A week ago, Funny Wild snared the first jewel in the Triple Crown, the three-year-old fillies start their own bid for glory with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guineas” – the first leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.
Chief Star (KRA)
The Tiara is a relatively new series, with the Luna – named after the mare who ran at Busan shortly after the track’s opening – only becoming part of the calendar in 2020. However, in that short time two fillies, Golden Power and Jeulgeounyeojeong, have won the race and then gone on to also capture both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup.
Who can join them this year? A full field of sixteen will line up, with six traveling down from Seoul and unlike the KRA Cup Mile, where Seoul wins are a rarity, precisely half of the Luna Stakes to date have been won by fillies trained in the capital.
Among the visitors is CHIEF STAR. She’s the highest rated in the race after four wins including at juvenile Listed level but her previous trip to Busan did not go well as she went over in the gate prior to the start of the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie and had to be scratched. She draws concerningly wide here and while her ability is not in doubt, her temperament issues are a concern.
Kim Hye-sun has made a fair start to her training career with six winners from sixty-five starters heading into the weekend and she saddles CLEARLY WINNER in the Luna. The Hansen filly comes out the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun over 1400M where she finished a solid 3rd and she is set to be a main player here. With Park Jae-I riding, it would be the first case in Korea of a wife and husband trainer/jockey combination winning a Stakes race.
After Chief Star, TWIN RAINBOW is the highest rated in the race as jockey Seung-un looks to complete a KRA Cup Mile/Luna Stakes double, while WORLD DANCER CAT enters off a close 2nd place over 1800M at class 4 level and will be among the favourites in the market.
The Luna Stakes is race 6 on Sunday’s seven-race card at Busan. There are also ten Sunday races at Seoul:
1. QUEEN MAKER – Two 2nd places and before getting her maiden win at start three over 1300M in a quick time at class 5 over 1300M on February 27th. Front runner, she could be on pace and Tanaka is a plus.
2. SHACKLE TOWN – All the way winner at class 5 and 1400M in February, she missed the kick and then resented the kickback on her latest outing and finished well back. If she gets a better start and can get to the lead, she can be in the finish. Chance.
The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed). That’s part of the 7-race program at Busan which runs from 11.25 to 16.55. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55 as the capital track’s cherry blossom festival continues:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those newcomers will be the favourite. That’s (5) WHIZ POINT, who led from much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (2) CRUSH GIRL also impressed in her trial. He showed handy and crossed the line 2nd in a fair time, and she too can be considered first-up. Among the experience, (6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM ran 6th on eleven on debut over this distance on March 7th but wasn’t far away from 4th. She should have come on for the run, and she can be closer here. (8) FLYING MACH and the more experienced (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can be in this.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) QUERENCIA here. He comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M at 1400M, coming from off the pace both times and while he has plenty of weight to carry, today should really be his day. (3) MANGEUM CROWN is the only other one in the field who has placed, something he has done twice. He comes back to racing at one turn for the first time since finishing well back in Listed Juvenile company last October and he can be close today. (11) BEAT CODE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and while she had to trial after her lates, she can continue to make progress. (4) B.K. VIVACE and (2) DELTA DAECHEON are others who can at least challenge for the places.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old filly maidens and it is competitive. (7) NEWWORLD TIARA ran 4th on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 6th, settling close to the speed and not having enough late on. She should have derived benefit from that run and can get it right today. She will need to overturn the form on (5) POWERFUL DEVIL, who ran 2nd in that March 6th race, coming from off the pace. She has shown steady progress across three starts so far and can continue that here. (8) GOLDEN TIARA was an improved 2nd at start three over 1200M on March 1st and while well beaten by a good winner, can aim at least for the places again. (10) BABEL FOLGORE and (12) HUIMANG LOGI are among plenty of others who can step up.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (9) FLYING SMART won a January trial and then came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1300M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 1st. She should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, she can win this. (7) BLACK SUN is yet to get inside the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th including her latest on March 8th when she beat a couple of these on her way to 4th at this distance. She can get a bit far back in her races, but she should be a danger late here. (1) CHEONJI LADY had hinted at ability prior to an almost eleven-month layoff. She should have come on for her run in February and from the inside gate can be on pace today. (4) QUEENS FLYING and (6) ROAD TO SPEAR are others in the hunt.
Selections
(9) Flying Smart (7) Black Sun (1) Cheonji Lady (4) Queens Flying
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an ordinary debut, (8) KING BLACK has gone on to run 4th in four consecutive races, most recently stepping up to the mile for the first time on March 8th and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests today can be the day. (2) DIA X is a fifteen-start maiden but has been knocking on the door with no fewer than ten finishes between 2nd and 5th. He steps up to the mile for the first time and at this stage, it can suit. (9) NICE POWER comes in off her best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on March 20th and she can aim for the places again. (11) WORLD TREE and (12) FANTASTIC CAPTAIN others with place chances.
Selections
(8) King Black (2) Dia X (9) Nice Power (11) World Tree
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After three consecutive 3rd place finishes, (7) RAON BLAIDE broke through on his first try at this class and distance on February 28th when on pace throughout. An apprentice claim means his carried weight only goes up by 1kg and he can win again. (2) MIGHTY BEAT only managed 6th of eleven last time out when well supported but prior to that he had a win and two placings over this trip and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is worth another chance. (11) SEUNGNI BAROWS was 2nd behind Raon Blaide in that February 28th race and while he has almost two-lengths to make up, he can be in the finish again. (4) DANAEUN STAR and (9) GIDAEHARA can also be considered on at least a place line.
The blossoms are out at Seoul Racecourse and the festival gets underway on Saturday. There are 11 races from 10.35 to 17.55 and a drone show after races as well as the usual food-trucks etc. Here are the previews:
That time of year again
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maidens and we’ll take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but looked assured when he did, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time behind an experienced rival. From a nice draw he can lead and he can win. After a couple of trials, (1) PEGASUS KING was a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on January 17th, settling back and running on. He’s had eleven weeks off since then, but he should have come on for that and will probably start as favourite. (8) NAOL AURORA was 3rd on debut over this distance on March 7th and can build on that here. (10) MANGEUM DAON, who races for the first time since his debut last October, and (5) ÉCLAIR WIND are the other main chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DRAGON MIJIN was slow away on debut over 1200M on January 17th but recovered well to run on for 3rd place, seven-lengths behind a winner who has gone on to score twice more (Maeum Hana). He didn’t return to work until mid-March but with a better start, he should have too much for this lot. (10) POWER BEST is second-best. He has finished in the top five in each of his last four starts, most recently 3rd on February 14th. In this company he should be on pace and a similar effort will see him place again. (2) PARAIBA has two 3rd places on her record and while she only managed 6th of ten last time out, she comes into a better gate today and should be closer. (8) SEOPOKCHAT and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Dragon Mijin (10) Power Best (2) Paraiba (8) Seopokchat
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 9, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) SMART RISE has finished 3rd in both his latest two, most recently beating two of today’s rivals over this distance on March 7th. That was his second placing over 1400M, and he won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) TOUR FELIX has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times doing his best work late. He comes up to this distance for the first time, and it may well suit. (9) DAEHAN SIDAE looks to be figuring things out with a 5th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the speed and he can be in this a long way. (5) SU BU TAI and (2) NAEGEROWAJWO are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(6) Smart Rise (3) Tour Felix (9) Daehan Sidae (5) Su Bu Tai
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (3) LOVE IN SEOUL got her maiden win at start number three, leading all the way over 1300M, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance in a similar filly and mare race on March 2nd behind Raon Finalle who goes in tomorrow’s Luna Stakes. She draws nicely to lead, and she can go one better. (2) POMADE had been working towards her maiden win, and it duly arrived at start number six over this distance on March 1st. She comes up in class but can keep her momentum going here. She will be competing for the lead from the start. Those two will top most tickets as the rest have patchy recent form. (7) DURAY SHOW has a 3rd place at this class as recently as January and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (11) MACHEON WORLD and (8) POETIC NUBI others who can challenge for the minors.
Selections
(3) Love In Seoul (2) Pomade (7) Duray Show (11) Macheon World
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17: 55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and a couple of the newcomers catch the eye. (7) POWER TIGER was very quick in trials, posting 61.8 seconds when 3rd behind two experienced horses, showing handy throughout. That form on race day can be winning. (6) BYEOLBIT SONATA won his trial, racing close to the speed throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. Seo Seung-un’s booking will tempt plenty. Of the experienced ones, (9) BEST VALUE was an improved 3rd at start two over 1200M on March 1st when leading for much of the way. She should be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) BREEDO SHOOTER and (8) POWER HIT are others who can get better.
Selections
(7) Power Tiger (6) Byeolbit Sonata (9) Best Value (10) Breedo Shooter
Next Best
8, 12
Fast Start
6, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Very ordinary maiden, although that means from a punting perspective, there are plenty of chances. (6) LIKE DRAGON has a 3rd place as recently as three starts back at this distance and enters off a fair 5th in a stronger event than this. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and today could finally be the day. (3) BIG SMILE beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place on March 6th coming from well off the pace. That was her best so far and with only four starts under her belt, she may more to offer. (11) DALBITWIE ran 2nd at 33/1 over 1300M two weeks ago. That was his first race since last August and it’s not impossible that he can strip fitter with a quick turnaround. (12) JEONGMUN SKIP and (7) PILSEUNG WINNER are others who could compete for the minors.
Selections
(6) Like Dragon (3) Big Smile (11) Dalbitwie (12) Jeongmun Skip
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) MAENGNYONG was a class and distance winner on February 6th, leading all the way to score narrowly over Nice Buddy. Since then, he has been through a trial, in which he continued to look well, and while he comes up 3kg in weight and draws the widest gate, he can win again. (8) HUIMANG RANI is generally slow away but was even slower than usual when brushing the gate on exit on her return from over three months out on March 13th. She can strip fitter and has proven competitive at this level. (5) LEMON PIE hasn’t done much in two starts back from a lengthy absence but has won at this distance and in this company and third-up, she can be given a chance. (1) TTANBONG QUEEN and (2) JEOLDAE BOSS other place chances.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only. (2) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE won a trial in January and then scored on her debut over 1200M on February 27th, leading all the way. She is up in class here and slightly in trip, but she comes into a much better gate, and she can lead again and win again. (1) MOMENTUM struggled when tried over a mile on March 13th, settling handy but knocking up fast and only beating two. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 2nd place two starts back at this trip and give her another chance today. (4) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win but has placed twice at this class and distance this year already and can be in the mix again. (8) ARE YOU READY and (9) QUEEN WIND both broke through on their respective fourth starts and can be competitive at this level.
Selections
(2) Road To Number One (1) Momentum (4) Dolphin Kick (8) Are You Ready
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Who will succeed Oasis Blue as the KRA Cup Mile winner? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) EVER LOVELY ran 2nd at start number two and then was a beaten favourite when 3rd over this distance on March 2nd, settling midfield and running on. In this company, she should be on pace and this time she can win. The danger is on her inside. (5) THE SUN MONSTER was a much-improved 2nd on his own third outing at this distance on March 8th when handy throughout. He carries more weight than Ever Lovely but should be in the finish again. (10) TRIGONUS was a fair 3rd on debut back at the end of February and should have come on for the run. (2) POWER MAGIC and (7) WORLD VICS are the other main contenders in an interesting opener.
Selections
(6) Ever Lovely (5) The Sun Monster (10) Trigonus (2) Power Magic
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BEOLGYO EMPEROR did nothing on debut in December but was an improved 4th at start two in January and then a solid 2nd, albeit beaten by a good winner, over 1300M on February 8th in a quick race. He draws well and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (6) COSMO JJIN did nothing on her first two starts but then came home in 2nd place at big odds in all filly maiden over 1200M at start three. She did her best work late that day so the slight increase in trip may suit and with an apprentice claim keeping her carried weight light, she can be in the finish. (4) BLACK MAMA was 4th two starts bac k and that’s enough to have her in placing contention in this company. (5) ANYANG LASER and (10) STUNNING BOLT others who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(3) Beolgyo Emperor (6) Cosmo Jjin (4) Black Mama (5) Anyang Laser
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) GLOBAL ONE PICK did nothing when debuting las July and then didn’t reappear until trialing in January. She put in a very solid effort on her return to racing on February 27th, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd over 1300M with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She should have come on for the run, and she is the one to beat here. (12) DELTA FORCE was 3rd on debut over 1200M and then 5th behind Global One Pick on February 27th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be challenging late on. Kim Hyo-jung is in town to ride Flutter in the Cup Mile later and picks up a promising ride on (6) DOCTOR HUNTER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1400M on March 6th and should have come on for the run. (1) ONNURI PARTY and (9) SINHEUNG GANGTAJA debuted together, and both can show some natural improvement second up.
Selections
(8) Global One Pick (12) Delta Force (6) Doctor Hunter (1) Onnuri Party
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) PNS TWIN has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place at 1300M on March 7th when coming from well off the pace. His racing style so far suggests that he needs a bit of distance, and he gets the chance to prove it here. (3) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish inside the top three in sixteen attempts, but she enters off a best to date 4th place over this distance on February 8th when she came from well back and beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, another career-best should be the aim. (5) LUCKY JOY was only ordinary on his first try at this distance last time out, but prior to that he registered a 5th and a 4th and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (8) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (11) NURI EUTTEUM are perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(1) PNS Twin (3) Bulguksidae (5) Lucky Joy (8) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After winning a trial, (11) WIN NOW beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut over 1400M on February 27th. Settling behind the speed and running through the line well enough. He should have come on for the run and is the one to beat. (4) GOLD ROGER has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M. She too has finished off well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (6) TOP OF THE RANK needs a line drawn through his latest when he was fractious in the gate and missed the start. He was well backed that day following a 2nd place in January and as he has subsequently completed a stall test, he can be given another chance. (2) FLYING SKY and (10) OASIS KINGDOM others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) Win Now (4) Gold Roger (6) Top Of The Rank (2) Flying Sky
Next Best
10, 12
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Sixteen colts will set out at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, bidding to be the first since Power Blade a decade ago to win the Triple Crown. The series gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the “Korean 2000 Guineas”.
Eight of the sixteen have travelled down from Seoul, but capital visitors do not have a good record in the race, registering only three victories since the race began in its current form in 2008 and none at all since Global Chukje scored in 2019. This time though a formidable line-up travels.
LIVE STAR has won his last three starts by a combined thirty-eight lengths, including a full eighteen last time out at class 4 over 1800M. While the robustness of the opposition he faced is debatable, he has been nothing if not impressive.
DI NE was well beaten behind Roshe in the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy on March 1st but prior to that was going very nicely and will be firmly in the market while FLUTTER and HWANG GEOM EO JJANG also travel down with solid credentials.
Don’t rule out the home team though. HEY BROTHER enters with the highest rating. He was 2nd behind Clutch Winner in the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy but prior to that was an excellent winner over a mile at class 4 level in January. Jockey Choi Si-dae won the race on Betelgeuse in 2023.
Seo Seung-un won the Cup Mile on Cheongnyong Bisang, one of those three Seoul horses to triumph in the race. Now firmly Busan-based, this year he partners FUNNY WILD, who while he lost his way late on when 2nd over 1800M last time out, was very strong prior to that and from a great draw, will be on the speed.
There is sadness over the race. Champion Juvenile Supex Winner began the week set to be favourite but suffered a catastrophic ligament and sesamoid injury on Monday morning which he ultimately succumbed to on Wednesday.
The KRA Cup Mile is race 6 on the 7-race program at Busan with a 16:05 post time:
1. HEY BROTHER – The highest rated in the field and one of the most experienced with nine starts. He’s won four times up to class 4 and a mile. His most recent start saw him 2nd to Clutch Winner in the Classic Trial at 1400M on March 1st. A front-runner, the mile suits and the draw suits, and he is among the favourites.
2. BREEDO SOL – Only beat two home in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie but has begun his three-year-old campaign well with a win over 1800M at class 5 level and then 2nd at class 4 over the same distance on February 15th, beating Legend Hit. Likes to come from off the pace and can aim for some minor money.
3. FUNNY WILD – A strong winner over 1800M at class 4 level in February, he led when trying to repeat at class 3 on March 1st but ultimately weakened late on and was caught. He is one for one at the mile, he has a great draw to get on pace and with Seo Seung-un riding him from potentially several options, he will probably be the betting favourite.
4. LIVE STAR – Took a few goes to fully figure things out, but he has won his latest three, most recently at class 4 level over 1800M on February 7th when leading all the way and scoring by a full eighteen-lengths in a time that would win the Korean Derby most years. On that evidence, he has to considered a real threat here.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Big crowd last week (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) CHEONJI TANK has a 4th and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far at 1200M and most recently at this distance on January 25th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today, and coming in fresh after nine weeks, he looks to be the one to beat. (9) NINJA TIGER was an improved 3rd at start two in an all-filly race over 1200M on February 8th. Third-up she can strip fitter and Johan is on for the first time. (6) ROAD TO PERFECT has run 4th in all three of her outings so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. (5) HANAM LASER and (10) YEOKJEONUI HIT are the other main contenders in what should be a competitive opener.
Selections
(8) Cheonji Tank (9) Ninja Tiger (6) Road To Perfect (5) Hanam Laser
Next Best
10, 11
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
After winning a trial in January, (12) SOUTH CARNIVAL was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 14th and from a midfield position, he proceeded to finish off well for 3rd place, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He should have learned plenty from that and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) WHIZ STAR was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 28th. The only one in the race who has two starts under her belt, she can have a fitness edge on plenty and should be on pace in a race with little obvious early speed. (10) SUN DOLPUNG was last on debut but has since looked much better in a trial and gets another chance. With the first-timers not catching the eye, (9) JEONGWANGSEOKHWA and (7) SMART SHINHWA are the next bests.
Selections
(12) South Carnival (6) Whiz Star (10) Sun Dolpung (9) Jeongwangseokhwa
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
6, 7, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 2nd when he led for much of the way. He doe shave to contend with a worse draw this time so he may need a touch of luck at the start, but if he can get to the front, he can win. Betting favourite will be (7) BREEDO CALEY. He has mixed his form across his four appearances but his latest was a strong 2nd over 1300M on February 28th, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (11) MADE returned from six months out to run 3rd over this distance on February 15th form a similarly wide draw. He should strip fitter for the run, and an apprentice takes his weight down. (4) SEMYEONG PEAK and (5) CHEONGRYONG GIUN others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) GEUMJEOKSAN got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M in November and has since run 3rd and 5th in two subsequent starts, showing on pace both times. The 3rd place came over this distance and from a good draw, she can be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (6) AGAIN GOOD MAN stepped up to this distance on March 2nd and registered his maiden win having raced handy throughout. He is up in class here but is down 2kg in weight and he can measure up. (1) FINAL JILJU went through a bit of a cold patch but has picked up in her latest couple of outings with a 2nd and a 4th and she can be there or thereabouts again. Up in class (11) JAZZ PURPLE, along with (9) GRAND KWAEMA, are others who can be in the frame.
Selections
(5) Geumjeoksan (6) Again Good Man (1) Final Jilju (11) Jazz Purple
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) CHOEGO GOLD enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 2nd when on pace throughout. He is up 2kg in weight, but he comes into a much better gate and can accordingly get an easier run to the lead and go all the way. Like Choego Gold, (4) REFLECT has never been outside of the top five, in his case in six appearances. He has been 3rd and 4th in his latest two, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and in this company can race on pace and be a danger. (5) WIDAEHAN HAMSEONG is yet to win in seven attempts but following his first two runs, he hasn’t been outside of the top four. He is another who should be on the pace and can at least place again. (7) JURING SKY and (9) YONGBI SHINHWA among other placing chances.
The Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday. Before that, the weekend’s racing kicks off on the South Coast on Friday with 11-races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Franco is going to be on mainstream TV next Monday! – He might have some winners before then too! (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens which means a small field. (3) VEGAS JEONTU was 3rd on debut in January before being a beaten favourite from a wide draw when 6th of twelve on March 6th. He is up in weight today but should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) ONE LAST MARGARITA has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on March 1st when he settled back and ran on. He won’t need to improve much to win here. Solitary debut-maker (2) MISS WONDER showed fairly in her trial and has to be given a chance in this company first-up. (6) BARAM DAERO and (7) BIWOLUI KKIM can improve.
Selections
(5) One Last Margarita (3) Vegas Jeontu (2) Miss Wonder (6) Baram Daero
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
3, 6
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) YONGBI JJANG has made progress across three starts to date, culminating in 2nd place at 1400M on February 27th when settling right back and running on. His style suggests that the step up to the mile can suit, and he can go one better today. (6) FLASH TO ME was a beaten favourite on February 15th over this distance when ridden from a wide gate to be handy but not offering much in the straight. If we go on her outing two starts back when 3rd at 1400M, she can be afforded another chance here. (9) TAMNA BRAVO was similarly disappointing when well back as favourite on March 1st. He has an excuse as he was found to be lame on the near-fore. He has been back in work since March 13th and if recovered, should be a danger. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK and (2) RESONANCE MARINE are other place chances.
Selections
(3) Yongbi Jjang (6) Flash To Me (9) Tamna Bravo (5) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After winning a trial, (4) SKYNEX ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M being slowly away and then running on well. He should have learned from that and with a better start today, he is the one to beat. (5) BACK TO THE DREAM came from midfield to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on February 27th. That also followed a good trial and with some natural improvement, he is a danger. Solitary debut-maker (3) CHEONNYEONDOR went through three trials, and he posted some good times. He draws well to be on pace and if he brings his morning form to the races, he can be in the finish. (11) I AM HAPPY and (9) SHINY KOREA other potential place chances.
Selections
(4) Skynex (5) Back To The Dream (3) Cheonnyeondor (11) I Am Happy
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) FAST MAN got his maiden win at this class and distance two outings back and then ran 3rd at 1400M on February 27th when leading for most of the way. Seo Seung-un returns and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can get on pace here and he should have too much here. (11) B.K. SPIRIT had a poor day at the office when favourite over 1300M on January 18th, showing on pace but weakening. He comes in here fresh after ten weeks off and back at the trip over which he won, he is worth another chance. (12) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was 3rd in that January 18th race and was 3rd in his latest too on March 15th. The veteran makes a quick return here and this is the kind of race he can money in again. (5) CLUTCH RUNNER and (4) WIND SWORD both need their respective latest starts overlooked.
Selections
(10) Fast Man (11) B.K. Spirit (12) Taeyang Eutteum (5) Clutch Runner
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
6, 10, 11, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
There is something of a changing of the guard in the filly and mare ranks as the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer Series kicks off with the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Gladius (Pic: KRA)
While defending champion GLADIUS returns, the likes of Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew, who have dominated the top of the division over the past couple of years, are not here and a new set of up and comers could be set to take over.
ACE HIGH is set to be the favourite. She rounded out her three-year-old campaign by winning the Breeders’ Cup Queen and then began this year with a strong class 1 win at this distance and the Ha Mu-seon trained Busan raider can take some beating.
She isn’t the only four-year-old taking her chance. ONEULDO SMILE was 2nd in last year’s Korean Oaks while BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was the fast-finishing winner of both the final leg of the Triple Tiara and also the Jeju Governor’s Cup. Meanwhile FANTASTIC VALUE won both the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks and hinted at a return to form with a 2nd place in her latest start at class 2 level.
A host of other up and coming four-year-old fillies also step up and with many of them front-runners, the pace could be hot.
Aside from Gladius, RAON FOREST represents the older generation. While the only six-year-old in the race is only a winner of six of her thirty starts, three of those victories have come at class 1 level against the boys and she has been a Queens’ Tour mainstay, winning the final leg of this series last June.
The Donga Ilbo is race 7 on the card at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.
1. SATANG SONYEO –A winner of five from twelve, including twice at this distance, she has lost her way a little of late, albeit in very tough company – 10th of sixteen in the Grand Prix as a three-year-old filly isn’t bad. Interesting outsider, who can lead or come from behind.
2. RAON FOREST – 4th in this race last year, she recorded 5th, 3rd and 4th in the three legs of the Queens’ Tour Fall-Winter, so has form to overturn on a few of these. Enters off a class 1 3rd over 2000M when closer to the pace than usual. Nicely drawn and can be in the finish.
3. CLAIR BIG BANG – Five wins from eight including two at this distance. She is though yet to win at higher than class 4 with her latest outing being 2nd place at class 3 over 1800M when on pace. This is a big step up, but she has potential.
The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer gets underway on Sunday with the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-Listed) for fillies and mares attracting a very competitive field of fourteen. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11;25 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Gladius won the Donga Ilbo last year (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden to start with. (1) TOUR FELIX returned from almost a year out on February 8th and despite not having done much in two trials, put in a very solid effort in 3rd place over this distance. He should stop fitter for that run, and he can win here. (3) GLOBAL LAND has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1200M and 1400M coming from off the pace in the first of them and racing handy in the latter. She has a smart finish on her and can challenge late here. (10) ONNURI BIT has a 5th and two 3rd places from three outings to date. She comes up slightly in trip for the first time and it can suit. (6) WONDERFUL CHIEF and (11) VINCENT ALEX others who can aim for the places.
Selections
(1) Tour Felix (3) Global Land (10) Onnuri Bit (6) Wonderful Chief
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) HAKSAN HENNY has a pair of 4th places to his name, coming from well off the pace both times. He steps up slightly in trip to 1400M for the first time and it could be what he needs to get home on top. (4) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI could finally be figuring things out with a 4th and a 2nd from his latest two, both over this trio. He is another who likes to go right back and run on and with an apprentice claim, he carries a light weight. (5) KIA ORA had a hard time over 1700M three weeks ago but prior to that ran 2nd at this distance on January 4th and can be in the mix again. (10) DOUBLE BLADE and (7) VALKYRIE are the other two who can be considered for a place.
Selections
(2) Haksan Henny (4) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (5) Kia Ora (10) Double Blade
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) KISS THE RAIN has proven green in just about every one of her five starts to date but regardless of that she hasn’t been far away in her last couple of runs. She eventually tested the patience of the stewards enough to be sent back to the trials, however in that trial on February 26 she was impressive leading throughout to score by eight-lengths. She looks a good chance of leading and staying there providing she stays on the straight and narrow. (4) WORLD EAGLE CAT needs to bounce back from a basic run last time, but her prior effort would give her a chance, however it must be noted that in that contest she effectively hung her chance, if not victory, away. (2) QUEEN PERFECT has been around the mark to date whilst (7) PERFECT POINT was a much-improved run at her second start. (5) CHOEGANG HAPPY and (12) SAENAE HILL are yet to place but rate next.
Selections
(8) Kiss The Rain (4) World Eagle Cat (2) Queen Perfect (7) Perfect Point
Next Best
5, 12
Fast Start
6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) GHOST CHRYSOL was a winner over 1700M two starts back and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class over the same distance on February 7th when settling back and running on. He remains under a light weight, CC knows him, well, and he can win here. (7) DANGDAECHOWOL enters in super form having won or placed in each of his last six appearances. He is up 3kg on his class and distance score on February 28th when he was close to the pace throughout, and he can be a big danger again. (3) CHEONGSAN JILJU enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 15th. An apprentice takes his weight down here and from a good draw he should be one of the early pace-setters and in this a long way. (1) HANGANG CAPTAIN and (6) HEUNGHAENG DOLPUNG others in the frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) GREAT POWER has finished fourth in each of his last two starts, over course, distance and grade, attempting to lead throughout on each occasion. Those two efforts look to be the best pieces of form on offer in this contest. (2) HAENGBOK TREE made up a bit of ground back on debut in November and following a midfield finish in a trial earlier this month can go close. The extra 200 metres in this contest compared to her first race could potentially suit also. (8) WORLD TRIPLE CAT has been out the back in each of her last two but did finish third the time prior back in November. (5) WORLD BOLD MAN placed two runs back and rates over (1) BEOLGYO VILLAIN who placed as recently as last start with (4) MY BEST next best.
Selections
(7) Great Power (2) Haengbok Tree (8) World Triple Cat (5) World Bold Man
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 