Racing Previews

Weekend Preview

The fillies take centre stage on Sunday with the twenty fourth running of the Sports Seoul Cup (see full preview), the highlight of another busy – and likely very hot – weekend of racing on the peninsula.

Busan gets things started on Friday, it’s Seoul and Jeju’s turn on Saturday and, as usual, all three tracks run on Sunday. Aside from those going in the Sports Seoul on Sunday, Machine Gun and Saebyeok Dongja face each other in Saturday’s Seoul feature.

South African jockey Stephan Swanepoel will make his Busan debut on Sunday having requested a move down to the southern track after a lack of opportunities at Seoul. Meanwhile, Toshiyuki Kato of Japan makes his debut at Seoul on Saturday.

Busan Race Park

Friday June 26, 2009: 11 races, first post 12:30
Sunday June 28, 2009: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday June 27, 2009: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday June 28, 2009: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park hosts cards on Saturday and Sunday with a first post time of 12:10 on both days.

Weekend Preview

It’s Owners’ Trophy weekend at Seoul and the big race on Sunday afternoon (see full preview) is the highlight of a busy weekend of racing. Busan gets things underway with an extended eleven race card on Friday which culminates in a clash of Busan titans as Golding, Crafty Louis and Admiral Reigart face off over 1800 metres in the last race. The three big names will all carry over seven kilos more than the remainder of the field though, so an upset could be on the cards.

Sunday’s feature race at Busan is headlined by Procyon. After a dismal second half of 2008, the five year old has won two of his three outings this year. Among those going against him is Sky Star, the colt making his first appearance since a disappinting run in the Derby. To get back in contention, to take the trip back to Seoul for the Minister’s Cup later this year, he’ll need a big run here.

Saturday’s card at Seoul has a competitive feature race as Top Point, currently the leading older female, takes on Hongji, Gayasanseong, Tu Won and Lucky Seven over 1800 metres. Saturday could also be the day when Park Tae Jong becomes the first Korean jockey to land 1500 winners. He needs just one to reach the milestone and if he hasn’t already then Symphony Sonata in race 9 looks likely to get the job done for him.

Busan Race Park

Friday June 19: 11 races, first post 12:30
Sunday June 21: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday June 20: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday June 21: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park hosts pony racing on Saturday and Sunday with a first post time of 12:10 on both days. It’s the Jeju Ilbo Cup on Sunday, one of the biggest races of the year on the Island. Jeju ponies are strong and the top weight Hanramyeongseng, who has won eleven of his eighteen races, willl carry 74 kilos for the four and a half furlong race.

Dongbanui Gangja Heads Trophy Field

Seoul’s top foreign bred horses will go to post Sunday for one of their biggest events of the year, the Group 3 Seoul Owners’ Association Trophy race. Dongbanui Gangja, winner of last season’s Grand Prix and currently ranked number one horse in Korea, heads the field and will carry the top weight of the thirteen runners.

Apart from last year’s winner Saerounbisul, who has been sidelined since March, the only other big name missing is Bally Brae. The seven year old’s connections opting, as they have in the past, not to subject the former Horse of the Year to the high weight he would likely have been allocated. Bally Brae’s old rival, Subsidy, will line up though. The nine year old may be past his prime but he still finishes in the money more often than not.

Also going and likely to be around at the business end of the race are Vicar Love, Baekjeonmupae and Angus Empire. While Dongbanui Gangja is likely to be favourite, outsiders have won this race in each of the last three years. Here’s a complete look at the runners and riders:

Owners Association Trophy (G.III) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M (Hdcp) – June 21, 2009

1. Seongpacheonha (AUS) [Agnes World – House Of Chimes (Bellotto)] G 4 (24/4/2/5) 52kg – Lee Dong Kuk
A creditable fifth in the Grand Prix last December but unlikely to have more than a place chance.
2. Cash In Your Chips (USA) [Storm Boot – Le Privee (Private Account)] H 5 (17/4/5/2) 52kg – Moon Jung Kyun
Has been beaten by most of this field on various occasions so far this year.
3. Vicar Love (USA) [Vicar – Canberra (Silver Hawk)] C 4 (15/8/1/3) 54kg – Oh Kyoung Hoan
Looked set to be the top imported three year old last year until Dongbanui Gangja intervened. He’s won once this year but has since twice finished behind Baekjeonmupae.
4. Saegisang (AUS) [Commands – Constant in Opal (Lake Coniston)] C 4 (16/5/0/1) 53kg- Ham Wan Sik
His first attempt in the top tier of Korean racing – he has talent but will be hard pushed to feature here.
5. Fly Queen (USA) [Exploit – Fully Approved (With Approval)] M 6 (32/7/6/9) 52kg – Kim Young Jin
Won the KRA Classic and finished fourth in the Grand Prix last year. Second to Angus Empire last time out.
6. Subsidy (USA) [Mr. Prospector – Foreign Aid (Danzig)] G 9 (36/18/5/2) 54kg – Moon Se Young
The legendary Subsidy is reunited with Moon Se Young. It would be a fairytale ending to his career if he could do it but it is unlikely. Nevertheless, expect him to be near a money finish.
7. Angus Empire (USA) [Lion Cavern – Clever Dorothy (Clever Trick)] H 5 (29/9/7/2) 55kg – Yang Hee Jin
Has been in good form lately and will appreciate carrying less weight than usual. A big run will be required to defeat Dongbanui Gangja but he is capable of it.
8. Baekjeonmupae (NZ) [Traditionally – Star Sixty Seven (Phone Trick)] G 4 (22/8/6/1) 55.5kg – Park Tae Jong
Always there or thereabouts, he’s a threat and on a weekend when Park Tae Jong should secure his 1500th winner, he could supply the vetrean jockey with another big race win.
9. Obaek Yechan (AUS) [High Yield – Kanaka Creek (Thunder Gulch)] G 5 (33/5/5/6) 53kg – Kim Ok Sung
Well beaten over the same distance by a number of this field so far this year.
10. Free Hugs (AUS) [Fantastic Light – Woodie (Woodman)] G 4 (22/4/4/3) 53kg – Cho Kyoung Ho
The surprise winner of the JRA Trophy on Derby Day last month, it will be interesting to see how he copes with the big step up in both class and distance.
11. Dongbanui Gangja (USA) [Broken Vow – Maremaid (Storm Bird)] C 4 (18/11/4/2) 58kg – Choi Beom Hyun
The favourite. Unbeaten this year, and usually carried even more weight than this, last year’s Grand Prix winner should be this year’s Owners’ Trophy winner.
12. Seungyu Sinhwa (USA) [Commendable – Backroom Blues (Dixieland Band)] H 7 (35/12/5/2) 53kg – Shim Seung Tae
Winner of a lot of races in his career – but not recently. Ran second to Dongbanui Gangja in April.
13. Afternoon Dove (USA) [Afternoon Deelites – Flying Dove (Dove Hunt)] G 4 (19/4/3/2) 52kg – Yoo Sang Wan
Third in the JRA Trophy last month, he looks to be out of his depth here.

Weekend Preview

KNN Cup Weekend at Busan / Nice Choice re-appears at Seoul
The fourth running of the KNN Cup at Busan Race Park is the big event of the weekend (see full preview) but there is plenty more racing on offer with horses running at Busan on Friday, Seoul and Jeju on Saturday and all three tracks on Sunday.

Sunday’s six race card at Busan is where the pick of the action is. In addition to the KNN Cup, Hardride, King Kephalos, Hwanggeumbit Taeyang, Bugyeong Choegang and Dangdae Star will be among twelve class 1 horses going over the unusually long distance of 2200 metres.

Seoul’s feature race of the weekend is a rather low key handicap on Saturday afternoon with Free Woody the biggest name involved. Sunday sees the return of three year old colt Nice Choice, making his first start since the Derby. The much hyped champion two year old went missing in the home straight of the Derby and with Cho Kyoung Ho taking the reins for the first time, will need to bounce back if he is to be considered for the Minister’s Cup later in the year.

Busan Race Park

Friday June 12: 10 races, first post 13:00
Sunday June 14: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday June 13: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday June 14: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park hosts pony racing on Saturday and Sunday with the first at 12:10 each day. This week the Korean Meteorological Administration accepted that it hasn’t got a clue what the weather is going to be like, so there’s no point in a forecast. If you’re in Korea at the weekend, look out of the window. If it looks fine, come racing! If it doesn’t, pick up an umbrella and come racing!

Namdo Jeap Heads Strong KNN Cup Field

Although Areumdaun Jilju, arguably Busan Race Park’s most formidable horse in 2008 won’t be there, this year’s running of the KNN Cup, which takes place at the Gyeongnam Province track this coming Sunday, still has the makings of an intriguing race.

Last year’s Derby winner, Ebony Storm goes as does this year’s best colt, Namdo Jeap. While Sangseung Ilro, the filly who defeated him in both Triple Crown legs to date won’t be there as she takes a different route to the Oaks, among those who will be lining up are Sandeomi, Mirae Cheonsa, Yeongung Manse and Sinheung Gangja.

The race is open to Korean bred horses and is the first opportunity for three year olds to take on more experienced horses for a big prize. The form guide can be downloaded here (Korean). Here’s the run-down of the runners and riders with race records (Runs/1st/2nd/3rd):

KNN Cup – Busan Race Park – 1600M – June 14, 2009, 15:35

1. Ebony Storm [Buster’s Daydream – Sorority Jazz (Dixieland Band)] – (20/6/4/4) – Park Geum Man
The longest shot on the board when he won the Derby, he’s pushed on to be a solid performer and won last time out.
2. Raon King [Psychobabble – Geum Seul (Roughcast)] – (15/5/0/3) – Kim Do Hyun
Graduated to the top tier of Korean racing earlier this year but has been at his best over shorter distances.
3. Wellbeing Sidae [Psychobabble – Winning Design (Beau’s Eagle)] – (34/5/3/4) – E. Nishimura
In good form this year, the experienced mare could spring a surprise.
4. Namdo Jeap [Ft. Stockton – Wandering Katie (Tejano)] – (7/3/3/1) – Chae Gyu Jun
But for one filly, he would be a double classic winner by now. Only Sangseung Ilro has beaten him this year.
5. Yeoin Cheonguk [Creek Cat – Ze No Evil (Pentelicus)] – (37/6/3/7) – Jung Si Won
Another experienced mare, she won last time out after a disappointing 2008.
6. Yeongung Manse [Sharp Appeal – Saratogasplash (Wild Again)] – (14/7/3/2) – Jo Chang Wook
Has never been out of the money in his 14 starts. Landed four straight victories last autumn and won over the distance in March.
7. Mirae Cheonsa [Millennium Wind – Harboring (Boston Harbor)] – (27/11/4/1/3) – Kim Tae Kyung
She was dominant as a three year old, winning eight straight races in 2006 and 2007. After a difficult 2008 she’s been winning again this year and is always liable to be in the mix in the home straight.
8. Sandeomi [Commendable – Regal Meg (Regal Classic)] – (10/5/1/1) – Yoo Hyun Myoung
The highest placed finisher in the KRA Cup Mile not to try for the Derby, Sandeomi is faster than Namdo Jeap over 1600 metres and must be considered.
9. Sinheung Gangja [Archer City Slew – Recondite (Silver Deputy)] – (22/5/3/6) – Han Sang Gyu
Disappointed when sent to Seoul for the Minister’s Cup last October but has two class 1 wins to his name. Hasn’t been showing his best form since beating Ebony Storm in January.

Weekend Preview

Park Tae Jong closing in on milestone
The first races of June come under orders at Busan Race Park on Friday afternoon before the action moves to Seoul and Jeju on Saturday, with all three tracks hosting cards on Sunday.

Focus at Seoul will be on jockey Park Tae Jong who is just four winners away from becoming the first Korean rider to secure 1500 career victories. Currently on 1496, Park has a number of rides over the weekend with more than a passing chance. Among them in Brilliant Knight, who goes in Saturday’s feature race along with a host of proven winners including Gamadongja, Noubeau Riche and Segye Cup winner Mexicali Blues.

On Sunday, Park takes the mount on Secret Weapon, the six year old heading the weights against the likes of Namchonuijijon, Natural Nine and Triple Seven.

Busan Race Park
Friday June 5: 10 races, first post 13:00
Sunday June 7: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday June 6, 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday June 7: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park holds pony races on Saturday and Sunday with a first post time of 12:10 both days. Weather on the peninsula has been unpredicatable all week – currently the weekend forecast for Seoul is hot, wet and humid.

Weekend Preview

It’s been a turbulent week on the peninsula. With the suicide of former President Roh Moo Hyun last Saturday morning shortly followed by North Korea’s nuclear test forty-eight hours later, as well as “Swine Flu” finally making its way into the news, even in a country where there is scarcely a quiet week, this one has been different.

As reported yesteraday, the regular Friday racing at Busan is off so as not to clash with President Roh’s funeral. The rest of the weekend’s cards will go ahead as planned, however, and horses will be running at Seoul Race Park from 11:20 on Saturday morning.

Bally Brae is the biggest name on show over the weekend. The seven year old former horse of the year is looking for his third straight win and has the beating of his ten rivals in Saturday’s feature race. However, he will be conceding at least six kilos to all of his rivals, a handicap that could let in the likes of Dankee’s Pal and Seungyu Sinhwa.

Busan Race Park

Sunday May 31: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday May 30: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday May 31: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park hosts cards on Saturday and Sunday with first post at 12:10 both days. The weather is forecast to be dry, bright and hot.

Weekend Preview

Sports Chosun Cup / Gaeseon Janggun / Mighty Runner
After the the excitement of Derby weekend it’s back to normal this week as racing once again returns to the peninsula. Big race of the weekend is the Sports Chosun Cup at Seoul Race Park on Sunday afternoon, but both Friday at Busan and Saturday at Seoul also have some interesting races.

Last year’s top Korean-bred three year old, Gaeseon Janggun headlines Busan’s Friday card. The Minister’s Cup winner faces seven opponents over 2000 metres in race 10. He’ll be favourite but will be giving at least five kilos to a host of proven winners such as Mirae Cheonsa, Boryeong Bulbit, Sinheung Gangja and even Pick Me Up. Sunday at Busan sees two of the southern track’s most prominent overseas bred horses face off as Golding goes up against Admiral Reigart.

While the Sports Chosun Cup is Seoul’s feature race of the weekend (full preview to follow), Saturday sees a fascinating feature race as Ttukseom Cup winner Mighty Runner faces among others, Hongji, Machine Gun and Ugildongja over 1900 metres.

Busan Race Park

Friday May 22: 10 races, first post 13:00
Sunday May 24: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday May 23: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday May 24: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park will host pony racing cards on Saturday and Sunday with a first post time of 12:10 on both days. Sunday sees the Jeju Owner’s Cup, one of the island’s top races of the year. Established winners Mansokchum and Medaljeonseon will come up against three year old filly Cheonjibusa, who has six wins from eight outings in the race, which is run over a mile.

The current wet weather is predicted to continue throughout the weekend with showers likely at both tracks.

Korean Derby Weekend – Saturday Preview

STC, AJC and HRI Trophies up for grabs
Not only is the Korean Derby being run on Sunday, it’s also International Weekend at Seoul Race Park. Across the two days, there are four trophy races sponsored by overseas racing authorities. While the biggest of the four is the JRA Trophy on Sunday, the race immediately preceding the Derby, the three on Saturday offer plenty of interest.

Selengor Turf Club (STC) Trophy – Class 3 (Foreign bred) Fillies & Mares – 1300M – Race 7

Two jockeys from Malaysia will guest in this race which has attracted a full field of fourteen. Likely favourite will be Soseono, half sister to Subsidy, Korea’s horse of the year in 2005. Also in contention should be Sky Center, Nandanara and Rose Cat. The race is off at 3pm.

Australian Jockey Club (AJC) Trophy – Class 3 (Korean bred) Fillies & Mares – 1400M – Race 9

Another full field of fourteen for the AJC Trophy. It’s an open race with no stand-out favoruite although there will be plenty of support for Bandoui Kkum. Yeonjikkot and Hera have both won at this level before and must also be considered.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Trophy – Class 3 (Korean bred) – 1800M – Race 10

The only trophy race on Saturday open to mae horses, the HRI Trophy is perhaps the most interesting of the three as Symphony Sonata, the well bred and highly rated four year old seeks to gain a fourth win from six races. Hacing been beaten narrowly by Derby contender Triple Canon last time out, he’ll be the likely favourite. He’ll be up against Super Jet, who last time out beat another Derby contender, Seokcheong over the same distance as the trophy race. Also in the mix should be Luxury Jewang, Excacta Runner and Haedong Jewang.

There are twelve races in total on Saturday at Seoul, with the first getting underway at 11:20. There is also racing at Jeju Race Park with the first at 12:10. Sadly, just like Derby weekend last year, the weather forecast is not good with umbrellas likely to be necessary throughout the day.

Check back tomorrow for full reports on Saturday’s trophy races plus final previews of The JRA Trophy and, of course, the Korean Derby.

* Areumdaun Jilju returned to action after a five month lay-off in this afternoon’s feature race at Busan Race Park. Although punters failed to send him off as favourite for the first time in many outings, it was as if the five year old – who has never finished worse than fourth and before his lay-off was arguably Busan’s most feared horse – had never been away. Under Jo Chan Hoon, the gelding came through late to stretch away from the field for a five length win. Racing returns to Busan on Sunday.

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Weekend Preview

The weekend’s racing is almost upon us and things will get underway at Busan Race Park on Friday afternoon. The action moves to Seoul and Jeju on Saturday, before all three tracks run their usual cards on Sunday.

The main events of the weekend will be at Seoul where, with a week to go until the Derby, the winner of the 2005 edition of the race, Saebyeok Dongja, will make an appearance in the feature race on Saturday. The seven year old will be up against nine rivals over 1900 metres including Triple Seven and Free Woody.

Sunday’s feature race is for overseas bred horses and features a host of big names. Sprinter Gamadongja tries his luck at 1800 metres in a race where Angus Empire and Seoul Teukgeup will be the most fancied.

Busan Race Park

Friday May 8: 10 races, first post 13:00
Sunday May 10: 6 races, first post 12:40

Seoul Race Park

Saturday May 9: 12 races, first post 11:20
Sunday May 10: 11 races, first post 11:20

Jeju Race Park hosts its regular weekend pony racing card with nine races on Saturday and ten on Sunday, with the first going to post at 12:10 on each day. Race 3 on Sunday is one of Jeju’s signature two furlong dashes. Temperatures across the peninsual have shot up during the week and could reach as high as 30C on Saturday at Seoul. Nevertheless, it is currently predicted to be unsettled. Busan should have perfect conditions with clear skies and temperatures in the low twenties.