The Triple Tiara – or filly Triple Crown – begins at Busan on Sunday with the running of the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas). See here for a full preview of the race. The Luna is the last race of 6 on a Busan card that runs from 11:00 to 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Doctor Oscar is a contender in the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (1) HONOR ROSE will be favourite having run 3rd on debut in a good time over 1200M on March 18th when handy throughout. She draws well here, she has the same weight, and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. All that applies too to (2) MINT PLAY. She ran on from midfield for 3rd on her debut on March 19th over 1200M and she will be a danger. There is one debut-maker and (8) NAOL ROONEY is not without a chance. The Cross Traffic filly improved across three trials and those multiple efforts should stand er in good stead. At her latest trial she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield then handy and ran on well and in limited company, she can put in a bold first-up effort. (5) JANGHEUNG CLASS and (7) SEONGSIL INDONG other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Honor Rose (2) Mint Play (8) Naol Rooney (5) Jangheung Class
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) LAND BANK is the one to beat. He has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times having led from the gate almost until the line. He draws well, he should lead again, and it can be third-time lucky. There is one first-time starter. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE posted a fast time in his trial, albeit aided by the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination) to pull them along. This is hardly the most intimidating of races to debut in and he can be considered first-up. (3) HAERANG THE ONE comes back slightly in trip following a 4th and two 5th placed finishes over 1300M both from behind and on pace. She should be competitive here too. (8) FABULOUS BEATER ran out of steam late on debut but should stirp fitter for the experience and can improve here. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND another in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) Land Bank (10) Captain Charlie (3) Haerang The One (8) Fabulous Beater
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) WONPYEONG KINGDOM ran 3rd on debut at relatively big odds having got away to good start and then led until the closing stages over 1300M. He draws well again the slight step back in trip can suit, and with some natural improvement, he can win. (10) FIJI BLADE also put in a creditable showing on debut, in her case over this distance on March 11th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she too should have come on for the run and while she draws a touch wide, she can be a danger. (5) WORLD FASHION has more experience and has improved across his three outings to date and was 4th behind Wonpyeong Kingdom in the latest of those on March 26th. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but has a strong finish and will be running on here. (2) GEOLJAK TOUR and trial winning debut-maker (7) SEOUL LION among others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Wonpyeong Kingdom (10) Fiji Blade (5) World Fashion (2) Geoljak Tour
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER may take some beating. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from is latest two, both at 1200M. He has the fastest time at the distance by a wide margin and from a good draw, he should be on pace here and will be hard to get past. (1) SEONGSIL STAR came back to this distance and ran a much-improved 2nd on February 17th and after nine weeks off, he can be competitive again from the inside gate. (8) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT has three top-five finishes from four starts so far and while her times have not been quick, she can challenge for the lead here and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA HUGE HIT did nothing on debut last November but was put away after that and looked much better when sent back to trial in March. Franco climbs on and she should show improvement. (5) DREAM RUN another potentially on the right trajectory.
The three-year-old Classic season gets underway this weekend and it’s the fillies who get the first crack at it with the Luna Stakes (1600M – Listed) making up the first leg of the Triple Tiara – the filly Triple Crown – over a mile at Busan Racecourse this Sunday.
Raon Giant won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy in November (Pic: KRA)
Twelve fillies, seven from the host track and five who have travelled down from Seoul, will line up for the what is the Korean 1000 Guineas, which leads into June’s Korean Oaks also at Busan, and then the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul in July.
Heading the Seoul contingent is Raon Giant. The Park Jong-kon trained galloper has won five of her seven starts so far, including the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy last November. Moon Se-young comes down to Busan to ride and she has every chance.
Disputing favourite status with Raon Giant will be Jeulgeounyeojeong. She has a fast 2nd place over the Mile when a very solid 3rd at class 3 level. She will though need to overturn the form on Listed Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy winner Doctor Oscar, who finished 2nd to her 3rd when the pair raced over 1800M. Jeulgeounyeojeong was giving away 3kg that day, but they will be at level weights this time.
Raon Forest and the so far relatively unexposed Gold Cheonsa are among others in the frame for what should be a competitive renewal:
1. JEOMSUNI GO – Only raced four times, winning one over 1200M at maiden level and was most recently 2nd over 1400M at class 5. Her times have been consistently quick, and she may appeal for a place at probable big odds.
2. FURIOSA – Runner-up to Raon Giant in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy, coming from off the pace. Subsequently registered a 4th and 6th at class 4 level up to 1400M. Drawn well but will need to find more here.
3. PEOPLE POWER – One of just four who have tackled the mile before and while she only beat one home, she has since found her form again with a 2nd and then a win over 1400M, both at class 4 level in quick times. On those runs she has minor money claims here.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Spring Festival is finally over…
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and while the field is small, it’s competitive. (7) HEY CUPID debuted in a nondescript fashion last October and was then put away. He returned to training in February having been gelded and looked very well when leading every step of the way in a March trial. He can make a winning return here. The main danger is (5) CHEOGANG HYEONMA. In four appearances, he is yet to finish any worse than 5th with his best being a 2nd place over 1300M two starts back. In this small field he will probably be ridden further forward today, and he could make the breakthrough. (8) CLAIR QUEEN has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks to be figuring things out following back-to-back 5th place finishes. First time starter (2) GANGJAUI BIT, who trialled up behind Hey Cupid, and (1) CHOEGANG NICE among others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) in this maiden. (4) EUNBIT DOLPUNG has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at this distance and 1300M, the latter time beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely here, Johan climbs aboard, and she can make it third time lucky. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1300M on March 26th. She was ridden closer to the pace that day, just as she was in a previous 3rd, and with similar tactics today, she has a chance. (6) COSMO QUEEN has been consistent over her six outings including a 3rd place two starts back when stopping the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance, albeit n a wet and fast track. She is at least a place chance. (3) TOUGH YEOJE and (10) TI AMO others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (4) MIR POINT. After a couple of indifferent runs to start with, he has shown good consistency and has been working towards a win in his latest few. He comes in off a 3rd place at 1200M when he settled midfield and ran on, but in this company, he will almost certainly be ridden on pace and may takes some passing. He has been a beaten favourite before though so if you fancy him to be one again then (8) BADAUI KKUM could be the one. Yet to score in fifteen, he has seven top-five finishes to his name and continues to benefit from a 2kg apprentice claim here. He should be on the speed too and he runs through the line well. (2) WONDERFUL WISHING ran out an improved 2nd over 1400M on March 18th. He draws well and can build on that here. The form drops off after that with (3) SPEAR QUEEN and (5) WONDERFUL DEPUTY perhaps next best.
Selections
(4) Mir Point (8) Badaui Kkum (2) Wonderful Wishing (3) Spear Queen
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (4) ARGO SMILE got his maiden win at start two over 1200M in February when settling midfield and running on. He then ran 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on March 5th behind a winner who has since gone on to place at class 4. An apprentice claim means he carries even less weight today, he draws well, and he has solid claims. (11) BLACK MOTION enters off a 3rd place at 1200M in late February when settling right back and then running on. That effort suggests that the wide draw won’t be a problem and he can be a danger. (10) STRENGTH and (1) ORCHID VALLEY ran 2nd and 3rd respectively when they faced each other at class and distance on March 11th. There is a slight swing in the weights in Orchid Valley’s favour and he also gets the better of the draw, but both can be competitive again. (5) WORLD KING MAN among plenty of others with placing claims.
Selections
(4) Argo Smile (11) Black Motion (10) Strength (1) Orchid Valley
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(1) YEONGWON FIGHTER led from gate to wire to win on debut over 1200M on February 11th. He has had ten weeks off since then and he comes up in class here, but he comes into a much better gate and is down in weight. He can make it two for two. (10) JANGSAN SPO was a similarly good winner at class 6 level in February and while he finished back in the pack on his first try at this level on March 18th, the margins weren’t huge, and he can be given another chance here. (7) YONGBI SEOUL has finished 5th in his latest two. Both at this class and distance and both in quick times. He can settle just behind the speed here and can finish off well. (11) JUMONG CHEONHA and (2) BLOOMING STAR others in the frame.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and such is the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll side with first-timers. (3) OK DREAM went through two trials stopping the clock in quick times in both, having been on pace. That combined with the good draw and Franco on her back is enough to make her the top pick. (2) GOLDEN STELLA was also on pace in her heat, crossing the line 2nd in a good time. She too draws well and can put in a bold showing on debut here. Of those with experience, (5) U PING has been well backed in all of her starts so far and got a 2nd and a 3rd in her first two outings. If she can get a good start, she could be a winning chance here. (11) WIND VICTORY is treated less kindly by the draw than the other two debut-makers, but she improved over the course of two trials and with some natural improvement from those, can also show well in this company. (9) HANEUL HAETSAL the best of the rest.
Selections
(3) OK Dream (2) Golden Stella (5) U Ping (11) Wind Victory
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Quite a good maiden with a few of them looking ready to win. (2) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two in fair times at this distance and 1300M. He sat on pace in his latest start and from a good gate can do similar here and he has a big chance. (9) VICTOR BASIUM has entered these selections on many occasions and remains yet to finish in the top-two. He has though been between 3rd and 5th no fewer than eight times. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be on pace and while we write that every time about him and he will probably once more find at least one too quick, but he should be there or thereabouts. (6) WONDERFUL SMARTY comes in off a fair 4th at the distance on April 2nd. He can sit behind the speed here and run on again. (8) JANGSAN DEFI and (10) NAMYANG BOLT among others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Global Sarang (9) Victor Basium (6) Wonderful Smarty (8) Jangsan Defi
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(6) BABEL HEART has shown significant improvement in his latest two, running 3rd on both times, most recently at this distance on March 26th. He tends to be a slow starter and settles right back before running on, but he has done that well recently and has a chance to go one, or even two, better today. (8) WORLD POINT was 2nd to Babel Heart’s 3rd when they raced one another in a slow race on February 24th. He comes up to this distance for the first time and it may well suit. (4) SOLEDAD has finished 4th or 5th in five of six starts so far including her latest on March 26th behind Babel Heart. There is an absence of early speed in this race so from a good draw, she may well be the pacesetter and can be in this a long way. (9) ACE RUN and (5) FIGHT FAMILY others who could enter the calculations.
Selections
(6) Babel Heart (8) World Point (4) Soledad (9) Ace Run
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M in a quick time before running 4th on his first try at this class and distance in a quick race on March 31st when he led for much of the way. He should be on pace again and it can be his day. (7) BLACK VOLT comes up in class distance following his maiden win over 1200M on March 19th when settling back and running on to score narrowly. He has raced well at this distance already and should measure up in this company. (6) WONDERFUL OCEAN remains a maiden after ten attempts but enters in good form off back-to-back 3rd places both at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and under a light weight she can be in the mix again. (5) RUBY STORM and (2) NOBLE COWBOY among others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Dubai Wonjeongdae (7) Black Volt (6) Wonderful Ocean (5) Ruby Storm
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 8, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) PAN STAR came close to making all over 1300M on March 24th, just being overhauled in the closing stages and finishing 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but draws well, Seo Seung-un stays aboard, and he slight drop back in trip could see him home on top this time. (4) SPECIAL HERO enters with recent form reading well. On her latest on April 2nd, she sat handy before running on for 3rd in a fast race at class and distance she looks nicely in again here. (6) SEOGWI CHUKJE has picked up significantly in her latest two recording back-to-back 2nd places, both times at each-way prices. She continues under a very light weight here and can be competitive again. (10) GREAT BLUE and (5) GAMDONG ENERGY among others with at least placing claims.
Selections
(3) Pan Star (4) Special Hero (6) Seogwi Chukje (10) Great Blue
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(10) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING won his first two starts to get rapidly promoted to this level and has a 2nd and a 4th from three attempts at this class, both over 1400M. He draws a touch wider than ideal but the drop back in trip can suit and he can return to winning ways. The main danger is (12) BLUE ICON. He has only finished out of the top three on one occasion and comes inhere having beaten a few of today’s rivals on his way to a close 2nd in a fast race over class and distance on March 19th. He is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (4) GOLDEN was slowly away last time out and finished well back but his form prior to that was good and from a good gate, he can be given another chance today. (11) DOCTOR TIFFANY and (5) HALLOWEEN PARTY others to consider.
Selections
(10) Seungnimagic King (12) Blue Icon (4) Golden (11) Doctor Tiffany
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Competitive race but (6) CAPTAIN GOLD gets the nod. He was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 4 level before running 2nd on his first try at this level on March 10th, again over the 1400M, when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed again and can win here. (9) MAN OF THE YEAR returned from almost a year out to lead every step of the way over 1200M on March 3rd. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is plenty more to come and he can be a big factor here. (7) SONHADOR also returned to action last start after a lengthy absence. In her case she ran a strong 2nd over 1200M and should strip fitter for that run. (10) SANGSEUNG BOY and (12) MENIFEE SONG among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(6) Captain Gold (9) Man Of The Year (7) Sonhador (10) Sangseung Boy
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
3, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 8: Class 1 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 110 Million
Small but competitive class 1 field to conclude. (3) SO MUCH GO is the one to beat, having won at class and distance on March 26th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He likes to settle back and run on and under the same weight today, he looks a winning chance again. (1) CRAZY CONTI was 5th in that March 26th race when racing on pace. He comes into a good gate today and can get closer. (5) KING OF GLORY returned to form last time out at the end of February when beating (an admittedly out of sorts) Winner’s Man on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. The same apprentice jockey takes the edge off the weight again and he can be a danger. (8) PRO CONSUL and (7) MACH TITAN other placing hopes.
Selections
(3) So Much Go (1) Crazy Conti (5) King Of Glory (8) Pro Consul
The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday when Winner’s Man will head the field for the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3). With Raon The Fighter (successfully) and Raon First (unsuccessfully) having been pointed to different Group races over the past two weeks, the 2022 Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner’s task to win the race for the second year in a row is not as taxing as it might have been.
Winner’s Man won this race last year (Pic: KRA)
Winner’s Man didn’t make an auspicious start to 2023. Assigned 60kg under handicap conditions over 1800M on February 26th, he briefly struck the front in the home straight, but didn’t run on, ultimately finishing 4th behind winner Flat Babe, and also Tuhonui Banseok. It should be different this time and Choi Ki-hong’s stable star will be a short-priced favourite to win.
Tuhonui Banseok returns. After 3rd place in the KRA Cup Classic he repeated that feat in the Grand Prix Stakes and was gaining on Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter with every stride. He has since followed up with two more 3rd-place finishes at class 1 level, including that one ahead of Winner’s Man and shapes as the greatest danger here.
The rematch between Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter isn’t happening – the latter won the Busan Ilbo Sprint on April 2nd – and nor the President’s Cup rematch between Winner’s Man and Raon First – she was beaten in the Donga Ilbo Trophy last Sunday. But owner Son Chun-soo and trainer Park Jong-kon are represented by four-year-old filly Raon The Spurt. She won the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup against older fillies and mares over this distance last November and looks ready to take on the elite males here.
The Herald Business Cup is race 8 on an eleven-race program at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 16:35. There are eleven runners in total:
1. WARRIOR CLASS – Scored back-to-back wins over 1800M in January and February and while it was against class 3 and 2 opposition, he posted class 1 times. 3rd over this distance at class 2 on his latest on March 5th. Tough ask at level weights in this company.
2. CAPTAIN YANKEE – Winner of the KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup and 3rd in the Korean Derby as a three-year-old last year, he has only raced twice since and not at all since an also-ran in the President’s Cup. Trialed up well in March and has a big race jockey on board but this is a very difficult assignment first-up.
3. MOONHAK CHIEF – Missed the start at his latest on March 18th and has since been back to trial. Not the same horse he was in 2019 when winning the Korea Cup and Grand Prix but he did run 2nd at class 1 over this distance behind Chief Indy as recently as Christmas Day when conceding 6kg. Not a winning chance but a minor money one
4. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Super 3rd in both the KRA Cup Classic and the Grand Prix and followed up with two more 3rds so far this year back at Busan. Can settle handy or drop back and run on, he seems to like racing at Seoul, and he can be a danger.
5. RAON THE SPURT – The only filly or mare in the race gets a 2.5kg allowance. After near misses in the Triple Tiara, she got her Group win in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour over this distance at Busan last November. She enters here off a class 1 win over 1400M on March 5th and while this is a different challenge, she can be a factor. She draws well and is a potential pacesetter.
6. CHIEF INDY – 6th in the President’s Cup then a class 1 winner on Christmas Day over this distance. Comes in off back-to-back 2nd places also at 2000M. Settles midfield and runs on and is among the favourites here.
7. BARBARIAN – Well back in the Grand Prix but bounced back with a class 1 win over a mile in January. Has also won at this distance in a fast time. He can race handy or come from behind, and he is a major player here.
8. WINNER’S MAN – The Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner last season, he was flat on his reappearance over 1800M on February 26th when giving away weight over 1800M. That race obviously wasn’t the target, this one is, so expect him to be fitter today and he is the one to beat. Can settle midfield or can go forward.
9. THE GUMPU – Solid class 1 campaigner, he was 4th behind Chief Indy last time out. Perhaps not quite at the elite level it takes to win a race like this but at his best can be aiming for a money finish. Goes best on pace or handy.
10. BLACK MUSK – Versatile horse who was an excellent winner over this distance at class 1 level in January, leading every step of the way before dropping back to 1400M and running 4th in early March. The draw is a touch wide but if he can find a forward position, he can’t be ruled out.
11. SHAMROCKER – The ten-year-old still picks up the occasional cheque and rarely runs a bad race but he has lost a yard of pace, and this looks too hard.
Selections: (8) Winner’s Man (4) Tuhonui Banseok (5) Raon The Spurt (7) Barbarian
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jocket Lee Dong-ha rode his first Listed or Graded winner aboard Eodigana in last weekend’s Donga Ilbo Trophy. The rider is back in action at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and a couple look ready to win. Chief among those is (8) BANFF, who ran 3rd on debut in February before improving to 2nd on March 19th in a good time over this distance. He’ll be on pace here and it can be third time lucky. Any top-three finish will see Banff up to class 5 next time and that’s true too for (7) FINAL JILJU. She also has a runner-up finish to her name over this distance and comes in off a 3rd place over 1300M on March 18th when coming from off the pace. She may be ridden a little handier here with the slight drop in trip and she should be close again. (3) PURPLE WINK is the solitary debut-maker. He won a March trial in a good time and from a nice draw can be a factor first-up. (9) FEDERAL PRESS has shown gradual improvement across three starts so far. He has generally left himself too much to do but his last start 5th was encouraging. (6) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Banff (7) Final Jilju (3) Purple Wink (9) Federal Press
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(8) DAERYUN SIDAE came close to a gate to wire win over 1300M on March 12th, only to be denied by a neck in the final strides. That was the first time she had been ridden forward and was her second consecutive placing. She comes back slightly in trip and in this small field the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem. (2) DARK ZONE returns to action for the first time since last July. He has a 5th and a 4th on his record and looked well enough in a March trial when on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. With not much early speed in the race, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) WONPYEONG SKY has a 3rd place to his name at this trip when overcoming the widest gate. He followed up with a 5th of ten over 1300M on March 18th and should be competitive here. (7) HOUYHNHNM and (6) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG others to keep safe.
Selections
(8) Daeryun Sidae (2) Dark Zone (5) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Houyhnhnm
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) STAND BY ME here. He’s been knocking firmly on the door in his latest few including a last start 2nd over this distance on March 18th when handy throughout. There isn’t much speed here so he should get an easy run early on and can go one better today. (11) CHOEGO POINT has run encouragingly in his latest two, running on for 4th last time out over 1400M. He has run some fair times over this trip and Antonio climbing aboard can be in his favour. (8) FLY DAY has finished off well in each of his three starts so far with his best being 3rd over 1200M. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (3) LAST PITCH and (1) GOLDEN PEARL other potential place chances.
Selections
(5) Stand By Me (11) Choego Point (8) Fly Day (3) Last Pitch
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) TANGJA’s win came at 1200M at class 6 level back in December and since then he has gone on to perform solidly in three attempts at this class including a close 4th over this distance on March 25th when from a wide draw, he had to settle back. He comes into a better gate today and may take some beating. Having won a trial, (9) WONDERFUL SLEW duly won on debut over 1200M back in December. She reappears for the first time since up in class and up in distance, but she remains nicely weighted, and she can measure up first-up here. (5) HANGANG JIJON also comes up in class having won well over this distance on March 11th. That was a big uptick in form, but he comes down in the weights and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish. (1) ROSE GOLD and (3) HUIMANG OREUM are others in the minor money frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) BULUI NALGAE comes in off his maiden win at start number six over 1300M on March 18th. It had been coming too as he had been getting progressively closer in his previous outings. He comes up in class here but down in the weights and the slightly extended trip can suit. (11) MONEY JANGGUN remains a maiden but got promoted to this class following two runner-up finishes at class 6. He then overcame the widest gate to run 3rd at this class on February 25th. His style is to settle back and run on and while so far, he has run out of track each time, he is another who may be suited by the seven-furlongs today. (7) BEST JEONSA is another maiden, but he has plenty of experience at this level and has run good times over the distance. He comes into a better gate than in his latest two so may well be on the early speed here and can be in this a long way. (10) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM and (5) NAMSAN MUJEOK among others in the hunt.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. Seo Seung-un and Park Jae-i, respectively 1st and 4th in the 2023 Busan Jockey Premiership, are both absent as they are in Seoul to ride in Sunday’s Herald Business Cup. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (7) SANSANGGEUISANG has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a narrow 2nd, beaten only a nose, when on pace over this distance on March 19th. He’ll be on pace again and this time can go one better. (9) EVERY KING IJI was an improved 2nd at start number two over this trip back at the start of February. He settled back and ran home well that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and while he’s had ten weeks off since then, he can be a danger. (1) HAVE A GOOD YEAR also improved second-up when 4th at this distance on March 10th. He draws very well again to challenge for the lead and should be in this a long way. He’ll be joined up front by (4) ARION QUEEN, who has run 4th in both her latest two, both times on pace and she can match or better that here. (6) CHOEGANG CHONGAL another potential improver.
Selections
(7) Sangsanggeuisang (9) Every King Iji (1) Have A Good Year (4) Arion Queen
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(3) VELOCIRAPTOR has hinted at ability across her seven outings and comes in following her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance o March 26th when she was bumped at the start causing her to be slowly away and settled right back, before shifting out wide and running on strongly in the straight. She can build on that here and with a better start, has strong claims here. (5) QUEEN ROMANCE was 4th in that same March 26th race racing handily throughout. She was just half a length behind Velociraptor and while she does come up in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, Franco climbs on and she can be a danger. (8) E-CASH has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks nicely in here with a 3kg claim. She can be running on late. (7) GOLDEN CAMP and (4) CHOICE ROAD are others with minor money hopes.
Selections
(3) Velociraptor (5) Queen Romance (8) E-Cash (7) Golden Camp
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
This is a weak maiden. (1) TWOTWO FLYING has five top-five finish from eight starts including a 2nd place over 1200M in a good time in February. She finished well back on his latest appearance on March 12th but comes into a better gate and comes down in the weights. There isn’t much early speed so she could get an easy run from the inside. Four of these raced one another over this distance on March 19th with (4) KICK’N RUSH having finished the best of them in 2nd having settled in midfield and then run on. That was her best performance to date and is enough to put her in the mix here. (7) ROCKS ran 3rd in that race, half a length behind Kick’N Rush. For her too that marked a best finish to date and while she comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim, she can challenge again. (5) PURPLE STAR returned from almost a year out to run 5th in that race and should strip fitter for the run. (3) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG another in the placing hunt.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Good race for the level featuring five last-start winners, four of whom are up in class as a result. We’ll side with one who wasn’t a last start winner though. (3) FAST GUN got his maiden win over this distance in January before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 12th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but that’s balanced a bit by a good draw, and he can win here. (2) SAEKDAL FIGHTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1200M on March 17th when uncharacteristically coming from well off the pace. He too comes up in the weights but should be competitive here. (12) K GOLD BAR is one of those last start winners having led for most of the way around before scoring by eight-lengths over 1400M on March 17th. The draw does him no favours here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (7) DONGNAM WINNER and (9) NAKDONG JEONSA among plenty of others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Fast Gun (2) Saekdal Fighter (12) K Gold Bar (7) Dongnam Winner
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (8) FAST FURY enters with recent form reading well. She got her solitary win at class 6 level three starts back over 1200M and has followed up with two solid runs for 4th at this level. While she draws a touch wide, she has good early speed so should find her way to the front, and she can win here. (4) MULTI HIT made all to secure his first win at the fourth time of asking back in February. He finished midfield on his first try at this class on March 17th, but he was less than three-lengths away from the winner in a tight finish and had to contend with the widest gate. From a better draw today, he should be closer. (2) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT dead-heated for 3rd place in that March 17th race (the margins really were small that day) coming from off the pace and can be working home strongly again. (7) TWO TWO LIME and (6) MILK DAY among other potentials.
The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.
Selections
(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout. She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs. She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.
This year’s “Queens’ Tour” for fillies and mares is split into two separate three-race series and Raon First headlines the opener leg of the “Spring and Summer” tour in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (Listed – 1800M) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Raon First won the President’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)
One of the most versatile horses in training in Korea, Raon First ran 3rd in the International Korea Sprint over 1200M last September before beating a field including Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man to win the Group 1 President’s Cup over 2000M in November.
Raon First is the defending champion in the Donga Ilbo, having scored by a comfortable four-lengths twelve months ago and she will be favourite, but there is no guarantee she will have things all her own way. The big danger is Flat Babe, who proved a revelation towards the end of her four-year-old season, rising from class 3 to class 1 and crowning the achievement by defeating an elite level field containing Winner’s Man in February over today’s distance.
Flat Babe (Pic: KRA)
It will be unchartered territory for most with 58kg on their backs for the first time. All that is except for the solitary three-year-old in the race. The up and coming Sure Win has won two of her latest three and the Bernardini filly gets a whopping 6kg allowance on the rest of the field.
Twelve go in total in the Donga Ilbo which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul:
1. SURE WIN – The only three-year-old in the race, she has won two of her latest three including last time out when on pace over this distance. That was at class 4 level so this is a stiff test, but she draws well and has a 6kg weight advantage over all the others.
2. QUEENS TOUR – A strong 4th in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last September but well back over 2000M at class 2 level behind Eodigana and Cheonji Yeogeol on her only 2023 outing so far. Tactically versatile and jockey booking a plus, but while she may be named after the series, others are favoured.
3. FLAT BABE – A revelation recently with 2nd place in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup followed by a class 1 win over Winner’s Man at this distance on February 26th. She was getting 8kg from the Korea Cup winner, but she stopped the clock in a time faster than any of these have achieved for the distance. Can settle back and run on and is the main danger here.
The weekend’s racing gets underway with a Good Friday card at Busan consisting of 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weigvht A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (9) UNJU OREUM looks the one to beat. She has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this distance and 1300M, both times from wide draws. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1200M before and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, she can win. (5) MASTER ROAD was a solid 3rd of twelve in a very tight three-way finish over this distance on debut on March 3rd, racing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement can be a danger here. (6) MORO has been sent out at any old odds on all her four starts so far but she was much improved 2nd on her latest appearance on March 10th, coming from off the pace. A repeat of that effort will see her in the mix here. There are a couple of first-time starters and both (10) NARAE and (3) MAGIC ELEVEN hinted at ability in trials and can go well first-up. As ever, watch the market for clues.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(9) VICTOR BASIUM has finished between 3rd and 5th in seven of his eight starts to date, generally racing on pace before being caught and passed late on as happened on his latest over 1300M on March 24th. He makes a quick return here, dropping back in trip, and we’ll give him another chance to make the breakthrough. (8) DOCTOR CUCKOO can be given a pass for his latest on March 3rd when he used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to sit handy before weakening. The margins weren’t huge though and he came into that off the back of two solid 4th place finishes, also at this distance. He comes up in the weights, but that’s balanced by Choi Si-dae taking the reins, and he can go close. (4) ANY SINGS overcame gate eleven to get on pace and run a significantly improved 4th over 1300M at start number three on March 19th. That was the first time she had been ridden on pace and from a better gate today, can get an easier run. (1) FLYING TOUCH and (11) WIN STING among others with placing hopes.
Selections
(9) Victor Basium (8) Doctor Cuckoo (4) Any Sings (1) Flying Touch
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(1) ALL OR NOTHING was an on-pace winner over 1000M on debut in December before overcoming gate eleven to sit handy and run on for 3rd over 1400M on his first try at this class back on January 29th. He’s had ten weeks off since then and he comes up very slightly in the weights, but from a good draw, he can be on pace and in this a long way. He’ll be a prohibitive favourite. (10) PILGRIM remains a maiden, but he’s been knocking on the door recently, including 2nd place at this class over 1200M on March 26th when running on strongly from a long way back. He makes a quick return here and Seo Seung-un’s presence will ensure support. (2) BAEDARI ICON was a big-priced 3rd over 1800M on March 17th. That was her joint-best finish in thirty-two attempts but while she makes a big drop back in trip, she is nicely weight, well drawn, and can aim to match that here. (3) DOCTOR KHALIFA and (8) MIGHTY STORM can mix their form but, in this company, shouldn’t be far away.
Selections
(1) All Or Nothing (10) Pilgrim (2) Baedari Icon (3) Doctor Khalifa
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (4) MA GUN here. After two encouraging runs last summer, he didn’t reappear until March 5th, but when he did, he ran out a five-length winner in fine style over 1400M, stalking the leader early before taking things up a long way out and racing clear. He comes up in class and in distance and while the set weight scale here doesn’t really do him any favours, the draw does, and he should have too much. The main danger is probably (9) MONEY CASE. He was a beaten favourite on his most recent appearance on March 5th when 2nd at class and distance but despite the wide draw, he should be able to get forward again and can be close again. (3) HWANGOO MONEY got promoted to this level with three consecutive 3rd place finishes from his first three starts. The Goldencents colt more than measured up though when recording his best finish to date when stepped up to this class and distance on February 24th when he settled right back and ran on. There might not be an awful lot of speed for him to target here but he should be running into the money again. (12) TOP FRIEND and (1) YEOSU TORNADO others to keep safe.
Selections
(4) Ma Gun (9) Money Case (3) Hwangoo Money (12) Top Friend
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
A winner of two from four so far, (2) INDIE BULPAE comes rapidly up in class having won two of three since returning from a seven-month spell after his debut. The latest of those was a striking score over this distance on March 10th when he led every step of the way, and while the set weights here mean he carries even more than he did at the lower levels, he draws well and Mr. Afleet’s little brother can continue on his merry way here. The one with the best chance of beating him is (6) YEOSU FIGHTER. He rana very close 2nd over a mile on his first try at this class on March 10th and while he comes up to race around two turns for the first time, it should suit. He comes up 3kg in the weights but still has 3kg in hand on the favourite. (5) ADELE ALLIE’S is another who comes up in weight, but he enters in consistent form. A previous go at this distance didn’t end well but he’s worth another chance on a place line here. (10) DEMON SPY and (7) ANNIKA GIRL other minor money hopes.
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
Possibly the most open race on the card. We’ll side with the experience of (5) SINJIN GANGHO who it is fair to say doesn’t win out of turn but who also enters in good form with two 3rd places among his latest three outings. He lokes to settle back and run on and he is capable of fast times at this distance. He carries plenty of weight but has every chance of snapping his eleven-run fallow streak here. The danger is the up and comer. (8) BRAVO HAMYANG got his maiden win at start number nine when pretty much making all over a mile on March 5th and holding on in a tight three-way finish. He comes up in class here, and up to the two turns for the first time, but he remains nicely weighted and should be close. Nothing else in the field finished better than 8th in their respective latest outings so we’re having to offer a full amnesty for next best. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and while it was at class 5 level, he looks nicely in here. (3) CHAMP GO and (11) HAVE A GOOD DAY are others who are potentially still better than recent form suggests.
Selections
(5) Sinjin Gangho (8) Bravo Hamyang (2) Doctor Persia (3) Champ Go
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 11
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Two standouts here. We’ll side with Thomas Gillespie’s (4) FANTASTIC DAY, a winner of two from three so far including his latest over 1300M at class 5 level on March 3rd when he was really made to work for a narrow victory. He comes down significantly in the weights, comes into a nice gate and despite the step up in class and trip, he can win again. (10) AMAZING FOOT has probably earned favourite status. He made all to win at class and distance on March 10th, scoring by a full seven-lengths. He has a less favourable draw today and comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but a repeat can’t be ruled out. (1) SPECIAL TOGETHER is up in class following a win over 1300M on March 12th when unusually, he was ridden on the speed. He comes down 5kg in the weights and from a good draw, he can be considered. (9) MAN OF THE MAN and (12) HAMAN BONGHWASAN among others with placing chances.
Selections
(4) Fantastic Day (10) Amazing Foot (1) Special Together (9) Man Of The Man
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
4, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(11) CARPE BABEL’s win had been coming and it duly arrived at the fourth time of asking on February 19th when she led all the way around over this distance, crossing the line with nine-lengths in hand of the rest. She comes up in class here and draws a touch wider than ideal but she should still have too much for this lot. (2) GOLDEN also comes up in class. He is in the best form of his lengthy career and drawn well, in addition to being massively down in the weights, he can be competitive here. (12) SONHADOR returns to action for the first time since last August. She looked well in a fast trial a couple of weeks ago and under a light weight can go well first up here. (10) RAON THE FLASH was an all the way winner over 1400M on March 5th and is another up in class but down in weight and in the hunt. (9) D’LOVELY QUEEN another who can enter the calculations in this company.
Selections
(11) Carpe Babel (2) Golden (12) Sonhador (10) Raon The Flash
Horse Racing in Korea 