Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 2)

Korean Oaks weekend kicks off with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in the opening maiden. (10) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL ran 6th in debut before being an improved 3rd at start two on April 13th. Seo Seung-un stays on and third-up she can be peaking. On debut, she was beaten by (8) JJAK SARANG, who is the obvious danger. She has a 4th, 2nd, and a 3rd from three outings so far, racing handy each time and she will be there or thereabouts again. (7) OH FANTASTIC was beaten by a couple of these on debut in March but was an improved 5th at the second time of asking on April 6th when racing on pace. She has the best start among these, Franco climbs on, and she should be in the mix again. (1) NAMYANG RUBY and (6) TWOTWO PERFOR others who can improve.

Selections(10) Areumdaunnaldeul (8) Jjak Sarang (7) Oh Fantastic (1) Namyang Ruby
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) TAMNA FIRST took a while to get to the races, but it was worth the wait with a debut 2nd over 1200M on March 28th, when settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that run, he draws a much better gate, and he can win. (3) ALL THE WAY also debuted in that March 28th race, coming from well off the pace to run a useful 3rd. She too should have derived benefit from that and can be in this all the way. (9) SHOOT FOR THEMOON impressed in trials and was a fair 5th on debut on March 21st at this distance, settling back and running on. He is another who can have come on for the experience. (10) HIGH TENSION and (8) WONDER MOCCASIN have more experience and can be in this.

Selections(2) Tamna First (3) All The Way (9) Shoot For Themoon (10) High Tension
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) GLORY WIND beat several of these in her way to 2nd from the widest gate on what was her first try over the mile on April 11th. She should get an easier run to the front today and she is favoured to go one better. (1) HIT MAJOR ran 3rd in that race which for him too was a best to date finish. He had been getting better across his last couple of outings and Tanaka stays on. (6) DORAON SAMSON has a 2nd place on his record and while he could only manage 6th on his first try at a mile last month, he can have learned from it and Seo Seung-un climbing up for the first time will make plenty take note. (4) GLORY ALPHA and (2) FLYING ICE other place chances.

Selections(9) Glory Wind (1) Hit Major (6) Doraon Samson (4) Glory Alpha
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (7) FLY TO THE MOON remains a maiden but has never finished any worse than 5th and has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this class, both over this distance. In this company she can be on pace and today can be her day. (3) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was the winner of a similar class and distance race on April 11th, settling handy and running on. She has never failed to place over 1200M and while she is up 3kg in the weights, she draws nicely and can be a danger again. (1) SEOGWI LADY was 5th in that April 11th race having previously won on debut at this distance in March. She is another who will be on the speed and can be in this a long way. (5) DAESUNG FLY and (6) MOTHER CHUKJE are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Fly To The Moon (3) Kyungnam Dragon (1) Seogwi Lady (5) Daesung Fly
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Ttukseom Cup 2025 Preview & Form Comments

The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer headlines on Sunday with its second leg, the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) attracting a full field of sixteen fillies and mares at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed) winner GLADIUS returns, and she is likely to be a warm favourite, but she will have to account for the speedy Segye Ilbo winner Crown Hamseong as well as last year’s big rivals JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG and WONDERFUL SLEW.

The Ttukseom Cup is race 8 on an 11-race Sunday program at Seoul. Here is a rundown of the field in full:

1. GLOBAL TAEYANG – 2nd in last year’s Korean Oaks but hasn’t really kicked on. Solid at class 2 but has been found wanting in this company in the Breeders’ Cup Queen and most recently the Donga Ilbo. Has won at the distance.

2. GLADIUS – Winner of her latest three, two at class 2 level and then the Donga Ilbo when handy throughout. Two-time winner at this distance, beautifully drawn to sit handy and is a big chance. She will start as favourite.

3. SAENAE QUEEN – More renowned at 1200M though she did struggle in the Segye Ilbo at that distance behind Crown Hamseong. She does have a class 1 3rd place at 1400M, and she will be on pace.

4. QUEEN TOP – 4th at big odds in the Breeders’ Cup Queen and 3rd at big odds in the Donga Ilbo, both times from well off the pace. She has won at this distance and while not a top-line favourite, she warrants respect here.

5. WONDERFUL SLEW – Twice a Group winner in similar company last season rounding it off with 3rd place in the Breeders’ Cup Queen. Only appearance this year was when well back behind the boys in the Herald Business last month. Prefers further but big chance in this company.

6. PERFECT ACTION – An also-ran in the first two legs of last year’s Tiara, she gets her chance with a smart class 2 win over this distance on April 4th, racing on pace. Could challenge for a place.

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Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 27)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer when sixteen fillies and mares will line up for the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul. The big race is number eight on the 11-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Juelgeounyeojeong returns to the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After two ordinary outings, (10) NURI JILJU led at start number three on March 22nd, ultimately finishing 2nd. Despite the wide draw, she will almost certainly lead again here, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this limited set of opponents and her odds will reflect that. (3) HYEWONYONGMA is the only other one to have placed. She mixes her form but the 2nd and 3rd on her record, combined with a draw that should see her on the early speed, will be enough to make her the clear second pick. (8) SAINT WINNER may be on the right trajectory with a 4th place at start number three on March 29th and she should be aiming to better that here. Debut-maker (1) SLING STAR along with (9) SSAK DANAEUN, who has been back to trial since a poor debut, are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Nuri Jilju (3) Hyewonyongma (8) Saint Winner (1) Sling Star
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) GIANT BOSS enters looking to complete a hat-trick of wins having scored twice at 1300M, most recently at this class on March 23rd when racing handy throughout. He comes up 3kg in weight but got his maiden win carrying just 1kg less and he can score again here. (8) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win in seven attempts but has never finished outside the top five. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two tries at this distance, the latter at this class last time out, and he should be there or thereabouts again, coming from off the pace. (11) NURI CHEONWANG was a winner at this class over 1300M at big odds two starts back before running 4th on his latest. He does his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) TURBO CHARGE and (2) CANVASEN GO others to consider.

Selections(5) Giant Boss (8) Geuma Foremost (11) Nuri Cheonwang (7) Turbo Charge
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) GEUMSEONG BOSS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 30th and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place, coming from off the pace. He can have come on for that experience and has every chance of winning here. (6) HEEMANGBAND enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She has never finished any better than that, but she steps up to two turns for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggest that the increased trip can suit. (10) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL has similarly finished no better than 4th. He enters having been 5th behind Geumseong Boss on March 30th and while he doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, he does get Moon Se-young and he can be a danger. (4) X FACTOR and (9) BEST SHARK the other chances.

Selections(8) Geumseong Boss (6) Heemangband (10) Gwanaksan Global (4) X Factor
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Two standouts here and they have drawn the inside two gates. (1) STARTMAN has a 3rd and a 4th from his two starts so far, showing close to the pace both times. From the inside he will be on pace and can go all the way. The danger is (2) TIP TAP. After an inauspicious debut last summer, he didn’t appear again until March 23rd, but he ran well, settling midfield and finishing off in 4th place over this distance. He can strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) SKY BOY too should be fitter for his debut on March 7th when he was a fair 4th over 1200M. He was doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) HIGH LEVEL and (10) WONDERFUL TEAM, the latter racing for the first time since last August but who looked well enough in a trial, are other placing hopes.

Selections(1) Startman (2) Tip Tap (8) Sky Boy (9) High Level
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) CHOEGANG GOLD was a very rare debut maker over 1700M on March 30th, but the plan came together when he led all the way to win. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and down in weight and well-drawn, he can lead all the way again. (8) FASHION STAR is up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd at class 6 level. She hasn’t tackled further than 1300M, but she has been finishing off her races very well so the step up in trip can be exactly what she needs and under a light weight she can be competitive. (5) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, most recently beating three of these on March 29th. He comes in under the same weight and can beat plenty again. (1) TAEPYEONGMU and (6) PLAN B others in the frame.

Selections(2) Choegang Gold (8) Fashion Star (5) Mighty Bom (1) Tapyeongmu
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) B.K DANCING GIRL got her maiden win at this distance in January and then, following a challenging introduction to this class in February when weakening over 1400M, she returned to this trip on March 23rd and finished a close 4th having led for much of the way. Franco climbs on for the first time, she should lead again, and she can go all the way. (8) ROAD TO ACE led all the way at start two to get his maiden win and then ran a decent 4th when coming from midfield at this class over 1300M) on February 7th. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and back at 1200M, he can be a danger. (11) GRAND DREAM enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on April 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but a similar effort should see him close. (1) DONGBANG JEONSA and the up in class (4) GREAT MARU are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) B.K Dancing Girl (8) Road To Ace (11) Grand Dream (1) Dongbang Jeonsa
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (11) PURGE STEP got her maiden win on debut over 1300M in January and has since run 4th and 2nd in two efforts at this class and distance, most recently on March 29th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter as she can settle behind the pace and run on and she looks the one to beat. (9) RED DRAGON had an abysmal performance all around when favourite at class and distance on March 16th, parting company with her jockey in the parade ring and then being restive at the start before proceeding to run very badly. She had looked very good in her two prior efforts though with a win and a 2nd so she gets another chance here. (8) KARA K is yet to win but is up in class following a few near misses and she can be competitive under a light weight. Up in class last start winners (7) SUHYANG MIIN and (4) ALL NUT others to consider.

Selections(11) Purge Step (9) Red Dragon (8) Kara K (7) Suhyang Miin
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

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

(3) ROAD TO A SPUR has made progress across his three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on February 16th when leading until the final furling. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and from a good draw can be on pace again and can go one better. (9) MUNHAK BELL has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. She has the challenge of a slightly wide gate but is the main danger here. (11) NO PROBLEM debuted somewhat inauspiciously in December but looked much better when trialing again at the start of this month, running 2nd in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he should be a different prospect this time around. First time starter (4) THE SUN MONSTER, along with (6) SOON LIKE are others who may play a part.

Selections(3) Road To Spur (9) Munhak Bell (11) No Problem (4) The Sun Monster
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) YONGAM SARANG enters off a close 2nd place at 1200M on April 6th when she led for much of the way. In this company and very nicely drawn she can get an easy lead, and she can go all the way. (5) GIDAEHARA has made steady progress across three starts so far, most recently when 4th at this distance on March 30th. Moon Se-young gets on for the first time and she will be ridden forward and can be a danger. (6) UNJU TIME has a 3rd and a couple of 4th place finishes from her three appearances to date, settling back and running on each time and she can be there or thereabouts again today. (1) CUPID WORLD and (9) GLORY QUEEN are other place chances.

Selections(4) Yongam Sarang (5) Gidaehara (6) Unju Time (1) Cupid World
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN enters having beaten three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this distance on March 27th when ridden on pace for the first time. From a good draw, expect similar tactics today, and he will be a short price favourite to go one better. (8) SEOUL NONGBU has a 5th and a 4th in two starts so far at 1200M and 1400M. Neither have been quick but in this company that’s enough for her to be considered the danger. (6) BLACK RUSSIAN was 5th behind Gwanaksan Check In in that March 27th race, settling midfield and running on. She will probably be ridden to the speed here and can be in this a long way. (7) THUNDER MARVEL and (10) TEN KOREA others who may improve.

Selections(2) Gwanaksan Check In (8) Seoul Nongbu (6) Black Russian (7) Thunder Marvel
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) ARCH DAY scored her maiden win on her first try at this class and distance on March 29th, settling midfield before being quickly ridden up to lead. That win had been coming and while she does come up 2kg in weight, she can win again. (8) MAX PARTY also comes in having won at this class and distance last time out, in his case on March 30th when racing in midfield and finishing off smartly. He is up 3.5kg in weight but in the absence of much early speed, he can be on pace here and in the finish again. (5) VINCERO KING was 2nd at class and distance on March 1st, settling right back before running on. He remains under a light weight and is a place chance again. (2) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL and the returning (6) ENTROPY, the latter racing for the first time in a year but who looked well in a trial, are others to consider.

Selections(11) Arch Day (8) Max Party (5) Vincero King (2) Seongsil Yeogeol
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 11.25 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (6) BREEDO MIRACLE, the only one to have raced twice. She did nothing on debut but was a close 2nd at start two on March 14th when leading until close to home. Third-up she can be peaking and won’t need to improve much to win here. It took (11) WIN GATE took plenty of trials to figure things out, but she looked well in her latest two, running 4th and 3rd in quick times and if she brings that form to the races, she will go close. (4) PACHAMAMA went through just one trial but was a close 2nd in a good time and she is well drawn to play a big role on debut. (5) GUREUM BIT also hinted at ability in her trial while returning the experience, (10) YONGBI LEGEND is the most likely to improve.

Selections(6) Breedo Miracle (11) Win Gate (4) Pachamama (5) Gureum Bit
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BEOLGYOUI BOM took a few goes to figure things out but has run back-to-back 3rd places in his latest two, most recently on March 23rd over 1300M when coming from well off the pace. The step up in trip can suit and he can win this. (5) DOCTOR KAREN led in her most recent outing on March 28th, ultimately finishing 5th, but beating a couple of today’s rivals. There isn’t much early speed in this race so she should lead again and can be in this a long way. (6) BANGTANUI JEONSA returns to action for the first time since last November. He had put together a decent record before the layoff with a 3rd and a 2nd and looked well enough in a trial earlier this month. (2) DAEJI DAEBONG and (3) DIA MATE others in the frame.

Selections(7) Beolgyoui Bom (5) Doctor Karen (6) Bangtanui Jeonsa (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden. (2) POWER TIME beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 28th, settling midfield and running on. He draws better this time for Tanaka to pick his spot, and he can go one better. (3) FATE was 3rd in that race, a length and a half behind Power Time. He also has a 2nd place over the mile and with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, he will have plenty of supporters to overturn that form. (4) QUEEN RACE comes in following a 4th place at 1200M on March 14th when settling midfield and finishing off well. That was her first race in almost three months so she can strip fitter here and step up to the mile can suit. (7) STAR FORCE and (11) CRUELLA others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Power Time (3) Fate (4) Queen Race (7) Star Force
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) SEKWANG LIGHT got his maiden in at start two and while he has mixed his form in five goes at this class, he comes in off a smart 2nd place at this class over 1400M on March 30th, coming from off the pace. Shifting back up to the mile can suit and he can win here. (6) FORCE BE WITH YOU was a winner on debut at 1300M on March 21st, taking things up halfway home and proving too strong. He is up in class and in distance but is down in weight and can measure up. (3) ROCK CANDY was a maiden winner two outings back before running 4th on her first try at this class and distance on March 21st when getting a long way back before running on. She can go closer today. (11) NEOM CITY and (2) FAIRY are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Sekwang Light (6) Force Be With You (3) Rock Candy (11) Neom City
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 9, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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YTN Cup 2025 – Form Comments

It’s the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with Japan’s Yumeno Honoo lining up against Global Hit and the rest of the top line Korea distance horses.

See here for full preview of all 17 Sunday races across Seoul and Busan

See here for background on Yumeno Honoo.

Success Baekpa and Speed Young were 1st and 2nd in the Herald Business and return (Pic: KRA)

1. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Won this race in 2023. Briefly showed near the front in the Herald Business before dropping back to finish midfield. That was his first run since the Grand Prix, so can strip fitter and always a chance.

2. MIRACLE MARINE – Won three in a row between November and January and then led the Herald Business before finishing 5th. Draws well to be on pace again and can be in this a long way. Real chance.

3. YUMENO HONOO – A superstar at Kochi, if he takes to the track and racing anticlockwise, he won’t have too many excuses. Drawn beautifully for the jockey to pick his spot and if he takes to the track conditions, he may take some beating.

4. TIZ BAROWS – 4th in the Herlad Businesshaving broken on pace before dropping back and ultimately running on, continuing a run of positive form. Runa Maia knows him well and he can be a money chance again.

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A Decade On, Can Yumeno Honoo Emulate Esmeraldina in Seoul?

It was June of 2015 when an overseas horse last tried their luck in a Korean Open race. Now, almost ten years later, Yumeno Honoo will try to emulate Esmeraldina, who prevailed in her trip to Seoul and the Ttukseom Cup, when he lines up in the YTN Cup (1800M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse next Sunday.

Yumeno Honoo (Pic: KRA International Racing Team)

After Esmeraldina, piloted by Joe Fujii, demolished that Ttukseom Cup field, the feeling – or maybe fear would be a better word – was that Japanese horses would regularly plunder those Korean races that are open to overseas runners. Instead, it has been almost exactly a decade before another has even tried.

The YTN Cup is one of eight Korean races that carry Listed status in the international “Blue Book” and therefore open to eligible runners from overseas. Unlike the invitational Korea Cup and Sprint though, connections are responsible for their own expenses.

While it was rumoured around the turn of the year that some from Japan were considering the Grand Prix Stakes which at a Billion Won in prize money offers some margin for error and a 2300M distance that Japanese stayers will have a huge advantage over, Yumeno Honoo will need to finish in the top two of the 500 Million Won race if he is to even break even for his owner.

So it isn’t about money and the owner has been quite open both on social media and in an interview with Choi Hyeon-seong of Horse Biz, as to why he is here despite having not even travelled to other NAR tracks to take part in bigger local dirt races – essentially he wants to run overseas because the horse, a sensitive type, can spend a week or more at the racecourse to acclimatize first. He was among the preliminary nominations for the Korea Cup last year but had no hope of getting in over high rated JRA horses.

Yumeno Honoo’s record is formidable with eighteen wins from twenty-three starts, including being the first horse in fourteen years to win the Kochi Triple Crown in 2023. His times measure up. He apparently had problems with the gate when younger and has also had manners issues. Whether they will resurface in a new environment is anybody’s guess but he has been participating in gate schooling in his morning work since arriving in Seoul.

Kochi Racecourse is on the local council NAR circuit. Located on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s five main islands, Kochi prefecture has the third smallest population among Japan’s forty-seven prefectures. Racing is on Saturday and Sunday late afternoon and evenings and is punching above its weight both in terms of wagering and in terms of performance of its horses.

Scheduling on weekends after the main JRA programs have finished surely plays a big part, but Kochi posted record wagering turnover in 2024 and was behind only the Tokyo region tracks of Oi, Kawasaki, Funabashi and Urawa in betting revenues last year.

More significantly from a sporting point of view, Kochi horses have measured up very well when traveling to more competitive races within Japan. Garbo Mambo, who has both beaten and been beaten by Yumeno Honoo, and Shimme Daisy being recent examples.

Japanese racing observers attribute that competitiveness to Kochi horses training and racing on very deep sand and, given that surface, the fast pace of the races. This all sounds very similar to Korea. While the Kochi track is clockwise and tighter than Seoul, there is no reason why Seoul can’t suit Yumeno Honoo more than his home track does.  

Trainer Tanaka Mamoru was the leading NAR trainer in 2023 while jockey Yoshihara Hiroto is one of the NAR’s best. Crucially he has Korean experience, having partnered Light Warrior to 4th place in last year’s Korea Cup. He will know all about Global Hit, who finished one place ahead of him and will also be very aware of how the Seoul track races.

Even if connections didn’t have any previous Seoul experience themselves, they have plenty of sources to turn to. Ikuyasu Kurakane, who rode 347 winners in Korea, was based at Kochi in his riding days and is now a trainer there. Ueda Masashi, currently riding at Busan, is also a Kochi jockey and is one of very few riders who has beaten Yumeno Honoo in a race (on Hachikin Musume back in October 2022 when Yumeno Honoo was a juvenile).

In Seoul, Yumeno Honoo looks very well. As a physical specimen his appearance is superior to Sunday’s rivals and in the mornings, he has had his ears pricked and seemingly very much enjoying his work. Those present observed that he is being prepared with exactly the same professionalism and attention to detail as the JRA horses at the Korea Cup and Sprint. He moves over the sand very well and while he has tended to hang out a little on the turns, if this translates to race day – and an actual race – it could be very ominous for the locals.

* Thanks to Joe Fujii and to journalist Yoko Oe, as well as LongBallToNoOne for background information on Kochi and the NAR.

YTN Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 20)

It’s the biggest day of the season so far as Japan’s Yumeno Honoo takes on Global Hit, Success Baekpa and the rest of the top two-turn horses in the country in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). It’s race 7 of an 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. At Busan there are 6-races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews with full form comments for the YTN to follow:

Success Baekpa won the 1st leg of the Stayer Series but will face a bigger challenge in the 2nd (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After thirteen starts, (4) DAEWONYONGMA looks to have finally figured it out and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on March 16th when he led almost the entire way. He draws nicely to lead again and today should finally be the day. (8) JISAN FRIEND was an improved 4th at start number two on March 22nd over this distance, settling just behind the speed and finishing well. It was a slow race, but he finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and he can continue to make progress here. (11) CHEONGRYONG GIUN was a fair 5th of eight on debut a month ago. He should have come on for that run and go closer. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST and (9) FLYING CONCORD, the latter looking well in a March trial, are others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Daewonyongma (8) Jisan Friend (11) Cheongryong Giun (5) Semyeong Ghost
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AWESOME QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in January before following up with 4th at this distance on March 15th. She has been doing her best work late so can sit behind the leaders here and she will be a short-price favourite to be too good. (3) BULGUKSIDAE enters off an improved 4th place at this distance on March 23rd. Well drawn in this company she should be among the pacesetters and can be in this a long way. (9) GEOLJAK HAPPY has a 3rd place on her record and against limited opposition, that’s enough to put her in with a chance of a place. (7) KIA ORA and first-time starter (1) CHARMING QUEEN are others to consider, the latter having hinted at ability in a decent trial earlier this month.

Selections(4) Awesome Queen (3) Bulguksidae (9) Geoljak Happy (7) Kia Ora
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) QUANTUM K ran a fair 5th on debut and followed up with an improved 2nd place at 1300M on March 15th. He has run through the line well suggesting that the slight step up in trip can be in his favour and he will be odds-on to go one better. (6) MASTER KWAIGON similarly made progress at start number two on March 15th when 2nd at 1300M, coming from well off the pace. He too should go well at the 1400M and shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after that pair but (1) BLACK SMILE has been knocking on the door of the places in her latest few and can so similar here. (3) PURGE RUBY and (7) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG are others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(5) Quantum K (6) Master Kwaigon (1) Black Smile (3) Purge Ruby
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) CHOEGANG TRIPLE has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd when close to the pace throughout and posting a time half a second faster than any of these have managed over 1200M. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate, but he won’t need much improvement to win this. Second-favourite will be (2) LION MAGIC. After running-on too late on debut he was ridden much closer at start two on March 21st, ultimately running 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. Expect similar tactics today and he shouldn’t be far away. (1) DIA KNIGHT ran twice without distinction last year, most recently in October. He looked well in a March trial and can make a fresh start here (although do note he trialed well last year too. Debut-makers (3) GREAT UP and (8) WIND ROSE showed well in their respective trials and can be considered on a place line first up.

Selections(11) Choegang Triple (2) Lion Magic (1) Dia Knight (3) Great Up
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two last autumn before straining a ligament on his first try at this class in early December. He returned to action on March 9th at this class and distance and led a long way and ultimately ran 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but should have come on for that run and he can win here. (5) HAKSAN CAIRO remains a maiden after eight attempts but he has been ultra consistent with seven top five finishes. That includes his latest when 2nd over 1300M on March 29th and while he may once again find one too quick, he can be a danger late on for his first try at 1400M. (8) TAEGISAN KING comes up in class having scored over 1300M on March 8th, coming from midfield. He is down slightly in weight, and he can measure up. (1) ECLIPSE EDGE and (10) BULGEUN POKPUNG other place chances.

Selections(9) Useung Jinli (5) Haksan Cairo (8) Taegisan King (1) Eclipse Edge
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

It’s back to a day schedule at Seoul this Saturday when there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. The forecast is for rain. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) AFLEET RUN has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on March 9th when handy throughout and well beaten by a good winner. This is weaker and if he can get to the lead again, he should go all the way. (3) DIXIE MAN has two 3rd places among five starts so far. His latest couple have been disappointing, but they have been at further and nicely drawn and with Moon Se-young staying on, he can be closer today. Among the debut-makers (1) UEOKSURO looks best having led a February trial before ultimately finishing 4th in a fair time. He can be on pace again and should be in the mix first up. (7) COSMO MING and (8) BULGEUNTAEYANG also hinted at ability in trials and couldn’t have picked a softer race to debut in.

Selections(9) Afleet Run (3) Dixie Man (1) Ueoksuro (7) Cosmo Ming
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) JOY CHEONHA enters off 3rd place at this distance on March 15th when handy throughout and running on. That continued a pattern of progress across his five starts so far and nicely drawn today, he can sit just behind the speed and be too strong late on. (5) EAST SKY came from midfield to run a solid 2nd place at this distance on February 22nd. He draws a much better gate this time, so can be closer to the pace early and can be in the mix again. (2) CHOCO BEAUTY has six top five finishes from thirteen starts as well as the fastest time among these for the distance. She draws well and may make for some each-way appeal. (6) THUNDER LUCKY and (10) BISANG BELL are others to consider.

Selections(3) Joy Cheonha (5) East Sky (2) Choco Beauty (6) Thunder Lucky
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A winner on debut and then 2nd on his first try at this class, (10) WESTERN GUN weakened after leading when sent up to 1700M, before firing a blank in Seoul’s Classic Trial in February. He returns to more amenable company today and accordingly can return to winning ways. (2) JECHUK LOG IN was 2nd on debut in January and followed up with a maiden win at start two on February 8th when slowly away but running on to score over 1300M. He’s had ten weeks off since then and is up in class, but he is down in weight and the additional half furlong can suit. (9) RAON NIZHINSKII didn’t seem to appreciate 1700M last time even though his previous running style had indicated that he might. He comes back to one turn today and with CC climbing on, should be a danger. (3) GOLDEN BALL and (4) HYEUKMUSANG other place chances.

Selections(10) Western Gun (2) Jechuk Log In (9) Raon Nizhinskii (3) Golden Ball
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN CONCORD got her maiden win last time out at start number eleven leading all the way in a similar filly only race at this class and distance. She comes up 3.5kg in weight but she can lead again, and she can win again. (6) BEOLGYO LAVA got her maiden win two starts back before running 3rd on her first try at this class on March 16th. She remains under a light weight and with the fastest final furling average time in the field, she can challenge here. (1) SONGAM SKY beat a couple of these when winning at this class over 1200M on March 22nd. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but that’s balanced by a nice draw, and she can be in this again. (8) KHAN NUT and (9) MENI SHARK others to look out for.

Selections(7) Green Concord (6) Beolgyo Lava (1) Songam Sky (8) Khan Nut
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 18)

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 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After running 4th on debut, (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 31st at, racing handy throughout having overcome the widest gate. Drawing slightly better this time, he can go one better. (6) BLACK SQUALL was similarly 2nd at start number two, in his case over 1200M on March 7th, tracking the leader throughout. The slight step up in trip should be no problem and he too has every chance of peaking third-up. (1) WIND VAIN was 2nd on debut before running 3rd behind Apdojeok Numberone in that March 31st race with very little between them He comes into a much better gate and it’s not impossible that he overturns that form. (10) QUEEN SPICY and (12) SEOBU DANCING are others who can improve.

Selections(8) Apdojeok Numberone (6) Black Squall (1) Wind Vain (10) Queen Spicy
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. After finishing 2nd in February, (7) QUEENS DRAGON was sent off as favourite in a similar event to this over 1200M on March 14th but was caught wide of the early speed and ultimately finished 5th. The increase in distance can give her more time to settle and Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests this can be the day.  (12) LOILOI was an improved 2nd at start two over 1300M on March 14th, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit here and she should have a big chance late on. (3) BABEL COME ON has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from six starts so far racing both on pace and from behind. She’s drawn well here and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) REIGN QUEEN and (6) TUHON FIGHTER other placing hopes.

Selections(7) Queens Dragon (12) Loiloi (3) Babel Come On (8) Reign Queen
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not an especially strong maiden. (1) NICE GIRL ran a best to date 2nd when coming form well off the pace over 1400M on March 28th, adding to an earlier 3rd. Her previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, but the opposition here is weaker and she has ss good a chance as any. (9) USANG RYUNG enters off a fair 5th of eleven over 1400M on March 9th when coming from well back. She has a 2nd and a 3rd at this trip already and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (6) BAEDARI BOSEOK could only manage 7th last time out on March 14th but she did finish ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She has a 4th place at this distance and while one-paced, can beat plenty of these again. (7) JOJOBA and (5) RIVERSTONE are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Nice Girl (9) Usang Ryung (6) Baedari Boseok (7) Jojoba
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Competitive race with plenty entering in form. They include (6) QUEEN TYCHE, a winner of two of her latest three, most recently on March 23rd on an all-filly affair at this class and distance when on pace throughout. She only comes up 2kg in weight, and she can repeat. (5) DONGNAM GANGTAJA got his maiden win last October and has since had three goes at this class with two of them ending in 3rd place, including last time out at this distance on March 9th when coming from well off the pace. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will probably be sent off as the favourite. (3) UNLIMITED RUN won at 1300M at start three in February, leading all the way, before finishing 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 23rd, again racing on pace. He’ll be on pace here too and can have a big say. (10) SPEED TOP and (4) CHEONGWAN, the latter needing a line through her latest but who has since trialed well, others to consider.

Selections(6) Queen Tyche (5) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Unlimited Run (10) Speed Top
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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