Racing Previews

President’s Cup Countdown: Dangdae Bulpae Is On His Way

Dangdae Bulpae [Biwa Shinseiki – Indeed My Dear (Alydeed)] has won more Stakes races and more prize-money than any other Korean horse in history. This coming Sunday, fitness permitting, he comes back to Seoul Race Park to attempt to win the President’s Cup, the nation’s richest race, for the 4th consecutive time.

2012

2012

2011

2011

2010

2010

It’s going to be his toughest challenge yet as he faces Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire), a Korean Derby winner 2 years his junior, for the very first time.

This is going to be a good one. We’ll have plenty more build-up over the next few days.

Weekend Race Times

With just a week to go until the richest race of the year, the President’s Cup, there’s a low-key weekend of racing in store.

There was some late autumn sun at Seoul Racecourse this weekend last year - rain is forecast this

There was some late autumn sun at Seoul Racecourse this weekend last year – rain is forecast this

Still plenty to watch and have a punt on though. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday November 1
Busan Race Park: 11 races from 11:50 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:10 to 17:40

Saturday November 2
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:10

Sunday November 3
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: KRA Cup Classic

Tough Win heads the line-up for the KRA Cup Classic, the pick of the action on a busy weekend of racing in Korea.

Tough Win heads the KRA Cup Classic field on Sunday(KRA)

Tough Win heads the KRA Cup Classic field on Sunday(KRA)

Now 6-years-old, Tough Win, who has 22 wins from his 30 starts including this race back in 2010, will likely start as favourite although will have some competition as he looks to bounce back from defeat in the SBS Korea Vs Japan Cup last time out.

Bichui Wangja and Remember Bulpae are among those who are no slouches. Here’s the full run-down of the runners and riders (with sire-dam and race records):

KRA Cup Classic (KOR G3) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – October 27, 2013 (16:35)

1. Green Empire (NZ) [Bertolini-Kalapana Black] (36/3/6/6) – Lee Sang Hyeok
2. Tough Win (USA) [Yonaguska-Maggie May’s Sword] (30/22/2/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho
3. Berongi (USA) [Action This Day-Hot Match] (24/5/5/3) – Park Tae Jong
4. Adam One (USA) [Sligo Bay-Toddles] (39/3/3/3) – Park Eul Woon
5. Bichui Wangja (USA) [Roman Ruler-Quiet Delight] (11/4/5/0) – Seo Seung Un
6. Mari Daemul (USA) [Go For Gin-Token Beauty] (19/6/3/2) – Shin Hyung Chul
7. Murangae (USA) [Sunriver-Merrill Gold] (28/1/6/5) – Fausto Durso
8. Damyang Chukje (USA) [Good Reward-Strategy] (17/3/2/3) – Moon Se Young
9. Haedongcheonwang (USA) [West Acre-Sienna’s Honor] (17/7/5/1) – Lee Joon Chel
10. Imperial Star (KOR) [Nihon Pillow Neil-Psychic Girl] (19/6/5/3) – Lee Chan Ho
11. Indian Blue (USA) [Henny Hughes-Gamblers’ Passion] (11/3/2/4) – Ikuyasu Kurakane
12. Remember Bulpae (USA) [After Market-Arrested Dream] (9/4/1/1) – Choi Bum Hyun

At Busan, there is plenty to watch too. Beolmaui Kkum, runner-up to Tough Win in the Busan Metropolitan Stakes, and considered a potential future star, goes in the first of co-features on Sunday afternoon where he will carry a full 60kg with Wild Myeongun and Peter Wolsley’s Secret Whisper among his rivals.

Wolsley’s stable star Cheongchun Bulpae is in action in the 2nd of those features and despute giving the rest of the field a minimum of 5kg, should have enough to see off an uninspiring set of 6 others.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday October 25
Busan Race Park: 11 races from 11:50 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:10 to 17:40

Saturday October 26
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:10

Sunday October 27
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00 including the KRA Cup Classic at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

The Minister’s Cup – Runners & Riders

The final leg of the 2013 Korean Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup is at Seoul Race Park this coming Sunday.

Speedy First and Joe Fujii will bid for a third Korean Classic on Sunday

Speedy First and Joe Fujii will bid for a third Korean Classic on Sunday


Korean Derby and Oaks winner Speedy First heads the field in what should be a fascinating race. Here’s a run down of the full field of runners and riders:

Horse Name (KOR) [Pedigree] )Starts/1/2/3) – Jockey (Home Track)

Minister’s Cup (KOR G2) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – October 6, 2013

1. High Five (KOR) [Creek Cat – Nam’s Gulch (Gulch)] (13/4/2/2) – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
Second in the Gold Circle Trophy race last month and 3rd in the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo before that, it would be a surprise if he went any better here. Will get the distance but will struggle in the sprint.

2. Geumbin Mannam (KOR) [Revere – Hwaryeohan Kkum (Sharp Appeal)] – (10/4/2/0) – Park Si Cheon (Seoul)
Comes into the race off the back of three straight victories. He will face far tougher competition here but cannot be discounted from at least a place if he makes further improvement.

3. K Tap (KOR) [Menifee – Summit Party (Ecton Park)] (9/4/2/2) – Jang Chu Youl (Seoul)
A very fragile horse, he’s only run on 3 occasions this year and hasn’t won on any of them. He won’t win this either, but could be within a shout of a place.

4. Major King (KOR) [Pico Central – Still Golden (Gold Fever)] (9/5/2/2) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
He was 3rd in the Korean Derby and won last time out. He must be afforded some respect here. Jo Sung Gon does not travel up from Busan unless he thinks he is going to win so Major King is worth at least a place bet.

5. Last Mudae (KOR) [The Groom Is Red – White Aloa (White Muzzle)] (18/2/5/2) – Ikuyasu Kurakane (Seoul)
Beaten into 2nd place by Geumbin Mannam last time out, there is little to suggest he will overturn it this time. Talented but not a winning prospect here.

6. Brig (KOR) [Menifee – Delicias (Deputy Minister)] (11/6/2/0) – Moon Se Young (Seoul)
No horse that Moon Se Yong rides can ever be ruled out and this is no exception. He’ll not be favourite but if the big names don’t perform as they should, Brig could pick up the pieces.

7. Speedy First (KOR) [Menifee – Speedy Deedy (Victory Gallop)] – 8/6/0/1) – Kanichiro Fujii (Busan)
The only filly in the race and the overwhelming favourite. Korean Derby and Korean Oaks winner Speedy First is a class above her rivals here and should be winning this.

8. Unhae (KOR) [Inrandire – Silver Meteor (Creator)] (11/6/2/2) – Lee Sang Hyeok (Seoul)
Seoul’s big hope. Unhae is so far unexposed, missing both the KRA Cup Mile but 2nd in the Derby. The distance is perfect and on form, only Speedy First has the beating of him.

9. Sting Ray (KOR) [Forest Camp – Straight Cash (Straight Man)] (12/4/4/1) – Masakazu Tanaka (Busan)
Since winning the KRA Cup Mile in April, Sting Ray has struggled to live up to his reputation. He can’t be ruled out here but neither will he be among the favourites.

10. Indie Band (KOR) [Ecton Park – Plie (Dixieland Band)] (9/6/1/0) – Lim Sung Sil (Busan)
A really good horse. Indie Band won the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Stakes and is poised to do much more. A Quinella with Speedy First looks a good bet.

11. Rising Joy (KOR) [Forest Camp – Joy Ride (Future Quest)] (15/5/3/2) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
Was 3rd over the distance last time out and will be in the mix here. He probably doesn’t have the speed to force things home though and a place is the most that can be expected.

12. Best Captain (KOR) [Revere – Onethindime (Tactical Advantage)] (6/5/1/0) – Ham Wan Sik (Seoul)
The joker in the pack, Best Captain tasted defeat for the first time in his last race. That’s enough to take him out of the top-tier here, but he could surprise.

Weekend Preview: Donga Ilbo Cup / Jigeum I Sungan vs Ace Galloper

After last week’s break for the Chuseok holiday, it’s time to sober up and – several kilos heavier – return to the track as racing resumes in Korea.

In action: Jigeum I Sungan

In action: Jigeum I Sungan

Big Stakes race of the weekend is the Donga Ilbo Cup at Seoul on Sunday. Next weekend sees the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup, and the fact that hot 3-year-old filly Joy Lucky (Vicar), whose only in 6 starts came in the Korean Derby, will skip that race in favour of the less valuable but restricted to fillies Donga Cup, suggests that she will take some beating. Cheonnyeon Dongan (Ecton Park) is one who will try along with 12 others in the 9-furlong test.

Saturday’s Seoul feature sees a heavyweight clash as Jigeum I Sungan and Ace Galloper face each other. 2012 Korean Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire) suffered a shock defeat in last month’s TJK Trophy while former KRA Cup Classic winner Ace Galloper (Chapel Royal) returned to the winner’s circle for the 19th time in his last start after a pair of 2nd place finishes. There’s little to choose between them in terms of weight – the older Ace Galloper carrying just a kilo more – and it promises to be a fascinating match-up.

Also on Saturday, Charming Girl, 0 for 100, will make her final start before being retired.

At Busan, the weekend’s most valuable races are on Sunday. Well-known names such as Road To Prince, Lion Santa and the evergreen 2008 Korean Derby winner Ebony Storm will all be in action.

As for foreign jockeys, Ikuyasu Kurakane has plenty of action lined up at Seoul while Joe Fujii (Friday only), Ureshi Katsunori, Masa Tanaka and – fresh from spending his vacation racing around a field in Inner Mongolia – Darryll Holland are riding at Busan.

Here’s what’s happening when and where across the weekend:

Friday September 27

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 11:50 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:10 to 17:40

Saturday September 28

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:10

Sunday September 29

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00 including the Donga Ilbo Cup at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: No Racing – Happy Chuseok!

There is no racing in Korea this weekend due to the Chuseok – “Korean Thanksgiving” – holiday.

chuseok

Things get back to normal next week when the Donga Ilbo Cup will be the highlight at Seoul.

Weekend Preview: Ilgan Sports Cup

The summer weekend evenings of decadence and debauchery are over as racing returns to its normal morning start times this weekend.

Munhwa Ilbo Cup winner Gwanggyo Bisang heads the Ilgan Sports field

Munhwa Ilbo Cup winner Gwanggyo Bisang heads the Ilgan Sports field

And sore heads will find plenty to lighten their wallets over in competitive cards at both Seoul and Busan, with the highlight being Seoul’s Ilgan Sports Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Gwanggyo Bisang (Menifee) has won 6 of his 7 starts to date, including the Munhwa Ilbo Cup last time out, and despite not having run since that Stakes victory back in July, is set to be favourite for the 1800 metre race, which has attracted a field of 13.

The injury-blighted K-Tap (Menifee), who was Seoul’s champion juvenile last year and was 2nd to Gwanggyo Bisang in that Munhwa Ilbo also goes, as do fellow 3-year-olds Blue Camp (Forest Camp) and Like The Sun (Forest Camp). Among the older horses they will face are Sand Jjang (Forest Camp) and Viva Cat (Creek Cat), both proven winners at this level.

Also at Seoul on Sunday, highly rated 2-year-old Canadian import Persia Wangja (Ghostzapper) seeks to get back to winning ways after being narrowly defeated by phenom Fly Top Queen last time out.

Dal Shabet will be performing at Seoul Race Park on Sunday afternoon

Dal Shabet will be performing at Seoul Race Park on Sunday afternoon

At Busan, the feature race on Sunday in which Peter Wolsley, fresh from saddling his 200th Korean winner last weekend, sends out stable star Cheongchun Bulpae (Milwaukee Brew).

Also at Busan, as reported here, a statue to the late Mister Park will be unveiled on Sunday. On a lighter note at Seoul, top K-Pop group “Dal Shabet” will be performing.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday September 13

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 11:50 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:10 to 17:40

Saturday September 14

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:15

Sunday September 15

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00 including the Ilgan Sports Cup at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:05

Gyeongbudaero Downs Dangdae Bulpae In Owners’ Cup

After spending the best part of a year and half finishing 2nd or 3rd to the great and good of Korean racing, Gyeongbudaero finally came out on top, producing a late burst to win the Owners’ Cup at Busan Race Park today.

Winner: Gyeongbudaero

Winner: Gyeongbudaero

The 2012 KRA Cup Mile winner went on to finish 3rd in the Derby, 2nd in last year’s Owners’ Cup, 3rd in the Minister’s Cup and 3rd again in the President’s Cup.

This year he finished 3rd in the Busan Ilbo before finally winning a handicap in April.

He was 3rd in the betting today. Unsurprising, given that finishing 3rd is what he is best at.

Dangdae Bulpae, the 3-time President’s Cup winner and victor in that Busan Ilbo, was sent off the heavy favourite, despite it being only his second run back from a long injury.

With 2 furlongs to go, it looked like Dangdae Bulpae would win comfortably. Gyeongbudaero, after sitting in the middle of the field for most of race was steadily making ground but few expected him to go past – he doesn’t like winning, after all. However, as the final furlong wore on, it became clear that Gyeongbudaero was going the quickest and he swept by Dangdae Bulpae to claim the prize by half a length.

15/1 chance Powerful Korea, who had led much of the way, stayed on for 3rd while mare Useung Touch turned in a typically solid effort in 4th ahead of filly Grand Teukgeup. The well-fancied Road To Prince found trouble in the home straight and, under Joe Fujii, could only manage 6th.

Maybe Dangdae Bulpae has lost a yard of pace since his injury, however, after promising so much for so long, Gyeongbudaero is finally making good. He will be among the main favourites to stop Dangdae Bulpae at Seoul in November if the champion goes for his 4th President’s Cup.

Owners’ Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Race Park – 1800M – September 8, 2013

1. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) [Menifee – Princess Lanique (Cherokee Run)] – Choi Si Dae – 6.1, 1.5
2. Dangdae Bulpae (KOR) [Biwa Shinseiki – Indeed My Dear (Alydeed)] – Jo Sung Gon – 1.1
3. Powerful Korea (KOR) [Distilled – Bound To Score (Quick Score)] – Song Keong Yun – 2.5

Distances: 0.5 lengths/5 lengths
Also ran: 4. Useung Touch 5. Grand Teukgeup 6. Road To Prince 7. Rising Glory 8. Movement 9. Seoul Jeongsang 10. Gumpo Yeowang 11. Fleet Boy 12. Danzing Sally

Busan Owners’ Cup: Full Preview

The Owners’ Cup is, along with the KRA Cup Mile, the Korean Oaks and the Metropolitan Stakes, one of the four biggest races of the season on the south coast and some of the track’s biggest Korean-bred stars will be battling it out early Sunday evening.

Dangdae Bulpae: Three time President's Cup winner seeks thr Owners' Cup

Dangdae Bulpae: Three time President’s Cup winner seeks thr Owners’ Cup

Four former Classic winners line-up while Seoul sends also sends a small contingent.

Here is a run-down of the field with Name (KOR) [Sire] Age Sex (Runs/1st/2nd/3rd) Jockey). All will carry 58kg although fillies and mares receive a 2kg allowance:

Owners’ Cup (KOR G3) – Busan Race Park – 1800M – Sunday September 7, 17:35

1. Movement (KOR) [Sakura Seeking] 5 H (30/4/4/4) – Kim Jeong Jun (Seoul)
Finally graduated to class 1 recently but made an inauspicious debut the level and like all of the Seoul contingent, he looks out of his depth here.

2. Grand Teukgeup (KOR) [Menifee] 4 F (20/8/3/2) – Chae Gyu Jun
A nice filly who was 3rd in the Korean Oaks last year. She won last time out but has performed best at shorter distances and is difficult to recommend around two-turns in company such as this.

3. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) [Menifee] 4 C (20/6/5/6) – Choi Si Dae
Since winning the KRA Cup Mile last year, Gyeongbudaero has run 2nd or 3rd in some of Korea’s best races. It’s winning that has been the problem with just 1 from 11 starts since that Classic victory. He is always close though and will be again here.

4. Rising Glory (KOR) [Menifee] 4 F (15/4/4/1) – Masakazu Tanaka
Won the Korean Oaks last year and was 2nd in the Minister’s Cup. However, following some injury setbacks, she hasn’t been the same as a 4-year-old and while she is making progress, it is difficult to see her challenging here.

5. Fleet Boy (KOR) [Creek Cat] 5 H (24/5/3/2) – Lee Gang Seo (Seoul)
An average handicapper at Seoul who can be relied upon to pick up some prize-money now and again. It’s unlikely he’ll be doing so in this race.

6. Road To Prince (KOR) [Pico Central] 4 C (14/8/3/1) – Kanichiro Fujii
Difficult to bet against the jockey/trainer combination of Joe Fujii and Kim Young Kwan in a big race and they have a good horse here. unraced at 2, he’s never been out of the prize-money and he will be in it here again. The only question is whether he can come out on top. Recommended.

7. Gumpo Yeowang (KOR) [Menifee] 4 F (16/3/4/5) – You Hyun Myung
Graduated to class 1 this yearand was 4th last time out. Unlikely to be able to make too much of an impact here.

8. Dangdae Bulpae (KOR) [Biwa Shinseiki] 6 H (30/19/2/3) – Jo Sung Gon
The 3-time President’s Cup winner is widely acknowledged as one of Korea’s best ever horses. Returned after a 6-month lay-off to finish 3rd in the Metropolitan Stakes last time out. If he’s continued to get back to his old form, he can win this.

9. Seoul Jeongsang (KOR) [Capital Spending] 5 G (27/4/5/7) – Oh Kyoung Hoan
2nd to Ace Galloper last time out, this is his favourite distance. Seoul’s best hope of a place but no more than that.

10. Danzing Sally (KOR) [War Zone] 5 M (27/2/4/4) – Kim Gui Bae (Seoul)
In woeful form and was 11th of 12 in the YTN Cup last month. Nothing to recommend here.

11. Useung Touch (KOR) [Menifee] 5 M (24/8/7/2) – Lim Sung Sil
The 2011 Korean Oaks winner soared back into form when finishing a shock 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes in Seoul last December. She then returned to the capital to win the Ttukseom Cup in March. She’s not run since a disappointing 5th in a handicap back in June. Can never be discounted but it would still be a surprise if she won.

12. Powerful Korea (KOR) [Distilled] 5 G (24/7/4/5) – Song Keong Yun
Spent his 2-year-old season in training in the USA. He finished 3rd in this race last year and returns in decent form. He could be challenging for a place.

* Also at Busan tomorrow is the Gold Circle Turf Club Trophy race. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Sunday September 8

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 13:00 to 18:10
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 16:45 to 19:40

Weekend Race Times: Busan Owners’ Cup

The Busan Owners’ Cup is the highlight of the weekend’s racing. Classic winners Dangdae Bulpae, Gyeongbudaero, Useung Touch and Rising Glory will all be action in a competitive event in the Sunday twilight on the South Coast.

Busan is the place to be this weekend. There will be more present than there were the days this picture was taken.

Busan is the place to be this weekend. There will be more present than there were the day this picture was taken.

The same day at Busan also sees the South African Gold Circle Turf Club Trophy race. We’ll have a full preview of both races over the next couple of days.

In the meantime, here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday September 6
Busan Race Park: 11 races from 13:30 to 18:10
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 15:10 to 19:40

Saturday September 7
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 13:00 to 17:50
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 15:30 to 19:40

Sunday September 8

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 13:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 16:45 to 19:40 including the Owners’ Cup at 17:35