Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 6)

It’s been a filthy Friday and it’s set to be a soaking Saturday as rain clouds have stalled over the Korean peninsula. Racing is set to on though with 12 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00.

(단신2) 출발 참관 프로그램 (2)

Sadly the weather isn’t going to look like this on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(3) EUNICE enters having run 2nd in a similarly weak maiden over the distance on September 1st. She was just beaten half a length that day and given the strength (or lack thereof) of today’s opposition, she can win this. In fact, it’s so weak that twenty-one race maiden (8) GOLD SEUTAK has her best chance to date of registering a win of her own. She has two 3rd places from her latest three and should really improve on that this time. (1) SONGAM BARBIE has trialled again since debuting six weeks ago and may improve. (6) GANGSANUI ACHIM and (9) JEONGSANG GOLD are others who may trouble the place judges.

Selections (3) Eunice (8) Gold Seutak (9) Jeongsang Gold (1) Songam Barbie
Next Best 6, 10
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This race is restricted to juvenile maidens and five of the twelve have raced before. Among those, (2) RAON SERENA, with two 3rd place finishes, both at this distance, has been the standout and she should be at least matching those finishes today and has every chance of going even better. Of the others who have raced before, (12) MISTER HERO did nothing wrong and can build on his 7th of 11 he achieved on debut. However, the favourite is likely to be first-time starter (6) WONDERFUL TRUTH. He blitzed a trial three weeks ago and if he brings that form to the races, should have far too much. Among the others appearing for the first time, (8) DOKDO YA and (10) MAMA ROMA also won their trials and may be considered first-up.

Selections (6) Wonderful Truth (2) Raon Serena (8) Dokdo Ya (10) Mama Roma
Next Best 12
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens here although this time we’ll side with the ones with previous experience. There are six of those in total and while (11) CHEON GI has the best finish position among them, running in 3rd on debut in mid-August, both (5) GAON FORCE and (6) WINNER BROWN ran faster times on their respective racecourse bows. Winner Brown previously made all in a trial and is well drawn today to get to the front and potentially lead all the way. Gaon Force was slowly away and with a better start, can get much closer. Among the six first-timers, (1) WHITE COMET was the most eye-catching in trials – he finished ten lengths behind Wonderful Truth from race 2 but nevertheless, looked competent. (7) GEUMSEONGHWANGJE too put in a promising trial effort and could go well. As ever with the first-time starters, watch the market for additional clues.

Selections (6) Winner Brown (5) Gaon Force (1) White Comet (7) Geumseonghwangje
Next Best 11, 12
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 8

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

Across three starts so far, (4) TOHAMSAN POWER has finished no worse than 5th and while he only managed 4th of 8 on his latest effort at this distance the margins weren’t big, and he overcame some bumping at the start to still run well. He’s very much the one they need to beat here. His two main rivals here, (1) HARD PRINCESS and (2) HWANSANGUI BIT both endured difficult starts in their respective latest outings too, but both ran well to record what was for both a first runner-up finish. They seem to have a bit more to find than Tohamsan Power, but both should be aiming to at least place. (3) MAX THUNDER steps back up in trip after some encouraging showings at 1000M while (7) SAMAE STAR looks to be on the improve too and shouldn’t be too far away.

Selections (4) Tohamsan Power (2) Hwansangui Bit (1) Hard Princess (3) Max Thunder
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

(4) ROMAN BLADE has already come up short when favourite a couple of times but ran well enough when 3rd behind a couple of useful horses at class and distance on September 1st. He was drawn in the widest gate that day and breaking from a more favourable position this time can get on pace early and potentially lead all the way. (10) SHANGHAI JORDAN was a winner on debut and has held his own in two starts since. He lost ground at the start in his latest effort on September 8th but rallied well for 5th and looks to be the main danger here. (7) INDIAN ECO too put in a decent performance in 3rd at class and distance last time and can build on that here. (5) SUJEBI is up in class having (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 5)

There are 11 Friday races at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Silver Wolf Power Blade Busan Ilbo 2018

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

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

(9) YEONGSEONG STAR was a close 3rd on debut on September 7th, leading for much of the race and she’ll be firm favourite to get her maiden win here. She should get to the front straight from the gate and lead all the way. Having debuted all the way back last October, (5) MORNING BRAVO returned to run a good 2nd at the end of August and along with (3) POWER AMAZING, who has run 3rd and 5th in two outings to date, look to be the main dangers to the favourite. (2) GRADE QUEEN and (6) TONGIL HANGUK are others who have hinted at some ability and can improve.

Selections (9) Yeongseong Star (3) Power Amazing (5) Morning Bravo (6) Tongil Hanguk
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

All twelve of these juveniles are racing for the very first time. Thomas Gillespie’s (6) SILLAUI MISO was the most expensive of these ad was the only one to win her trial, prevailing with an all the way effort in a heat in early September. She has solid claims for an in-form stable. Emerging from the same trial, (1) RAON ARES looks to have plenty of potential too. He looked competent in that heat running an unhurried 2nd and is likely to be joining Sillaui Miso on the early pace here. (11) TANGENT also showed some ability in trials, running 2nd in a well-run heat three weeks ago. Further back in that one but doing nothing wrong was (4) LUCKY NUMBER ONE who, coming from Kim Young Kwan’s stable, is bound to be backed. (12) PRECEDE trialed up alongside some very experienced racehorses and didn’t look out of place and he too can go well first-up.

Selections (6) Sillaui Miso (1) Raon Ares (11) Tangent (12) Precede
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 6

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

(8) SMART BANK came desperately close to getting his maiden win three weeks ago, just going down by a neck at this distance. That continued an encouraging run of recent form and he could well go one better today. (5) SPERO SPERA and (9) SONGAK MYEONGJANG both enter off the back of positive efforts and both should be challenging for at least places here. (2) EL DRAGON returns from a five-month lay-off and trialed up well in mid-September. He’ll be expected to be on the early speed along with (6) WILD CASH, who has two 3rd places among her latest three outings and can look to at least match those today.

Selections (8) Smart Bank (5) Spero Spera (9) Songak Myeongjang (6) Wild Cash
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 2, 6, 7

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

Tricky contest here but (8) CHEONNYEONUI ACHIM was a class and distance winner on September 7th with a couple of these well back behind him and though he carries an additional 3.5kg today, he’s the one they’ll need to beat again. (2) BUGYEONG BOLT enters off the back of a pair of solid 2nd place finishes at 1200M. He’s been runner-up at this distance in the past and can get close today. (6) EURO SHINHWA has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts at this level since getting his maiden win back in June and should be a danger also. (12) YEONGGWANGUI SIDAE is up in class having registered her maiden win with an all the way score over this distance three weeks ago. While she’ll need to overcome the widest draw today, she looks to have the potential for more.

Selections (8) Cheonnyeonui Achim (12) Yeonggwangui Sidae (2) Bugyeong Bolt (6) Euro Shinhwa
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 6, 8, 9, 12

Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) RED CLOUD returns to racing for the first time since early March. He raced six times prior to the layoff, finishing 2nd in no fewer than five of them. He looked good winning a trial three weeks ago and this could be his day on what will be his first try at a mile. There’s a bit of a “red” theme about this race. (8) BIG RED IJI ran a good 2nd at this distance on September 9th and should be the main danger. He’ll be ridden patiently and (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 30)

Juveniles take centre-stage at both Seoul and Busan as the “Juvenile Series” gets underway. Busan hosts the Gold Circle Trophy while it’s the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at Seoul. There are also Grand Prix trials being hosted at both tracks. Seoul has 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while Busan has 6 from 12:40 to 17:05.

Ecton Blade

Ecton Blade was Champion Juvenile last year – the 2018 Series gets underway at Seoul & Busan today

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

The opening maiden is for fillies only and (9) YEOGEOL VISION ran 2nd on debut at this distance on August 26th. She was a long way behind a good winner but beat two of these and looks the one to beat here. (7) QUEEN FORCE ONE was 4th in that race. She has a 2nd to her name already and will be a danger as will (4) NAMJJOK NARA, wh0 drops back in trip having scored a 2nd of her own at 1300M last time out and is likely to set the early pace. However, a bigger threat could be first time starter (1) CAMPING MANIA. She was a good trial winner at the end of August and should go well first up here. (5) JEONGSANG YEOSIN, who did little wrong when 6th on debut, another who can be involved.

Selections (9) Yeogeol Vision (1) Camping Mania (4) Namjjok Nara (7) Queen Force One
Next Best 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 7, 10, 11

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

(9) DANGDAE SONYEO got her maiden win on what was her second start at this distance on August 26th (beating Yeogeol Vision from race 1). She’s up in class today but could well have enough to win again. (1) BEST BULLET beat two of these on his way to 2nd place in a quick race at this class and distance last time out and is set to be the main danger. The pair who were beaten that day, (7) RAON PRO SENSE and (7) THUNDER MONEY can both be given another chance too. As can (4) YOLO who offered little when bumped up to 1300M last start but can be better back at the minimum today.

Selections (9) Dangdae Sonyeo (1) Best Bullet (5) Raon Pro Sense (4) Yolo
Next Best 3, 10, 6
Fast Start 4, 8, 9, 11, 12

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

Having been 2nd on debut, (8) WINNING BLADE got his maiden victory with a hard-fought triumph over 1000M on September 2nd. He’s up in both class and distance today but should have too much once more. (5) SMARTY BLUE had a poor day at the office when favourite at class and distance on his last start back in June. He comes in after three months off with an apprentice giving him a big weight allowance and can be given another look here. Similarly, (2) GANGHWA CHONGGAK and (7) JACOB are potentially better than their respective latest starts suggest and should be in at least the placing hunt here. (9) MORAN DONGBEAK is inconsistent but could aim to match the 3rd place she managed last start.

Selections (8) Winning Blade (5) Smarty Blue (7) Jacob (2) Ganghwa Chonggak
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 8

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

Since getting his maiden win in June, (4) JUMBO CAPTAIN has managed a 4th and 2nd at this class, both over 1200M. He steps slightly up in trip today to a distance at which he has finished 2nd in the past, and he can return to the winner’s circle here. (10) JEWANGUI BYEOL ran well in three starts up to March this year including a 2nd place at this class and distance. He returns here for the first time in over six months having trialled up pleasingly and goes straight into the frame. (9) GONG SAN beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place at 1200M a month ago. Although she remains a maiden after seven attempts she’s never too far away and should be close once more. (6) RULE OF SUM and (7) DAE BYEONHWA look best of a useful rest.

Selections (4) Jumbo Captain (10) Jewangui Byeol (9) Gong San (6) Rule Of Sum
Next Best 7, 8
Fast Start 7, 10, 11, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) DREAM INDY beat three of these on the way to 2nd place over 1300M on August 26th. He’s a winner at this distance already and is one of a number with solid claims here. (3) A winner of three of his last five, (11) CLEAN UP SECRET enters having run a slightly disappointing 4th at class and distance on a wet track a month ago. He can get closer today. Also disappointing in that same race was (3) CHOIN DAEBO. It was his first try at two turns and he’s worth another shot here. He’s likely to join Dream Indy on the early pace. By contrast, (8) CREMOA POWER is set to go back at the start and look to close strongly. He’s run well in two tries at this level so far and can hold his own here too. (9) SOMETHING MYSTERY, well back behind Dream Indy last start, is another potential improver.

Selections (3) Choin Daebo (11) Clean Up Secret (1) Dream Indy (8) Cremoa Power
Next Best 9, 12
Fast Start 1, 3, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Since finishing 3rd on debut in June, (12) FASHION OF MARINE has been flawless since with three straight victories most recently an eye-catching twelve-length score over 1200M on August 24th. Accordingly, he’s up in class here, as well as slightly in distance but neither should be a concern and he can make it four in a row. (10) YEONGGWANGUI SECRET enters with a 100% record to defend having won both starts so far, the latest a four-length triumph at this distance four weeks ago. That means he too is rapidly up in class but has plenty of potential for more plus a 4kg weight advantage over Fashion Of (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 29)

Seoul is back! There is a bumper 13-race card in the capital on Saturday with the 1st at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

Start

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

A maiden to begin with that is perhaps best described as “weak”, even for this this level. Jockey Bang Choon-sik has had something of a renaissance recently and he can pick up from where he left off before the break by winning here on (6) BLESSING ROAD. The filly has seemingly started to figure things out in her latest two and has as much chance as any of making the breakthrough here. She’ll be off to a fast start along with (7) LEADER’S CAMP who weakened last start at 1300M but should be better back at the minimum today. (1) BEST LEVEL ha put in some encouraging performances over 1200M and is another who should have a say in things. (10) GREEN TEA and (11) LUCKY RACE others who can be considered.

Selections (6) Blessing Road (7) Leader’s Camp (1) Best Level (10) Green Tea
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 9

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

Another modest affair and (4) BEST HUNTER, 4th last time out at the distance and with a 3rd place to his name as well, may just about have enough to come home on top here. The five-year-old has only raced four times is never going to a star but is well drawn to lead here and can win. (12) SAEROUN CAPTAIN has raced creditably in two outings since returning from eight months off and while he must overcome the widest gate, looks a threat. (1) YONGUI JUDO and (6) GWANGPOK JUHAENG have hinted at ability and both should be in at least the placing frame while (3) BLACK GINGA is another with potential to improve.

Selections (4) Best Hunter (12) Saeroun Captain (3) Black Ginga (1) Yongui Judo
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 4, 11, 12

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

A third maiden but it looks slightly stronger than the previous two. (1) TAEWANG SINHWA enters with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two starts, both at this distance and he’ll be among favourites to get the win here. From the inside gate he can sit just off the early lead and finish strongly. (2) RAON GANGHO actually beat Taewang Sinhwa when the two of them finished 3rd and 4th at the distance back in June. He’s followed that up with three solid if unspectacular efforts since and is one of the primary dangers. (10) WONDERFUL EVIL beaten five-lengths by a good winner at 1000M three weeks ago. He races at further than the minimum trip for the first time and can be a factor. (7) WHITE FLOWER and (8) RAON STELLA are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (1) Taewang Sinhwa (2) Raon Gangho (10) Wonderful Evil (7) White Flower
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 7, 9, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here. (5) LOVELY NUTE has a 3rd and a 2nd in two tries at this class since landing her maiden win in July. Last time out was her first try at this distance and while she was a beaten favourite, she can go one better today. (4) HEUNG OREUM was a good winner at this distance on August 19th on what was her third career start. She’s up in class today but can be a threat. She made all that day and will look to do the same here. (10) FLYING HERA was 2nd in that race, three-lengths back and comes up in class too While she obviously has a bit to find on the one that beat her, she should be competitive. (9) CLEAN FLOWER steps back up in trip after good recent work at 1000M including her maiden win in early July. (1) GREEN DARC was a surprisingly comfortable winner on debut on August 25th and while she’s up in both class and trip today, can be respected.

Selections (5) Lovely Nute (4) Heung Oreum (9) Clean Flower (1) Green Darc
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 7, 9

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

(5) MIREU STORM got his maiden win on his second start on August 19th, leading all the way at this distance. He’s up in class today but is nicely drawn to get on pace early again and can repeat. (1) ROYAL PRINCE was scarcely involved over 1300M on his latest outing at the end of August but dropped back in trip today should be much more dangerous. Simon Foster’s tiny filly (4) SKY JUMP has held her own in two efforts at this class so far and with a good start today has claims too. (3) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG and (10) LUCKY (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 28)

After the one week break racing returns to Korea this weekend. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with an eleven-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(8) WONDERFUL LION has shown promise across two starts today and while he was beaten into 2nd when favourite three weeks ago, I well worth another chance here. He’ll be on pace from the start and can lead all the way.  (4) FASHION WANG and (1) DAY STAR came home 4th and 5th respectively over this distance on the last day of August. Both should be competitive here with Fashion Wang, who also has a 2nd place to her name, likely to be the main threat. (2) BAENGNICHONG has hinted at ability and drops back in trip and into contention here while (5) B.K. THUNDER is another who can improve.

Selections (8) Wonderful Lion (4) Fashion Wang (1) Day Star (2) Baengnichong
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 4, 8, 10

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

(2) TIARA WINNER went well in 2nd on debut back in July and while she only managed 6th on her return in August, the margins weren’t big and with a much better draw today, she could be the one they need to beat. (8) TRUE KING ran a solid 4th on debut six weeks ago and returns here with every chance of building on it. He was a long way behind a very good winner that day but should be much closer this time. (5) ULSAN JANGGUN was an improved 5th in that same race and he too can continue his development here. (9) LUCKY ADELE raced twice as a three-year-old and registered a 3rd place. He returns here fifty-seven weeks after his last start having trailed up well in August and he is the wildcard here. (1) MUJEOK BEAT best of the rest.

Selections (2) Tiara Winner (8) True King (9) Lucky Adele (5) Ulsan Janggun
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 9

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

This is a competitive race and both (3) TROPHY COLLECTOR and (4) HOPEFUL SIMON enter having run 3rd on their respective latest starts on what for both was their third career appearance. Both have performed at this distance before and look to have more to offer with Hopeful Simon, who was returning from five months off, looking the more likely to progress at this stage. (9) MARU JJANG was just beaten a neck by Trophy Collector at this distance on August 31st. That was an improvement on her first two efforts and she can continue her development today. Hopeful Simon’s stablemate (1) KEEP GOING has now managed two 4th place finishes from four outings to date and can at least match here. (10) ADELEUI SIN has only raced once and that was a full nine months ago but he finished ahead of Hopeful Simon in an August trial and can go well first-up today.

Selections (4) Hopeful Simon (3) Trophy Collector (9) Maru Jjang (1) Keep Going
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 10, 11

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

(1) SILENT PARK came within three-quarters of a length on getting his maiden win on his fifth outing three weeks ago. He came from well off the pace that day and may benefit from stretching out to a mile for the first time here. The main danger is (10) CHALLANHAN MISO. He’s shown progress across three starts so far and also tries the distance for the first time. (4) JISAN OREUM beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at long odds over 1300M on August 24th and can back up that from here. (6) PEACE RIDER was 5th that day and went on to run 6th behind Silent Park earlier this month and should be a factor too. (8) TEXAS GONGJU looks best of the rest.

Selections (1) Silent Park (10) Challanhan Miso (6) Peace Rider (4) Jisan Oreum
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

Race 5: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This maiden in restricted to juveniles and eight of them make their racecourse debuts today. (4) AMAZON YEOGEOL, one of those first-timers, is the likely favourite. She (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 16)

It’s the final day of racing in Korea before the one week break for the “Chuseok” holiday and there is plenty of action with 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. The feature race is at Seoul, The Group 3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup for three-year-old fillies with Korean Oaks winner Special Stone set to be favourite.

Special Stone Korea Racing Authority

Oaks winner Special Stone returns to action at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) STRONG VULTURE was an improved 2nd on August 19th in a similar strength race to this and it shouldn’t take much improvement for him to come out on top here. He led until close to home that day and this time will be expected to lead all the way. (1) HUNTER HAWK and (12) SOKBO ONGJU are by some margin the two most experienced horses in this field and while that’s generally not a good thing at class 6, both should have enough about them to challenge for at least places here. (3) HEY DREAMER showed some signs of figuring things out last time and can get closer today. There are four first-time starters and of them, (7) EIFFEL looks the most forward at the moment.

Selections (6) Strong Vulture (7) Eiffel (1) Hunter Hawk (12) Sokbo Ongju
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 11

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

(3) TAMNANEUN YEOIN leaps out from the page having won his her debut but up in class here, she looks up against it. Instead, (1) AREUMDAUN CHEONSA may be a better prospect. She was promoted to this level with back to back 2nd place finishes and then got her maiden win last start getting the best of a tight finish over this distance on August 11th. She looks to be improving each run and could do so again. Seeking to emulate her with a maiden victory after being promoted off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes is (4) BEYOND OVER. She’s run on well both times and should be competitive at this level. (7) BACK TO BACK drops back in trip and may come into consideration while (9) LIVINGSTONE had a hard time on his first try at the distance last start but is worth another go. Similarly (11) DAMON ANGEL, who beat Beyond Over on the latter’s debut, can improve on his latest run.

Selections (1) Areumdaun Cheonsa (11) Damon Angel (4) Beyond Over (3) Tamnaneun Yeoin
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 11, 12

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

(5) QUEEN FORCE ONE returned from eight months off to run a solid 4th in a similar all-filly race to this over 1000M on  August 26th. She steps up in trip for the first time here and looks to have every chance, most probably from on the early speed. (3) GREEN TEA wasn’t far away from 2nd last start and looks a good placing prospect once more while (8) I AM WINNER is yet to actually be a winner but, last start apart, enters with recent form reading in an encouraging manner and could get close. (4) CHEONNYEON HAPPY, (6) INDY LADY and (9) QUEEN OF CAMP all made promising debuts and can build on them here.

Selections (5) Queen Force One (8) I Am Winner (4) Cheonnyeon Happy (3) Green Tea
Next Best 6, 9, 10
Fast Start 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens only and there are two stand-outs. (11) DO KKI BLADE was always going to grab some local attention due to his name and he ran well on debut, overcoming a slow start to run on well for 2nd. The step up in trip should suit and he can win. The big threat though is (9) BI PYEONG He’s been 2nd and 3rd in his two outings so far, the latter of which was at this distance and a win is surely not too far away. It would be a surprise if these two didn’t fill out the top two places – and if they do they will both be racing at class 5 next start – but there are a few others who could be involved. (1) BLUE FIRE ran well in 3rd on debut four weeks ago and can build on it today while (2) RULE BREAKER was a much-improved 2nd on his second start on August 26th. (8) UP LIGHT was 4th behind Bi Pyeong last time out and while he has four-lengths to make up on that one, can beat plenty.

Selections (11) Do Kki Blade (9) Bi Pyeong (2) Rule Breaker (1) Blue Fire
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 5, 6, 10

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

(4) GUREUM WANGJA was a good all-the-way winner over this distance on August 11th on what was just his second start. H e’s up in class here but is a firm favourite to back up with another win. It took (8) MYEONGJIN MAN four goes to get his maiden win but the Drosselmeyer colt did it in style on July 1st. He too steps up in class and while he has a bit to find if he is to push the favourite, he can go well as well. (12) YEOWOORI was a touch disappointing at 1000M last time but can be better back up in distance today while (7) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE and (9) DUAL CHOEGANG are others who are most likely to compete for places.

Selections (4) Gureum Wangja (12) Yeowoori (7) Neungryeok Sidae (8) Myeongjin Man
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 7

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

(8) VICAR BLADE just missed out by a nose over a mile three weeks ago and drops back to the distance at which he earned his previous win today. He’ll be on pace early and is the one to beat. Five of these raced each other at class and distance on August 17th with (6) SIMON MAGIC coming out on top among them, finishing in 2nd place. He can go well again although it could be that a couple of the ones he beat can overturn the form. They’re the confusingly named pair of (3) GANGHAN JILJU and (10) JANGHAN JILJU are both proven performers at the distance with the latter – Janghan – favoured here. (2) SUPER SUPREME was a class and distance winner in June and while he didn’t go especially at a mile on his only start since, should be in the frame today.

Selections (8) Vicar Blade (10) Janghan Jilju (3) Ganghan Jilju (2) Super Supreme
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 8, 9

 Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) STRONG RUNNER ran 4th at this distance at class 6 back in May. After that, he dropped back in distance to get his maiden win in June and followed up with back to back 3rd place finishes at 1400M and 1200M, both at this level. He looks ready to move (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 15)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00:

RH2_6261

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

(1) RAON JAMES has improved across three starts so far and ran a strong 2nd over this distance on August 19th. From gate 1, he can get off to a quick start and should have too much for this field. (8) MERRY WHITE comes in having recorded her first 2nd place finish four weeks ago and can aim to at least match that today. (4) GEUP HAENG MA was 6th behind Raon James on debut in that August 19th race and can build on it here. (6) SEOKGWA BULSIK struggled on debut over 1200M last month but the minimum distance today could suit more. The wildcard is (11) TONGHAP SIDAE. She hasn’t been seen since her debut last Christmas Eve when she beat Merry White on her way to 3rd place at this distance. She trialed encouragingly last month.

Selections (1) Raon James (8) Merry White (11) Tonghap Sidae (4) Geup Haeng Ma
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 11

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

Fillies only here (along with one mare) and (7) RAON WILLIAMS ran out a six-length winner over this distance on August 12th to get promoted to this level. She made all that day and while the competition is undoubtedly stiffer today, she can get on pace again and win again. She’s joined up in class by (2) LUCAS and (11) BARAMUI SORI, both of whom got their maiden victories last start, the latter on debut and both can be competitive even if they have a little more to find than Raon Williams at this stage. (10) FANTASTIC QUEEN was a shock class and distance winner on August 18th, beating (6) STRONG LIGHT by a head. A repeat isn’t impossible although Strong Light will be favoured to overturn that form.

Selections (7) Raon Williams (6) Strong Light (2) Lucas (10) Fantastic Queen
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 1,6, 7, 8, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 million

There are twelve juvenile fillies here, all of whom are racing for the very first time. Two of them come in having won their trials with (3) NAREUDUSI having been slightly more impressive than (11) HEUNG BUJA. The presence of Manoel Nunes aboard the former is probably enough to ensure she begins as favourite. (1) HEUNG KKAEBI also went well in her trial. She’s a half-sister to the very good Sotong Sidae (as well as a few average ones) and should join Naareudusi on the early speed. (5) BAKCHAOREOM and (12) YAHO M J CAT are others who caught the eye in their respective heats and can go well first-up. As ever in races such as this, do watch the market for any clues.

Selections (3) Nareudusi (1) Heung Kkaebi (12) Yaho M J Cat (11) Heung Buja
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 12

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

(1) DAE UNHA has been close in recent starts and emerging from the inside gate today, the Hansen colt has a good chance of getting away well and potentially getting his maiden win. (2) ISCRA, who starts beside him, looks to be the main danger. He ran a good 2nd over 1200M on August 18th, with four of his rivals here back down the track. He too will be on pace and can go close. (6) K ZONE comes in with recent form reading well and should be in the placing hunt while (10) MEGA CITY and (11) MIDAS CHIEF have both proven competitive and can also aim for career-best finishes today.

Selections (1) Dae Unha (2) Iscra (6) K Zone (11) Midas Chief
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 9, 10

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

Wide open race with most having at least some claim. (4) UNDEFEATED won on debut and hasn’t been too far away from adding to his tally in each of his four subsequent tries. He’s come up short but not by much and looks worthy of another chance here. (6) RAON SIRIUS returned from almost five months off to run 3rd over 1000M three weeks ago. His solitary win came at this distance and he looks a big danger. (5) MONEY ZIF was unexpectedly beaten by (8) J BAEK last time as the pair came home 2nd and 3rd over 1200M. He should at least overturn the form on that one today and can be in the hunt. (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG steps up in class following a maiden win and while he will need to improve, he’s not without a chance. (3) SKY MARINE and (12) EAST KINGDOM both come on having placed in their latest outings and may also be considered.

Selections (4) Undefeated (6) Raon Sirius (3) Sky Marine (5) Money Zif
Next Best 12, 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 10

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) WINNER SPIRIT was an eye-catching eight-length winner over 1300M on August 19th. He’s up in class today but the manner of his win – his second in four starts so far – suggests there is plenty more to come. (1) CHEON MONG too is up in class having got his own second career win by a similarly wide margin a month ago. He too will challenge for the early speed and has claims. (5) WINNING WIN is already a proven winner at this class having prevailed over 1200M in July. He comes in having run 3rd in a very competitive contest four weeks ago and is another to be strongly considered. (8) PALDO DAEJANG has won two of her last three to be rapidly promoted to this level and is (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 14)

Next weekend will be dark in racing terms due to the Chuseok – or Korean Thanksgiving – holidays so this weekend’s cards are the last for a fortnight in Korea. The feature race if the weekend is the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday which will see Special Stone looking to repeat her Korean Oaks victory against a number of the filles she beat in the Classic at Busan in July. First up though is a Friday card at Busan with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

RH7_2434

It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

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

(8) NAEGA DAESE was a much improved 2nd over 1200M on what was her fourth start in July 27th and with only a bit more progress today, she can win this. (1) TOJONG CHAMP too comes in having run 2nd, her best so far, over this distance three weeks ago. She doesn’t have a fast start on her but can grind plenty down late on in the race. (5) INTERCEPTOR was a touch disappointing when well-backed on his latest start in July. That followed a couple of promising runs and after nine weeks off he is worth another chance today. (2) CHOEGANG SEONBONG and (4) SMART BANK look best of the rest.

Selections (8) Naega Daese (5) Interceptor (1) Tojong Champ (4) Smart Bank
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 4, 8

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

He missed out by a length last time four weeks ago when running 2nd on what was his third career start and (1) BUGYEONG STORY should come out of gate 1 on the lead and with every chance of going all the way this time. (2) URANUS J was 6th behind Bugyeong Story in that race on what was his debut. He was sent off as favourite having trialed well and while the result wasn’t great, he can get another chance today. (3) TONGIL HANGUK has shown some promise in running 3rd and 5th in his two outings so far. Both of them have been at 1200M and he’s been on the early pace only to weaken so he looks an interesting prospect dropped back to the minimum distance here. (5) ROYAL RIVER and (8) WANBONG are the others who look most likely to improve.

Selections (1) Bugyeong Story (3) Tongil Hanguk (2) Uranus J (8) Wanbong
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 1, 3

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

This race is restricted to maiden fillies and among the nine starters, five have raced before. Among those with prior experience, only (7) ARCADIA has done anything of note when finishing not far away at all in 4th over this distance a month ago. She should be close to the pace here and has a chance. A couple of first-time starters look like being the main dangers. (3) GEUMA GHOST ran 3rd in her trial last month and looked competent in the process. She led for much of it and will be expected to try to lead here. (8) TONGIL GIPPEUM held her own in a very quick heat, and if she runs in a similar fashion today, she shouldn’t be far away at all. (2) B.K. GAMBOL and (5) PHOENIX QUEEN are next best.

Selections (7) Arcadia (3) Geuma Ghost (8) Tongil Gippeum (5)Phoenix Queen
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 7

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

 (8) FLASHY MISS was sent off favourite for her latest start over 1200M on July 27th. She ran poorly, looking unsettled around the turn and then offering nothing in the straight. Her form going into that race was strong, however, and dropped back to 1000M today, she looks again the one they’ll need to beat. (6) B.K. MARINE was a class and distance winner by a nose on August 17th and while she carries an additional 3.5kg here, a repeat is not impossible. (2) THUNDER STRUCK is capable at this class and shouldn’t be too far away while (7) FELICE too comes in with recent form reading positively and is in with at least a placing chance. (3) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG isn’t as bad as his latest couple of outings suggests and he too can improve here. 

Selections (8) Flashy Miss (6) B.K. Marine (2) Thunder Struck (7) Felice
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Start 10, 1

 Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This race is restricted to juvenile maidens. Four of the eight have race before and two of them raced together when (2) TOUGH GREEN beat (6) GLITTER by a length as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd over 1000M on what for both of them was a second career start on August 5th. They’re the picks to fight it out for top honours this time and with the slight step up in trip in mind, Glitter is favoured to prevail. Of the other two who have raced before, (3) DAEJI CHAMP looks the most likely to improve while among the debut-makers, (1) DOCTOR CHIC, a good trial winner back in July, looks most promising at this stage. (4) MUJEOK SPEED trialed at the beginning of this month and looked sharp too.

Selections (6) Glitter (2) Tough Green (1) Doctor Chic (4) Mujeok Speed
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 2, 8

 Race 6: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another set of juvenile maidens although this time all but two have raced before. Plenty of them have shown promise as well with both (3) MIGHTY POWER and (5) GIDAEHAE recording runner-up finishes on their respective debuts, both of them on August 17th. (1) GOLD TICKET and (4) K PLUS WON came home 3rd and 4th with less than a length between them when they debuted a month ago at this distance and both can be in the hunt to improve here, however, the one they need to beat may just be (7) (more…)

KEENELAND KOREA CUP DAY 2018 ALL RACE PREVIEW (September 9)

It’s Keeneland Korea Cup Day! Full previews of both races can be found here. There is plenty going on with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while Busan also runs a card from 12:40 to 17:25. Here is the race-by-race:

Korea Cup Barrier Draw

SEOUL

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

A maiden to begin with and (8) HANEUL ACE comes in having scored her best finish to date last time when running 3rd over 1200M. While she was a long way behind the winner, she ran on quite well and could make the breakthrough here. (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR has been getting closer across her latest three. She should be on pace early and could well stay on while similarly (9) WANY K comes in after an improved 3rd last start. It looks to be between those three with (2) GREEN PARK and (5) GOLDEN SPARK, perhaps the most likely among the rest to challenge for a place.

Selections (8) Haneul Ace (9) Wany K (3) Daemyeong Solar (5) Golden Spark
Next Best 2
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

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

Another maiden and the wonderfully-named (3) CARROT SEEKER showed signs of improvement as after three very indifferent efforts, he ran 3rd over 1200M on August 11th, handily beating a couple of others who go here. It was a slow race and he’ll need to improve again but if he does, he can win. (6) SO ARA DAEWANG was 4th behind Carrot Seeker in that race, her first at further than the minimum distance and he too can build on it here. (7) GRAND DOLPUNG is the only one of this field who has a 2nd place to his name, achieved over 1000M in June. He’s been 3rd at this distance too and is likely to join Carrot Seeker on the early lead with solid claims to make a breakthrough of his own here. (2) COUNTRY SONG and first-timer starter (1) DAEHAN ILPUM look the best of a limited rest.

Selections (3) Carrot Seeker (6) So Ara Daewang (7) Grand Dolpung (1) Daehan Ilpum
Next Best 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

It’s juvenile maidens only here with precisely half the field having raced at least once before and the other half making their debuts. (2) CHOEGANG STAR, 5th on debut in a competitive time on July 21st returns for a second go after seven weeks off and looks to be the one to beat. With Manoel Nunes in the saddle, he’ll look to lead from the gate and should go all the way. Among the others who have raced already, (3) WONDERFUL EVIL looks the best. He was 4th on debut before beating a couple of the others who go here on his way to 6th on his re-appearance. That leaves the debut-makers and (12) JANGSAN FLY won his trial in a quick time and should go well first up with (6) WHITE VELVET and (8) BUCKETFUL GOLD both looked competent when trialing up together in August.

Selections (2) Choegang Star (12) Jangsan Fly (6) White Velvet (3) Wonderful Evil
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 7, 8, 12

Race 4: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) RAON ZEUS comes in having won two in a row, the latest of which was a seven-length romp over 1400M at the end of July. He’s up in both class and distance here but has every chance of continuing the excellent start to his career. It won’t be easy though. (3) KING POSE is up in class too following victory at 1300M four weeks ago. He came very close to winning at this distance in June and should be a real threat. The one they both need to (more…)

2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Previews

It’s the big one. The 2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 9. Free entry to the racecourse for the 10 race-card which gets under way at 10:45am. The big races are at 3:45pm and 4:55pm respectively.

KEENELAND KOREA SPRINT – 1200M

Korea Sprint Overseas Runners:

 

1 PERDIDO POMEROY (USA) He led this race last year until he was overcome with a furlong to run and ended up in 6th. He rebounded with a win a month later at Busan but has been indifferent across four starts since. Last raced three months ago in the SBS Sports Sprint when he finished 7th behind Doraonpogyeongseon and Today. Very fast in a trial at Busan only last week. He’ll aim for a fast start but looks up against it here.
2 TODAY (KOR) He won 10 of his first 12 races to be sent of as favourite for the SBS Sports Sprint in June where he ultimately ran a close 3rd to Doraonpogyeongseon. He then went to Singapore to run in the KRA Trophy at Kranji in July where he overcame a bit of bad luck to run a strong 3rd again behind Singapore’s Skywalk and Rafaello. From Korea’s top stable, he should be near to the pace here and should go close.
3 ZENTENARY (USA) Ran in this race last year, showing close to the front early on but was quickly bettered. Enters in good form with a win and 2nd place from his latest two starts but in much softer company than this. Will aim for a quick start and try to hold on for as long as possible. Outsider.
4 GEUMA RAPID (AUS) Started his career very promisingly but has been hampered by a succession of injuries. He’s one start into a comeback following nine months on the sidelines and offered few clues running 10th of 12. Hard to recommend.
5 ACE KOREA (USA) This up and coming sprinter is the only three-year-old in the race and accordingly gets a weight allowance. Two very smart wins in the Spring led him to take his chance in the SBS Sports Sprint in June but he had a hard time and finished well back behind three others who go here. Returned to Busan and was an eye-catching class 2 winner at the end of July. Trained by Australian Peter Wolsley, he could make for an interesting outsider.
6 MORNING DAERO (USA) It’s been over a year since his latest win, which was at 1400M last July. Best finish in 2018 so far was 2nd place at this distance in March. He only beat one home on his latest outing a month ago and he’ll be among the outsiders here.
7 DORAONPOGYEONGSEON (USA) Third in this race last year, he returned to Seoul in June to win his second consecutive SBS Sports Sprint at this distance beating Today and establishing himself as Korea’s top sprinter. Stretched out to a mile to win another big Stakes race at Busan last month. He’s versatile so the draw shouldn’t be an issue for him and is in top form. A big chance.
8 KING MALPIC (FR) King Malpic is a prolific winner in France, including three consecutive triumphs between April and June this year at La Teste De Buch and Chantilly at distances between six furlongs and a mile. His latest outing saw him run 2nd of 9 in the six-furlong Group 3 Prix de-Ris-Orangis at Maisons-Laffitte on July 15th. This is a tougher test but the form is good. As with all European runners, how he copes with the sand will be key to his chances.
9 MOANIN (USA) Winner of the Listed Coral Stakes at Hanshin over 1400M in March, that was his first win since the Group 1 February Stakes at Tokyo all the way back in 2016. He won six of his first seven starts and has been racing in top level company since. He’s never actually tackled a distance as short as 1200M but that’s unlikely to trouble him. JRA horses generally have little difficulty adapting to the track and a jockey who knows Seoul very well has been booked. A big chance and very possibly the one they’ll need to beat.
10 WONDER BOLT (USA) Very experienced eight-year-old who finished runner-up to Singapore’s El Padrino in the Asia Challenge Cup all the way back in 2014. It’s been more than two years since his last win but he’s still a regular place-getter in class 1 handicaps. Most recently ran 2nd over 1800M. Usually ridden patiently these days but this is a tough ask.
11 WILD DUDE (USA) Winner of the Grade 2 Kona Gold Stakes at Santa Anita in 2016, he ran in this race two years ago finishing 9th of 16. Since then he’s done his racing in Dubai where he hasn’t quite managed to re-capture the best of his American form although his latest efforts have been encouraging. He last ran on Dubai World Cup night, finishing 4th of 8 behind Mind Your Biscuits in the Golden Shaheen where he ran on well to finish within four-lengths of the winner. Not necessarily among the favourites but he surely improves on two years ago and could offer some value.
12 CHUBLICIOUS (USA) A Group 3 winner in the United States, he enters in very solid form having finished 1st or 2nd in six of his seven latest starts dating back over a year. They include the aforementioned Group 3 at Laurel Park, when he was the longest shot on the board – as well as a victory in a Listed race at Monmouth Park this June. He only beat one home on his latest outing at Delaware Park on July 14th but American-trained horses with similar records ran well here last year and Chublicious could be a factor.
13 FIGHT HERO (GB) Fight Hero will be looking to emulate Super Jockey, who won this race for Hong Kong in 2016. He arrives having finished up the season a winner over the all-weather at Sha Tin on June 24th at this distance, coming from off the pace. All his wins have been over 1200M and if he adapts to the sand, he like any Hong Kong sprinter, has every chance.

Five international runners take on eight local sprinters here and it’s anyone’s race. We’ll go with Japanese raider (9) MOANIN under the guidance of Kanichiro Fujii to get the win but it certainly won’t be easy. US raider (12) CHUBLICIOUS has looked very good since arriving and should take to the track well while Hong Kong’s (13) FIGHT HERO must be respected too. On the Korean side, (2) TODAY has been drawn well and could possibly overturn the form on (7) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON who beat him in the SBS Sports Sprint here in June. Doraonpogyeongseon is the kind of horse who generally steps up when challenged though so shouldn’t be discounted himself. An interesting outsider could be (1) PERDIDO POMEROY. While his Spring campaign this year didn’t go especially well, he was absolutely flying in a trial at Busan last Saturday and from gate 1 will surely lead early. They’ll have to come past him.

Selections (9) Moanin (7) Doraonpogyeongseon (12) Chublicious (2) Today
Next Best 13, 1, 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

KEENELAND KOREA CUP – 1800M

Foreign contenders:

1 FOREST RANGER (IRE) Back to back wins in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket in April and then the Huxley Stakes at Chester in May, the latter race a Group 2 for the first time this year enabled him to take his chance in the Eclipse. He found himself overmatched that day before finishing 5th of 7 in the York Stakes at the end of July. He is a proven top class performer and has won on the all-weather surface at Newcastle.
2 DOLKONG (USA) A rival of Cheongdam Dokki when they were juveniles, his career has been hampered by injury since which has restricted him to just nine starts. He returned to action in August with an effortless victory over this distance in a class 1 handicap and so long as he’s trained on from it – and the word is that he has – there is no reason why he can’t prove he belongs here. Drawn in gate 3, he can take a sit behind the early speed and make his move late on.
3 GREAT KING (USA) Trained by Thomas Gillespie at Busan, Great King has won six of twenty-one in total and three of his latest six. He last ran in early July beating a decent field at 2000M, coming from just off the pace. He looks to still be getting better and while this is obviously a tough assignment, he can acquit himself well.
4 FINAL BOSS (KOR) Korean Derby winner in 2017, he’s been a touch frustrating since, offering hints of real talent but similarly flopping on occasion too. He began the year winning a listed race over 1200M and enters having last run 4th in the SBS Sports Sprint in July. Back up to two turns today, he is versatile – he won the Derby coming home wide and late but has also gone forward too. He’ll be an outsider here.
5 TOSCONOVA CAT (USA) By some margin the lowest rated among the local entrants, the three-year-old has only race nine times for three wins, two of them at this distance. A smart winner at local class 2 on his latest outing in August when he led all the way but this is almost certainly too much too soon for him.
6 RIVEN LIGHT (IRE) He began his career in France winning two of seven starts. He then missed over a year, reappearing with Willie Mullins in Ireland and after winning a Thurles handicap in December 2016, was gelded and sent hurdling. He returned to the flat in April 2017, winning three of five at distances up to ten furlongs before heading to Australia and trying his luck in the Ladbrokes Stakes at Caulfied. He finished 7th of 11 behind Gailo Chop that day and after injury and a lengthy spell, returned to action in style at the end of July, winning a seventeen-runner handicap at the Galway Festival for the second year running. Trainer Willie Mullins has put a Korean jockey on board who knows the track well.
7 DONGBANG DAERO (USA) The last time he came to Seoul he ran a huge race in the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes last December, closing to finish 2nd to Power Blade over 2300M. He’s not won since and his recent Busan form is uninspiring. If the early pace is very hot and the leaders tire, he may make up some ground late on.
8 DYNAMIC DASH (USA) The six-year-old has won ten of forty and was last in the winner’s circle at Busan in May when he scored over 2000M – it was his first win in two years although he picked up plenty of minor money in the meantime. He’s struggled in his latest two and he looks a touch overmatched here but he still may well beat a few.
9 MAXIMUS (USA) A Singapore-based polytrack specialist, his latest win was at a mile in April. He’s run three times since then including finishing 6th behind Southern Legend in the Group 1 Kranji Mile. He has never raced a further than a mile before but is trained by Alwin Tan, who knows what it takes to be successful on this track having saddled El Padrino to victory in the inaugural Asia Challenge Cup in 2014.
10 PLACES TO GO (USA) Found a rich vein of form when scoring in three consecutive class 1 handicaps between February and April this year but has tended to struggle when faced with really top class opposition. Comes in having run 7th of 10 last start over 2000M and has plenty to find.
11 ENNOBLED FRIEND (USA) Expected to be scratched.
12 CHEONJI STORM (KOR) Always talented but coming into his own this year. He won a local Group 3 at 1200M in March before scoring by ten-lengths in a class 1 handicap here at the end of April at today’s distance. He went to Busan for the Mayor’s Cup on July 1st, again at this distance and got to within three-lengths of Cheongdam Dokki. Still will potential to get better, he will try to sit just behind the early leaders.
13 CHEONGDAM DOKKI (USA) Korean racing’s latest great hope. Four for four in 2018, he has established himself as the top horse on the peninsula. His last defeat came in the Grand Prix Stakes here at the end of 2017 but even that was only after he had set some brutal fractions for the first part of the 2300M. He generally leads and dominates his domestic races although he can be patient if necessary. He can overcome the wide gate to get close to the action early and it should be a chance to see what he is made of. He is Korea’s best chance to get a maiden win in the Cup.
14 LONDON TOWN (JPN) He was a dominant winner of the race last year, making all and breaking the track record in the process. It hasn’t been straightforward since, however, as he’s yet to return to the winner’s circle in five subsequent starts, all of them at Group level. This contrasts with his lead up to the race last year when he broke the Sapporo track record at 1700M. Nevertheless, all those races were in very tough company and even if he is not quite as on song as a year ago, back on the sand at Seoul, he remains the one to beat. Wide draw but that was the case last year too.
15 CLEAN UP JOY (USA) Winner of the Grand Prix Stakes in 2016 he has since seen Cheongdam Dokki usurp him as Seoul’s top horse. Nevertheless, he returned to winning form in March before finishing runner-up to Cheongdam Dokki in two big Stakes races in April and May. He always has to start from the widest gate due to his starting manners and don’t be surprised to see him miss the break slightly. He will get stronger as the race goes on though and can challenge for the minor money.

It’s the moment of truth for (13) CHEONGDAM DOKKI. Korea’s superstar is drawn alongside last year’s winner (14) LONDON TOWN in Korea’s most valuable race and both will be looking to get on the early speed here and they are favourites to dispute the prize. London Town’s build up to the race may not have quite as impressive as it was a year ago but he may still have enough to successfully defend his crown. (2) DOLKONG made a hugely impressive return to racing a month ago. He’ll sit behind the early speed and will come through strongly late on. (1) FOREST RANGER and (6) RIVEN LIGHT have both impressed in work this week and both are established group race horses in Europe. They have drawn well and will be in the hunt. Longer shots who may go well include (12) CHEONJI STORM and Singapore’s (9) MAXIMUS as well, of course, as (15) CLEAN UP JOY.

Selections (14) London Town (13) Cheongdam Dokki (2) Dolkong (6) Riven Light
Next Best 1, 12, 9, 15
Fast Start 3, 5, 12, 13, 14