Jockey Ruan Maia has been dominating Seoul in recent months and on Sunday secured his first Group race success in Korea when making a flying visit to Busan and partnering American import Munhak Boy to an all the way success in the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3).
Coming off the back of five consecutive wins, Munhak Boy was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite as he tackled Group company for the first time but under Maia, he made the race largely a formality, taking full advantage of the inside draw, (his fourth in his last five starts) to get to the front of the sixteen-strong field and never looked like being headed.
Japanese import Smart Boss was 2nd while last year’s winner Gangseo Giant, who entered as a 90/1 chance with dismal recent form, seemed to know this is her race, and closed well for an excellent 3rd.
“It’s my first Group race (win) in Korea and I’d like to thank the trainer, the owner and the staff in the stable for giving me the opportunity to ride this nice horse” Ruan Maia told KRBC.
“I’m very proud of the horse, he showed his performance today and winning a Group race is very important for everybody.”
Munhak Boy is a three-year-old colt by Lord and Nelson and out of the Speightstown mare Miss Guided. He was imported in-utero. He is owned by Kwon Kyung-ja (of Moonhak Chief fame) and trained at Seoul by Jung Ho-ik.
Disappointments in the race were aplenty including Sprint Series winner Vincero Cavallo who was even more lackluster than his Korea Sprint effort, being the slowest away and finishing well down the field. He took a bump at the start and afterwards was found lame in his right foreleg.
Super Finish, 3rd in the Korea Sprint, as well as Champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong, both also finished down the field. Initial vet checks came back clear for both.
Earlier, in the first Group race of the day, Boryeonglightqueen was sent off as the odds-on favourite for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter.
It was not to be though for the three-year-old, who won the final leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies and also took out the first leg of the current series at Seoul a month ago. She settled well back as expected but this time did not run on under jockey Jung Do-yun, ultimately only making it up into 5th.
Instead, it was Flying Star, the 12/1 fifth favourite, who took the honours comfortably, settling handy before taking things up on the turn for home and going on to win by a full seven-lengths with Jang Chu-youl in the saddle.
68/1 outsider Ace High was 2nd with the ever-reliable Raon Forest in 3rd.
Flying Star is a four-year-old by Colors Flying and out of Gaya Gongju (by War Zone). Owned by Song Chang-oh she is trained at Seoul by Seo In-seok. A winner of five races, she was successful in the final race of the same series last year, the Breeders’ Cup Queen.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (1) FOREVER HIT took two goes to qualify but did so well at the second time of asking, running 3rd behind two experienced horses having shown handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for this and can win. (12) GENERAL WIND won his trial in late September showing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate but if he brings that form to the races, he will be in the finish. (11) WALLSTREET was on pace too in her heat, crossing the line in 4th in a decent time and she too can put in a bold showing first up. (5) FANTASTIC BRO and (7) SONGDANG SKY trialed up behind Forever Hit and hinted at ability.
Selections
(1) Forever Hit (12) General Wind (11) Wallstreet (5) Fantastic Bro
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported juvenile (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) GEUMA SPLASHY won a trial and then led for most of the way on debut over 1200M on October 3rd, before being passed by Roshe. Drawn well to lead again, the cut back in trip should be in his favour and he will be a strong favourite. (7) MIGHTY CODE took three trials to get to the races but debuted well in 2nd at 1200M coming from well off the pace on August 30th. He should have come on for it and will be finishing strongly. Of the first timers (1) GAMSAUI HIM won his trial in a decent time and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. (6) ONE DIA significantly improved in a second trial can also be considered first up. Returning to the experience, (11) SOUTHERN BEACH was a fair 4th on debut and can build on that today.
Selections
(3) Geuma Splashy (7) Mighty Code (1) Gamsaui Him (6) One Dia
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) POWERFUL SLEW finished midfield over 1000M on debut in September but was an improved 3rd at start two when stepped up to this trip on October 4th, coming from well off the pace. Third up he can peaking fitness wise and he looks the one to beat. (6) DDATTEUTHAN WIRO has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when a close 2nd over 1300M, running on. CC climbs up for the first time, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (4) CHRYSOL DONGHAE was 2nd on debut all the way back in January but came out of the race lame and didn’t race again until July by which time he was gelded. It was a good return, finishing 3rd at 1200M and while he had further setbacks afterwards, he came back into work in the second week of this month, and he is already a proven performer first-up. (5) PARADISO and (1) SEVEN KAISER are the other placing chances.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only and we’ll take a chance on (11) CLUB Q. After a 3rd and a 2nd, she got her maiden win at start three over this distance at the end of June, coming from off the pace from a similarly wide gate. She is up in class and after seventeen weeks out match fitness must be taken on trust, but she looks worth a go at an each-way price. (2) I AM GO went a bit cold for a couple of races but came back into some form with a 3rd place at this class over 1300M when on pace. She can aim to lead here and be in this a long way. (10) WONDERFUL ALONG mixes her form but on her 2nd place at class and distance two outings back, she has to be given a chance in this company. (4) GIDAEHARA and (6) GOOD FRIEND others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) Club Q (2) I Am Go (10) Wonderful Along (4) Gidaehara
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) B K. SPIRIT ran midfield on debut over 1000M on September 19th but that was in spite of a dreadful start and then laying out. She was sent back to trial, which she blitzed in a time of 60.2 seconds and if her manners are up to scratch here, she can win. (9) ONE PLUS ONE was a trial winner, on pace throughout. With a good start here, he can be in this a long way first up. (1) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE is another who was slowly away on debut, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 4th, albeit well beaten by Funny Wild who was 3rd in Listed Juvenile company last Sunday. She comes into a much better gate today and can go better. (4) GLOBAL PRINCE and (11) SUCCESS RUN among others who hinted at ability in their trials.
Selections
(7) B K. Spirit (9) One Plus One (1) Lampyojeonggeenie (4) Global Prince
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) WORLD EAGLE CAT has raced twice, following up a 5th on debut with a 3rd at start two on September 19th, both over 1000M. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) YURIM ACE was well supported on debut and did show on pace until blundering and becoming unbalanced at the top of the straight, ultimately finishing 6th of nine. Seo Seung-un is on and plenty will give her another chance. (12) BORYEONG ONE ROAD ran 4th on debut over 1000M before being given her chance in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy in September. She finished last in that but in much more amenable company today she should be better. (3) PILSEUNG WINNER looks the best of the first timers and if the trial is anything to go by, will be on pace, while (10) WOLF STEP is another who could go well first-up.
Selections
(11) World Eagle Cat (8) Yurim Ace (12) Boryeong One Road (3) Pilseung Winner
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) CAPTAIN DRAGON didn’t do much in three starts at the beginning of this year but in two outings back following four months out, he has run 3rd and 2nd, both at a mile and most recently beating three of today’s rivals when he led on September 26th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he is the one to beat. (2) OWNER CHAMP has five top five finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 4th over 1400M from her latest two. She has a smart finish on her and the step up to the mile can suit. (11) BREEDO CAPTAIN was 5th behind Captain Dragon on September 26th but was 2nd over this distance two weeks before that and can be in the mix here. (3) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG and (7) CHAMP KING among plenty of others with chances.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) ACE SUN ran 2nd on debut in August and then led all the way to win by a full ten-lengths at start number two over this distance on September 12th. He comes up in class but is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well to lead again, and the manner of that victory suggests more to come. (7) FANTASTIC FORCE ground out a hard-fought win over 1000M on debut on September 26th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and in trip but is down in weight and can measure up. (10) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five runner-up finishes including all of her latest three and she will be there or thereabouts again. (1) SWEET BELLE and (11) OH FANTASTIC among others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Ace Sun (7) Fantastic Force (10) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (1) Sweet Belle
Next Best
11, 12
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A year ago, Global Hit won the President’s Cup on his way to securing the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. That particular streak of wins had begun with the KRA Cup Classic, but Globa Hit came unstuck in that race this time around in August when from a wide gate, he struggled to settle under jockey Kim Hye-sun and ultimately finished a well-beaten 2nd.
It’s perhaps a sign of the esteem Global Hit is held in that there has been scarcely any talk of his injury in the build up to the race. After the KRA Cup Classic he came back lame, but it wasn’t as serious as first feared and he returned to work on August 29th and hasn’t missed a planned session since. The layoff – and missing a very taxing Korea Cup – may work in his favour.
There’s a familiar supporting cast. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG can run well at any distance at the highest level but almost always runs into one too quick, be it Global Hit or latterly SUCCESS BAEKPA, the KRA Cup Classic winner. If the favourite doesn’t perform on his return, those two are the most likely beneficiaries.
Here is a full run down of the field:
1. GANGPUNGMA – Enters in great form having won three of his last four, all at class 1 and all at 2000M. He likes to settle back and run on and while he was well back in this race a year ago, he is a better horse now and while maybe not a winning chance, he will have backers on an each-way line.
2. MY DREAM DAY – Won the final leg of the Triple Crown at this distance in Seoul in June but was 2nd to Oasis Red at class 3 level over 1800M on his return. Enters off a class 2 win at 1800M on September 14th when handy throughout. Big step up in terms of opposition but potential.
3. GLOBAL HIT – The defending Champion, he placed in Group 2 company at Meydan in March. He won her first two starts back in Korea in the Stayer Series but then suffered a reverse to Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic when failing to settle from a wide draw and coming back lame. He has been back in work since late August and has had no problems first-up in the past. Much better draw than the Classic and the one to beat.
Global Hit returns to defend his crown in the Billion Won G1 President’s Cup in Seoul and there are also bug Juvenile Series races both in the capital and at Busan on a huge Sunday of racing. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Global Hit won last year’s President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(5) DI NE ran 3rd on debut at 1000M in July before finishing a very fair 6th of thirteen in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th. He steps back into more amenable company here and third-up, he should be ready to claim his maiden win. (10) JEONGSANG HERA exceeded expectations on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, showing handy throughout and running on for 2nd. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (7) REFLECT ran 5th on debut at this distance on September 14th, starting slowly but finishing off well. He too can come on for that run. (8) CHOEGO GOLD and (4) SAEROUN BISUL are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.
Selections
(5) Di Ne (10) Jeongsang Hera (7) Reflect (8) Choego Gold
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M and then 3rd in the Rookie Stakes in August. That led her to be given a crack at the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th and while she finished back in the pack, she didn’t run badly and coming back into shallower waters today, she is the one to beat. (11) TIGER ROAR was only ordinary in her first two outings, but she found form at start three on September 21st when only beaten a neck over this distance. Ruan Maia stays on and she shapes as a danger again. (6) TRIPLE PALMETTO enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently at this distance on August 24th and coming in fresh after eight weeks off, can aim to get closer. (1) DONGBANG FORCE returns to action for the first time since January but looked well in a September trial. (3) OMENO TIME another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) RAON FLORENCE has finished 2nd in all three starts so far, most recently only beaten a head over 1200M on his first try at this class on August 21st. From a good draw, he will be on pace, and he can go one better. (1) KING OF DRAGON was a promising juvenile a year ago running 4th in Listed company but not running again after being well back in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He finally returned to action in August and while he only finished midfield, he can strip fitter here and get closer. (6) CHEONMAHORYEONG returned from a similarly lengthy absence to run 4th at this class and distance on September 28th. He should have derived benefit from the run and be in the mix here. (3) DAEWONYONGMA and (10) UNIVERSAL are other chances.
Selections
(2) Raon Florence (1) King Of Dragon (6) Cheonmahoryeong (3) Daewonyongma
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (8) SUN LIGHT enters off a 2nd place at this distance on September 14th when albeit nine-lengths behind a good winner, she raced well. That made it four top four finishes from seven starts and she has as much chance as any here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL ran 4th in both his first two starts before improving to 3rd over a mile on August 26th when handy throughout. He will be on or close to the pace here and is a big danger. (5) DELEKOOMDA looks to be figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on September 21st when coming from off the pace. He can be challenging late again. (3) HOLY NIKE and (1) SPEED BOY are other place chances.
Selections
(8) Sun Light (4) Somanguigil (5) Delekoomda (3) Holy Nike
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RAON THE AFFIRMED got his maiden win at this class and distance on August 31st when he led from gate to wire, scoring by four-lengths. He comes up 3kg in weight, but that win was impressive, and he can follow up. (4) EODIDEUNJI was a winner over 1200M at start number two on September 20th when settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (9) BREEDO TROPHY comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1200M, working home well both times, and he can be in the finish again. (10) HIT FLY and (3) YEONGGWANGUI SKY, the latter getting a 4kg apprentice claim, are among others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Raon The Affirmed (4) Eodideunji (9) Breedo Trophy (10) Hit Fly
Next Best
3, 11
Fast Start
3, 7, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(12) SCYTHAI remains a maiden after nine attempts, but she has five top three finishes including her latest two when 2nd and then 3rd at this class and distance. She carries a light weight, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem as she has a strong finish and today can be her day. (5) SHACKLE SUN is likewise yet to win but only missed out by a nose when 2nd two starts back and was within a length of the winner when 4th last time out on August 24th. He can settle handy again and can be a danger. (11) DAEGIL HERO continues the trend of non-winners with a big chance of breaking through. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance coming from off the pace and he can be running on strong again. (2) SMART SMILE and (7) HEAVY DUTY are previous winners who should be in the frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) CHARMING QUEEN will be a warm favourite here. After finishing 2nd on debut, she got her maiden win over 1300M at start number two in May and has since then finished as runner-up on both her tries at this class, most recently over 1400M on September 14th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit. The vastly experienced (not always a great thing at class 5) (8) BITNANEUN JILJU has raced thirty-six times since he last won but he enters following back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance and he can be in the finish again. (4) MIGHTY BOM is a non-winner of twenty but has eleven top three placings and this is the kind of race he can score a money finish n. (11) HEEMANGBAND and (6) WITH DIS KURO others to consider.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
It’s President’s Cup weekend so it’s an excuse to bring out Triple Nine pictures
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. It looks competitive so as a tie-breaker we shall side with the one with experience in the shape of (6) SEONGSIL WINNER. After a couple of trials, she ran a fair 4th on debut over this distance on September 6th, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time. That can give her the edge here. (3) HAKSAN SWORD went through two trials, improving in the second of them (it may not appear in all race cards but he clocked 62 seconds). He should be nice and fit for his debut and draws well. (4) ECHO STAR similarly completed two trials (62.9 seconds in the most recent of them). She will be on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) WORLD VICS and (5) MYUNG BRACING are the others that hinted at ability in their respective heats.
Selections
(6) Seongsil Winner (3) Haksan Sword (4) Echo Star (1) World Vics
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
A maiden with five of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those debuts is eagerly anticipated. (4) SAMJEONG SPIDER looked great in a February trial but never made it to the races. He came back with another impressive trial performance on September 18th, showing on pace and running 2nd in a quick time and if he brings that form to race day, he will win. The exposed form isn’t great so other first-timers (1) RAON KINGSMAN and (7) POWERFUL KNIGHT, both of whom posted quick times in the second of their respective two trials look to be the main dangers. The former came from off the pace while the latter was on the speed (Powerful Knight’s second trial was voluntary so may not appear in all race cards, but the time was 62.1 seconds) and both can be competitive. Of those who have raced before (3) PASA QUEEN and (2) CHRYSOL STEP are perhaps most likely to improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) LIVE STAR has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times running through the line well. The step up in trip today can suit and he looks to be the one to beat. (4) GEUMBIT POWER came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over this distance on September 13th. He should have derived benefit from that run and can build on it here. That will mean overturning the form on (5) SUN GALLANT, who ran 2n din that September 13th race, coming from a long way back. That was his best finish in twenty-three attempts and while he may not be a winning chance, he can be in the finish again. (8) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI and (1) THUNDER RUN other placing chances.
Selections
(7) Live Star (4) Geumbit Power (5) Sun Gallant (8) Hwarangsan Jeonggi
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
1, 7, 6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) WHIZ DREAM was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 13th, making all and scoring handsomely. She comes up in class and in trip, but the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come and she can measure up. (3) BISANG BELL got her maiden win over this distance three starts back and has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this level, most recently over this distance on September 7th. She got a bit far back in both those races but if she can be ridden more prominently from a good draw, she will be a danger. (10) RAON SILENCE and (8) SEOMDOLMORU finished 1st and 2nd in that September 7th race, the latter at big odds. They can both be competitive again although Raon Silence must contend with a 3kg weight rise. (4) VOSTOK another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) BEOLGYO DESTINO has run 4th in both starts back since returning from a six-month layoff, both times settling back and running on well. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise and he has every chance of coming out on top here. (9) HANMADILMALDO is similarly third-up following a lengthy absence. He is yet to win but ran 4th on his first try at this class over 1300M on September 20th and with CC climbing aboard for the first time, he can be a big player here. (4) MUSKET CLEAVER did nothing on debut before running out a 40/1 winner at start number two on September 7th. He is up in class but down in weight and drawn nicely enough to be competitive here. (3) SAENAE KHAN and (8) GRAND PARK are other place chances.
Racing returns to Korea after the Chuseok break with an 8-race Friday card at Busan between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan is back (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile filly maidens with all but one racing for the first time. That experienced one is (2) GOLDEN EMPIRE and after winning a trial, she was sent off as favourite on debut in a very similar race to this on September 19th when settling midfield and running on to not miss by much. That experience should stand her in good stead, and she can go one better. Plenty of the first timers hinted at ability in trials. (7) ROAD TO CLEO showed on pace and finished a close 2nd in her heat and if she brings that form to the races, she will be in the mix. (3) WIDAEHAN HEART was similarly on pace before running 3rd in her trial in a good time. (1) SUCCESS QUEEN and (5) PISTOL CUT among others who caught the eye.
Selections
(2) Golden Empire (7) Road To Cleo (3) Widaehan Heart (1) Success Queen
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Lots of chances here. (8) GEUMSEONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both over 1000M and both times racing handy. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and the step up in trip can suit. There is one debut maker. (6) JEONGMUN FAPPIANO was only steadily away in his trial but ran on well to cross the line 3rd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un aboard means that plenty will take note. (2) SHINING ONE beat a couple of these on his way to an improved 2nd at start number two on September 7th when racing on pace. Expect similar tactics here and he can be in the mix again. (4) AIR CITY and (10) VORTEX among others who can improve.
Selections
(8) Geumseong (6) Jeongmun Fappiano (2) Shining One (4) Air City
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (1) GREAT STAR took a few goes to figure things out but she has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently on September 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals over this distance. She won’t need to improve much on that to be very close here. There is one first timer. (7) WORLD DANCER CAT ran 2nd in what was a very quick trial on September 13th, showing on pace throughout. She draws fairly enough here and if she brings that form to the races, she is a chance. (6) I AM HAPPY has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far and can be in the mix again. (10) SINCHEON FREEDOM and (2) SWORN QUEEN among others to consider.
Selections
(1) Great Star (7) World Dancer Cat (6) I Am Happy (10) Sincheon Freedom
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) DIA X has improved in his latest two, most recently 2nd over 1300M on October 4th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here, has as good a chance as any. (5) LIKE DRAGON has been knocking on the door in her latest few with a 2nd place and most recently a 4th when beating a couple of today’s rivals at 1300M on August 2nd. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance previously and she can be a danger late here. (7) MUHAN NAREUSHA has a 3rd and two 5th places from three starts so far. He has been doing his best work late on each occasion and can finish strongly again. (4) DOCTOR ACE and (10) JEJU STONE are others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Dia X (5) Like Dragon (7) Muhan Nareusha (4) Doctor Ace
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
There is no racing on Sunday as the Chuseok holiday starts so Saturday sees racing at both Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the nine racing for the first time. (9) MYEONG DREAM may only have been 7th of eleven on debut over this distance on September 7th but the margins weren’t huge, and she ran fairly enough in a decent time. She should have come on for the run and Ruan Maia getting on means she goes on top. Both (4) GEUMJEOKSAN and (5) WILD MAGIC showed promise in their respective trials, both of them settling midfield and running through the line well and both can go well on debut. (8) B.K. DEVIL was a fair 6th on debut over 1000M on August 23rd and along with (3) HAENGBOKAN JILJU, the latter having raced twice, can be considered for improvement.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) MUJEOK HAMDAE has shown progress across his three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 7th. He has come from off the pace each time so the slight step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (4) ROAD TO STAR was an improved 4th at start number two in that same September 7th race. Third-up he can be fitter, and he can be the main danger. There is one debut-maker. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG went through two trials, improving to 2nd in his latest one when he came from off the pace to finish well and stopped the clock in a fast time. The 1300M can suit first up and he can go close. (10) GLORY JOY and (9) RAON THE BIG RED are others who can compete for the places.
Selections
(8) Mujeok Hamdae (4) Road To Star (5) Sangim Yeongung (10) Glory Joy
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BEST DREAM came very close to breaking through over 1200M on August 23rd when she led for most of the way only to be taken down late by a narrow margin. She comes up to 1400M for the first time, but she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (11) JILPUNGA has four top five finishes from his first five starts including two 3rd places over 1300M. The wide gate shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be challenging late here. (6) THUNDER LUCKY is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than nine finishes between 3rd and 5th. An apprentice takes 4kg off his back and that can bring him into placing contention. (5) CHRYSOL PEACE and (1) RAON THE BELMONT others in the frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (1) DAESEONG GOLD was a front-running trial winner on August 30th posting a good time. He draws the same gate for his debut and can win. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on September 12th. (12) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU was the best of them, showing on pace and ultimately finishing 3rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be close. (8) ART TREE went through two trials, improving in the second of them on September 13th when coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un being booked means he will have plenty of first-up backers. (6) COWBOY LOOK and (9) SINCHEON JUSTICE are the other two coming out of that September 12th race finishing 4th and 5th respectively and while they have plenty to make up on Cheongchuneunjayu, both should have come on for the experience.
Selections
(1) Daeseong Gold (12) Cheongchuneunjayu (8) Art Tree (6) Cowboy Look
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 11, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) TIGER K is yet to win but has had several near misses including runner-up finishes from his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on August 30th when he led for most of the way. He is up 2kg, but he can lead again here and this time, he can go one better. (10) WONDERFUL SOCKS wasn’t fancied at all on debut over 1000M on September 6th, but she came from off the pace to snatch the win. She is up in class and in trip today, but she can measure up. (5) HERO CHOICE is up in class following a maiden win at this distance on September 6th when leading all the way. He is down in weight and drawn well to be on the speed again. (2) TURBO SOCKS and (6) JUNMA FORCE are others in the frame.
We’re racing at Seoul this holiday Friday with 11 races from 12:50 to 20:00. Here are the previews:
Final evening meeting of the year (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t’ catch the eye so (7) MANGEUM DAON is the pick. He settled midfield in what was a strong trial, crossing the line 4th in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he may be hard to beat. (4) SUNGANUI FIGHTER went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (3rd in 63.3 seconds from the widest gate on September 18th. Of the experienced ones, (11) GOOD MORNING COME was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 2nd and while he only managed 6th on his return at 1200M on September 7th, it’s enough to have him in the frame here. (1) SMART HAESEONG ran 5th on her debut on August 30th and can have come on for the run. (10) DAEHAN SIDAE another who hinted at ability in his trial.
Selections
(7) Mangeum Daon (4) Sunganui Fighter (11) Good Morning Come (1) Smart Haeseong
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Ten imported maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (1) WHIZ WIN led all the way to win a trial on September 18th. He draws nicely and with a good start he can lead again and will take some catching. (2) GEUMA SPLASHY similarly led from gate to wire to win his August trial and while the time wasn’t so quick, he looked nice and competent. (6) WHIZ FIGHTER went through two trials finishing 4th in both but was much quicker in the second of them (62.0 seconds on September 4th. After those two he should be nice and fit and can go close. (10) SOUTHERN BEACH and (5) CHOEGANG BELT are others who hinted at ability and can be in this.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Five first-timers among the eleven here. (7) FLASH RAY has gone through a whole heap of trials dating back a year but is finally ready to race. He was 2nd in a trial on September 18th when handy throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He won’t need to improve much on that to win. (6) AMOS BULPAE didn’t qualify when trialed in April but looked much better equipped when close in a quick time in September. He too has every chance first-up. Among the experience, (10) YONGBI STORM is the best with a 5th and a 6th in fair times. He should have an edge fitness wise and can be in the finish. (1) SAMJEONG WINNER ran twice at the start of the year including a 4th place. She returns for the first time since February and along with debut-maker (5) ECLIPSE BAY, rates as a minor money chance.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) POWERFUL PARTNER has raced just three times and with a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, she seems to be figuring things out. She steps up to 1400M for the first time, but she has a strong finish on her, and it can suit. (10) TRIPLE JENNY has finished between 3rd and 5th four times from her five starts. Her best came at this distance at the end of June and she shapes as the danger here. (6) BLACK SUN ran well for 3rd at 1000M on September 6th and while a previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, she can be in the mix here. (1) P N S ME and sole debut-maker (2) ECLIPSE MARVEL are others in the frame.
Selections
(11) Powerful Partner (10) Triple Jenny (6) Black Sun (1) P N S Me
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
3, 9, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) MANI NODAGI got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2nd in a quick time on his first try at this class on September 14th. He is versatile inthat he won from the front but last time came from the middle of the pack, and he can win here. (1) SOMETHING DARK enters off a 3rd place at this class over 1300M on September 14th. His win came at this distance and under a light weight, he can be a danger. (10) YONGAM SARANG got her maiden win two weeks ago when making all at this trip. She took full advantage of the inside draw that day so this isn’t so straightforward, but she is down 3kg in weight and she can be competitive. (2) EXCELLENT HANSEN and (5) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the frame.
There is no racing this Sunday (or at all next weekend) as the long Chuseok holiday begins, so all race days have been brought forward by one. That means a rare Thursday meeting at Busan where there are 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) WHITE FLARE ran a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on August 29th, settling back and running on in a good time. He should have come on for the run and looks the one to beat in this opening maiden. (4) FANTASTIC EAGLE was also 3rd on debut, in his case over 1000M on September 5th when finishing off very well. He too should have improved for his first run and the step up in trip can suit. (11) CHOEGANG LOUIS was a much-improved 2nd at start number four last time out on September 5th when he led. He has the challenge of a wide draw this time, but he can be close again. (10) PORT MORE and (6) SAENAE HILL others in the frame.
Selections
(7) White Flare (4) Fantastic Eagle (11) Choegang Louis (10) Port More
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
3, 6, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) WORLD BLUE PIN CAT has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1200M on August 15th when running on and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and it could be what he needs to make his breakthrough. (7) MISS SNIPER was one of those behind World Blue Pin Cat in that race and she returned on September 7th to lead for much of the way around before running 3rd. She should be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (8) OWNER CHAMP has two 3rd places from her latest three as well as the fastest time among these for the distance. (10) HEUIMANG DANBI and (1) FINAL ATTACK other placing chances.
Selections
(6) World Blue Pin Cat (7) Miss Sniper (8) Owner Champ (10) Heuimang Danbi
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 7, 10, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) D’LOVELY KING wan twice last autumn, finishing 2nd both times, and then returned following nine months out at the end of August to run 2nd again at this class over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can finally go one better here. (12) LEGEND HIT got his maiden win at start number two over 1200M on August 29th. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he can measure up. (1) STUKA has been the beaten favourite in both his latest two, most recently when 3rd at this class and distance on August 31st. His win came at the 1400M and from the inside gate he can be given another chance today. (4) NAMHAE MAGIC and (8) ALL ROUND ONE are others to consider.
Selections
(2) D’Lovely King (12) Legend Hit (1) Stuka (4) Namhae Magic
It’s been a while since (3) ASTIN MARINE won, but he enters as the form horse here with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two both at this class and distance. One of his wins came over the 1800M and under a light weight and well-drawn, he is the one to beat. (12) SEKWANG LIGHT came from off the pace to run 3rd over a mile on August 24th and in this company, he may be ready for another crack at 1800M. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG was 6th behind Astin Marine last month but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and that’s enough to have him in the mix here. (10) CHAMP GO and (11) GUKDAE HERO are other place chances in a race with little obvious early speed.
Horse Racing in Korea 