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
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 11:00 to 17:50. Due to the cancellation of Saturday’s pony-race card at Jeju, the post times for most races have been amended. Here are the previews:
Geudaemaniddamyeon will try and behave a little better on Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(2) GREEN JACKET won his trial and then ran a solid 2nd place on debut when settling midfield from a wide draw and running on over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, he gets a better gate here, and he can win. (8) MONEY MOVE trialed up behind Green Jacket and then ran 2nd himself on debut over this distance on January 31st, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be close again. (1) BARAMGAEBI ran 3rd in a decent time at this distance on debut on January 30th and will have plenty of backers to go better here. (5) COMPLETE TURBO and first time starter (11) URUS SABBIA look the best of the rest.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) PURPLE KOREA will be a hot favourite here. She was sent off at big odds on debut on February 7th but defied those to run a close 3rd having shown on the pace throughout. She won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) SEOUL BIHAENG ran 2nd on debut in January when leading for most of the way before finishing 6th behind Purple Korea on February 7th. He’ll be on pace here and is second choice. (2) DIA JILJU was a slow 6th of eleven on debut at this distance and from a good draw can get closer. With the newcomers not showing much in trials, (4) BULPAEUI YEOWANG and (7) DAEHAN POWER may improve.
Selections
(8) Purple Korea (6) Seoul Bihaeng (2) Dia Jilju (4) Bulpaeui Yeowang
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden with a few looking ready to win. (5) K N STORM came from off the pace to get his second 3rd place finish over this distance on February 8th. He doesn’t get the benefit of an apprentice claim today, but a similar effort can see him win. (9) POWERFUL PRADO also has a pair of4rd places to her name. She can get a bit far back in her races, as she did last time, but she gets a weight drop here and can be a danger. (8) SAMJEONG WINNER is yet to crack the top two but has four finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be close again. (2) JEJU PRINCESS and (4) DREAM DIA other chances.
Selections
(5) K N Storm (9) Powerful Prado (8) Samjeong Winner (2) Jeju Princess
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (3) WHIZ DREAM was a winner on debut over 1000M in a very quick time but has struggled a little in two starts at this class over 1300M, both times using up quite a bit of energy to get forward and weakening. Today the slight drop back in trip should suit but crucially she draws well and should be able to get a softer run to the front. If she does, she should win. (6) RAON THE PLUMA got her maiden win at start three over this distance on February 8th, leading all the way. She is up in class but can measure up in this company. (4) SEVEN KAISER is yet to win but likewise has never finished outside of the top four and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) YEONGWONHAN STAR and (11) YES ANGEL are the other place chances.
Selections
(3) Whiz Dream (6) Raon The Pluma (4) Seven Kaiser (10) Yeongwonhan Star
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) 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 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maidens with all but two racing for the first time. The experience should be good enough. (2) GYEONGBOK ATOS trialed well and was a beaten favourite when 3rd over 1200M on debut on January 16th when only beginning fairly before being ridden up to the pace. He should have come on for the run and will be favourite again. (9) NICE MYEONGGA has raced twice for a 2nd and a 4th, the latter at this distance. She should have a fitness edge on these and is a chance. Of the first timers, (3) GOLD POCKET took two goes to qualify but looked very well in the second of them, running an on-pace 2nd in a decent time. He draws well; Seo Seung-un is on, and he can put in a bold showing. (6) GAON PERFECT and (8) GIROL SIDAE hinted at ability in trials.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) POWERFUL THUNDER has been getting closer across four starts so far culminating in 3rd place at this distance o February 27th when handy throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but should have enough about him to get to a prominent position again, and he looks ready to win. (10) YONGBI LEGEND was 2nd in a slow race two starts back over this distance. She has mixed her form across five starts but should be placing in this company. (6) MAGIC HAMMER too hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has a 3rd and two 4th places among four outings to date, and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (3) CHAMPUI HYANGGI and first-time starter (1) DOCTOR PUNCH are others who could play a role in the finish.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) FANTASTIC BOSS has a 3rd on his record and enters having been the beaten favourite on February 13th when 6th of eleven over 1400M. Coming up to the mile for the first time can suit, and he can win. He will have to overturn the form on (3) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL, who was 4th in that February 13th race, coming from a long way back. She has a 5th and two 4th places from three starts so far and while her times have been slow, she carries a featherweight, and having done her best work late, she should thrive at the mile. (5) NICE POWER beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 5th place on March 8th and makes a quick return here to strike while the iron is at least at room temperature. (4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN and (8) OASIS CHAMP could improve.
Selections
(9) Fantastic Boss (3) Dolgyeok Special (5) Nice Power (4) Hwaeryeohan Sungan
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) THE POINT enters off a maiden win that had been coming on February 13th when he scored from on pace at 1200M. Despite coming up in class he carries an additional kilo today, but that shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win again. (11) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN is the danger. He is similarly up in class following his maiden win, which in his case arrived at start four over this distance on January 18th when on pace all the way. He doesn’t get a weight break either and he draws wide, but Seo Seung-un stays on and he can measure up. (7) VICTORY STORY is yet to win in thirteen but has seven finishes between 2nd and 4th and can be there or thereabouts again. (10) DOCTOR ACE and (2) GREAT STAR others in the frame.
Selections
(5) The Point (11) Boryeong Ultra Man (7) Victory Story (10) Doctor Ace
Next Best
2, 12
Fast Start
5, 7, 11,12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a who’s who of the distance ranks lining up in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3).
Clean One easily won the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)
Defending champion SUCCESS BAEKPA is back, but he is going to have his work cut out if he is to retain his title. A two-time Classic winner at three, Success Baekpa makes his five-year-old debut racing for the first time since finishing down the field in the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) at the end of November. Prior to that though, he was 3rd in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) and while that kind of form mixing has been a feature throughout his career, on his day he can mix it with the best. Jin Kyum is aboard for trainer Min Jang-gi.
The Grand Prix saw a display of domination by CLEAN ONE. The then three-year-old led early and had most of the field off the bridle, including Japanese raider Yumeno Honoo, with almost four furlongs left to run, ultimately winning by nine-lengths, the biggest margin in the race in three decades. He hasn’t raced since but he trialed well a month ago and if he gets to the lead, could run away from them again. Clean One will be partnered for the first time by Seo Seung-un.
SPEED YOUNG is the reigning Horse of the Year and won the President’s Cup. The “Swiss Army Knife” returns to the racing around two turns having taken time out to win the Listed Segye Ilbo (1200M KOR-Listed) last month and will surely be in the finish again.
Runner-up in both the President’s Cup and the Grand Prix was GANGPUNGMA, and he is the best chance among horses trained in the capital. He hasn’t been the most fluent coming out of the gates recently which has put him on the backfoot but he was a smart winner at class 1 handicap level to round out the year and he will have plenty of backers. He starts for the first time having moved to the stable of Choi Bong-ju.
The Herald Business is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16.05:
1. GLOBAL SOCKS – Well back behind Gangpungma over this trip on December 28th and then midfield over 1800M in February. A long time since he last placed and a big outsider here.
The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with an all-star line up of twelve facing the starter in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Clean One races for the first time since his Grand Prix romp (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) CHAOS was ordinary on debut last October but was much better when returning on January 31st leading for most of the way around and finishing in 3rd place ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She should strip fitter for that run and with no other early speed in the race, is clear favourite here. (2) COWBOY QUEEN was a fair 5th on her debut on February 1st over this distance, settling midfield and finishing off well enough. She is under an apprentice claim again here and can improve. There are four debut makers. (11) ORATORIUM was 3rd in trial and looks the best placed to make an impact first up. (10) CLOVER ONE and (6) CHEONGGANG GYEOUL also hinted at ability in their heats.
Selections
(5) Chaos (2) Cowboy Queen (11) Oratorium (10) Clover One
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
5, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) FIVE STAR has been knocking on the door over his five starts to date, with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both times coming from off the pace. He can get a bit far back but if Furkan can have him in touch in the straight, this race is there for the taking. (2) MR.CREDIT has mixed his form across four outings, but he did register a smart 3rd over 1200M in December. Things didn’t work out for him when he was midfield in a slow race over this trip on February 14th but he is worth another chance here. (9) KING SPICY has made progress each time, most recently a 4th place at 1300M and the slight step up in trip again can suit. (11) QUEENS FLYING and (10) PRIMERO are other place chances.
Selections
(4) Five Star (2) Mr.Credit (9) King Spicy (11) Queens Flying
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Franco Da Silva might not have retained the ride on Clean One in the G3 at Seoul today, but he can still have a very good day at Busan, and he kicks off with a very good chance in the shape of (3) VICTORIA CHUKJE. After a 2nd place on debut, she has registered a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts, at 1200M and most recently this distance on February 15th. From a good draw she can be expected to be further forward earlier, and she is the one to bet. (9) VELOCI QUEEN was 2nd at start two, narrowly missing out in a tight finish over 1200M on January 23rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and she is a danger. (4) SUPER HIT enters off her best to date when 3rd at this distance on February 1st and can match or better that here. (10) DIA X and (2) NORTHERN QUEEN are the other chances.
Selections
(3) Victoria Chukje (9) Veloci Queen (4) Super Hit (10) Dia X
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 5 ,12
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only (1) RAON THE BELMONT had a poor day at the office last time out February 8th when only making it to midfield and never traveling. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her class and distance win two starts back on December 28th and in this more limited company, give her another chance. (4) FINAL JILJU ran 2nd at big odds at class and distance on February 14th and while up 2kg in weight, can aim to repeat. (5) POETIC NUBI enters with recent form reading adequately and that’s enough to have her among the place chances. (7) HAKSAN DAESE and (3) RED DRAGON others who can pick up in what is a weak race and where all of what passes for early speed is drawn wide.
Selections
(1) Raon The Belmont (4) Final Jilju (5) Poetic Nubi (7) Haksan Daese
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
8, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) SUCCESS DAY has been getting closer across his four starts so far, culminating in 2nd on hos first try at this distance on February 13th when handy throughout. He can be on pace here and can go one better. Solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL FASHION went through two trials, settling back in one and showing at the front in the other and finishing 3rd in both. He draws well to get forward early and can put in a bold showing in this company. (9) CARAT KING enters off a best to date 2nd at this distance on March 1st. He makes a quick return and an apprentice claiming 3kg keeps him competitive. (11) DOKKI TIGER and (6) ROYAL CRYSTAL others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Success Day (2) Wonderful Fashion (9) Carat King (11) Dokki Tiger
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) CONCORD BLUE was a winner on debut over 1200M in January before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on February 8th. He draws wide here but should have enough about him early to get to the lead, and he is the one to beat. (9) ROAD TO STAR has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts at this level since getting his maiden win back in December. He can settle behind the early speed here and be a threat late on. (5) LOVERMAN comes up in class having scored his maiden win at this distance on February 14th. The time wasn’t quick, but he is down 2kg in weight and he can be competitive. (4) BLISS STAR and (6) THUNDER MARVEL are others in the hunt.
Selections
(10) Concord Blue (9) Road To Star (5) Loverman (4) Bliss Star
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) BUNKER BUSTER got his maiden win at start two at the end of January and then came desperately close to following up when 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on February 27th. He comes up 1.5kg in weight, but he will be on pace, and he is favoured to go one better today. (1) BREEDO ARENA came from off the pace to win over this distance two starts back and while she only finished midfield over 1300M on her first try at this level two weeks ago, she carries a light weight and can be in the finish here. (11) DREAM RACER has beaten a couple of today’s rivals in both his latest two outings, most recently when 4th at this class and distance on February 1st and should beat plenty again. (12) SUCCESS COW and (3) TIP TAP others with place chances.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10.35 to 18.00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) BREEDO AQUA was an on pace 2nd over this distance on debut on February 7th, well beaten by a good winner, but posting a decent time. She should have come on for that and won’t need to improve by much to win this. (2) GANGHAN GAMMA has raced twice, finishing 5th on debut on January and then 3rd at start two over 1300M on February 15th. Her times haven’t been quick, but she can have a fitness edge on her rivals and be close again. Among the first timers, (3) MY DOLPUNG was 2nd from on the pace in her trial and draws well to lead again. (8) GOLD ID and (7) BEST SECRET others who showed promise in their heats.
Selections
(5) Breedo Aqua (2) Ganghan Gamma (3) My Dolpung (8) Gold ID
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GOLDEN DIVA has been consistent across her five starts so far, finishing in the top five on every occasion. In this company and from this gate, she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can go all the way. (1) BLAZING ENGINE has a 2nd and a 3rd from three starts so far, those sandwiching a poor effort when slow away and getting too far back at start two. He didn’t go down by much last time and a similar effort over this trip can see him home close. (6) INSPIRE beat Golden Diva as the pair finished 3rd and 4th at this distance on February 14th. That was a big uptick in form, and he can maintain it here. (10) GOLDEN SAVE and (9) PASA ACE other place chances.
Selections
(2) Golden Diva (1) Blazing Engine (6) Inspire (10) Golden Save
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) POWERFUL IMPACT was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 7th but copped a bump at the start and didn’t have much luck after as he trailed him 6th with three of today’s rivals ahead. Before that he registered a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance and with a smoother passage today, he has every chance. (10) MANGEUM CROWN has a 3rd and a 4th in two tries at this distance. He has a strong finish on him so the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he can challenge late here. (11) THE SUN COMING was 3rd to Mangeum Crown’s 4th when they raced each other on January 25th over this distance and while he comes up 4kg in the absence of an apprentice claim, he can be close. (6) STORM LIGHT and (8) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN were ahead of Powerful Impact on February 7th and can aim for decent finishes again.
Selections
(3) Powerful Impact (10) Mangeum Crown (11) The Sun Coming (6) Storm Light
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) NAMSAN MINYEO has been ultra consistent across seven starts so far, with a 5th on debut her worst. She comes in fresh racing for the first time since just before Christmas and under a light weight she can make her way across to the lead and can win. (11) CHRYSOL DONGHAE has finished both ahead of and behind Namsan Minyeo and ran 2nd at 1700M two starts ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but has a strong finish and can be a danger late. (7) GEOMEUN SUP is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1400M. He ran 4th over 1700M on his first try at this class on February 14th and can get closer today. (5) SECRET WOLF and (8) GLORY QUEEN others in the frame.
Friday 13th racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11L15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) LIGHTNING FORCE ran 3rd on debut over this distance on February 13th, disputing the lead and finishing off fairly. He should have come on for that run and from a good draw he can be on pace and can win here. (2) OASIS GIJEOK raced three times last summer and also has a 3rd place on his record over this distance. He had a setback in late September and didn’t return to work until the start of February, but he looked well in a trial at the end of that month, and he can be a danger first up. (11) OVER RAINBOW has a pair of 5th places from his latest two and can get closer with an apprentice claiming 4kg. (1) GEUMBIT TODAY and (9) DUBAI CANDY are others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Lightning Force (2) Oasis Gijeok (11) Over Rainbow (1) Geumbit Today
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) YURIM SPECIAL comes in off her best result so far over this distance on February 15th when he led for most of the way around and only went down narrowly. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a but of luck at the start, she can get forward again, and she can go one better. (2) EUNSEONG JILJU was 3rd in that race, coming from off the pace. It was a first try at the mile and while she is up 2kg in weight, Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time means she will probably be sent off as favourite to find the length and a half she needs to overturn the form on Yurim Special. That pair will fill out most quinellas because the form falls off precipitously. (3) PERFECT HAN has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume at this distance and that’s enough for him to be in the numbers. (5) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN and (10) YEOSU LOOK AT STAR the minor money chances.
Selections
(11) Yurim Special (2) Eunseong Jilju (3) Perfect Han (5) Yeonggwangui Green
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
3, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (3) GRAND TREE got her maiden win at start two and enters off a close 2nd place on February 13th when overcoming the widest gate. She draws much better today and can win. (2) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win in eleven outings but has ten top five finishes with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this class and distance, most recently behind Grand Tree on February 13th. She should be on pace here and today could be her day. (4) HIGH BEAUTY was a maiden winner at 1200M two starts back before showing on pace on her first try at this class on February 1st, ultimately finishing in 4th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. Up in class last start winner (11) BULBIT YEONGMA and (9) CHAMP GIRL can measure up.
Selections
(3) Grand Tree (2) Dolphin Kick (4) High Beauty (11) Bulbit Yeongma
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YEOUN was a winner on debut over 1200M in January when she led all the way, before running 4th on her first try at this class on February 13th having shown on pace throughout. She holds an entry for the Luna Stakes in three weeks, and at least placing here should be a prerequisite to getting in. Take her each-way. (1) HANEUL GOLD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class over 1400M and 1200M. His maiden win was over this trip, and he will probably be the betting favourite. (4) RACE MARINE has run 2nd in both his latest two over 1400M and a mile in contrasting styles. An apprentice claims 4kg here and that should put him in the frame. (2) FATE and (7) HOLY NIKE are other place chances.
The Sprint Series gets underway on Sunday with the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55 and 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Former Busan Ilbo winner Eoma Eoma was recently retired (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO ran 2nd on debut before following up with 4th at start number two on January 24th both times racing handy. Third-up she should be nice and fit and with Maia climbing on for the first time, he can win. (8) BINNALEEDS improved to 4th on her second appearance, which came at this distance on January 4th when away among the trailers but running on well. She comes in fresh after nine weeks out and should be danger. (11) FLASH JUDE similarly improved at her second start and can challenge late here. (3) STUNNING BOLT and (9) MISS CHRISTIE are others who have hinted at ability and can be in at least the placing frame in a competitive opener.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) ONEMO TIME ran 2nd to Reverence at this distance two starts back before finishing 4th over 1400M on her latest effort at the end of December. She hasn’t raced since then so she comes in fresh, CC gets on, and she can win. (6) BEAT FRESH shapes as the main threat. She has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 24th when on pace. Her times haven’t been quick but that’s been more to do with recent track conditions, and she can be expected to be on pace again and in this a long way. (3) STUNNING POINT has a pair of 5th places from her latest two. She has finished off her races well so may appreciate the step up in trip and she can challenge. (8) BANK LINE and (5) NAEGEROWAJWO others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Onemo Time (6) Beat Fresh (3) Stunning Point (8) Bank Line
Next Best
5, 11
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll go with a first timer and (4) SKYNEX. A half-brother to last year’s KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue, he was an on-pace winner of a trial on February 5th and if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (6) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA debuted all the way back last July and ran well for 2nd but later developed a chip fracture. He looked very well when leading all the way in a February trial and he can pick up from where he left off. (12) ARE YOU READY has a 3rd and a 2nd from three starts, sandwiching a lesser effort, and can be in this. Newcomer (8) BABEL FOLGORE, along with (10) WOLF STEP, who needs his latest overlooked, are others to consider on a place line.
Selections
(4) Skynex (6) Success Pyeonghwa (12) Are You Ready (8) Babel Folgore
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
4, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. We’ll go with that mare, (2) RAON PARANOMA but we will need to forgive her latest at the end of December where aside from a very small bump at the start and then racing ungenerously late, she didn’t have many excuses for a poor effort when well backed. Prior to that she was going well and after ten weeks off and in this company, she is worth another chance. (5) BLACK SUN has a 3rd place on her record and enters off back-to-back 5th place finishes over 1400M and 1700M. She tends to leave herself too much to do but should be running on late. (1) GRAY PHANTOM comes back in trip to a distance at which she has recorded the fastest time of any of these and with a 4kg claim can be in this. (8) NUNKKOT and (11) SAENAE RANIA others to consider.
Selections
(2) Raon Paranoma (5) Black Sun (1) Gray Phantom (8) Nunkkot
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) KING BLACK was ordinary on debut but has since run 4th on three consecutive occasions most recently racing handy over 1300M. He steps up to a mile for the first time and has as good a chance as any of coming out on top here. He may have more improvement in him than (2) DOROTHY QUEEN. She enters off her best finishes to date having been 2nd in both her latest two over this distance when coming from off the pace. She has the fastest time among these for the mile (though that’s not quick) and will be in the finish. (1) MAGIC MIRROR has beaten a few of these across his latest two when 2nd at 1400M and then 4th at this distance on February 15th. He’ll be on the pace and in this a long way. (10) BIROE SERVE and (6) SMART YULIM others who should be competitive.
Selections
(9) King Black (2) Dorothy Queen (1) Magic Mirror (10) Biroe Serve
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
1, 6, 9, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Roshe won last week’s Listed Sports Seoul Trophy at Seoul (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) FLYING HONOR took a few trials to get to the races but ran a good 4th on debut over this distance on January 17th, settling midfield and running on. He should have learned plenty from that and can win today. Among the debut-makers, (3) NAOL AURORA took two trials to qualify and improved significantly in the second of them, showing on pace. From a good draw if she can bring that form to the races, she will be close. (10) GOLDEN MATCH was also on pace in debut and while he weakened late for a midfield finish, he can have come on for the run. (5) METAL INVADER and (1) AREUMDAUN BIT can also improve from their respective debuts.
Selections
(7) Flying Honor (3) Naol Aurora (10) Golden Match (5) Metal Invader
Next Best
1, 12
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) IKKEULIM raced twice without distinction last summer before going lame. He returned to action, gelded, on January 24th and ran a solid 2nd place over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, and he can go one better here. After winning a trial, (5) RAPID THUNDER was a smart 2nd on debut in December when he led for much of the way over 1200M. He’s had eleven weeks out since but can build on that here. (1) TWOTWO MAGIC came from a long way back to run 5th on debut over 1200M on January 31st. He should have come on for the run and the slight step up in trip can suit. (6) GOD SPEED and (2) STUNNING CALIBER others who can improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an ordinary debut, (5) CHRYSOL POSH was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1400M on January 4th, coming from off the pace. Expect similar here and third up he can be peaking fitness wise. (8) SMART RISE enters off 3rd place over this distance on January 31st when settling midfield and running on smartly. That was just his fourth start, and he shapes as the main danger. The rest will need to pick up in form. (6) AMOS STAR has shown a couple of glimpses but has tended to get a bit far back. With a central gate and not much speed on his inside, he may be further forward today and can be aiming for a better result (10) BEST FREEDOM and (2) B.K. VIVACE are other potential improvers.
Selections
(5) Chrysol Posh (8) Smart Rise (6) Amos Star (10) Best Freedom
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) CRAZY MANGO had been working towards a second win, and it arrived at this class and distance on February 7th when he led for most of the way. An apprentice claiming 3kg means he comes in under the same weight and from the inside gate, he can be on pace again and can win again. (11) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY remains a maiden but is up in class following back-to-back 2nd place finishes at 1300M. He has the challenge of the widest gate but is down significantly in weight, and he can be a threat. (9) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG was the beaten favourite behind Crazy Mango on February 7th, not really becoming involved having settled back. He previously had three 2nd places from four starts and is worth another chance here. (2) AFLEET RUN and (6) HEART KING others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. It’s been a while since (5) I AM GO got her solitary win but she showed signs of coming back into form with a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 8th when settling just behind the speed and finishing well in a quick time. She is up 2kg in weight but in this company, she can be on pace, and it can be her day. (8) COWBOY SOCKS broke through at start number three over this distance on January 31st, racing on pace throughout. She is up in class and while she only comes down 1kg in weight, she can measure up. (11) UNJU TIME has finished in midfield in all three tries at this class, but her maiden win came at this distance and against this set of opponents, she should be close. (7) RAPTURE and (6) WONDERFUL SPIRIT are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) I Am Go (8) Cowboy Socks (11) Unju Time (7) Rapture
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 