Racing Previews

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

The Triple Crown series draws to a close on Sunday and while there isn’t a sweep on the line, or even a Derby winner in the field, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) has drawn a full field of sixteen three-year-old colts and it should be a very tricky puzzle. There are 10 races at Seoul on Sunday between 10:35 and 17:55 as well as 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

My Dream Day thwarted a Triple Crown bid a year ago (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive opening maiden. (5) STUNNING SKET came from off the pace to run a strong 2nd on debut over 1200M on April 25th. He should have come on for the run, the additional half furlong can suit, and he can win. (1) STORM CRUSH was 5th on debut and then 2nd at start number two over this distance on April 11th. She too has been doing her best work late so can continue to improve at 1300M and she should be very fit. (10) BARAMGAEBI has two 3rd places and a 4th from three outings to date and while he needs to contend with the widest gate, he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) NINE SPEAR and (4) DUKE SOCKS are other place chances.

Selections(5) Stunning Sket (1) Storm Crush (10) Baramgaebi (7) Nine Spear
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 7,10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (4) STUNNING BOLT has been around the mark in her recent outings with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both over this distance. She has generally settled back and run on but has raced on pace before and with little early speed in this race and from a good draw, she can be further forward than usual and she can win. Solitary colt (9) SONNY K ran a fair 4th on debut over 1200M. He was well back behind the placings but should have come on for the run and can improve here. (5) NIGHT CAPTAIN enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes in contrasting styles and can be matching or bettering those in this company. (10) AREUMDAUN BIT and (8) YEONGDONG STAR are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Stunning Bolt (9) Sonny K (5) Night Captain (10) Areumdaun Bit
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After a 3rd, a 4th and most recently a 2nd place when stepped up to this distance for the first time on April 26th, (1) WIN NOW could be ready to do just that. In his latest two, he has got a long way back from wide draws but should be further forward today and can be the one to beat. (6) OVER RAINBOW has mixed his form across five starts so far with his 3rd place over 1200M two outings back his best. His racing style suggests that the extended trip today can suit.  (9) GRAND HERO was much improved when a close 2nd over 1300M on May 3rd and can continue to make progress here. (2) NICE POWER is another one in the placing hunt while watch the market with debut-maker (8) OASIS TIME. His trial didn’t stand out but his stable is known for sending their juveniles around big distances very early and often pick up a few wins.

Selections(1) Win Now (6) Over Rainbow (9) Grand Hero (2) Nice Power
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG is yet to win but has never finished any worse than 5th and has four runner-up finishes, including his latest on May 2nd when beating three of today’s rivals when suffering a narrow reverse. He is up 2.5kg on that but in this company, today can be his day. (4) YEONGGWANGUI SKY returned from four months out in April and has since run 5th twice, most recently on May 9th when beating a couple who re-oppose today. An apprentice takes 3kg off his back and third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) GEOLJAK TIARA was 5th to Cheongsan Dolpung’s 2nd on May 2nd and from a good gate and under a very light weight, she can get closet today. (6) BLACK SPECTER and (3) DAEWONYONGMA others who are perhaps better than their respective latest outings suggest.

Selections(7) Cheongsan Dolpung (4) Yeonggwangui Sky (2) Geoljak Tiara (6) Black Specter
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) WIND SWORD enters off two 3rd places and a 5th from his last three outings, all at this class and distance and each time coming from off the pace. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim here but he beat a couple of today’s rivals last time and he can beat all of them today. The apprentice claim goes to (5) BLACK JILJU. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class and distance, most recently in a very quick time on May 3rd when racing on pace. On that form, she is a winning chance here. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE got a long way back before running on last time out. She was a class and distance winning in January and was 2nd in March and can be given another chance here. (2) B.K MAGIC and (8) SAMJEONG TODAY others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Wind Sword (5) Black Jilju (4) Magic Sweetie (2) B.K Magic
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4 Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) STEPPING STONE won a trial and then won on debut on April 25th over 1200M, starting steadily but then quickly ridden up to be handy. He is up in class but down 3kg in weight, the additional half furlong can suit, and he can win again. (6) P N S NALA returned from seven months out to run a fair 5th over this distance on May 17th, showing on pace before weakening late. He should strip fitter for that run and can get closer today. (3) JOY CHEONHA is yet to win in fourteen but has seven top five finishes, including a last start 4th on May 2nd. He has placed twice over this distance and well-drawn and under a lightweight, he can be in the mix again. (2) WONDERFUL SPIRIT and (1) LUCKY SUNNY are the other main chances.

Selections(10) Stepping Stone (6) P N S Nala (3) Joy Cheonha (2) Wonderful Spirit
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 6)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) MY DOLPUNG is a Seo In-seok prepared Old Fashioned filly that has trialled three times with the most recent of those resulting in a third on May 21 beaten a length. She can go close on debut as can (5) DONGJIN BIRYUONG who is by Mischieviously and is from the stables of Moon Byeong-ki and Johan Victoire is on board. His best trial was his latest and that was a second place. (10) SPICY JERRY has trialled twice for a seventh and fourth and is trained by Lee Shin-woo and is a daughter of Indie Band. The Luigi Riccardi prepared (3) DYNAMIC FORCE rates next over (11) P.K. BEST and (6) TIGER REVENGER.

Selections(4) My Dolpung (5) Dongjin Biryuong (10) Spicy Jerry (3) Dynamic Force
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) GLOBAL LAND has been a beaten favourite on a couple of occasions but in better maidens than this and she strikes a winnable race here so she can break through. (3) SPICE BAND drops down in trip after making a mid-race move to take the lead last start before finishing fourth. She is getting better and can go close. (7) THE QUEEN ROSE made up some ground to finish fifth last time which was the best run of her career to date. (9) TAEGEUK WANGJA has also come from well back at his last two to run third and fourth respectively and rates next over (6) PNS WORK and (5) MR.CREDIT, which is down in trip by 300M on his last two.

Selections(4) Global Land (3) Spice Band (7) The Queen Rose (9) Taegeuk Wangja
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) POINT I was midfield on debut before finishing second on May 9 beaten two-and-a-half lengths and that form is good enough to go very close to winning this. (5) RACE DIVA has gotten closer in each of her three runs to date and has been behind some smart winners each time and she gets the chance to run into the placings for the first time if not win. (3) POWER MAGIC is another that has been just behind the placegetters in three starts and is another that can place for the first time let alone win. (11) EVER LOVELY draws wide but rates next over (10) PLAY STAY and (1) RAON FLARE.

Selections(2) Point I (5) Race Diva (3) Power Magic (11) Ever Lovely
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) MUNHAK FIGHTER has only won once from thirteen attempts but has only missed the top five twice so he is consistent and after finishing second in two of his past three he can be involved in the finish once more and potentially get the prize. (2) BANK LINE was midfield at big odds in her first run at this class last time but ran a subsequent winner to a length at her previous start so she is worth being given a chance. (8) HOT FEVER comes to this grade for the first time after back-to-back second places in maidens. (5) HAPPY TOGETHER beat Bank Line at her only victory back in January and will be around the mark with (11) CHALLENGE SOCKS and (6) SMART MARU next best.

Selections(4) Munhak Fighter (2) Bank Line (8) Hot Fever (5) Happy Together
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 5)

June’s racing kicks off with an 8-race Friday card at Busan running from 11.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

We’ll take a chance in one of the three debut-makers. (10) LOGIST QUEEN raced handy in her trial, crossing the line in 3rd place in a decent time. The draw shouldn’t be a problem and if she brings the trial form to the races, she can win. (9) BREEDO SHOOTER has made progress across four starts so far with his latest being his best when an on pace 3rd over 1300M on May 3rd. In the absence of an apprentice claim, he carries 3kg extra, but he also has Seo Seung-un aboard and that means he will almost certainly start as the betting favourite. (2) SO POWERFULL beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th on May 10th and can continue to make progress here. Debut-maker (1) CHAMPUI JEONSEOL along with (4) WORLD THUNDER CAT are others who can have an impact.

Selections(10) Logist Queen (9) Breedo Shooter (2) So Powerfull (1) Champui Jeonseol
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an ordinary trial, (8) CORE TIGER came from off the pace over 1200M on debut on May 10th and ran a good 3rd. He should have come on for the run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be the one to beat here. (10) SWEET MAN has made progress over three starts so far, culminating in 4th place over this distance on April 24th. He had the widest gate that day too and in a race with very little early speed, he can make his way to a prominent position early and can be a danger. (7) HUIMANG SPEED was a much-improved 2nd at 1300M on May 8th, showing on pace, and he can build on that here. (3) DUBAI CANDY and (6) GYEONGBOK PORTUS are the others who will be in the market.

Selections(8) Core Tiger (10) Sweet Man (7) Huimang Speed (3) Dubai Candy
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) POWERFUL MENIFEE debuted last August without distinction and then didn’t race again until this May 1st. It was a winning return over 1200M and while he is up in class without a weight drop, he draws well, and against limited opposition, he can win again. (4) BEOLGYOUI HIM will be the second favourite. It took him a while to get to grips with this level following his maiden win but going on his very close 3rd over this distance on May 10th, he has to be given a chance here. Next in the market will be (3) BUGYEONG TRIPLE. He enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on May 1st when handy throughout. In this company, he can be on pace and in this a long way. The form falls off rapidly after those three. (5) BAEDARI BOSEOK and (7) SOMETHING ELSE may compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Powerful Menifee (4) Beolgyoui Him (3) Bugyeong Triple (5) Baedari Boseok
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Since returning from a six-month layoff, (4) CHAMP SONNY has won two of three, most recently at this class and distance on May 8th when close to the pace throughout. He comes up 2.5kg in weight, but he can win again for the in-form Gillespie stable. (7) TIGER MONSTER ran 2nd in that May 8th race, beaten just a length on what was his first try at a mile. He gets a weight swing, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he reversed the form. (9) SEOBU CAPTAIN had a poor day at the office when favourite over 1400M two weeks ago, showing on pace early but quickly beaten. He has won at this distance in the past and is worth another chance under a lighter weight. (6) FLYING CROWN and (5) RACE MARINE others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Champ Sonny (7) Tiger Monster (9) Seobu Captain (6) Flying Crown
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Korea Racing Report: May 29-31

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY THE 2300M START WAS IN USE FOR THE FIRST OF THREE TIMES ANNUALLY AND THE PRINCIPAL RACE ON THE CARD WAS WON BY THE HORSE THAT WAS BY FAR THE BEST STAYER ON THE DAY IN SATANG SONYEO for Jeong Jeong-hee and Luigi Riccardi (writes Luke Humphreys).

Satang Sonyeo (Girvin) has always looked a long-distance type and as per usual she showed little to no early speed but under encouragement from Jeong Jeong-hee eventually took a role closer than normal just behind the pacesetters, who did too much down the straight on the first occasion. Satang Sonyeo struck the front at the top of the straight the second time around, and the 3.2 favourite held off the challenge of the 4.8 third choice Pepper X who was a game 2nd with East West eleven-lengths away in 3rd.

The victory of Satang Sonyeo completed an outstanding weekend for trainer Luigi Riccardi after multiple successes twenty-four hours earlier.

Kim Tae-hun had a riding treble on the card beginning with TRIPLE S (Revolutionary) who got up late on to win Race 3 (1400M Class 6) by a head as the 9.3 third pick, over the 5.7 second choice Jechuk Sanjiro with the 1.4 popular pick Saenae Rania only 5th. POWERFUL PRADO (Colors Flying) the got the better of her co-favourites to land Race 5 (1300M Class 5) by a neck as the 6.2 third choice with Nuni Olkkayo, 2.7 popular pick, beaten a neck into 2nd and Brown Mamma, 2.8, a head away in 3rd. DONGGANGUI STAR (Old Fashioned) was the last of the trio in Race 6 (1700M Class 5) getting up in the concluding stages to win by a half-length.

The victory of Powerful Prado was the beginning of a double for trainer Lee Joon-chel as in Race 9 (1800M Class 3) KEIDRAGON (Goldencents) was an eye-catching winner from the top by eleven-lengths under Kim Yong-geun. The four-year-old Canadian bred gelding was having his third run this time in and ran his rivals off their feet. The two favourites in Airforceone, 3.0, and Major Crown, 2.6, were disappointments in 6th and 8th places respectively with the former losing his chance after a slow start whilst the latter didn’t stay.

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KNN Cup Preview & Form Comments

The big hitters have drawn wide as the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer reaches its conclusion in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. Defending champion Raon Forest gets gate thirteen while Ttukseom Cup winner Fantastic Value has gate ten. Boryeonglightqueen and Gladius similarly will contend with double-digit gate numbers. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT BUSAN AND SEOUL.

Fantastic Value (Pic: KRA)

FANTASTIC VALUE was a revelation as she returned to form with victory in the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul last month. After winning last year’s Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks before missing out on sweeping the Triple Tiara with defeat to Boryeonglightqueen in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup last June, Fantastic Value hadn’t won again. She was accordingly sent off in excess of 70/1 for the Ttukseom but made a mockery of that with a half-length victory. The mile of the KNN Cup may suit her even better.

BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN roared home from off the pace in that Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup almost a year ago and repeated the trick in the Jeju Governor’s Cup last September. She hasn’t won since but was a fast-finishing 2nd in both previous legs of this series, the Donga Ilbo over 1800M and the Ttukseom over 1400M. She may start as favourite.

Seoul raider RAON FOREST won this race a year ago and also took out the first leg of this series, the Donga Ilbo. The highest rated in the race, she will be a big danger again. Others traveling down from the capital with chances include GLADIUS and ONEULDO SMILE.

As for the lesser established ones, NICE BUDDY is a winner of five from eleven but must contend with the widest gate of all. YEOSU SUPER STAR was one of the winners from the draw and should be among the early pace-setters.

1. INDY GHOST – Races for the first time since throwing her jockey as the gates opened in the Donga Ilbo. She has subsequently won a trial, but she was in excess of 60/1 for the Donga and while a solid class 2/3 competitor, will probably be similar here.

2. GOLD CATCHER – A winner of four from twelve and one for one at this distance. She hasn’t won at higher than class 4 so this is a big test, but she draws well to at least be on the speed and of not a winning chance, she can be in this a long way.

3. HAENGBOKAN SEUNGJA – Joint 4th highest rated in the race, she returned from almost six-months off to run 2nd at class 1 level over 1400M on May 10th. She hasn’t won at a mile but has placed four times and while not among the top line of favourites at level weights, can run well.

4. QUEEN TYCHE – A winner up to class 3 and 1400M, she ran a big 5th in the Ttukseom Cup at odds in excess of 100/1. Has never run at a mile before but struggled at 1800M. Not as long a shot as before, but still an outsider.

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KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer comes to a conclusion on Sunday with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) attracting a full field of sixteen fillies and mares to the south coast. The big race is race 6 on the 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11,25 to 16.55. There are also 10 races at Seoul with a class 1 test over 2300M as the feature. Seoul’s card runs from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Raon Forest will seek to defend her KNN Cup crown (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern three-year-olds with all but one of the eight racing for the first time. The experienced one is (3) SOUTH CARNIVAL, who has raced twice for a 3rd and a 2nd, both at 1200M. He was on pace in his latest on March 28th and should have a fitness edge on these. (4) HOPE K was an all the way trial winner in a quick time just two weeks ago, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good. If he brings that form to the races, he can prove hard to beat. (7) GRAND PAS CLASSIC was also a commanding trial winner, leading all the way to score by four. He too can be a danger first-up. (2) SAUDI SOCKS and (6) MIGHTY SAVER others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(3) South Carnival (4) Hope K (7) Grand Pas Classic (2) Saudi Socks
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3 , 4

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and while (2) FLYING SMART has been a beaten favourite in both her starts so far at 1300M and 1400M when settling right back and running on, the fitness edge can be crucial. At the shorter distance, she can be further forward from a better gate, and she can win. (11) BEAUTIFULLY beat a couple of today’s rivals on her debut on April 25th, racing handy over this distance. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but she should have come on for that run and she can be close. Among the debut makers, (9) WHITE JACKPOT ran 2nd in a decent time in a May 14th trial and can put in a bold showing first up. (5) MASK GIRL was 5th behind Beautifull on debut and from a better gate and second up, can improve. (6) PNS BEAUTY another first-timer who can be competitive.

Selections(2) Flying Smart (11) Beautifully (9) White Jackpot (5) Mask Girl
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Eight fillies and one gelding in the south coast opener. (4) WIDAEHAN HEART debuted all the way back in October of last year, running a strong 2nd over 1000M. She then went lame but has been back in work since March and looked well when 2nd in a trial on May 7th. She is the one to beat here. (6) NORTHERN QUEEN has mixed her form a little over her six starts but going on her 2nd place two outings back when leading close to home, she has to rate as a chance in this company. (5) DIA X is an eighteen-race maiden but has two placings and no fewer than ten finishes in either 4th or 5th and he can be close today. (7) MAGIC TREE was a nondescript 7th on debut all the way back in July last year. She hasn’t raced since but returned to regular work at the start of April and has trialed well. Debut-maker (1) WONDERFUL PAS went through two trials and should be nice and fit on debut.

Selections(4) Widaehan Heart (6) Northern Queen (5) Dia X (7) Magic Tree
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) SAENAE RANIA has thrived since being stepped up to this trip, recording back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both times racing on pace. From a good draw, she will be on the speed again, and she can win. (11) JECHUK SANJIRO ran 3rd at start number two over this distance in April. He leaned in heavily when 5th over 1700M on May 9th to the extent that he was sent back to trial and having come through that in fine fashion, he is a chance today. (6) SEOPOKCHAT has a 3rd and three 4th places to his name. He has settled back and run on strongly each time. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and there is every chance that it can suit. (10) UMARU and (3) TRIPLE S are other place chances.

Selections(5) Saenae Rania (11) Jechuk Sanjiro (6) Seopokchat (10) Umaru
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) STEALTH KINGMAN was an on pace 2nd in a decent time over 1300M on April 17th. He should have come on for the run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and this time he can go one better. (4) PILSEUNG WINNER returned from over three months off in April and has since run 3rd and 4th at 1400M and at this distance, settling in midfield and running on. Third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness wise, and she can be close. (3) MORE QUICKLY enters off a best to date 4th place on May 17th and should be aiming to match or better that in this company. (7) WONDERFUL WIND and (8) WORLD TRIPLE CAT are others in contention for the minors.

Selections(5) Stealth Kingman (4) Pilseung Winner (3) More Quickly (7) Wonderful Wind
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) NINJA TIGER is yet to win, though she is far from alone here. She comes up in class following two 3rd places and most recently a 2nd at 1300M on May 2nd and under a light weight, she has as good a chance as any. (5) HAKSAN PRINCE is a twenty-one-race maiden but has placed on eight occasions, including last time out when 3rd at this class over 1700M. Four of his five runner-up finishes have come at 1400M and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be a danger. (7) WONPYEONG GANGJA has come from off the pace to run 3rd in both his latest two at this class and distance and he can do similar today. (2) GOLD SPINNING has at least won at this distance and along with (8) HANGANG FANTASTIC, can be considered on a place line.

Selections(10) Ninja Tiger (5) Haksan Prince (7) Wonpyeong Gangja (2) Gold Spinning
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 30)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. The capital hosts its first juvenile race of the year in the shape of the opener while the feature is a class 2 even over the rarely used distance of 1900M (race 9) featuring up and coming US import G B Vault. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(6) GRAND POKPUNG is a Park Jae-woo prepared Concord Point filly that has been around the mark in two trials with a fifth beaten six-and-a-half lengths on April 23 before a third seven days later beaten nine-lengths. MAJOR FURY (2) is a Revolutionary colt from the Kim Dong-kyun stables who has trialled once on April 30 for a four-length second. He is the only colt with fifty-three kilograms on his back as he gets a two-kilogram apprentice claim from Woo In-cheol and will go close. (9) LOOM CHUKJE trialled back on April 16 and was second throughout beaten seven-lengths and is a filly by Connect trained by An Byung-ki. (1) ROAD TO CHAMPION is an Indie Band colt with Jung Ho-ik who has one-and-a-three quarter lengths to find with Grand Pokpung from his solitary trial on April 30. They are the main quarter for the first juvenile race of the season with (5) BLITZ CARA and (3) NAMGYEONG SPINNING next best.

Selections(6) Grand Pokpung (2) Major Fury (9) Loom Chukje (1) Road To Champion
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) RAPID STORM trialled well when coming from midfield to win by a length on April 23 and this Shim Seung-tae prepared four-year-old filly by Thunder Moccasin must be a good chance of winning on her debut based on that effort. (2) BINNALEEDS is getting closer to a win and should get her chance from a low draw under Luis Quiroz. (3) JEJU BLUE has been around the mark in three runs to date which include a second on March 2. (9) BEAT CODE has also been close-up in three starts finishing just behind the placegetters in each. (5) ROAD TO PERFECT, (4) DANAEUN RICH and (6) SEONGSIL WINNER are the other chances.

Selections(8) Rapid Storm (2) Binnaleeds (3) Jeju Blue (9) Beat Code
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) MANGEUM DAON ran a one-length second to a subsequent winner on debut back in October before resuming with a fifth at the start of last month. He brings the best form, primarily from his debut effort, and if he stays, he will go close. (8) BROWN JACKPOT could be a roughie chance as she gets a weight swing on (3) BEOLGYO ALADDIN from April 12 when she was two-lengths behind the latter who carries three kilograms extra in this race. Beolgyo Aladdin has subsequently been second on April 25 when attempting to lead throughout. (2) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN has not been too far away in many of his runs and once again receives a two-kilogram apprentice claim from Woo In-cheol. (10) BLUE DRAGON rates next over (7) WONDERFUL CATHY.

Selections(9) Mangeum Daon (8) Brown Jackpot (3) Beolgyo Aladdin (2) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) RAPID THUNDER has been beaten into second in his two runs where he has completed the course, as an odds-on chance each time, and whilst letting punters down on those occasions he should really be going close to breaking through here. However, he will need to get away a lot better than last start when he dumped Jo Jae-ro leaving the gates as a 2.5 favourite and was out of business from the word go. (10) ORATORIUM led throughout to win by a nose last start in a 1300M maiden on April 25 and the second placed horse subsequently won very easily last week so there is no reason she cannot go up one grade and win again. (11) YES ANGEL was five-lengths behind (4) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN last start, when the latter stormed past tiring rivals late to win easily, however whilst she carried two-and-a-half kilograms less than Gwanaksan Check In that time in this race it is six kilograms less so she could turn the form around. There is a lot of early speed in the race so that will suit Gwanaksan Check In. The consistent (9) PNS GONGJA rates next over (8) MIRACLE SOCKS, (5) JURING SKY, (2) NAREUSYA NOVA and (6) AMOS STAR in a competitive race.

Selections(1) Rapid Thunder (10) Oratorium (11) Yes Angel (4) Gwanaksan Check In
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 29)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11.35 to 17.55. The first two-year-old race of the year kicks things off while the highest class race of the day is the class 2 race 7. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

The two-year-olds have arrived and it’s nine-first timers over the short course in the opener. (2) TIPPING POINT was the best in trials, showing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals when crossing the line 3rd in a fair time. She draws well to be on pace here and has every chance. (5) OASIS HEUIMANG is a half-brother to recent G2 runner-up Wonderful Groom. His train time was good enough and Seo Seung-un up will mean he has plenty of backers. (3) RUBY GONGJU also ran fairly in her heat, finishing well back behind the winner but posting a time quicker than any others here and that’s enough to have her in the numbers. (8) HAERANG RUBY and (9) DOCTOR QUE SERA others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(2) Tipping Point (5) Oasis Heuimang (3) Ruby Gongju (8) Haerang Ruby
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) HAENGBOK TREE debuted with a 4th place last November and then didn’t reappear until March when having been gelded, he ran an on-pace 2nd over this distance. He stepped up to a mile on April 19th and finished 4th. Back down in trip and well-drawn, he can be peaking third-up and he can win. (5) FLEX KHAN also debuted last year, in his case in September, and also ran 4th. He finally returned for start number two on April 26th and while he didn’t have the ultimate gear-change, he was a strong 3rd over 1200M. He should have come on for that run and is a danger. (7) SHIN STAR ONE ran 6tha dn 4th in two starts last year and can go well on return after a decent enough trial. The similarly named (4) CHAMPUI HEUIMANG and (2) CHAMPUI YEONGGWANG are others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Haengbok Tree (5) Flex Khan (7) Shin Star One (4) Champui Heuimang
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (8) DOLPHIN KICK is a fourteen-race maiden but has eleven top five finishes, including last time out on May 1st when a close 2nd at this class and distance and beating several of today’s rivals. In the absence of an apprentice claim, she comes up 3kg in the weights, but today can be the day, (5) MAGIC SHOW is also yet to win, in her case from ten attempts. She has six top four finishes and was 2nd at this class over 1400M on April 24th. She carries a light weight and can be firmly in the mix. (4) DOKKI TIGER is up in class having broken through at start seven over 1400M on May 8th, racing on pace. She draws well and may offer some each-way appeal. (10) ARE YOU READY and (3) NEW LEADER were behind Dolphin Kick on May 1st but could get closer today.

Selections(8) Dolphin Kick (5) Magic Show (4) Dokki Tiger (10) Are You Ready
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) OASIS STAR broke through at start three and has a 4th and back-to-back 2nd places in three subsequent tries at this level. The most recent of those was on May 1st when he stepped up to the mile for the first time and raced handy throughout. He should have derived benefit from that experience and will be a short price to go one better here. (8) K ROYAL is a twelve-race maiden, and he does mix his form, but he comes in off a 2nd place at this class over 1800M on May 8th and if he races to that level again, he is the danger. (11) BIG SMILE comes up in class despite being winless, but he enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1400M and under a light weight, the mile just might suit at probably decent odds. (2) BREEDO ARENA and (6) BEOLGYO MABEOPSA others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Oasis Star (8) K Royal (11) Big Smile (2) Breedo Arena
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Mayor’s Cup: Preview & Form Comments for the Stayer Series Finale

It will be a battle of the best Korea has to offer as emphatic Grand Prix Stakes and Herald Business winner Clean One, the highest rated horse in the country, returns to take on the likes of Success Baekpa, Speed Young and Global Hit in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2), the final leg of the Stayer Series, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday. SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL ON SUNDAY.

Clean One (Pic: KRA)

Clean One skipped the YTN Cup for workload management reasons with his season being geared around a successful defence of the Grand Prix at the end of November – and hopefully a tilt at the international Korea Cup in September. He’s been back in work since the very end of March and is set to be a short-price favourite. Seo Seung-un will be aboard.

Success Baekpa took the honours in the YTN Cup. It was only his eighth career win but five of those have been at Group race level and while he can mix his form, when he is good, he is undoubtedly very good.

Then there is Global Hit. It would be fair to say that the old, pre-injury, Global Hit would have probably cruised away from the field on the YTN Cup. That he managed to get within a length of peak Success Baekpa, suggests that he is far from done. Whether he has a win left in him at this level is another question though.

Speed Young is the reigning horse of the year, having got his breakthrough Group 1 success last November in the President’s Cup. Like the versatile performer he is, he dropped back to a sprinting distance to win the Listed Segye Ilbo in February before registering 4th and 3rd places in the first two legs of the Stayer Series.  Outrageously consistent, he will be in the mix again.

Gangpungma has also been around the placings in elite company over the past few months although may have let slip his best chance of a win. Wonpyeong Storm and Munhak Boy, despite the latter having a Group victory to his name, are also not entirely convincing.

Tuhonui Banseok, a two-time winner of this race, in 2023 and 2024, will reach the end of his racing career with a final run in the race

The Busan Mayor’s Cup will be run earlier than most Group races as it will be shown live on the KBS N Sports channel. It will be race 3 on the card with a local post time of 13:25. Here is a full run down of the field:

1. WONPYEONG STORM – Hasn’t lived up to his early promise and he’s struggled in elite company, most recently 12th in the Herald Business. Comes in fresh and he is one for one over 1800M with plenty of time to make it at this grade, but others are favoured.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Ran on strongly for an excellent 2nd in the YTN Cup, getting within a length of Success Baekpa. The old Global Hit would surely have run down the winner that day, but it was still a fantastic effort, and he is not to discounted from going close again.

3. YOUNG SKYWALKER – Won three in a row between November and February up to class 2 and at 1800M and 2000M but was twelve-lengths back in 6th place in the YTN, struggling late on. Has potential at the elite level but perhaps not quite yet.

4. SPEED YOUNG – Mr. Reliable, the Swiss army knife horse won the Listed Segye Ilbo over 1200M in February before 4th and 3rd place finishes in the Herald Business and YTN Cup. Tactically versatile, he will surely be in the finish again.

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Mayor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 24)

The Stayer Series concludes at Busan this Sunday with Clean One making his return to face off against Success Baekpa, Speed Young, Global Hit et.al. in the final leg of the Stayer Series, the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2). 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:

Success Baekpa and Global Hit reoppose on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) GOLD ID didn’t do much on debut in March and ended back in a trial on April 16th where she cruised away to cross the line 1st in a quick time. It is worth mentioning that she had trialed well before her debut too, but she is worth another chance here. (8) JISAN COMING SOON went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them when on pace throughout. If he brings that form to the races, he can be a danger first-up. (4) PIEONARI ran a fair 5th on debut over this distance on May 2nd, racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and he can improve here. (6) CHRYSOL HEELS and (10) PNS LEAF other potential improvers.

Selections(7) Gold ID (8) Jisan Coming Soon (4) Pieonari (6) Chrysol Heels
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After a good trial, (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on April 25th and after a slow start, rallied for 4th place. He should have come on for that run and with a better break has every chance today. (5) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut and followed up with a 2nd and most recently a 3rd place in two subsequent outings, both at 1200M. She stays under a light weight with an apprentice claim, she draws well and she can be a big danger. (9) PASA ACE was an improved 3rd at start four over 1300M on April 26th, settling midfield and running on. He too keeps the same apprentice claim and can go close. (10) LOVING PURPLE and (1) SMART GRAND others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Naegiluiwonderful (5) Cowboy Queen (9) Pasa Ace (10) Loving Purple
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) PERFECT POINT has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on April 19th when on pace throughout. He’ll be on pace again, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (11) O.K. BABY was a very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on May 1st when he very nearly led all the way. Without an apprentice claim he is up 3kg in the weights and he has to contend with the widest gate, but he can be in the mix again. There are five debut makers and (9) PACHOUI KKUM looked good when winning a trial in a quick time on April 23rd, showing handy throughout. If she brings that form to the races, she is a big chance first up. (4) FLASH COCO and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN are others with experience who can improve.

Selections(6) Perfect Point (11) O.K. Baby (9) Pachoui Kkum (4) Flash Coco
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) MEGA WIND has made progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 4th over 1300M on May 2nd when racing on pace. He draws well to lead again, the slight step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. (10) DUSON LIFE registered a 3rd place two outings back over 1300M and while he could only manage 5th on his latest at this distance on April 19th, he can be given another chance here. Duson Life will need to overturn the form on (6) GRAY PHANTOM, who ran 4th in that April 19th race, coning from well off the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light and she can match or better that today. (1) M J VET, who comes out of a 2nd place in a very limited race, and solitary debut-maker (9) BREEDO EPIC, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Mega Wind (10) Duson Life (6) Gray Phantom (1) M J Vet
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After finishing 5th on debut, (2) MAEUMMEOGEUNDAERO was an on-pace 3rd at start number two over 1300M on April 17th. Third-up he can be peaking, he draws well and the slight step up in trip shouldn’t stop him from breaking through. (1) GAON PERFECT was 3rd on debut over 1300M on March 20th before running 4th in that April 17th race, laying out for part of the race. He has four-lengths to find on Maeummeogeundaero but shapes as a big danger. (5) TEAHO beat three of today’s rivals when a much-improved 3rd as the longest shot on the bard on April 24th. He gets the same apprentice allowance today and warrants more respect. (3) WORLD BOLD MAN and (4) SKY BOY others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Maeummeogeundaero (1) Gaon Perfect (5) Teaho (3) World Bold Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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