furlong which saw City Star, Cheonji Storm and ultimately Final Boss close at speed to sweep past, with Final Boss winning by a neck under Moon Se Young. Final Boss was Champion Juvenile in 2016 but had an up and down three-year-old campaign in which his Derby win was sandwiched between disappointing showings in both the first and final legs of the Triple Crown. His talent was not in doubt, but his maturity was but solid performances in the back-end of last season started to allay those doubts.

If the grown-up Final Boss shows up on Sunday, another big race win – and potentially another big year – awaits.

The Owners’ Association Trophy is race 9 on an 11-race Sunday card at Seoul. Here are full previews of each race (Busan selections follow at the bottom):

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

Exactly half the field are first time starters here but it’s to the ones with at least some experience we turn to find out top picks. With a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, (3) CAMP TOUCH will be strongly favoured to score here on what is her fourth career outing. On her way to that 3rd last time on February 10th, she beat three of the others who go here and should take some beating. (7) WAIT AND SEE was 4th in that race, quite a way back but not without promise on what was his debut and he can build on that today. Among the others who have raced before, (12) RAON ZEUS was also a promising 4th in January and is likely to start as second favourite here. Of the first-timers, (5) TWO M OKAY and (9) SURFING POINT looked the best in trials and may be worth a look first-up.

Selections (3) Camp Touch (12) Raon Zeus (7) Wait And See (9) Surfing Point
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 3, 6, 7, 12

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

A winner on debut in early January, (2) JEJUI BARAM followed up with a slightly disappointing but in no way poor 5th place over the same distance on his first try at this level two weeks ago. He was on pace that day and will likely be again and this time shouldn’t get caught. Despite still being a maiden, (3) ILGAKSU finds himself up in class following back to back 2nd places both at this distance. He’s a front-runner too and has every chance of being competitive at this level. (7) BOLD NINER hasn’t been too far away in his latest two and could play a role here while (1) RUBY BEOLKIN and (6) CHAPEL ACE are others who should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections (2) Jejui Baram (7) Bold Niner (3) Ilgaksu (1) Ruby Beolkin
Next Best 6, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 10

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

We’ve had relatively obvious picks in the first two races, but this looks a little trickier. (1) JUMBO CAPTAIN was a much improved 2nd when tried at this distance for the first time a month ago and can build on that today while (8) ROYAL PRINCE too took the trip well on what was just his second start a day later. Both can build on those performances here. (12) DORAON ACHIM HAE and (7) JUMEOK DOKKI came home in 4th and 5th in a decent contest at the distance on February 10th and they too should be involved today. Jumeok (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 10)

Eleven Saturday races at Seoul with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Moon Se Young is back from suspension! Here are the previews:

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

Just fillies to begin with and it isn’t a very strong race, even for class 6. (2) CITY ANGEL is favoured to make the breakthrough on what will be her sixth start. Her best performance to date came at this distance and was superior to anything any of the rest have achieved. Her latest two have been encouraging and she should lead all the way. Encouraging too last time was (11) ENJOY MY SHOW, who improved to a decent 2nd. It was a slow race on an admittedly slow track, but she had shown signs of getting better leading up to it and Moon Se Young rides for the first time today. She’s clear second-favourite. (12) JOEUN NADEURI has a 3rd place to her name back in December – actually beating Enjoy My Show in the process – so she can’t be completely ruled out wither. As for the rest, we’re scraping around a little with possibly (3) MJ JILJU and (10) NEW FAMILY having the most potential to improve.

Selections (2) City Angel (11) Enjoy My Show (12) Joeun Nadeuri (3) MJ Jilju
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 11

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

The second heat of the all-fillies contest isn’t really any stronger than the first but is perhaps a touch trickier. We’ll go with (6) BODEURAM, who didn’t go well at all when stepped up to 1300M a month ago but had previously shown a good but of promise at this distance and dropped back down today, she should go much better. (12) SEOUL STORY has hinted at ability with 3rd place at this trip back in January being her best to date. She has to overcome being drawn in the car-park but can get close. (10) FIORE is the only one among them to have previously recorded a 2nd place finish. That was all the way back in August at 1300M and she hasn’t raced at all since October. She trialled up two weeks ago in reasonably competent fashion and given the company, goes straight back into contention. (8) SINUITAB and (9) FLYING HERA are others who could come into play.

Selections (6) Bodeuram (12) Seoul Story (10) Fiore (8) Sinuitab
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 12

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

(1) ARES THUNDER and (9) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG came home 3rd and 4th respectively when racing each other over 1300M on February 10th. Naega Kkeutpanwang led that day and will likely look to do so again while Ares Thunder has a strong finish and they can be competing with each other for the top prize this time. (4) CHEONGDAM JEPAE was 4th of 12 on debut five weeks ago in a slow race at the minimum distance. It’s hard to judge how good or otherwise that performance was but it was encouraging enough to suggest she can push on here. (2) VALLEY MOON landed an improved 3rd – her best finish to date – at this distance last time and could repeat, while the less experienced (6) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI likewise was much better on what was just his second career start last time. That was all the way back in November though, so he comes in here off a sixteen-week layoff.

Selections (1) Ares Thunder (9) Naega Kkeutpanwang (4) Cheongdam Jepae (6) Hwanggeum Jumeoni
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 9

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

Four of the twelve are up in class for the very first time and they include (4) TRIPLE HAPPY, an eye-catching six-length winner on debut back in January. He is also up in distance and does return after nine-weeks off but he’s in with a chance. Returning from even longer out is (7) SUPER FLY. He’s shown plenty of potential in Spring and Summer of last year culminating in a victory at this distance and after returning to training, he made all to win a trial just before the Lunar New Year break. Up in class too, he goes straight into contention. They run into a couple with good experience of this level though. Quality Road filly (12) SUN PLAZA may still be a maiden after eight attempts but her latest run in January, when 3rd in a very solid contest at this distance, gives cause for optimism. (9) SPECIAL LIGHT got his second runner-up finish at this class a month ago, running on strongly late on and should also be a factor here. (5) WELLBEING JOY and (1) JEJUI HEUKSEON best of the rest in a very competitive looking race.

Selections (12) Sun Plaza (4) Triple Happy (9) Special Light (7) Super Fly
Next Best 1, 5, 8, 6
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 7

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) MENI TURBO will likely start a prohibitive favourite and should really be winning this handicap for fillies and mares only. She was favourite in a very similar race last start and while she only managed 2nd, she did finish well clear of a couple of today’s rivals and should have too much this time. (7) BLACK WIND is up in class following a couple of very good showings at class 5 including a front-running win at this distance last time. (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 9)

This weekend’s big race is at Seoul on Sunday and the Owners’ Association Trophy but things kick off at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Divide Wind

We’re probably going to be seeing this picture a lot over the next month – Busan’s Divide Wind heads the 3yo ranks after his victory last Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Wide open maiden to kick things off with half of them racing for the very first time. We’re going to side with experience though and (12) HOTHAE, 4th in his latest two, both and this distance and showing a bit of improvement on each occasion is the slight pick. He was actually beaten on debut back last December by (4) TANGO AND TANGO and the latter went on to run a good 2nd five weeks ago again at this distance and she looks to be the main danger. (9) MAJOR ANGEL showed signs of potential talent when an improved 5th on what was her second start at the end of January while (8) KKEUTPAN TURBO races for the first time since last September and acquitted himself well in a trial three weeks ago. Talk of trials brings us to the first-time starters and among them, (6) PARTY WINNER looks most promising.

Selections (12) Hothae (4) Tango And Tango (8) Kkeutpan Turbo (9) Major Angel
Next Best 6, 3, 7
Fast Start 1, 9, 10, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) HEUGSEOL GONGJU is the one to beat here with her 4th place at 1300M on February 9th a bit more impressive than the performances of the others who come in off promising results. She can settle just behind the early speed and finish strongly. (2) MY TIME was 3rd last start, also at 1300M and has every chance of at least matching that. He’ll likely run with similar tactics as Heugseol Gongju. (1) B. K. MARINE finally showed some ability last start and steps back up in trip today – she will probably be looking to lead from the gate. (4) BAEKDU QUEEN and (11) BELLAMY GONGJU others who could go well.

Selections (3) Heugseol Gongju (2) My Time (11) Bellamy Gongju (1) B.K. Marine
Next Best 4, 7, 10
Fast Start 1, 4, 9, 10

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

Kim Young Kwan’s (7) SPOT wasn’t especially well-backed on debut after an underwhelming trial but he ran pleasingly enough on debut despite getting into a bumping match coming into the home straight. He ran on for 2nd and could well go better here stepped up in trip following nine weeks off. (4) VIP KING is the other one who’ll be at the top of the market. He’s raced five times so far with his best being 2nd place at 1000M in January. Last time, he ran a solid enough 4th at this distance, beating a couple of the others who go here. He’s drawn better today and could well lead all the way. (2) GRACIELA didn’t go well at this distance on debut but looks ready for another crack at it following back to back 4ths back at 1000M. (6) PYEONGCHANG HORANGI and (8) BAEKDU MYEONGWOL are two others who have hinted at ability.

Selections (7) Spot (4) VIP King (2) Graciela (6) Pyeongchang Horangi
Next Best 8, 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 8

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

(8) BULMYEORUIMARIPGAN established himself as a worthy plodder who while slow, sticks to his task admirably, and over the course of a mile stays on so well that he inevitably passes plenty in the closing stages. Since returning from five months off in January, however, he’s run 3rd and 2nd and comes in today, against a set of horses who, for the most part, he has already beaten, and he has to go on top. (4) DAEHO MYEONGGA (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

Choinma vs Gaon Champ at Seoul / Divide Wind vs Captain Force & Haeya vs Captain Blade at Busan

Sunday’s Sports Seoul Cup at Seoul Racecourse may have only attracted a field of eight-runners but it features two of the hottest three-year-olds at the track right now as Choinma and Gaon Champ meet over 1400M. Meanwhile at Busan, Divide Win faces stablemate Captain Force as well as Gimhae Mayor’s Cup winner Major Sun in another big three-year-old contest, the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup

Choinma

Choinma was Seoul’s best juvenile in 2017 but he didn’t have to race Gaon Champ (Pic: KRA)

Choinma was Seoul’s top juvenile of 2017 winning both the Gyeonggi Governor’s and Gwacheon Mayor’s Cups before running 2nd to Busan prospect Ecton Blade in the Breeders’ Cup in December.

Gaon Champ wasn’t involved in any of those races, however, the Ecton Park colt only debuted at the start of December and picked up two modest races before blowing away a strong field in a valuable juvenile race in December, two weeks after the Breeders’ Cup. He’s won his three starts to date by a combined margin of thirty-lengths. There have been concerns throughout about his soundness and he does race at 1400M for the first time, but he is reportedly fit and ready to go and will surely be hard to beat.

Choinma has raced once as a three-year-old already, surprisingly beaten into 2nd in his first try around two turns at 1700M in January but he is still very much in the hunt. Neither he nor Gaon Champ are front-runners so the early pace will most likely be set by Mask and Sinui Myeongryeong, both good prospects themselves, while Sharp Kaylan too looks a better horse than he was when beaten by Gaon Champ in December – since then he’s won two in a row by six and four-lengths respectively.

The Sports Seoul Cup is the highlight of an eleven-race Sunday program at Seoul while at Busan, The Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup headlines five races. Only Seoul is available on overseas simulcast so only full comments for Seoul but Busan Selections are at the bottom:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

This one looks to be (11) ROAN DOLPUNG’s to lose. The Victoire Pisa gelding didn’t show much in his first two starts but has since followed up with consecutive 3rd place finishes both at this distance and at 1000M and should take some beating today. Despite being drawn wide, he should get on the early speed and lead all the way. The others have plenty to find. (3) BLACK SPIRIT and (7) SPEED YEONGUNG have both hinted at some potential talent, the latter beating a couple of these on his latest outing. (8) EOMJI YEOWANG showed signs of improvement when 5th last start and could maintain that momentum here. (2) FIRST THUNDER the best of a limited rest.

Selections (11) Raon Dolpung (8) Eomji Yeowang (7) Speed Yeongung (3) Black Spirit
Next Best 2, 12
Fast Start 5, 6, 10, 11

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

(2) DAE CAIN was considered promising enough by connections to be given a run in Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, one of Seoul’s top juvenile races, las October. He was overmatched, only beating two home. He has since bounced back and his latest two starts, both at this distance and ending in 4th and 2nd placed finishes suggest a maiden win isn’t too far away and he’s the pick to score. (10) ONLY BARAM enters off back to back 3rd places and should be competitive again, while one of those he beat a couple of starts ago, (6) MIGHTY COOL, hasn’t been too far away in his recent tries and can be close again. (7) RUN AWAY was an improved 4th last time and enters the placing frame as does (12) SKY DOLPUNG, who can be given another chance after a lacklustre effort behind Dae Cain a month ago.

Selections (2) Dae Cain (10) Only Baram (6) Mighty Cool (7) Run Away
Next Best 12, 11, 4
Fast Start 1, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) GULCHARMNAMUSUP finished strongly to record a maiden win on debut on January 20th and while she is up in class today, she showed enough to suggest she is going to be very dangerous once more. (4) GANGCHONUI BYEOL used different tactics on her own debut two weeks later, leading from the gate, but the result was the same as she made all for a very comfortable win and she too steps up in class. At least one 100% record is going to be broken and it could go either way. We’ll come down marginally on the side of Gulcharmnamusup. Should both be beaten then it’s another up in class one, (7) SEONGBUL CHAMP, who could be best placed to take advantage. She has never been worse than 5th and was a really good winner last start at this distance. (1) HI EUREKA was a decent class and distance 4th last time while (8) SIMPLE RULES is better than the 8th place he registered on his first try at this class back in December and should be better dropped back in trip today.

Selections (2) Gulcharmnamusup (4) Gangchonui Byeol (7) Seongbul Champ (8) Simple Rules
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 7

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

(2) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG steps up in class today following a commanding four-length win over 1000M at the end of January. On his only previous try at this distance he led early only to fade to 5th late on but he should be better now and can stay on this time. The big danger is (7) HYEONMU. He couldn’t get on the early pace from a wide draw when well-backed last time but looks better positioned to do so today and is a proven performer at this class. (9) DICE KING must be respected entering as he does a class and distance winner a month ago. It wasn’t an especially strong race, but Dice King won (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 3)

Eleven Saturday races at Seoul with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Top jockey Moon Se Young is suspended this weekend so plenty of chances for the rest. Here are the previews:

moon-se-young

The Moon won’t be rising at Seoul this weekend

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

It has to be (2) BEST CHAPEL here. Her 2nd and 3rd across her two starts to date were not especially quick but were in excess of anything achieved by most of the others here and he should win this time. (3) BLESSING ROAD is the only one who has put in a similar performance with her much-improved 3rd place last time and she’s the clear next best. Beyond those we’re scratching around a little bit. (1) MIDAS CHIEF ran twice unimpressively last summer before being put away for nine months. He trialled up nicely enough alongside some experienced horses at the end of January and should be better this time around. (4) MERLIN debuted all the way back last July in reasonably creditable fashion but hasn’t been seen since. He trialled well enough too. (9) INDIAN ECO and (7) OPI RIVER perhaps the other two with the best chance of improving.

Selections (2) Best Chapel (3) Blessing Road (1) Midas Chief (4) Merlin
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 12

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

Just three-year-olds here and ten of the twelve are racing for the very first time. Of the two who have raced before, (1) GANGHWA CHONGGAK did ok, finishing 4th of 8 at this distance at the end of January. It’s to the debut-makers we turn to find our picks though. (4) HAMBAK MISO won his trial in good fashion and will probably be favourite given that he was the only one of these to finish on top in a heat but there are a few others who showed promise too. (12) CHOIN DAEBO trialled all the way back in November. He’s half-brother to a Korean Oaks winner as well (the 50/1 chance Euro Fighter back in 2010) and should go well first-up. (7) ROMAN BLADE is another well-bred one sporting the “Blade” name and colours of Kim Hyeong Ran and will be sure to be backed – she showed promise in a couple of trials at the end of last year but has taken a while to be ready to race. (11) HADALRAE is another who went well in the mornings.

Selections (4) Hambak Miso (12) Choin Daebo (7) Roman Blade (11) Hadalrae
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens again although this time there are only two first-time starters. One of those, (3) GONG SAN will be well supported having shown some ability in a trail just last week, finishing 2nd in a competitive time. We’ll certainly have her among the contenders here although not necessarily on top as one or two have hinted at talent in actual races too. (11) HANYANG GONGJU wasn’t fancied at all on debut at the end of January but ran very nicely, coming home in 3rd place at 1000M. She ran through the line well and the additional trip today may benefit. It certainly benefitted (1) CUPID STORM when he stepped up to 1300M last start and registered a much-improved 2nd. He can build on that today. (2) SPECIAL DREAM was sent up to 1700M early in his career but also looked far more comfortable back at this trip last time. (4) MONEY ZIF’s latest two haven’t been special but she has previously shown she knows what to do.

Selections (11) Hanyang Gongju (1) Cupid Storm (3) Gong San (4) Money Zif
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 4, 9, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here. (12) DAECHEONUI SARANG was a narrowly beaten 3rd in a similar race at the distance on February 3rd beating four of these in the process. She doesn’t have the ideal draw today as she’ll want to be close to the early speed, but she can overcome it and pick up her maiden win. Among those who were behind her that day, (4) ARGO UNIQUE and (8) CHAMP STORM perhaps have the best chance of overturning that form – in fact, Daecheonui Sarang caused Champ Storm to have to be checked five furlongs out but she still recovered to finish well. (5) FOREVER WINNER steps up to run further than (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 2)

Racing for March gets underway at Busan on Friday. Just 10 races with the first at 11:30 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off today. Bart Rice’s (3) SEUNGNI DAEJANG ran a creditable 4th on his racecourse debut a month ago beating (1) BAEDARI SINHWA in the process. He should be prominent early on here and could win. None of the other experienced ones have caught the eye at all with even (4) GIPPEUM DAY’s debut 3rd place being about as unimpressive as a 3rd place debut is possible to be, however, (6) TIZ POWER’s poor debut came at 1300M eight weeks ago and he’s looked much better in two subsequent trials at this distance. We’ll turn to a first-timer starter to find the danger. (5) SINBIHAN BARAM turned in an impressive trial performance last week, winning his heat and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, can go well.

Selections (3) Seungni Daejang (5) Sinbihan Baram (6) Tiz Power (4) Gippeum Day
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 3, 5

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

Having trialled very impressively, (4) S S YOUNG was sent off a short-priced favourite on debut three weeks ago. He could only manage 2nd place but showed enough to suggest a first victory won’t be too long in coming and she should get it here. Both (2) JISAN OREUM and (3) SWEET MEMORY showed improvement in their latest outings, both coming home 4th in similar races to this and both can get in the placing frame this time. (9) PERFECT BOSS has been well backed for all three of his starts so far and while he hasn’t really delivered as yet, with a 6th and a pair of 5ths, he hasn’t run badly and could improve this time. There are three debut-makers, but it may be best to take a watching brief with them for now.

Selections (4) S S Young (3) Sweet Memory (2) Jisan Oreum (9) Perfect Boss
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 7

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

Another maiden for three-year-olds and it involves a few promising ones. (7) CATCH NINE was a very good 2nd on debut on February 2nd having raced prominently throughout. She’ll be winning sooner or later and it could well be here. (2) GEUMSURYEONG was similarly good on his own debut in January, running on well and he should benefit from today’s extended trip. (6) CHIEF LEADER showed some aptitude for the distance when stepped up to it and registering 3rd on what was her second start and she can be in the frame too. (4) USEUNG TEN already has two 3rd place finishes at the distance and while he did ok when stepped up to a mile last time, the drop back in distance is in his favour today.

Selections (7) Catch Nine (2) Geumsuryeong (6) Chief Leader (4) Useung Ten
Next Best 3
Fast Start 6, 7

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

More maidens although it is age open this time. (7) JOEUN HAE has been getting closer across four outings so far with all of them being in slightly stiffer company than this. He hasn’t managed to get on the lead in any of those races but he could well do so today and is the one to beat. (6) ACE WOMAN too has hinted at some ability across ten unspectacular efforts and while she’s never finished any better than 4th, she should be (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

A big day’s racing on Sunday at both Seoul and Busan. Seoul has 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 contests from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

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

(8) HAPPY MAUNTAIN ran 2nd on debut four weeks ago and while he was beaten a long way by a very handy winner, he showed enough to suggest he knows what he’s doing and he’s the pick to see off this field which is comprised six debut-makers and six who have just run once each. (9) HANSEN VOLT and (10) DONGBANG JIJU both also hinted at some kind of ability on their respective debuts and while neither were fast, they can improve here. Among the first-time starters, (12) FRENCH STAR looked the most convincing in trials. As ever with the debut-makers, watch the market.

Selections (8) Happy Mauntain (9) Hansen Volt (12) French Star (10) Dongbang Jiju
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 2, 10, 12

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

Fillies only here and (8) MORAN DONGBEAK finished well to pick off three of her rivals here when running 4th over 1000M on January 27th. She gets an overdue bump up in trip here for the first time and it could well pay dividends. (2) CHOM NIA has raced at this distance before and while it didn’t go especially well, a decent 2nd back at 1000M last month when she ran on well through the line suggests she may go better this time. (10) BANGGEUT BANGGEUT too ran on nicely on debut at the minimum distance before running out of track and could also appreciate the extended trip today. (12) IRYEO HAYEO has run over 1300M before and did well at it. She came 3rd on January 21st in a very similar contest to this and should be looking to at least repeat. (7) MAGGIEUI CHUEOG is another to consider.

Selections (8) Moran Dongbeak (2) Chom Nia (12) Iryeo Hayeo (10) Banggeut Banggeut
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

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

Tricky contest this. (4) JEJUI BARAM was an all-the-way winner in an all-filly race on debut at the distance on January 6th. She is up in class here but the competition is not especially intimidating and she could well win again. (10) THE QUEEN GRACE was such an eye-catching winner on her own debut last September that she was entered in a big juvenile race the following month. It didn’t go well as while she was prominent early, she faded to beat only one home in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup. She returned though to run 2nd on her season debut a month ago, back at 1000M and she should be a threat. Half a length behind The Queen Grace last time was (11) ROYAL ACE and he can aim to match that here while (1) GALAXY POWER and the up in class (12) GEOSEON MAPUNG both have potential at this distance.

Selections (4) Jejui Baram (10) The Queen Grace (1) Galaxy Power (11) Royal Ace
Next Best 12, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 10

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

(1) GEUMBIRANG was a much-improved 2nd on what was his third outing on January 14th. He’s a slow starter but a strong finisher and while it is perhaps surprising he’s dropped back slightly in trip today, he can still win. (3) RAON SIRIUS hasn’t been too far away in each of his three outings to date and can go close here. He’s well drawn to get on the early lead and could go all the way. (5) FLYING JOY didn’t go well on debut over 1300M but was much improved when dropped back to the minimum on reappearance last month. Moon Se Young being on board for the first time will enhance his appeal among punters. (10) BARAM KING likewise showed signs of improvement in his second (more…)

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

Racing returns to the Korean capital on Saturday with a big 12-race card at Seoul. The first race is at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. It’s going to be a mild day so come racing! Here are the previews:

wpid-20141012_125410.jpg

It’s not quite Spring but we’re not far away now!

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

Three-year-old fillies only to begin with and exactly half of the field are racing for the very first time with the other half each having raced just the once or in one case, twice. It’s from that latter group where the top picks come from with both (3) BIG THUNDER and (10) RAON PRIMER having shown ability. Big Thunder has raced twice and while indifferent on debut, she ran well for 2nd on her reappearance on January 27th and will be favourite to win here. Raon Primer led for much of her debut on January 20th and while she’s drawn wider today, she can still get to the front and should be the main danger. With none of the others who have raced before having shown much we’ll look for the newcomers to fill out our tickets. Best looking in trials was (7) SUPER YEOWANG and she will be expected to be on the early speed too while (9) BRAVO ILSIN and (12) LEADER’S CAMP are others who ran well in their heats and may be considered.

Selections (3) Big Thunder (10) Raon Primer (7) Super Yeowang (12) Leader’s Camp
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 4, 7, 10, 12

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

A maiden restricted to three-year-olds. (11) DREAM INDY hasn’t been especially well fancied in either of his two starts to date but he’s outperformed expectations both times with a 3rd and a 2nd, the latest being a front-running performance over this distance on January 21st. He led for much of that race only succumbing in the closing stages and while he’s drawn much wider today, he can go close. (3) WILD DRAGON may have a better shout of getting on the early pace though. He’s also shown improvement across three outings and was a close 3rd last time at the distance. (5) GARA GARA GA was a creditable 4th on debut a full eleven weeks ago and returns here up in distance but for a stable and a jockey who went into the brief Lunar New Year break in good form. (7) EMERALD KING and (8) BAEKDUUI JEONGSANG, the latter a good 3rd in a similar race at the distance three weeks ago are also in the hunt.

Selections (11) Dream Indy (3) Wild Dragon (7) Emerald King (5) Gara Gara Ga
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 3, 4

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

Fillies (and three mares) only here and (4) MIRACLE HANSEN caught the eye, to say the least, when romping home on debut over this distance on December 23rd in a decent time on a very slow-running track. She hasn’t raced since and returns today up in class but with little reason to oppose her.  However, if we do wish to take her on, (9) VICTORY STAR looks the best prospect. She’s yet to win in four attempts but ran well for 2nd in a similar race to this on January 14th and can at least repeat. An alternative would be the more experienced (10) DALDARI although her best two results – her win and her 2nd place last start – both came at 1000M. (2) DONGSEO GADEUK is a winner at the distance, albeit at class 6 – (1) BAEKDU MIR was a close 2nd that day – and may come under consideration too.

Selections (4) Miracle Hansen (9) Victory Star (10) Daldari (2) Dongseo Gadeuk
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 3, 4, 8, 9

Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies again but a more competitive looking contest which could go a number of ways. (3) SMARTY ZIF was a surprise 2nd in a useful event at class and distance on January 14th. She’s been inconsistent across her ten starts but could go well again. Running a touch disappointingly in that race was (4) WAWA YEOJANGBU but she has shown her competitiveness at this level with a 2nd place at the distance the time before and can reverse the form here. (2) CHEON YANG and (9) FIRE FOX came home 2nd and 3rd over (more…)

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

We’re back after the extended Lunar New Year break and accordingly it’s big fields at Busan as the weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday. 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Racecourse winning line

Busan is back!

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

Three-year-old fillies to kick things off with today and a competitive contest too. (3) CHEOLBI and (4) STAR WOMAN are the ones who come in with convincing form behind them. Cheolbi’s 2nd last time was at this distance while Star Woman’s 3rd was at 1000M but in perhaps marginally stronger company. Both should be involved today with Star Woman likely to try to lead from the gate. The one they will need to overcome will also be on speed early and that’s (10) SWEET PARK. Having won a trial in December, she was well-backed on debut last month and while she only managed to finish 3rd, she should have come on for that and can be strongly in the frame here. (7) JANGSEONGUI JILJU and first-timer starter (11) MYEONG GONGJU are others to consider.

Selections (10) Sweet Park (3) Cheolbi (4) Star Woman (7) Jangseongui Jilju
Next Best 11, 12
Fast Start 1, 4, 10, 12

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

(2) GREAT ROCK is Triple Nine’s full-brother (one of many and they’ve all been pretty good). He’s come up a little short in two starts so far with a 4th and a 2nd before having to be scratched with a minor abrasion prior to what would have been his latest on February 2nd. From a favourable draw today, we’ll be looking for him to get out and on pace early and to make it third time lucky. There are threats. (5) SAKISAKI has shown promise in back to back 3rd place finishes. She raced most ungenerously last time hanging outwards for much of the way around but still got into the money and with better manners this time can get even closer. (8) CHEONHA GAMDONG and (10) BAENGNYEON DAERO both ran 3rd on their respective debuts last month and can continue their positive starts here while (7) BIG RED IJI has shown signs of figuring things out with consecutive 4th place finishes in decent enough races for this level.

Selections (2) Great Rock (5) Sakisaki (10) Baengnyeon Daero (7) Big Red Iji
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 2, 3

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

Competitive looking contest here and there are a couple who look ready to win. Both (1) SEORABEOL YEOJE and (3) DANCING VICAR come in having gone close in recent starts and with champion jockey Jo In Kwen taking the mount for the first time, we’ll side with the more experienced Seorabeol Yeoje to make the breakthrough ahead of Dancing Vicar, who is racing at this distance for the first time. (5) PEACE TOUR was 4th, a length behind Seorabeol Yeoje, last start and can get close while (7) DAEHO MYEONGGA has hinted at having some talent and returns from a nine-week layoff. He went through two trials earlier this month and looked decent enough to compete here. An intriguing first-time starter is (10) JAZZ BAND. He’s a full-brother to 2013 Grand Prix Stakes winner Indie Band and 2015 Minister’s Cup winner Rock Band. It’s taken him to four-years-old to make his debut and he wasn’t exactly impressive in trials but there’s no doubting his pedigree.

Selections (1) Seorabeol Yeoje (3) Dancing Vicar (5) Peace Tour (10) Jazz Band
Next Best 7, 2, 6
Fast Start 1, 3, 7

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

After a couple of indifferent performances in his first two outings, (12) MABEOPUI JILJU thrived when sent up to this distance for the first time on January 26th, running a close 2nd to the very promising Air Blade and it would be a surprise were Bart Rice’s gelding not to go one better here. Running 3rd that day was the one-paced but honest (5) BULMYEORUIMARIPGAN and he can pass plenty late on to possibly finish on the board once more, however, the main danger is likely to be (8) CHOEGANG STEALTH. Like the favourite, he too was beaten by Air Blade on his latest start, back on New Year’s Eve, when he was 3rd over 1300M. He’s shown ability at this distance in the past and can get (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Donga Ilbo Cup Race-By-Race Preview (February 10)

Silver Wolf was last year’s Champion Mare and she returns to action at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday when she is expected to start a strong favourite in the Donga Ilbo Cup over 1800M. She will be ridden by Djordje Perovic, making his last appearance at Seoul for at least the time being as he seeks to recover from a back injury. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews (only Seoul is on overseas simulcast this week): 

Silver Wolf Munhwa

Djordje Perovic & Silver Wolf will attempt to win the Donga Ilbo Cup on the Serbian jockey’s last day at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

Race 1: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A winner at class 6 over 1300M in December, (7) LEONNING STROM was 3rd on his first try at this level in a stiffer contest than this on January 13th having led for most of the race. He drops back to the minimum today and will be expected to win. (9) SUN BOLT was an all the way winner on debut on January 7th. He’s up in class here but if he gets off to the same kind of start he did that day, then he has a big chance. (2) MYEONGPUM BOBAE remains winless but steps back to the minimum today having weakened in both her latest two over further and she should be close. Back on Myeongpum Bobae’s debut, she was 2nd to (6) LUCKY MISS. The latter has only raced once since – a full thirteen weeks ago – and is worthy of another chance. (10) MAGIC AI returns to action for the first time in nine months and performed pleasingly enough in a January trial to come straight into placing contention.

Selections (7) Leonning Strom (9) Sun Bolt (2) Myeongpum Bobae (10) Magic Ai
Next Best 6, 12
Fast Start 2, 5, 6, 9

Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Both (6) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN and (10) AMARONE are up in class having registered their maiden wins, both at this distance, on their respective last starts. This all-filly/mare contest is not a strong one and both can be expected to go well with Amarone slightly favoured to prevail. She’ll likely try to come from just behind the early speed which will probably be set by Kwaehan Yebongsa. Form doesn’t read well for the rest of them so we’re looking for one who finds herself in a better spot today than in recent outings. Punters will turn to (11) CHUKBOGUI YEOLMAE who comes in following a series of 4th and 5th place finishes in slightly sterner company and can benefit from the services of Moon Se Young today. (1) ARABIA GONGJU and (7) JASEONG GUNJU are others who fit the criteria for improvement here.

Selections (10) Amarone (6) Kwaehan Yebongsan (11) Chukbogui Yeolmae (1) Arabia Gongju
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 3, 6, 9

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

(2)  DUAL CHOEGANG makes his first start for Italian trainer Luigi Riccardi and it could very well be a winning one. The four-year-old had been getting closer culminating in a 2nd place, just beaten a neck, at the distance in December. That wasn’t a very strong race, but this isn’t much stiffer, and he should win. (11) JEJUI HEUKSEON was sent off as favourite in a similar contest to this back on January 14th. He briefly touched the front about a furlong out before being beaten into 4th and he may well provide the biggest test today. We’re struggling with the rest though. (3) LAST CONCERT has a 5th place finish to her name in similar company in December and while she hardly impressed on return last month, she could go well here. (6) VALLEY MOON and (12) BAEKDU POWER best of a limited rest.

Selections (2) Dual Choegang (11) Jejui Heukseon (3) Last Concert (6) Valley Moon
Next Best 12, 1
Fast Start 4, 5, 8

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

Three of these raced each other at class and distance on January 13th. (2) BOLD SHINING finished the best of them in 2nd with (1) BACK TO BACK in 4th (the pair of them split by Leonning Strom who we saw in race 1) and (4) HAENGUN NURI 5th. Back To Back began the race as favourite on the strength od a very solid December win over 1200M that got him promoted in class although Bold Shining also entered a winner. We’re going to go for the form to be overturned today and for Back To Back to be on top. (3) MACHA BUCHA comes in following a useful 4th place over 1300M two weeks ago and will likely set the (more…)