Global Hit returned from Dubai to successfully uphold local honour by seeing off Japan’s Yumeno Honoo in last month’s YTN Cup. Now, the highest rated horse in Korea makes a return to the track where he does his training, but scarcely ever races, as he headlines the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2), the final leg of the Stayer Series, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.
Global Hit was far too good in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
While he does his day-to-day training on the track, since his breakout performance in the 2023 Korean Derby, only one of Global Hit’s subsequent fourteen outings have been at home. That was in this race last year when as favourite, he was narrowly beaten into second by Tuhonui Banseok. He’ll be favourite again.
Tuhonui Banseok is the double defending Champion having won the race in both 2023 and 2024 but on recent form, SPEED YOUNG shapes as the main danger. The stablemate of Global Hit was 2nd in both previous legs of the series, the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) and YTN Cup (2000M KOR G3). SUCCESS BAEKPA won the Herald, and along with TIZ BAROWS and NUT PLAY will be among the next line of favourites.
Here’s a rundown of the full field of fourteen for the big race which, for live TV purposes (KBS N Sports in Korea), is race 2 at Busan with the early post time of 13:10:
1. BYEOLNARA JILJU – The lowest rated in the field by a considerable margin and while he placed at class 2 level over 2000M in February, he is a big outsider here.
2. NAOL SNIPER – Hasn’t quite kicked on this year and with a 6th and a 12th in the two prior legs of the series, and on those efforts, he has plenty to find here.
3. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Winner of this race the past two years, he ended 2024 with 2nd to Global Hit in the Grand Prix but was well back in both legs of this series so far. Return to Busan may help and not to be dismissed.
4. SPEED YOUNG – Stablemate to Global Hit and the main danger. Has finished between 2nd and 4th in each of his last six starts, all at Seoul and all at Group (or Listed) level. Tactically versatile and will run on but has five-lengths to find on Global Hit. Solid place chance but will be a short price for that.
5. GLOBAL HIT – Returned from Dubai to win the YTN Cup in dominant fashion. This is a rare big race missing from his CV and while he hasn’t scored at 1800M since his 2023 Derby victory, at anything like his best, he wins.
6. BEOLMAUI MONSTER – First time in Graded company, he got back-to-back wins at the turn of the year at class 2 before running 2nd at class 1 over 2000M at the end of March. On pace or handy but this is a hard ask at level weights.
Global Hit is the main attraction as the Stayer Series comes to end with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) the feature at Busan on Sunday afternoon. For TV purposes (KBS N Sports) the big race is race 2 at 13:10. There are 6 races in total at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 while there are 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Tunhonui Banseok won his second Mayor’s Cup, beating Global Hit, a year ago (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (6) CHEONGRYONG GIUN ran 5th on debut in March and followed up with 3rd at start number two over this distance on April 20th when coming from off the pace. Third up he can be peaking and with Moon Se-young staying on, he may be the one to beat. (2) DURAY SHOW and (1) YEONGGWANGUI SKY came home in 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at this distance on April 13th. For both it was a significant improvement and from good draws, both can be in the mix again with the latter, especially likely to be on pace. (4) DAEHAN COCO’S debuted in that race on April 20th, running a solid 4th behind Cheongryong Giun. She should have come on for that run and can be competitive here. (3) KIA ORA another placing chance.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at this distance on May 11th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here and in this company should be on pace from the start and prove too strong. (4) HAKSAN PRINCE was well fancied last time out but got crowded at the start and lost ground only making I tup to 6th. Going on his previous two efforts when 4th and 3rd, he can be given another chance here. (6) THUNDER MARVEL was an improved 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 26th. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and can be a danger late. (7) MYEONG POWER and (5) SMART NOTION other minor chances.
Selections
(2) Seungni Barows (4) Haksan Prince (6) Thunder Marvel (7) Myeong Power
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) ELDORADO HEUNGBU remains a maiden after ten attempts but has only missed the top five on two occasions. He has placed in both his previous tries over 1400M, and in this company, he can be on pace and make his breakthrough. (5) MIGHTY BOM is also a maiden, in his case after sixteen outings. He enters in strong form though, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes from his latest three, all at 1800M. He has three 3rd places over this distance as well as the quickest time among these for the 1400M, and he can be a threat. (9) QUANTUM K comes up in class having led from gate to wire to win over this distance at start three on April 20th. He comes down in weight and can measure up. (3) ORANGE TIME and (10) NONSTOP YEOLCHA others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Eldorado Heungbu (5) Mighty Bom (9) Quantum K (3) Orange Time
Next Best
10, 11
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY has made steady progress across her three starts to date, most recently running a very close 2nd at 1300M on April 4th having been ridden further forward than in her previous two. She should be on pace again here and she will be a short-price favourite to go one better. (5) LOILOI has mixed her form but comes back into the same gate from which she ran 2nd over 1300M in March, and she looks to be the main danger. (4) SEONGSIL SIDAE was a significantly improved 2nd when only going down very narrowly at 1300M on April 13th. She is another who should be on the speed and can be in this a long way. (9) CRUELLA and (2) REAL RESPECT others to consider for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) NURI CHEONWANG has been very consistent across his five starts so far and enters having overcome wide draws on both his latest two to run 4th. The step up in trip can suit and he can win here. (4) ECLIPSE EDGE is another who may be suited by coming up to two turns for the first time. He was 3rd behind Nuri Cheonwang when that horse got his maiden win and has acquitted himself well at this level in subsequent starts, most recently when 4th over 1400M. He will be expected to be on pace here. (1) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG remains a maiden after fifteen races but has nine top-five finishes and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (8) TAEPYEONGMU and (9) RED DRAGON perhaps the best of an uninspiring rest.
Busan Race 2: Class Open (1800M) Weight for Age / Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2) KRW 700 Million
Busan’s biggest race of the year and it is a rare home track appearance for (5) GLOBAL HIT and having marked his return from Dubai with a five-length win in last month’s YTN Cup over 2000M at Seoul, he will be hot favourite to win this. Stablemate (4) SPEED YOUNG got the closest to him that day in 2nd, adding to his runner-up finish in March’s Herald Business, the first leg of this series. There is little to suggest he can overturn that form, but he is the most likely contender to fill out the exacta. In the absence of Global Hit, (10) SUCCESS BAEKPA won the Herald Business before running 4th in the YTN and he can be running on strong late again. The rest will need to step up with (11) TIZ BAROWS and (13) NUT PLAY perhaps being the most likely.
Selections
(5) Global Hit (4) Speed Young (10) Success Baekpa (11) Tiz Barows
Next Best
13, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) GRACE ROUTE got her maiden win at this distance in January and while she was beaten by a couple of these when 5th when slower away on her first try at this class in February, she came back out on April 27th and ran a close 2nd over 1400M. In this company she can sit just behind the speed and can win. (5) RACE ROSE comes up in class having scored her maiden win over 1200M on April 13th. The win had been coming and with a weight drop she can be competitive here. (9) AWESOME QUEEN got her maiden win at start three with an all the way effort over this distance on April 20th and she too can measure up at this level. (3) SSAK DANAEUN, similarly up in class and down in weight, along with (1) CUPID CHIC, are other place chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) WONDERFUL FEVER enters off 3rd place at this class over 1400M on May 2nd when leading into the final furlong. He has won at this trip and from a good draw can be on pace and potentially go all the way. (4) TRIPLE SINHWA was a class and distance winner on April 25th, making much of the running. He comes up a full 4kg in weight but that’s balanced a little by a good draw and he will have plenty of backers for a repeat. (7) MORNING DEW was 2nd in that April 25th race. He gets a weight swing from Triple Sinhwa this time and can be in the mix again. (8) GRAND DREAM and (10) GALLOP QUEEN are among others with every chance of competing for the places.
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(11) PUNGUNJIMA returned from eight months out to run 2nd at this class and distance on April 13th, leading for the early part of the race. She has to contend with the widest gate here but she should strip fitter for that run, Moon Se-young, who has won on her twice, returns to the ride and she can win. (4) RUN WILD returned from a layoff of his own to win at this distance at class 5 level in March before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on April 19th when settling right back and running on. There is a danger that he can leave himself too much to do but with two wins and two runner-up finishes from four tries at this trip suggests he must be taken seriously. (5) STAR TREK beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on April 26th and under a light weight can place again. (10) ULTRA SOCKS and (6) BEST CLONE others in the frame.
Selections
(11) Pungunjima (4) Run Wild (5) Star Trek (10) Ultra Socks
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) FORCE BE WITH YOU was a winner over 1300M on debut in March before running 5th when stepped up to this class and distance on April 25th, among plenty of today’s rivals. He should have benefitted from that experience, third-up he can be peaking, and he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (5) NEOM CITY, who was 2nd in that April 25th race. She is yet to win but that was her second consecutive runner-up finish at this distance and under a light weight, she can be there or thereabouts again. (6) FLYING THE KHAN is also yet to win – or even finish 2nd – in six attempts but he has three 3rd places, including on his sole try at this trip and he should be in the mix here. (11) MAKE IT BETTER and (7) COLONEL FLYING, the latter 3rd in that April 25th race, others to consider.
Selections
(9) Force Be With You (5) Neom City (6) Flying The Khan (11) Make It Better
Next Best
7, 10
Fast Start
2, 8, 9, 11
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) GINSHARI BOY won back-to-back races in January and March to get rapidly promoted, but had a poor day at the office when tried at this class for the first time over 1400M on April 19th, showing on pace but weakening to finish midfield. He cuts back in trip here, Moon Se-young gets back on, and he’s worth another chance. (1) GEUNYANG GARA took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but ran a solid class and distance 3rd on May 11th leading for much of the way and from a good draw should be in this a long way too. (10) GLOBAL SERVE is up in class having won at 1300M by a big margin on April 27th. Despite the class rise he is up in weight, but he can measure up. The returning (3) KOREAN DREAM, along with (6) KLIMT WORLD are others to consider on a placing line.
Selections
(5) Ginshari Boy (1) Geunyang Gara (10) Global Serve (3) Korean Dream
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) ARION KING CAR was a winner at this distance at class 5 level in March before running a very close 2nd on his first try at this class on April 30th. Drawn well to be on pace, he can go one better today. (7) DONGNAM GANGTAJA was 3rd behind Arion King Car in March before getting a win of his own at this distance on April 18th. That brings him up in class, but he is down in weight, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he is the main danger. (3) BEOLGYO WANGCHO has won just the once but has been ultra consistent across his six starts so far. A front-runner, he comes up in class but is down significantly in weight and can continue his good form. (10) WIN WIN and (4) BUSAN TODAY the other place chances.
Selections
(2) Arion King Car (7) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Beolgyo Wangcho (10) Win Win
Next Best
4, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 11
Seoul Race 8: Class 1 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
Class 1 but with a rating cap of 95. (1) WONPYEONG STORM won his first five starts up to class 2 and 2000M before being given his chance in the Herald Business, the first leg of the Stayer Series in March. That proved too much too soon, and he finished well down the field. He’s had a couple of months off and looked well enough when 3rd in a trial earlier this month. This looks a very suitable first-up assignment. (8) MIGHTY NEO was a winner at this distance at class 2 level in March but was somewhat flat when getting passed late by a couple when favourite on April 26th. He comes up to class 1 for the first time but is down a full 5.5kg in weight and is the danger. (3) GIANT STEP won a value trophy race over the distance on April 13th and drawn well and nicely weighted, can measure up. (7) HERO FIGHTER and (10) NEULGAEUL others in the frame.
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(6) HWANGJE enters off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently over a mile on his first try at this class. 1800M seems more his go though and he is favoured to go one better today. (2) NICE BIG GUY was a winner at this class over a mile on April 25th coming from well off the pace. He comes up 3kg in weight, but he has a good record at this distance and can be competitive. (1) OASIS POWER was a solid 4th in the valuable trophy race at this distance on April 13th. He is very nicely treated by the handicap conditions and looks to have two turn wins in him sooner or later. (5) JANGSAN LEMON and (11) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE are others to look out for.
Selections
(6) Hwangje (2) Nice Big Guy (1) Oasis Power (5) Jangsan Lemon
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(7) SEIRENE got her maiden win the final leg of last year’s Triple Tiara and then didn’t score again until this January when prevailing at this class and distance when racing handy. She could only manage a midfield finish in a valuable trophy race last month but this looks much more suitable and with Moon Se-young back on for the first time since her last win, today can be her day. (6) ARGO RICH won back-to-back races at this class and distance in March and April before running 4th from a wide gate last time out. An apprentice takes the edge off his weight here and he is a big danger. (2) ZETTA MASTER has been getting closer with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance. That brings him up in class but the weight drop of 5.5kg brings him into contention. (4) COMPLETE LEADER and (10) K N GOLDEN KING other place chances.
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(2) ORION ALPHA has seven top four finishes from eight starts so far and comes in having run 2nd at this class and distance on April 20th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He was also 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and well-drawn and under a light weight, he is the one to beat. (6) PEPPER X had a poor day at the office when a well beaten favourite on April 20th. There weren’t many excuses, and he wasn’t lame but if we go on his previous start, which was a win at this class and distance, then he is worth another chance here. (9) WILD SOCKS was 4th behind Orion Alpha in that April 20th race and is a two-time winner at this distance. He has a fast finish so the wide draw won’t matter, and he can be dangerous late on. (1) MIGHTY JJANG and (4) DIANA the others to consider on a place line.
Seoul Race 11: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(5) MIGHTY SHONE has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since returning from a near six-month layoff in March, both times coming from off the pace at this distance. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he can go one better. (2) DRAGON BULPAE was 3rd behind Mighty Shone when they raced one another at this class and distance on April 20th, settling right back and running on. He can be a danger again. (9) SEOBU TEUKSONG won three in a row up to last October and then didn’t reappear until April 13th when she had a decent, if unsuccessful, run out over 1200M. She should strip fitter for that run and can be closer to her old form here. (3) PANORAMA KING and (7) DUSON OPEN others in the hunt.
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
(11) SLING STAR ran a very close 2nd on debut over this distance on April 27th, racing on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, he can win and he should have a fitness edge on his main rivals. (2) SMART A ONE has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, last time out leading for much of the way before being taken down by Ginshari Boy late. She was lame after that but has ten trackwork sessions in her and can go well first up. (6) NAOL HUNTER was an improved 3rd at start tow back in February, racing handy throughout. He too went lame after but has been back in regular work for almost a month. (10) VICAR DRAGON and (7) MONEY FOUR SEASON are others to consider for improvement.
Selections
(11) Sling Star (2) Smart A One (6) Naol Hunter (10) Vicar Dragon
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. Plenty of these raced one another on April 25th and it was (8) GOOD FRIEND who came out the best of them, coming from well off the pace. That was her best finish to date, and it’s enough to put her on top to go one better here. (1) LADY FOX has had a stop start to her career and while she has a 2nd, and a 3rd on her record, she didn’t do much in two efforts around the turn of the year when returning from six months out. She now returns from an almost five-month layoff, but she looked very well in two recent trials and if she brings that form to the races, she can be a danger. (9) GIDAEHARA and (10) WIND STORM were among those behind Good Friend on April 25th and can get closer this time. (3) POETIC NUBI another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Good Friend (1) Lady Fox (9) Gidaehara (10) Wind Storm
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive race. (9) BULGEUNTAEYANG ran a solid 4th on debut over 1200M on March 19th, overcoming a slow start to run on. He should have derived benefit from that and with some natural improvement, has as good a chance as any here. (1) LASER RUN picked up on his latest when 4th at 1200M. He similarly was away slowly but coming into a much better gate today can be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) SAINT WINNER enters off a useful 3rd place at start number four over 1200M on April 27th and can be there or thereabouts again. (4) MALSGO has the fastest time among those who have previously tackled the 1300M and that’s enough to have him in the numbers. (3) GEOSEN JIJON the other logical contender based on her last start.
Selections
(9) Bulgeuntaeyang (1) Laser Run (7) Saint Winner (4) Malsgo
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) FUNNY TAP got her maiden win at start two last October in an all-filly maiden over 1200M, showing on pace throughout. She then had a chip removed but has been back in regular work since the beginning of April and she looked very well when 3rd in a trial at the end of that month. Moon Se-young is on and she can make a winning return. (7) SOLAIRE is three starts into a comeback following five months out. He’s made good progress across those three, culminating in 2nd place at this distance last time out on April 20th and can go close again here. (8) RAON NIZHINSKII’s latest couple have only been fair but he did get his sole win so far at this distance and can be in the mix. (5) DANCING GANGJA and (3) GREEN CONCORD are others to consider, the latter being forgiven for his bad start last time.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. One of those first-timers is (2) HEUIMANG TAEYO, who overcame a wide draw in his trial to run on pace and cross the line 2nd in a quick time and just a couple of lengths behind the class 2 veteran B.J. CHIEF. From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (10) ALL ROUND ONE raced once last October for a fair 4th. He has been gelded in the interim and looked well when trialing up at the start of this month. (6) VICTORY STORY was an improved 4th at start number two on April 20th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he can get closer today. (3) S. BELLE and debut-maker (11) WORLD TOP TIER are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Heuimang Taeyo (10) All Round One (6) Victory Story (3) S. Belle
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) NAMHAE MAGIC has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and most recently coming from off the pace behind a good winner on April 6th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and with an extra half-furlong to play with, he can go one better here. (3) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE has two 4th places and a 2nd from three outings to date, showing handy or on pace each time. He draws very well and can be in the finish again. (5) TANTAN DAERO was an improved 2nd at start two at this distance on April 27th, doing his best work late, and he too can be a danger here. (9) HIGH TENSION and (7) BORYEONG MIRACLE others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) CHOGYEOKCHA won back-to-back races at the end of last year to get rapidly promoted to this class and has since been the beaten favourite in three outings – including in Busan’s Classic Trial. He enters off a quick 3rd place over a mile on April 13th and coming into much more amenable company, he will be favourite again. (2) HONORED KHAN was a class and distance winner in February and while he is up 3.5kg from that mark and had a hard time last start, he can be given a chance. (1) BREEDO ODIN returned from four months out to run an improved 3rd at a mile on April 18th when sent off as the longest but one shot on the board. He comes up to 1800M for the first time but should strip fitter for that run. (9) DAESEUNGNIJA and (6) NANGMAN DAERO other potentials for the minors.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) UNLIMITED RUN got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M and has since run 3rd in two outings at this class and 1400M and most recently this distance on April 18th. In this company he can settle just behind the speed, and it can be third time lucky at this class. (10) CHOEGANG TRIPLE is up in class following a maiden in at start five over this distance on April 20th when overcoming the widest gate to race on pace. He comes down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (4) BREEDO MIRACLE is yet to win but is up in class following back-to-back runner up finishes at this distance in contrasting styles. He to is down 3kg in weight and he can be competitive. (8) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN and (2) SING FOR ME others to consider.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here and it’s competitive. (1) QUEEN SPICY ran 4th on debut before getting her maiden win at start two at 1300M on April 18th, leading all the way. She is up in class and slightly in trip, but is down in weight, draws well to lead again, and she can be in this a long way. (8) THE NOMINATE is the danger. After getting her maiden win, she then ran a close 2nd at this class and distance on April 20th, settling midfield and running on. She only comes up 1kg in weight and has every chance. She will need to overturn form on (2) RIGHT CHAMP, who was the 16/1 winner of that April 20th race, when ridden further forward than usual. She is up 3kg in weight but that’s balanced by a much better gate, and she warrants more respect this time. (7) WORLD PINK CAT and (5) WANNABE WITH YOU among plenty of others who can go well.
While most talk within Korean racing circles has been about whether Oasis Blue will become the first horse since Power Blade to sweep all three legs of the Triple Crown next month, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday VINCERO CAVALLO swept to Sprint Series glory with victory in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2), adding to his earlier wins in Busan Ilbo Sprint and SBS Sports Sprint.He will now target September’s international Korea Sprint.
Three and easy. Vincero Cavallo and Jo Jae-ro win the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (Pic: KRA)
The manner of his victories in the two preceding legs of the Sprint Series meant that Vincero Cavallo was sent off as a 1.5 favourite despite facing thirteen rivals on a fine Sunday Spring afternoon. Coming off the Queens’ Tour following back-to-back runner-up finishes, filly CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off second in the market, with BLACK MAMBA, 3rd in both the Busan Ilbo and in the SBS the next best.
As expected, Crown Hamseong was the quickest out of the gate and set the pace while Vincero Cavallo, not a front-runner by any means, was slightly further back than forecasted, racing in the rear-division as the field exited the back straight.
Having improved to 5th on the turn, jockey Jo Jae-ro brought his mount off the rail and with clear track in front of them, Vincero Cavallo set about reeling his rivals in, passing first Fantastic Kingdom, before accounting for Super Finish and I’m Jjang. Crown Hamseong held firm but Vincero Cavallo was relentless, passing her with just thirty metres to go but opening up a margin of almost a length on the line.
“When he started slowly and went to the back, I was a little concerned” winning trainer Seo In-seok told in house broadcaster KRBC. “But I trusted him and Jo Jae-ro and they did well.”
Vincero Cavallo is a four-year-old colt by Cowboy Cal and out of City Lass (by City Zip). He made a solid start to his career winning four of his first twelve but came to prominence running 6th of fifteen in last September’s International G3 Korea Sprint when still only possessing a class 2 rating. He’s not looked back, winning six of eight subsequent starts.
As for what’s next, trainer Seo was emphatic. “There is one goal – The Korea Sprint.”
The big race against the internationals is at Seoul on Sunday September 7 and Vincero Cavallo is head and shoulders the best local hope. Next week it is the turn of the big local hope for the Korea Cup, Global Hit, to appear. He will make a rare outing at his home track of Busan as the Stayer Series concludes with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M Kor-G2)
The Sprint Series concludes at Seoul on Sunday with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) when Vincero Cavallo will seek to complete a clean sweep of the series, having already taken out the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, which also includes the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Vincero Cavallo (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Small but competitive field in the opener. (7) STUNNING WORLD was a solid 3rd last time out over 1200M on April 6th, racing handy. She also has a 2nd place on her record. She comes up to the 1300M for the first time and she can win. (2) TEUKGEUP PARTY also has a runner-up finish to her name, which she achieved on debut at the end of December. She has since run 5th in back-to-back outings and from a good draw here can lead and be in this a long. (6) HWANGGEUM MASK got his best finish of 3rd at this distance and on his latest couple of outings, both ending in 4th, has to rate as a chance. (5) WILD HAPPY and (4) PROOF others who could have a say in the minors.
Selections
(7) Stunning World (2) Teukgeup Party (6) Hwanggeum Mask (5) Wild Happy
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) WILD WHIZ ran once last summer for 3rd place at 1000M. He hasn’t been seen since, but he trialed well in mid-April under Moon Se-young, coming from off the pace and finishing well. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (4) PINE PINK also ran just the once last year, in her case a 4th place in December. She offered fewer clues in her trial at the start of this month but from a good draw, if she brings that form she showed before, she can be in this. (7) TIGER K has mixed his form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him in this. (6) SOMETHING DARK and (3) AMENO are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Wild Whiz (4) Pine Pink (7) Tiger K (6) Something Dark
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) GHOST CHRYSOL was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 30th when racing handy throughout. He carries a similar weight, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and a similar effort should be sufficient to win this. (3) TTOSUNI SEOUL stepped up to 1700M last time out and came from off the pace to run a decent 3rd. She should have benefitted from that experience and can be a danger here. (10) CHAMPIONS FIELD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. Plenty of others have hinted at ability too with (8) EUNPA SWEET and (7) TEN KOREA perhaps the most likely to challenge for the places.
Selections
(11) Ghost Chrysol (3) Ttosuni Seoul (10) Champions Field (8) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) ONEULISUNGAN was a winner at this class and distance two starts back before running 4th in a competitive Trophy race over a mile on April 13th. He carries 3kg more than his winning mark but is one for one at the trip and five from ten in total and he can win again here. Both of (8) SOLEDAD’s wins came at this trip and she enters in consistent form, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place in another April 13th Trophy race, in her case over 1800M. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and is a danger. (2) SPECIAL WIND won over this trip at class 4 level in February and hinted at getting to grips with this class when 5th on April 4th. He draws nicely and under a light weight can be backed on a place line (4) DANGDAE STAR and (6) MORPHEUS others who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(9) Oneulisungan (8) Soledad (2) Special Wind (4) Dangdae Star
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only. (8) DONKEY PLAY was a winner at this class and distance in a similar all-filly affair on April 19th when settling midfield and running on. That was her maiden win, but the manner of it was strong and while she carries an additional 3kg, there is little to fear here. (10) LALA GIRL remains a maiden but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and this distance. In doing so, she posted a quicker time than any of these for the 1300M (albeit on a wet track) and she can measure up. Seo Seung-un is in town to ride Black Mamba in the big race later and he picks up the ride on (6) WONDERFUL PASS. Another non-winner, she comes in off a smart 4th at this class over 1200M and can go close. (11) LUCKY DAY and (9) KOTAP others to consider.
Selections
(8) Donkey Play (10) Lala Girl (6) Wonderful Pass (11) Lucky Day
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and it’s not a strong field so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker. That’s (6) MAGIC SHOW, a Federalist filly who looked good in her trial, showing handy and finishing in 3rd place in a fair time. If she can have some natural improvement from that then she has as good a chance as any. (7) GOLDEN CARD enters off an improved 3rd place over 1400M on April 18th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In the absence of much early speed, she may well be the early leader and can be in this a long way. (2) SEONGSIL WORLD came from well back to run 4th at start number two on April 4th. Third-up she should still have scope for improvement. (8) WINNERS ROOKIE and (1) HIT WINNER others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(6) Magic Show (7) Golden Card (2) Seongsil World (8) Winners Rookie
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) GWANAKSAN JOY has four top four finishes from five starts so far, only missing out on her latest when on March 1st when drawn wide at this distance. She comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and her body of work prior to that is enough to put her on top here. After winning a trial, (8) LUCKY A ONE was a fair 5th on debut at this distance on April 12th. She should have come on for that run and can be closer this time. (9) ISEUL CHEOREOM has been unspectacular but consistent across her five appearances with a best of 2nd at this distance. She has shown on pace and has run on from behind so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can challenge here. (11) RAON THE BELMONT and (3) JISAN FRIEND are others to consider.
Selections
(6) Gwanaksan Joy (8) Lucky A One (9) Iseul Cheoreom (11) Raon The Belmont
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) HYEOKMYEONGUIJILJU has made steady progress across five starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish on what was her first try at this distance on April 5th. From a good draw, she can be on or close to the speed here and she is favoured to go one better. The rest of the form is not impressive although (5) HERO CHOICE seems to be figuring things out with a 3rd, a 4th and a 5th from his latest three. His times haven’t been quick, but he won’t need to improve much to be in the place hunt here. (11) YEONGWON POTEN is still a maiden after fourteen attempts but has plenty if top five finishes and this is the kind of race in which she can pick up a check. (3) CUPID K and (1) YOUNGDONG SINHWA other possibles for the minors.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) BEOLGYO LAVA got her maiden win at 1200M three starts back and has since run 3rd and 2nd in two tries at this class, racing handy both times. She draws nicely to sit behind the speed here and her finish could prove too strong. To do that, she will need to beat the probable favourite (9) RYAN HEART. He got his maiden win over 1200M at start three in March when leading all the way and then ran 2nd when trying to repeat on his first try at this class on April 13th. He draws a touch wider than ideal but if he gets to the front, he will take some passing. (1) SEOUL BINGO was 3rd to Ryan Heart’s 2nd at this class and distance on April 13th and from a great draw can be on pace again. (6) WHITE CARLA and (4) QUEEN ABIGAIL are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Beolgyo Lava (9) Ryan Heart (1) Seoul Bingo (6) White Carla
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) LEGEND WOW was a winner on debut and has since held his own in three outings at this class, most recently a 4th place over this distance from a wide draw on April 13th. From today’s draw he should be much further forward much earlier, and he is the one to beat. (6) HANEUL GAMDONG similarly had a wide draw for his first try at this class on April 20th and was accordingly disappointing. From a central gate he should be more comfortable and the manner of his win two starts back suggests another chance is warranted. (1) SEGWANG JILJU comes in off back-to-back 4th places at this class over 1200M and 1300M and under a light weight can be pushing for better here. (9) BYEOKSONG and (3) VICTORY QUEEN the other main place chances.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) LION MAGIC has been consistent across his four starts so far with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times racing handy to the speed. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. That will mean overturning the form on (10) THUNDER PASSION, who came from well off the pace to finish 2nd to Lion Magic’s 3rd on April 20th. That was a big uptick in form at start number three, but he can build on it here. (8) GRAND MORE didn’t show much when favourite on debut but is worth another chance based on his strong trial. There are four debut-makers and of them (6) HAEUNDAE POWER and (1) CHOEGANG LOUIS showed the most in trials and have every chance of going well first up in this company.
Selections
(2) Lion Magic (10) Thunder Passion (8) Grand More (6) Haeundae Power
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After a couple of good trials, (2) JUST SHINY was a fair 5th on debut in a decent time over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit as he was doing his best work late, and jockey Jin Kyum will be brimming with confidence following his Korean Derby win last week. (6) RAON FLATTER has been knocking on the door across her ten starts so far. She has a 2nd and most recently a 3rd at this distance and she should be there or thereabouts again. (1) GANGSEO GENIUS debuted in 6th place at this distance behind Raon Flatter a month ago. He comes into a much better gate and with some batural improvement can get closer. (8) BLACK SQUALL and (7) SHACKLE SUN others in the frame in a competitive affair.
Selections
(2) Just Shiny (6) Raon Flatter (1) Gangseo Genius (8) Black Squall
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Strong race for so early on a Friday. (9) DOCTOR OSCAR was 3rd at this class and distance on February 28th, coming from off the pace. He was found to have bled so was stood down for a month, but he looked very well winning a trial last week in a quick time and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, has every chance. For the first time in a while (3) MAGARITA draws a good gate. All her three wins have come at this trip and while she has form to overturn on three of these who beat her on April 18th, she can get an easier run today and is a danger. (6) BORN DIA has done her recent work at further, but she has two wins and three placings at this trip and should be on pace and in this a long way – she will probably start as favourite. (2) DRAGON REVENGER and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS were two of those ahead of Magarita in that April 18th race and can both be in the mix again.
Selections
(9) Doctor Oscar (3) Magarita (6) Born Dia (2) Dragon Revenger
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) WONDERFUL JONES was 3rd in Busan’s Classic Trial before finishing down the field in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown last month. He steps back into much more amenable company today over a distance at which he got his win, and he can win again. (9) TUHON FIGHTER comes up in class having scored his maiden win over this distance on April 18th having raced handy. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate but he comes down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (3) RAINBOW ROAD enters off a 2nd place at class and distance on May 2nd and makes a quick return here with claims to go close again from a good draw. (4) BARBELL MOMO and (10) TRIPLE AXEL among others to consider.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) DOCTOR KAREN got her maiden win at start number six on April 25th leading all the way over 1400M. She comes up in class but is down 3kg in weight, she can lead again, and she can win again. (11) GREAT TOP has run 3rd and 6th in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win at the second attempt in February. His win came from gate eleven and he can be a danger here. (3) HOLY RUN is yet to win but has six top four finishes from seven starts including last time out on April 11th, he beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place at this class and distance at big odds, coming from well off the pace. He can match or better that here. (6) ONE WAY and (10) UNJU LEGEND are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Doctor Karen (11) Great Top (3) Holy Run (6) One Way
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
7, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A full field of sixteen will go to the post for the twenty-eighth edition of the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, when OASIS BLUE will be bidding to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to follow up victory in the KRA Cup Mile by winning the Derby.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON DERBY DAY.
Oasis Blue is favourite for the Derby (Pic: KRA)
Power Blade of course famously went on to sweep all three jewels in the crown that year. But while Hit Yegam in 2021 and Success Baekpa last year were able to bounce back and win the final leg, the Minister’s Cup, the Derby has eluded all Cup Mile winners in the past decade. Oasis Blue will be hot favourite to change that.
Oasis Blue is trained by Baik Kwang-yeol, who has won the Derby twice already, with Yeongcheon Ace in 2015 and Winner Star in 2022. A winner of five from eight (with one disqualification too) Oasis Blue was a facile winner of both the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun, Busan’s Classic Trial over 1400M and the Cup Mile.
Jin Kyum stays aboard and while they do have the challenge of a wide gate as well as tackling Seoul for the first time, Oasis Blue may be too good.
Moon Se-young has also won the race twice before, on Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019. He partners ECLIPSE THE KING, who skipped both Seoul’s Classic Trial and the Cup Mile but has been assembling an impressive body of work.
It’s Korean Derby Day. We’ll have full form comments for the big race in a little while but for now here is the race-by-race guide to all Sunday races when there are 11 from Seoul between 10:35 and 18:00 (the Derby is race 7 at 15:15) and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30:
Last year’s Derby was won by Eunpa Sarang (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Seven fillies and one gelding in the opening maiden and we’ll take a chance on the debut-maker. (1) CHRYSOL POSH looked competent enough when running 4th in her trial in a fair time at the end of March. She draws the inside gate and competent enough could be good enough to prevail here. (5) GLORY QUEEN has a 3rd and a 5th among her four outings to date with the former coming two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and that will probably make her the betting favourite. (6) RAON THE CAVIAR was an improved 3rd, albeit in a very slow race over this distance last time out and can be there or thereabouts again. (4) ROAD TO SPEAR and (2) DUSON EUTTEUM the others who will be in the market.
Selections
(1) Chrysol Posh (5) Glory Queen (6) Raon The Caviar (4) Road To Spear
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) SWEET SONG has been on the right trajectory across her three starts to date, most recently a 4th place at this distance on April 13th when she led for much of the way. She can lead again here and can potentially go all the way. (6) PURGE RUBY beat a couple of these on her way to best to date 2nd place on April 20th. It was a slow time, and she was a long way behind the winner, but she won’t need to improve very much to go one better here. (2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has, like Sweet Song, shown improvement over three outings most recently an on pace 5th when clocking the fastest time among these for the 1400M. Maia stays on and she can go close again. (1) STEP BY STEP and (4) SECRET WOLF are others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Sweet Song (6) Purge Ruby (2) Seungni Barows (1) Step By Step
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has made good progress over three starts so far, most recently when 2nd on her first try at this distance on March 15th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off, Moon Se-young stays on, and she is favoured to go one better here. (1) CHARMING QUEEN raced handy for 2nd place over this distance on debut on April 20th. She should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can be a danger from a good draw. (6) RAON SILENCE was a well beaten 2nd at this distance on March 30th. She raced on pace that day and should do so again with every chance of being involved for a long way. (9) INDIAN TAPIT and (7) BULGUKSIDAE are the other main chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an indifferent debut, (7) GEUMA PANTHER was a close 2nd when stepped up to this trip at start two on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking, and he will be hot favourite to go one better here. (5) BABYLON FOX was much improved when beating three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance in a different race on April 11th. He was ridden on pace for the first time that day and with similar tactics can be close again. (8) HOUND POKER was 4th in that race, one of three top five finishes he has from six attempts, and he can be aiming to find the places here. (4) DREAMMA and (1) UNJU CHEONHA others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(7) Geuma Panther (5) Babylon Fox (8) Hound Poker (4) Dreamma
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) GOLD QUEENS was a winner on debut and has been working back towards another in her three goes at this class, most recently when 2nd at 1200M on April 5th. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but draws well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) SAEROUN GUY enters off 3rd place over 1200M at this class on April 12th. He is yet to win but on that form can be a player here. (10) SEMYEONG STRONG is up in class having won a quick race at this distance on a wet track on April 6th. He has the challenge of a wider draw this time, but he can measure up in this company. (3) VIVA CHEONGSU and (4) CHRYSOL NIKE, the latter up in class following back-to-back 2nd places in her first two starts, are others to consider.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (7) PURE MARINE may only have a best of 4th from four starts so far but she comes in fresh following thirteen weeks off and, more to the point, was a close 2nd in a quick trial on April 26th. If she brings that form to the races, she will be able to see off this limited set of rivals. (9) HANEULPYEONGJEONG loves finishing 4th, having done so on five occasions from eleven starts including each of her latest four. She also has a 2nd place on her resume and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (5) WORLD TRIPLE CAT hinted at figuring things out when an improved 5th ahead of a couple of today’s rivals on April 4th and can aim for better here. (10) OWNER CHAMP and (3) SEOGWI CHOWON other placing chances.
Selections
(7) Pure Marine (9) Haneulpyeongjeong (5) World Triple Cat (10) Owner Champ
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) WORLD JOY got his maiden win at 1300M in March before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1800M on April 12th, racing handy throughout. He is nicely drawn here for Lim Da-bin to pick his spot, and he looks the one to beat. (9) ECO FORE has excelled since being sent up to this distance with a 2nd and last time out a win over it. That brings him up in class but the same apprentice who won on him keeps his weight low, and he can measure up. (3) SUPER BLUEMOON was a winner at this class and distance on April 20th at big odds. He is up 3.5kg in weight and has been a bit all or nothing so far but warrants consideration. (8) SPLENDID comes out of the KRA Cup Mile and should find this a more amenable assignment, while (1) LUCKY FAMOUS is another in the hunt.
Selections
(2) World Joy (9) Eco Fore (3) Super Bluemoon (8) Splendid
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 