Racing Previews

Weekend Preview: The Derby

Soseuldaemun travels to Seoul to to attempt to secure the second leg of the 2011 Triple Crown as he takes on a full field in the Korean Derby at Seoul Race Park this Sunday.

Soseuldaemun and Toshio Uchida Head The Derby Field (Picture: KRA)

The KRA Cup Mile winner is one of six challengers heading north from Busan to take on the best the capital has to offer.

While starting as an outsider in the Cup Mile, he’ll be among the favourites as he bids to come one race closer to emulating the great J.S. Hold in sweeping the Triple Crown.

Here is the full list of runners, pedigrees, race records and riders:

Korean Derby (KOR.GI) – Seoul Race Park – 1800M – May 15, 2011 – 16:35

1. Shoot In [Exploit – Doneitmyway (Northern Flagship)] – (5/3/2/0) – Shin Hyoung Chul
2. Singgereounachim [Exploit – Singgereoun (Mr. Adorable)] (9/3/1/2) – Jo In Kwen
3. Useung Touch [Menifee – Jenny Tudor (Gulch)] (Filly) (6/3/1/1) – Choi Si Dae
4. Sun Hero [Menifee – Strategic Reward (Bold Revenue)] (9/4/2/1) – Moon Se Young
5. World Winner [Yankee Victor – Wakired (Red Ransom)] (11/2/3/2) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
6. Soseuldaemun [Meisei Opera – This Ole Way (Vigors)] (10/3/3/1) – Toshio Uchida (Busan)
7. Yeongung Icheon [Concept Win – Saratogasplash (Wild Again)] (9/3/2/1) – Park Tae Jong
8. Champion Belt [Exploit – Telegraph Road (Royal Academy)] (6/2/2/2) – Lim Sung Sil (Busan)
9. Daeseung Yegam [Silent Warrior – Tolp’ung-Yegam (Land Rush)] (10/3/1/1) – Kim Myoung Sin (Busan)
10. Cheonji Horyeong [Buster’s Daydream – Sorority Jazz (Dixieland Band)] (9/2/3/1) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
11. Geuma Champ [Vicar – Stormcloudrising (Stormy Atlantic)] (7/2/3/1) – Jung Ki Yong
12. Double Light [Menifee – Iruda (Glorify)] (8/3/3/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho
13. Gwangyajeil [Vicar – Hurricane Havoc (Jade Robbery)] (6/4/0/0) – Oh Kyoung Hoan
14. Prime Galloper [Strodes Creek – Apple G (Carson City)] (7/3/4/0) – Hwang Soon Do

We’ll have a final run-down of all the challengers and their chances, along with predictions, on the blog on Saturday evening.

Saturday sees the JRA Trophy at Seoul – full run down of runners and riders tomorrow – while on Sunday at Busan, last year’s Derby winner Cheonnyeon Daero is in action.

Here’s what’s happening when and where this weekend:

Friday May 13

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

Saturday May 14

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17: 40 (JRA Trophy at 16:30)
Jeju Race Park: 10 races from 12:30 to 18:00

Sunday May 15

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:05 (Korean Derby at 16:35)
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Weekend Preview

Jumong vs Bally Brae Part 3, Larrycat, Mister Park

Back when he had a full head of hair and only one stomach and chin, a pre-teen Gyongmaman used to complain to his parents that while there was a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day, there was no “Children’s Day.” Invariably the response came back that “Every day is Children’s Day”.

It was Childrens' Day in Korea today. This chap will no doubt have stayed home to study the weekend's form

Well here in Korea today actually was “Children’s Day” and it meant a public holiday. Seoul Race Park’s infield was open and hosting the usual brand of Korean family oriented daftness that these occasions call for. No racing though. That begins on the peninsula tomorrow.

While in the US it is Derby weekend, here in Korea, we’re still a week away from the big one. However, while it might be expected to be a low-key weekend of racing, it’s anything but. We have an absolute belter of a main event at Seoul Race Park this Saturday while the “best horse in Korea” runs at Busan on Sunday.

Four weeks ago, Jumong (Johar) levelled things up with his older brother Subsidy’s great rival Bally Brae (Yarrow Brae) after the older horse had beaten him earlier this year. At the time we said a decider was necessary, and that is what we’re going to get in the nine furlong feature race. However, there’s a problem for the two of them and his name is Larrycat (Fantasticat). Second in the Grand Prix Stakes last year, the four-year old will be carrying top weight in the handicap but on his day, could have the beating of both.

Mister Park

Speaking of the Grand Prix, the current champion and de-facto holder of the title of best horse in Korea, Mister Park (Ecton Park) makes his third appearance of 2011 in the feature race at his home track of Busan on Sunday. And for the first time, except of course for the Grand Prix, he’ll take his chance against exclusively imported horses. While in theory it’s a tougher challenge, it also means he’ll have to carry less weight (although this race is actually an allowance or conditions race, rather than a handicap).

Mister Park will be looking for hs fourteenth straight victory and jockey Lee Dae Yeon, who surprisingly gets the ride, has the biggest opportunity of his career when the race comes under orders at 17:00 on Sunday.

There’s also big action for the ponies at Jeju in the shape of the “Seongsan Ilchul” or “Sunrise Stakes” on the Island on Saturday.

Here’s what’s happening when and where around the peninsula this weekend:

Friday May 6

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

Saturday May 7

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 10 races from 12:30 to 17:30

Sunday May 8

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: Kookje Sinmun Stakes

Youth and Experience Clash at Busan

An unbeaten colt will be joined by two other outstanding three-year olds, a host of proven winners and one track legend as some of Busan’s best foreign horses line up for the Kookje (Gukje) Sinmun Stakes this coming Sunday.

Lion Santa (Lion Heart) has won all five of his starts to date in impressive style and puts his perfect record on the line against another recent import Viva Ace (Macho Uno) and three-year old filly Royale Embrace (Chapel Royal) who have both racked up impressive win records of their own in their time here. Top weight in the handicap will be carried by Aussie bred Seonnyang Yongsa (Catbird) while fellow antipodean Dudeurim (Delago Brom) also has claims in the seven-furlong sprint.

Then there is Admiral Reigart (General Royal). At nine years old, the Admiral is three times the age of the young pretenders. He’s been a stalwart of the track since its opening in 2005 and while his win record of nine from sixty-seven starts is more creditable than outstanding, he’s in the best form of his life with two wins and to second place finishes from his last four starts. Remarkably, Sunday’s race will be his first outing at a sprint distance since April 2005 and he can’t be discounted from shocking the young upstarts.

The Kookje Sinmun – named for a Busan Newspaper – is the highlight of a busy weekend of racing on the peninsula. The Derby is just two weeks away so none of the contenders for that race are in action however, there’s still plenty to be going on with both at Busan and Seoul.In the capital, the feature race is on Sunday when Ace Galloper headlines a competitive handicap.

It’s been an odd week weather-wise with a few downpours mixed in with generally sunny skies. That’s set to continue over the weekend although there’s the chance of a thunderstorm in Seoul on Saturday. Come Racing…but bring a jacket. Here’s what’s happening when and where this weekend:

Friday April 29

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

Saturday April 30

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday May 1

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:10
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:10

Here is a full run-down of the Gukje Sinmun Stakes (Name/Pedigree/Age/Sex/Weight/Race records/Jockey):

Kookje Sinmun Stakes (Hdcp) – Busan Race Park – 1400M – Sunday May 1, 2011 – 16:15

1 Mystery Boy (USA)[Ecton Park – Mysterious Moll (Bates motel)] 4-C-54kg – (10/5/3/0) – Jo Chang Wook
2 High Best (USA) [Domestic Dispute – Sunday Thunder (Thunder Gulch)] 5-H-50kg – (20/5/1/2) – Kim Nam Sung
3 Hudson River Line (USA) [Not For Love – New Years Eve Gala (Slavic)] 4-C-52kg – (17/7/2/0) – Kim Tae Kyung
4 Hey Sexy (USA) [El Corredor – Miss Royal Spirit (Royal Academy)] 5 -G-50kg – (23/3/4/1) – Jo Chan Hoon
5 Global Champ (AUS) [Charge Forward – Amarocco (Brocco)] 4-C-54kg – (24/5/3/4) – Mun Jung Won
6 Lion Santa (USA) [Lion Heart – Santa Fe Strip (Phone Trick)] 3-C-52.5kg – (5/5/0/0) – Kim Dong Young
7 Viva Ace (USA) [Macho Uno – Dancing Lake (Meadowlake)] 3-G-52kg – (7/4/3/0) – Song Keong Yun
8 Isidae Gangja (KOR) [Lost Mountain – Angel (Land Rush)] 5-G-52kg – (27/5/7/3) – Choi Si Dae
9 Peolpeol (AUS) [Barely A Moment – What’s The Buzz (Brocco)] 3-G-50kg – (12/5/1/1) – Park Geum Man
10 Field Tripping (USA) [Trippi – Lilly’softhefield (Struggler)] 4-C-50kg – (12/3/3/3) – Kim Young Min
11 Admiral Reigart (USA) [General Royal – Entoria (Stop The Music)] 9-H-56.5kg – (67/9/14/7) – You Hyun Myung
12 Royale Embrace (USA) [Chapel Royal – Embracing Krissy (Kissin Kris)] 3-F-51.5kg – (7/5/1/0) – Chae Gyu Jun
13 Seonnyang Yongsa (AUS) [Catbird – Silicon Glory (Le Glorieux)] 5-G-58kg – (31/10/7/5) – Jo Sung Gon
14 Dudeurim (AUS) [Delago Brom – Ravissante (Rechabite)] 3-C-55kg – (13/4/6/1) – Toshio Uchida

Friday Night Wine & Winners

An eleven race card to get stuck into tomorrowat Seoul but first off a word about today’s racing at Busan where the feature event was won by Toshio Uchida on the 3/1 favourite Lucky Dancer. Lucky Dancer’s trainer was Peter Wolsley and with the win, the Australian moves up to third, behind only Kim Young Kwan and Baik Kwang Yeol, in terms of number of winners saddled over the past year with 43. With a number of quality horses in his stable, that elusive Stakes win can’t be far away.

Back On Top: Toshio Uchida(Pic: KRA)

As for Uchida it was business as usual with two winners. The Japanese jockey has recorded 39 victories since his return to Korea last November and is now back firmly established as the track’s top rider.

On to the business at hand and ss usual, we are mainly looking for value that for a small win bet (2,000won) and a larger place (4,000won) should provide a decent return even if not many actually win. Both Singgerounachim and Manchester Miss should be heavy favourites so don’t bother with the place on them. And remember, Gyongmaman bets for his meals but eats instant ramen every day – here’s why this week:

Saving the Kendall-Jackson to toast some winners on Saturday

Race 1: Sylvia Green (1)
Race 2: A.P. Plus (8)
Race 3: Neulsarang (12)
Race 4: Aragaya (10)
Race 5: Bravo Together (7)
Race 6: Hanhyeolhwasin (9)
Race 7: Singgerounachim (8)
Race 8: Richmond Hwanhui (1)
Race 9: Wonerful Sun (3)
Race 10: Cheonun (1)
Race 11: Manchester Miss (5)

It’s been a wet twenty-four hours in the capital but things should have dried out by the time racing gets underway at Seoul on Saturday at 11:10. There are eleven races through to 17:30 with three races being simulcasted from the pony race meeting on Jeju Island.

Weekend Preview

Here’s what’s happening when and where on a weekend where Bulkkot Gisang (Langfuhr) makes her class 1 debut at Busan and Tough Win (Yonaguska) is in action at Seoul:

Friday April 22

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

Saturday April 23

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday April 24

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: Ttukseom Cup

Dangdae Bulpae, Cheonnyeon Daero, Yeonseung Daero, Namdo Jeap Come To Seoul

Korean horse racing is, if truth be told, generally just the most popular of the three legal gambling games on the peninsula. And the only one open on the weekend. Be it the Korean Derby or a class 6 maiden, for the vast majority of punters every race is just a number, another punting opportunity.

Not that this is much different to anywhere else but the huge crowds and the atmospheric summer evenings notwithstanding, the sterility of some big race days in Korea can be quite off-putting to the race fan. The KRA knows how to hype a race with slick video packages but the feeling is always unavoidable: apart from connections, very few people actually care about the name of the horse that wins the race. It’s the numbers in the quinella that count.

Triple Seven wins last year's Ttukseom Cup

This Sunday, however, is one of the few days on the racing calendar where history gets honoured in the shape of the GIII Ttukseom Cup, so named to remember of the location of the old Seoul Racecourse on the north bank of the River Han. It’s a race which has been run every year since the current track opened in Gwacheon in 1989 with winners including the great J.S. Hold, who claimed the race when it was run as the first leg of the Triple Crown series in 2007.

Classic Winner Dangdae Bulpae has never lost at Seoul

This year marks a new chapter in the race as for the first time, horses from Busan have been invited to the capital. And the Southern track is sending its A-Team in the shape of three classic winners; Namdo Jeap, Cheonnyeon Daero and Dangdae Bulpae who will all drop down to seven furlongs along with prolific winners Yeonseung Daero and Triple Sinhwa for an assault on the Cup. Seoul, still reeling after its best three year olds suffered a shock reverse in the KRA Cup Mile a fortnight ago, will have a hard time keeping the trophy on home soil. Its best hope may come in the shape of last year’s winner Triple Seven. The big race is underway at 4:35pm on Sunday and is race 9 of 11 at Seoul. See below for a full list of runners and riders but first, here’s what’s happening when and where this weekend:

Friday April 15

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

Saturday April 16

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday April 17

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:05
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:05

* The Ttukseom Cup will be run over seven furlongs and is open to Korean born horses aged four years old and up. Two mares, Golden Rose and Tamna Hero will be involved. Here’s a run down of the runners, pedigree, race records (races/1sts/2nds/3rds), riders and home tracks of all fourteen runners:

Ttukseom Cup (KOR.GIII) – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – Sunday Apr 17, 16:35

1. Dangdae Bulpae (KOR) [Biwa Shinseiki – Indeed My Dear (Alydeed)] – (15/10/1/1) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
2. Best Holls (KOR) [Fierecely – Onethindime (Tactical Advantage)] – (15/5/1/2) – Jung Ki Yong (Seoul)
3. Suseong TX (KOR) [Concept Win – Oktong-I (Kyoei Blossom)] – (21/7/4/4) – Moon Se Young (Seoul)
4. Triple Sinhwa (KOR) [Capital Spending – Claudia’s Secret (Crafty Prospector)] – (15/6/6/0) – You Hyun Myung (Busan)
5. Golden Rose (KOR) [Buster’s Daydream – Pop’s Apple (Digangi’s Grinder)] – (21/5/3/3) – Moon Jung Kyun (Seoul)
6. Tamna Hero (KOR) [Creek Cat – The Big C (Deputed Testamony)] (25/8/4/3) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
7. Wangson (KOR) [Distilled – Eastern Tide (Far Out East)] – (17/8/3/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho (Seoul)
8. Tamnahwanhui (KOR) [Al Naba – Bulbijihye (Pro For Sure)] – (18/5/3/1) – Kim Cheol Ho (Seoul)
9. Yeonseung Daero (KOR) [Creek Cat – Sensationalkris (Cryptoclearance)] – (30/13/6/4) – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
10. Namdo Jeap (KOR) [Ft. Stockton – Wandering Katie (Tejano)] – (27/8/7/4) – Kim Dong Young (Busan)
11. Baengnyeonbong (KOR) [Al Naba – Sansovino Art (Mister C.)] – [(25/7/2/7) – Oh Kyoung Hoan (Seoul)
12. The Almighty (KOR) [Capital Spending – Dauntless Cat (Mountain Cat)] – (15/5/3/0) – Ham Wan Sik (Seoul)
13. Triple Seven (KOR) [The Groom Is Red – Impudence (Grand Lodge)] – (34/12/4/7) – Choi Bum Hyun (Seoul)
14. Cheonnyeon Daero (KOR) [Creek Cat – Doneitmyway (Northern Flagship)] – (19/7/7/2) – Park Geum Man (Busan)

Friday Night Soju & Selections

So the wine really didn’t work last week. This week, we’re going for something altogether more Korean. Soseuldaemun put Seoul to the sword last week by claiming the KRA Cup Mile – the first leg of the Korean Triple Crown – for Busan, but there’s a competitive eleven race card in the capital this Saturday.

Radioactive Sandstorms Expected This Weekend is the kind of headline that Gyongmaman has always wanted to be involved in and it looks like it’s going to happen. Here’s what he will be losing what little remains of his money on:

Race 1: Bunsuryeong
Race 2: Golden Ticket
Race 3: SS Icheon
Race 4: Euro Gangse
Race 5: Triple Gamdong
Race 6: Noble Harmony
Race 7: Wingwing
Race 8: Dan Land
Race 9: Ppopai
Race 10: Holy Dreamer
Race 11: Maskan

Gyongmaman doesn’t do favourites. The majority of this lot are not going to win. So he recommends a small amount (maybe 2,000 won) on each to win and a smaller amount (maybe 4,000won) to place. You’ll not get rich but with any luck, you won’t go bankrupt either. Radioactive or not, it’s going to be a little bit sandy but nevertheless, come racing! Here’s what’s happening when and where on Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday April 9

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:30

Sunday April 10

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: April 8, 9, 10

It’s going to be alternately wet and/or dusty. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday April 8

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

Saturday April 9

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:30

Sunday April 10

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Sun Hero Heads Open KRA Cup Mile

Any one of fourteen can claim first leg of 2011 Triple Crown Series

It’s here. The first leg of the 2011 Korean Triple Crown Challenge Series is at Busan Race Park this Sunday afternoonas fourteen of the nation’s best three year olds go to post for the Korean 2000 Guineas – the KRA Cup Mile.

And it’s a very open contest. Seoul supplies eight of the entrants including Breeders’ Cup winner and Champion Juvenile of 2010 Sun Hero and the colt is one of five by the sire Menifee among the field. He has a great chance, as does filly Useung Touch, a shock third in the Breeders’ Cup last November but unbeaten since, albeit it at distances less than the mile she’ll have to travel tomorrow.

That distance won’t be a problem for Singgerounachim. A relatively latecomer to the Triple Crown trail, the colt stunned the much-hyped Ophelia in a race at Seoul in late February to put himself right in contention for big honours. Meanwhile the grey Ophelia will be looking to restore his reputation by taking victory in what seems the hardest to call Classic race in Korea for quite some time.

There will be support for the Toshio Uchida ridden Soseuldaemun while Vicar colt Beongaegangho can’t be overlooked. The big race is underway at Busan at 16:15, the highlight of a six race card, and will be beamed back live to Seoul Race Park where there are eleven live races. It’s going to be a beautiful day and whatever happens, drama is assured on one of the biggest days on the Korean racing calendar.

Here’s another look at the full list of runners and riders:

KRA Cup Mile (KOR G.II) – Busan Race Park – 1600M – Apr 3, 2011 – 16:15

1. Soseuldaemun (KOR) [Meisei Opera – This Ole Way (Vigors)] (9/2/3/1) – Busan – Toshio Uchida
2. Mupaeseungni (KOR) [Ingrandire – Dangdae Eutteum (Pro For Sure)] (4/3/0/0) – Seoul – Jung Ki Yong
3. 9. Double Light (KOR) [Menifee – Iruda (Glorify)] (7/3/2/1) – Seoul – Cho Kyoung Ho
4. Haengunui Mannam (KOR) [Creek Cat – Clever Lil (Lil’s Lad)] (Filly) (5/2/3/0) – Busan – Hitomi Miyashita
5.Useung Touch (KOR) [Menifee – Jenny Tudor (Gulch)] (Filly) (5/3/1/1) – Busan – Choi Si Dae
6. Daeseung Yegam (KOR) [Silent Warrior – Tolp’ung-Yegam (Land Rush)] (9/3/1/1) – Busan – Jo Chang Wook
7. Beongaegangho (KOR) [Vicar – Carson City Dancer (Carson City)] (7/2/2/1) – Seoul – Choi Bum Hyun
8. Reigns Cat (KOR) [Creek Cat – Eternal Reigns (Eternal Orange)] (7/2/2/0) – Seoul – Park Eul Woon
9. Cheonji Horyeong (KOR) [Buster’s Daydream – Sorority Jazz (Dixieland Band)] (7/2/2/1) – Busan – Chae Gyu Jun
10. Ophelia (KOR) [Commendable – Miss Personality (El Prado)] (5/2/3/0) – Seoul – Moon Jung Kyun
11. Sun Hero (KOR) [Menifee – Strategic Reward (Bold Revenue)] (8/4/2/1) – Seoul – Moon Se Young
12. Sun Blaze (KOR) [Menifee – Claudia’s Secret (Crafty Prospector)] (6/2/3/0) – Seoul – Park Tae Jong
13. Flower (KOR) [Menifee – Fancy Cheeks (Jade Robbery)] (Filly) (6/2/2/1) – Busan – Kim Myoung Sin
14. Singgeureounachim (KOR) [Exploit – Singgeureoun (Mr. Adorable)] (7/2/1/2) – Seoul – Jo In Kwen

Friday Night Wine & Wagering

Busan Friday Round-Up / Saturday’s Punts

Well before we get stuck into that, it’s worth catching up a little with some action from the first day of the KRA Cup Mile meeting at Busan this afternoon. Three weeks ago, American trainer Joe Murphy scored his first ever Korean winner after several months of trying. Today he got his second. And it was a big one as 17/1 shot Udeumji took out the afternoon’s feature race by a length and a half from odds-on favourite Winning Perfect.

Murphy has thirteen horses in his barn at the moment. Udeumji is one of two who compete at class 1 level – the other being Isidore Farm’s Ganghan Yeoja, formerly trained by fellow foreigner Peter Wolsley. Speaking of foreigners, Japanese pair Toshio Uchida and Yoshi Aoki both scored victories in the saddle today. Aoki won race 8 on Isidae Yeongung while Uchida took race 7 on US gelding Viva Ace (Macho Uno); the three-year old now has four wins from his seven starts, finishing second on the other three occasions.

Back to the matter in hand. Gyongmaman’s picks actually made a little profit last week – and to clarify, it was the picks that made the profit, not Gyongmaman as he had long since left the track by the time Victory Camp scored an unlikely third place at long odds in race 13 to push us well into positive territory.

This Saturday sees just eleven races at Seoul – there are three pony races simulcasted from Jeju compared to the usual two. Again we’ll mostly look for value and recommend a small win bet (2000 won) and a larger place bet (4000 won). However, look at the tote board as the place may be a bit of a waste of time on some of them:

Race 1: Haengbok Party (8)
Race 2: Value Pride (3)
Race 3: Daeseongcheonha (8)
Race 4: Kkumuichukje (7)
Race 5: Pyeongchangolympic (9)
Race 6: Prete Ingran (6)
Race 7: Songdoteukgeup (12)
Race 8: I ppeun Jit (10)
Race 9: Taewangseong (2)
Race 10: Baekjeonmupae (3)
Race 11: Baekbongnyeong (6)

Value Pride and Baekjeonmupae will most likely be odds-on while Gyongmaman always bets on Pyeongchangolympic in support of Pyeongchang City’s rather touching continual bids to host the Winter Olympic Games (and, Yu Na notwithstanding, the next disappointment is due in less than 100 days). Likewise he finds himself betting on Songdoteukgeup as he has become intimately acquainted with Songdo – “The Dubai of Korea” (without the racing) – recently. Scientific handicapping this isn’t.

Remember it’s the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the 2011 Korean Triple Crown Challenge Series this Sunday at Busan. Here’s what’s happening when and where for the rest of the weekend:

Saturday April 2

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday April 3

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:10
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:10