Racing Previews

Grand Prix Stakes Day – Final Preview

So 79% of the Korean racing media – and there is a lot of Korean racing media – have Triple Nine down as their top choice to become the third horse in as many years to complete the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes double.

Gyeongbudaero won the President's Cup and Grand Prix last year. Triple Nine aims to do the same this (Pic: KRA)

Gyeongbudaero won the President’s Cup and Grand Prix last year. Triple Nine aims to do the same this (Pic: KRA)

With that in mind, it seems likely that the Kim Young Kwan trained three-year-old will start a strong favourite to follow Indie Band and Gyeongbudaero in winning the season-ending showpiece at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Favourites don’t always win though and you have to go back to 2009, when Dongbanui Gangja beat a weak field of nine rivals to win the race for the second time, to find the last market leader who triumphed in the Grand Prix.

Dongbanui Gangja was the third horse to win two Grands Prix but Gamdonguibada, winner in 2012 and a stablemate of Triple Nine, could be the one to take advantage if the favourite falters as she bids to become the fourth. Also likely to get plenty of support is the unbeaten Bold Kings. The three-year-old, trained by Peter Wolsley, has won all six of his starts to date including Busan’s trial for this race. He is far less experienced than his rivals here but has done nothing wrong so far.

Next year’s race will be held at the home track of this year’s winner. As Seoul horses generally perform dismally when the two tracks meet, there is a real fear in the capital that if the race disappears down South next year, it could be a very long time before it comes back. Clean Up Joy, Chief Red Can and Cinderella Man are the best hopes for keeping the race at Gwacheon.

As for the race itself, Gumpo Sky and Nobody Catch Me are expected to provide the early pace, Bold Kings, Cinderella Man, Triple Nine and Gamdonguibada should all be reasonably handy but plenty of the others, including Clean Up Joy, will be in no hurry at all – the last time the winner of this race led from gate to wire was 1998 and it was over 2000M then rather than today’s 2300M.

In terms of going, on Saturday at Seoul the track contained 12% moisture for an official going of “Wet” following rain earlier in the week. No rain is forecast before the race though and it should be a reasonably mild day. With the race starting at 5pm, the floodlights will be on.

The race is being simulcasted for betting in France by the PMU alongside their Hong Kong International Races coverage and in addition to the Grand Prix, European punters will also be able to bet on race 10 from Seoul – a bog-standard class 2 handicap.

It’s not every day that such thoroughbred greats as Socheonha (2 wins from 59) and Nuri Narae (1 from 26) find themselves being screened on another continent.

Nevertheless this motley set of plodders could have themselves quite a good race with almost all of them having claims in the 1200M contest. The favourites should be the pair of Raons, Raon Smart and Raon Rusa. While neither have yet scored at this level, they both look to have scope for further development. Both will probably try to lead from the gate.

The aforementioned pair of Nuri Narae and Socheonha can also compete while Taeyangbeol, making his first start since being transferred from Busan, won a barrier trial a couple of weeks ago and can go well under Lee Chan Ho. Dream Ft. and Namsan Chukje also should be considered.

The Grand Prix Stakes is race 9 at Seoul and will come under orders at 5pm. Click here for the full runner-by-runner preview. In total there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50am to 6pm. There is also a card at Busan with 6 races from 12:45pm to 5:30pm with the feature race involving last month’s Jeju Governor’s Cup winner Queen’s Blade. She will be ridden by Masa Tanaka on what could be the Japanese jockey’s last ride in Korea.

The Grand Prix Stakes 2015: Full Preview

The most prestigious race of the Korean season is upon us and a full field of sixteen will line up at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon for the 34th running of the Grand Prix Stakes.

Fujii Gamdonguibada

Gamdonguibada won the Grand Prix Stakes in 2012. She is back this year but will have tough competition

And with the home track of the winning horse set to host the race next year, it could be the last time for a while that the Grand Prix is in the capital. The last three winners have all come from Busan (one of them, Gamdonguibada returns for another crack this time) and there is every chance that could be repeated here.

For the past two years, the winner of the President’s Cup has gone on to win the Grand Prix and in Triple Nine, that record could be set to continue. Busan also brings up the undefeated Bold Kings, Queens’ Tour winner Heba and the dangerous Nobody Catch Me among a nine-strong challenge.

For the home team, Cinderella Man (formerly a Busan horse himself and now with his own facebook page) leads the charge but it is a field this year that offers genuine depth and should make for a very interesting race which, for the second year running, will be available to European bettors through the PMU. Here is a full run down of the field.

Grand Prix Stakes (KOR G1) – Seoul Racecourse – 2300M – Dec. 13, 2015

Name [Pedigree] Sex Age (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer (Home track) Jockey

1. Cinderella Man (KOR) [Southern Image – Tiza Fast Kat (Tiznow)] G 4 (17/10/4/0) Lee Shin Young (Seoul) – Moon Se Young
Nine of his ten wins came at Busan before he was permanently transferred to Seoul this summer. In his first race in the capital, the KRA Cup Classic, he was ridden too quickly too early and faded badly in the straight but has since put in a couple of impressive performances and last month won the Grand Prix trial over this distance. Champion jockey Moon Se Young rides. This is a very strong contender.

2. Gamdonguibada (USA) [Werblin – Radyla (Country Pine)] M 6 (29/14/4/6) Kim Young Kwan (Busan) – Pasquale Borelli
The only previous winner of the race set to line up here, Gamdonguibada was victorious as a three-year-old in 2012. She was unable to follow up in 2013 but has gone on to become very successful in big Stakes races, winning the Queens’ Tour in 2014. This year she won the Busan Mayor’s Cup in July over a mile before taking a trip to Singapore where she was an also-ran at one of her lesser-favoured distances. She hasn’t run since then but remains one of the highest-rated horses in Korea and must be respected. Italian jockey Pasquale Borelli is in good form.

3. Nobody Catch Me (USA) [With Distinction – Nana’s Babe (Allen’s Prospect)] G 5 (22/6/5/2) Min Jang Gi (Busan)¬ – Kim Yong Geun
Just six career wins but one of those was in the Busan Mayor’s Cup last year. He ran in the Grand Prix a year ago, crossing the line in 10th but was disqualified for interference. This July he went to Kranji in Singapore and scored a creditable 6th place in a 1200M sprint. Since returning to Korea, he has raced twice, with a 2nd over 2000M but then a disappointing performance in the trial for this race behind Bold Kings last month. He went too fast too early and faded badly in the straight. He is still the 2nd highest rated horse in Korea though and makes his first start here for a new trainer. With a slightly more conservative ride, he should do better.

4. Unbeatable (USA) [Eddington – Baxter Hall (Rahy)] H 5 (36/6/6/9) Lim Bong Chun (Seoul) – Djordje Perovic
Despite the name, he is anything but unbeatable although he is a regular money winner at class 1. He hasn’t actually won since March and he was 3rd behind Chief Red Can and Clean Up Cheonha in the KRA Cup Classic in August. He participated in the trial for this race last month and finished in 5th place behind Cinderella Man and as a result, he will be one of the outsiders here. Serbian jockey Djordje Perovic is a top booking.

5. Goji Jeongbeol (USA) [Congrats – I Love Cindy (Adonis)] G 4 (21/5/4/5) Baik Kwang Yeol (Busan) – You Hyun Myung
Another who is coming into the best form of his career at the end of his four-year-old season, he landed back-to-back wins over 2000M in September and October, the latter at class 1 and then ran Bold Kings very close in the 2200M trial race on November 8th, just being beaten a neck on the line. A few months ago he would not even have been considered for this but the distance should be ideal and while he won’t be among the top line of favourites, one of Busan’s top jockeys comes to ride him and he could be very interesting.

6. Bold Kings (USA) [Afleet Express – Bold Arrival (Gilded Time)] C 3 (6/6/0/0) Peter Wolsley (Busan)¬¬ – Jo Sung Gon
Currently the most exciting prospect in Korean racing, Bold Kings is unbeaten in six starts to date, the two most recent being at Class 1 level. He won Busan’s trial for this race, a 2200M handicap in early November by a head, really working hard and beating a couple of the others nominated here. Every time he has raced he has got better and while the Grand Prix is a tough ask of such an inexperienced horse, he can win and will be one of the favourites.

7. Damyang Chukje (USA) [Good Reward – Strategy (A.P. Indy) H 6 (30/5/3/4) Bae Hou Jun (Seoul) – Lim Gi Won
He has only raced four times in 2015, beginning with a win over 2000M in March. He hasn’t been able to follow up though and most recently beat just two home in the trial over 2300M on November 8th. That doesn’t lend itself to him receiving a huge amount of support here and he will be one of the outsiders.

8. Clean Up Cheonha (USA) [El Corredor – Loh Callado (More Than Ready)] C 4 (16/7/6/2) Kim Hyo Seob (Seoul) – Lee Chan Ho
A stablemate of Clean Up Joy, he is actually rated two points higher currently and put together a four-race winning streak, all of them at Class 1, earlier this year. He was 2nd to Chief Red Can in the KRA Cup Classic in August before being dropped in distance to 1400M last month when he finished to quickest but was just beaten a neck on the line. A winner over 2000M in the past, the distance shouldn’t be a problem and he is in with a chance.

9. Gandai (KOR) [Don’t Get Mad – Gamble To Victory (Prospector’s Gamble)] H 5 (39/8/2/5) Kim Nam Jung (Busan) – Song Keong Yun
It is always dangerous to overlook this one. A very reliable and honest campaigner, he may just find himself a little overmatched racing at the very top level. He was though a class 1 winner over 2000M in September, beating Nobody Catch Me and Cheonjae Bogo very handily and was then 3rd behind Bold Kings and Goji Jeongbeol over 2200M at the start of November. He won’t be one of the favourites but he will have some backers to find at least the minor money.

10. Triple Nine (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] C 3 (11/7/4/0) Kim Young Kwan (Busan) – Choi Si Dae
For the past two years, the winner of the President’s Cup has gone on to win the Grand Prix; Indie Band in 2013 and Gyeongbudaero in 2014. This year, Triple Nine, 2nd in the Korean Derby, won the President’s Cup by a comfortable three lengths and he looks to still have scope to get better. The extra distance should suit him perfectly and he has every chance. He likes to come from just off the pace, settling in 4th or 5th before unleashing a strong finish and he is hard to oppose.

11. Gumpo Sky (KOR) [Vicar – Perfect Storm (Didyme)] C 4 (25/9/7/3) Sung-J. Kwon (Busan) – Ikuyasu Kurakane
A very solid campaigner over the past couple of years, he finally made his Stakes breakthrough in the Busan Ilbo Cup in August, defeating a small field. He finished 6th in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in July and 5th in the President’s Cup last month and matching that finish would be a reasonable aim today. He will almost certainly set the early pace and should stay on. Ikuyasu Kurakane has ridden more winners in Korea than any other foreign jockey.

12. Sotong Sidae (KOR) [Gold Money – Myeonggauihuye (Black Minnaloushe)] G 4 (27/7/4/6) Ha Jae Heung (Seoul) – Park Byeong Yun
After being solid but unspectacular in the early part of his career, Sotong Sidae has really emerged as a force to be reckoned with in his four-year-old season. He won the Sports Chosun Cup over 2000M in August and then went on to score a very good 4th place behind Triple Nine in the President’s Cup last month having briefly led in the home straight. He generally settles towards the rear of the field and closes strongly, he won’t be many people’s first choice but he will be looking to find the money.

13. Heba (USA) [Peace Rules – Sue’s Temper (Temperence Hill)] M 5 (35/9/5/2) Sung-J. Kwon (Busan) – Makoto Okabe
Champion Filly & Mare of 2015 having won two legs of the Queens’ Tour, she was also third in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in the summer. In the best form of her career at the end of her five-year-old season, this is of course a tougher test and may be just one race to far but she will cope with the distance and a prize money finish can’t be ruled out. Japanese jockey Makoto Okabe rides at Seoul for the first time.

14. Cheonjae Bogo (NZ) [Royal Gem – Fuelled (Tanker Port)] G 7 (62/6/4/11) An Woo Sung (Busan) – Nozomu Tomizawa
A very solid campaigner although in the three years since he reached class 1, he has only managed the one victory at the top level. That came this June and was slightly fortunate in that the pre-race favourite was a late-scratching and another rival was pulled up. He was 4th in Busan’s Grand Prix trial and the distance will be fine for him but it is hard to see him being very competitive in this company.

15. Chief Red Can (USA) [Fantasticat – Deputy Lady (French Deputy)] G 5 (16/6/3/1) Park Chun Seo (Seoul) – Park Eul Woon
Always very sparingly campaigned, he has run no more than five times in any of his seasons to date. So far in 2015, he has had four outings and was been 2nd twice before following up with back to back wins. The most recent of those was the KRA Cup Classic at the end of August when he beat Clean Up Cheonha, Unbeatable and Cinderella Man over 2000M. He settled towards the rear that day, improving around the home turn and running on to win by three lengths. He should fit well in this company and while not a favourite, can acquit himself well.

16. Clean Up Joy (USA) [Purge – Greta’s Joy (Joyeux Danseur)] G 4 (13/6/5/0) Kim Hyo Seob (Seoul) – Ham Wan Sik
He was 4th in this race last year but has only run four times since in 2015, coming 2nd once and winning the other three. He beat Cinderella Man whilst carrying 59kg in October to land his second successive class 1 victory over 2000M and he can be very competitive here. In last year’s race he finished strongly having gone back early and may look to do similar again this time He is certainly one of Seoul’s strongest contenders and while the outside gate may not be ideal, he will be backed.

Korean Breeders’ Cup – Full Preview

Korea’s champion juvenile will be crowned at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon after eleven two-year-olds line up for the Breeders’ Cup.

Ottug Ottugi

Ottug Ottugi won the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup (Pic: KRA)

The winners of both Seoul and Busan’s prep races, the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup and the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup, will both be there and it is set for an interesting race.

Here is a full run-down of all of the runners with [Pedigree] Sex (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey (Home Track):

Breeders’ Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – November 29, 2015 (15:15)

1. Whiz Speed [Admire Don – Speed Bag (Abagninone)] C (5/1/0/1) Song Moon Gil – Park Tae Jong (Seoul)
He was 5th in the Mayor’s Cup, five lengths behind the winner. His victory came in September over 1200M but it was not an especially strong race and both speed and stamina are open to question. A lot of improvement will be needed if he is to compete here. Expect him to settle in the middle of the field.

2. Major Winner [One Cool Cat – I Am Cruising (Value Plus)] F (3/2/0/1) Jang Se Han – Song Keong Yun (Busan)
She comes in following consecutive victories over 1200M and 1300M, most recently at class 5. She came from just behind the lead on both occasions and will likely try similar here and while she has potential, others will be favoured.

3. Clean Up King [Strike Again – Kilcoe Castle (Gone West)] C (3/2/0/0) Seo In Seok – Ham Wan Sik (Se0ul)
A half-brother to last year’s winner Doraon Hyeonpyo, he will be an outsider to match his elder’s feat. He does come in following two consecutive wins, beating Whiz Speed in the first of those and Dixie Ploit (half to Derby winner Yeongcheon Ace) last time. He is another that will look to settle just behind any early speed but he is going to have to find plenty to beat this field at this distance.

4. Winner’s Glory [Strike Again – Luck And Fame (Western Fame)] C  (3/2/1/0) Shim Seung Tae – Moon Se Young (Seoul)
He entered the Mayor’s Cup unbeaten in two and led for much of that race only to be defeated by the fast finishing Waikiki on the line. Despite that, he is likely to go try to go forward again, he should be able to cope with the distance and he may be considered.

5. Cheonji Storm [Admire Don – Great Thought (Empire Maker)] C (2/2/0/0) Kim Dong Kyun – Shin Hyoung Chul (Seoul)
The only one of this field to have already won at this distance with a six-length win on October 25th. He was similarly impressive on his debut a month earlier. He scores highly on speed and obviously has no issues with the distance. While he led from gate to wire last time, he came from behind the time before and with some others likely to go forward, he may opt to be patient here. Big chance and he will be well-backed.

6. Ottug Ottugi [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] F (3/3/0/0) Kim Young Kwan – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
She comes in unbeaten after three races with victory in the Gyeongnam Sinmun the highlight. She has led from gate-to-wire in all three and is surely likely to go forward again. However, she only just got home last time with stablemate Power Blade almost catching her on the line. It is going to be harder today but she still must be strongly considered

7. Waikiki [Pico Central – Wyvern (Didyme)] F (3/1/2/0) Ha Jae Heung – Park Byeong Yun (Seoul)
The 48/1 winner of the Mayor’s Cup last month when she flew home from the back of the field to get up by half a length from Winner’s Glory. That followed two 2nd places when similar tactics were employed. She certainly showed a decent turn of foot and the distance will suit her. She will go right back once more and she will be nothing like 48/1 this time.

8. Banjiui Jewang [Ecton Park – Sweetoil (Broken Vow)] C (2/2/0/0) Peter Wolsley – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
A nine length winner on his debut, he was an early scratching from the Gyeongnam Sinmun due to soreness but came back on November 6th to win a 1200M class 5 race by four lengths so he arrives unbeaten. He has won from the front both times but may not wish to take on the early speed this time. The distance should be fine for him, plenty of potential and a big chance.

9. Sunganui Beopchik [Exploit – Arrested Lady (Thunder Gulch)] C (4/1/0/1) Yoo Byung Bok – Kim Eu Soo (Busan)
He was 5th in the Gyeongnam Sinmun but came back out a winner on November 6th over 1200M. That was at class 6 so there is still plenty to prove and he is yet to show much in the way of speed. He won from the front last time but may not go forward here and he will perhaps be the least fancied of the Busan visitors.

10. Gaia Thunder [One Cool Cat – Now Cope With This (Tiznow)] C (4/1/1/1) Park Jong Kon – Park Eul Woon (Seoul)
Sent off in excess of 60/1 in the Mayor’s Cup, he managed a creditable 3rd place coming from the back along with the winner Waikiki who he was a length and a half behind on the line. He previously won a class 6 race over 1200M. He will most likely go back again and try to close but won’t be among the favourites.

11. Power Blade [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain] C (3/1/2/0) Kim Young Kwan – Kim Yong Geun (Busan)
A four length winner on his debut in August he was then stepped up to a mile for his first try at class 5 and finished a very creditable 2nd. He almost managed to run down stable-mate Ottug Ottugi in the final strides of the Gyeongnam Sinmun but the line came just a fraction too soon. This time, with an extra furlong to play with, things could very well be different. He will look to sit behind the early leaders and could very well start favourite.

Weekend Preview

It’s time for the Juveniles to shine at Seoul this Sunday when the best domestic-bred two-year-olds from both the capital and from Busan face off in the “Breeders’ Cup” to decide the nation’s champion juvenile of 2015.

wintry

Winter is coming…

For English Racecards Click Here
See here for notes on simulcast races

Last year, the Breeders’ Cup race was won by Doraon Hyeonpyo and his half-brother Clean Up King is among eleven who will line up for the seven furlong test. They also include Ottug Ottugi and Waikiki, who won the prep races for this event at Busan and Seoul respectively.

Unbeaten Banjiui Jewang and 2nd to Ottug Ottugi in the prep race Power Blade are also likely to be well fancied. We will have a full runner by runner preview tomorrow but in the meantime, here are the runners and riders:

Breeders’ Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – November 29, 2015 (15:15)

1. Whiz Speed [Admire Don – Speed Bag (Abagninone)] (5/1/0/1) – Park Tae Jong
2. Major Winner [One Cool Cat – I Am Cruising (Value Plus)] F (3/2/0/1) – Song Keong Yun
3. Clean Up King [Strike Again – Kilcoe Castle (Gone West)] (3/2/0/0) – Ham Wan Sik
4. Winner’s Glory [Strike Again – Luck And Fame (Western Fame)] (3/2/1/0) – Moon Se Young
5. Cheonji Storm [Admire Don – Great Thought (Empire Maker)] (2/2/0/0) – Shin Hyoung Chul
6. Ottug Ottugi [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] F (3/3/0/0) – Choi Si Dae
7. Waikiki [Pico Central – Wyvern (Didyme)] F (3/1/2/0) – Park Byeong Yun
8. Banjiui Jewang [Ecton Park – Sweetoil (Broken Vow)] (2/2/0/0) – Jo Sung Gon
9. Sunganui Beopchik [Exploit – Arrested Lady (Thunder Gulch)] (4/1/0/1) – Kim Eu Soo
10. Gaia Thunder [One Cool Cat – Now Cope With This (Tiznow)] (4/1/1/1) – Park Eul Woon
11. Power Blade [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain] (3/1/2/0) – Kim Yong Geun

Temperatures in Korea have dropped a full 10C since last weekend but that is no excuse not to come racing. Here is what is happening when and where across the weekend:

Friday November 27
Busan Racecourse: 11 races from 11:40 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 8 races from 13:20 to 16:50

Saturday November 28
Seoul Racecourse: 13 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20

Sunday November 29
Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 12:45 to 17:30

Weekend Race Times

No Stakes action on the peninsula this weekend but as usual there is plenty going on at both Seoul and Busan.

March 2 2014

I don’t think it’s going to be this sunny at Seoul this weekend but we can hope

Seoul has one additional race than it usually would on a non-Stakes weekend in order to make up for the one that was lost to a tote-board malfunction two weekends ago.

There are some decent looking races across the weekend. Cheon Gu, who has raced in both Singapore and Japan this year, runs on Sunday at Seoul while Oreuse, Success Story and Cowboy Son are among the contenders for Busan’s big race that same afternoon. Here is what is happening when and where:

English race cards here
Notes on simulcast races (Friday/Sunday) here

Friday November 20
Busan Racecourse: 11 races from 11:40 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 8 races from 13:20 to 16:50

Saturday November 21
Seoul Racecourse: 13 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:10

Sunday November 22
Seoul Racecourse: 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 12:45 to 17:00

Jeju Governor’s Cup – Runners & Riders

This afternoon’s sees the final stakes race of the season for fillies & mares in the shape of the Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul. And it has attracted a full field of sixteen in what looks an interesting, if underwhelming, contest.

Queen's Blade won last year's Derby and returns to Korean action at Seoul today (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Queen’s Blade won last year’s Derby and returns to Korean action at Seoul today (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Interesting it may be but the Cup has drawn the short straw somewhat in that it falls just two weeks after the final leg of the Queens’ Tour, in which a number of the best domestic bred fillies, such as Oaks winner Jangpung Parang participated in and the lack of depth in the distaff ranks is shown up quite starkly by a line-up lacking in quality.

The 2014 Korean Derby winner Queen’s Blade returns to action in Korea after a pointless trip to the United States. She is at least fit now (had she been fit earlier this year, she would have stayed in Korea but that is another gripe for another day) and she could very well get back in the winner’s circle today under Ikuyasu Kurakane. However, stablemate Bukbeol Sinhwa, who won the Busan trial for this race last month will also be expected to go close with another Japanese jockey, Masa Tanaka on board.

Others who will be backed include Indian Star and Winner’s Marine who were 2nd and 3rd behind Bukbeol Sinhwa in that trial race and have managed to attract top Busan jockeys Jo Sung Gon and Kim Yong Geun to the capital to ride while Nozi Tomizawa is a also in town and may go well on Jokwang. Meni Money is perhaps the pick of a weak home team but whoever wins this isn’t exactly going to be a world beater.

Here is the full list of runners and riders:

Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – Nov 15, 2015

1. Hwanggeumbitjijung (KOR) [Menifee – Firstclasscat (Catienus)] (18/6/2/1) – Yang Young Nam
2. Chongal Gongju (KOR) [Vicar – Isis (Didyme)] (41/3/9/3) – Kim Hye Sun
3. Bukbeol Shinhwa (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] (13/6/2/1) – Masakazu Tanaka
4. Winner’s Marine (KOR) [Volponi – Graceful Ballerina (Posse)] (20/5/2/3) – Jo Sung Gon
5. X File (KOR) [Exploit – Dorothy Dee (Woodman)] (36/5/3/10) – Moon Se Young
6. Space Shuttle (KOR) [Menifee – Jeongtongseong (Lassigny)] (17/3/0/3) – Jo Jae Ro
7. Smart Time (KOR) [Ft. Stockton – Charon (Jade Robbery)] (10/4/3/0) – Ham Wan Sik
8. Jibong Sarang (KOR) [Officer – Meryl’s Spirit (Storm Boot)] (9/3/3/1) – Jo Chang Wook
9. Meni Money (KOR) [Menifee – Pocketful Of Money (Running Stag)] (13/6/6/0) – Seo Seung Un
10. Indian Star (KOR) [Adcat – Indian Diamond (Indian Charlie)] (6/5/1/0) – Kim Yong Geun
11. Geumbit Hwanhui (KOR) [Peace Rules – Sincheongchun (Silent Warrior)] (18/5/3/2) – Jang Chu Youl
12. Queen’s Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Harboring (Boston Harbor)] (15/7/5/0) – Ikuyasu Kurakane
13. Pinot Noir (KOR) [Capital Spending – Neungnyeokchungman (Pacificbounty)] (22/5/6/2) – Park Eul Woon
14. Blue Guardian (KOR) [Ft. Stockton – Timber Side (Timber Country) (12/2/3/1) – Kim Dong Soo
15. Jokwang (KOR) [Ft. Stockton – Charming Roman (Gadabout)] (35/3/4/4) – Nozomu Tomizawa
16. Appealing Star (KOR) [Duality – Appealing Satin (Valid Appeal)] (29/4/3/2) – Lee Hyun Jeong

Weekend Race Times

This weekend sees the final Stakes race of the year for Fillies & Mares, the Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday. We will have a full preview on the morning of the race but there is plenty more going on over the next three days.

Seoul hosts the final filly & mare Stakes race of the season on Sunday

Seoul hosts the final filly & mare Stakes race of the season on Sunday

English race cards can be found here
Notes on simulcast races can be found here

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday November 13
Busan Racecourse: 11 races from 11:40 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 8 races from 13:20 to 16:50

Saturday November 14
Seoul Racecourse: 13 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20

Sunday November 15
Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 12:45 to 17:30

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup – Full Preview

Fourteen fillies and mares will line up for the final leg of the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the 2015 Queens Tour, at Busan this afternoon.

Heba won the KNN Cup (Pic: Ilgan Sports)

Heba won the KNN Cup (Pic: Ilgan Sports)

They are headed by Heba, 5th in the Ttukseom Cup and then the winner of September’s KNN Cup and Seoul raider Bichui Jeongsang, 3rd in the Ttukseom Cup but unraced since a 5th place finish in the KRA Cup Classic at the end of August. Oaks winner Jangpung Parang and KNN 2nd place-getter Hay Queen also go in the 2000M test.

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Racecourse – 2000M – November 1, 2015 (15:40)

1. Bichui Jeongsang (USA) [Wildcat Heir-Persimmon Honey] (15/5/4/2) – Choi Bum Hyun
Last seen racing 5th in the KRA Cup Classic over this distance at the end of August, she was 3rd behind Esmeraldina in the first leg of the tour. She doesn’t usually go forward early but if well placed entering the home straight, has every chance.

2. Hay Queen (USA) [Hold Me Back – Jack’s Touch] (12/3/6/1) – Seo Seung Un
She was 2nd to Heba in the KNN Cup; her third consecutive 2nd place finish. She can certainly handle the Busan track. Beaten by Silver Wolf in the HRI Trophy at the end of August, she should be close again but may once more find one or two too quick.

3. Ms. Margaux (USA) [Midnight Lute – Sixtyone Margaux] (20/2/77) – Jo Sung Gon
Through her career she has excelled at just getting beaten into 2nd or 3rd and she is up against it here. A solid campaigner though who can’t be ruled out of sneaking into a place.

4. Seungbu Sinhwa (USA) [Bluegrass Cat – Island Rhythm] (32/0/34) – Lee Gi Hweoi
Yet to win in 32 starts and that’s not going to change today. Hasn’t finished any better than 6th for more than a year. Her defence is that she always races in top class company and that defence will be used again here.

5. Sharp Lady (KOR) [Sharp Humor – Gentlemen’s Lady] (13/4/1/4) – Lim Sung Sil
From the Kim Young Kwan stable, it is always difficult to tell just what his second string is. It is probably her and she is only one race into a comeback after almost a year away. She was 5th in her return race and should have come on for it. Dangerous outsider.

6. Jangpung Parang (KOR) [Creek Cat – Ascend The Throne] (11/4/2/4) – Kim Yong Geun
The Korean Oaks winner was 3rd in the KNN Cup behind Heba and Hay Queen and there will be those who will back her to overturn that form today. She is a front-runner who will likely look to lead and has every chance of staying on.

7. Rising Park (KOR) [Ecton Park – Cozzie Maxine] (31/3/4/4) – Pasquale Borelli
Quite a step up in competition for this one who is yet to win at a higher level than class 3. Distance shouldn’t be a problem but the minor placings would be the most realistic aim.

8. Halla Chukje (USA) [Gottcha Gold – C D Player] (21/3/4/1) – Lee Hyeok
She came a very creditable 5th in the KNN Cup at odds of 140/1 on her last start and that encouraging performance on her first trip to Busan encourages connections to have another go. That minor prize will again be the aim.

9. Gyeoul Wangguk (USA) [Any Given Saturday – Collodia] (12/2/4/0) – Masakazu Tanaka
She takes her chance having landed her second win, over a mile at class 3, in September. She tries this distance for the first time but has run adequately enough over 1800M before. Likely to be close to the front early on, she will need to find plenty of improvement here.

10. Jangsan Lion (JPN) [Eishin Sandy – Kogane Sengan] (13/4/1/3] – Lee Joon Chel
She was 3rd behind Silver Wolf and Hay Queen in the HRI Trophy at the end of August before a decent 4th of 12 over 1800M at class 2 last start. Another who will look to be close to the front early on and another who has a bit to find here.

11. Haengbok Cheonsa (KOR) [Menifee – Missed The Tower] (17/5/4/0) – Choi Si Dae
A class 3 winner over 1800M in August, she comes in following a 4th place, ahead of Sharp Lady over 1200M last month. She has plenty of speed but will find it diffiult in this company.

12. Silver Wolf (AUS) [Orotorio – Ready For More] (6/4/1/0) – Yoo Seung Wan
A real up and comer from Seoul, she won the HRI Trophy at the end of August, beating Hay Queen and Jangsan Lion. That was her 4th win from 6 starts and she led from gate to wire to win by three lengths. She could well compete for the lead early and look to make all once more. It is going to be much much harder to do that today though.

13. Areumdaundonghaeng (USA) [A.P. Warrior – Legacy’s Silver] (9/4/1/1) – Park Eul Woon
Seoul’s final entrant won the YTN Cup over this distance in June before running 7th in the KRA Cup Classic at the end of August. Today’s field is more similar to the latter in terms of strength and therefore any improvement on that 7th will be a good result.

14. Heba (USA) [Peace Rules – Sue’s Temper] (34/8/5/2) – Song Keong Yun
Having been 5th in the first leg and then winning the second, she is well placed to win the overall Tour. While one of the favourites unseated her jockey in the KNN Cup, Heba was still a solid three length winner and is likely to be the betting favourite. She will most likely be settled just behind the early pace

Weekend Race Times

It’s suddenly got cold across the Korean peninsula! Temeratures have touched as low as freezing point in the capital Seoul and while Busan is, as ever, slightly warmer, it’s still a good 10C colder than last week.  So it’s a good thing there’s plenty happening on the track to keep us warm.

It is set to be a bright but chilly weekend

It is set to be a bright but chilly weekend

Feature race of the weekend is at Busan and the final leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares. That’s the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup and will take place on Sunday afternoon. We will have a full preview of the big race on Saturday. In the meantime, here’s what’s happening when and where:

(Update – Oct 31: Italian jockey Nicola Pinna who has ridden in Japan and Hong Kong as well as his home country, debuts at Seoul this weekend with two rides on Saturday and one on Sunday. Japan’s Makoto Okabe will join Busan next week).

English race cards available here

Friday October 30
Busan Racecourse: 11 races from 11:40 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 13:20 to 17:20

Saturday October 31
Seoul Racecourse: 13 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20

Sunday November 1
Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 12:45 to 17:30

Weekend Race Times

It’s President’s Cup weekend. Sixteen runners will line up at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon for one of the richest races of the season. They include the Korean Derby winner Yeongcheon Ace and the Minister’s Cup winner – and currently the hottest property on the peninsula – Rock Band.

The autumn festival takes place at Seoul on President's Cup weekend

The autumn festival takes place at Seoul on President’s Cup weekend

We’ll have a full runner-by-runner preview of the big race here on Saturday morning but in the meantime, here is what is happening when and where on a weekend where Seoul has its “autumn festival” after racing each day:

Click here for English language race cards

Friday October 16
Busan Racecourse: 11 races from 11:40 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 8 races from 13:20 to 16:50

Saturday October 17
Seoul Racecourse: 13 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Jeju Racecourse: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:40

Sunday October 18
Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00
Busan Racecourse: 6 races from 12:45 to 17:30