Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday April 27
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12.00 to 18.00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13.30 to 17.30
Saturday April 28
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11.00 to 17.40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12.20 to 17.20
Sunday April 29
Seoul Race Park: 10 races from 11.00 to 17.40
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12.15 to 16.45
It’s been an absolutely stunning week on the peninsula. Temperatures have been in the low twenties, the sun has been shining and the cherry blossoms have finally come out. Naturally as soon as the working week is done, it’s set to pour with rain on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully that rain won’t put too much of a dampener on what is a double-header of big race action at Seoul Race Park this weekend.
Triple Seven is a Ttukseom Cup winner
On Saturday, it’s the Selangor Turf Club Trophy while Sunday sees the Group 3 Seoul Owners’ Association Trophy.
The STC Trophy is the latest edition of the exchange race that the KRA holds in partnership with Malaysia’s Selangor Turf Club. Two apprentice riders have joined the usual dignitaries in making the trip to Seoul this week and will ride in the race which sees fourteen class 2 Korean bred runners compete over 9 furlongs.
The main event of the weekend, however, is on Sunday. The Owners’ Trophy also has a full field of fourteen and is headed by former Ttukseom Cup winner Triple Seven (The Groom Is Red). Ilgan Sports Cup winner Geuma Champ (Vicar) makes his first appearance since finishing third in last year’s Minister’s Cup while in-form Real Victor (Biwa Shinseiki) and Suseong TX (Concept Win) also go along with the always dangerous Magnifique (Menifee) and Cheonun (Ft. Stockton). It is set to be an intriguing race.
Once the Owners’ Cup is done, Grand Prix champion Tough Win (Yonaguska) will make his second appearance of 2012. He’ll be carrying an unprecedented 63.5kg against eleven rivals in a 1900 metre handicap.
Down at Busan there are co-feature races on Sunday. Double President’s Cup winner Dangdae Bulpae (Biwa Shinseiki) is the star attraction.
Of the foreign jockeys at Busan, Gerrit Schlechter has eleven rides across the weekend, Narazaki Kosuke has twelve and Yukio Abe fourteen, which may be some kind of record for foreign jockeys in Korea. Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday April 20
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday April 21
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40 including the Selangor Turf Club Trophy at 16:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20
Sunday April 22
Seoul Race Park: 10 races from 11:00 to 17:45 including the Owners’ Association Trophy at 16:15
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:15 to 16:45
Useung Touch Is Back / Jumong Carries Big Weight At Seoul / Grand Niner Bids For Fourth Win
It’s set to be the warmest weekend of the year so far and we’ve got plenty to keep us occupied across the peninsula.
Oaks Winner: Useung Touch is back at Busan this weekend
South African jockey Gerrit Schlechter will make his Busan debut on Friday and has a promising book of rides across the weekend including on Peter Wolsley’s Pnata Rhei (Stormy Atlantic) in Sunday’s feature.
That race sees 2011 Korean Oaks winner Useung Touch (Menifee) make her first appearance of the season while the impressive late developer Quantum (Ecton Park) is among a host of well-known names being dropped back for a a rare chance to race for a big prize over 6 furlongs.
Up at Seoul, there are class 1 tests on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s looks more interesting with top weight Jumong (Johar) heading a reasonably challenging field that includes one-time Grand Prix Stakes runner-up Larrycat (Fantasticat) as well as the now past his best former Grand Prix winner Bally Brae (Yarrow Brae).
On Sunday at Seoul, plenty of eyes will be on US import Grand Niner (Any Given Saturday) who will be bidding to make it four wins from four starts in race 9.
Meanwhile down on Jeju Island, the ponies have one of their biggest races of the year in the shape of the Halla Ilbo Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday April 13
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday April 14
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:10
Sunday April 15
Seoul Race Park: 10 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:15 to 16:40
KRA Cup Mile, Macau Jockey Club Trophy at Busan, Smarty Moonhak at Seoul
It’s the first leg of the 2012 Korean Triple Crown at Busan Race Park on Sunday as 14 of the nation’s best three-year olds go to post for the KRA Cup Mile. Click here for a full preview and run-down of all the runners and riders.
Smarty Moonhak (KRA)
Also at Busan on Sunday, two so-far unbeaten three-year old imports (the Cup Mile is only open to Korean bred horses) will face each other for the first time.
Something has got to give as Pure Future (Simon Pure), with 4 wins from 4 starts, faces Smoking Gun (Hat Trick) who has 3 from 3, in the Macau Jockey Club Trophy.
Up at Seoul, another three-year old import who can’t run in the Triple Crown is perhaps the best of the lot. Smarty Moonhak (Smarty Jones) will look for his third straight win on 2012 in the feature race on Saturday. He’ll be carrying 60Kg – a full 4.5Kg more than any of his 11 rivals but should still win the 10 furlong handicap with ease. This colt is well worth watching.
Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday April 6
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday April 7
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:00
Sunday April 8
Seoul Race Park: 10 races from 11:00 to 17:50
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:15 to 16:50 including the KRA Cup Mile at 15:50
After months of preparation, finally it’s the big one.
Chae Gyu Jun & Good Time in the Breeders' Cup Winner's Circle
The first leg of the 2012 Korean Triple Crown will be run at Busan Race Park this Sunday.
The KRA Cup Mile, also known as the “Korean 2000 Guineas” will see four runners from Seoul travel down South to take on a ten strong home team.
One of them could be on the way to emulating J.S. Hold who in 2007, became the first and only horse to complete the Triple Crown. Champion Juvenile of 2011 Good Time leads the line for the home team while Viva Cat, with 5 wins from his 6 starts, heads the challenge from Seoul.
Here is a full list of the runners and riders with pedigrees, race records and jockey:
KRA Cup Classic (KOR.GII) – Busan Race Park – 1600M – Sunday April 8, 15:50
1. Good Time (KOR) [Yehudi-A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] C (8/3/3/0) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
Champion Juvenile of last year and has made steady progress this year up to class 2 level, recording a very easy win over the distance in February.
2. Himchan Jilju (KOR) [Kwaedo Nanma-Wild Triple (Military)] C (8/4/0/1) – Jo Chang Wook (Busan)
Untried at the distance but was impressive last time out and should be in with a chance.
3. Wonderful Namhae (KOR) [Vicar-Make That Call (Glow)] C (6/4/0/0) – Akane Yamamoto (Busan)
Has won his last three in good fashion and with Akane on board, has to be a contender.
4. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) [Menifee-Princess Lanique (Cherokee Run)] C (8/4/2/0) – Park Geum Man (Busan)
Over the winter, he was set to be favourite but put in an indifferent performance last time out when he finished behind Good Time over 1800 metres. Could win easily or could finish last, it depends which Gyeongbudaero shows up.
5. Myeongseo Hero (KOR) [Pico Central-Regal Heir (Regal Intention)] C (7/2/3/0) – Song Keong Yun (Busan)
Was disappointing in his only outing over the distance and comes into the race off the back of two second place finishes over seven furlongs at class 3. He’ll need to show much more to challenge here.
6. Cheoneun (KOR) [Forest Camp-Naha (Silver Buck)] F (8/5/1/0) – Choi Bum Hyun (Seoul)
A poor run in the Breeders’ Cup last November and again over 1800 metres last month. Sandwiched between those two though were two very impressive wins and if she can bring that form to Busan, she can’t be discounted.
7. Jigeum I Sungan (KOR) [Ingrandire-Solmaru (Mujaazif)] C (9/3/4/1) – Moon Se Young (Seoul)
A colt that has been getting better with every run. The longer Derby distance might suit him better but more improvement can’t be ruled out here and Moon Se Young would not travel South if he didn’t feel he had a shot at bringing home a big prize.
8. Dolpung Jilju (KOR) [Didyme-Alder Gulch (Gulch)] F (8/3/1/1) – Jun Duk Yong (Seoul)
Without a win since claiming the Gwacheon Mayor’s Stakes last October, she is a talented filly but it would be a surprise if her return to the Winner’s Circle came here.
9. Baekho Janggun (KOR) [Pico Central-Oaks Fever (Old Trieste)] C (9/1/2/2) – Narazaki Kosuke (Busan)
Second over the distance last time out but has done little to suggest that he will be one of the favourites here. Needs improvement.
10. Dream Tower (KOR) [Forest Camp-HUrricane Warning (Thunder Gulch)] C (8/4/1/1) – Kim Yong Geun (Busan)
The most expensive colt of his generation, Dream Tower was third in the Breeders’ Cup last year. Yet to go a mile, he was second over 1500 metres at class 2 in his last race and must be among the frontrunners here.
11. Viva Cat (KOR) [Creek Cat-Babaria (Engagement)] C (6/5/0/0) – Cho Kyoung Ho (Seoul)
A fourth place in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup aside, this colt has done nothing wrong at all. Two smart wins at 1700 metres this year as well as Cho Kyoung Ho on board for the first time make him arguably the favourite. However, Seoul horses do not have a good record at Busan.
12. Bongodong (KOR) [Meisei Opera-Martie’s Prospect (Allen’s Prospect)] C (7/1/2/2) – You Hyun Myung
Undoubtedly the best named horse in the race (with the possible exception of the musically inspired Jigeum I Sungan), Bongodong would have to show form far beyond what he has demonstrated so far if he is to compete here.
13. Sing A (KOR) [Fortitude-Seollimwon (Wheaton)] F (9/2/3/2) – Kim Dong Young
A very nice filly who was second in the Breeders’ Cup behind Good Time and won over course and distance last month with Predict behind her. She’ll need to go quicker than she did that day to win here but she’s tough to oppose.
14. Predict (KOR) [The Groom Is Red-Muhanseungni (Big Sur)] C (7/3/2/0) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
Finished behind Good Time and Sing A in his last two starts, both of which were at this distance. Jo Sung Gin can never be ruled out in the big races but he’ll need to find improvement here.
A bit of a holding weekend in Korea between last week’s Ttukseom Cup and next week’s KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the 2012 Korean Triple Crown. However, there’s still plenty to keep us occupied.
Ace Galloper and Park Tae Jong winning the KRA Cup Classic
Feature races of the weekend at both Seoul and Busan are on Sunday. Ace Galloper (Chapel Royal), with 16 wins from his 23 starts heads the big race at Seoul.
He’s up against last year’s champion mare Top Point (Tom Cruiser) in the 2000 metre event.
Down at Busan, Peter Wolsley’s Ghost Whisper (Gotham City), with 5 wins and 3 seconds from his 8 starts to date, makes his class 1 debut in Sunday’s feature. Earlier on Sunday, promising filly Geumdda (Officer) will be aiming to make it 6 wins from 7 starts.
Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday March 30
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday March 31
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:20
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20
Sunday April 1
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:15 to 16:40
Ttukseom Cup, Sports Donga, HRI Trophy & Mister Park vs Dangdae Bulpae on Big Weekend
After weeks of low-key affairs, finally things start to get serious with the first weekend of really big racing of 2012. While Mister Park squares off against Dangdae Bulpae at Busan, up at Seoul we have the Horse Racing Ireland Trophy on Saturday and then the first Group race of the year in the shape of the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday. Once all that is done, there’s still time for the Sports Donga Cup.
Can Kkakjaengi get back in the Seoul Stakes Winner's Circle?
The HRI Trophy is for Class 2 Korean bred fillies and mares while the Sports Donga is a standard Class 1 handicap and features former champion fillies Cheonun and Dongbang Rose.
At Busan, record win streak holder, Mister Park and double President’s Cup winner Dangdae Bulpae will race with six others over 2000 metres in a Class 1 handicap.
We’ll focus on the big Stakes race though and this year, the Ttukseom Cup is the first leg of the “Queens’ Tour”, which aims to pit the best fillies and mares from both Seoul and Busan against one another in a series of big Stakes races.
Six from Busan join eight rivals in the capital for the seven-furlong sprint on Sunday afternoon. Here is a full run-down of the runners and riders:
Ttukseom Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – March 25, 16:15
1. Imperial Girl (USA) [Imperialism-Wallena (Wallenda)] – 4 (18/3/1/4) – Oh Kyoung Hoan (Seoul)
Was well beaten by Geumbi last time out and, while she will probably appreciate dropping back in distance, will need to improve if she is to reverse that form.
2. Triple Hunter (USA) [Sweetsouthernsaint-Glory Mountain (Montbrook)] – 3 (6/2/1/2) – Park Geum Man (Busan)
Improving with each race although she is perhaps not quite in the same class as some of the better established runners, she has a placing chance.
3. Royale Embrace (USA) [Chapel Royal-Embracing Krissy (Kissin Kris)] – 4 (14/5/3/1) – Yoo Hyun Myung (Busan)
At one time she looked set to e a star. Has form at a higher level than most of her rivals and can’t be ruled out if at her best.
4. Chowonuibyeol (USA) [Rockport Harbor-Arctic’s Angel (Artax)] – 3 (6/2/2/1) – Choi Bum Hyun (Seoul)
Good win over the distance last month and has to be in with a chance of placing.
5. Gamdonguibada (USA) [Werblin-Radyla (Country Pine)] – 3 (4/3/1/0) – Kim Young Geun (Busan)
Unexposed so far, her only defeat came at the hands of the promising colt Pure Future. She ran just two weeks ago and was impressive over a mile. Will have backers.
6. Geumbi (USA) [Ecton Park-Lady Justine (Lit De Justice)] – 5 (15/5/5/2) – Moon Se Young (Seoul)
Second in the Owners’ Cup last year and scored her first victory at Class 1 level last month – along with Kkakjaengi she’s the only runner to have a win at that level and on current form should be favourite.
7. Kkochyeoul (USA) [Essence Of Dubai-A Star Has Risen (Rock Band)] – 4 (16/1/7/3) – Kim Hae Sun (Seoul)
Has graduated up to class 1 despite only having one win to her name. She should be around at the business end of the race but it is difficult to see her getting her second win.
8. Queen Of Rain (USA) [Lion Heart-Prosperous Move (Arch)] – 4 (15/4/2/3) – Song Keong Yun (Busan)
Returns to Seoul for the first time since being an also-ran in the Grand Prix Stakes in December. The field here is nothing like as strong as it was that day but, while she cannot be discounted, others are favoured.
9. Malibu Sky (USA) [Malibu Moon-Music Box Dancer (Woodman)] – 4 (13/3/2/1) – Kim Do Hyun (Busan
Solid performer but difficult to see her winning this one.
10. Xicar (AUS) [Written Tycoon-Grand Jewel (Brocco)] – 3 (7/3/2/0) – Park Tae Jong (Seoul)
The only non-US bred in the race, a month ago Xicar would have been favourite here. However, she then flopped last time out in the Segy Ilbo Cup. If January’s Xicar shows up, she’ll win.
11. Gippeumnuri (USA) [Eurosilver-Regatta Queen (Danzig Connection)] – 5 (23/4/2/1) – Kim Cheol Ho (Seoul)
Anther with Class 1 experience but it is a long time since she has tasted victory and was well beaten by Geumbi last time.
12. Dehere Queen (USA) [Dehere-Cinnamon Girl (Meadowlake)] – 4 (14/3/4/1) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
While an encouraging second to Former last time out, on paper a place seems her best chance. However, when Jo Sung Gon gives up rides at Busan to come to Seoul, his mount’s chances have to be taken seriously.
13. Mighty Mammy (USA) [After Market-Red Lifesaver (Victory Gallop)] – 3 (6/2/3/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho (Seoul)
Second in the Segye Ilbo Cup and a real talent. This may come too early for her a the right price, may be worth a punt.
14. Kkakjaengi (USA) [Put It Back-Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] – 4 (13/6/3/2) – Shin Hyoung Chul (Seoul)
The highest rated entrant in the race, she’s a double-Stakes winner. Ran second to Jumong in January and fourth to Dongbanui Gangja last month. On her day, she should have too much for this field.
It’s set to be quite a weekend and the sun should be shining for most if it! Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday March 23
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday March 24
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:20 including the HRI Trophy at 16:20
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20
Sunday March 25
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:45 including the Ttukseom Cup at 16:15
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:15 to 16:45 (Mister Park vs Dangdae Bulpae is race 7)
Reigning Grand Prix Stakes champion Tough Win makes his 2012 debut in the pick of the action on a busy weekend of racing in Korea.
Tough Win takes the Grand Prix ahead of Mister Park (r) and Smarty Moonhak (l) Pic: Newsis
Now five-years old, Tough Win (Yonaguska) is making his first appearance since ending the record-breaking win-streak of Mister Park and downing the young upstart Smarty Moonhak in the finale to last season at Seoul Racecourse.
With 14 wins from his 18 career starts, Tough Win is one of the biggest stars of recent years and he will, as ever, be partnered by jockey Cho Kyoung Ho who is himself returning from a six-week injury lay-off.
Up against Tough Win will be Jumong (Johar) and the pair of them will be carrying significantly more weight then the rest of the field; Tough Win the maximum 63Kg and Jumong 60.5Kg.
Both have proved more than capable of dealing with these imposts in the past although should they have problems, Sing Sing Cat (D’Wildcat) and Mass Media’s Tea (Mass Media) could be outside picks to take advantage in the 1900 metre Handicap.
There’s plenty of other action to keep us occupied too on what is set to be the warmest weekend of the year so far (although that is not saying a whole lot), including Japanese jockey Narazaki Kosuke debuting at Busan as well as the first Stakes race of the year for the ponies on Jeju Island.
Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday March 16
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday March 17
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:20
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20
Sunday March 18
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:15 to 16:40
We’re less than a month away from the KRA Cup Mile and while many of the contenders will have already had their final race before the first leg of the Korean Triple Crown, there’s still plenty to occupy us on the peninsula this weekend.
Filly Grand Teukgeup (Menifee) seeks her fourth straight win as she takes on the Cup Mile distance for the time on Friday afternoon.
Low-key racing but still a lot to see this weekend
She goes up against ten rivals one of whom, Baekho Janggun (Pico Central) could see himself added to the classic mix with a good performance.
Busan’s Friday feature sees old-timers Crafty Louis (Louis Quatorze) and Wonder Love (Wild Wonder), both of whom have been racing at Busan since the track opened in 2005, making their season-debuts. They will probably find the comparatively youthful six-year old Purely Spontaneus (Pure Precision) a bt too quick for them.
On Sunday at Busan, Tamna Ace (Thunder Gulch), with ten wins from fourteen starts, will be the one to beat in the feature handicap.
Up at Seoul, it’s very much a low-key weekend. The most valuable race is on Saturday afternoon when Magnifique (Menifee), who was less than magnificent in his last start, seeks to get back to winning ways in a nine furlong handicap. Former champion filly Love Cat (Creek Cat) is among nine rivals.
It’s been a reasonably pleasant week weather-wise, however, temperatures are set to drop a little for the weekend.
Friday March 9
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday March 10
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:20
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20
Sunday March 11
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:15 to 16:40
It’s March and there has been a definite spring-like feel to the weather on the peninsula over the past few days. On the track it’s set to be a big start to the month as Korea’s current hottest racing property, Smarty Moonhak (Smarty Jones) makes his second appearance of 2012.
After dispatching two-time Grand Prix Stakes winner and former horse of the year Dongbanui Gangja by ten lengths in his last outing, the three-year old should have little difficulty seeing off a less than daunting class 1 field in Sunday’s 2000 metre feature handicap.
Moon Jung Kyun gets the mount on Smarty Moonhak
Smarty Moonhak will be carrying 59Kg and will for the first time be ridden by Moon Jung Kyun instead of previous regular Shim Seung Tae.
Best known for riding J.S. Hold to the Korean Triple Crown in 2007, Moon has taken over as stable jockey for trainer Ko Ok Bong with Shim moving to Kim Ho. As jockeys in Korea ride in their own colours instead of those of the owners, it will mean a slightly different look for the horse.
So long as the weight isn’t a problem few of his rivals seem likely to be.
On Saturday, Singgeureounachim (Exploit) headlines the feature race while top-rated three-year old filly Cheoneun (Forest Camp) goes over the Derby distance of 1800 metres in race 9.
Down at Busan, Friday sees Classic prospects Gyeongbudaero (Menifee) and Good Time (Yehudi), last year’s champion Juvenile, attempt the Derby distance for the first time in race 9.
There are co-features on Sunday. Aussie colt Jeonseong Sidae (Stromberg Carlson) headlines the first of these while both Peter Wolsley and Joe Murphy saddle contenders in the second in the shape of Pnata Rhei (Stormy Atlantic) and Ganghan Yeoja (Lethal Instrument) in the six furlong sprint.
Here’s what’s happening when and where:
Friday March 2
Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Saturday March 3
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:20
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:20
Sunday March 4
Seoul Race Park: 11 race from 11:00 to 17:40
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:15 to 16:40
Horse Racing in Korea 