Racing Previews

Weekend Preview

Another one of those low-key weekends between big races but plenty to keep us occupied over the next three days.

It can be lonely at Busan Race Park - but it has the best racing in Korea this weekend

It can be lonely at Busan Race Park – but it has the best racing in Korea this weekend

While the Derby contenders are mainly keeping their powder dry before the big race at Seoul on May 19, there are a few possibles going this weekend. Peter Wolsley’s Amell’s Atom (Menifee), 4th in the KRA Cup Mile, will be in action at Busan on Friday, racing alongside Global Gangja (Pico Central) who put in a less than impressive performance in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

At Seoul, Cheonha Jeongbuk (J Be K), with 4 wins from 5 starts is an action on Saturday. He’s ineligible for the Classics but will be well worth watching as he moves up to class 3 over 1800 metres.

The pick of the action is at Busan on Sunday with a pair of class 1 tests. Ttukseom Cup winner Useung Touch (Menifee) faces foreign opposition in the first of these. Yeonggwanguijehyun (Rockport Harbor) and Wild Myeongun (D’Wildcat) are likely to give her plenty to think about.

In the second co-feature, Peter Wolsley saddles both his old-stager Khaosan (Sunday Well) and one-time stable star Ghost Whisper (Gotham City) in a competitive looking 2000 metre handicap. One-time Classic winner Dongseo Jeongbeol (Vicar) will be among those providing stiff competition.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday April 26

Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday April 27

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday April 28

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

Owners’ Cup: Feel So Good vs Jigeum I Sungan

Feel So Good, who became the first ever Korean bred horse to win a race in the United States, steps up to Stakes level this weekend and runs smack bang into 2012 Korean Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan in the Owners’ Association Trophy at Seoul Race Park this Sunday.

Feel So Good: 3 from 3, faces Jigeum I Sungan in the Owners' Trophy

Feel So Good: 3 from 3, faces Jigeum I Sungan in the Owners’ Trophy

It is a mouth-watering clash. Jigeum I Sungan has appeared to get better and better since his Derby triumph nearly a year ago while Feel So Good hasn’t been troubled in his three Korean starts to date. Both colts are 4-years-old and while Jigeum I Sungam definitely prefers lengthier challenges, it is still set to be a great occasion.

Here is the full list of runners and riders:

Owners’ Association Trophy – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – April 21, 2013

1. Sobaengnyeong (KOR) [War Zone-Sobaeksu (Mr. Adorable)] 6 G (23/5/3/2) – Park Tae Jong
2. Feel So Good (KOR) [Ft. Stockton-Courting Dreams (Eastover Court)] 4 G (3/3/0/0) – Kim Ok Sung
3. Special Win (KOR) [Tahamkke-Wellbeing Cat (Creek Cat)] 5 H (24/9/4/1) – Kim Hae Sun
4. Jeumeundeungi (KOR) [War Zone-Taraxacum (Meadowlake)] 6 H (31/5/4/2) – Lee Joon Chel
5. Jangbi Sarang (KOR) [Distilled-Kissin Kim (Our Michael)] 7 G (41/5/6/4) – Choi Bum Hyun
6. Geuma Champ (KOR) [Vicar-Stormcloudrising (Stormy Atlantic)] 5 H (21/7/6/4) – Ham Wan Sik
7. Global Fusion (KOR) [Menifee-Morning Red Sky (Chisos)] 4 C (16/6/1/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho
8. Yeongung Icheon (KOR) [Concept Win-Saratogasplash (Wild Again)] 5 H (23/6/4/3) – Moon Jung Kyun
9. Jigeum I Sungan (KOR) [Ingrandire-Solmaru (Mujaazif)] 4 C (18/9/6/1) – Moon Se Young
10. New And Best (KOR) [Trick Of Fate-Yeongeonch-eon (Phizam)] 6 H (43/4/5/2) – Yukio Abe
11. Yajeonsaryeongbu (KOR) [Vicar-Zabella (Zabeel)] 5 H (22/7/1/0) – Ikuyasu Kurakane

Weekend Preview

Two Japanese jockeys will be making their debuts this weekend as Ureshi Katsunori has his first Korean ride at Busan on Friday while Ikuyasu Kurakane, one of the most successful foreign jockeys in Korea has returned to the peninsula after a 4 year absence and will ride at Seoul on Saturday.

It’s set to be quite a low-key weekend of racing sadnwiched as it is between last week’s KRA CUp Mile and next week’s Owners’ Cup but nevertheless, there should be plenty to keep punters interested. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday April 12

Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday April 13

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday April 14

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

KRA Cup Mile – Full Run-Down Of The Field For K-Triple Crown 1st Leg

The first leg of the 2013 Korean Triple Crown the KRA Cup Mile – known informally as the Korean 2000 Guineas – will be contested at Busan Race Park this coming Sunday.

Gyeongudaero won last year's KRA Cup Mile. 16 seek to emulate him this Sunday

Gyeongudaero won last year’s KRA Cup Mile. 16 seek to emulate him this Sunday

A full field of 16 will contend the season’s opening Classic race with 9 horses from host track Busan being joined by 7 from Seoul. Among them are 3 fillies whose connections will be hoping they can emulate 2009 winner Sangseung Ilro, who went on to win the Derby.

It’s potentially a big year for the foreign contingent at Busan. While only domestic bred horses are allowed to compete in Korean Triple Crown races, on the jockey and trainer front, hopes are high.

Since its inception in 2005, 3 jockeys from overseas have won this race; Garry Baker of Australia and Eiki Nishimura and Toshio Uchida of Japan. This year Japan’s Joe Fujii and Britain’s Darryll Holland both have fancied rides.

Meanwhile, on the training front, Australia’s Peter Wolsley saddles two runners in Fantastic Jazz and Amell’s Atom who are both in with a chance.

The big race is under orders at 16:15 on Sunday afternoon and is the highlight of a 6-race card at Busan. The race will also be screened live during the 11 race card at Seoul Race Park. There will be live tweeting on the day at http://twitter.com/korearacing and a full report plus race video on the blog in the evening.

Here is the full run-down of runners and riders – with pedigrees and race records (Runs/1/2/3):

KRA Cup Mile (KOR GII) – Busan Race Park – 1600M – April 7, 16:15

1. Rapide Bullet [Revere – Breadknife (Hansel)] (8/4/1/1) – Jo In Kwen (Seoul)
One of Seoul’s stronger challengers, he comes in off the back of two wins. Seoul’s current top jockey comes down to ride him.

2. Like The Sun [Forest Camp – Binnara (Fiercely)] (7/2/1/0) – Kim Young Jin (Seoul).
Has found it difficult in recent races – he’s only beaten class 5 opposition. The distance should suit but he’ll be an outsider.

3. Pureun Energy [Menifee – Cheongsan Ilho (General Nediym)] Filly (7/3/2/0) – Kanichiro Fujii (Busan)
She was Busan’s champion Juvenile last year and gas a class 3 win over course and distance in the bank this term. Struggled over further last time but must be given respect and has a good jockey on board.

4. Yapung [Menifee – Wild Life (Wild Again)] (9/3/2/1) – Kim Eu Soo (Busan)
Won the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul to become Korea’s overall champion Juvenile in November but hasn’t pushed on quite as much as some others. Finished 3rd to Pureun Energy over this distance and will have to improve to reverse that form.

5. Ruby Canter [Volponi – Crystal Decanter (Encosta De Lago)] Filly (6/2/0/2) – Lee Geum Joo (Seoul)
Difficult to find much in her favour. She looks a decent sprinter and held her own when finishing 4th against a modest field over 1800 metres last time out but she should find many quicker than her here.

6. Last Mudae [The Groom Is Red – White Aloa (White Muzzle)] (11/1/3/1) – Lee Dong Kug (Seoul)
Another one with slim claims. His only victory was at class 5 over 1300 metres back in January and he’s struggled since.

7. Cheonnyeon Dongan [Ecton Park – Honeycakes (Hennessy)] Filly (6/3/0/2) – Oh Kyoung Hoan (Seoul)
Smart victory over 1700 metres last time out at Seoul means she takes her chance here. Winning might be a stretch but she has a good chance of being involved at the business end of the race.

8. Fantastic Jazz [Menifee – Sorority Jazz (Dixieland Band)] (6/4/0/2) – Park Geum Man (Busan)
The first of 2 Peter Wolsley trained runners, this would perhaps count as marginally the second string if only because he’s run just once this year and is untried at further than 1300 metres. Third in the Breeders’ Cup and still lots of potential. Half-brother of 2008 Korean Derby winner Ebony Storm.

9. Amell’s Atom [Menifee – Amell (Boston Harbor)] (8/3/3/0) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
Peter Wolsley’s other runner has a win over course and distance last time and was 2nd to Raon Boss the time before that. Stable jockey Jo Sung Gon rides and he has a big chance.

10. Raon Boss [Pico Central – Ivy’s Jewel Stone (Forestry)] (6/4/1/0) – Darryll Holland (Busan)
The long-time favourite for this race put in a shocker of a performance a fortnight ago when he finished last but one over the distance. So long as that was just an off-day, Darryll Holland has a big chance of riding a winner in his first Korean Classic.

11. Rising Joy [Forest Camp – Joy Ride (Future Quest)] (10/4/2/1) – Lim Sung Sil (Busan)
Very nice looking colt with a class 3 win over 1500 metres and a class 2 3rd place over 1800. Regular jockey Jo Sung Gon is retained on Amell’s Atom but this one still has a good chance.

12. Harley [Menifee – Stolen Miss (Miswaki)] (9/4/2/2) – Song Keong Yun (Busan)
A class 2 winner who is yet to go more than 1400 metres. If he gets the extra furlong, he has very good claims. Holds a victory over Sting Ray.

13. Sting Ray [Forest Camp – Straight Cash (Straight Man)] (8/3/4/1) – Kim Dong Young
Half brother to last year’s Korean Oaks winner Rising Glory, he has perhaps the most impressive recent form in the race. Super consistent and his class 2 win over 1900 metres last time – and class 3 over 1500 metres the previous – means he will be on the top of a lot of people’s tickets.

14. Heungnyong Bisang [Ft.Stockton – Miss Alwushush (Alwuhush)] (10/4/1/1) – Kim Hae Sun (Seoul)
Has been in good consistent form winning or placing over the Derby distance of 1800 metres. Should enjoy dropping down a furlong and Should be in contention. Will probably find one or two quicker.

15. Energy Cell [Unaccountedlea – Cobratime (Cobra King)] (8/3/1/0) – Seo Seung Un (Seoul)
Has won 3 out of his lat 4 although he hasn’t beaten much in the process. Possible value one to watch.

16. Global Gangja [Pico Central – Gosokcheol (Big Sur)] (9/4/1/0) – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
A little inconsistent of late but has a win over this distance as well as a second place to Pureun Energy. Choi Si Dae knows how to win the big races and he will have his backers.

Weekend Preview: Gamdonguibada, Tough Win, Feel So Good

Grand Prix Stakes champion Gamdonguibada (Werblin) makes her 2nd appearance of 2013 as she heads the field in the feature race at Busan this Friday.

Grand Prix Stakes winner Gamdonguibada makes a rare Friday afternoon appearance

Grand Prix Stakes winner Gamdonguibada makes a rare Friday afternoon appearance

The 4-year old filly should have too much quality for the likes of Viva Ace (Macho Uno) and Prince Kingdom (Roar Of The Tiger) in the 1900 metre handicap. which is the final race at Busan on Friday afternoon.

At Seoul, the pick of the action is on Sunday. Tough Win (Yonaguska), the 2011 Grand Prix winner headlines the feature race – which is also the last of the day – in which he faces a couple of dangers, including the well handicapped Aussie up and comer Sydney Jewelry (Lion Heart) and the exceptionally poorly handicapped KRA Cup Classic winner Sing Sing Cat (D’Wildcat), but should come out on top.

Earlier on Sunday, however, a horse who should eventually be meeting Tough Win will be on show. Feel So Good (Ft.Stockton) has won both his races in Korea since returning from a successful spell in the United States and will be the overwhelming favourite to continue his steady progression up the ranks as he faces class 3 opposition over 1800 metres in race 9.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday March 29

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 30

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 31

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

Weekend Preview: Two Derby Winners In Action

We’re just 2 weeks away from the first leg of the 2013 Korean Triple Crown and, while the contenders for the KRA Cup Mile will most likely have already made their final appearance before the big race, former Korean Derby winners are on show at both Busan and Seoul this weekend.

Jigeum I Sungan will be favourite at Seoul on Sunday

Jigeum I Sungan will be favourite at Seoul on Sunday

Ebony Storm (Buster’s Daydream) was the longest shot on the board when he won the 2008 Derby.

While he’d never win another Stakes race, he’s gone on to become a solid handicapper over the years and, now 8 years old, will make his 50th start in Busan’s feature race on Sunday.

He’ll have his work cut out to win the 1400 metre contest but few would back against him getting in the money.

One horse that will be favourite this weekend is 2012 Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup winner Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire) as he heads the field in Seoul’s Sunday feature, the Listed Sports Donga Cup.

The double-Classic winner won’t have things all his own way against a line-up that includes competent performers such as Magnifique (Menifee) and Singgereounachim (Exploit) but should be seeing them off.

Here’s what’s happening where and when:

Friday March 22

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 23

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 24

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

Weekend Preview: Sixteen Line-Up For Ttukseom Cup

Between 1954 and 1988, Seoul Racecourse was located on the north bank of the River Han, when Seoul Forest now stands. Once a year, Korean racing honours its history with the running of the Ttukseom Cup. For the second year running, this year’s edition acts as the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, a series of races to decide Korea’s Champion filly or mare.

Royale Embrace and You Hyun Myung win last year's Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens' Tour (Pic: Ilgan Sports)

Royale Embrace and You Hyun Myung win last year’s Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour (Pic: Ilgan Sports)

Traditionally in Korea, fillies race against colts, however, in order to improve the domestic breeding stock, the KRA has been trying over the past few years to improve the incentive to owners to import top quality fillies to race and then go on to the breeding shed.

The Queens’ Tour is part of that and offers tests over a variety of distances starting with the 7 furlongs of the Ttukseom Cup. Last year’s overall winner, US bred Gamdonguibada (Werblin) went on to beat the colts in the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes to become Champion Racehorse of Korea.

History will be made whatever happens on Sunday as, for the first time since racing moved to Gwacheon after the Seoul Olympics, 16 horses will line up in the race. This year, the upper limit for starters has been raised from 14 to 16 in Stakes races. Here’s a run down of all the runners and riders (Name [Pedigree] (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) – Jockey (Home Track)):

Ttukseom Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – March 17, 2013 (16:35)

1. Chowonuibyeol (USA) [Rockport Harbor – Arctic’s Angel (Artax)] (13/3/3/2) – Jo In Kwen (Seoul)
Little recent form to go on as the last race she completed was the final leg of last year’s Queens’ Tour and that didn’t go well. She does like this distance though and while not a favourite, can’t be completely discounted.

2. Dongteuja (KOR) [Broken Vow – Maremaid (Storm Bird)] (13/7/0/3) – Kanichiro Fujii (Busan)
The half-sister of one of Korea’s best ever racehorses, the two-time Grand Prix Stakes winner Dongbanui Gangja, Dongteuja won her first 6 races and looked to be a superstar. Since then, she has found things tougher but began 2013 with a win. In Joe Fujii she has the best jockey in the race on board and has to be shown respect in the betting.

3. Sangseung Geotap (USA) [Indian Charlie – Mirta (Theatrical)] (25/7/2/1) – Lim Sung Sil (Busan)
A Stakes winner in the KNN Cup last year but has struggled recently. The drop down to 1400M should suit but she is up against it here.

4. Ruby Queen (KOR) [Badge Of Silver – Rubyana (Rubiano)] (20/7/6/3) – Ham Wan Sik (Seoul)
Proven at the top level, if she is on her game, she will be a strong contender and should be involved at the business end of the race.

5. Kkakjaengi (USA) [Put It Back – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Again)] (19/6/4/4) – Shin Hyoung Chul (Seoul)
It’s quite remarkable that this mare hasn’t won since 2011. Still, she has only been out of the money twice in her 19 races and she will be in the money here. Whether that is in first place is another matter but, against only fillies and over 7 furlongs, this multiple Stakes winner has a good chance.

6. Imperial Girl (USA) [Imperialsm – Wallena (Wallenda)] (26/3/2/4) – Choi Bum Hyun (Seoul)
Winner of the Selangor Turf Club Trophy in 2011, she struggled in the Queens’ Tour last year but was a surprisng 2nd to Tough Win on her 2013 debut. In that race, she beat a number of good horses, including Kkakjaengi, and therefore must be considered.

7. Blueband Mama (USA) [Purge – Meadow Bryte (Meadowlake)] (24/3/4/2) – Kim Ok Sung (Seoul)
A wildly inconsistant mare, her last win was at this distance and she could surprise. She’ll not be fancied to come close though.

8. Darani (USA) [Saarland – Dusty’s Legacy (Golden Missile)] (28/3/6/5) – Jo Chang Wook (Busan)
Stablemate of Sangseung Geotap and probably second string from that barn. However, she was second in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour last year and the step down to 1400M will be interesting. Don’t write her off.

9. Useung Touch (KOR) [Menifee – Jenny Tudor (Gulch)] (20/6/7/2) – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
2011 Korean Oaks winner and 2nd in the Korean Derby in the same year, she pulled off a remarkable second place in the Grand Prix Stakes last December. She will have a lot of supporters and would be a very popular winner.

10. Grand Teukgeup (KOR) [Menifee – Saratoga Campaign (Mt.Livermore)] (16/7/2/1) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
Unusually for a horse with 16 races under her belt, she’s never been tried over 1400M. She has a class 1 win under her belt and has a chance here.

11. Dangdae Jeonseung (CAN) [Put It Back – Diamond Heirloom (Pembroke)] (14/4/1/1) – Lee Sang Hyeok (Seoul)
A rare Canadian bred in Korea, she has never lost over this distance. Form since reaching class 1 has not exactly been exceptional but it may not need to be to be in with a chance here.

12. Empire World (USA) [Empire Maker – Salty You (Salt Lake)] (18/5/2/3) – Kim Eu Soo (Busan)
A mare who has risen up the ranks very much under the radar, she has an impressive record of finishing inside the money. Could spring a surprise.

13. Indian Blue (USA) [Henny Hughes – Gamblers Passion (Prospector’s Gamble)] (6/3/2/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho (Seoul)
The only 3-year-old in the race, she won the Segye Ilbo Cup last month over course and distance and as a result, will likely be favourite.

14. Royale Embrace (USA) [Chapel Royal – Embracing Krissy (Kissin Kris)] (23/7/4/2) – You Hyun Myung (Busan)
Last year’s winner, 1400M is her favourite and she will relish being back on the gentler Seoul track. Consistent at the distance, she could pull off another surprise.

15. Seungnuiuihamseong (KOR) [Vicar – Hug And Kiss (Commander In Chief)] – Seo Seung Un (Seoul)
A consistent performer last year winning the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup before holding her own against the colts in the President’s Cup and finishing an in no way disgraceful 7th in the Grand Prix Stakes, she has every chance of doing well here.

16. Sangnyu (USA) [Broken Vow – Midtown Miss (Yes It’s True)] – Park Tae Jong (Seoul)
A class 1 winner and a filly who is getting better as she gets older. A real chance.

Gyongmaman’s verdict: Filly races in Korea are extremely difficult to handicap and therefore there is a big temptation to go for Indian Blue who did the business over course and distance last month. Sangnyu beat better class opposition though and Dongteuja has class. Dongteuja will be on Gyongmaman’s coupon with Kkakjaengi, Dangdae Jeonsung, Sangnyu and Royale Embrace also featuring.

Friday March 15

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 16

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 17

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:05

Weekend Preview

Classic Possibles On Show / Ghost Whisper Returns

It has been a very long winter. Three months ago this weekend, Gamdonguibada won the Grand Prix Stakeson a day at Seoul Race Park where the temperature dipped below -10C. It had already been cold for a month. Last weekend too, the temperature was below Freezing. Finally this week things have warmed up on the peninsula and we’re set for a cloudy but mild weekend of racing.

Spring?

Spring?

With just a month until the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, we need to keep an eye out for possible contenders. At Busan on Friday, Peter Wolsley’s colt Magic Dancer (Forest Camp) with 2 wins from his 3 starts, goes over 1500 metres in race 9 while a race later another of Wolsley’s charges, Amell’s Atom (Menifee) takes on the Cup Mile distance.

Friday’s feature at Busan sees Harley (Menifee), one of the crop’s furthest along in terms of class, take his chance although only over 7 furlongs.

Up at Seoul, Brig (Menifee) may be more of a Derby contender but will be worth watching as he attempts 1800 metres in Sunday’s race 10.

The most valuable races at both Seoul and Busan are on Sunday and Busan’s sees a welcome return to action for the grey Ghost Whisper (Gotham City). Absent from the track since collapsing with heat exhaustion at the end of the Busan Metropolitan Stakes last July, Peter Wolsley’s one-time stable star will line-up in the 1800 metre feature under Darryll Holland.

He’s up against Yongduseong (Concept Win), the late-developing mare with 6 wins from 9 starts and Nobel Pokpung (Didyme), who was 2nd in last year’s Korean Derby

At Seoul, you’ll have to wait until the very last race on Sunday to see some class 1 action. And while it’s competitive enough, it probably won’t be worth sticking around and braving the crush on the subway.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday March 8

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 9

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 10

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

Holiday Weekend Racing Times

Here’s what’s happening when and where over the long weekend:

Friday March 1

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 2

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 3

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

Dangdae Bulpae Heads Strong Busan Ilbo Cup Field

Busan hosts its first Stakes race of the year this coming Sunday as nine horses go to post for the Busan Ilbo Cup.

Stakes races usually end up with Dangdae Bulpae and Jo Sung Gon in the winner's circle

Stakes races usually end up with Dangdae Bulpae and Jo Sung Gon in the winner’s circle

It has attracted a high quality field with last year’s winner Yeonseung Daero set to have his work cut out to retain the trophy as three-time President’s Cup winner Dangdae Bulpae the likely favourite. Here’s a full run down of the runners with name, pedigree, sex, age, weight (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) and Jockey:

Busan Ilbo Cup – Busan Race Park – 1600M – Sunday February 24, 2013 – 16:15

1. Dangdae Bulpae (KOR) [Biwa Shinseiki – Indeed My Dear (Alydeed)] H 6 61kg (28/18/2/2) – Jo Sung Gon
One of the best Korean bred horses there has ever been. A three-time winner of the President’s Cup and the winner of more Stakes races than any other horse in Korean history. Against Korean bred opposition he should always be favourite at any distance between 1400 metres and 2000 metres and he will be here. The only consolation for his rivals is that he has never won when carrying more than 60kg and when he’s not on form, he’s really not on form. If he’s anything close to his best, he wins.

2. Dongseo Jeongbeol (KOR) [Vicar – Rendezvous Bay (Wonderloaf)] H 5 55.5kg (21/9/3/0) – Kanichiro (Joe) Fujii
Minister’s Cup winner in 2011, he struggled for form last year although he did finish 2nd in this race and picked up a win over the distance. He ended the year in good shape but will have to improve to win here but taking into weight and jockey, cannot be ruled out.

3. Road To Prince (KOR) [Pico Central – Ransom Bay (Red Ransom)] C 4 58kg (9/6/2/0) – Lim Sung Sil
A horse who has really crept up to class 1 under the radar. This will be his debut at this level and as such is a slightly unknown quantity. Seems to have plenty of improvement in him and will like the distance.

4. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) [Menifee – Princess Lanique (Cherokee Run)] C 4 58.5kg (16/5/4/5) – Choi Si Dae
Remarkably this colt hasn’t won since he took the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, last April. The reason is that he only ever runs against the best. 3rd in the Derby, 2nd in the Owners’ Cup, 3rd in the Minister’s Cup, 3rd in the President’s Cup. He usually runs into just one or two who are faster. That could well be the same here.

5. Alpha Myeongjang (KOR) [Pico Central – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)] C 4 61kg (16/7/5/0) – You Hyun Myung
An out-and-out sprinter he was very exposed in the Minister’s Cup last year. If the race was 400 metres shorter, he’d be favourite. It’s not, so he is an outsider. The consitions of the race also land him with 61kg, the same as Dangdae Bulpae.

6. Born To Win (KOR) [Archer City Slew – Bayou Blues (Cure The Blues)] M 5 54.5kg (25/4/5/3) – Narazaki Kosuke
She may well be Born To Win but she doesn’t do it very often and he’ll not do it here either. A pair of class 2 victories last autumn propelled her into the elite class and she beat some useful horses when finishing second over 1900 metres last month but there’s not much in her favour here.

7. Yeonseung Daero (KOR) [Creek Cat – Sensationalkris (Cryptoclearance)] H 7 56.5kg (47/17/9/5) – Park Geum Man
A wonderfully game horse and the defending champion. Yeonseung Daero has been campaigned almost exclusively against foreign-bred horses, hence “only” having 17 wins to his name. Struggled for much of 2012 but was right back in form at the end of the year, he can never be written off. Stablemate of Gyeongbudaero.

8. Geumsangeo (KOR) [Volponi – Dactique’s Quest (Coronodo’s Quest)] M 5 52kg (20/3/5/3) – Chae Gyu Jun
A relative unknown who has risen to class 1 through placing more than winning. Has never faced a field of this quality before and while she does have a big weight advantage, it would be a surprise to see her involved at the business end of the race.

9. Powerful Korea (KOR) [Distilled – Bound To Score (Quick Score)] G 5 58kg (20/6/3/4) – Kim Dong Young
He spent his 2-year old season in the USA and even ran in 3 races in Florida but Powerful Korea has never really lived-up to his potential. He has just a solitary class 1 victory to his name and while he has undoubted ability, will need to find a lot of improvement to win here.

Gyongmaman’s verdict: Even taking into account the weight (which is too high – horses do not need to be carrying this kind of weight in a race that isn’t even a handicap but this is an argument for another day) it is difficult to look beyond Dangdae Bulpae for the win but there won’t be much value in that. Therefore, Gyongmaman will probably leave him alone in the betting and look for options involving Yeonseung Daero and Dongseo Jeongbeol both of whom are carrying reasonable weights, have good jockeys and are almost certain to run solid races.