Racing Previews

Power Blade Bids For Triple Crown In Minister’s Cup

Power Blade will on Sunday seek to become the first horse to sweep the Korean Triple Crown in its current form. The KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner heads a field of eight – all from Busan – who will line up for the final jewel of the 2016 crown, the Minister’s Cup at Seoul Racecourse. 

d2.jpg

Power Blade in a soaking wet Derby Winner’s circle in May (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Also in attendance will be Power Blade’s stablemate Ottug Ottugi. She was runner up in the Cup Mile but skipped the Derby in favour of last month’s Oaks, a race she won easily. Unbeaten Kkeutpan Hero, who missed the Cup Mile and Derby, also takes his chance.

The Triple Crown has been won before, by J.S Hold (Ft. Stockton) in 2007. However that year, it consisted of the Ttukseom Cup, Derby and Minister’s Cup and was only open to horses trained at Seoul. From 2008 onwards, Busan horses became eligible and the KRA Cup Mile, at the south coast track, was designated the 1st leg (and became informally known as the Korean 2000 Guineas).

Sangseung Ilro won two legs of the Crown in 2009 but so far the complete set has remained elusive. This year, however, with the Minister’s Cup being run in July instead of in September or October – which previously gave late bloomers time to appear on the scene – there was always a chance it would be a little different. The Power Blade emerged. He’ll be strong favourite to complete the Crown on Sunday.

The race has had to be moved to the early time of 2:20pm. This is because the actual Minister (of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – sadly “MAFRA” and not “FAFF” anymore) will be attending. While unavoidable bearing in mind the domestic politics involved, it is unfortunate as it jeopardizes the race’s chances of being available for betting through some of the overseas simulcast partners.

We’ll have a full runner by runner preview of the race on Saturday. In the meantime, here are the runners and riders:

The Minister’s Cup (KOR GII) – Seoul Racecourse – 2000M – July 17, 2016 (17:00)

1. Saeroun Stealth (KOR) [Colors Flying – Captive (Mutakddim)] (7/3/1/1) Sang Young Lee – Makoto Okabe
2. Kkeutpan Hero (KOR) [Colors Flying – Ya Ya Sunshine (Elusive Quality)] (3/3/0/0) Sung J-Kwon – Chae Sang Hyun
3. Stealth (KOR) [Colors Flying – Missed The Tower (Woodman)] (10/4/0/3) Sang Young Lee – Ikuyasu Kurakane
4. Ottug Ottugi (KOR) [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] Filly (10/7/2/0) Young Kwan Kim – Choi Si Dae
5. Siseon Pochak (KOR) [Colors Flying – Myeongseo Gongju (Carry The Flag)] (14/3/4/3) Jang Ki Min – You Hyun Myung
6. Baedari Bobae (KOR) [Colors Flying – Geumgang Gongwon (Pacificbounty)] (11/3/5/1) Chung Yul You – Lee Sung Jae
7. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] (8/6/2/0) Young Kwan Kim – Kim Yong Geun
8. Zettabyte (KOR) [Menifee – Fight Back (Sakura Seeking)] (9/3/3/1) Keum Man Lim – Lim Sung Sil

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

It’s a hot weekend on the peninsula with temperatures reaching the mid-thirties during Saturday’s twilight card at Seoul. It’s daytime racing today. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:00.

English language racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

Three of these are up in class and Kim Young Kwan’s (3) GABO STAR is favoured to go on to take victory once more having been impressive eon his return from surgery in June. (7) ELISHA and the more experienced (4) KARIN JJANG may also be considered following their maiden wins over 1000M but do have slightly more to find. Among those with experience at this class, (2) MUJEOK VICAR, a good 2nd ahead of (1) BIHO JILJU last time, looks the main danger.

Selections (3) Gabo Star (2) Mujeok Vicar (7) Elisha (4) Karin Jjang
Next Best 1, 6, 5
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

There are four debut-makers here but we’ll look to the experienced ones first. (4) REWARD HIGH has beaten several of these in recent outings and looks to be ready to win following a 4th and a 3rd from his last two. He’ll look to come from just off the pace. (9) KAIZEN FORCE comes in with very similar form and looks the main danger – she actually beat Reward High back in April. (12) SENSATIONAL faded badly last start when well backed but can be given another chance today. (7) CARRIER has been beaten by Reward High in each of her last three starts but can beat plenty while among the debut-makers, the most promising look to be (2) HIPPOCRENE and (3) SPIRIT OF HANSEN.

Selections (4) Reward High (9) Kaizen Force (2) Hippocrene (12) Sensational
Next Best 7, 3, 10, 8
Outsiders 1, 5, 6, 11
Fast Starters 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(7) ÉCLAIR HUMOR was a disappointing 7th on his first try at this class and distance at the end of May but comes in reasonably fresh and showed enough promise in prior outings to be given another chance in this modest company. (2) PERFECT LOVER likewise didn’t go well in his first at class 5 and should improve. The others look distinctly underwhelming with perhaps (1) RISING FUTURE and (8) ROLLING STAR most able to improve.

Selections (7) Éclair Humor (2) Perfect Lover (1) Rising Future (8) Rolling Star
Next Best 3, 4, 5, 6
Fast Starters 1, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

After back to back 3rd place finishes, (8) HWANHUIUI BYEOL is a warm favourite to record his third win here. He will look to lead from the gate and could well go all the way. (5) AJU PUJIMHAN has been back down at class 4 for two races now and one suspects she won’t be at this level for long and she looks the main danger along with (6) SECRET ROSE, who struggled at domestic class 4 last start but looks nicely in here. (2) TAEGWON CHAMP comes in following a much improved 2nd last start and can build on that here.

Selections (8) Hwanhuiui Byeol (5) Aju Pujimhan (6) Secret Rose (2) Taegwon Champ
Next Best 7, 9, 4
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 8, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(5) SUPER ANGEL has won just once in nineteen prior outings but she hasn’t missed the money in seven starts so far in 2016 and following 2nd places in her last two, beating a couple of these along the way, she’s favoured to get back in the winner’s circle here. Third at class and distance on June 11th, (9) LAKE LOUISE looks well placed to go better here while (6) SO ARA YEOWANG, who could only manage 9th behind Super Angel last start, can go better here. (7) HUIYANGSAN and (3) SINBIJEONGSANG look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Super Angel (9) Lake Louise (6) So Ara Yeowang (3) Sinbijeongsang
Next Best 7, 1
Outsiders 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 4, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20 (KST)

Competitive race with two standouts. (3) STEAL THE SHOW WHY was last seen running 6th in the Korean Oaks last month. She’s a proven money winner at this level and dropping back to a sprint distance should be hard to beat. (5) MAD POWER saw his unbeaten record come to an end last start, his first try at this level but he should have come on for the experience. He was beaten by (1) ILMANGMUJE among others that day and his 2nd in the race, albeit a long way behind a good winner, also showed promise. Apprentice jockey Choi Eun Gyeong has her first ever race ride on (8) FOR MY SIS and Bart Rice’s mare is a reliable type who is more than capable of finding some prize money. Best of the rest is (6) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE.

Selections (3) Steal The Show Why (5) Mad Power (8) For My Sis (1) Ilmangmuje
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 4, 7
Fast Starters 3, 5

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(5) ACME returned from almost six months out on June 10th to run a creditable 3rd at class and distance. He should have come on for that run and has every chance of making all here. (4) CAP IN ALL missed almost two years but finally showed signs of getting back some of his old form when racing 2nd over 1400M on June 19th and can build on that today while (6) SANBANG TRAIL also looks nicely in here dropping back in distance after a couple of goes at further. (2) MACHU PICCHU tries the distance for the first time and may be considered while (7) WINNING NUMBER has suddenly burst into form at age 5 and while up in class today, he’s nicely in the weights and could score an unlikely third consecutive victory.

Selections (5) Acme (4) Cap In All (6) Sanbang Trail (7) Winning Number
Next Best 2, 1, 3
Fast Starters 3, 5

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

(7) JEWLERY PARK is up in class having won four of six starts to date and looks to have good potential. The trouble is, she’s racing at 1400M and last time she did that she was beaten (4) SINGGEUREOUNBOM and while it’s been a long time since the older filly actually won a race, she has come very close recently and will be favoured here. Those two should dominate the betting but (6) SMART CAPTAIN was a class and distance winner last start – he carries five extra Kilograms today – and (3) DAEDOLPUNG and (5) ARGO CHAMP could make for interesting outsiders.

Selections (4) Singgereounbom (7) Jewelry Park (3) Daedolpung (6) Smart Captain
Next Best 5, 1, 2
Fast Starters 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(1) DIFERENT DIMENSION beat Triple Nine by a head – and three of his rivals here too – on May 22nd and despite carrying equal top-weight, is a deserving favourite here. He’s up to 2000M for the first time but that should suit. That May race was Diferent Dimension’s first at class 1 and the time before, in April he beat (5) DONGBANG DAERO by four-lengths over 1800M at class 2. Dongbang Daero himself steps up in class and distance today following a commanding five-length win on May 20th. In 2nd place that day was (7) SAENGIL GIPPEUM and he in turn has now been promoted to this level after a good win last month. Very nicely in the weights here, Saengil Gippeum is a contender. (10) NOBODY CATCH ME may still have a win in him at some stage but at joint top-weight here it is going to be difficult once again while (11) BATHSHEBA PARK always gives a good account of himself and should be close by.

Selections (1) Diferent Dimension (5) Dongbang Daero (7) Saengil Gippeum (10) Nobody Catch Me
Next Best 11, 3, 8, 2
Outsiders 4, 6, 9
Fast Starters 1, 6, 7

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30 (KST)

It took (9) SHAMROCKER eight goes to get his maiden victory but since trying longer distances he’s now won two out of his last three and despite being up in class today is the pick to score once more. He’ll try to come from off an early pace that’s likely to be set by (3) LION STAR, who comes in following back to back 3rd places and can go well again here. Main danger though could be (5) THE QUEEN SILVER, a class 3 winner at this distance in April and then 2nd in last month’s Selangor Turf Club Trophy. (6) LUCKY MUSIC disappointed in that race but can be given another chance today while (10) ILJIN HWARANG looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Shamrocker (5) The Queen Silver (3) Lion Star (6) Lucky Music
Next Best 10, 1, 7, 11
Outsiders 2, 4, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(1) PINOT NOIR won a Listed and then a Graded race in February and March this year and returns to the track for the first time since. She usually aims to the the front rounding the final turn and has a strong finish. Another very experienced mare, (6) MY DAY looks to be the main danger. She hasn’t won in five outings in 2016 but has been coming closer and looks to be in form. (7) SAMJEONG JEGUK has had a couple of months off since meeting trouble in running last start and should go better with the up in class (5) DIVINE SEEK looking best of the rest.

Selections (1) Pinot Noir (6) My Day (7) Samjeong Jeguk (5) Divine Seek
Next Best 3, 4, 2
Fast Starters 3, 5

Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

It’s Busan Mayor’s Cup day at Seoul. Full preview of one of the biggest races of summer is here. There is plenty going on. Seoul has 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00 while Busan runs 6 from 13:00 to 17:30.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13:00 (KST)

With two wins from six (5) HUIMANG QUEEN beat three of her rivals here when finishing 3rd at class and distance a month ago and should have too much for this limited opposition. (9) BIO BLUE returns for the first time since last November and if he is anything like his former self, he will be the main danger. The experienced pair of (6) JOINER CAPTAIN and (7) DAEHOYEOJANGGUN are capable of winning money at this level while (8) AUCKLAND TEUKGEUP, disappointing behind Huimang Queen last start, looks best of the rest.

Selections (5) Huimang Queen (9) Bio Blue (6) Joiner Captain (7) Daehoyeojanggun
Next Best 8, 1, 4
Outsiders 2, 3, 10
Fast Starters 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(1) WORLD MARK could only manage 7th when well supported for her first try at class 5 and at 1300M last start. That game off the back of a decent win at 1000M in May and back at the minimum today, she looks hard to beat in this all-filly affair. Similarly poor on stepping up in distance was (8) PEARL QUEEN and she should also be a different prospect back at this distance today. (5) BALGEUN NAEIL is yet to win in seventeen attempts but is capable of placing here following a decent 3rd last start while (7) HAENURI and (9) FRENCH KING are others to look out for. The returning (4) BEST SHOOTER didn’t impress in trials.

Selections (1) World Mark (8) Pearl Queen (7) Haenuri (5) Balgeun Naeil
Next Best 4, 9, 6, 2
Outsiders 3, 10
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:50 (KST)

10) ACE MAN debuted almost a year ago, finishing 2nd behind a filly who went on to win this year’s Korean Oaks. He suffered a fracture after that but has made a full recovery and looked good when trialling last month. He’s favourite. The rest look a bit average. You can’t ignore Kim Young Kwan trained debut-makers so (1) JERAJIN, who really showed very little in trials, will have backers. (2) JEOKDOUI HWASIN hasn’t exactly impressed in six prior outings but can improve here with (6) DYNAMIC DIVA and (7) SAMHYEONGJE in a similar situation. (9) OFFICER LADY was highly thought-of a year ago but hasn’t been seen since and looked indifferent in trials.

Selections (10) Ace Man (1) Jerajin (6) Dynamic Diva (2) Jeokdoui Hwasin
Next Best 4, 7, 5
Outsiders 3, 8, 9
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:15 (KST)

Second last time out at the end of May, his best finish in ten outings to date and first under champion jockey Moon Se Young, who takes the mount again today, (6) WANGUI DAERO is the pick to get it right this time. (10) NICE AND GOOD beat (9) SUPER JJANG but they both underperformed when racing against each other on June 4th. We’ll expect better from both today with the latter slightly favoured. (1) HEART STORM and Brian Dean’s (4) SUPREME LEADER the best of the rest.

Selections (6) Wangui Daero (9) Super Jjang (10) Nice And Good (4) Supreme Leader
Next Best 1, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 5, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:40 (KST)

(7) CHALLANHAN ACE will be favourite here having secured her maiden win at the fourth time of asking over 1300M in March. She’s had three months off since and can lead from gate to wire. If she is to be stopped (11) GOLD SUN could be the most likely following a promising 3rd at this distance on June 3rd, which suggested she may have a win in her at this level at some stage. (9) LOVE QUEEN is another one who should be on pace and can come close with (1) WORLD FLASH and (12) MUJEOK CHEONHA others to consider, at least for the places.

Selections (7) Challanhan Ace (11) Gold Sun (9) Love Queen (1) World Flash
Next Best 3, 10, 12, 6
Outsiders 2, 4, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Another one up in class can be made favourite here with (5) SEONGUN MARU coming in after back to back victories. He is up in class today but that’s no real cause for concern and three in a row is highly possible. (9) DOUBLE J beat (2) NONEUN ACE when the pair raced 2nd and 3rd at class and distance on May 28th. They look to be the main dangers here with Double J favoured once more. Among the rest, (3) SUBAEKYANG and (6) SSONSALGACHI look best placed to improve on recent outings.

Selections (5) Seongun Maru (9) Double J (2) Noneun Ace (3) Subaekyang
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 1, 4, 8, 10
Fast Starters 2, 5

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (6) HANEOLUI JILJU was 4th on his first try at this class three weeks ago having won his previous two. If he gets to the front from the gate – and he should – he’ll be difficult to beat and he’s the pick here. Japanese import (10) WHITE CASTLE showed much improvement last start when running 2nd at 1000M, coming from well off the pace and can go well once more while (2) SUPER EAGLE was 8th on debut at the end of May and with a top jockey booking can also improve. (1) YONGGAM MUSSANG and (3) MISS HERO the best of the rest.

Selections (6) Haneolui Jilju (10) White Castle (2) Super Eagle (1) Yonggam Mussang
Next Best 3, 5
Outsiders 4, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 6

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Competitive event this one. (8) HAPPY SENSATION is the slight pick having been 2nd at this class over 1300M last time. She steps up to two turns for the first time and looks an interesting prospect. She probably won’t be favourite though as that will be (5) JISANG BIHAENG. He is yet to win in nine outings but has four 2nd places to his name including one at this distance. Another yet to win in (7) YAHO MIRACLE but he has proved himself capable of placing at this level and can do so again. (2) SPASTAR likewise can beat plenty at this level and can be considered with (4) STRONG SHINE looking the best of the rest.

Selections (8) Happy Sensation (5) Jisang Bihaeng (4) Strong Shine (2) Spastar
Next Best 7, 9, 4
Outsiders 1, 3, 6
Fast Starters 5, 8

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR GIII) / 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 500 Million / 16:30 (SIN)

The most prestigious race of summer at Busan has drawn a top class field from both tracks. (8) TRIPLE NINE went down to a shock defeat in May but can be favoured to put things right today. He’ll look to settle just behind the early speed and if he runs to his best, he can win here. (5) CLEAN UP JOY is widely recognised as Seoul’s best horse. He was 3rd in the Grand Prix Stakes last December and has won all three starts this year. Winner of that Grand Prix was (16) BOLD KINGS. He has been beaten by Triple Nine and by (13) DYNAMIC DASH in two subsequent starts and does have to overcome gate 16 but he should still come close. (2) GAMDONGUIBADA won this race last year (when it was run at a mile) and beat plenty of these in a big sprint race in May, must be respected at any distance and will have plenty of supporters. (10) SUCCESS STORY landed two 3rd places at the Dubai World Cup Carnival earlier this year and while he could only manage 3rd to Gamdonguibada in that sprint, if he gets to the front early – which he failed to do that day – he will be tough to overtake. Last year’s champion mare (3) HEBA, (7) BEOLMAUI KKUM and (14) GUMPO SKY are among others to consider in what is a very competitive race.

Selections (8) Triple Nine (5) Clean Up Joy (2) Gamdonguibada (16) Bold Kings
Next Best 10, 7, 14, 13, 15, 1, 11, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 9, 12
Fast Starters 7, 10, 14

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Having won two of his last three and beaten a number of these along the way, (2) LUCKY LIGHT is the one to beat here. He’s a front-runner and at this distance he should make all. It’s hard to oppose the favourite but if we are looking for an upset, (5) BEST GUY, a class and distance winner at the end of May could be best placed to provide it. He beat (1) STRONG ROAD in the process and that one can look to improve today. (8) SINGYU GANGJA beat (4) DIPLOMATIC MISSION when they finished 3rd and 5th at class and distance on May 21st and both can come close again.

Selections (2) Lucky Light (5) Best Guy (4) Diplomatic Mission (8) Singyu Gangja
Next Best 1, 11, 7, 10
Outsiders 3, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(12) I ONE has won, twice, in two starts so far and was utterly dominant over 1300M at the end of May, beating (8) MABEE FLASHY by seven lengths. Up in class and slightly in distance today but he’s a good prospect and he should be winning this. Five of these faced each other at this distance on June 5th and (4) NAGASINDA rather unexpectedly came out on top among them, finishing 2nd. As a result, he must be respected today although (2) AJU CHOEGANG and (5) YOU’RE HILARIOUS, who finished in 3rd and 5th respectively that day, will be favoured to overturn that form here. (7) DYNAMIC TANK struggled at a mile last start but should be more comfortable today as should (11) SOUL BLADE.

Selections (12) I One (2) Aju Choegang (5) You’re Hilarious (7) Dynamic Tank
Next Best 4, 11, 8, 10
Outsiders 1, 3, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 (KST)

It took (4) CHOEGANGJA a couple of races to figure out what to do but this Silver Train colt has been developing very nicely, winning at 1200M in May and was then 3rd on his first try at this class on June 12th. He can win here.  Main danger looks to be (8) GAENARI who returned from a six-month layoff to score her maiden win in a very quick race over 1000M in May and she can be considered here too. (6) SKY JEWANG and (7) POWER BISEUL are both also up in class following victories and the latter looks best equipped to handle this level right away. (2) JEONMUHUMU, already a winner at this class is also capable of going well.

Selections (4) Choegangja (8) Gaenari (7) Power Biseul (2) Jeonmuhumu
Next Best 6, 11, 10, 3
Outsiders 1, 5, 9
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Mayor’s Cup: Runner-By-Runner Preview

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is one of the highlights of the Korean racing season and this year’s event, which will be run at Busan Racecourse over nine furlongs on Sunday, has attracted a strong field.

DSC_3289-select (1)

Bold Kings beat Gumpo Sky and Clean Up Joy in the Grand Prix last December. The top five that day square off again on Sunday

Sometimes known as the “Summer Grand Prix” all top five place-getters from last December’s actual Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul will be in attendance as will Korea’s best known racehorse, Success Story. Seven of the full field of sixteen have traveled down from Seoul for what looks an intensely competitive race.

Here’s a runner-by-runner preview. All will carry 58kg except for the two mares, last year’s winner Gamdonguibada and Heba who will carry 56kg. (Name [Pedigree] Age Sex (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey)

Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Racecourse – 1800M (Weight for Age) – Sunday July 3, 2016 (16:30)

1. Clean Up Cheonha (USA) [El Corredor – Loh Callado (More Than Ready)] 5 H (18/8/6/2) ST Shim – Lee Chan Ho
5th in the Grand Prix and hasn’t raced since winning at 2000M in January. Came through a trial well last month and he will be handy early but he will be the lesser fancied of the two Clean Ups.

2. Gamdonguibada (USA) [Werblin – Radyla (Country Pine)] 7 M (35/15/5/8) YK Kim – Choi Si Dae
Winner of this race last year at a mile, she also won the first leg of the Sprint Series in May before being beaten in the 2nd leg at Seoul last month. As good as ever at 7, she’ll likely settle just behind the early speed  and she has a chance here.

3. Heba (USA) [Peace Rules – Sue’s Temper (Temperence Hill)] 6 M (41/9/7/3) SJ Kwon – Song Keong Yun
Last year’s champion Mare is yet to win in 2016 and has been beaten by Triple Nine on three occasions already. As we say every time she runs, she would perhaps benefit from a spell but always puts in a solid performance and can find the minor money.

4. Damyang Chukje (USA) [Good Reward – Strategy (A.P Indy)] 7 H (33/6/3/4) HJ Bae – Jo Jae Ro
Has lost to a lot of these in recent starts and looks to be overmatched once more here. Generally slow away he will most likely have too much to do.

5. Clean Up Joy (USA) 5 G [Purge – Greta’s Joy (Joyeax Danseur)] (17/9/5/1) ST Shim – Ham Wan Sik
Seoul’s best horse, he is three for three since finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix nehind Bold Kings and Gumpo Sky last December. He usually settles towards the rear of the field and has a strong finish. He can win this.

6. Dongbanjaui Gijeok (USA) [Half Ours – Feisty Cherokee (Cherokee Run)] 6 H (36/5/6/3) BC Lim – Kim Cheol Ho
Big outsider who finds it tough at class 1 at Seoul so will certainly find it tough here.

7. Beolmaui Kkum (USA) 6 H [Put It Back – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] (26/15/3/2) KY Baik – Kim Yong Geun
Extremely talented but has never quite lived up to it in the big races. Only Clean Up Joy is rated higher.It’s been a long time since he took on this distance, he is a front-runner and he must be considered.

8. Triple Nine (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke(Pleasant Tap)] 15/9/5/0) YK Kim – You Hyun Myung
The President’s Cup winner at Seoul last year, he was 4th in the Grand Prix Stakes before avenging Bold Kings back at Busan in March. Surprisingly beaten last time at this distance at the end of May, he is a cut above most of these though. He should settle just behind the early speed and if he runs to his best, he won’t be beaten.

9. Space Port (USA) 6 H [Pleasant Tap – Space City (Carson City)] (43/4/10/3) CK Woo – Yoon Tae Hyuk
A perennial runner-up, he beat Winning Andy last time as the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over 2000M in a Seoul Stakes race. This is much harder though and he will be an outsider.

10. Success Story (KOR) [Peace Rules – Power Pack (Lil’s Lad)} 5 H (19/10/2/3) JK Min – Paolo Aragoni
Two 3rd places at the Dubai World Cup Carnival gained him international recognition but he struggled on his return to Korea behind Gamdonguibada in May. Got a bad start that day, he needs to be on pace early and then save energy. If he can do that, he must be considered.

11. Winning Andy (USA) [Cowboy Cal – Belvedere Miss (Pleasant Colony)] 5 H (31/4/7/6) IS Seo – Jo Sung Gon
Busan’s 2015 champion jockey makes a rare return to the south-coast but it’s unlikely to be a winning one. Solid competitor who can give a decent account of himself but looks overmatched here. Goes right back at the start.

12. Rush Forth (USA) [Rush Bay – Fourth Quest (Norquest)] 6 G (30/5/4/6) DY Hong – Kim Ok Sung
Returned to some semblance of form with a 3rd place over 1200M at the end of May but little to suggest he can be competitive here.

13. Dynamic Dash (USA) [Pleasantly Perfect – See Rock City (Tapit)] 4 C (18/9/5/1) BH Kim – Lee Hee Cheon
He comes in off the back of two superb wins over 1800M beating first Gamdonguibada and then Bold Kings. He was able to come from just off the early pace and lead rounding the home turn both times which won’t be so easy in this crowded field but he’s on the up and is to be respected.

14. Gumpo Sky (KOR) [Vicar – Perfect Storm (Didyme)] 5 H (30/10/8/4) SJ Kwon – Lim Sung Sil
He was 2nd to Bold Kings in the Grand Prix but was indifferent in his first three outings this year, losing to six of these in the process. He returned to winning ways last month, beating a small field at this distance. He will be on the early speed as usual.

15. Macheon Bolt (KOR) [Old Fashioned – Beech Bag (Devil’s Bag)] 4 G (12/8/7/1) PM Wolsley – Chae Sang Hyun
This stablemate of Bold Kings has eight wins from twelve including two at class 1. He goes around two turns for the first time, has plenty of potential and could challenge.

16. Bold Kings (USA) [Afleet Express – Bold Arrival (Gilded Time)] 4 C (9/7/1/0) PM Wolsley – Ikuyasu Kurakane
Winner of the Grand Prix Stakes last December after which he was seven for seven. He hasn’t managed to follow up so far this year beaing beaten twice, first by Triple Nine and then by Dynamic DashThe outisde gate didn’t help him last time and probably won’t here eitherbut he looked sharp in a trial last week and can’t be ruled out

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 24)

Ten races at Busan on Friday afternoon get the weekend action underway. The first is at 12:40 and the last at 19:00. Racing will return to Busan on Sunday while Seoul hosts cards on Saturday and Sunday.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(9) ROAD TO SUCC ESS looks on the path to a maiden victory. Thomas Gillespie’s filly has shown the most promise among those with experience here and will be favourite to get it right. Of those other experienced ones, (3) MACHO MYEONGUN and (10) HUIMANG PARADE look most likely to improve while among the four debut-makers, (2) DANCING BLAZE and (8) CHEONGCHUN CHAMP look the most likely.

Selections (9) Road To Success (10) Huimang Parade (2) Dancing Blaze (8) Cheongchun Champ
Next Best 3, 5, 1, 4
Outsiders 6, 7, 11, 12
Fast Starters 3, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

An improved 2nd last start and finishing strongly, (5) THE WORLD is the pick to strike here with the extra half furlong likely to suit. (9) GABO STAR, who showed promise in three starts around the turn of the year and looked very sharp in a trial two weeks ago , is set to be the main danger while (7) FLORIDA WAY and (8) SEORABEOL DOLPUNG both try this distance for the first time having shown some talent at 1000M. (3) GORYEOUI KKUM has already tried 1300M three times and can improve on the 5th he managed last time out.

Selections (5) The World (9) Gabo Star (3) Goryeoui Kkum (8) Seorabeol Dolpung
Next Best 7, 4
Outsiders 1, 2, 6
Fast Starters 3, 9

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(2) TEXAS RUSH was 2nd when sent off as favourite over this distance at the end of last month and will be fancied once more to put it right in this all-filly affair (1) HWANGGEUM GEOTAP actually beat Texas Rush when racing 2nd back in March at 1200M. She has been off since then and while she didn’t go especially well in a trail earlier this month, she looks like the main danger. (3) GREAT PEARL beat three of these when finishing 2nd in a weak contest in May and while inconsistent, can be involved here while (8) DORAON GASOKDO and (9) OH DAEBAK look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Texas Rush (1) Hwanggeum Geotap (3) Great Pearl (9) Oh Daebak
Next Best 8, 12, 10, 11
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 7
Fast Starters 1, 12

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(2) VICAR HOPE is up in class following her maiden win at the end of last month and if she can get an early lead today – and from gate 2 she has every chance – then she could very well make it two in a row today. (11) JANTEUGAREU is the main danger. He’s shown a good turn of foot in three starts to date and has plenty more wins in him. (10) YEONSEUNG GONGJU scored a decent 2nd at class and distance last time out, beating (1) HANNAM ROOKIE in the process. The latter can go better today. (8) GANGJA DAERO is yet to win in 35 career starts but is more than capable of finding the money at this level.

Selections (2) Vicar Hope (11) Janteugareu (1) Hannam Rookie (10) Yeonseung Gongju
Next Best 8, 7, 4, 3
Outsiders 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4, 9

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

After a comfortable win on debut in May, (7) KKOKDAEGI was a disappointing 4th when favourite on his reappearance two weeks ago. If he can get off to a better start today, he will be dangerous and could well be favourite again. (11) FREE RUNNING is up in class following his maiden victory (beating Texas Rush who we saw in race 4) at this distance last time. He likes to come from well off the pace and could go well again. (10) MAJOR SLAM, who beat Free Running back in April, has achieved back to back 4th places in two starts at this class and can match or better that here. (8) CHOA, who beat Major Slam last time out and (3) SMART MARINE are others to consider.

Selections (7) Kkokdaegi (11) Free Running (10) Major Slam (8) Choa
Next Best 3, 2, 1
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 1, 5, 7, 8

Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(7) WONIL BULPAE beat three of these when running 2nd on debut at class and distance in May. He was scratched when likely to be favourite three weeks ago and is to be strongly considered here. (5) FIVE VICTORS may better be known as five runners-up as he has finished 2nd in each of his last five starts. He will be backed again though and 2nd should be a minimum requirement today. (2) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM and (3) SWEET MYEONGUN are both capable of finding the money at this level. The former is Korean bred as is the up in class (11) IMPASSIONED MARINE, a four-length winner over 1300M three weeks ago and who looks very nicely in here.

Selections (7) Wonil Bulpae (5) Five Victors (11) Impassioned Marine (2) Kwaehan Myeongpum
Next Best 3, 4, 12, 10
Outsiders 1, 6, 8, 9
Fast Starters 1

Race 8: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(5) BUHWARUI BANSEOK beat (8) MIRACLE IJI by half a length as the pair of them finished 2nd and 3rd in a decent race at class and distance on May 15th and they both have strong claims here with the former favoured once more. Six of the others faced each other over a mile on May 27th. (2) IRON TRAIN finished the best of them in 3rd place and he must be respected having previously won at this distance. (1) DAEJONGCHEON was 4th that day and is another who has performed at this distance in the past while (7) GIANT HOLD, 5th in that race and a stablemate of Buhwarui Banseok is another to consider.

Selections (5) Buhwarui Banseok (1) Daejongcheon (2) Iron Train (8) Miracle Iji
Next Best 7, 6, 3
Outsiders 4, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 5, 6

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

This race is being held in honour of jockey You Hyun Myung’s recent 700th career winner. The man himself doesn’t have a ride in the race but if he did, he would perhaps choose to be on (3) MORNING DAERO. Following a pair of wins, he was beaten into 4th by (1) FURIOUS PARK and (5) CHOEGANGIJI when seven of these faced each other at class and distance on May 27th but looks very nicely in here to overturn that form. Those other two should run well once more while (9) BAEKDU is up in class following a win at a mile last month. His previous try at this distance didn’t go well but he can be given another chance here. (4) SEONGSAN PAECEHONG looks best of the rest.

Selections (3) Morning Daero (1) Furious Park (5) Choegangiji (9) Baekdu
Next Best 4, 11, 6
Outsiders 2, 7, 8, 10
Fast Starters 4, 7

Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:00 (SIN)

(7) WONIL ROOKIE comes in following back to back wins at this class, most recently beating two of these at this distance on May 20th. He has to be respected, however, he is carrying significantly more weight today and that may be a factor. (1) BLUE STORM is up in class following an eye-catching win over this distance on May 29th, he will look to lead from the gate and will be well backed. (9) ACE MARINE beat (3) EOROK by half a length as the pair raced 3rd and 4th over 1400M on May 27th and they may also be considered here.

Selections (1) Blue Storm (7) Wonil Rookie (3) Eorok (9) Ace Marine
Next Best 8, 2
Outsiders 4, 5, 6
Fast Starters 1, 9

Sunday Preview (June 19)

Full cards at both Seoul and BUsan today with the Listed Sports Chosun Cup the feature race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 along with 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:05.

English racecards are available here

Three races are available for betting on the TAB in Australia, including the Sports Chosun Cup. See below for brief notes on them:

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 (KST)

Hot favourite here is (7) GOREOUS DREAM. He’s won four from five so far and is up in class following an emphatic six-length win over 1200M on May 7th. He tries an extra half furlong for the first time but should have far too much for this field and will most likely lead from gate to wire once more. A proven money winner at this level (6) HORURAGI looks to have the best chance of stopping the favourite. She beat (4) GEUMSUNI EOMJI when the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1400M last month. Horuragi will also be on the early speed. Coin from just behind will be (5) BOLT SIGN, who is up in class following a good win at this distance at the end of May and should be competitive here. (2) LITTLE BROWN is best of the rest.

Selections (7) Goreous Dream (6) Horuragi (5) Bolt Sign (2) Little Brown
Next Best 4, 8
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class Open (R80&Down) – The Sports Chosun Cup / 2000M / Weight for Age / KRW 200 Million / 16:40 (KST)

Having beaten three of these when making all to win by a neck over 1800M on May 21st, (2) GASOKBULPAE is favoured to strike once more on his first try at 2000M. He’s won six of ten so far and still looks to have scope for more development. (6) COSMOS KING returned from a five month absence to run 3rd at 1800M in May and should have come on for it. He’s quick with a strong finish. Champion jockey Moon Se Young takes the ride on (5) SUN STRONG, who races for the first time since beating a couple of these in April. He looked sharp in a trial last week and can be considered. (1) SPECIAL STAR and (9) SUPER TANK, both beaten by Gasokbulpae in May, are others who can go close.

Selections (2) Gasokbulpae (6) Cosmos King (5) Sun Strong (9) Super Tank
Next Best 1, 10, 3, 11, 8
Outsiders 4, 7
Fast Starters 2

Seoul Race 10: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 17:30 (KST)

Competitive event this and (1) RAON BOLAVEN can improve on a couple of slightly disappointing outings and get back to winning ways following a seven-week break. (6) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG is up in class and also in distance following a two-length win over 1400M a month ago and looks the main danger. Both of those will look to come from behind the early speed which is likely to be set by (3) TOUR MIDAS, 2nd at class and distance last start and capable of going well here. (2) MAGIC QUEEN and (7) DAEWANGSIN – the latter beat Raon Bolaven at long odds at the end of April – are others to take into account.

Selections (1) Raon Bolaven (6) Gwangyang Dolpung (3) Tour Midas (2) Magic Queen
Next Best 8, 7, 4
Outsiders 5, 9
Fast Starters 3, 7, 9

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 17)

The weekend’s racing in Korea gets underway on Friday afternoon with a 10-race card at Busan with the first at 12:40 and the last at 19:00. English cards are here.

Last week at Busan saw plenty of odds-on favourites – and plenty of them got beaten. The races look a little more open this week. Form jockey at the moment is Seo Seung Un, who has ridden ten winners in June already. He’s on some fancied ones today too. Here are brief notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(5) EUNGNIBYEOSU pushed a good winner all the way only to be beaten by a neck over 1000M last month and back up at 1200M today looks ready to win. (2) BAEKDU YEONGUNG got his second consecutive 3rd place that day and can be close again but the one attracting most interest is likely to be (1) FEISTY. For a Kim Young Kwan trainee, the gelding was unusually unfancied on debut three weeks ago after trialling indifferently but he scored a solid 2nd and should have come on for it. (3) TAEYANG GWANGSOK and (6) TONGHAP ACE are others to consider.

Selections (5) Eungnibyeosu (1) Feisty (2) Baekdu Yeongung (6) Tonghap Ace
Next Best 3, 4
Outsiders 7, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

A 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, (2) IKSAN DAEWANG is favoured to make the breakthrough here. He’s not the fastest of starters and has left himself just a little too much to do in both outings so far so the slight step up in distance may suit. (10) CAPE MAGIC also looks on the verge of going up in class. He was narrowly beaten into 3rd last start at this distance and can go well again. Fifth in that race was (6) RAON BENTREE, who should be competitive in this company. (3) SUPER SONIC returns from seven months out and may be considered while (12) KWAESEOK BOLT is more than capable of matching the 3rd places he has achieved in each of his last two outings.

Selections (2) Iksan Daewang (10) Cape Magic (12) Kwaeseok Bolt (6) Raon Bentree
Next Best 3, 11, 8, 4
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 9
Fast Starters 8, 5

Race 4: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(12) NORTHERN TRACE has been coming into form lately and following a narrow 3rd last time, looks ready to win here. He’ll look to get to the front early from the outside gate and has strong claims. (2) TAKE AGAIN and (8) YEONGGWANGUI JAEIN are others who do look to have a win in them at this level with the latter slightly favoured. Debut-maker (3) ROSETTA won a trial a couple of weeks ago and must be given a chance in this company although the jockey booking will deter some. (10) BEATBOX was dreadful last start but had shown glimpses before.

Selections (12) Northern Trace (8) Yeonggwangui Jaein (2) Take Again (3) Rosetta
Next Best 10, 9, 11, 5
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 12

Race 5: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(7) TOUGH COUNTRY has shown good improvement over his last two starts and can continue to progress in this modest affair. 3rd last time out, he’s the best of the imports here. That leaves us with a couple of Korean bred horses, both of whom were victorious last time out. (2) DAEHO GANGJA looks the pick, winning by five lengths at domestic class 5 three weeks ago. She will likely get an uncontested lead here and can win once more. (1) WINNING NUMBER won at lengthy odds over 1400M on the same day and is in the best form of his lengthy career. (6) CHEONMA CHUPUNGO and (8) CINNADAR are hard to recommend to win but they may make the places.

Selections (2) Daeho Gangja (7) Tough Country (1) Winning Number (6) Cheonma Chupungo
Next Best 8, 10, 4
Outsiders 3, 5, 9
Fast Starters 2

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(3) LUCKY TIME was a six-length winner two weeks ago on what was just his second start – his first was all the way back last November after which he got himself gelded – and while up in class here, looks set to go on and make it two in a row. Also up in class following a victory is (1) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE. He’s a front-runner and will be hard to pass. This two look head and shoulders above the rest with (4) YUSEONG VICTORY next best. He was a little disappointing last start but is quick and tries this distance for the first time. (2) AREUMDAUN KKUM also disappointed when favourite last start but can go better today.

Selections (3) Lucky Time (1) Choegang Adventure (4) Yuseong Victory (2) Areumdaun Kkum
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4, 7

Race 7: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(11) WISH ME LUCK beat five of his rivals here when finishing 2nd – just beaten a neck – over class and distance on May 20th. He does carry 2.5kg extra today but he will look to get to the front early and can win this. It’s the ones he beat in that race who will be his main rivals once more. (10) FOUR STAR was just a nose behind Wish Me Luck in that race and can challenge once more while (4) MAYA COUNTRY and (8) THE STARS were 4th and 5th that day and may also be considered. Among those who didn’t go in that race, (1) NOBLE WARRIOR is up in class but may also appreciate the increase in distance while (2) GANGHO IRON comes in following a couple of placings in decent events and can be considered.

Selections (11) Wish Me Luck (10) Four Star (8) The Stars (1) Noble Warrior
Next Best 4, 2, 6, 9
Outsiders 3, 5, 7
Fast Starters 11

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Full sister to President’s Cup winner Triple Nine, (10) BLACK SAPPHIRE ran well within herself when recording her second victory over 1300M three weeks ago. She is up in class here but is the one to beat. (11) MAGIC LINE has run into a couple too good on both his starts at this level to date but he is the main danger here. He beat (1) HWARYEOHANHAMSEONG when they faced each other at this distance in April and the latter can also be competitive here. (6) HAEUNDAE GISANG was beaten on her first try at this class last month but will set the early pace here and may be considered. Bart Rice’s (2) DAEHANUIMYEONGSUNG is up in class but should be competitive at this level.

Selections (10) Black Sapphire (11) Magic Line (6) Haeundae Gisang (2) Daehanuimyeongsung
Next Best 1, 9, 12, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 8,
Fast Starters 5, 6

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(1) SAENGIL GIPPEUM saw a run of three straight victories come to an end on his first try at this level last month. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough in 2nd to suggest he will be competitive at class 2. He is a front-runner, he should lead and he is the one to beat. (7) IN THE BACK was a little disappointing on his first go at this distance last start but wasn’t beaten too badly and can go better today while last year’s Derby winner (4) YEONGCHEON ACE can place. (2) GHOST BLONDE and the back following surgery (6) AXION are others to look out for in what is a competitive event.

Selections (1) Saengil Gippeum (7) In The Back (4) Yeongcheon Ace (2) Ghost Blonde
Next Best 6, 5, 3
Fast Starters 1, 7

Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

A disappointment in the KRA Cup Mile but a creditable 5th in the Korean Derby last month, (8) BANJIUI JEWANG should be much more at home both in this company and back at a sprint distance and is favoured to return to winning ways. (9) USEUNG LINE beat five of these when finishing 3rd over 1400M on May 20th and is the main danger; he’s won two from four so far and looks a solid prospect. (1) FURIOUS RUNNER didn’t go well when stepped up to a mile last time but should be much happier at this distance and is a threat while class and distance winner (6) GHOST MADRONE will be on the early speed and will be competitive. (3) GOLD BANK looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Banjiui Jewang (9) Useung Line (6) Ghost Madrone (1) Furious Runner
Next Best 3, 7, 4, 11
Outsiders 2, 5, 10, 12
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (June 12)

It’s Korean Oaks day at Busan. Nine fillies will line up for the Classic race, a full preview of which can be found here.

There’s plenty of other racing happening at both Seoul and Busan. Rock Band makes his long awaited return on the south-coast, while Sotong Sidae heads the line-up in Seoul’s feature handicap. Rain is forecast at both tracks.

There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30. English racecards are here. Notes on races from Seoul race 5 onwards are below:

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Fillies only here and (2) GRIFFIN comes in following back to back victories, most recently beating five of these over class and distance on May 22nd. She won well that day and can repeat but she carries and additional 4kg today and that may be key. (3) DONGHAE CHANGA could be the one to take advantage, coming in after consecutive 3rd places at domestic class 4 and ready to win at this level. (8) J ONE was just over a length behind Griffin last time and can make that up today while (1) QUEEN’S PALACE and (5) DRAGON VILLAGE are the others to watch.

Selections (3) Donghae Changa (2) Griffin (8) J One (1) Queen’s Palace
Next Best 5, 9, 7
Outsiders 4, 6, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:50 (KST)

(2) TAIL WIND won a good race at class and distance on May 13th, beating three who go here and he is favoured to strike again here. Main danger could be the up in class (5) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG, who got her maiden win last time showing plenty of speed. (4) CAPITAL GANGJA is talented and can be forgiven a poor outing last month while the three who were beaten by Tail Wind in that good race in May; (1) GODAE, (11) USEUNG CHEONJI and (12) SKY RUNNER, can be given another chance today.

Selections (2) Tail Wind (5) Kwaehan Yeongung (4) Capital Gangja (1) Godae
Next Best 12, 11, 6, 8
Outsiders 3, 7, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:15 (KST)

Small field and (4) WHIZ RUN should have the beating of them having just been beaten half a length on his first try at this class last month. (6) JOARA steps up in class following victory at this distance and is the main danger. (2) FLAME CAT can be given another chance after a disappointing run last month (behind Griffin who we saw in race 5) and will join Whiz Run on the early speed. (7) COTTON PRINCE looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Whiz Run (6) Joara (2) Flame Cat (7) Cotton Prince
Next Best 5, 3, 1
Fast Starters 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 3: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 14:40 (KST)

(2) TARIAT TALE has won three from five so far and looks well set to add to that here. He’ll come from just behind an early speed that will likely be set by, among others, (11) PALMAUI SEONDU, who was just beaten a neck in a tough contest over this distance two weeks ago in what was a much improved performance and he can build on that today. (1) TOP SPRING has beaten (3) BADA DOSI at 1800M twice recently and both should be competitive at a mile while (7) DYNAMIC TANK is up in class and significantly in distance for what’s just her fourth start. She returned from eight months out to record her maiden win last month.

Selections (2) Tariat Tale (11) Palmaui Seondu (7) Dynamic Tank (3) Bada Dosi
Next Best 1, 9, 10, 6
Outsiders 4, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Competitive event here with three stepping up in class following victories last time. Of those, (7) INSUJAE was the most impressive and accordingly is narrowly favoured today although the other two, (6) DAEDOLPUNG and (9) BINGO STAR are likely to be the main dangers. The latter two are likely to look to lead early with Insujae being given a more patient ride. The ones with experience at this level have plenty to find but (5) TONGIRUI HAMSEONG and (10) SMART CAPTAIN looking the most likely.

Selections (7) Insujae (6) Daedolpung (9) Bingo Star (10) Smart Captain
Next Best 5, 2, 1
Outsiders 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Bart Rice’s (10) TRIPLE FIVE has two wins and three seconds from five starts to date and is up in class following a dominant five-length win in a good race at this distance last month. He should have too much here. (4) FRENCH BOY, while inconsistent, showed he can compete at this level with a 3rd place in a solid contest last start and is the main danger while (8) POKPUNG CHOEGANG beat three of these when running 2nd at class and distance on May 13th and must be respected. One of these was (2) WORLD LOVE, who will be on the early speed, while (7) CHOEGANG BULPAE is another to consider.

Selections (10) Triple Five (4) French Boy (8) Pokpung Choegang (2) World Love
Next Best 7, 11, 6, 3
Outsiders 1, 5, 9, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Since getting his maiden win last November, (2) MR MOUNTAIN has managed to narrowly dodge the winner’s circle at class 5 but can put things right today on what will be his first try around two turns. (8) CURRICLE is yet to win in fifteen but was 2nd at class and distance last start, beating a couple of these in the process and can place once more. (5) JISANGGEOTAP and (6) DEVIL MAN have both also raced well at 1700M and may be considered with (7) VICKY LIE one who may appreciate the increase in distance.

Selections (2) Mr. Mountain (8) Curricle (6) Devil Man (7) Vicky Lie
Next Best 5, 11, 10, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 9
Fast Starters 3

Busan Race 5: Class Open / 1800M / Allowance – The Korean Oaks / KRW 500 Million / 16:30 (KST)

Runner by runner guide here

(2) OTTUG OTTUGI was 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile and then skipped the Derby in order to target this race. On Derby weekend she won at 1800M, will be the quickest away and will be the strong favourite. (4) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK will be 2nd favourite although she wasn’t convincing when racing 2nd at this distance last month and was beaten in March’s Oaks trial not only by Ottug Ottugi, but also by (9) SANTA GLORIA and (1) STEAL THE SHOW WHY. Both of those can go well here and the latter was beaten by (3) SPECIAL ROOKIE at a mile in April. Neither have run since but both looked good in recent trials. Special Rookie is a stablemate of Ottug Ottugi; their trainer Kim Young Kwan has won the race for the past three years and one way or another, looks likely to win this time as well.

Selections (2) Ottug Ottugi (9) Santa Gloria (3) Special Rookie (4) Hoseungjibyeok
Next Best 1, 7, 5
Outsiders 6, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:00 (KST)

It’s time (8) SOTONG SIDAE returned to winning ways. His win record would be much higher were it not for the fact that he is always entered in the toughest company and today offers a really good opportunity to change that. He will go back at the start but if he leaves himself a little less to do late on than he has in recent outings, he can win. (6) SEONBONG is of course a big danger. While more dangerous at sprints, he has shown himself more than capable of winning at this level and can do so again. (7) KWAESEOK JILPUNG races at class 1 for the first time and can take advantage of a light weight to secure a good finish while (4) GLOBAL FUSION and (5) IMPETUS can’t be ruled out after recent decent efforts.

Selections (8) Sotong Sidae (6) Seonbong (7) Kwaseok Jilpung (4) Global Fusion
Next Best 3, 5, 1, 11
Outsiders 2, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:30 (KST)

After eight months, (2) ROCK BAND is back. He won the Minister’s Cup but hasn’t been seen since running 2nd to Triple Nine in the President’s Cup at Seoul last October. He has won six of eight starts and came through trials ok. If he is anything like the old Rock Band, he wins. (6) MACHEON BOLT returns for the first time since beating two of these when winning at class and distance in February and is a genuine threat to the favourite as is (1) WONIL GANGJA wo was sent back to trial after laying out last time – he’s since completed two trials. (3) FOREST BOLD, who won the race in which Wonil Gangja behaved badly and (5) DARKEST NIGHT look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Rock Band (6) Macheon Bolt (1) Wonil Gangja (5) Darkest Night
Next Best 3, 8, 11
Outsiders 4, 7, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 8, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Up in class following his maiden win by five-lengths at 1200M on May 15th, (9) CHOEGANGJA is the pick to immediately follow up here. It took him a couple of tries to figure out what to do but he now looks a solid prospect. Also up in class following victories are (2) BLAZING STAR and (6) SMOKEN JOE and both can compete while (4) READ AGAIN comes in following a victory at this class and distance, coming from right off the pace, on May 1st and can go well again. (3) JEONSEUNG DAESE struggled a little last time but can go better today.

Selections (9) Choegangja (4) Read Again (2) Blazing Star (3) Jeonseung Daese
Next Best 6, 10
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 8
Fast Starters 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

The Korean Oaks 2016: Full Preview

Ottug Ottugi will be hot favourite when nine fillies line up for the 2016 Korean Oaks at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. If the race goes as expected, she will give trainer Kim Young Kwan his fourth consecutive victory in the race.

Ottug Ottugi

Ottug Ottugi is the strong Oaks favourite (Pic: KRA)

Rather shamefully, Seoul has not managed to muster a single filly in this crop to take part in the Classic so the Oaks is a 100% Busan affair this year.

South African trainer Bart Rice saddles his first Korean runner and while Jangguneui Huye will be an outsider, beyond the favourite, the race is quite open. Paolo Aragoni is the only foreign jockey to secure a mount in the race and will partner Steal The Show Why.

While a succession of odds-on favourites went down at Busan on Friday (including some trained by Kim Young Kwan), were Ottug Ottugi – whose conqueror in the KRA Cup Mile Power Blade went on to romp home in the Derby at Seoul last month – to be defeated, it would be as big a shock as when Derby winning filly Sangseung Ilro lost the race in the final strides back in 2009.

Korean Oaks (KOR G2) – Busan Racecourse – 1800M – June 12, 2016 (16:30)

1. Steal The Show Why (KOR) [Whywhywhy – Steal The Show (Cat Thief)] (11/2/2/3) KY Baik – Paolo Aragoni
Fifth in the trail in March she has followed up with 3rd place finishes at a mile and at this distance of 1800M. One of a number of likely early front-runners, she will stay on and could challenge for a place.

2. Ottug Ottugi (KOR) [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] (9/6/2/0) YK Kim – Choi Si Dae
The hot favourite, she will be odds-on. She won the Trial easily and was then 2nd to stablemate Power Blade in the first leg of the Triple Crown before comfortably winning her first try at 1800M last month. No reason to oppose her, she should lead from gate to wire.

3. Special Rookie (KOR) [Menifee – Swing City (Carson City)] (3/2/0/0) YK Kwan – Kim Yong Geun
Stablemate of Ottug Ottugi and still a slightly unknown quantity. She beat Santa Gloria when winning at a mile in April but hasn’t raced since. Won a trial just last week and Kim Young Kwan’s horses must never be underestimated. Goes forward with Ottug Ottugi.

4. Hoseungjibyeok (KOR) [Didyme – Everything Nice (Elusive Quality)] (6/4/1/0) BE Kang – Song Keong Yun
More advanced than the rest of the field with the exception of Ottug Ottugi, she has made it up to class 3, despite being beaten by three of these in March’s trial. She came 2nd on her first try at 1800M last month in a decent but not overly convincing performance. She deserves second-favourite status but still has things to prove. She will sit behind the early lead and if the others go too fast, she can take advantage.

5. Miracle Bolt (KOR) [Sharp Humor – C’Mon Maria (Maria’s Mon)] (7/3/3/0) KH Choi – Seol Dong Bok
All three of her wins have come at 1000M and she is yet to show anything that would suggest she is capable of getting 1800M at this stage, let alone competing at it. The outsider of the field, she may as well go out as quickly as possible and see what happens.

6. Jangguneui Huye (KOR) [Gaeseon Janggun – Mercy Matters (Cozzene)] (3/1/0/0) BN Rice – Chae Sang Hyun
Bart Rice’s first Korean Classic runner and a welcome entrant by Gaeseon Janggun, who won the final leg of the Triple Crown in 2008. Only three runs so far and only one this year which was a 5th place in a tough race over 1300M. She will therefore be one of the outsiders here

7. Byeolmuri (KOR) [Colors Flying – Sink Or Swim (Meadowlake)] (10/3/3/0) SB Han – Kim Dong Young  
Yet to be tried at further than 1300M, she comes in following two convincing wins at that distance and looks to have solid potential. She has tended to be on the early speed but may let others go forward here and she can find the money.

8. Quick Force (KOR) [Vicar – Madam Winette (Danewin)] (6/0/4/2) SJ Kwon – Lim Sung Sil
The only one of these yet to get her maiden victory and it is unlikely to arrive here. She has done ok, never finishing any worse than 3rd but this is obviously a significant step up and a top five finish would be a good result.

9. Santa Gloria (KOR) [Menifee – Pupil (Unbridled)] (7/1/1/2) KY Baik – Seo Seung Un
Third in the March Oaks Trial, she was just beaten a neck by Special Rookie over a mile in April. That was her most recent start although she won a trial last month. Like to have no problems with the distance, she will be ridden patiently by Seo Seung Un, who is in great form at the moment. She could go very well.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 10)

Korean Oaks weekend gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon with 10 races from 12:40 to 19:00. There will be racing at Seoul on Saturday and both Seoul and Busan on Sunday.

Last weekend Seo Seung Un took full advantage of many of Busan’s top jockeys being away in Seoul to ride seven winners across the two days. Seo is back in action today add could well add to his winners but only one of his mounts is expected to be favourite. Other jockeys to follow today look to be the Italian pair of Paolo Aragoni and Pasquale Borelli – both should partner two favourites. In terms of trainers, champion trainer Kim Young Kwan could quite easily send out three or four winners. Here are brief notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance/ KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Can (9) HAEGA TTEUNDA get it done this time? She’s been well-backed since her debut but has managed to come up short each time. She needs a good start – something she has often failed to do – and if she gets it, she can win this. Main danger is (4) HAPPY JILJU, who got her best finish of 2nd last time out at this distance on May 13th. She beat (5) CHASEDAE into 4th that day which was a big improvement for the latter too. (2) ATHENS was a disappointing 7th on debut on May 20th but Kim Young Kwan’s colt can be given another chance here while another disappointing debut-maker (10) HAMAN YEOJEONSA is also expected to improve.

Selections (9) Haega Tteunda (4) Happy Jilju (2) Athens (5) Chasedae
Next Best 10, 7, 1
Outsiders 3, 6, 8
Fast Starters 4, 9, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

It’s an unfashionable trainer/jockey combination but (8) DANGCHAN JILJU was 2nd at the distance last time and a similar run today could well be enough to see off this field. He’s likely to get an uncontested lead and can go all the way. (1) SUPER BLADE was 6th in an all-filly race on debut last month and she’s the one from who improvement is most expected, having looked sharp in earlier trials. Thomas Gillespie’s (3) WINNING ALL was much improved on his second start just two weeks ago and can build on that today while (6) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK and (7) WONDER BOY look to be the best of the rest.

Selections (1) Super Blade (8) Dangchan Jilju (3) Winning All (6) Yeongung Chulgyeok
Next Best 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 4, 5
Fast Starters 8

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

No fewer than five of these are up in class today and of those, it’s (2) KKOKDAEGI who looks the most likely to build on what was a winning debut on May 22nd. He came from off the pace to win over the minimum distance last time and the step up to 1200M today should suit him very nicely. Of the others up in class (8) MUJEOK VICAR, an eye-catching six-length winner last start, and (7) YEONGGWANGUI CAMP look to have the best chances to go on while among those with experience at this level (4) GANGJA DAERO and (1) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL can find the places.

Selections (2) Kkokdaegi (8) Mujeok Vicar (1) Sangseung Mulgyeol (4) Gangja Daero
Next Best 7, 9, 3
Outsiders 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 5, 8, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(11) BLACK TETRA has been favourite in both her last two starts but despite missing out both times, she is the choice to get it right today. She will look to lead from the gate. (8) MUJEOK SINHWA hasn’t found things easy in three starts at this level so far but can improve today while (12) CLEAN CHOEGANG started awkwardly and raced poorly last time but can be considered again following six weeks off. (2) LUCKY HANMA and (4) CHOEGANG EXCELLENT are best of the rest.

Selections (11) Black Tetra (8) Mujeok Sinwhwa (4) Choegang Excellent (12) Clean Choegang
Next Best 2, 9, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 6, 10
Fast Starters 2, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(6) KKEUTPAN HERO is two for two and up in class and distance but he is going to be up against it here against some promising imports. He is very nicely in the weights though and shouldn’t be overlooked. Kim Young Kwan’s (3) GUMALLI was a solid winner over 1400M and returning after over two months, looks to have solid claims while (9) GOLD BLUE beat a couple of these when winning, also over 1400M, last month. Both (4) PAMPAS FARM and (5) QUEEN ELEGANCE are yet to win but both are capable of coming close.

Selections (3) Gumalli (6) Kkeutpan Hero (9) Gold Blue (4) Pampas Farm
Next Best 5, 1, 7
Outsiders 2, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 5, 6

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Banker favourite of the day here in (8) SAEROUN STEALTH. Last seen running 8th in the Korean Derby at Seoul four weeks ago, he should have too much for this field. Clear 2nd choice is (3) V MAN, who also went in the Derby and should be too quick for most. (4) HWANHUIUI BYEOL is the likely pacesetter and so long as he doesn’t do too much too early, can stay on well at this distance while (5) FIRST KING and (7) WORLD QUICK are others to consider.

Selections (8) Saeroun Stealth (3) V Man (4) Hwanhuiui Byeol (5) First King
Next Best 7, 1, 2
Outsiders 6, 9, 10, 11
Fast Starters 4, 10, 11

Race 8: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(3) SISEON POCHAK drops back to a mile today following a couple of spins around 1800M – one of them successful and the other a 7th place in the Korean Derby – and having won at this distance in the past, should go well here. (2) ACME returns for the first time since January. He was on a strong of three consecutive wins before the spell and looked ok in a trial at the end of last month. He may need to sharpen up a little bit but can be considered. (5) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR is two starts back from a lengthy spell of his own. Both have resulted in 3rd place finishes and he should be at least matching that today, (1) SINCHEON YEOMANG and the up in class (6) CHEONJUNGWANG are others to consider.

Selections (3) Siseon Pochak (2) Acme (5) Sangseung Junior (6) Cheonjungwang
Next Best 1, 4, 7
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(4) BIT BLADE returned for the first time in a year on May 13th to go six for six and while he jumps up to two turns for the very first time, he is favoured to maintain his 1000% record here. Main danger is (3) MAGIC PARK who beat two of these when winning at a mile on May 1st and must be respected. One of those beaten that day was (1) SHARP GALE and he along with (2) WILD BURNING and (7) PROFESSOR SILVER look the most likely of the rest.

Selections (4) Bit Blade (3) Magic Park (1) Sharp Gale (7) Professor Silver
Next Best 2, 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5

Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

Four of these raced each other at class and distance on May 22nd and the winner that day (5) SUPER STORM is favoured to follow up today despite carrying an extra 2.5kg. The ones who got closest to him that day, (6) GANGHO DRIVE and (3) MACHU PICCHU look to be the main dangers again with Machu Picchu favoured to get a bit closer this time. (7) UBAKI and (4) SMILE QUEEN are others to consider for the places.

Selections (5) Super Storm (3) Machu Picchu (6) Gangho Drive (7) Ubaki
Next Best 4, 1, 2
Fast Starters 4, 5