The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a who’s who of the distance ranks lining up in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3).
Clean One easily won the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)
Defending champion SUCCESS BAEKPA is back, but he is going to have his work cut out if he is to retain his title. A two-time Classic winner at three, Success Baekpa makes his five-year-old debut racing for the first time since finishing down the field in the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) at the end of November. Prior to that though, he was 3rd in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) and while that kind of form mixing has been a feature throughout his career, on his day he can mix it with the best. Jin Kyum is aboard for trainer Min Jang-gi.
The Grand Prix saw a display of domination by CLEAN ONE. The then three-year-old led early and had most of the field off the bridle, including Japanese raider Yumeno Honoo, with almost four furlongs left to run, ultimately winning by nine-lengths, the biggest margin in the race in three decades. He hasn’t raced since but he trialed well a month ago and if he gets to the lead, could run away from them again. Clean One will be partnered for the first time by Seo Seung-un.
SPEED YOUNG is the reigning Horse of the Year and won the President’s Cup. The “Swiss Army Knife” returns to the racing around two turns having taken time out to win the Listed Segye Ilbo (1200M KOR-Listed) last month and will surely be in the finish again.
Runner-up in both the President’s Cup and the Grand Prix was GANGPUNGMA, and he is the best chance among horses trained in the capital. He hasn’t been the most fluent coming out of the gates recently which has put him on the backfoot but he was a smart winner at class 1 handicap level to round out the year and he will have plenty of backers. He starts for the first time having moved to the stable of Choi Bong-ju.
The Herald Business is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16.05:
1. GLOBAL SOCKS – Well back behind Gangpungma over this trip on December 28th and then midfield over 1800M in February. A long time since he last placed and a big outsider here.
The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with an all-star line up of twelve facing the starter in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Clean One races for the first time since his Grand Prix romp (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) CHAOS was ordinary on debut last October but was much better when returning on January 31st leading for most of the way around and finishing in 3rd place ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She should strip fitter for that run and with no other early speed in the race, is clear favourite here. (2) COWBOY QUEEN was a fair 5th on her debut on February 1st over this distance, settling midfield and finishing off well enough. She is under an apprentice claim again here and can improve. There are four debut makers. (11) ORATORIUM was 3rd in trial and looks the best placed to make an impact first up. (10) CLOVER ONE and (6) CHEONGGANG GYEOUL also hinted at ability in their heats.
Selections
(5) Chaos (2) Cowboy Queen (11) Oratorium (10) Clover One
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
5, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) FIVE STAR has been knocking on the door over his five starts to date, with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both times coming from off the pace. He can get a bit far back but if Furkan can have him in touch in the straight, this race is there for the taking. (2) MR.CREDIT has mixed his form across four outings, but he did register a smart 3rd over 1200M in December. Things didn’t work out for him when he was midfield in a slow race over this trip on February 14th but he is worth another chance here. (9) KING SPICY has made progress each time, most recently a 4th place at 1300M and the slight step up in trip again can suit. (11) QUEENS FLYING and (10) PRIMERO are other place chances.
Selections
(4) Five Star (2) Mr.Credit (9) King Spicy (11) Queens Flying
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Franco Da Silva might not have retained the ride on Clean One in the G3 at Seoul today, but he can still have a very good day at Busan, and he kicks off with a very good chance in the shape of (3) VICTORIA CHUKJE. After a 2nd place on debut, she has registered a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts, at 1200M and most recently this distance on February 15th. From a good draw she can be expected to be further forward earlier, and she is the one to bet. (9) VELOCI QUEEN was 2nd at start two, narrowly missing out in a tight finish over 1200M on January 23rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and she is a danger. (4) SUPER HIT enters off her best to date when 3rd at this distance on February 1st and can match or better that here. (10) DIA X and (2) NORTHERN QUEEN are the other chances.
Selections
(3) Victoria Chukje (9) Veloci Queen (4) Super Hit (10) Dia X
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 5 ,12
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only (1) RAON THE BELMONT had a poor day at the office last time out February 8th when only making it to midfield and never traveling. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her class and distance win two starts back on December 28th and in this more limited company, give her another chance. (4) FINAL JILJU ran 2nd at big odds at class and distance on February 14th and while up 2kg in weight, can aim to repeat. (5) POETIC NUBI enters with recent form reading adequately and that’s enough to have her among the place chances. (7) HAKSAN DAESE and (3) RED DRAGON others who can pick up in what is a weak race and where all of what passes for early speed is drawn wide.
Selections
(1) Raon The Belmont (4) Final Jilju (5) Poetic Nubi (7) Haksan Daese
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
8, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) SUCCESS DAY has been getting closer across his four starts so far, culminating in 2nd on hos first try at this distance on February 13th when handy throughout. He can be on pace here and can go one better. Solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL FASHION went through two trials, settling back in one and showing at the front in the other and finishing 3rd in both. He draws well to get forward early and can put in a bold showing in this company. (9) CARAT KING enters off a best to date 2nd at this distance on March 1st. He makes a quick return and an apprentice claiming 3kg keeps him competitive. (11) DOKKI TIGER and (6) ROYAL CRYSTAL others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Success Day (2) Wonderful Fashion (9) Carat King (11) Dokki Tiger
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) CONCORD BLUE was a winner on debut over 1200M in January before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on February 8th. He draws wide here but should have enough about him early to get to the lead, and he is the one to beat. (9) ROAD TO STAR has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts at this level since getting his maiden win back in December. He can settle behind the early speed here and be a threat late on. (5) LOVERMAN comes up in class having scored his maiden win at this distance on February 14th. The time wasn’t quick, but he is down 2kg in weight and he can be competitive. (4) BLISS STAR and (6) THUNDER MARVEL are others in the hunt.
Selections
(10) Concord Blue (9) Road To Star (5) Loverman (4) Bliss Star
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) BUNKER BUSTER got his maiden win at start two at the end of January and then came desperately close to following up when 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on February 27th. He comes up 1.5kg in weight, but he will be on pace, and he is favoured to go one better today. (1) BREEDO ARENA came from off the pace to win over this distance two starts back and while she only finished midfield over 1300M on her first try at this level two weeks ago, she carries a light weight and can be in the finish here. (11) DREAM RACER has beaten a couple of today’s rivals in both his latest two outings, most recently when 4th at this class and distance on February 1st and should beat plenty again. (12) SUCCESS COW and (3) TIP TAP others with place chances.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10.35 to 18.00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) BREEDO AQUA was an on pace 2nd over this distance on debut on February 7th, well beaten by a good winner, but posting a decent time. She should have come on for that and won’t need to improve by much to win this. (2) GANGHAN GAMMA has raced twice, finishing 5th on debut on January and then 3rd at start two over 1300M on February 15th. Her times haven’t been quick, but she can have a fitness edge on her rivals and be close again. Among the first timers, (3) MY DOLPUNG was 2nd from on the pace in her trial and draws well to lead again. (8) GOLD ID and (7) BEST SECRET others who showed promise in their heats.
Selections
(5) Breedo Aqua (2) Ganghan Gamma (3) My Dolpung (8) Gold ID
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GOLDEN DIVA has been consistent across her five starts so far, finishing in the top five on every occasion. In this company and from this gate, she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can go all the way. (1) BLAZING ENGINE has a 2nd and a 3rd from three starts so far, those sandwiching a poor effort when slow away and getting too far back at start two. He didn’t go down by much last time and a similar effort over this trip can see him home close. (6) INSPIRE beat Golden Diva as the pair finished 3rd and 4th at this distance on February 14th. That was a big uptick in form, and he can maintain it here. (10) GOLDEN SAVE and (9) PASA ACE other place chances.
Selections
(2) Golden Diva (1) Blazing Engine (6) Inspire (10) Golden Save
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) POWERFUL IMPACT was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 7th but copped a bump at the start and didn’t have much luck after as he trailed him 6th with three of today’s rivals ahead. Before that he registered a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance and with a smoother passage today, he has every chance. (10) MANGEUM CROWN has a 3rd and a 4th in two tries at this distance. He has a strong finish on him so the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he can challenge late here. (11) THE SUN COMING was 3rd to Mangeum Crown’s 4th when they raced each other on January 25th over this distance and while he comes up 4kg in the absence of an apprentice claim, he can be close. (6) STORM LIGHT and (8) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN were ahead of Powerful Impact on February 7th and can aim for decent finishes again.
Selections
(3) Powerful Impact (10) Mangeum Crown (11) The Sun Coming (6) Storm Light
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) NAMSAN MINYEO has been ultra consistent across seven starts so far, with a 5th on debut her worst. She comes in fresh racing for the first time since just before Christmas and under a light weight she can make her way across to the lead and can win. (11) CHRYSOL DONGHAE has finished both ahead of and behind Namsan Minyeo and ran 2nd at 1700M two starts ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but has a strong finish and can be a danger late. (7) GEOMEUN SUP is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1400M. He ran 4th over 1700M on his first try at this class on February 14th and can get closer today. (5) SECRET WOLF and (8) GLORY QUEEN others in the frame.
Friday 13th racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11L15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) LIGHTNING FORCE ran 3rd on debut over this distance on February 13th, disputing the lead and finishing off fairly. He should have come on for that run and from a good draw he can be on pace and can win here. (2) OASIS GIJEOK raced three times last summer and also has a 3rd place on his record over this distance. He had a setback in late September and didn’t return to work until the start of February, but he looked well in a trial at the end of that month, and he can be a danger first up. (11) OVER RAINBOW has a pair of 5th places from his latest two and can get closer with an apprentice claiming 4kg. (1) GEUMBIT TODAY and (9) DUBAI CANDY are others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Lightning Force (2) Oasis Gijeok (11) Over Rainbow (1) Geumbit Today
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) YURIM SPECIAL comes in off her best result so far over this distance on February 15th when he led for most of the way around and only went down narrowly. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a but of luck at the start, she can get forward again, and she can go one better. (2) EUNSEONG JILJU was 3rd in that race, coming from off the pace. It was a first try at the mile and while she is up 2kg in weight, Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time means she will probably be sent off as favourite to find the length and a half she needs to overturn the form on Yurim Special. That pair will fill out most quinellas because the form falls off precipitously. (3) PERFECT HAN has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume at this distance and that’s enough for him to be in the numbers. (5) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN and (10) YEOSU LOOK AT STAR the minor money chances.
Selections
(11) Yurim Special (2) Eunseong Jilju (3) Perfect Han (5) Yeonggwangui Green
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
3, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (3) GRAND TREE got her maiden win at start two and enters off a close 2nd place on February 13th when overcoming the widest gate. She draws much better today and can win. (2) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win in eleven outings but has ten top five finishes with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this class and distance, most recently behind Grand Tree on February 13th. She should be on pace here and today could be her day. (4) HIGH BEAUTY was a maiden winner at 1200M two starts back before showing on pace on her first try at this class on February 1st, ultimately finishing in 4th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. Up in class last start winner (11) BULBIT YEONGMA and (9) CHAMP GIRL can measure up.
Selections
(3) Grand Tree (2) Dolphin Kick (4) High Beauty (11) Bulbit Yeongma
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YEOUN was a winner on debut over 1200M in January when she led all the way, before running 4th on her first try at this class on February 13th having shown on pace throughout. She holds an entry for the Luna Stakes in three weeks, and at least placing here should be a prerequisite to getting in. Take her each-way. (1) HANEUL GOLD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class over 1400M and 1200M. His maiden win was over this trip, and he will probably be the betting favourite. (4) RACE MARINE has run 2nd in both his latest two over 1400M and a mile in contrasting styles. An apprentice claims 4kg here and that should put him in the frame. (2) FATE and (7) HOLY NIKE are other place chances.
The Sprint Series gets underway on Sunday with the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55 and 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Former Busan Ilbo winner Eoma Eoma was recently retired (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO ran 2nd on debut before following up with 4th at start number two on January 24th both times racing handy. Third-up she should be nice and fit and with Maia climbing on for the first time, he can win. (8) BINNALEEDS improved to 4th on her second appearance, which came at this distance on January 4th when away among the trailers but running on well. She comes in fresh after nine weeks out and should be danger. (11) FLASH JUDE similarly improved at her second start and can challenge late here. (3) STUNNING BOLT and (9) MISS CHRISTIE are others who have hinted at ability and can be in at least the placing frame in a competitive opener.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) ONEMO TIME ran 2nd to Reverence at this distance two starts back before finishing 4th over 1400M on her latest effort at the end of December. She hasn’t raced since then so she comes in fresh, CC gets on, and she can win. (6) BEAT FRESH shapes as the main threat. She has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 24th when on pace. Her times haven’t been quick but that’s been more to do with recent track conditions, and she can be expected to be on pace again and in this a long way. (3) STUNNING POINT has a pair of 5th places from her latest two. She has finished off her races well so may appreciate the step up in trip and she can challenge. (8) BANK LINE and (5) NAEGEROWAJWO others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Onemo Time (6) Beat Fresh (3) Stunning Point (8) Bank Line
Next Best
5, 11
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll go with a first timer and (4) SKYNEX. A half-brother to last year’s KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue, he was an on-pace winner of a trial on February 5th and if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (6) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA debuted all the way back last July and ran well for 2nd but later developed a chip fracture. He looked very well when leading all the way in a February trial and he can pick up from where he left off. (12) ARE YOU READY has a 3rd and a 2nd from three starts, sandwiching a lesser effort, and can be in this. Newcomer (8) BABEL FOLGORE, along with (10) WOLF STEP, who needs his latest overlooked, are others to consider on a place line.
Selections
(4) Skynex (6) Success Pyeonghwa (12) Are You Ready (8) Babel Folgore
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
4, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. We’ll go with that mare, (2) RAON PARANOMA but we will need to forgive her latest at the end of December where aside from a very small bump at the start and then racing ungenerously late, she didn’t have many excuses for a poor effort when well backed. Prior to that she was going well and after ten weeks off and in this company, she is worth another chance. (5) BLACK SUN has a 3rd place on her record and enters off back-to-back 5th place finishes over 1400M and 1700M. She tends to leave herself too much to do but should be running on late. (1) GRAY PHANTOM comes back in trip to a distance at which she has recorded the fastest time of any of these and with a 4kg claim can be in this. (8) NUNKKOT and (11) SAENAE RANIA others to consider.
Selections
(2) Raon Paranoma (5) Black Sun (1) Gray Phantom (8) Nunkkot
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) KING BLACK was ordinary on debut but has since run 4th on three consecutive occasions most recently racing handy over 1300M. He steps up to a mile for the first time and has as good a chance as any of coming out on top here. He may have more improvement in him than (2) DOROTHY QUEEN. She enters off her best finishes to date having been 2nd in both her latest two over this distance when coming from off the pace. She has the fastest time among these for the mile (though that’s not quick) and will be in the finish. (1) MAGIC MIRROR has beaten a few of these across his latest two when 2nd at 1400M and then 4th at this distance on February 15th. He’ll be on the pace and in this a long way. (10) BIROE SERVE and (6) SMART YULIM others who should be competitive.
Selections
(9) King Black (2) Dorothy Queen (1) Magic Mirror (10) Biroe Serve
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
1, 6, 9, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Roshe won last week’s Listed Sports Seoul Trophy at Seoul (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) FLYING HONOR took a few trials to get to the races but ran a good 4th on debut over this distance on January 17th, settling midfield and running on. He should have learned plenty from that and can win today. Among the debut-makers, (3) NAOL AURORA took two trials to qualify and improved significantly in the second of them, showing on pace. From a good draw if she can bring that form to the races, she will be close. (10) GOLDEN MATCH was also on pace in debut and while he weakened late for a midfield finish, he can have come on for the run. (5) METAL INVADER and (1) AREUMDAUN BIT can also improve from their respective debuts.
Selections
(7) Flying Honor (3) Naol Aurora (10) Golden Match (5) Metal Invader
Next Best
1, 12
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) IKKEULIM raced twice without distinction last summer before going lame. He returned to action, gelded, on January 24th and ran a solid 2nd place over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, and he can go one better here. After winning a trial, (5) RAPID THUNDER was a smart 2nd on debut in December when he led for much of the way over 1200M. He’s had eleven weeks out since but can build on that here. (1) TWOTWO MAGIC came from a long way back to run 5th on debut over 1200M on January 31st. He should have come on for the run and the slight step up in trip can suit. (6) GOD SPEED and (2) STUNNING CALIBER others who can improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an ordinary debut, (5) CHRYSOL POSH was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1400M on January 4th, coming from off the pace. Expect similar here and third up he can be peaking fitness wise. (8) SMART RISE enters off 3rd place over this distance on January 31st when settling midfield and running on smartly. That was just his fourth start, and he shapes as the main danger. The rest will need to pick up in form. (6) AMOS STAR has shown a couple of glimpses but has tended to get a bit far back. With a central gate and not much speed on his inside, he may be further forward today and can be aiming for a better result (10) BEST FREEDOM and (2) B.K. VIVACE are other potential improvers.
Selections
(5) Chrysol Posh (8) Smart Rise (6) Amos Star (10) Best Freedom
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) CRAZY MANGO had been working towards a second win, and it arrived at this class and distance on February 7th when he led for most of the way. An apprentice claiming 3kg means he comes in under the same weight and from the inside gate, he can be on pace again and can win again. (11) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY remains a maiden but is up in class following back-to-back 2nd place finishes at 1300M. He has the challenge of the widest gate but is down significantly in weight, and he can be a threat. (9) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG was the beaten favourite behind Crazy Mango on February 7th, not really becoming involved having settled back. He previously had three 2nd places from four starts and is worth another chance here. (2) AFLEET RUN and (6) HEART KING others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. It’s been a while since (5) I AM GO got her solitary win but she showed signs of coming back into form with a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 8th when settling just behind the speed and finishing well in a quick time. She is up 2kg in weight but in this company, she can be on pace, and it can be her day. (8) COWBOY SOCKS broke through at start number three over this distance on January 31st, racing on pace throughout. She is up in class and while she only comes down 1kg in weight, she can measure up. (11) UNJU TIME has finished in midfield in all three tries at this class, but her maiden win came at this distance and against this set of opponents, she should be close. (7) RAPTURE and (6) WONDERFUL SPIRIT are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) I Am Go (8) Cowboy Socks (11) Unju Time (7) Rapture
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The first Group race of the year takes place on Sunday at Busan with the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint, and it’s on the south coast where the week’s action gets underway on Friday with an 9-race card from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Clutch Winner won Busan’s Listed Sports Seoul Trophy last Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maiden fillies with seven of the ten racing for the first time. (2) SUCCESS QUEEN was 7th on debut last October, but a much-improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on January 16th when handy throughout. From a great draw, she will be on pace and won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. (5) NINETEEN NINE WON raced handy on debut to finish in 3rd place in a similar filly maiden to this one. She should have come on for the run and can be in the finish again. (1) DEMETER made all to win her trial in a fair time and she looks to be the pick of the debut-makers. (10) DREAM BIG and (7) HUNTRIX others who hinted at ability in their heats.
Selections
(2) Success Queen (5) Nineteen Nine Won (10) Dream Big
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) JEONGMUN SKIP has been getting closer, most recently running 2nd in a slow race over this distance on February 8th. The wide draw won’t be a problem, Franco knows her well, and she is the one to beat. (7) NONSTOP HUG hasn’t shown much in the way of speed so far, but she was a fair 3rd at start number two over 1300M on Boxing Day. She hasn’t raced since but the step up in trip can suit and she can be a danger. (5) QUEEN WIND has mixed her form over three starts so far but does have a 2nd place to her name and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. Solitary debut-maker (3) DOCTOR HUNTER, along with (1) THEMIS are others in the frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) ENCORE has been on pace in his latest outings before weakening slightly on each occasion. He cuts back in trip today, he draws nicely to be on pace again, and he can return to winning ways. (11) YOUNGYOUNG BRAVO has won his latest two, most recently at this class on January 30th over 1400M. He is up 3kg in weight but should be firmly in the finish again. (3) TRIPLE J beat Encore when the pair came home 1st and 3rd over a mile at this class in December and with Seo Seung-un climbing on today, he is sure to have plenty of backers. (4) OASIS STAR is up in class following a maiden win and can measure up, while (12) GWANGSOKMA is another in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Encore (11) Youngyoung Bravo (3) Triple J (4) Oasis Star
Next Best
12, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) SUN LIGHT is yet to win in twelve attempts but has nine top five finishes and enters having beaten three of these on her way to 2nd place at this class and distance on January 25th. She does tend to get a bit far back in her races but today can be her day. (4) PORT MORE comes in having registered his maiden win at start six over a mile on February 1st when he led from gate to wire. He is up in class and in trip today, but he’s down 3kg in weight and can measure up. (5) UNJU MAGIC was 2nd to Sun Light’s 5th when they raced one another at this class and distance in January. He struggled on his re-appearance at a mile in February but is worth another chance today. (2) BARBELL TROFEO and (9) TAEPYEONG FLEX others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Sun Light (4) Port More (5) Unju Magic (2) Barbell Trofeo
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) GOLDEN EMPIRE has won two of her latest three, most recently at 1300M on January 23rd when making all. She is up in class here and while she doesn’t get a weight break as she only had 52kg that day, she looks to have potential for more progress. (4) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL is similarly up in class having led all the way to score at 1300M on January 30th. She has placed at this distance too and can lead again and be in this a long way. (7) FLYING MENACE came home 2nd at this class and distance at a big price on February 8th and warrants more respect today. (10) QUEEN OF DRAGON and (5) FLASH RUN are the other main chances in a competitive race.
There’s a rare Monday meeting this week to mark the Memorial Day weekend holiday. The races are at Seoul with 10 from 10:35 to 17:55 (there is also pony racing on Jeju Island). Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) EVER LOVELY did nothing on debut in December but was a much-improved 2nd at odds of 60/1 over this distance on February 1st, racing handy and while well beaten by Super Ttangkong, showed enough to suggest she can win this. (2) WEAK PLAY was similarly underwhelming on debut when 9th of twelve on January 17th, but he had previously looked good in a trial and may be better second-up. (6) JEJU BLUE was 6th on debut in that same January 17th race and with some natural improvement, she can get closer here. (10) GIANT THUNDER was slow on debut but has since been back to trial and looked much better, so is worth another chance today. (8) GRAND COURAGE was the best of the debut-makers in trials.
Selections
(5) Ever Lovely (2) Weak Play (6) Jeju Blue (10) Giant Thunder
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Very weak race but that’s by design as it’s for maidens who have made at least five starts and recorded no placings. Someone’s going to Hollywood, but who? Perhaps (7) STORM CHASER. She’s recorded some fair times across six starts and has the least slowest speed out of the gate among these. That suggests she can lead and stay there. (4) M J VET has the quickest time among these for the 1300M, the second quickest average first furlong time, and the quickest average final furlong time. That will probably be enough to make him favourite. (8) DUSON LIFE scores well on those same metrics and can be in the mix. (1) WHIZ GOLD and (5) NEW COWBOY others who can compete in a race that while quite fascinating from a punting angle, will probably need an asterisk next to it in form guides going forward.
Selections
(7) Storm Chaser (4) M J Vet (8) Duson Life (1) Whiz Gold
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) SU BU TAI has been making progress across his six starts to date comes in following back-to-back 3rd places over 1400M. That means that any top three finish will see him with a rating and up in class and it could well be a win. (8) QUERENCIA has mixed his form over five appearances but does have a couple of 4th places to his name. He has finished off his races well enough and today’s slight step up in trip can suit. (2) SUNGANUI FIGHTER is another who is getting closer and was most recently 4th at 1200M on January 17th. He draws better today and is another for whom the 1400M can be a benefit. (1) AGAIN GOOD MAN and (7) SAHARA ROSE are other place chances.
Selections
(9) Su Bu Tai (8) Querencia (2) Sunganui Fighter (1) Again Good Man
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (4) RAON FINALLE had been working towards a maiden win, and it arrived on her first try at this class over this distance on January 11th when handy throughout and proving too strong. She comes up 4kg in weight, but that’s balanced by coming back into filly and mare company and from a good draw, she can win again. (2) COSMO LONG registered her maiden win at this distance on January 31st on what was start number four. She comes up in class but carries a light weight and from a good gate, she can be competitive. (9) LOVE IN SEOUL is similarly up in class following a maiden victory, in her case over 1300M leading all the way. She can be on pace again and in this a long way. (8) STUNNING PEARL and (6) SMART SOCKS other place chances.
Selections
(4) Raon Finalle (2) Cosmo Long (9) Love In Seoul (8) Stunning Pearl
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
3, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(Luke Humphreys) On Sunday from both Seoul and Busan we see the running of the first two Stakes races of the season for three-year-olds in the Sports Seoul Trophy (1400M-KOR-Listed) at 3:40PM Korean time followed by the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy (1400M-KOR-Listed) at 4:05PM.
Whilst these races are traditionally considered “classic trials”, for the first time this year, overseas-bred horses – who remain ineligible for the actual Classics – are permitted to participate. Accordingly, seven of the nine runners in the Seoul trial are foreign bred, one Australian and six American, however, five locally bred horses will get to put their Triple Crown/Tiara reputations on the line in the Busan trial.
The Seoul trial looks the most enthralling of the two as it sees three very impressive types race each other for the first time in Roshe, My Empire and Di Ne.
ROSHE is unbeaten from three starts with a two and a half-length victory on debut followed by a soft 10 length victory and then a victory by one- and three-quarter lengths last start but it could have been a lot more.
MY EMPIRE was a late closing third to Geudaemaniddamyeon in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy prior to winning his next two starts at class three level by six and five lengths respectively.
DI NE has been most impressive since a sixth in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy with victories by 11, 10 and eight lengths.
GAMSAUI HIM was also impressive last start winning by seven lengths.
1. ROSHE – The only unbeaten horse in the line-up following three victories by two and a half lengths, 10 lengths and a very soft one- and three-quarter lengths. This is clearly his toughest test to date but there is no reason why he won’t be up to it.
2. FREE THE ONE – Last start winner over the course and distance on January 24 by a length and a half when racing on pace throughout. This is clearly the hardest race he has run in, but he does come from the stables of Moon Byeong-ki.
3. MY EMPIRE – The second highest rated three-year-old in the country and he has been ultra impressive of late with two recent class three victories by six and five lengths, the latter after making a mess of the start. He made up a lot of ground in his only black type run to date when third in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy to Geudaemaniddamyeon and Wonpyeong Sket. There are big wraps on him, and it will be interesting to see how he performs.
4. CAROLCHAT – Has been behind My Empire in three of his past four with a second four runs back followed by a late closing fifth in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy before finishing behind My Empire again. He struck a winnable class four last time and made most of that to lead for most of the contest and score by four lengths. He has some ground to make up on some of these but at least got a confidence boost last time.
5. BEST PITCH – The first of the two Korean bred runners who is unbeaten bar one. Last time was his biggest win yet when scoring by four lengths at class four level over 1200 metres. Could be the forgotten horse.
6. SAMJOGO – Finished midfield on debut but came out and won impressively from the front at attempt two when scoring by six lengths. Clearly his hardest task today but he is obviously improving.
7. GAMSAUI HIM – It took him a few runs to break through, but he was impressive when doing so last start when scoring by seven lengths from the front over 1700 metres. He obviously stays so it will be interesting to see how he goes back in trip by 300 metres as he was behind My Empire and Carolchat in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy last November.
March kicks off with Listed races for three-year-olds at both Seoul and Busan. In total there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maiden fillies. (5) FLYING SMART was last throughout in her first trial on December 18 when beaten 39 ¾ lengths but atoned for that with a victory on January 15 coming from midfield to score by three lengths. On that most recent trial, this daughter of Old Fashioned looks to have a good chance of winning on debut for Kazuya Asano and Tony Castanheira. (11) ECLIPSE ELLY was ahead of five of her rivals when second beaten 11 lengths on debut back on January 24 and can go close again. (2) WALLSTREET was a long last back on debut however improved at attempt two to run third and can be prominent again for Johan Victoire and Moon Byeong-ki. (6) LAVITA was also a long last on debut, beaten 21 lengths, before improving to finish third second time around but in her case, she only improved one length on her debut as she was beaten 20 lengths. (1) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA and (8) CHEONGGANG BOM rate next.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) RAON THE TONY has been the most consistent of these to date with a trial third followed by two third places at his two race starts racing on pace throughout in each of the three performances. In what is not a strong maiden he can go a few places better. (6) WINNER’S BLUE was third on debut when attempting to lead throughout however couldn’t lead last time and subsequently dropped out after failing to handle the kickback so if she can lead she can go close. (3) DANAEUN RUBY was second in her trial but in three races to date she has bombed out. She was ridden forward in the first two of those however was ridden from the rear at attempt three, but those changes of tactics achieved nothing. This isn’t a strong race so she hasn’t got that many more chances. (11) NIGHT CAPTAIN has been around the mark and rates over (8) AESUNI and (9) PARKA SHINE.
Selections
(10) Raon The Tony, (6) Winner’s Blue (3) Danaeun Ruby (11) Night Captain
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
6, 7, 8, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
(4) TRIBAL WAR won a trial and then ran 2nd on debut over this distance on January 25th, leading for most of the way and beating four of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this and he will start a short-price favourite. Having run 5th on debut, (7) GYEONGBOK STREGA was an improved 3rd in that January 25th race, coming from off the pace and finishing two-and-a-half lengths behind Tribal War. Third-up he can be nice and fit and continue to make progress. (6) ONE LAST MARGARITA was a trial winner and then ran 4th on debut in the January 25th race. He should have come on for the run and can get closer. Debut-maker (10) SAESIDAE WON won a trial and can be considered. (3) BARAM DAERO was slow away on debut but ran on well for 5th and is a place chance.
Selections
(4) Tribal War (7) Gyeongbok Strega (6) One Last Margarita (10) Saesidae Won
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
4, 5, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) POMADE has made steady progress across five starts so far, with her latest her best when 2nd over this distance on January 24th. She led for most of the way that day, but she has a smart finish on her too so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can go one better. The danger is on her inside. (10) PARAIBA has finished between 3rd and 5th in all her four starts so far, settling midfield and running on each time. The slight step up in trip can suit and Maia gets back on. (1) RISING WIND was a much-improved 3rd at start three on January 25th and is another who can benefit from the increased distance today. (4) EUNHA KALAS and (8) WONDERFUL REASON others in the hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) VELOCI QUEEN was 4th on debut and then 2nd at start number two at this distance on January 23rd when she settled midfield and finished well, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. Third-up she can be peaking, and she can win. (3) SUNRISE will probably be the betting favourite. She has a 2nd and a4th in two starts at 1200M and 1300M and from a great draw, she can be on pace and can potentially go all the way. The form falls off significantly after those two. (2) DEEP SPRINT was 3rd on debut behind Veloci Queen on January 23rd and with some natural improvement can be a place chance. (9) SHINING CLUTCH and (1) DOCTOR STING may improve.
Horse Racing in Korea 