While most talk within Korean racing circles has been about whether Oasis Blue will become the first horse since Power Blade to sweep all three legs of the Triple Crown next month, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday VINCERO CAVALLO swept to Sprint Series glory with victory in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2), adding to his earlier wins in Busan Ilbo Sprint and SBS Sports Sprint.He will now target September’s international Korea Sprint.
Three and easy. Vincero Cavallo and Jo Jae-ro win the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (Pic: KRA)
The manner of his victories in the two preceding legs of the Sprint Series meant that Vincero Cavallo was sent off as a 1.5 favourite despite facing thirteen rivals on a fine Sunday Spring afternoon. Coming off the Queens’ Tour following back-to-back runner-up finishes, filly CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off second in the market, with BLACK MAMBA, 3rd in both the Busan Ilbo and in the SBS the next best.
As expected, Crown Hamseong was the quickest out of the gate and set the pace while Vincero Cavallo, not a front-runner by any means, was slightly further back than forecasted, racing in the rear-division as the field exited the back straight.
Having improved to 5th on the turn, jockey Jo Jae-ro brought his mount off the rail and with clear track in front of them, Vincero Cavallo set about reeling his rivals in, passing first Fantastic Kingdom, before accounting for Super Finish and I’m Jjang. Crown Hamseong held firm but Vincero Cavallo was relentless, passing her with just thirty metres to go but opening up a margin of almost a length on the line.
“When he started slowly and went to the back, I was a little concerned” winning trainer Seo In-seok told in house broadcaster KRBC. “But I trusted him and Jo Jae-ro and they did well.”
Vincero Cavallo is a four-year-old colt by Cowboy Cal and out of City Lass (by City Zip). He made a solid start to his career winning four of his first twelve but came to prominence running 6th of fifteen in last September’s International G3 Korea Sprint when still only possessing a class 2 rating. He’s not looked back, winning six of eight subsequent starts.
As for what’s next, trainer Seo was emphatic. “There is one goal – The Korea Sprint.”
The big race against the internationals is at Seoul on Sunday September 7 and Vincero Cavallo is head and shoulders the best local hope. Next week it is the turn of the big local hope for the Korea Cup, Global Hit, to appear. He will make a rare outing at his home track of Busan as the Stayer Series concludes with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M Kor-G2)
The Sprint Series concludes at Seoul on Sunday with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) when Vincero Cavallo will seek to complete a clean sweep of the series, having already taken out the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, which also includes the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Vincero Cavallo (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Small but competitive field in the opener. (7) STUNNING WORLD was a solid 3rd last time out over 1200M on April 6th, racing handy. She also has a 2nd place on her record. She comes up to the 1300M for the first time and she can win. (2) TEUKGEUP PARTY also has a runner-up finish to her name, which she achieved on debut at the end of December. She has since run 5th in back-to-back outings and from a good draw here can lead and be in this a long. (6) HWANGGEUM MASK got his best finish of 3rd at this distance and on his latest couple of outings, both ending in 4th, has to rate as a chance. (5) WILD HAPPY and (4) PROOF others who could have a say in the minors.
Selections
(7) Stunning World (2) Teukgeup Party (6) Hwanggeum Mask (5) Wild Happy
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) WILD WHIZ ran once last summer for 3rd place at 1000M. He hasn’t been seen since, but he trialed well in mid-April under Moon Se-young, coming from off the pace and finishing well. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (4) PINE PINK also ran just the once last year, in her case a 4th place in December. She offered fewer clues in her trial at the start of this month but from a good draw, if she brings that form she showed before, she can be in this. (7) TIGER K has mixed his form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him in this. (6) SOMETHING DARK and (3) AMENO are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Wild Whiz (4) Pine Pink (7) Tiger K (6) Something Dark
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) GHOST CHRYSOL was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 30th when racing handy throughout. He carries a similar weight, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and a similar effort should be sufficient to win this. (3) TTOSUNI SEOUL stepped up to 1700M last time out and came from off the pace to run a decent 3rd. She should have benefitted from that experience and can be a danger here. (10) CHAMPIONS FIELD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. Plenty of others have hinted at ability too with (8) EUNPA SWEET and (7) TEN KOREA perhaps the most likely to challenge for the places.
Selections
(11) Ghost Chrysol (3) Ttosuni Seoul (10) Champions Field (8) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) ONEULISUNGAN was a winner at this class and distance two starts back before running 4th in a competitive Trophy race over a mile on April 13th. He carries 3kg more than his winning mark but is one for one at the trip and five from ten in total and he can win again here. Both of (8) SOLEDAD’s wins came at this trip and she enters in consistent form, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place in another April 13th Trophy race, in her case over 1800M. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and is a danger. (2) SPECIAL WIND won over this trip at class 4 level in February and hinted at getting to grips with this class when 5th on April 4th. He draws nicely and under a light weight can be backed on a place line (4) DANGDAE STAR and (6) MORPHEUS others who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(9) Oneulisungan (8) Soledad (2) Special Wind (4) Dangdae Star
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only. (8) DONKEY PLAY was a winner at this class and distance in a similar all-filly affair on April 19th when settling midfield and running on. That was her maiden win, but the manner of it was strong and while she carries an additional 3kg, there is little to fear here. (10) LALA GIRL remains a maiden but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and this distance. In doing so, she posted a quicker time than any of these for the 1300M (albeit on a wet track) and she can measure up. Seo Seung-un is in town to ride Black Mamba in the big race later and he picks up the ride on (6) WONDERFUL PASS. Another non-winner, she comes in off a smart 4th at this class over 1200M and can go close. (11) LUCKY DAY and (9) KOTAP others to consider.
Selections
(8) Donkey Play (10) Lala Girl (6) Wonderful Pass (11) Lucky Day
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and it’s not a strong field so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker. That’s (6) MAGIC SHOW, a Federalist filly who looked good in her trial, showing handy and finishing in 3rd place in a fair time. If she can have some natural improvement from that then she has as good a chance as any. (7) GOLDEN CARD enters off an improved 3rd place over 1400M on April 18th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In the absence of much early speed, she may well be the early leader and can be in this a long way. (2) SEONGSIL WORLD came from well back to run 4th at start number two on April 4th. Third-up she should still have scope for improvement. (8) WINNERS ROOKIE and (1) HIT WINNER others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(6) Magic Show (7) Golden Card (2) Seongsil World (8) Winners Rookie
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) GWANAKSAN JOY has four top four finishes from five starts so far, only missing out on her latest when on March 1st when drawn wide at this distance. She comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and her body of work prior to that is enough to put her on top here. After winning a trial, (8) LUCKY A ONE was a fair 5th on debut at this distance on April 12th. She should have come on for that run and can be closer this time. (9) ISEUL CHEOREOM has been unspectacular but consistent across her five appearances with a best of 2nd at this distance. She has shown on pace and has run on from behind so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can challenge here. (11) RAON THE BELMONT and (3) JISAN FRIEND are others to consider.
Selections
(6) Gwanaksan Joy (8) Lucky A One (9) Iseul Cheoreom (11) Raon The Belmont
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) HYEOKMYEONGUIJILJU has made steady progress across five starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish on what was her first try at this distance on April 5th. From a good draw, she can be on or close to the speed here and she is favoured to go one better. The rest of the form is not impressive although (5) HERO CHOICE seems to be figuring things out with a 3rd, a 4th and a 5th from his latest three. His times haven’t been quick, but he won’t need to improve much to be in the place hunt here. (11) YEONGWON POTEN is still a maiden after fourteen attempts but has plenty if top five finishes and this is the kind of race in which she can pick up a check. (3) CUPID K and (1) YOUNGDONG SINHWA other possibles for the minors.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) BEOLGYO LAVA got her maiden win at 1200M three starts back and has since run 3rd and 2nd in two tries at this class, racing handy both times. She draws nicely to sit behind the speed here and her finish could prove too strong. To do that, she will need to beat the probable favourite (9) RYAN HEART. He got his maiden win over 1200M at start three in March when leading all the way and then ran 2nd when trying to repeat on his first try at this class on April 13th. He draws a touch wider than ideal but if he gets to the front, he will take some passing. (1) SEOUL BINGO was 3rd to Ryan Heart’s 2nd at this class and distance on April 13th and from a great draw can be on pace again. (6) WHITE CARLA and (4) QUEEN ABIGAIL are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Beolgyo Lava (9) Ryan Heart (1) Seoul Bingo (6) White Carla
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) LEGEND WOW was a winner on debut and has since held his own in three outings at this class, most recently a 4th place over this distance from a wide draw on April 13th. From today’s draw he should be much further forward much earlier, and he is the one to beat. (6) HANEUL GAMDONG similarly had a wide draw for his first try at this class on April 20th and was accordingly disappointing. From a central gate he should be more comfortable and the manner of his win two starts back suggests another chance is warranted. (1) SEGWANG JILJU comes in off back-to-back 4th places at this class over 1200M and 1300M and under a light weight can be pushing for better here. (9) BYEOKSONG and (3) VICTORY QUEEN the other main place chances.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) LION MAGIC has been consistent across his four starts so far with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times racing handy to the speed. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. That will mean overturning the form on (10) THUNDER PASSION, who came from well off the pace to finish 2nd to Lion Magic’s 3rd on April 20th. That was a big uptick in form at start number three, but he can build on it here. (8) GRAND MORE didn’t show much when favourite on debut but is worth another chance based on his strong trial. There are four debut-makers and of them (6) HAEUNDAE POWER and (1) CHOEGANG LOUIS showed the most in trials and have every chance of going well first up in this company.
Selections
(2) Lion Magic (10) Thunder Passion (8) Grand More (6) Haeundae Power
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After a couple of good trials, (2) JUST SHINY was a fair 5th on debut in a decent time over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit as he was doing his best work late, and jockey Jin Kyum will be brimming with confidence following his Korean Derby win last week. (6) RAON FLATTER has been knocking on the door across her ten starts so far. She has a 2nd and most recently a 3rd at this distance and she should be there or thereabouts again. (1) GANGSEO GENIUS debuted in 6th place at this distance behind Raon Flatter a month ago. He comes into a much better gate and with some batural improvement can get closer. (8) BLACK SQUALL and (7) SHACKLE SUN others in the frame in a competitive affair.
Selections
(2) Just Shiny (6) Raon Flatter (1) Gangseo Genius (8) Black Squall
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Strong race for so early on a Friday. (9) DOCTOR OSCAR was 3rd at this class and distance on February 28th, coming from off the pace. He was found to have bled so was stood down for a month, but he looked very well winning a trial last week in a quick time and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, has every chance. For the first time in a while (3) MAGARITA draws a good gate. All her three wins have come at this trip and while she has form to overturn on three of these who beat her on April 18th, she can get an easier run today and is a danger. (6) BORN DIA has done her recent work at further, but she has two wins and three placings at this trip and should be on pace and in this a long way – she will probably start as favourite. (2) DRAGON REVENGER and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS were two of those ahead of Magarita in that April 18th race and can both be in the mix again.
Selections
(9) Doctor Oscar (3) Magarita (6) Born Dia (2) Dragon Revenger
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) WONDERFUL JONES was 3rd in Busan’s Classic Trial before finishing down the field in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown last month. He steps back into much more amenable company today over a distance at which he got his win, and he can win again. (9) TUHON FIGHTER comes up in class having scored his maiden win over this distance on April 18th having raced handy. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate but he comes down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (3) RAINBOW ROAD enters off a 2nd place at class and distance on May 2nd and makes a quick return here with claims to go close again from a good draw. (4) BARBELL MOMO and (10) TRIPLE AXEL among others to consider.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) DOCTOR KAREN got her maiden win at start number six on April 25th leading all the way over 1400M. She comes up in class but is down 3kg in weight, she can lead again, and she can win again. (11) GREAT TOP has run 3rd and 6th in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win at the second attempt in February. His win came from gate eleven and he can be a danger here. (3) HOLY RUN is yet to win but has six top four finishes from seven starts including last time out on April 11th, he beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place at this class and distance at big odds, coming from well off the pace. He can match or better that here. (6) ONE WAY and (10) UNJU LEGEND are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Doctor Karen (11) Great Top (3) Holy Run (6) One Way
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A full field of sixteen will go to the post for the twenty-eighth edition of the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, when OASIS BLUE will be bidding to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to follow up victory in the KRA Cup Mile by winning the Derby.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON DERBY DAY.
Oasis Blue is favourite for the Derby (Pic: KRA)
Power Blade of course famously went on to sweep all three jewels in the crown that year. But while Hit Yegam in 2021 and Success Baekpa last year were able to bounce back and win the final leg, the Minister’s Cup, the Derby has eluded all Cup Mile winners in the past decade. Oasis Blue will be hot favourite to change that.
Oasis Blue is trained by Baik Kwang-yeol, who has won the Derby twice already, with Yeongcheon Ace in 2015 and Winner Star in 2022. A winner of five from eight (with one disqualification too) Oasis Blue was a facile winner of both the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun, Busan’s Classic Trial over 1400M and the Cup Mile.
Jin Kyum stays aboard and while they do have the challenge of a wide gate as well as tackling Seoul for the first time, Oasis Blue may be too good.
Moon Se-young has also won the race twice before, on Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019. He partners ECLIPSE THE KING, who skipped both Seoul’s Classic Trial and the Cup Mile but has been assembling an impressive body of work.
It’s Korean Derby Day. We’ll have full form comments for the big race in a little while but for now here is the race-by-race guide to all Sunday races when there are 11 from Seoul between 10:35 and 18:00 (the Derby is race 7 at 15:15) and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30:
Last year’s Derby was won by Eunpa Sarang (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Seven fillies and one gelding in the opening maiden and we’ll take a chance on the debut-maker. (1) CHRYSOL POSH looked competent enough when running 4th in her trial in a fair time at the end of March. She draws the inside gate and competent enough could be good enough to prevail here. (5) GLORY QUEEN has a 3rd and a 5th among her four outings to date with the former coming two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and that will probably make her the betting favourite. (6) RAON THE CAVIAR was an improved 3rd, albeit in a very slow race over this distance last time out and can be there or thereabouts again. (4) ROAD TO SPEAR and (2) DUSON EUTTEUM the others who will be in the market.
Selections
(1) Chrysol Posh (5) Glory Queen (6) Raon The Caviar (4) Road To Spear
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) SWEET SONG has been on the right trajectory across her three starts to date, most recently a 4th place at this distance on April 13th when she led for much of the way. She can lead again here and can potentially go all the way. (6) PURGE RUBY beat a couple of these on her way to best to date 2nd place on April 20th. It was a slow time, and she was a long way behind the winner, but she won’t need to improve very much to go one better here. (2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has, like Sweet Song, shown improvement over three outings most recently an on pace 5th when clocking the fastest time among these for the 1400M. Maia stays on and she can go close again. (1) STEP BY STEP and (4) SECRET WOLF are others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Sweet Song (6) Purge Ruby (2) Seungni Barows (1) Step By Step
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has made good progress over three starts so far, most recently when 2nd on her first try at this distance on March 15th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off, Moon Se-young stays on, and she is favoured to go one better here. (1) CHARMING QUEEN raced handy for 2nd place over this distance on debut on April 20th. She should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can be a danger from a good draw. (6) RAON SILENCE was a well beaten 2nd at this distance on March 30th. She raced on pace that day and should do so again with every chance of being involved for a long way. (9) INDIAN TAPIT and (7) BULGUKSIDAE are the other main chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an indifferent debut, (7) GEUMA PANTHER was a close 2nd when stepped up to this trip at start two on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking, and he will be hot favourite to go one better here. (5) BABYLON FOX was much improved when beating three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance in a different race on April 11th. He was ridden on pace for the first time that day and with similar tactics can be close again. (8) HOUND POKER was 4th in that race, one of three top five finishes he has from six attempts, and he can be aiming to find the places here. (4) DREAMMA and (1) UNJU CHEONHA others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(7) Geuma Panther (5) Babylon Fox (8) Hound Poker (4) Dreamma
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) GOLD QUEENS was a winner on debut and has been working back towards another in her three goes at this class, most recently when 2nd at 1200M on April 5th. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but draws well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) SAEROUN GUY enters off 3rd place over 1200M at this class on April 12th. He is yet to win but on that form can be a player here. (10) SEMYEONG STRONG is up in class having won a quick race at this distance on a wet track on April 6th. He has the challenge of a wider draw this time, but he can measure up in this company. (3) VIVA CHEONGSU and (4) CHRYSOL NIKE, the latter up in class following back-to-back 2nd places in her first two starts, are others to consider.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (7) PURE MARINE may only have a best of 4th from four starts so far but she comes in fresh following thirteen weeks off and, more to the point, was a close 2nd in a quick trial on April 26th. If she brings that form to the races, she will be able to see off this limited set of rivals. (9) HANEULPYEONGJEONG loves finishing 4th, having done so on five occasions from eleven starts including each of her latest four. She also has a 2nd place on her resume and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (5) WORLD TRIPLE CAT hinted at figuring things out when an improved 5th ahead of a couple of today’s rivals on April 4th and can aim for better here. (10) OWNER CHAMP and (3) SEOGWI CHOWON other placing chances.
Selections
(7) Pure Marine (9) Haneulpyeongjeong (5) World Triple Cat (10) Owner Champ
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) WORLD JOY got his maiden win at 1300M in March before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1800M on April 12th, racing handy throughout. He is nicely drawn here for Lim Da-bin to pick his spot, and he looks the one to beat. (9) ECO FORE has excelled since being sent up to this distance with a 2nd and last time out a win over it. That brings him up in class but the same apprentice who won on him keeps his weight low, and he can measure up. (3) SUPER BLUEMOON was a winner at this class and distance on April 20th at big odds. He is up 3.5kg in weight and has been a bit all or nothing so far but warrants consideration. (8) SPLENDID comes out of the KRA Cup Mile and should find this a more amenable assignment, while (1) LUCKY FAMOUS is another in the hunt.
Selections
(2) World Joy (9) Eco Fore (3) Super Bluemoon (8) Splendid
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BEOLGYOUI HIM has a best of 2nd from six starts so far and enters off a fair 5th at 1200M in March. He has had a tendency to be a bit slow away but there is no early speed in this race so he should be much more forward today, the additional trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (1) STORM POINT has hinted at ability over his eight tries, albeit not getting any closer than 4th. He did that over this distance, he draws well here and in this small field should be aiming for a career to date best. (3) GWANGPUNG STAR has shown improvement across her latest couple with a 3rd place at 1300M being her latest on April 4th. The slight step up in trip can help and she can match or better that here. (8) CAPTAIN KOREA and (4) DIA MATE are the other place chances.
Selections
(7) Beolgyoui Him (1) Storm Point (3) Gwangpung Star (8) Captain Korea
Next Best
4, 5
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Wright A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time, but it’s hard to go past (5) JEONGMUN FELIX. After a couple of fair efforts, he was an improved 3rd at this distance on March 21st when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed again here and won’t need to improve much to win in this company. A couple of the debut makers look interesting. (4) SEINE GANG ran 5th in a trial having overcome a wide draw. He gets a great gate on debut here and from on pace can be in this a long way. (9) BIGBANG CLASS beat Seine Gang in a trial, the second time that he showed ability in the morning heats. He doesn’t draw as well, but if he can find a forward position, will be a chance. Returning to the experience, (8) ROAD TO HEUIMANG and (1) FLY GIRL are potential improvers.
Selections
(5) Jeongmun Felix (4) Seine Gang (9) Bigbang Class (8) Road To Heuimang
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (8) FLYING RACE was a maiden winner two starts back at 1200M and was then sent off as favourite for his first try at this class on April 11th when from a very wide draw he was slow away and only managed to run 8th – although he did beat a couple of today’s rivals. With a better start here, he can be given another chance. (3) IT’S OK ran once last year for a decent 4th and then didn’t reappear until this April 6th. She made an immediate impact, leading every step of the way to score over this distance with plenty in hand and while she comes up in class here, she should strip even fitter, and can measure up. (1) BROWN ROOKIE took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but enters off back-to-back 4th places at this distance and she can be a danger here. (6) DOCTOR CITY and (7) VELOCIRAPTOR others who can challenge for the minors.
Selections
(8) Flying Race (3) It’s Ok (1) Brown Rookie (6) Doctor City
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 6
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) YEOSU SUPER STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M on April 11th, racing handy throughout before striking the front just over a furlong out and running on. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem, and she can make it two from two here. (2) CHEONHAJIYU ran 2nd in two starts early last year before suffering an injury setback. She finally returned in February, putting in an ordinary run but returned to form on April 4th with another solid 2nd place at 1200M. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise, and she should be close. (10) MISSOURI CHAMP got her maiden win two starts back and was a good 3rd on her first try at this class on April 11th and she can be in the mix again. (7) SIMON STAR, who needs a line through her latest, along with (3) DOCTOR MATTERS, are other contenders.
Selections
(5) Yeosu Super Star (2) Cheonhajiyu (10) Missouri Champ (7) Simon Star
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Two out of the past three years have seen a single filly sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara and on Sunday Fantastic Value can go one step closer to emulating Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 by winning the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan.SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.
Fantastic Value comprehensively won the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
That the three-year-old Korean bred filly division isn’t a very deep one is reflected in only ten going to face the starter, one of which is a maiden with a rating of just twenty-six. FANTASTIC VALUE had little trouble seeing off her rivals in the opening jewel of the Tiara, the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at the end of March, when she pulled away in the home straight to win by five-lengths.
With that Luna triumph, the Lim Keum-man trained Fantastic Value moved onto four wins from nine starts and has experience of the 1800M Oaks distance having run 4th over it at class 4 level prior to her Tiara 1st leg score.
All first four home in the Luna return for another go in the Oaks, but the most fascinating runner is a newcomer to the Tiara trail. ONEULDO SMILE debuted as a juvenile last August and won but then got injured and didn’t reappear until this January. She has since won three on the spin, most recently a fourteen-length romp at Class 4 level on March 23rd.
CC Wong rides Oneuldo Smile for the first time and while she has never been further than 1200M, the daughter of Federalist looks an enticing prospect.
1. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – Ran 3rd in the Luna from a wide draw. A winner and runner-up in two tries at 1800M both at class 5 level puts her ahead of most of these. In the frame.
2. TEAM SURPRISE – Yet to win in eleven and that probably won’t change here but does have nine top five finishes. First try at further than 1400M can suit, but minor money chance only.
Sunday’s feature is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the 2nd leg of the Triple Tiara series for three-year-old fillies and mares. It’s the final race on a 60race card at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry won last year’s Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DRAGON FANTASY comes in following a best to date 2nd over this distance on April 12th when handy throughout and running on. From a good draw he will be on or close to the pace again and won’t need to improve much on that effort to win. The danger is (4) HAKSAN PRINCE. He is seemingly figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance recording the fastest time among these for the 1300M in the process. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (5) RAON PARANOMA finished off well from a long way back and a wide gate last time out. He can be further forward sooner here and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (10) HIGH CROWN and (11) ECLIPSE TANGO others who can improve.
Selections
(1) Dragon Fantasy (4) Haksan Prince (5) Raon Paranoma (10) High Crown
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and (5) MORNING WONDER shapes a short price favourite. From her four starts so far she has been no worse than 4th, including a close 2nd place in a quick time over 1300M two starts back and in this small field she will be on pace and should win. (6) GEOLJAK CHUJKE hasn’t done much in two starts so far but there was four months between them. She led on her return on April 12th and while she ultimately finished back in the pack, she can strip fitter here and in the absence of much early speed here, she can get an easy lead and may be in it for longer. (9) GLORY DAY was an improved 4th at start number three on April 5th, recording the quickest time among these for the 1200M. That’s enough for her to go in the numbers here. (8) WINNER GLORY and (1) MIRACLE SOCKS others to look out for.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SSOARA STAR got her maiden win on March 1st at this distance before running 3rd from gate ten on his first try at this class on April 6th. He draws better today and is the one to beat. (11) SMART TAKE returned from five months off on March 30th to get her maiden win over this distance. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she may well prove fitter for that run. (8) RAON NOTHERN DANCE will need a line drawn though his latest when he led before weakening late on over 1400M. He can lead again and the cut back in trip can suit. The up in class last start maiden winners (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (3) GEUMGYEPORAN both showed in their wins that they can measure up at this level.
Selections
(2) Ssoara Star (11) Smart Take (8) Raon Nothern Dance (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) CHAMP SONNY has two 3rd places and two 5th places from four appearances so far with the former coming at this distance and a mile. He has run both on pace and from behind and today should be his day over a limited looking set of rivals. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR was an improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar today and he looks the only credible danger to the favourite. (9) HEUIMANG GUNJU has a 3rd place at 1300M two starts back and that’s enough for him to go in the numbers here. (2) MEANINGFUL TIME and (1) SUN JAE other place chances.
Selections
(7) Champ Sonny (4) Doctor Solar (9) Heuimang Gunju (2) Meaningful Time
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA may be up in class without a win – or even a 2nd place – but looks rather nicely in here in what isn’t a strong race for the level. He has three 3rd place finishes, most recently at this distance on April 5th, coming from off the pace, and coming down a full 4.5kg, should be right in this. (2) ECO WORLD took a couple of goes to settle at this class but was a close 2nd at this distance on April 22nd, racing close to the pace throughout and a similar effort will see her close here. (3) HIGH FOLLY had a hard time on his first try at this class a month ago but comes back up to the trip at which he won in March and is worth another chance. (9) KYLIE and (5) MINT PLAY other possibles.
Selections
(10) Songdang Hwangtaeja (2) Eco World (3) High Folly (9) Kylie
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) VANGIE got his maiden win at start three over this distance on March 30th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has made progress across all his starts so far and while he is up in class, he comes down in weight and will be expected to make it two in a row. (5) HANEUL BOSS was an outsider on his latest over this distance on April 6th, but he led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 4th. He draws well to lead here and can be in things a long way again. The up in class pair of (2) ROAD TO SPRING and (3) GLOBAL HEROINE both come down in the weights and should be able to measure up at this level. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP another place chance.
Selections
(4) Vangie (5) Haneul Boss (2) Road To Spring (3) Global Heroine
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) PALO ALTO had a hard time when sent to Busan for the Luna Stakes, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara, at the end of March. She could have easily got into this afternoon’s Oaks but stays in Seoul to here instead and the drop back in trip as well as a light weight make her the one to beat. (7) GEOMIBULU overcame gate ten to win at class and distance on April 6th. An apprentice claiming 3kg means she comes in at the same weight and she can be close again. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG was a winner at this class over 1700M two starts back and while he had a hard time from a wide draw on his return at the end of March, this should suit, and he can return to form. (6) BEOLGYO CHADOL and (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS others to consider for the minors.
There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) TEUKGEUP PARTY was a front-running 2nd on debut at the end of last year before running 5th when unable to get on the speed from the widest gate at start number two in February. The draw is scarcely much better today but she comes in fresh after twelve weeks off and in this company has as good a chance as any. (1) DOUBLE NINE enters off an improved 4th at start three over this distance on March 23rd when racing more forward than in his two previous tries. From the inside gate, Jo Sang-beom can put him on the speed here and he can be in this a long way. (5) BROWN SUGAR looks to be heading in the right direction after a pair of 5th places and can aim to better that here. (10) CRAZY APPLE and (3) CHOEGANG SPEED are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Teukgeup Party (1) Double Nine (5) Brown Sugar (10) Crazy Apple
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only. (5) GINA SONG was a winner at start two in March before running 4th on her first try at this class on April 5th, settling just behind the speed and running on. She is fairly weighted, she draws well, and she can win. It’s competitive though. (4) HIT FLY returned from four months out to run 4th at this distance in February. She has had a further ten weeks off since then but looks nicely in here and from a good gate can be on pace and is a chance. (9) JOSE is yet to win in eight attempts but enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on April 6th and a similar effort here will put right in the finish. (6) I AM GO and (1) WONPYEONG NURI are others in the frame.
Selections
(5) Gina Song (4) Hit Fly (9) Jose (6) I Am Go
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) JILJUUI YEOWANG was a winner on debut over April 5th in a filly maiden over 1200M settling handy and running on well. She comes up in class and slightly in trip but on that evidence, neither should be a problem and she can win again. (5) GRIFFON is still a maiden but ran well enough for 3rd place on his first try at this class on April 5th. He has a decent finish on him and can be in the mix late here. (8) WONDERFUL FAPPY took a couple of goes to get to grips with this class following his maiden win but he was a strong 2nd at 1400M last time out having led for much of the way and the slight drop back in trip can be in his favour. (11) J ONE POWER and (6) SEGWANG JILJU are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Jiljuui Yeowang (5) Griffon (8) Wonderful Fappy (11) J One Power
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) YEONGWON GIANT is yet to win in thirteen attempts but stepped up to two turns for the first time on March 29th and was a front-running 2nd over 1800M. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can go one better this time. The main danger is (1) GOOGOO. She enters in consistent form having got her maiden win in February over 1300M before running 3rd on both her first two tries at this class, most recently at this distance on April 20th. She makes a quick return here and should be close. (9) BEOLGYO D Y is another maiden but steps up to two turns for the first time and it can suit. (8) DANGCHAN NANGBO and (7) EUMSEONG POWER are the other place chances.
Selections
(5) Yeongwon Giant (1) Googoo (9) Beolgyo D Y (8) Dangchan Nangbo
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 