Racing Previews

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

Ttukseom Cup 2016: Runners & Riders

Sunday at Seoul sees the first leg of the Queen’s Tour to decide the nation’s Champion Filly & Mare for 2016. An hour after the SBS Korea/Japan Cup (Click here for the full preview of the Korea/Japan Cup), thirteen will line up for 1400M test.

Peter Wolsley’s Ms. Margaux, who specializes in coming 2nd or 3rd, looks to be the pick here but she will face strong competition from the likes of Bichui Jeongsang, New York Blue and last year’s Oaks winner Jangpung Parang. Indian Star is also likely to be among the favourites.

Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – May 5, 2016 (17:05)

1. Bichui Jeongsang (USA) [Wildcat Heir – Persimmon Honey (Colonial Affair)] 5 (20/7/5/4) IS Seo – Jo Sung Gon
2. Queen’s Champion (USA) [Colonel John – Side Venture (Touch Gold)] 4 (12/4/3/1) SK Kim – Moon Se Young
3. Jangpung Parang (KOR) [Creek Cat – Ascend The Throne (Silver Charm)] 4 (13/4/2/5) YK Kim – Kim Yong Geun
4. Silver Wolf (AUS) [Oratorio – Ready For More (More Than Ready)] 4 (9/4/3/0) MG Son – Yoo Seung Wan
5. Indian Star (KOR) [Adcat – Indian Diamond (Indian Charlie)] 4 (12/8/1/1) JB Mun – Yoo Hyun Myung
6. Supreme Magic (USA) [Lookin At Lucky – Thru N’Thru (Stormy Atlantic)] 4 (11/4/2/2) WS An – Yonekura Satoshi
7. Model Line (USA) [Desert Party – Playing Footsie (Valiant Nature)] 4 (16/3/1/0) IS Seo – Imran Chisty
8. Bukbeol Sinhwa (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] 5 (15/6/2/1) YK Kim – Paolo Aragoni
9. Halla Chukje (USA) [Gottcha Gold – C D Player (Montbrook)] 5 (28/5/5/2) JG Yu – Lee Hyeok
10. Winner’s Marine (KOR) [Volponi – Graceful Ballerina (Posse)] KH Choi – Choi Si Dae
11. Hay Queen (USA) [Hold Me Back – Jack’s Touch (Touch Gold)] JH Koo – Song Jae Chul
12. Ms. Margaux (USA) [Midnight Lute – Sixtyone Margaux)] 5 (24/2/9/8) PM Wolsley – Lee Hee Cheon
13. New York Blue (USA) [Candy Ride – Aim For The Moon (Deputy Minister)] 5 (22/7/8/1) KM Lim – Lim Sung Sil

The SBS Sports Korea/Japan Cup 2016: Full Preview

Sunday sees the running of two group races at Seoul and first up is the SBS Sports Korea/Japan Cup, the first international race in Korea this year. Three Japan-trained horses have traveled over to participate in the race, which will be screened live on the SBS Sports channel.

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Choegang Schiller and Lee Chan Ho won the Asia Challenge Cup last year. He goes in the SBS Korea/Japan Cup this time (Pic: Ross Holburt)

The first Korea/Japan race took place in 2013 and was won by the visiting Tosen Archer. The race evolved into the Asia Challenge Cup in 2014 when it was won by Singapore’s El Padrino and remained that way in 2015 when Choegang Schiller, who runs this time around, took the honours. This year it is back as a straight contest between Korea and Japan and Dreadnought, Kimon Avalon and Best Wish, all from the NAR’s Ohi Racecourse in Tokyo, will be flying the Japanese flag in Seoul.

Dreadnought looks to have the best chance among them but all three are going to be up against it in the 1200M sprint. 2012 Grand Prix Stakes, 2015 Busan Mayor’s Cup and 2016 Busan Ilbo Cup winner Gamdonguibada has come back to the capital to lead a very strong home challenge which along with Choegang Schiller, also features the exciting up and comers Perdido Pomeroy and Tongil Sidae and the experienced Mirae Yeongung.

The SBS Sports Korea/Japan Cup is live on SBS Sports on cable and satellite in Korea from 3:50pm on Sunday afternoon. Here is a full run down of the field (Name [Pedigree] Age Sex (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey:

SBS Sports Korea/Japan Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1200M – June 5, 2016 (16:05)

1. Best Wish (JPN) [White Muzzle – Cross My Heart (Special Week)] 7 H (58/3/10/11) K Arayama – Ryuji Tatsushiro
Managed a 2nd place over this distance at Ohi at the beginning of April but only beat a couple home last time out. Not generally a fast starter and he looks to be up against it here.

2. Mirae Yeongung (KOR) [Aragorn – Willing Miss (More Than Ready)] 5 H (24/11/6/0) MG Son – Moon Se Young
He comes in having beaten OS Hwadap and Cheongu when winning over 1400M on April 24th having been 2nd to Clean Up Joy, perhaps Seoul’s best current horse, the time before over this distance. HE comes from off the pace and while regular jockey DJordje Perovic is suspended, he has an adequate replacement in the shape of champion Moon Se Young.

3. Tongil Sidae (USA) [Munnings – American Tradition (Quiet American)] 3 C (7/4/2/0) YK Kim – You Hyun Myung
He’s burst onto the Busan scene this year, winning his class 1 debut over 1800M on April 1. He was downed by a neck last start at the same distance. He races at 1200M for the first time since his winning debut and at Seoul for the very first time. A stablemate of Gamdonguibada, he will be on the early speed here and has every chance.

4. Perdido Pomeroy (USA) [Pomeroy – Boldest Of All (Bold Executive)] 3 C (6/4/1/1) JB Mun – Kim Yong Geun
A real potential talent and potential winner of this race. He was beaten by Gamdonguibada in the Busan Ilbo Cup last month but beat Success Story by three lengths. Another who will be on the early speed here, he could turn the tables on Gamdonguibada this time.

5. OS Hwadap (USA) [Friesian Fire – Meg’s A Lady (Menifee)] 3 C (7/5/0/2) IS Seo – Jo Sung Gon
Another up-and-comer, he was 3rd behind Mirae Yeongung and ahead of stablemate Cheongu on his first attempt at class 1 in April. HE is another who goes forward from the gate and while this is his toughest assignemnt to date, he can find the money.

6. Kimon Avalon (JPN) [South Vigorous – Grand Heat (Special Week)] 7 H (53/9/7/7) K Arayama – Daisuke Mashima
This is jockey Daisuke Mashima’s fourth visit to Seoul but he’s likely to return empty-handed once more. Kimon Avalon comes in following a 2nd place at this distance at Ohi on April 19th but will have to find plenty here if he is to aim for anyting more than the minor money.

7. Cheongu (USA) [Old Fashioned – So Much Fun (Speightstown)] 4 H (13/5/1/4) IS Seo – Yoo Seung Wan
Globe-trotter Cheongu was a slightly disappointing 6th on his return to KOrea from Dubai at the end of April; beaten by Mirae Yeongung and stablemate OS Hwadap. 3rd in last year’s Asia Challenge Cup, if he can get to the front straight out of the gate, anything can happen.

8. Rise And Shout (USA) [Utopia – Ooh Yeah (Dismissed)] 6 H (35/4/6/2) SG Kim – Lee Hyeon Jong
An outsider, he enters in little form having beaten few home in four starts so far this year. Eleven weeks since his last start, when he was a long way behind Mirae Yeongung, there’s not a whole lot to recommend here.

9. Choegang Schiller (USA) [Artie Schiller – Changeable (Miswaki)] 5 G YH Ji – Lee Chan Ho
He won the Asia Challenge Cup last August but has only run twice since then due to various issues. His only tart so far this year was in February at 1800M and didn’t go well (although Mirae Yeongung had an off day too thenbut he is reportedly fit now and a fit Choegang Schiller has every chance here.

10. Yuseong Fighting (KOR) [Didyme – Maggie’s Prayer (Songandaprayer)] 4 C (18/6/3/3) KH Choi – Lim Sung Sil
A pure sprinter, his win record would be much better had he not run so many times at unsuitable distances. Comes in following a 2nd place at this distance at class 2 at Busan, he has plenty to find here but he is capable of the money.

11. Dreadnought (KOR) [Meisho Odo – Bonnes Mare (Starborough)] 8 G (32/7/2/1/4) K Hashimoto – Takayuki Yano
Looks to be the best of the Japanese visitors with a 1400M Ohi win to his name this year. He is likely to look for a fast start and if he can get o the front, there is no reason why he can’t get home.

12. Gamdonguibada (USA) [Werblin – Radyla (Country Pine)] 7 M (34/15/5/7) YK Kim – Choi Si Dae
Likely to be the betting favourite, she just keeps going and going. She enters here having been a five-length winner of the Busan Ilbo Cup on May 1st, beating Perdido Pomeroy into 2nd. Stablemate of Tongil Sidae, the general rule in Korean racing is that whatever happens, Kim Young Kwan wins in the end. Gamdonguibada is the form horse and she can win this.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

A big weekend of racing on the peninsula kicks off on Friday afternoon with ten races at Busan with the first at 12:40pm and the last at 7pm (there is also pony racing from Jeju Island in the gaps between races).

Fields look to be competitive with some warm, but by no means nailed-on, favourites throughout the day. Trainer Bart Rice was in top form in May and he can keep it going with Wonil Bulpae in race 7 (Edit: Wonil Bulpae has been withdrawn). Many of Busan’s top jockeys are away in Seoul this weekend for Sunday’s SBS and Ttukseom Cups so Ikuyasu Kurakane, Seo Seung Un and Lee Yong Ho look to be the ones to follow today.

English racecards can be found here. Race-by-race comments:

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

(3) NANDANALA returned from almost a year out with a career-best 4th on May 6th and looks best placed to improve here and get her maiden win. (5) STRONG MYEONGUN will look to lead from the gate and is a danger while (1) GEOWIUI KKUM, making just his second start – a full nine months after his first, looked sharp in a trial a couple of weeks ago and may be considered. Debut-maker (6) HWANGGEUMBIT JILJU will have backers due to the stable while (8) PALMYRA and (10) JEONSEOLUI LEGEND are others with the potential to improve.

Selections (3) Nandala (5) Strong Myeongun (1) Geowiui Kkum (10) Jeonseolui Legend
Next Best 6, 8, 12, 11
Outsiders 2, 4, 7, 9
Fast Starters 5, 8

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

(5) BEST CHEONGCHUN has managed a best of three 4th place finishes among eight starts to date but should have the beating of these and it’s about time she made the breakthrough here. (3) KWAESOK BOLT was a much-improved 3rd last time out, beating (7) HWASEONG ACE in the process and can be respected with likely pacesetter (1) TAKE AGAIN and (2) PERFECT KING others who are capable of being involved. Best Cheongchun should be winning, though.

Selections (5) Best Cheongchun (3) Kwaesok Bolt (2) Perfect King (1) Take Again
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 4, 8
Fast Starters 1

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

One of two up in class here, (8) WHITE BLUE is the narrow choice to follow up on her maiden win which she scored at this distance on April 15th. She made all that day and comes in following seven weeks off and while it may be harder to get to the lead today with plenty of early speed in this race, she is the one to beat. Also up in class is (4) TRIPLE PARTY; he is yet to win but has a 2nd and two 3rds in three starts and can maintain that record today while of the more experienced ones, (5) YEONGGWANGUISINHWA and (6) YUSEONG STAR look to be the main dangers. (9) GOLD SUN actually beat White Blue back in January but has struggled in three starts since.

Selections (8) White Blue (4) Triple Party (6) Yuseong Star (5) Yeonggwanguisinhwa
Next Best 9, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 7, 10
Fast Starters 1, 3, 4, 8, 9

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

Competitive all-filly affair here but there are a couple of standouts. (6) ALBERT VICAR beat (4) MAJOR SLAM when scoring her maiden victory over 1200M three weeks ago and looks nicely in to repeat. Major Slam was 4th that day and can be a threat as can her stablemate (2) JUNGANG YEOJE. She is the only one of these up in class following a two-length victory over the minimum distance last month. (5) LOVE QUEEN beat (1) VALKYRIE at the minimum last month and both can challenge today.

Selections (6) Albert Vicar (2) Jungang Yeoje (4) Major Slam (1) Valkyrie
Next Best 5, 3
Outsiders 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9

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

(4) DOCHI has shown gradual improvement and could perhaps have won had he not missed the jump at this distance just two weeks ago. Ultimately he was beaten four lengths by a decent winner but with a better start today, can win. (6) IMPASSIONED MARINE enters following back-to-back 3rd place finishes and 3rd is a minimum requirement today while the experienced (8) SAMDA GONGJU should have the beating of plenty. (1) OH MY CAPTAIN and (7) FOREVER VICTORY also look capable in this company.

Selections (4) Dochi (6) Impassioned Marine (1) Oh My Captain (8) Samda Gongju
Next Best 7, 9, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 10
Fast Starters 1, 7

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

(Edited due to withdrawal of (7) Wonil Bulpae) (3) GLORY DAYS was 3rd, beaten 2 lengths by Wonil Bulpae over 1400M on May 6th and he inherits favourite status here. Formerly with the Rice stable (11) KING THE GRAY was a decent 2nd on his first start for his new handler last month and can go well again. (5) SSI F STAR looks best of the rest but we’ll need to keep an eye on (10) CUPID BUWHAL. Kim Young Kwan’s debut-maker was 2nd in his barrier trial and will have backers first-up.

Selections (7) Wonil Bulpae (3) Glory Days (11) King The Gray (10) Cupid Buwhal
Next Best 5, 12, 8, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 4, 6
Fast Starters 3, 12

Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(8) MAD POWER is three-for-three and nicely in here to the extent that it’s hard to back against her keeping her unbeaten run going. (3) PRIVATE DANCER had an unbeaten record to defend when he raced over 1400M on March 20th. He was favourite that day but raced so poorly he was disqualified and banned for two months. He came through a trial last month in fine order though and will be one of the main dangers to Mad Power here. Also a danger is (2) ILMANGMUJE, up in class following a string of good results at class 5; she will join Private Dancer on the early speed. (6) USEUNG BEONJJEOK and (9) BETTER THAN YOU are others to consider.

Selections (8) Mad Power (3) Private Dancer (2) Ilmangmuje (9) Better Than You
Next Best 6, 7, 4
Outsiders 1, 5, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 8

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

A seven-length winner at 1400M, (2) GASOK ENGINE steps up in both class and distance today and while a previous try at a mile did not go well, he should be the favourite among this small but competitive field. (1) MR. KELLY has won at this class at a mile in the past and can improve on a lacklustre run at 1400M in March while (5) BEOLMA SONYEON showed signs of a return to form with a 3rd place at a mile last month, beating (6) JOKWANG and (4) MORNING GANGJA in the process. (3) HANBANDO JEONGBOK and (7) CAP IN ALL both come following 5th places which they can improve on here.

Selections (2) Gasok Engine (1) Mr. Kelly (7) Cap In All (5) Beolma Sonyeon
Next Best 3, 4, 6
Outsiders
Fast Starters 2, 3

Race 10: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 19:00 (KST)

Another competitive race to finish with and (5) READY WHEN YOU ARE is the slight pick to prevail having done well in two starts so far this year and looking ready for another crack at 1400M. He will look to lead all the way. (2) JUNGANG CHAMP beat (6) NOT ANYMORE by a length at a mile last time and both should be in contention here, as should (1) HEUKGANGJA, who has had eight weeks off since being beaten by Not Anymore over a mile in April. (3) POWER BULLET and (4) SEUNGNI WAVE are both up in class with the latter looking by far the more likely to have potential for further improvement. (7) JIBONG SEUNGNI struggled a little first-up following a lengthy layoff last month but can have come on for the run.

Selections (5) Ready When You Are (2) Jungang Champ (6) Not Anymore (1) Heukgangja
Next Best 7, 4, 3
Outsiders 8, 9
Fast Starters 1, 5, 8

Weekend Preview: Trophy Exchange Races / Korea v Japan / Ttukseom Cup

It’s a big weekend of racing in Korea with a host of trophy exchange races at Seoul on Saturday followed by the SBS Korea/Japan Cup and the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday.

Tosen Archer Groom

Japan’s Tosen Archer won the inaugural SBS Korea/Japan Cup in 2013. Three Japanese horses are in Seoul to compete in this year’s edition on Sunday

Here’s what’s happening where and when this weekend:

Friday June 3
Busan Racecourse: 10 race from 12:40 to 19:00 – Full race-by-race preview will be up as usual on Friday morning.

Saturday June 4
Seoul Racecoure: 12 races from 10:50 to 18:00, including three Trophy Exchange races. Brief notes on those and also the Cargill Agri Purina Trophy race below:

Race 8: The Japan Racing Association (JRA) Trophy (Class Open) / 1400M (15:30)

Just eight runners but competitive. (3) TAEYANGWANG, a class 2 winner over 1200M last start is set to be favourite with champion Moon Se Young on board. The in-form (4) BLACK TRAIN along with (6)ALWAYS WINNER look next best.

Selections: (3) Taeyangwang (6) Always Winner (4) Black Train (8) Haerangangja

Race 9: Selangor Turf Club Trophy (Class Open) / 1800M (16:30)

Thirteen fillies & mares will line up here and a good number will be vying for favourite status. (6) SMART TIME has placed in Listed and Stakes company this year already and is the narrow first choice. (11) MENI MONEY was behind her in both races but will challenge again while (4) TOUCH FLYING and (12) THE QUEEN SILVER both enter following class 3 wins at this distance. (8) SIMSIN JIRYEO may also get some backing.

Selections: (6) Smart Time (11) Meni Money (8) Simsin Jiryeo (12) The Queen Silver

Race 10: The TJK (Turkey) Cup (Class Open) / 2000M (17:00)

(1) AREUMDAUNDONGHAENG, a proven class 1 and Listed winner in the past, is set to be favourite here but will face challenges. (8) WINNING ANDY is chief among those while  (10) CINDERELLA MAN makes his first start for Brian Dean. The Aussie trainer has made a remarkable start in very challenging circumstances and the five-year-old gelding must be respected.

Selections: (1) Areumdaundonghaeng (10) Cinderella Man (8) Winning Andy (7) Space Port

Race 11: Cargill Agri Purina Trophy (Class 3) / 1400M / (17:30)

Selections: (3) Fix Time (7) Boeun Yongsa (1) Big Mountain (4) Knighthood

Sunday June 5
Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 13:00 to 17:30

It’s the big day at Seoul. The SBS Korea/Japan Cup will feature three visiting Japanese-trained horses along with some of the best known names in Korea racing such as Gamdonguibada and Choegang Schiller along with up and comer Perdido Pomeroy.

Also at Seoul on Sunday is the Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares. We will have a full runner-by-runner preview of both races posted on Saturday.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

There’s a competitive card of racing at Busan this Friday afternoon. 10 races from 12:40 to 19:00 and English language racecards can be found here.

Here are race by race notes on the overseas simulcast races:

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

Second at this distance at odds in excess of 40/1 last start continuing a trend for improvement in each start so far, (1) BAROGA is the pick to take this. He has been slow away in each of his four races but so long as he is in touch today, he can win. (11) HANNAM DIVA also showed improvement last time and can build on her 3rd place from last month while (3) SAEROUN NA was an encouraging 4th on debut when not fancied at all on April 29th. (2) B.K. ONE and (5) SEORABEOL DOLPUNG are others to watch. (9) FEISTY is a rare debut-maker from Kim Young Kwan’s stable that won’t be very well backed.

Selections (1) Baroga (11) Hannam Diva (3) Saeroun Na (2) B.K. One
Next Best 5, 9, 10, 4
Outsiders 6, 7, 8
Fast Starters 2, 7

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

We’ve a whole host of debut-makers in this maiden race but the favourites are going to be the ones with prior racing experience. (8) VICAR HOPE is the pick, and were it not for having drawn the outside gate on debut with a fast one on her inside, she may well have won. Things should be different today. (9) NORTHERN TRACE beat (1) THE WORLD as they race 2nd and 4th over this distance on April 29th; both can go well here with the former once more preferred. (3) JUNGANG YOJEONG was a well beaten 2nd on debut the same day at 1000M. Unfashionable jockey but the extra furlong may be to his advantage. Of the debut-makers, (7) FIGHTER REAT was the fastest in trials although trainer Bart Rice is flying at the moment so (6) MAJESTIC BEAUTY may also be considered.

Selections (8) Vicar Hope (9) Northern Trace (3) Jungang Yojeong (7) Fighter Reat
Next Best 6, 1, 5, 4
Outsiders 2, 10
Fast Starters 8, 9

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:00 (KST)

One of these is going to finally make the breakthrough today and it looks a nicely open contest. (10) FREE RUNNING looks slight favourite after finishing strongly for 2nd at this distance a month ago beating a couple of these in the process. Both (12) FERNANDO and (4) NOBLE WARRIOR have also beaten plenty of these and both will be looking to build on the 3rd places they achieved on their respective last starts. (2) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK may not be winning but is capable of finding the money here while (1) TEXAS RUSH was 4th behind Free Running last start and can go well again.

Selections (10) Free Running (4) Noble Warrior (12) Fernando (1) Texas Rush
Next Best 2, 5, 9, 8
Outsiders 3, 6, 7, 11
Fast Starters 1, 5

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(1) BLACK SAPPHIRE is up in class following her maiden win on her second start earlier this month and looks nicely in here to follow-up. It will be tougher for (3) JUNGANG DAERO, who is also up in class after winning for the first time. He’s back from four months off but can be competitive. (4) SUNGANUI BEOPCHIK looks the main danger, narrowly beaten a nose last time and surely with a win in him at this level. (5) GANGHO IRON is yet to win in seventeen but is capable of finding the money with (6) RUN STAR the other one to look out for.

Selections (1) Black Sapphire (4) Sunganui Beopchik (3) Jungang Daero (6) Run Star
Next Best 5, 2
Outsiders 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 10

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

(11) YEONGTO DAEWANG was a six-length winner on debut on April 29th. She’s up in both class and distance but has every chance of making all once more in this all-filly affair. Main danger is (1) DAEHO GANGJA, second in a slow but competitive race at class and distance earlier this month. (9) HANNAM ROOKIE actually beat Daeho Gangja in April and can be considered while (5) UNFLAGGING HEART and (8) ROAN SANTOS look next best.

Selections (11) Yeongto Daewang (1) Daeho Gangja (5) Unflagging Heart (9) Hannam Rookie
Next Best 8, 10
Outsiders 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 4, 10, 11

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

(10) I ONE was a winner on debut on April 3rd and while he goes an extra half furlong today that should only be to his advantage and he should win this. Most likely to take him down is either the domestic-bred filly (9) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM, who is up in class following a number of near misses or (7) MABEE FLASHY, who was 2nd at 1400M, beating a number of these in the process, earlier this month. (1) AMAZING DAEJI is yet to score in twenty and probably won’t here but can compete for the places as can (12) TOUGH COUNTRY.

Selections (10) I One (9) Kwaehan Myeongpum (7) Mabee Flashy (1) Amazing Daeji
Next Best 12, 3, 11, 4,
Outsiders 2, 5, 6, 8
Fast Starters 1, 6, 9

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

(3) EOROK is up in class following back to back victories but while she should be competitive here, she won’t be favourite to complete her hat-trick. That will most likely be (6) FIVE VICTORS who needs to snap a streak of four consecutive 2nd places. Those have all been behind pretty decent horses though – he hasn’t started any of those races as favourite – and this looks his best chance of getting back in the winner’s circle. (7) JIBONG JILJU drops back in distance and can go well with (2) TURBO ENERGY and (4) WINNING NUMBER the others in strong contention.

Selections (6) Five Victors (3) Eorok (2) Turbo Energy (7) Jibong Jilju
Next Best 4, 10, 8, 1
Outsiders 5, 9
Fast Starters 4, 7

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

(1) IN THE BACK has finished no worse than 2nd in each of his last nine starts and while up in class and in distance today following victory at a mile, he can keep that run going. Also up in class and also in contention is (3) MORNING DAERO. He too won at a mile last time and he too tries two turns for the first time and looks to have strong claims. The one they need to beat is (6) RISING BRAVO. A class and distance winner on April 22nd, he beat four of these in the process and there’s no reason why he can’t follow up. Those three look above the rest with (8) FURIOUS PARK and (9) ROYAL IMPACT perhaps most likely among the others.

Selections (3) Morning Daero (1) In The Back (6) Rising Bravo (8) Furious Park
Next Best 9, 2, 12, 4
Outsiders 5, 7, 10, 11
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 7, 12

Race 10: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(4) DAEJONGCHEON is still yet to win but comes in following five consecutive 2nd place finishes. He was beaten five-lengths last start by a good winner who has gone on to win again and there is a chance he can finally get it right today. It won’t be easy though and 2nd is a real possibility once more. (1) FURIOUS RUNNER is up in class and distance following a good win at 1200M three weeks ago while (3) BAEKDU was a solid 2nd at class and distance, ahead of a couple of these a month ago and has claims to go one better. (11) IRON TRAIN is another up in class having won at 1800M last month and also holds a win at this distance as does (12) GIANT HOLD. He was 4th behind Daejongcheon last time but the stable is in form and he should go well.

Selections (4) Daejongcheon (1) Furious Runner (12) Giant Hold (3) Baekdu
Next Best 11, 2, 5, 6
Outsiders 7, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 4, 6

Seoul & Busan Sunday Race-By-Race Preview

It’s a big Sunday of racing in Korea. No Stakes action but plenty going on and some big names will be taking to the track. Triple Nine heads the line-up for the feature race at Busan while Wonder Bolt races at Seoul.

Magic Party Park Tae Jong

Park Tae Jong (seen here a few years ago) rode his 2000th winner yesterday. He ended the day on 2001 and could get more today

There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:00. English racecards can be found here. Notes on races which will be simulcasted overseas are below:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 20 Million / 13:00 (KST)

The Kim Young Kwan trained (8) KKOKDAEGI debuts in weak company here and will be expected to make a winning start. He trialed well last week behind a stablemate who won at Busan on Friday and should have too much for this limited set of opposition. (1) OH DAEBAK and (9) BEATBOX look the least bad of the others and could push the favourite close with (5) TAKE AGAIN and (6) BUGYEONG DOLPUNG capable of finding the minor money.

Selections (8) Kkokdaegi (1) Oh Daebak (9) Beatbox (5) Take Again
Next Best 6, 4, 3, 7
Outsiders 2, 10, 11, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

A six-length winner over 1200M on April 24th, (7) KATIE STAR is strongly favoured to follow up here. She made all that day and has every chance of doing so again. (3) GAENARI showed promise in four starts last year and returns to the track for the first time in six month having looked good winning a trial last month and looks to be the main danger along with (8) TIZ KING. He was beaten by Katie Star last time but can be given another chance here. Both the debut-makers (4) BIG ENTRY and (9) LOST IN DRAMA looked good in trials and have chances here with the latter slightly favoured.

Selections (7) Katie Star (3) Gaenari (9) Lost In Drama (8) Tiz King
Next Best 4, 11, 1, 5
Outsiders 2, 6, 10, 12
Fast Starters 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(7) PRETTY BOY has come close in two starts at this level so far and looks nicely in to claim his second win here. He’ll be on the early speed and can make all. There are plenty of dangers though. (8) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG was a narrowly beaten 2nd last start at 1300M and should appreciate the extra half furlong. (1) TWO KAY is up in class following his maiden win last start and will go to the front early. (3) IN BORN CHAMP is another up in class following his maiden and can be considered while (9) BEST QUEEN is the other to look out for.

Selections (7) Pretty Boy (8) Gwangyang Dolpung (3) In Born Champ (1) Two Kay
Next Best 9, 5, 4, 12
Outsiders 2, 6, 10, 11
Fast Starters 1, 3, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (2) HANEOLUI JILJU was a class and distance winner by a neck three weeks ago and he’s the pick to strike again. He has a fast start and the others will need to come past him. If any do, the most likely is (8) AREUMDAUN KKUM, who is yet to win but is up in class following a 3rd and two 2nd places from three starts and looks to have potential. (4) BLUE CAT disappointed when favourite at 1400M three weeks ago but she should be better at 1200M today and the Bart Rice stable is bang in-form right now. (6) GANGJA DAERO and (7) PERFECT HUMOR may contest for places.

Selections (2) Haneolui Jilju (4) Blue Cat (8) Areumdaun Kkum (6) Gangja Daero
Next Best 7, 5
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Quite a competitive race this but having been 2nd at class and distance last month, (5) GOLD MUSIC is the pick to go one better this time. He led for most of that race, getting caught close to the line but should get the job done here. (6) HOMERUN MAKER was 2nd in a weak race at the beginning of April and comes in here after seven weeks off. She’ll contest the lead early. (9) GEUMGANGJEGUK enters following back to back 3rds and can match or better. (4) CHARISMA QUEEN and (10) MY HAPPY should both be better back down in distance today.

Selections (5) Gold Music (6) Homerun Maker (9) Geumgangjeguk (4) Charisma Queen
Next Best 10, 1, 2, 7
Outsiders 3, 8
Fast Starters 5, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20 (KST)

(1) NO SMALL KOREA was 3rd on debut last month and will be favoured to make the breakthrough today. She didn’t get off to an especially good start in that race but expect her to be on the early speed here. (6) COTTINPICKINGOOD also looks to have a win in him. He was stepped up to 1800M last month and was beaten by, among others (5) QUEEN ELEGANCE. Both can be competitive today. An unexpected winner over 1300M last time, (9) PARTYINTHEDESERT can be respected but will have to improve here. (2) SWEET MYEONGUN and (7) GOLD SKY look best of the rest of a competitive field.

Selections (1) No Small Korea (6) Cottinpickingood (5) Queen Elegance (7) Gold Sky
Next Best 2, 9, 11, 10, 12, 3, 4, 8
Outsiders
Fast Starters 1, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(1) SUPER STORM was 3rd in a strong race at class and distance on April 1st and comes in here ready to win. He was passed in the closing stages by two decent horses in that race and will go forward again. There is a lot of early speed here and a couple of the other fancied ones will be on it. They include (2) SMILE QUEEN and (4) TANK POWER, the latter of whom beat four of these when finishing 4th at 1400M on April 24th. Smile Queen last start was beaten by (8) GANGHO DRIVE and that one, along with (10) MACHU PICCHU look to be the ones to follow if the winner is to come from behind the early front-runners.

Selections (1) Super Storm (2) Smile Queen (4) Tank Power (8) Gangho Drive
Next Best 10, 5, 7, 12
Outsiders 3, 6, 9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

Any number of these have claims but we’ll make (4) HWANGGEUM SESANG the slight favourite. He was a well beaten 2nd by a good winner at class and distance last start six weeks ago but he is joint-top-rated for a reason and comes in here in the most consistent form. (2) JANGSAN TAEYANG was 2nd over class and distance in February and was a solid 5th over 1800M a month ago and should be competitive here while (3) HONGNAM BULPAE was poor behind Hwanggeum Sesang last time but can be given another chance here. (6) BIG FIVE steps up to two turns for the first time and is likely to try to lead from the gate while (7) READY KHAN races for the first time since victory at 1800M in January and may be considered.

Selections (4) Hwanggeum Sesang (6) Big Five (2) Jangsan Taeyang (7) Ready Khan
Next Best 3, 9, 10
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(10) TRIPLE NINE was last year’s Horse of the Year and is two for two in 2016 beating four of his rivals here twice already. He will be favourite for this and is the best horse and while he should win, there are dangers. (3) DORAON HYEONPYO has yet to show that he can really beat the best but he will look to set the pace here and should be at least 2nd. The ever-reliable mare (6) HEBA is one of those beaten twice by Triple Nine this year but will be close again while (2) DARKEST NIGHT has shown the best form of his career this year. (8) DIFERENT DIMENSION is up in class following a four-length win over 1800M a month ago and accordingly is very nicely in the weights here.

Selections (10) Triple Nine (8) Diferent Dimension (3) Doraon Hyeonpyo (6) Heba
Next Best 2, 4, 12, 1
Outsiders 5, 7, 9, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 8, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(7) WONDER BOLT was a four-length winner over 1200M at the beginning of April but is equally capable at 1800 and should come from just behind the early pace to win this. He has a capable apprentice jockey on board. (8) DYNAMIC JILJU and (9) SOTONG SIDAE are the main dangers although (10) BADA JILJU scored a good win at class and distance three weeks ago, albeit in slightly weaker company, and can be considered. (6) UNBEATABLE is anything but unbeatable but is generally capable of finding the money.

Selections (7) Wonder Bolt (9) Sotong Sidae (8) Dynamic Jilju (6) Unbeatable
Next Best 10, 3, 11, 12, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 5
Fast Starters 2, 3

Seoul Race 11: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Another competitive race to end with. (5) QUEEN CREEK CAT is up in class after back to back wins at this distance and is the likely favourite. She will try to make all from the gate. Also on the early speed will be (10) YAHO SKY CAT. His two starts so far this year have been in a Listed and Graded race and while they didn’t go well, the company should be much more amenable today. (11) A.P. STAR beat a couple of these when 3rd at class and distance a month ago and can go well again while (3) S ROSE and (6) JANGSANJEWANG are the others to consider. The latter is trained by former Singapore trainer Brian Dean.

Selections (6) Jangsanjewang (5) Queen Creek Cat (10) Yaho Sky Cat (3) S Rose
Next Best 11, 12, 7, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 10

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

All of a sudden we’ve had an early blast of summer on the Korean peninsula this week with temperatures above 30C for the first time this year. There is racing at Seoul on Saturday and Sunday but the action gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon.

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

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

An all-filly affair first-up and (2) PANGPANG LEGEND beat three of these when finishing 2nd in a very similar race on April 22nd and is the pick to go one better this time. Returning for the first time in six months, (4) SUPERNOVA IJI looks to be the main danger while debut-maker (6) SUPER BLADE also looks worth considering. Both came through recent trials in good order. (3) TIME CASTLE, beaten by Pangpang Legend last time and (11) HAEGA TTEUNDA, look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Pangpang Legend (4) Supernova Iji (6) Super Blade (11) Haega Tteunda
Next Best 3, 5, 10, 12
Outsiders 1, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 4, 11, 12

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

(1) BAEDARI GOSU showed good development in coming 3rd over 1200M on April 29th. She’ll be away slowly but has a strong finish and should appreciate the extra half furlong. She’s the pick. (4) SILENT LAGO and (11) RAON BENTREE have both come close in recent starts and both should do so again. Debut-maker (6) ATHENS showed promise in a trial at the end of last month and this modest company shouldn’t be too intimidating first up – he is from the Kim Young Kwan stable so he will be backed. (9) TAMNA CHEONHA was an improved 3rd last time out and can match that today.

Selections (1) Baedari Gosu (4) Silent Lago (6) Athens (11) Raon Bentree
Next Best 9, 2, 8, 7
Outsiders 3, 5, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 5

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(5) INDIAN CHIEF is up in class following his maiden win on his fourth start on April 1st. He’ll go to the front from the gate and has claims once more. He may not be favourite though. (6) SMART MARINE is yet to win but was a very solid 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on April 29th and will be well-backed to make the breakthrough. He beat (2) DOCHI by four-lengths that day and that one can also improve while the two “Blues”, (1) RAON BLUE and the experienced (9) MISS BLUE are both likely to be on the early speed and are more than capable at this level.

Selections (5) Indian Chief (6) Smart Marine (2) Dochi (1) Raon Blue
Next Best 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(6) WISH ME LUCK beat no less than six of these at class and distance on April 15th and can be backed to beat them again. He was 3rd that day and can go even better this time. (8) EUNHA and (5) OCEAN LINE were the two who came closest to him; the latter has gone on to record a 2nd place since and both can be considered here. (4) MR. SPENDING comes in following three consecutive 4th place finishes and should benefit from trying this distance for the first time as indeed should (9) WARRIOR KING. On the other hand, (10) GARAK GONGWON, who finally got his maiden win at the 32nd attempt three weeks ago may not appreciate the extra furlong.

Selections (6) Wish Me Luck (4) Mr. Spending (8) Eunha (5) Ocean Line
Next Best 9, 10, 12, 3, 11
Outsiders 1, 2, 7
Fast Starters 1, 7

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

This lot don’t have a huge amount of form against each other but (7) GYERIMUI JILJU beat (4) HOPPANG as the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over 1300M on April 24th and both will be among the top fancies here. (6) NURI BULPAE is a domestic class 4 winner and while he has slightly disappointed in his last two starts, he’s not been too far away and can be given another chance. Kim Young Kwan’s (5) DYNAMIC TANK was 4th on his two starts last summer and finally returns having looked sharp in a trial last weekend. (11) HWANHUIUI BYEOL went too fast too early on his first try at this class last month but back at 1200M today, can go better.

Selections (6) Nuri Bulpae (5) Dynamic Tank (4) Hoppang (7) Gyerimui Jilju
Next Best 11, 8, 12, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 9, 10
Fast Starters 4, 5, 11

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

Another competitive race with a couple of standouts. Gyeongbudaero’s half-brother (2) WONIL ROOKIE has won twice in three starts since returning from eight months and will look to lead from gate to wire here. He has every chance. The main danger is (5) MAGIC LINE, 2nd on his first try at this class last month and nicely in here. (1) SINSEGYE also comes in following a 2nd place last start and should be close again while (7) CHEONHA TONGIL and the up in class (9) KKEUTPAN JILJU are others to look out for.

Selections (2) Wonil Rookie (5) Magic Line (1) Sinsegye (7) Cheonha Tongil
Next Best 9, 10
Outsiders 3, 4, 6, 8
Fast Starters 2, 7, 10

Race 8: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(3) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR was 3rd on his return from almost nine months out two weeks ago and back up to a mile today, he looks the one to beat. (9) SINCHEON YEOMANG has beaten plenty of these recently and should improve on back to back third-place finishes. His recent form is similar to that of (7) JANGGUNBONG, who will look to lead from the gate and should also be competitive. (4) GLOBAL KING and (6) KKEUTPANNYEOWANG are the others to consider.

Selections (3) Sangseung Junior (9) Sincheon Yeomang (7) Janggungbong (4) Global King
Next Best 6, 1
Outsiders 2, 5, 8
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7

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

(5) SAENGIL GIPPEUM is up in class following three straight wins, the most recent being facile triumphs over this distance and he can make it four in a row here. He will try to make all. The main danger is (8) DONGBANG DAERO, who also won twice at this distance at class 3 and was 2nd on his first try at this level five weeks ago, beating (2) WILD BURNING and (9) GHOST BLONDE, both of whom themselves will be fancied to find at least the minor money. The other one to look out for is also up in class. That’s (4) MAIN STAY, just beaten a nose at this distance in a really quick race in March and who comes in fresh after two months off.

Selections (5) Saengil Gippeum (8) Dongbang Daero (4) Main Stay (2) Wild Burning
Next Best 9, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 6, 10
Fast Starters 4, 5

Race 10: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Two stand out here and both are up in class. (4) FIRST MAGICAL was a ten-length winner on debut over 1200M last month and will be well-backed to make it two out of two here. He is one of a number who will look to lead from gate. (10) USEUNG LINE is the big danger. He has won two from three so far, last time at class and distance. Those two look significantly superior to the rest but if they are to disappoint then (5) ILLYUCHEON and (2) TARIAT TALE, 3rd and 4th at this class over a mile last time look the ones to take advantage. (3) WINNING HUMOR was beaten ten lengths by First Magical last time but also finds himself up in class today. He should beat a few.

Selections (4) First Magical (10) Useung Line (2) Tariat Tale (5) Illyucheon
Next Best 3, 7, 11, 9
Outsiders 1, 6, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 7, 9

Derby Sunday Race Notes

It’s one of the biggest days of racing of the year; Korean Derby day! There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30.

Yeongcheon Ace 2

Yeongcheon Ace won last year’s Derby (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English Racecards are available here. Full preview of the Derby here. Three races from Seoul, including the Derby, will be shown on Sky Racing 2 in Australia. Here are notes on them:

Race 7: Class 2 “The Sports Kyunghyang Cup” / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 15:05 (KST)

(5) BLACK TRAIN has a knack of finding one or two too quick but he is a strong finisher and is slightly favoured to come from off the early speed to claim what would be his first win since last August. (10) DORGON defeated both Black Train and (7) SIMSIN JIRYEO when the three of them met in February and should be respected, however, the main danger looks to be (8) JINGYEOGUI GEOJANG. Unlike many of these, he is still on the way up and while the Aussie bred colt struggled on his first try at 1800M last month, he should be much happier back in a one-turn race today. He’ll look to lead early. (2) ILGI DANGCHEON and (11) SEUNGNIYEOJE look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Black Train (8) Jingyeogui Geojang (7) Simsin Jiryeo (10) Dorgon
Next Best 2, 11, 3, 9
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 1 – “China Horse Industry Association Trophy” / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 15:55 (KST)

(10) LUCKY LIGHT beat five of these when running 2nd over this distance on April 3rd and he looks to be the one to beat here. He is a fast starter and will look to lead straight from the gate. Among those he beat last time, (7) CHEONMANG got the closest to him and that one can also be considered for improvement today, however, it’s likely to be (9) SEONBONG who punters consider the greater threat. His 2016 hasn’t really got going yet but he is a very solid sprinter and he can come from just behind the speed here. (12) BRIG has the outside gate to deal with but like Seonbong, will likely be content to avoid the cavalry charge to the corner and will still have plenty of backers. (5) MAGIC DANCER has perhaps seen better days but remains a threat.

Selections (10) Lucky Light (12) Brig (9) Seonbong (5) Magic Dancer
Next Best 7, 8, 2, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11

Race 9: Class Open – The Korean Derby / 1800M / Allowance / KRW 700 Million / 17:00 (KST)

SEE HERE FOR A FULL RUNNER BY RUNNER PREVIEW

(12) POWER BLADE won the 1st leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile, last month by a facile four-lengths and will be strong favourite to add the second jewel today. He has drawn gate 12 but that won’t matter as his style is to be away patiently and then improve in the back straight. On all form, he looks the best. It’s wide open behind though. (3) STEALTH and (4) ZETTABYTE ran 3rd and 4th in the Cup Mile with the former slightly favoured again at the extra distance today. (1) BANJIUI JEWANG ran poorly in the Cup Mile but performed well at Seoul in the Breeders’ Cup last year and can be given another chance. The biggest threat to Power Blade though may come from his own stablemate. (13) WORLD CHAMPION didn’t get to the Cup Mile but comes to Seoul after four consecutive victories, the most recent of which was a gate-to-wire romp at this distance. He’ll get forward early and the favourite will have to come past him. (9) GONGRYONG and (10) WINNERS GLORY look to be Seoul’s best chances while (7) EVER IN EVER and (14) TOHAMSAN look decent outside bets. Another longshot angle is that (6) SISEON POCHAK has been moved to a new trainer specifically so that he can take part in this race (trainers and owners may not enter any more than two horses in the same race – he was with Power Blade and World Champion).

Selections (12) Power Blade (13) World Champion (10) Winner’s Glory (1) Banjiui Jewang
Next Best 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters 1, 10, 13, 14

The Korean Derby 2016: Runner-By-Runner

The second leg of the 2016 Korean Triple Crown takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Fifteen horses will line up for the 19th running of the Korean Derby. The winner of the first jewel in the crown, Power Blade heads the field and will be the strong favourite.

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KRA Cup Mile winner Power Blade will be strong favourite for the Derby

In all, there are eleven who have travelled up from Busan with just four from the capital competing. There are no fillies taking part as Ottug Ottugi, who was 2nd in the Cup Mile, is pointed to the Oaks in order to allow stablemate World Champion to take his chance here.

While Saturday was a warm, sunny day in Seoul, rain is forecast for Derby day. The race will be broadcast live in Australia on Sky Racing 2. Here is a full preview of each runner (Name [Pedigree] (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey):

The 19th Korean Derby (KOR GI) – Seoul Racecourse – 1800M – May 15, 2016 (17:00)

1. Banjiui Jewang [Ecton Park – Sweetoil (Broken Vow)] (6/4/1/0) PM Wolsley – Lee Hee Cheon
Disappointed in the Cup Mile ending up in 7th. He was 2nd to Power Blade in the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul last November. Those are his only two defeats so far. Her should get the distance and he should certainly get another chance here. That Cup Mile performance raised questions but he can go better and can place.

2. Cheonji Storm [Admire Don – Great Thought (Empire Maker)] (6/3/1/1) DK Kim – Ham Wan Sik
He was 3rd on his first try around two turns on his last start, beaten by the kind of horses you need to beat if you are going to win a Derby and he was well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and is likely to go forward from the gate, but he will be an outsider.

3. Stealth [Colors Flying – Missed The Tower] (9/4/0/2) SY Lee – Ikuyasu Kurakane
Comes into contention haign scored a very good 3rd in the Cup Mile, six lengths behind Power Blade and ahead of five of his rivals here. Tries the distance for the first time but that should be ok. He will be given a patient ride and can finish well.

4. Zettabyte [Menifee – Fight Back (Sakura Seeking)] (8/3/2/1) KM Lim – Lim Sung Sil
He was 4th in the Cup Mile, a length and a half behind Stealth having previously made all to win at that distance at class 4 in February. The extra distance may be a slight concern but he should be prominent early and could find the money.

5. Saeroun Stealth [Colors Flying – Captive (Mutakddim)] (5/2/1/1) SY Lee – Makoto Okabe
One of the lesser known quantities of the race, he is yet to compete at higher than class 5, at which he won over 1400M last month. Definite question marks over the distance and his ability to compete in such company make him an outsider. Shares an owner and trainer with Stealth.

6. Siseon Pochak [Colors Flying – Myeongseo Gongju (Carry The Flag)] (12/3/4/3) JK Min – Paolo Aragoni
Formerly with Kim Young Kwan, he was moved to a new trainer specifically so he could compete in this race with Kim already sending the maximum allowed number of two. He was a class 4 winner by a neck at this distance just three weeks ago and makes for an interesting outsider. One of only three to race at this distance already, he most likely settles behind the early leaders.

7. Ever In Ever (Sharp Humor – Habidongju (Silent Warrior)] (7/3/2/1) KY Baik – Yonekura Satoshi
Fifth in the Cup Mile having been sent off fifth in the betting. He beat Siseon Pochak over a mile in March but so far hasn’t shown enough to warrant being well fancied here. Settles in midfield and can be competitive but is an outsider. Good opportunity though for Japanese jockey Satoshi.

8. V Man [Volponi – Katemba (Faltaat)] (12/2/2/2) KH Choi – Lee Yong Ho
Another of the Busan outsiders, he was a class 5 winner at a mile in March and was then 3rd to Tohamsan at the same distance last month. He’ll not go forward and could pass some late on but there is little to suggest he can compete for the money.

9. Gongryong [Revere – Parisilton (Woodman)] (8/4/1/0) DS Bae – Moon Se Young
He was considered Seoul’s best hope for the Cup Mile but failed to deliver last month. He came from right off the pace to win at 1700M the time before that and he will probably go to the back of the field here and try to close. He should pass plenty and he will have some supporters.

10. Winners Glory [Strike Again – Luck And Fame (Western Fame)] (6/4/1/1) ST Shim – Kim Dong Soo
Third in the Breeders’ Cup race last November, he skipped the Cup Mile having been a seven-length winner over 1700M at the beginning of March. He has had a full ten weeks off since then, he will look to lead early and if he gets to the front, he could go very well.

11. Theme Deunggeuk [Menifee – Pilseung Giwon (Silent Warrior)] (8/2/3/1) JK Park – Park Eul Woon
He was a longshot in the Cup mile and did reasonably well; his 6th place making him Seoul’s best placed finisher. However, despite that, there is little to suggest he will be any more fancied today and another creditable run would suffice.

12. Power Blade [Menifee – Cheonmachong (Lost Mountain)] (7/5/2/0) YK Kim – Kim Yong Geun
The favourite. He easily won the Breeders’ Cup and KRA Cup Mile and has also won at class 3 over this distance. On form and achievement to date, it isn’t a question of whether he wins but how far he wins by. There are 14 others in the race though, anything can happen, but he is hard to oppose. He settles midway down the field, improves in the back straight, goes forward around the final turn and then runs away from them to the line.

13. World Champion [Didyme – Ascend The Throne (Silver Charm)] (7/5/2/0) YK Kim – Pasquale Borelli
Betting on Kim Young Kwan’s 2nd string is never a bad idea especially in a race where the trainer could have fielded five if he was allowed. If Power Blade is to be defeated, it would be no surprise if this was the one to do it. He comes in having won at class 3 over this distance last month, making all and will look to lead here. If and when Power Blade comes alongside, it could be interesting.

14. Tohamsan [Kwaedo Nanma – Bernice (Yankee Victor)] (5/4/0/0) KY Baik – Seo Seung Un
A bit of a wildcard, he was won three in a row very smartly indeed, beating V Man by ten lengths last month over 1400M. The distance is obviously a question mark but he can give a good account of himself. Satblemate of Ever In Ever

15. Seungniui Chukje [Captain Coltish – Call Again (Mr. Greely)] (3/1/1/0) SJ Kwon – Lee Sung Jae
The one with the least number of starts and the lowest rating. A visually impressive win against nothing much over 1000M in March which showed he has speed aside, there isn’t much to recommend.

Selections: 12, 13, 10, 1
Next Best: 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders: 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters: 1, 10, 13, 14