Racing Previews

Weekend Preview

Well winter has certainly hit us. Last Sunday saw the mercury dip well below zero at Seoul Race Park and it has been deeply unpleasant in the capital this week.

However, the forecast is for the temperature to rise this weekend and be rather comfortable as a full field of fourteen two-year olds from both Busan and Seoul go to post for the Breeders’ Cup – Korea’s Championship Juvenile race on Sunday afternoon. We’ll have a full preview of the big race over the next coupe of days. In the meantime, here’s what’s happening where and when:

Friday November 25

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

Saturday November 26

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

Sunday November 27

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:05 including the Breeders’ Cup at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:05

Weekend Preview

Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy

For the second consecutive week, it’s the fillies who take centre stage in the main event of a busy weekend of racing in Korea. Thirteen fillies & mares will line up for the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul Race Park on Sunday afternoon.

Dongbang Rose and Cho Kyoung Ho return as Nonghyup Cup Winners last year

The race will see last year’s winner Dongbang Rose facing off against last year’s Oaks winner Euro Fighter and runner-up Cheonun. They’ll be joined by former top-star Love Cat and regular money-winner Special Volpony and Munhwa Ilbo champion Legal Lady.

That only one three-year old, Mustang Queen, takes her chance, helps support the general consensus that 2011 has been a weak year. She’ll have it all to do against her older opponents but was a creditable second in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup last month.

Down at Busan, a pair of class 1 feature races on Sunday afternoon are the highlight. Minister’s Cup winner Dongseo Jeongbeol makes a swift return frm his President’s Cup disappointment a fortnight ago to headline one of them, a 10 furlong test that also includes 2008 Korean Derby winner, the evergreen Ebony Storm.

Jockeys Nathan Stanley and Eiki Nishimura return from suspension at Busan this weekend with nine and eight rides respectively. Akane Yamaoto will also ride eight. Makoto Noda and Mai Beppu will both be in action at Seoul

Friday and Saturday are set to see this week’s mild spell continue, however, overnight on Saturday, temepratures are set to plummet and it could be a very chilly Sunday. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday November 18

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

Saturday November 19

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 10 races from 12:30 to 17:35

Sunday November 20

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:05
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:05

Weekend Preview: Seoul Vs Busan Again

Filles Get Their Chance in The Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup

Last weekend, Busan horses came up to the Capital last and soundly defeated their Metropolitan counterparts in the President’s Cup. However, this week, seven fillies and mares have headed down the Gyeongbu Expressway and will attempt to exact revenge in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. The race, which will be run oover 10 furlongs is, after the Korean Oaks, Korea’s second richest race that is only open to Fillies & Mares.

Kkakjaengi - Tough To Beat

And the visitors have an excellent chance of returning with the big prize. Three year-old Kkakjaengi is already a multiple Stakes winner and if she takes well to the Busan track, could be the one to beat. Also from Seoul, the grand old Top Point, one-time Champion Mare, seems back to her best after returning from a long injury. Recently the only horses to beat her are Ace Galloper, Magic Party and Race Terror – who came a surprising, but impressive, third in the President’s Cup. If that form holds up, Top Point will be hard to beat. Similarly, Geumbi has always been close and will relish the chance to run without colts in the way.

For the home team, Bulkkot Gisang was a mightily impressive two-year old but has struggled this year. Some encouraging runs of late suggest she may one day have a big race in her while Wonder Unicorn is, rather surprisingly, the only runner coming into the race on the back of a win.

Busan Bound - Seo Seung Woon

As usual, the Seoul horses will all be accompanied by jockeys from the capital. However, the big names are staying put and some of Seoul’s lesser known riders and up and comers get their chance to shine on the south-coast. Among them is apprentice Seo Seung Un, who has been so impressive in his short career to date.

While the main event may be at Busan, Seoul and Jeju will of course host their regular weekend cards and both tracks will simulcast the Governor’s Cup.

* Here’s a full run-down of the runners and riders (with pedigrees, age and race records) for Sunday’s big race.

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (KOR.G3) – Busan Race Park – 2000M – Sunday November 13, 2011 – 16:16

1. Money Tree (KOR) [Medallist-Money Trust (Hennessy)] 4 (27/6/5/5) – Akane Yamamoto
2. Geumbi (USA) [Ecton Park-Lady Justine (Lit De Justice)] 4 (12/4/4/2) – Ham Wan Sik (Seoul)
3. Tango Step (KOR) [Jump Start-Jewell Dare (Woodman)] 4 (16/6/1/2) – Shim Seung Tae (Seoul)
4. Bulkkot Gisang (KOR) [Langfuhr-Attendance (A.P.Indy) 3 (13/7/1/2) – Jo Chang Wook
5. Fortunata (USA) [Eurosilver-Eleanor’s Song (Seattle Song)] 4 (20/2/1/4) – Choi Won Joon (Seoul)
6. Gippeumnuri (USA) [Eurosilver-Regatta Queen (Danzig Connection)] 4 (20/4/2/1) – Seo Seung Un (Seoul)
7. Blueband Mama (USA) [Purge-Meadowbryte (Meadowlake)] 3 (13/2/4/1) – Lee Keum Joo (Seoul)
8. Top Point (KOR) [Tom Cruiser-Mooncello (Northern Baby)] 7 (31/17/6/4) – Jo In Kwen (Seoul)
9. Onsaemiro (KOR) [Harlan’s Holiday-Regal Heir (Regal Intention)] 3 (12/4/5/0) – Kim Dong Young
10. Queen Of Rain (USA) [Lion Heart-Prosperous Move (Arch)] 3 (12/4/2/3) – Chae Gyu Jun
11. Kkakjaengi (USA) [Put It Back-Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] 3 (10/6/2/1) – Lee Sang Hyeok (Seoul)
12. Dongbangmiin (KOR) [Yehudi-Pyeonghwaroun (Kingsview)] 4 (18/5/2/3) – You Hyun Myung
13. Crown Flag (KOR) [Volponi-Crown Of Creation (Beau Genius)] 4 (28/2/4/7) – Choi Si Dae
14. Wonder Unicorn (KOR) [Graeme Hall-Bessette (Quest For Fame)] 5 (27/8/6/4) – Park Geum Man

And here’s what’s happening when and where this weekend:

Friday November 11

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

Saturday November 12

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

Sunday November 13

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:10
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:10 including the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at 16:15

Weekend Preview: The President’s Cup

It may be Breeders’ Cup weekend in the US but it’s President’s Cup weekend in Seoul! The most valuable race of the year brings together for the first time some of this year’s best three-year olds from both Seoul and Busan to face their elders in a Stakes race for the first time. Dangdae Bulpae, Cheonnyeon Daero, Yeonseung Daero, Dongseo Jeongbeol and Useung Touch will all be there. Full preview here.

Up for the Cup(s)

Saturday also sees Stakes action at Seoul in the form of the TJK Trophy. Two-year old Smarty Moonhak (Smarty Jones) gets a swift introdution to high level racing as he takes on a full field of older imports.

It’s been a sunny week but there is a chance of rain so umbrellas are a must on what is set to be a cracking weekend of racing. In addition to Seoul, as usual there are also cards at Busan Jeju Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday November 4

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

Saturday November 5

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:10 to 17:40 including the TJK Trophy at 16:30
Jeju Race Park: 10 races from 12:30 to 17:30

Sunday November 6

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:10 including the President’s Cup at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:05

All To Do For Dangdae Bulpae In President’s Cup

Cheonnyeon Daero, Useung Touch, Dongseo Jeongbeol Seeking To Dethrone Defending Champion

While thousands of miles away the Breeders’ Cup is occupying much of the racing world this weekend, Korea plays host to its most valuable race of the year in the shape of the President’s Cup at Seoul Racecourse Park this Sunday.

Returning: Dangdae Bulpae & Jo Sung Gon in the 2010 President's Cup Winner's Circle

While it may not be the most prestigious – the Grand Prix Stakes taking that accolade – the President’s Cup is the biggest race of the year for Korean-bred horses. This is because it is the race in which this year’s Classic winners generally face their elders for the first time.

As it is, we have just two out of four Classic winners from this year – Useung Touch and Dongseo Jeongbeol – and just one from last year, Derby winner Cheonnyeon Daero. However, with last year’s winner Dangdae Bulpae and the evergreen Yeonseung Daero making the trip up from Busan, we are guaranteed a fascinating renewal on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s a rundown of the runners with age/sex/weight to be carried (race records) and jockeys:

President’s Cup (KOR GI) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – November 6, 2011 – 16:35

1. Dangdae Bulpae [Biwa Shinseiki-Indeed My Dear (Alydeed)] 4 C 58Kg (19/12/1/1) – Jo Sung Gon (Busan)
The defending Champion, he loves running at Seoul losing only once in the Grand Prix last year. At 2000 metres, one would think this was his for the taking. However, his last two starts at Busan have ended in two ignominious sixth places; getting into a suicidal early speed duel with Tough Win in the Metropolitan Stakes and sinking without trace in the Owners’ Trophy. He will need to be back to his best if he is to have a chance.

2. Love Cat [Creek Cat-Love Cue (Curia Regis)] 5 M 56Kg (26/10/2/4) – Moon Jung Kyun (Seoul)
Coming back from a five month lay-off and she was in very indifferent form before that. Her last win was in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup a year ago. Something sensational would have had to have happened to her during her break if she is to have a chance here. It seems unlikely.

3. Yeonseung Daero [Creek Cat-Sensationalkris (Cryptoclearance)] 5 H 58Kg (36/15/7/5) – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
Stablemate of Cheonnyeon Daero, a top performer whose win rate would be much higher were it not for the fact that his Sportsman connections never take the safe option and always run him against foreign opposition rather than cherry-pick handicaps against inferior domestic horses. Got his reward in winning the Busan Metropolitan over Dongbanui Gangja in the summer. His career has been a joy to follow and as always, he’ll be there or thereabouts.

4. Dongseo Jeongbeol [Vicar-Rendezvous Bay (Wonderloaf)] 3 C 56Kg (11/7/1/0) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
One of two of this year’s Classic winners taking part, the Minister’s Cup champion makes a quick return to Seoul. Dangdae Bulpae scored a Minister’s and President’s Cup double last year and Dongseo Jeongbeol looks perfectly capable of doing the same. However, despite it being over the same distance, he will be up against much tougher opposition on Sunday.

5. Cheot Insang [Psychobabble-Soma (Far Out East)] 5 G 56Kg (27/6/3/4) – Ji Ha Ju (Seoul)
Picked up a useful Class 1 win last month to gain his entry here but really should be outclassed in this company.

6. High Point [Silent Warrior-Fran’s Express (Expressman)] 5 H 58Kg (24/7/2/6) – Cho Kyoung Ho (Seoul)
Interesting one. He won the SBS Cup in August but was narrowly defeated by Race Terror on his only run since. At five, he’s in the best form of his career and could be one to look out for. Arguably Seoul’s best chance.

7. Money Teukgeup [Ft. Stockton-Headwork (Silveyville)] 5 H 58Kg (29/6/4/4) – Park Tae Jong (Seoul)
He hasn’t won since June 2010 and he’ll not win this.

8. Useung Touch [Menifee-Jenny Tudor (Gulch)] 3 F 54Kg (10/5/3/1) – Kim Dong Young (Busan)
The outstanding filly of 2011, she’s the Oaks winner and second in the Derby and Minister’s Cup and a genuine contender for Horse Of The Year. Can she win this? Yes, she can, but it’s a big ask. Either way she will be contesting the finish.

9. Suseong TX [Concept Win-Oktong-I (Kyoei Blossom)] 6 H 58Kg (27/7/5/4) – Moon Se Young (Seoul)
Seoul’s Champion Jockey-elect is unlikely to be winning this. Suseong TX only has one win to his name this year and it seems he has been entered to compete for the minor – but still financially lucrative – placings.

10. Cheonnyeon Daero [Creek Cat-Doneitmyway (Northern Flagship) 4 C 58Kg (26/7/13/3) – Park Geum Man (Busan)
The 2010 Korean Derby winner will be retired at the end of this season. This is likely to be his penultimate race (so long as connections accept his inevitable Grand Prix invitation). A supremely talented horse who has a very bad case of second-itis – even when he wins, he finishes second – but this could be his time. He should be favourite.

11. Khaosan [Sunday Well-Mogaung (Jade Hunter)] 6 G 58Kg (31/7/7/7) – Nathan Stanley (Busan)
The foreign interest. Aussie trainer Peter Wolsley finally got his first Stakes winner with Khaosan when Cheonnyeon Daero was disqualified in the Owners’ Cup. It was the correct decision as without the interference, the six-year old would have won. A late developer, Khaosan is a tough horse and he may well find the Seoul course, on which he is racing for the first time, to be to his liking. With Nathan Stanley on board, he is worth an outside bet.

12. Race Terror [Duality-Starship Adventure (Dare And Go)] 4 C 58Kg (22/5/5/4) – Choi Bum Hyun (Seoul)
Coming into form at the right time with his first Class 1 win at the end of September, he will need to improve a lot to win here.

13. Blooming [Future Quest-Fox Dance (Foxtrail)] 5 H 58Kg (17/7/3/0) – Oh Kyoung Hoan (Seoul)
Very much a dark-horse here, the relatively lightly raced Blooming does have qualities to recommend him. He has two recent wins over similar distances and has every chance of being competitive. If he apears on the board at long odds, he may well be worth an outside punt.

14. Real Victor [Biwa Shinseiki-Hyunmo (Real Quiet)] 4 C 58Kg (21/5/9/0) – Jo In Kwen (Seoul)
That he has only failed to money twice in twenty-one starts means that Rea Victorr must get sime respect. There are better horses than him in the race but there’s every chance of him playing a big role in the finish.

Weekend Preview

Tough Win, Larrycat, Bally Brae in Seoul’s Feature

We had the first icy blasts of winter across the Korean peninsula earlier this week. However, while Trackwork can’t have been much fun on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as temperatures neared freezing point for the first time since March, things are looking good for a glorious weekend.

He's Back: Tough Win

Except for the ponies on Jeju, there’s no Stakes action in Korea this weekend as we build up to next week’s President’s Cup, however, there’s still an awful lot to keep us entertained. After missing the KRA Cup Classic three weeks ago, Tough Win (Yonaguska) returns to action at Seoul on Sunday. His match-up with Larrycat (Fantasticat) in the feature race provides the weekend highlight. Joining them will be former Grand Prix winner and track legend Bally Brae (Yarrow Brae) in the nine furlong test.

Also in action on Sunday will be ever-improving filly Raon Speed Tapit) as she takes on the formidable Balhaemyeongjang (Champali) and the old stager Good Day (Double Honor) in the second of co-features.

We’ll have our eye on Busan for the return of Japanese jockey Eiki Nishimura while Aussie rider Nathan Stanley has his usual array of good chances for Peter Wolsley. Busan’s feature race of the weekend comes on Sunday when Golding (Gold Alert) and Admiral Reigart (General Royal) – both of whom have been stalwarts of the track since it opened in 2005 will come up against each other for the umpteenth time. It’s Stanley and Wolsley who could have the edge though, as they seek a third consecutive win for colt Gyeongkwaehanjilju (Tapit) while young upstart Bello Road (Irish Road) makes his class 1 debut.

As ever, it should be a cracking three days of action. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday October 28

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

Saturday October 29

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:10 to 17:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:25 including the Jemin Ilbo Cup at 16:10

Sunday October 30

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Weekend Preview

Racing is underway:

Friday October 21

Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:10
Lion Santa (Lion Hear-Santa Fe Strip), unbeaten in all of his 8 starts to date goes in the first of two co-feature races.
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday October 22

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

Sunday October 23

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:10 including the Gyeongi Governor’s Cup at 16:40
A full field of fillies and mares line up for the Governor’s Cup including Sen Girl, Urikkot and Mustang Queen.
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:10 including the MJC Trophy at 16:10
The Macau Jockey Club Trophy is for three-year olds and bring together late developers both Korean and foreign bred.

Weekend Preview: Baby Time

Racing is about to get underway on what is a wet Friday on the Korean peninsula. This week sees the first Stakes action of the year for two-year olds in the shape of the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup at Seoul on Saturday and the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup at Busan on Sunday. In a slight change to the usual preview format (i.e. run out of time to do the usual handicap) here’s a brief run down on what’s going on at each meeting this weekend:

Magic Party won last year's Gwacheon Mayor's Cup

Friday October 14

Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Normal Friday afternoon card. The feature is the last where former Derby winner Ebony Storm carries top weight. Joe Murphy’s Deep Desire is coming in off the back of a win and remains very well handicapped.

Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30
Nine pony races on the island with three simulcasted to Busan and Seoul.

Saturday October 15

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:10 to 17:40 including the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup at 16:30
Five colts and four fillies make up the field for Seoul’s first two-year old championship Stakes race of the year. Filly Cheoneun (Forest Camp) has been the most impressive so far although Viva Cat (Creek Cat) is also yet to lose and Dolpung Jilju (Didyme) is two for three against tougher competition. An intriguing race.

Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20
Two massive Stakes races for the ponies on Jeju – The Jeju Governor’s Classic and the Jeju Governor’s Open. Unfortunately, neither of those will be simulcasted to Seoul but it is one of the Island’s biggest race days of the year.

Sunday October 16

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:10
Last year’s Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup winner Magic Party has gone on to become a useful three-year old and she runs in the feature handicap alongside fellow fillies Dongbang Rose and last year’s Oaks winner Euro Fighter.

Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:10 including the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup at 16:15.
The Gyeongnam Sinmun brings together six fillies and two colts for Busan’s two-year old Championship. Nathan Stanley returns from illness to partner Peter Wolsley’s Nuriui Bit (Menifee) who has won her only start to date. However, in a field of unknown quantities, anything can happen. In the last race of the day, Mister Park (Ecton Park) will be looking to extend his record-breaking winning streak to 17. Japanese jockey Akane Yamamoto will have the honour.

Weekend Preview

Selangor Turf Club Trophy & KRA Cup Classic at Seoul

KRA Cup Classic weekend is about to get underway – click here for a full preview of the big race – but there’s plenty more happening across the peninsula.

On Saturday it’s the Selangor Turf Club Trophy at Seoul. Two Malaysian jockeys, Ming Wan Teh and Ismail Fadzlei will be in town to ride in the race. Down at Busan there’s also a bonus as Sunday sees seven races instead of the usual six. Here’s what’s happening when and where – the weather is set to be beautiful. Come Racing!

Friday October 7

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

Saturday October 8

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:10 to 17:40 including the Selangor Turf Club Trophy at 16:30
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday October 9

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 111:10 to 18:05 including the KRA Cup Classic at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:05

Will It Be Ace On A High In KRA Cup Classic?

Last Year’s Winner Misses Out But A Double Champion, A Legend, A Nearly-Horse and Upstarts Clash in Grand Prix Trial

We had the final leg of the Triple Crown last week but the autumn Stakes action is coming thick and fast at Seoul Race Park. This weekend it’s the KRA Cup Classic, a major pointer towards the season ending Grand Prix Stakes which is now just over two months away.

One To Beat: Ace Galloper

Although last year’s winner Tough Win is a late withdrawal, there is still plenty to keep interest alive among punters and fans alike in this ten furlong handicap. Two Korean born horses, Ace Galloper and Baekgwang, take on nine imports including the double Grand Prix Champion Dongbanui Gangja.

Ace Galloper is currently the top ranked domestic bred horse at Seoul and is the one they all have to beat here while the great grey Baekgwang is one of the best-loved.

Jumong

Dongbanui Gangja heads the weights but has only won once since kicking his habit of running wide in the home straight that almost saw him retired a year ago. Jumong, the half-brother of another great name from Korean racing history, Subsidy, is both in form and has a weight advantage as does the returning Bulpae Gisang. Then there are the three-year old unknowns. Could one of them pull off an upset? We’ll find out on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s a full run down of the field (Name [Pedigree] Age, Sex, Weight (Races/1/2/3) – Jockey):

KRA Cup Classic – Seoul Race Park – 2000M October 8, 2011, 16:35

1. Bulpae Gisang (USA) [Lightnin N Thunder-Neat Trick (Clever Trick)] 5 H 57Kg (21/10/4/1) – Won Jung Il
Spent nearly a year on the sidelines but showed a glimpse of the form that took him to victory in the Busan Metropolitan and second place in the Grand Prix as a three-year old in 2009 when winning his last outing in August. Reasonably well handicapped, he could challenge the placings.

2. Ace Galloper (KOR) [Chapel Royal-Explicitly (Exploit)] 4 C 60Kg (20/14/3/1) – Park Tae Jong
Regular jockey Cho Kyoung Ho was engaged to ride Tough Win and even though last year’s winner now won’t run, Park Tae Jong keeps the mount. Park has won on him before and Ace Galloper comes into the race on a run of four straight wins. The weight shouldn’t be a problem but this is the first time he’s faced foreign bred opposition. If he’s on top form, he has a very good chance.

3. Celebrate Tonight (USA) [Songandaprayer-My Place Tonight (Out Of Place)] (USA) 3 C 54Kg (9/4/2/1) – Moon Se Young
Beaten by Sing Sing Cat in his class 1 debut last time out, it’s tough to make a case for him here. However, he has a significant weight advantage over the more established older horses.

4. Dongbanui Gangja (USA) [Broken Vow-Maremaid (Storm Bird)] 6 H 61Kg (31/18/6/2) – Choi Bum Hyun
With his unruly five-year old season behind, we’ve seen something of the old Dongbanui Gangja of late and, given a different ride may have won the Busan Metropolitan back in July. The double Grand Prix winner is to be respected but at top weight, he’s going to have his work cut out.

5. Baekgwang (KOR) [The Groom Is Red-Grey Crest (Gold Crest)] 8 H 56Kg (24/11/8/3) – Lee Joon Chel
One of the most popular horses in recent Korean racing history, the grey Baekgwang has on three occasions taken a year out through injury. He’s always come back though and in his 24 races spread over the past 6 years he has, remarkably, never finished out of the money. Like Ace Galloper, he too is facing foreign horses for the first time and this could be his toughest test.

6. Sing Sing Cat (USA) [D’Wildcat-Freddy Fenter (Fenter)] 3 C 55Kg (11/5/2/0) – Oh Kyoung Hoan
Getting better he’s one four of his last five. Still relatively unexposed, he has a big weight advantage over a number of his rivals and could spring a surprise.

7. Captain Cugat (AUS) [King Cugat-Shiva Angel (Marauding)] 7 G 52Kg (33/5/5/0) – Kim Ok Sung
The old Aussie stager who found his way here via New Zealand doesn’t win much and there’s no reason why he should here. A second place behind hotshot filly Kkakjaengi over this distance two starts ago sees him take his chance here but even with a light weight and a decent jockey, he’ll struggle to trouble the placings.

8. Florida Sox (USA) [Woke Up Dreamin-Chordette (Dixieland Band)] 4 F 52Kg (9/4/0/2) – Boo Min Ho
A Stakes winner at age 3, this filly – the only one in he field – needs a lot of time off between races. Her last start ended in a disappointing 13th in the Owners’ Trophy but that was so long ago, it means little. Reunited with jockey Boo Min Ho with whom she’s enjoyed most success.

9. Jumong (USA) [Johar-Foreign Aid (Danzig)] 4 C 57Kg (23/8/4/3) – Jo In Kwen
Along with Ace Galloper the most in-form horse in the race. Was beaten by Dongbanui Gangja in June but he was giving a lot of weight that day. The roles are reversed here and the finishing order may be too.

10. Ppoppai (USA) [Rockport Harbor-Fair And Lively (Lively One)] 3 C 53Kg (10/5/0/2) – Ham Wan Sik
His first start at class 1 comes in a very tough race. Like the other three-year olds, he has the weight in his favour but will be an outsider.

11. Cheonjidolpung (USA) [Tactical Cat-Luminate (A.P.Indy)] 6 G 52Kg (30/5/0/4) – Mai Beppu
Finished a very creditable 4th in the Busan Metropolitan but well beaten by Sing Sing Cat and Celebrate Tonight last time.