Racing returns to the daytime schedule this week and kicks off with an 8-race program at Busan on Friday running 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SUPREME QUEEN has finished between has been getting closer in her latest starts, culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on March 29th when leading for much of the way and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should be on pace again here and this time can have too much. (5) GONJOHARI ran once in the middle of last year, finishing a fair 6th. He hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up in March and in this company can go well first up. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th on both starts so far. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and should get closer. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST and (4) PURE DANCE among others in the hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) POWER BANK enters off a to-date best of 2nd over 1300M on March 24th when on pace throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace again here and this time looks like the one to beat. (2) AWESOME SUNRISE is the probable second favourite. She has plenty of experience over this trip and she won’t need to improve much on how she ran when 4th last time out in order to get closer here. (1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE enters odd a fair 3rd place over 1200M on March 31st, when he led for much of the way. He can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) BRUG KINGMAN and (11) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Power Bank (2) Awesome Sunrise (1) Beolgyo Franch (3) Brug Kingman
Next Best
11, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 11, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) FUERTE has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, both over a mile and both times settling midfield and running on. Tanaka climbs on today and she can settle back once more, and this time prove too strong late on. That will mean overturning the form on (7) STAR PARK who comes in having run 3rd to Fuerte’s 4th when they raced each other at this distance on April 5th. He also has a 2nd place to his name and is another who likes to settle back and be doing his best work late. (12) BABEL DREAMY has shown progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on March 24th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be a factor. (2) STORMY DAY and (8) TRICKSTER other placing chances.
Selections
(4) Fuerte (7) Star Park (12) Babel Dreamy (2) Stormy Day
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) RUBY STONE got her maiden win in a quick time over 1200M two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 29th, leading almost the entire way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. Her win came from the same wide draw she has today and this time she should go one better. (4) SEKWANG CHEOGANG was 3rd on that March 29th race. She has mixed her form over her six appearances, but she has a good finish on her and can be a danger. (9) SEUNGNI PARTY has been consistent over her own six starts, with her win coming at this distance. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can go close. The up in class last start winner (10) BUSAN TODAY along with (5) BRAVE CAPTAIN are others to look out for.
Selections
(11) Ruby Stone (4) Sekwang Choegang (9) Seungni Party (10) Busan Today
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
2, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Tuhonui Banseok put up a valiant defence of his title, but Global Hit ultimately wrested it away from him with a last gasp drive to win the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series, in the very final stride at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Global Hit pursues Tuhonui Banseok in sight of the line (Pic: KRA)
Global Hit had been on the wrong side of a photo-finish when going down to Winner’s Man in last December’s Grand Prix, but with Winner’s Man out of the picture, and Global Hit having won the first leg of the series, the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) in March, the four-year-old was sent off a warm favourite to once again defy a wide draw and take out the Stayer second leg.
Tuhonui Banseok set off meaning business. Under Chae Sang-hyun the now five-year-old, who won the race by a remarkable eleven-lengths a year ago, went straight to the lead alongside 100/1 outsider Bolt Man. Kim Hye-sun aboard Global Hit meanwhile used the same tactics she did in the Herald Business and rode patiently, setting up camp in midfield and gradually improving as the field made their way down the back.
Pic: KRA
It was a brave effort from Tuhonui Banseok and while Global Hit inexorably raised the pressure in the sprint, he would not go down without a fight and continued to hold the younger horse at bay. They crossed the line together, but momentum saw Global Hit strike the front just when it mattered, the margin a nose. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit, was a length back in 3rd.
Pre-race the market consensus was that the biggest danger was Nut Play, who got within a length of Global Hit in the Herald Business and drew a better gate this time around. Just like the Herald Business, jockey Jo Jae-ro opted to follow favourite. They would not get on terms and ultimately finished 4th. Wonderful Slew, the only filly or mare in the race, was a game 5th.
The diminutive Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] may not look like a racehorse, but he is fast and gutsy and he moves on to seven wins from twelve starts. For jockey Kim Hye-sun, as well as trainer Bang Dong-suk, he is proving to be a career-defining horse. He is owned by Kim Joon-hyun, who also had Minister’s Cup winner Hit Yegam in Winner’s Man’s year.
Jockey Kim will have plenty of time to reflect on the win as she picked up a four-meeting ban for the way she came off the fence to the detriment of Wonderful Slew on the 3rd corner.
The final leg of the Stayer Series is the slightly shorter Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast on Sunday May 26. Tuhonui Banseok is the defending champion there too having lifted himself up off the canvas to go past Winner’s Man. He will need all that and more if he is to prevent Global Hit from carrying off a clean sweep.
Next week, the focus moves to the filly and mare division and the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Jeulgeounyeojeong heads the field with Raon The Spurt looking the main danger.
Global Hit remains the one to beat in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
After running 2nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit asserted his claim to be the new King of Korean racing with victory in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul last month.
Despite Winner’s Man being out of the picture for the foreseeable future – and possibly to be retired – the margin of victory was less than a length as another four-year-old, Nut Play was bearing down on Global Hit. The pair head the line up for the YTN and a reversal in form shouldn’t be ruled out.
At his best though, (14) GLOBAL HIT may prove hard to beat. He draws the same wide gate as he did in the Herald Business and Kim Hye-sun on board will be very aware of the threat that Nut Play – and others – can pose. Expect tactics to be adjusted accordingly.
(3) NUT PLAY also featured on the Triple Crown trail last year, running 4th in the KRA Cup Mile, before 3rd place finishes in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup. He picked up a Listed win last September over 1800M and began this year with a victory at class 1 level before his Herald Business runner-up. He comes into a much better gate this time.
Although they will be at the top of the market, this is no two-horse race. (7) TUHONUI BANSEOK is the defending champion, having demolished a field including Winner’s Man by an astonishing eleven-lengths. He made his season re-appearance in the Herald Business, running a creditable 3rd. A big run is possible here.
The wildcard is a stablemate of Tuhonui Banseok’s. In fact, it isn’t initially obvious which is the second string from the Bart Rice barn as (2) JEONGMUN COBIT enters in sensational form, having won his latest four at distances between 1400M and 2000M, posting some very quick times and for the most part, giving away weight. This is a step into the unknown competition wise, but he may well step up.
(10) SPEED YOUNG was champion juvenile in 2022 and has consistently threatened to break through at the very top level, including a strong 2nd behind Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and a 3rd in the President’s Cup. He can mix his form, but he was a fair 5th in the Herald Business and shouldn’t be dismissed today.
Others who may find some interest at longer prices include (11) CHIEF INDY and the only filly in the race, Luigi Riccardi’s (4) WONDERFUL SLEW.
The YTN Cup is race 7 on the 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05.
Selections
(14) Global Hit (3) Nut Play (2) Jeongmun Cobit (7) Tuhonui Banseok
After the sprinters last week, this week it’s the second leg of the Stayer Series and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) headlines the daytime card on Sunday at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Global Hit headlines Sunday’s YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) USEUNG CONCORD raced twice in late summer last year, recording a 3rd and a 2nd over 1000M and 1200M. He hasn’t raced since but trialled up fairly in March and Moon Se-young’s engagement makes it likely they intend to pick up from where they left off and win first-up against this very limited set of opponents. (5) ARCH ROCKET has hinted at ability and should at least be on pace here. An apprentice keeps his weight very light, and he should be in the mix. (10) POWER TRY is the solitary debut maker. It took hm two goes to qualify but he looked competent enough at the second time of asking and he can be considered against this lot. (7) JEONGSEONG VICE and (6) HERO NARA others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BREEDO KING STAR enters off a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and both times settling behind the lead before finishing well. Despite the wide draw, he can be expected to be on pace here and he us the one to bear. Clear second-pick is (1) GEUMSEONG REVERE. Having returned from almost nine months out to run a 4th place over 1300M on March 14th, she should strip fitter here and can be a danger. The form falls off significantly after those, but (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has hinted at ability across his three starts so far. He has got a bit far back in his races but should be running on strong here. (7) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG and (3) HIGH END are potential improvers.
Selections
(9) Breedo King Star (1) Geumseong Revere (5) Éclair Power (7) Changjoui Gidung
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BLAZING MAN will be the favourite here. He has shown steady improvement across his three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1400M on March 22nd when racing on pace. He has finished ahead of a few of these already and he should be finishing ahead of all of them today. (3) THUNDER GUY comes in having finished a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 31st. The time wasn’t the quickest, but he should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. (4) HANEUL SINHWA dead-heated for 5th place behind Blazing Man last time out and can there or thereabouts again. (2) BEST BOY and (7) GOAT KING IJI among others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(9) Blazing Man (3) Thunder Guy (4) Haneul Sinhwa (2) Best Boy
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only and (2) JERAQUEEN will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across her five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1300M in a similar all-filly race on March 17th when leading almost all the way. She draws nicely to lead again and will be expected to go one better. (10) BEATRIZ enters having run an improved 3rd over this distance in February when racing on the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light, and despite the wide draw, she can be on pace and in this again. (7) PINK WIND was one of those behind Jeraqueen on March 17th, but she has a 2nd place to her name and can be a factor here. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE and (5) MONEY TOUCH others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) MORPHEUS is up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking when stepped up to a mile and leading all the way on March 24th. He has performed well at this distance as well and while he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight break, he can be on pace again and can go back-to-back. (4) MOVIE MORE is yet to win in ten attempts, nine of hem at this distance but she comes in with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two. She carries a light weight, draws well to challenge Morpheus for the early lead, and it could well be her day. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. It may have been her first win on her twentieth start, but she has loads of experience at this level and this is the kind of company she can place among. The rest need to improve on recent form with (11) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (6) SINHAE MANGCHI perhaps the most likely.
Selections
(5) Morpheus (4) Movie More (2) Velociraptor (11) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YONGAM MARENGO finished down the field when sent off as favourite at class and distance on March 23rd. The margins weren’t huge though and we can give him another chance after two near-misses leading up to it. He can sit behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (6) RAON THE TAP has two placings at this class and enters off a fair 5th, ahead of Yongam Marengo in that March 23rd race. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he will have plenty of backers here. (5) MEOTJIN GIROK has been working his way back into form and enters off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on March 17th. He is another with a strong finish who should be doing his best work late. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (7) NAOL DAEWANG others to consider.
Selections
(9) Yongam Marengo (6) Raon The Tap (5) Meotjin Girok (4) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (11) JAZZ STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M in an all-filly maiden on March 22nd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and, under a light weight, she can maintain her 100% start. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE is the main danger. She was a winner at this class and distance in February – the only one in the field to have prevailed at 1400M – before running midfield in stiffer company than this and under 56kg last time out. She comes down in the weights here with an apprentice engaged, is drawn well, and she can return to form. (10) ARION QUEEN will need a line drawn through her latest over a mile but should be happier back in trip here. (7) NONSTOP DUTY and (1) CHIMING RUN others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) Jazz Star (2) Wonderful Cutie (10) Arion Queen (7) Nonstop Duty
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) ROYAL BEST got his maiden win over 1300M in January, making all, and has since been 4th on both tries at this class, both times having led. He draws nicely here, CC climbs aboard, and he can win. (2) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish any worse than 4th after five starts last year. He hasn’t raced since last October but he looked very well when leading all the way in a trial at the start of this month, and from a good gate, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) HAEJE YEOGEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on January 14th having led. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks out and she can be in the hunt. (4) GOLDEN LINE and (6) TAMNA CHOEGANGJA others to consider.
Selections
(3) Royal Best (2) Jechuk Iho (9) Haeje Yeogeol (4) Golden Line
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Bring an umbrella, rain is forecast! Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Just eight in the first division of this maiden and (1) CUPID MIR will be the clear favourite. He has finished 3rd once and 4th three times across his five starts so far, posting decent times along the way. From the inside gate he will surely be on the pace, and he should lead all the way. (7) SEOUL DOLPUNG is the clear second pick. He overcame a wide draw to run 4th at 1300M on March 16th and in this smaller field should be closer to the front from the start. He has six finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be aiming for at least 2nd here. (5) BOLLIN ran 3rd over 1200M two starts back in a good time and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (8) CAMP DAVID and (3) EUNSEONG SARANG other possibles for the minors.
Selections
(1) Cupid Mir (7) Seoul Dolpung (5) Bollin (8) Camp David
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BREEDO GIRL will be heavy favourite in the second division of this maiden. After running 4th on debut over 1200M in December, she returned in February to finish 2nd at 1400M, coming from off the pace. She has had eleven weeks off since, but she really should be able to score in this company. (8) CROQUIS is second pick. She has two 3rd places from her last three including last time out at this distance on March 30th. She was beaten by a couple of these in between, but a repeat of her latest effort will see her close. Given the strength (or lack thereof) in this race, we should at least consider the solitary first time starter. That’s (7) SAEROUN GUY who while a long way behind the winner of his trial, looked competent enough, and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. (4) THUNDER SPEED and (3) ELITE PEACE potential improvers.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (5) DIANA got her maiden win two starts back, leading all the way over this distance, before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 31st over 1300M when on pace again. She comes up slightly in the weights, but back at 1200M, she can win again. (4) MUJANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over 1400M at this class. She comes in der a very light weight here and from a good draw, she shapes as the main danger. (6) SMART SOCKS ran 3rd over 1200M on April 7th, coming from off the pace. That was a big uptick in recent form and while still a maiden after nineteen attempts, she can be close again. (11) DREAM SKY and (3) ELITE ROYAL are others to consider.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN got his one win in February at this class and distance when coming from well off the pace. He then had a poor day at the office at his latest start at class and distance on March 23rd, when settling back after a slow start and this time not running on, but we’ll draw a line through that and with CC climbing on, he can return to winning ways. (4) JEONGMUN PAPAGO enters having got his maiden win at the eighteenth time of asking at this class and distance in that same race on March 23rd that Naegilui Captain disappointed in. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result, but he warrants respect. (2) BAEKRYONG remains winless in nine but comes up in class after a few too many near-misses. He is down in the weights, draws nicely, and can measure up in this company. (8) GLORY K and (7) MIGHTY BOM others in the hunt.
The short spring evening race season comes to an end this week with the action kicking off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those. (1) QUEEN OF DRAGON went through two trials in March and April, settling midfield in both and running on well to cross the line 4th in both in good times. She draws nicely, the 1200M can suit first-up, and if she brings her trial form to the races, she’ll be close. Among the experience, (12) KING DRAGON. He ran an on-pace 5th on debut over this distance on March 15th and while he was a fair bit behind the first-three, he should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (9) SHINING MORNING enters off a 3rd place over 1300M last time out, her bets in six attempts so far. That’s enough to put her in the frame here. (2) GOLDEN NICE and (3) THE GREY MAN other potential improvers.
Selections
(1) Queen Of Dragon (12) King Dragon (9) Shining Morning (2) Golden Nice
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
5, 6, 9, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) SKY ARCH has shown improvement across eight starts so far, and she comes in off her best when 2nd over this distance on April 5th when settling midfield and running on. She is third-up this preparation and from a good draw, she can go one better here. (5) HYPER FORCE improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on March 1st when racing handy. She looks to have scope for more development and has posted the fastest time of any of these for the 1400M. (7) UNJU LEGEND enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at a mile. An apprentice keeps her weight low, and she should be in the mix again. (9) DIA GRIT and (4) HAERANG JINJU others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Sky Arch (5) Hyper Force (7) Unju Legend (9) Dia Grit
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BLUE POINT has quite the name to live up to, but he looks to be figuring things out following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to this distance at start number three on March 17th. There isn’t much speed in this race so he should get a nice run to the front, and he can win here. The danger is (6) GREAT BOY. He made his first four starts last year recording a best of 4th but was then off from October until re-appearing on March 15th. The break seemed to do him some good as he was an improved 2nd on return at 1300M and can be expected to strip fitter here. (3) MY WAY leaves himself too much to do but may appreciate the step up to the mile for the first time, while (5) NANGMAN DAERO has finished 4th on each of his last four starts and could well do so again. (9) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG another to consider for the minors.
Selections
(7) Blue Point (6) Great Boy (3) My Way (5) Nangman Daero
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) HUNTER DRAGON remains a maiden but comes up to this class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two, both over a mile and both times racing on pace. He comes down in the weights, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance of getting off the mark here at what is only his fourth career start. (6) NALA beat three of these on her way to a close 2nd at big odds over a mile on March 22nd when overcoming the widest gate and flying home late. She’ll be at least an each-way price again and could provide some interest. (3) TOP FRIEND ran 5th in that March 22nd race having raced on pace. He is a twenty-start maiden but has five 2nd place finishes and should be in the mix here. (9) STREET ROCK and (5) QUEEN OF JOY others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Hunter Dragon (6) Nala (3) Top Friend (9) Street Rock
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, takes centre stage on Sunday, but there are plenty of other valuable races spread across both the capital and Busan with Trophy Exchange races for the Singapore Turf Club (evidently for the final time), Jockey Club of Turkey, Tokyo City Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club and the China Horse Industry Association. There is also a big money race to mark the end of the Cherry Blossom season. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Raon The Point won the opening leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) SEOBU CHAMP comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on March 16th when settling back and running on strongly. She comes in here carrying the same weight and has every chance of coming out on top this day. It’s a competitive maiden though. (4) TAP DIA has a 2nd and a 3rd among her own three starts so far. In this company, she may be further forward than in those races and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) PROCEED showed improvement to run 3rd at start number two over 1300M on March 2nd. He too may like the increased distance and CC Wong climbs up. (3) EUMSEONG POWER and (10) ALL EYES ON ME among others capable of at least challenging for the places.
Selections
(5) Seobu Champ (4) Tap Dia (8) Proceed (3) Eumseong Power
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies here and it’s hard to go past (3) APPLE QUEEN. Having run 4th on debut, all the way back last June, she didn’t race again until this March 16th when she was an on-pace 3rd over 1400M. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly fancied to lead from gate to wire. (6) SHINE BOLT has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1200M on February 24th over this distance. She comes into a better gate here and can continue to get closer. (8) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places among her four appearances. That means that any top-three finish will get her a rating and see her at class 5 next time and she could well match or better. (4) SMILE GOLD and (7) BYLONG STAR, the latter having been back to trial since a chastening debut, are others to consider.
Selections
(3) Apple Queen (6) Shine Bolt (8) Complete Party (4) Smile Gold
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 3, 4 ,7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive opener. (10) GANGSEO PRIDE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on March 8th, when on pace throughout. It wasn’t a quick time, and he was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, he has as good a chance as any here. (9) GIANT MARINE raced three times without distinction up until July last year. He was then put away and returned on March 15th this year and ran much better, finishing 3rd in a decent time over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (11) ONE WAY ROAD has been getting steadily better in recent outings and can continue his upward trajectory here. (5) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) DREAM WAY others in at least the placing hunt.
Selections
(10) Gangseo Pride (9) Giant Marine (11) One Way Road (5) Choegang Chongal
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
4, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) LOVE COWGIRL returns to action for the first time since last September. After winning on debut, she finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd in three subsequent starts before her layoff and going by her all the way trial win two weeks ago, she can pick up from where she left off. (8) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA got his maiden win at this class and distance on March 3rd, settling handy and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights today, but he can be competitive again. (6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win at this distance three starts back and has since run 4th and 5th in two tries at this level, most recently over 1700M. He looks nicely in here and should go close. (4) SINUI YEOJE and (11) GOOD SEONGBONG the other logical place chances.
Selections
(3) Love Cowgirl (8) Seoul Choegangja (6) The Sun Fighter (4) Sinui Yeoje
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) I AM LEGEND got her maiden win two starts back over this distance before running 2nd at big odds on her first try at this level on March 8th settling right back and running on. She seems to be hitting her groove and she can win this. (3) RAON THE TANGO enters off a useful 3rd place at this class over 1400M on March 8th. The same apprentice jockey keeps the edge off his carried weight and from a good draw, he can go close again. (11) HANEUL EUTTEUM scored a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 15th. He comes up 2lg in the weights and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he should be running on to be a danger once more. (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS are others who can enter at least the placing calculations.
Selections
(5) I Am Legend (3) Raon The Tango (11) Haneul Eutteum (2) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is an afternoon and evening meeting at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
The Seoul Racecourse blossoms are on the way out now, sadly, although evening racing continues
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens in the opener with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of the first timers and (5) GOLD SIDAE. He took two attempts to qualify but did so in some style at the second time of asking, racing on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a decent time. He draws well to be on pace here and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. Of the experienced ones, (4) CANVASEN GO will be the best fancied and will probably start as favourite, having run a fair 5th of twelve on debut on February 18th. He should strip fitter for that run, he comes into a better gate, and he has solid claims. (11) HERO GOLD improved from 7th on debut to 5th at start number two and can continue to make progress here. (9) BEST MAYA and (1) CAPTAIN MUSIC are other debut-makers who warrant consideration first-up.
Selections
(5) Gold Sidae (4) Canvasen Go (11) Hero Gold (9) Best Maya
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) SOLAIRE has four top-four finishes from five starts so far and comes in off the best of them, when runner-up over this distance on March 16th. She likes to settle back and run on and if she shows the same sort of late speed here, she should go past this lot comfortably. (1) ASSI JANGGUN enters off a 3rd place in a very slow race over this distance in February. She had previously shown more in the way of speed though when 2nd over 1200M three starts back and from the inside gate, shapes as the main danger here. (4) JURING SKY was an improved 4th at 1200M on March 9th and in the absence of much in the way of early speed in this race, may find herself much further forward today and can be in this a long way. (5) MK LEE and (9) DAEWONYONGMA others who may improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Weak maiden. (2) MO CHUISLE has a 3rd and most recently a 4th place to her name across five starts so far, generally racing best when on pace. From a great draw today, she should get a comfortable run to the lead, and she can go all the way. The main danger is (4) YEJIMONG. Her best from fourteen starts so far is a 2nd but she has finished either 4th or 5th on no fewer than seven occasions, including her latest three, all at this distance. She is an unspectacular type but should be close to the pace and be there or thereabouts again today. (1) TESTA RUBY ran a much-improved 4th at this distance on March 9th and a similar run will see her in the finish again. (6) BAEKDU DAEMUL and (9) TOHOMARKET other minor money hopes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BLOOD MOUNTAIN will be a warm favourite. He has been getting closer in his seven starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place when stepped up to this distance for the first time on March 16th when racing against plenty of today’s rivals. He should have benefited from the experience of racing around two turns and he comes into a much better gate today. He will need to overturn the form on (5) COSMO KING, who ran a very good 2nd place in that March 16th race having tarted at odds in excess of 60/1. That was by far his best finish to date, and he warrants more respect here. The rest don’t inspire much confidence. (1) YONGBICHEON was 5th in that March 16th races and that’s enough to make her the next best. (9) QUEEN ABIGAIL and (4) EVER THE CROWN are minor money hopes.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SSEULMO remains a maiden after eleven attempts, but he has seven top-four finishes, including a last start 3rd at this class over 1300M on March 10th when he overcame gate ten to race handy and run on. He draws much better today and with similar tactics, he can make the breakthrough. That will mean overturning the form on (7) GREEN VIVACE, who was 2nd in that March 10th race, having led for much of the way around. She got her win at this distance, she should be on pace, and third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness wise. Plenty of others enter with recent form reading well, but the wild card is (8) BEAT UP. He hasn’t raced since a 2nd place at class and distance just over a year ago, but he looked very well when going through a trial in March and he can go well first-up here. (3) GOLDBERG and (9) JAEWOO SIDAE are others to keep safe.
The Stakes racing action moves to Seoul this weekend with Sunday’s SBS Sports Sprint. The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday though with 8 afternoon and evening races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the opener. (4) MARIA’S CALL went well in trials and debuted fairly in 5th place over 1200M on debut on March 8th when racing handily throughout. It wasn’t a quick race, but she should have come on for the run and she has as good a chance as any here. (2) WORLD ANGEL CAT was a much-improved 3rd on her latest appearance on March 10th, leading for much of the way. She draws nicely here, and a similar effort will see her in the finish again. (9) ROSE DRAGON improved to 4th place at start number two over 1400M on March 15th having been slowly away and run on well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer here. (3) BORAM and (5) RUNNING FASHION others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(4) Maria’s Call (2) World Angel Cat (9) Rose Dragon (3) Boram
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) FLYING THE FORD didn’t do much in two starts around the turn of the year, most recently in February, but he went back to trial in late March and led all the way around, stopping the clock in a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be the one to beat here. (6) FLASH DAY beat a couple of these when racing on pace on his way to an improved 4th place on his second start over 1200M on March 15th. In this company, he should be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (9) BREEDO PELL did nothing on debut last October but looked a much better prospect when trialling up again in March. He can go well first-up here. (10) WHITE FALCON and first timer (4) GLORY GANGSEO are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Flying The Ford (6) Flash Day (9) Breedo Pell (10) White Falcon
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG is a sixteen-race maiden. But he has no fewer than nine top-five finishes on his record including a last start 4th over this distance on Mach 22nd when settling midfield and staying on. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. (3) HERE THE QUEEN got her maiden win two starts back over 1400M before running 4th on her first try at this class, again at the 1400M, three weeks ago. She looks nicely in here and can be competitive again. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER came from well off the pace to get his maiden win over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is slightly down in the weights, and he can measure up in this company. (12) B.K. ZENA and (11) CHOICE ROAD are others who can go close.
Selections
(2) Success Yeonggwang (3) Here The Queen (7) Majestic Dancer (12) B.K. Zena
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) OVER THE TRIPLE was a beaten favourite over a mile on March 22nd when he led for much of the way and then weakened late on. He comes back down to a distance at which he has a win and a runner-up finish at in two prior attempts, and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go all the way. (1) DOCTOR CAPTAIN won that March 22nd race, settling handy from the widest gate and running on for a narrow score. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but that is balanced a little by a much better draw, and he can be competitive again. (7) MORNING FLOW was a winner at this class and distance two starts back and with an apprentice claim here, can go close. (11) ROAD TO TOP and (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE are among others to be considered.
Selections
(2) Over The Triple (1) Doctor Captain (7) Morning Flow (11) Road To Top
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) SUCCESSFUL has been ultra consistent, finishing in the top five in all ten of his starts so far. He comes in having run 3rd in a quick race over 1200M on March 1st which he led at one point, and under the same weight today and up slightly in trip, he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (4) SKY ROJO. He was the winner of that March 1st race, settling midfield and proving too strong in the closing stages. He comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but he is not to be dismissed here. (5) SKY JILJU led every step of the way to win in a decent time over this distance on March 17th. He is up in class here but should be competitive again. (2) NICE BIG GUY and (11) WISE KING are other placing chances.
Selections
(7) Successful (4) Sky Rojo (5) Sky Jilju (2) Nice Big Guy
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 10, 11
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) MASARANGGIL won back-to-back races over the turn of the year with the most recent being at this class and distance in January. She didn’t really feature on her latest start over 1800M at the start of February, but she comes in here fresh and back at a mile and drawn well, she can win. (1) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK doesn’t win out of turn, but he enters in very solid form with two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three at this class, all over 1800M. He draws nicely here, he carries a light weight, and he should go close again. (2) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE is up in class having won over 1400M on March 3rd. He has placed at this distance before, and he can measure up here. (6) PURPLE LINE and (12) BLACK VOLT others who can enter the calculations.
Nice Time and Eunpa Sarang have headed South for the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)
Six colts have made the trip down from Seoul to face seven from the host track and it is a race of many chances.
Champion juvenile HANGANG CLASS will probably start as the betting favourite locally, but he comes in having been beaten in Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy (1400M KOR-Listed) in February, when taken down late by WONDERFUL LEAR. The pair meet again with Hangang Class this time much better drawn.
NICE TIME was Seoul’s best juvenile last year, and he has started 2024 in fine fashion with two wins, including in the capital city’s Classic Trial. He will be ridden by Moon Se-young, who last week won the opening leg of the Triple Tiara on Eclipse Berry and could well make it a double here.
DOCTOR KINGDOM had plenty of near misses throughout the juvenile series last year but an improvement shouldn’t be ruled out while his stablemate, BACCHUS, has taken the same route that last year’s winner Betelgeuse did, and is already a winner at 1800M, let a lone a mile. SUCCESS BAEKPA and STORM BREAKER are others who skipped the Juvenile Series and the Classic Trials to take a different path here.
1. HANGANG CLASS – Dominant seven-length winner of the Breeders’ Cup in December to be crowned champion juvenile. He was favourite for Busan’s Classic Trial in February but was a touch slow out of the widest gate and was then ridden hard around the outside to ultimately establish a four-length lead turning into the straight before being picked off late. He is drawn much better today for an easier run and his class can see him through. The favourite.
2. WONDERFUL LEAR – Picked off Hangang Class late on to win Busan’s Classic Trial, he is a winner of three from six. He has mixed his form and Hangang Class beat him twice last year. Don’t read too much into his midfield finish at this distance in January in a tough and quick race against older horses at class 3 level. He can be very competitive here.
3. NICE TIME – A winner of five from six stars so far with his only defeat coming at Busan when 4th in the Breeders’ Cup. He was slowly away in Seoul’s Classic Trial but showed a lot of heart to haul himself to the lead and then to keep it under pressure. The mile may well suit.
4. LALA KA – Won the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy but has never come close to repeating his explosive exploits from last August’s Rookie Stakes. 5th of ten at class 3 level in his only start this year back in January, he does at least come in here fresh, and the mile could be to his liking.
Horse Racing in Korea 