Racing Previews

Derby Day Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (May 15)

it’s 2022 Korean Derby Day. Click here for a full preview of the big race which is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There is also a 6-race card at Busan from 12:00 to 16:45. As is customary on Derby weekend, general admission to the racecourses and to OCBs across the country, is free of charge. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(9) TOUCH NINE is the one to beat here. The Fed Biz colt is yet to finish in the top two, but he has four finished between 3rd and 5th including back-to-back 4th places from his latest two, both of them at this distance. He has post fair times and has proven able to run on pace or to close. From the widest gate he will probably look to drop in and use his late speed to be too good. (2) TIZ FIGHTING was 5th behind Touch Nine at was both their latest starts on April 9th. He draws well again and can be competitive. So can (5) BIG ENERGY. Yet to win in twelve, he does have six top-four finishes to his name and was 3rd at his latest outing three weeks ago when going right back and running on. He can run into some money again. (3) KKANGDORI has shown signs recently of figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd among her latest four appearances. And under another light weight can run well here too. (6) CHADOL RUN another minor money contender.

Selections(9) Touch Nine (2) Tiz Fighting (5) Big Energy (3) Kkangdori
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) TOP CLASS will be hot favourite here. He raced twice quite ordinarily last summer and then didn’t reappear until this spring when following a positive March trial, he returned to action on April 17th, running a very good 2nd at this distance when overcoming gate eleven to lead for most of the race. He should have come on for that run, he draws a much better gate, and he is very much the one to beat. (6) M J TIME was significantly improved at start number four when leading almost the entire wat around at this distance on April 23rd, only to get passed late on by a good winner. He will be on or close to the pace again and can maintain that momentum here. (9) WONDERFUL MUSIC didn’t do too much wrong on debut at this distance on April 16th, running around in midfield and improving to 4th. That followed a good trial and he she can put in another bold showing today. There are two first-time starters and both (4) GANA FASHION and (8) WHITE CAT trialed up pleadingly, with the former quicker and more preferred first-up.

Selections(2) Top Class (6) M J Time (9) Wonderful Music (4) Gana Fashion
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Since getting her maiden win last September, (2) SOBERANIA has been sent off as favourite all three times she has appeared in the gates. At the first of those, she ran a slightly disappointing 2nd. At the second she deposited her jockey on to the sand coming out of the barrier and proceeded without him. Most recently, she led but just got pipped into 2nd place at class and distance on April 10th. From a good draw, she goes on top again and surely it will be fourth time lucky. Should something go wrong again – and let’s face it, it might – (6) CUPID VOW could take advantage. He ran 4th behind Soberania on April 10th, running on, and he can be considered to go closer today. So too (8) K N OLD QUEEN. She was disappointing in that same race which was her first at class 5 following a maiden win over this distance in January. She is worth another chance here. (5) DIECO and (12) RAON THE WILD others in the frame.

Selections(2) Soberania (6) Cupid Vow (8) K N Old Queen (5) Dieco
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field in the opener on the south-coast but three of the seven look ready to win. We’ll take a chance on (4) ADELE ALLIE’S who has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on April 10th when settling midfield and running on. In this field, she should be on pace and has every chance of winning. So too does (6) LINE BREAKER. He comes back in trip following some good performances at 1400M including last time when he was an on-pace 3rd. He is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts and will probably be the favourite here. (5) SPECIAL FACT came from off the pace to run a good 3rd in a slowly run race at this distance on April 15th. (1) STAR CATCH and (3) FANTASTIC YEOGEOL could potentially sneak some minor money.  

Selections(4) Adele Allie’s (6) Line Breaker (5) Special Fact (1) Star Catch
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (9) BOOSTER ROCKET warrants favourite status on the back of her runner-up finish in a similar class and distance event on April 23rd, when she came from off the pace to work home well. She has eight top-five finishes from ten attempts and will be finishing off strongly again. (8) ADAMS APPLE might be worth a speculative additional chance here at probable good odds. She had shown plenty of ability in four starts prior to a lengthy layoff and hinted at it still being there when trialing. She has been ordinary in two starts back but following another six weeks out, she may be fitter this time. (2) BIG BIT is one who returned to form after some lacklustre performances. She comes in following a good 2nd place at this class over 1200M on April 17th and from a good gate and under a light weight, should be in the mix here. (3) SONGAM BEST comes up in class following a good win over 1200M when handy throughout and she can measure up in this company. (1) NANA LAND also comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes and she too can compete.

Selections(9) Booster Rocket (8) Adams Apple (2) Big Bit (3) Songam Best
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

He’s been out for almost a year but (6) POKPUNG JILJU still shapes as the one to beat here. He registered two smart 3rd places over 1400M before his layoff and looked very well when trialing up at the end of April. This is a small field with little to fear, and he couldn’t have asked for a better race to return in. (3) PURPLE MANGO has also had an interrupted career so far. She made one appearance in August of last year and then didn’t race again until April 22nd when she was handy for much of the 1200M before ultimately ending in 7th. She should have benefited from that run and can go closer today. (2) YEONGCHEON POWER has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and can go close today. (7) WONDERFUL REALTY and (8) FANTASTIC MAGIC are others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Pokpung Jilju (3) Purple Mango (2) Yeongcheon Power (7) Wonderful Realty
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8
(more…)

KOREAN DERBY 2022 – DETAILED PREVIEW

The 25th Korean Derby will be run over nine-furlongs at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with Captain Yankee, who won the KRA Cup Mile in Busan a month ago, bidding to add the second jewel on his quest to sweep the Triple Crown.

Captain Yankee won the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

In total, eight of the twelve who contested the Cup Mile return for the Derby. They include last year’s Champion Juvenile Complete Value, who was sent off as favourite in the Mile and looked set to win, only to be run down by Captain Yankee’s late burst. He is set to be favourite once more.

Captain Yankee, a 40/1 winner of the Cup Mile, heads up the challenge from Busan. Since 2008, horse trained at the south-coast track have won ten of the fourteen runnings of the Derby.

Wow Wow and Tiz Barows are the most intriguing newcomers on the Triple Crown trail. Both swerved the Cup Mile and enter in form good enough to enable them to take their chance.

Four overseas jockeys have rides in the race with Johan Victoire aboard Tiz Barows, Antonio Da Silva on Daemul and David Breux and Djordje Perovic partnering Fast Track and Winner Star respectively.

The Derby is race eight on an eleven-race card at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 16:20.

Here is the runner-by-runner guide:

KOREAN DERBY (KOR G1) 1800M Allowance / KRW 800 Million

1. DAEMUL [Menifee – Eyes Aglow (Broad Brush)]

(Runs/1st/2nd/3rd): 3/1/1/0 – (Career Earnings) KRW 30,800,000

Owner: Cho Myeong-sik Trainer: An Byung-ki Jockey: Antonio Da Silva

The lowest rated horse in the gate, Daemul has only raced three times, winning at class 6 over 1300M. Only start since was at 1700M at class 5 level on March 20th, when he led early and was still in contention entering the closing stages only to get passed and ultimately finished 7th. There was merit in that run and improvement is possible, but this is a very tough ask.  

Recent Race Video: February 19th, Class 6 (1300M) 1st: https://youtu.be/DhUsUk10JKI

2. BYEOLUI SUNGAN [Menifee – Free Release (Dixie Union)]

8/2/1/2 – KRW 99,700,000

O: Jung Hyung-chul T: Song Moon-gil J: Kim Yong-geun

Only the winner, Captain Yankee, ran the final furlong of the Cup Mile faster, Byeolui Sungan sat back and ground out the finish but had way too much to do. Previously finished 4th in the Sports Seoul Classic trial and has won up to 1400M at class 5. The distance may well suit and he has a great draw. Jockey won the Triple Crown on Power Blade in 2016 adding to his 2014 Derby on Queen’s Blade.

January 22nd, Class 5 (1400M) 1st: https://youtu.be/KI5Y5QyKUwk

3. TIZ BAROWS [Tizway – Kaylan’s Rose (Jambalaya Jazz)]

4/2/2/0 – KRW 66,000,000

O: Inokumu Hirotsugu T: Seo In-seok J: Johan Victoire

Yet to finish worse than 2nd and comes in off a good win over 1700M at class 5 level on April 2nd when he tracked the leader throughout before going clear in the home straight and winning by five-lengths in a fair time. The distance should suit, and he draws well to pick a position again, probably handy or midfield. He can be in this a long way and could be a value pick.

April 2nd, Class 5 (1700M) 1st: https://youtu.be/Dno3kgVnvuI

4. COMPLETE VALUE [Girolamo – Ft. Sduction (Ft. Stockton)]

7/5/2/0 – KRW 637,460,000

O: Jang Se-jun T: Park Jae-woo J: Lim Gi-won

A perfect five-from-five as a juvenile, he has finished runner-up in both outings this year, behind Seungbusa in the Sports Seoul Classic trial at 1400M and then to Captain Yankee in the Cup Mile. He had excuses in both. The Sports Seoul was a pipe-opener following three months without a race while he came down with a cold in the aftermath of the Cup Mile and may not have been at 100%. It still looked like he was going to win that race until Captain Yankee’s late burst and from a great draw, expect him to sit handy and then launch his challenge at the top of the straight. The one to beat and the probable favourite.

April 17th, KRA Cup Mile (1600M) 2nd: https://youtu.be/Tmtr-C_w6WQ

5. MONGTTANG [To Honor And Serve – Miss Stravinsky (Stravinsky)]

10/2/0/3 – KRW 64,150,000

O: Daeryung T: Kim Young-kwan J: Lim Sung-sil

Looked to have a lot of potential when winning back-to-back races in October last year but has come up short whenever he has been tested in good company. A fair 4th in the Gyeongnam Shinmun Classic trial over 1400M was followed up by only beating two in the Cup Mile when he sat midfield and didn’t quicken. The connections mean local punter will be wary – his trainer has won this race five times – but this is a hard ask.

February 11th, Class 4 (1600M) 3rd: https://youtu.be/pDBYqbv7o68

6. FAST TRACK [Take Charge Indy – X File (Exploit)]

8/2/0/0 – KRW 42,750,000

O: Yoon U-hwan T: Kang Hwan-min J: David Breux

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 14)

It’s Korean Derby Eve and Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. General admission to both the racecourses and off-track centers is free across this weekend to mark the occasion of the Derby. Here are Saturday’s previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. It’s hard to go far past (3) SUNGAN TOUCH. After a lackluster debut last Christmas Day, he ran a well beaten 2nd to Daemul, who runs in Sunday’s Korean Derby, before finishing 3rd on his latest outing on March 26th. Both were at 1300M and both times he led. He draws well here to lead again and should win. (10) NAMSAN MUJEOK hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but probably won’t need to find much more in order to get on the board here. He comes in off an improved 3rd place at start number four on April 10th when he sat midfield and ran on, and he should go close here. (1) DAECHEON BEAUTY wasn’t ready when debuting last October but looked much better when returning for another go on April 9th when 4th at this distance. He should have come on for the run and can continue to make progress today. (5) MIGHTY ANN and debut-maker (2) GEUMA POSH are others who could make an impact.

Selections(3) Sungan Touch (10) Namsan Mujeok (1) Daecheon Beauty (5) Mighty Ann
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and a few of them look ready to win. (2) LAROMANEE just about gets the nod having shown steady improvement across her five starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place finish in her latest start when she was prominent throughout in an all-filly race over 1200M on April 3rd. She steps up to this trip for the first time, draws well, gets Moon Se-young aboard, and has every chance. (1) GEONGONILCHEOK is the main danger. He too has shown progress over five outings and enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, the latter of which was at this distance on April 16th. He will be on pace here and won’t be far away. (6) GUKDAE CLASS debuted in that April 16th race and ran a decent 5th. With some natural improvement out of that, he can go close here. (5) FLASH THUNDER and (4) SINHAN TEUKSONG are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Laromanee (1) Geongonilcheok (6) Gukdae Class (5) Flash Thunder
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Small field of filly maidens and while it is not a strong field, it is competitive. (5) EOMCHEONGNAN GIRL will probably be the favourite. She is the only runner in the field to have a 2nd place to her name and enters off a fair 4th place at this distance on April 17th when she settled in midfield and ran on. Those two factors are enough to put her on top here. (4) BARAMSAL also comes in off a last start 4th, her best finish to date, over 1200M on April 10th. She steps up in trip here but has been finishing off her races pleasingly enough so it may suit. (1) LONDON POWER has two 3rd places in her record. She went back to trial after her latest start in early April and looked extremely well in it. She looks to be the natural leader here and should be in this a long way. (3) BLUE KAISER and (6) STAR PRINCESS others who may hit the minors.

Selections(5) Eomcheongnan Girl (4) Baramsal (1) London Power (3) Blue Kaiser
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

We’ll take a chance on (8) P N S GAMBOL stepping up again. He did absolutely nothing for five starts but with a 3rd and a then a win from his latest two, he appears to have figured things out. His win came when making all over 1200M on April 30th and they turn around quickly here. He is up in class and in distance but should be on pace and can measure up. The favourite will be (9) BLUE HAMMER. He is yet to win in nine attempts but has four top-three finishes to his name, including at his latest start on April 17th at this distance when he settled midfield and ran on well. He has had a tendency to leave himself a little bit too much today but this looks like his best chance of picking up a win. (10) OLD START comes up in trip after a good 3rd place at this class over 1200M on April 10th. He finished off well that day and the additional trip may suit. (5) STAR RUSH and (6) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) P N S Gambol (9) Blue Hammer (10) Old Start (5) Star Rush
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 13)

Korean Derby weekend gets underway with action at Busan on Friday where there are 8 race from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener and it’s hard to look past (4) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE. She ran 4th on debut before improving to a narrow 2nd on her reappearance on April 8th. She was on pace both times, leading until the closing stages and from a good gate should get a soft lead here and go all the way this time. (7) LET IT GO debuted in that April 8th race and from a wide gate got well back early and only managed to run on for 7th. She should have come on for that run and with a slightly draw today, can get closer. (6) GASOK DAY has been consistent across four outings to date with the best being a 2nd place at this distance in March. She will be expected to be on pace in this company and should go close. (8) TWO TWO COIN and (9) HUIMANG PUNCH are others who can improve, the latter having looked well in an April trial.

Selections(4) Pyeonghwa Chukje (7) Let It Go (6) Gasok Day (8) Two Two Coin
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) QUEEN’S DAERO just about gets the nod here based on her latest outing on April 15th when she ran an improved 2nd at this distance having managed to find a handy position from a wide draw and ran on well behind Global Choego and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals.  She gets a better gate today and won’t need to improve much on that run to win this. Having never previously finished in the top five, (9) URI JOEUNNAL ran on for a surprise 2nd place at 1200M on April 17th. She carries the same light weight again and in this limited company, can run into some money again. (10) NAREUCAT comes back in trip following a solid 3rd in a small field at 1400M on April 22nd. Her running style means the draw shouldn’t be a problem and she will be in the placing hunt here. (7) B.K. HANA and (11) BAEDARI GANGHO are among other placing contenders.

Selections(6) Queen’s Daero (9) Uri Joeunnal (10) Nareucat (7) B.K. Hana
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Small but competitive field here. (8) B.J. CHIEF has mixed his form across five starts so far but has a 3rd place to his name at this distance in a fair time and comes in having overcome the widest draw to come from off the place and run 3rd over 1300M just two weeks ago. In this field, he can be on pace or handy and it could be his day. The main danger is (7) WONDERFUL BOBCAT. He is two starts into a comeback following almost a year on the sidelines and has put in two promising performances in 3rd and 5th, both at 1300M and both times running on. He could be peaking third-up here. (5) BOUNTY HUNTER comes back up in trip. He is on a run of consistent, if unspectacular performances and he can grind his way to a minor money finish again here. (9) AGAIN HELEN and (1) DOCTOR CANDY are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) B.J. Chief (7) Wonderful Bobcat (5) Bounty Hunter (9) Again Helen
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) DONGBU WORLD is yet to win but is yet to finish any worse than 4th on four outings so far. His first three near-misses brought him up in class and he ran well for 3rd place on his first try at this level over 1200M on April 15th when he was on pace throughout, briefly leading in the home straight. Nicely drawn, he only comes up 1kg and he can win here. (1) KKUM NEOMEO was a 16/1 winner on debut over this distance on March 25th when he made all. He is up in class here but carries the same light weight as on debut and draws the same inside barrier. It wouldn’t be a surprise were he to win again. The rest of the field are fillies (and one mare). (6) GREEN CHEETAH has won at this distance and has since registered back-to-back 4th places at this class. She can be on pace here and be in this a long way. (7) BORAMI and (8) GLOBAL YEOSIN are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Dongbu World (1) Kkum Neomeo (6) Green Cheetah (7) Borami
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Since getting his maiden win over a mile in early March, (7) ORANGE GARAGE has raced twice at this class and distance and finished in 3rd place on both occasions, both times racing handy to the speed and in the process registering a time at the distance faster than any of the others in this field have managed. He does come up a little in the weights but in this small field will be handy again and may take some beating. (3) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN ran on very pleasingly for 4th over a mile last time out. She carries a feather weight here and should be available at an each-way price again. (2) CENTUM THOR is yet to win in fifteen starts but has been ultra-consistent with twelve to-five finishes. He has a 2nd place at this class and distance (beaten twelve-lengths by Lucas Sun) and will be there or thereabouts again. (5) ADELE BOSS and (8) WONDERFUL SECRET can also be considered.

Selections(7) Orange Garage (3) Hollywood Queen (2) Centum Thor (5) Adele Boss
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Another Peter Wolsley-trainee goes on top here. (2) CLEAR was a winner on debut all the way back in December 2020 before missing the entire 2021 season and finally returning this January. He has improved in each of his three starts since including a 2nd place in a fast time (assisted by a muddy and fast track) at this distance on March 20th. He draws great, carries an amenable weight, and can win. (10) ALIVE STAR is the logical second pick. He was a class and distance winner on April 8th when he sat handy early before striking the front on the turn and running on for a very comfortable score. He comes up a full 6kg in the weights for that effort but has run well under today’s weight before and he can be dangerous again. (9) GOLDEN BYEORAK races for the first time since January when he was a good 3rd at class and distance. He has never finished worse than 4th and has run well first-up in the past. He can settle midfield and run on here. (12) BOLAVEN and (11) CHOEGANG LIGER also in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Clear (10) Alive Star (9) Golden Byeorak (12) Bolaven
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) BEOLMAUI STAR was an eye-catching winner on his first two stars in November and December but he has made a stuttering start to his three-year-old season finishing 3rd when an odds-on favourite in January over 1400M before having another three-months out and returning in the KRA Cup Mile on April 17th when he was on pace early but soon ran out of energy. This is a much more suitable assignment and he could return to winning ways. (8) USURP won back to back races in January and February to rapidly get promoted to this level. He comes in having run 2nd at class and distance on April 8th when on pace and will be close again today. (1) DONGTEUJA BOY is a winner at this distance and comes in off a decent 3rd place at this class on February 25th. He has had a couple of months off since then and coming in fresh and from a good gate, may suit. (6) JUST WIN and (2) GOLDEN also have place claims.

Selections(5) Beolmaui Star (8) Usurp (1) Dongteuja Boy (6) Just Win
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A very competitive finale in which plenty have winning claims. With a rating of 50, (8) BUSANHANG GALMAEGI is still eligible for class 4 but in taking a swing at this, comes down a full 7kg from his 4th place at this distance at class 4 level three weeks ago. He will need to improve here as he hasn’t yet posted the kind of times that some of today’s rivals have but he should have enough speed to get to the lead and he can measure up. (5) MUJEOK BULPAE and (7) NEU DAT race one another again. On April 15th Neu Dat finished 1st and Mujeok Bulpae 2nd at class and distance with Neu Dat pretty much making all. They both come up in the weights here but it’s to Mujeok Bulpae’s favour and he can overturn the form from that day. (2) FLAT BABE and (11) WORLD SOCKS among many others who can compete for at least the places.

Selections(8) Busanhang Galmaegi (5) Mujeok Bulpae (7) Neu Dat (2) Flat Babe
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 11

Korean Oaks Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (May 8)

Sunday’s feature race is the Korean Oaks at Busan – See here for full preview – part of a 6-race card on the south-coast from 12:00 to 16:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Golden Power beat Chamjoeun Chingu is a tight finish to the Luna Stakes. They face off again in the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (2) JAY PHOENIX has raced only once and it was back in December, but he ran well, being on pace before ultimately finishing 3rd behind a couple of useful ones over 1000M. He won a trial in early April and from a great draw, will be expected to win first-up here. (4) GRAY THOR has also raced just the once, in his case over 1200M on April 3rd when he settled handy to the lead and ran on for 6th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. That followed a promising trial and with some natural improvement, he can go close today. (10) CUPID SAFE comes in with an improved 3rd and 2nd from her latest two, both at 1300M. In the first of those she settled back in the field and at the most recent she was handy so she is versatile enough to overcome the wide gate here and can be dangerous. (6) ECHO ZONE and (8) NONSTOP ALI the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Jay Phoenix (4) Gray Thor (10) Cupid Safe (6) Echo Zone
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies and mares only here. (5) P N S CHANCE enters with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and both times running on strongly. The engagement of an apprentice jockey brings her significantly down in the weights and she can run on strongly and go close here. The main danger is (3) GALSAEK HYANGGI. She comes in following a good 2nd place over 1400M on March 19th when handy throughout. That was her best finish in six starts to date and with similar tactics today, she looks sure to be in the finish again. It’s hard to go past those two for the quinella. (10) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER was well back behind P N S Chance at her latest outing but has hinted at ability. (8) SHINE MUSIC and (12) BARO QUEEN are among others that can be considered for the places.

Selections(5) P N S Chance (3) Galsaek Hyanggi (10) Hampyeong Fighter (8) Shine Music
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start1, 10, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(3) BRAVO MAY will be the favourite here. He looks to be working back up to another win with a good 4th and 3rd from his latest two, both at this class and distance and last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals when settling midfield and running on well. He has posted decent times and from a great draw, has every chance here. (7) FIRST DREAM is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but came back to this trip last start after several goes around two turns and registered a career-best 2nd place on April 3rd when he got to the lead from gate nine and was only beaten by a very good winner. If he can be ridden forward again, he can be in this a long way. (5) PIEONADA ran adequately enough for 5th on her latest appearance on April 10th and may appreciate the step back up in trip here. (8) JISANGUN mixes his form but has placed at class and distance and along with (2) KAILLUM JEWANG, should be in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Bravo May (7) First Dream (5) Pieonada (8) Jisangun
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

There are a couple of tempting debut-makers here, but we shall side with experience and put (5) GREAT CAPTAIN on top. He has steadily improved across his four appearances to date, culminating with a strong 2nd at this distance on March 27th, when as has been his style after his debut, he settled just behind the early speed and then ran on well. An apprentice brings his weight down here and today can be his day. (4) STAR MATTA looked very well when winning a trial by as many as he pleased in a fast time on a dry track on April 23rd. His half-brother Lucas Sun has won a couple of races here and a bold showing first-up seems likely. The other first-timer is (1) GEUMA INFINITE. He trialed up in a different heat on the same morning and while he didn’t win the heat, he stopped the clock in exactly the same time as Smart Matta. All three half-siblings to make the track won. Returning to the experienced ones, (8) TRIPLE THUNDER and (7) MEOTJIN HARU look the best.

Selections(5) Great Captain (4) Star Matta (1) Geuma Infinite (8) Triple Thunder
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) HANGANG BOSS will be hot favourite to win here. He got his maiden victory two starts back over 1300M before running a strong 4th from the widest gate on his first try at this class over 1200M on March 19th when he simply couldn’t find a decent position early and had to run on from a long way back. He gets a much better gate today and the additional furlong should favour him. The logical danger is (5) SOJUNGHAN DANGSIN. Despite remaining a maiden, she comes up in class here following a few too many near-misses at class 6 level and has recently been running well over 1300M. She is another for who the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the mix here. The form really drops off after those two, though. (4) HAPPY SOCKS has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and that’s enough to put him into the placing frame here. (3) YEONGUNG DAEMA and (2) WHITE WING others to consider for minor money.

Selections(1) Hangang Boss (5) Sojunghan Dangsin (4) Happy Socks (3) Yeongung Daema
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) KING BOSS has only raced twice and has been a beaten favourite twice, finishing 4th and 3rd, both times at 1200M. He has raced prominently both times and draws nicely again to do the same here. His time at the distance is quicker than all but one has recorded, and it can be third-time lucky as market leader today. (2) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE took a few goes to figure things out but has a 2nd and a 3rd to his name now at this level. He draws nicely here and under a light weight, can be in the mix. (4) WORLD FLOWER remains a maiden but comes in off a career-best 2nd place scored at this distance on April 10th when she went right back and ran on. If she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can be considered here. (3) CHONGAL CHARM and (1) WONDERFUL DIGGER are others who can have minor money claims.

Selections(5) King Boss (2) Choegang Mujigae (4) World Flower (3) Chongal Charm
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11
(more…)

Korean Oaks 2022: Runner-By-Runner Preview

Only the narrowest of noses split Golden Power and Chamjoeun Chingu at the end of the Luna Stakes last month and at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon the fillies meet again in the second leg of their Triple Crown as ten go to post in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2).

Six of the ten come out of that Luna Stakes, the first leg of the filly Triple Crown which took place over a mile at Busan on April 10th, and they filled out the top six places. In that race, Raon The Spurt was sent off as the favourite and she led a long way before ultimately been passed by long-time stalker Chamjoeun Chingu. However, Golden Power and Choi Si-dae would emerge from the field to nail both on the line.

It was a superb late effort and gives every indication that Golden Power, who went wide and made up fully twenty-lengths in the home straight over fillies who didn’t exactly stop running themselves, can only benefit from the additional furlong.

Chamjoeun Chingu though draws much better this time and with Moon Se-young aboard again, will have plenty of backers to maintain Seoul-trained horses excellent recent record in the race; the Trophy has headed to the Capital four times in the last five years. Raon The Spurt too remains a live contender.

The locally trained Golden Power is not the only hope for the host track. Trainer Kim Young-kwan has prepared no fewer than five Oaks winners and this year sends out Wonderful Raise. She is an on-pace filly who ran a super race in the Luna for 4th and just like Chamjoeun Chingu, draws a much better barrier this time around.

The Korean Oaks is race 5 on the 6-race card at Busan and has a post time of 15:55 KST. Here is a full run-down of the field in race card order:

1.  WONDERFUL RAISE [Menifee – On The Podium (Bold Executive)] – A fast winner at class 5 level over 1400M in February, she drew gate thirteen in the Luna Stakes and ran a creditable 4th. Every chance of coming on for that run, her trainer has won the race five times and it would be no surprise to see her in the finish.

2. MAGIC GRACE [Magic Dancer – Ua Deungseon (Menifee)] – A winner up to class 4 level in Seoul and of three from seven in total. She is yet to go further than 1400M but as an on-pace type she draws well to give herself the best possible chance. Not a top line favourite but a case can be made for some minor money.

3. SHY DRAGON [Menifee – Monday’s Child (Stravinsky)] – Likely to be one of the longest shots on the board, she takes her chance following a good win at class 5 level in an all-filly race over 1200M on March 18th when she sat midfield and ran on well. Yet to run further than 1200M and this is a big step up.

4. CHAMJOEUN CHINGU [Musket Man – Googlette (Exceed And Excel)] – A winner over 1700M at class 4 level in Seoul before losing out in the final stride to Golden Power in the Luna Stakes. That day she had to contend with gate fourteen but gets a much more favourable draw here and should get a much easier run. She has a big chance.

5. GOLDEN POWER [Afleet Express – Cherokee Sheikh (Cherokee Run)] – The Luna Stakes winner, she came from the back of the field to the front in the home straight and just made it on the line by the narrowest of noses. She is yet to go beyond a mile, but she was traveling by far the quickest at the end of the Luna and she has every chance of winning again. Probable favourite.

6. EUNSEONG WINNER [Menifee – Achimsarang (Broken Vow)] – Her solitary win came at class 6 level over 1300M in early March, making all. That led her to take her chance in the Luna and whilst sent off one of the longest shots on the board, she ran a solid 6th. She can settle midfield here and while she doesn’t look a winning chance, she should see out the trip and can aim for some minor money.

7. LUCKY CROWN [Girolamo – Peregian (Grand Lodge)] – Her only win came at class 6 level over 1200M and she as 7th of ten in the Sports Seoul Classic trial. Nevertheless, she took her chance in the Luna and only winner Golden Power posted a faster final furlong time as she came from the back of the field to run on for 5th. On the face of it, the additional trip can suit and don’t rule her out of passing some tired fillies again.

8. ADELE GOLD [Girolamo – Gold Mine (Officer)] – She comes in having picked up her maiden win last time out at what was start number six over 1300M hen she sat handy to midfield and finished off well, scoring easily. This is a big step up in both class and distance and despite the top jockey booking, she will be an outsider.

9. ALPHA SONGDANG [Old Fashioned – Miss Win (Perfect Vision II)] – The wildcard. Since running 3rd on debut at 1000M, she has registered two wins up to 1200M at class 5 level. She has been on pace in all her races so far and while this is a totally different test, she may be interesting and a probable big price. Jockey Kim Hye-sun is the only female rider to have won a Classic in Korea, taking this race on Jejui Haneul in 2017.

10. RAON THE SPURT [Musket Man – Tomiken Spring (Suzuka Mambo)] – She won three of her first four starts before coming up short at this distance at class 3 level at Seoul in February. That didn’t stop her from being sent off as favourite for the Luna, a race she led but ultimately finished 3rd, half a length behind the winner. She is not favoured by the draw as she likes to lead, but she has plenty of quality and if she can find a forward position, she can be in the finish again. Jockey won the race in 2020.

Selections: (4) Chamjeoun Chingu (5) Golden Power (1) Wonderful Raise (10) Raon The Spurt

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 7)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener and it’s hard to look far past (7) MAGIC MOCCASIN. She has led in both of her races so far, at 1000M and 1200M, ultimately finishing in 4th place on both occasions but beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should have enough speed to get to the lead again here and it’s doubtful whether there is anything good enough to pass her. (2) SAENGIL SEONMUL has run fairly across four starts so far with a runner-up finish over 1000M her best. She ran 6th behind Magic Moccasin last time out and from a good draw can be on pace today and in this a long way. (3) MEOTJIN ARCH improved at her latest outing on April 24th when a close 3rd at this distance. A similar run would put her in placing contention again. (1) ECLAIR THE ONE and (9) BEST MAD CAM other minor money hopes.

Selections(7) Magic Moccasin (2) Saengil Seonmul (3) Meotjin Arch (1) Eclair The One
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here with four of the ten racing for the first time. Having won a very slow trial in February, (8) ROMA BLADE put in a solid effort on debut on April 2nd, running 3rd at this distance, well beaten by a good winner, but not far behind the runner-up. We are going to be looking for her to find a bit more here but with natural improvement for that run, she has winning chances. The one she will need to beat is (3) CAMP SAVER. She has steadily improved over her five starts so far, with a 5th and a 4th in her latest two, both at this distance and both in good times. In the absence of much early speed, she is likely to be on ace here and she won’t need to find much improvement to win. (9) KING HONOR ran 5th on debut behind Roma Blade and can build on that here. Of the first-timers, (2) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA is half-brother to Heunghaeng Jilju and while his trial was forgettable, he will have backers. (10) RUN BOY RUN won his trial, which is enough to put him in the mix in this company.

Selections(8) Roma Blade (3) Camp Saver (9) King Honor (2) Orae Hamkkehaja
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) FORT SEUONE is a model of consistency and while she has only won once in seventeen attempts, she has fair claims of another here. At her latest, in an all-filly race at this distance on April 9th, she broke well and sat handy, running on for a good 2nd. She comes down slightly in the weights today and while she does draw wider, can be on pace again and can win. (9) THE REAPER is anything but consistent, with three runner-up finishes his only times in the money. Nevertheless, the latest of those on April 17th was in a similar race to this when he managed to get to a handier position than he had in other recent starts. A repeat will see him in the finish again. (2) TINA gets a much better draw than in her latest two when she has come from off the pace and finished well. The slight step up in trip may be in her favour too. (7) FUN CRAZY comes up in class after winning at start number three over 1200M on April 10th. He comes up in trip too, but his running style suggests it can suit and he can go close. (8) FEDERAL EYE has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and while he can mix his form, could be appealing at an each-way price.

Selections(10) Fort Seuone (9) The Reaper (2) Tina (7) Fun Crazy
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start5, 10, 11, 12
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 6)

Korean Oaks weekend gets underway at Busan on Friday with eight-races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) TWO OF US has run well for 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far, both of them at this distance and both in fair times. She has been on the pace in both of those starts but the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem against this limited field and she will be expected to win this. (6) DOCTOR PERSIA has hinted at ability in two outings, both at 1300M and both times sitting midfield. He will do the same here and can run on and be a threat in the latter part of the race. (9) DOKBO improved at her second start on April 8th when sitting midfield and running on well. She is yet to show much in the way of speed but looks a place chance again here. Newcomer (4) QUEEN ALLIE and (2) SPECIAL WIND look to be others who can challenge for the money.

Selections(10) Two Of Us (6) Doctor Persia (9) Dokbo (4) Queen Allie
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Filly maidens only here. (1) HAPPY SONG SONG looks to be the one to beat having run consecutive 3rd place finishes, the later having worked to the lead from the widest gate before tiring late over 1400M. She comes back in trip today, draws much better and she can exit the bottom rung of racing with a win. (8) TAKE ADELE significantly improved at start number seven on April 8th, running 3rd and beating three of today’s rivals at this distance. While it may have been a flash in the pan, she carries the same very light weight today and a similar run will put her in the finish. (2) FUSION QUEEN raced twice last spring and hasn’t been seen since. She finally returns here and having shown well in an April trial, can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) LADY GOLDEN has improved across her latest two and can maintain her momentum today while (5) PRETTY CHARM is another who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Happy Song Song (8) Take Adele (2) Fusion Queen (9) Lady Golden
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (7) YOUNG BOSS was a winner at this distance two starts back on March 18th when he settled back, quickly improved, and ran on to score in a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled this distance previously, have achieved. Although his first try at this class did not go well, he can be given another chance here. (5) CHEONGHO BOSS will probably be favourite. His win came at 1200M and at his latest start, he got a long way back before running on well for 4th at 1200M. The slight step up in trip can assist and he will surely be close. (10) SEONGSIL SIHWA was an unexpected winner at start number three at 1200M on April 1sr. She comes up in class but this is not a testing race so she may measure up. (9) SKY JEJUHYANG and (3) HAPPY MAGIC others who are unspectacular but can aim for places in this company.

Selections(7) Young Boss (5) Cheongho Boss (10) Seongsil Sihwa (9) Sky Jejuhyang
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Djordje Perovic enters today needing just one more win to become the leading foreign jockey of all time in Korea and if he hasn’t already got it, he really should here as (12) SEOGWI POINT should take some beating. A good winner at class 6 level two starts back over this distance, she was an also-ran in last month’s Luna Stakes and skips Sunday’s Oaks to take her chance here in limited company. She should be able to overcome the wide draw and win. (3) GREAT GO is yet to win in twenty-two attempts, but she regularly picks up a minor cheque and from a great draw, this is the kind of race she can go close in. (10) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM enters with recent form reading well and despite the wide draw, she shouldn’t have too many problems finding a good position and she can go close. (1) SOUTHERN KING comes up in class but can measure up while (9) THE FIRST FACTOR is another with placing hopes.

Selections(12) Seogwi Point (3) Great Go (10) Cheonnyeonuigureum (1) Southern King
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 12

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

Two standouts here and they raced each other on April 3rd in the Selangor Turf Club Trophy over 1400M when (5) WONDERFUL FAGER finished in 5th place ahead of (6) GEUMA STARLET in 6th. They both come down 3kg in the weights under today’s conditions, both draw similarly, and both have top jockeys booked. We’ll tentatively go with them finishing in the same order but this time as winner and runner-up. The logical third choice here is (8) KING BROTHER. He ran on well for 3rd place at his latest start when drawn wide in a bigger field than this and should be working home strongly again today. (9) ALPHA AGAIN’s recent form has been a little cold but he has plenty of ability and this small field may suit. (3) ROAD TO V another to consider for at least a place.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fager (6) Geuma Starlet (8) King Brother (9) Alpha Again
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM is a bit of a tongue-twister, but he has definitely shown ability in a flawless start to his career, winning both his starts in fine fashion. He comes rapidly up in class and in trip as well and while this is certainly more testing for him, there is no reason why he can’t be equal to it and maintain his 100% record. It’s been almost a year since (4) ACE JACKPOT’s solitary victory, but she comes in here with her recent form reading well. She has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and from a nice draw should be well positioned to challenge at the business end of the race. (6) GALLANT WARRIOR has won at this distance and while he is significantly up in weight under today’s conditions compared with his 4th place at a mile on his last start, he should be competitive. (3) GREAT DANCE and (1) DUMUSAN are others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Hamyangeun Sansam (4) Ace Jackpot (6) Gallant Warrior (3) Great Dance
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A winner of five from eleven so far, (10) ACE DAY is up 3.5kg for his win at this class over 1200M back in February. This is his first start in twelve weeks but that shouldn’t be an issue and he has won at this distance carrying even more weight than he does today. He may need a touch of luck at the start, but he has enough speed to get to the lead and he will prove hard to pass. (1) GODDESS MOON returns to action after a lengthy injury layoff. She showed loads of ability though, winning six of her eight starts at distances up to a mile. She looked well in an April trial and has every chance of making an impression first up today. (4) B.K. LOOKS is another one who returns to action after a lengthy spell, in his case since October last year. He can mix his form but he too looked excellent in his trial. (9) RAON THE POWER looked like he was returning to form with a good 3rd at this class over 1200M last time out and can build on that here. (6) NICE ONE another placing chance.

Selections(10) Ace Day (1) Goddess Moon (4) B.K. Looks (9) Raon The Power
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Good race to conclude with. We’ll side with (5) ROCKY SKY to repeat his class and distance win from March 20th when he settled in midfield but quickly asserted his authority and ran on to win well in a fast time. He comes up slightly in the weights but draws well and can win again. (1) AKER’S DREAM was 2nd in that race, returning to form following a couple of misses. He is a class and distance winner, and the inside gate can help here. (4) COPY THAT comes back in trip following a good 2nd place in a Trophy race at 1400M a month ago. He is nicely weighted here and from a good gate can go close. (2) ILNYEOM TONCHEON won that trophy race. While her best work seems to be at 1400M she likes to be on pace so can be competitive again here. (9) DOCTOR FASHION among others in the frame.

Selections(5) Rocky Sky (1) Aker’s Dream (4) Copy That (2) Ilnyeom Tongcheon
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Herald Business Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 1)

The opening leg of the Stayer Series is the feature race on the opening day of May. See here for a full preview. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan From 12:00 to 16:45. Here are the previews:

Winner’s Man, 2021 Derby winner, returns to Seoul for the Hearld Business

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It is perhaps safe to assume that a future Korea Cup winner will not emerge from this opening contest. Something has to cross the line first, though. It might be (4) CUPID BELLE. She has the least slow time among those who have previously tackled the distance, recorded when 7th on March 26th. That was an improvement on her opening two appearances, and she won’t need to improve very much more to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG finished in 8th place in the same race. It was an improvement of sorts and again, it won’t take much development to get closer here. (5) THAT’S MY GIRL has a pair of 6th place finishes from her latest two, leading in one of them at 1400M. She may get an easy lead here and it’s possible she could hold it the entire way.  (8) NAMSAN BYTE was a slow 7th on debut but did at least show on the front. The drop in trip may help. Given the standard of the race, a chance must be given to the first-timers. (10) HEEMANG WARRIOR perhaps is the more likely of the three.

Selections(4) Cupid Belle (2) Haengbok Yeowang (5) That’s My Girl (8) Namsan Byte
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and it’s hard to look too far past (9) TRIPLE JOY. While it took him three attempts to qualify, he looked the part on debut, coming from well back to run 3rd over this distance on a wet track on March 19th. With some natural improvement from that run, he will take some beating. (2) DONGBANGUI HON has been improving across her latest two at 1300M. She draws nicely again and can be in the mix here. (3) HIGH PARK ran an improved 2nd in an all-filly race at this distance on April 2nd when handy throughout. She will be on pace again and has claims. Also on pace will be (1) HWIPARAM. She weakened at her latest outing but had previously hinted at ability and can be given another chance here. (10) DISCO BOY is another with potential to go better.

Selections(9) Triple Joy (2) Dongbangui Hon (3) High Park (1) Hwiparam
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden this. On the strength of her latest outing, (10) LOST WAR has to go on top. She led for almost the entire way around at this distance, ultimately finishing a close 2nd in a good time. She comes down 3kg in the weights with an apprentice being engaged today and while the draw isn’t quite as favourable, she should be able to find the lead and can win. She is though thirteen starts for no wins. (1) BICHUI DAERYUK has a few less defeats behind her and ran a fair time for the distance when 6th last time out. Nicely drawn on the inside, she will be challenging for the early lead and has claims. (2) QUEEN LION was a good 3rd at this trip three starts back. She can settle handy here and has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these which should out her in good stead to challenge. (4) BITNANEUN JILJU and (5) EUNHYE DREAM among others in placing contention.

Selections(10) Lost War (1) Bichui Daeryuk (2) Queen Lion (4) Bitnaneun Jilju
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) FUSAICHI put in a solid effort on debut on March 11th, settling in midfield and then running on well for 3rd place over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit, and she looks the one to beat here. (3) ETTEUMI comes back in trip following bit of a chastening time around a mile at his latest start. He has previously put in a couple of decent efforts over today’s distance though and can be considered for improvement here. (9) BABEL PHOENX has two 3rd places among three starts so far, including last time out over 1200M. He can sit midfield or better here and finish off strongly with another place finish a more than realistic aim. (11) DONGBU STAR and (1) WIND WINNER are others who can aim for at least the places.

Selections(10) Fusaichi (3) Etteumi (9) Babel Phoenix (11) Dongbu Star
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) NAMSAN KKOT comes up in trip here having run well in her second start on March 27th, which came a full five months after her first. She went right back that day, running on well for 4th and the additional half furlong may well suit with the wide draw not set to be a problem. The probable favourite is (3) K N SKETCH. He stepped up to this trip on her most recent start on March 26th and ran a good 5th, setting the fastest time among these for the distance in the process. She can settle midfield here and challenge late on. (1) HONEY PUNCH came from well back to score her second consecutive 3rd place finish on March 27th. It was at this distance and in a good time on a wet track. From the inside gate, Moon Seung-hyeok can pick his spot and she can go close. (10) BLACK INDY and (5) SWEET KAKAO others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Namsan Kkot (3) K N Sketch (1) Honey Punch (10) Black Indy
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10
(more…)

Herald Business Trophy: Moonhak Chief, Winner’s Man – Horse-By-Horse Preview of Stayer Series 1st Leg

Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner Moonhak Chief squares off with last year’s Korean Derby winner Winner’s Man in a battle of the generations in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M-Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Can Moonhak Chief return to the top? (Pic: KRA)

In many ways it is an up-and-comers race. Five of the thirteen have yet to win at class 1 level, while three have won just the once at class 1. The remaining five have won twice or more at the top level.

Yet the old guard is headed by Moonhak Chief, who swept all before him in 2019, wining the International Korea Cup in the summer before finishing off that year by taking the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes. That was a long time ago but while failed to retain his Grand Prix title, he has remained a force to be reckoned with and was on target in a class 1 handicap three starts back and at his latest appearance, ran a good 2nd to President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong.

Winner’s Man was a good winner of the Korean Derby and in his only start as a four-year-old so far, ran out a class 1 winner at this distance at Busan. The Herald Business marks his first real test among the elite.

Touch Star Man and Jeongmun Sai are among the others in the field likely to attract attention. Here’s a full run-down of all the runners:

1. GOOD PILSEUNG (USA) [Distorted Humor – Rossezza (Megdalia d’Oro)] – A winner of five from ten and last ran in February when he won at 1800M at class 2 level. Trialed up pleasingly in March, draws well and carries a light weight, but this is a big step up.

2. SHAMROCKER (USA) [Dublin – Portera (Lemon Drop Kid)] – A stalwart of Seoul, the nine-year-old has just the six wins but forty-two top-five finishes from fifty-two starts. Has run – and found the money – in almost every big race he has been eligible for. Excellent 4th in last year’s KRA Cup Classic but finished midfield in three starts since. Weight not ideal.

3. YAHO SMART CAT (KOR) [One Cool Cat – Fly Top (Petionville)] – It’s been a while since his last win and more than a year since his last placing finish. Has been running in sprints so hard to know what t make of him here but he will be among the longest shots on the board.

4. JEONGMUN SAI (KOR) [Simon Pure – Kayville (Giant’s Causeway)] – A revelation at the end of last year with a 4th place in the President’s Cup and 3rd in the Grand Prix. Has begun this season with 6th in the Segye Ilbo before a good 3rd at this distance at class 1 level. May not be a winning chance here but could go close. Settles back and runs on.

5. GREAT KING (USA) [Majestic Warrior – Margaret Smile (Concerto)] – Another old warrior whose best days might be behind him but is still capable of putting in a performance, including two starts back when 4th behind Winner’s Man. Can settle handy here and be in this a long way but a minor money finish would be an excellent result.

6. BOLT MAN (USA) [Midshipman – Just A Flash (Henny Hughes)] – He is the lowest rated in the race but has been prolific at the lower levels and while his wins haven’t been by huge margins, he has run good times. He comes out to 2000M, but he runs on in his races, he draws nicely and is down in the weights and could be an each-way prospect here. Tactically versatile and with a strong finish.

7. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (Volponi)] – He won the 2021 Korean Derby at this track and while he was then beaten in the Minister’s Cup, he was a winner on his only start so far this year which came over this distance at Busan on March 13th. He draws nicely, gets some weight from rivals and has every chance. Expect him to be on pace or handy.

8. MOONHAK CHIEF (USA) [Pioneerof The Nile – Tallulah Lula (Old Trieste)] – A Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner and while he is carrying 59kg, shouldn’t be ruled out. At his latest start, he led under 60kg, ultimately running 2nd to Simjangui Godong and he will be better suited under today’s non-handicap conditions. He’ll be handy in the run and could win

9. TOUCH STAR MAN (KOR) [Testa Matta – Useung Touch (Menifee)] – An excellent 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes over 2300M at this track in December, he returned to run 4th in the Segye Ilbo at a sprint distance in January, showing his versatility. Finished an underwhelming 6th behind Winner’s Man when sent off as favourite on March 13th over this distance at Busan. At his best, he is a winning chance here, but he can be hard to catch on his day.

10. BRIGADIER GENERAL (AUS) [Tapit – Amature’s Prize (Pure Prize)] – A horse who is perhaps better than his win-record suggests. He has a tendency to get a bit far back, a bit far wide, and find a bit too much trouble. Nevertheless, he runs on well and will be doing his best work late on. With a touch of luck in running, he can be close.

11. HEUK JEONSA (KOR) [Flat Out – Ballad Of Bertie (Saint Ballardo)] – A three-time class 1 winner over 1800M and has been placed in his latest two starts at this distance, the latest of them being a 3rd behind Simjangui Godong and Moonhak Chief. He is not favoured at the weights under today’s conditions, but can run a big race, nonetheless

12. WANG BEOTKKOT (USA) [ Discreet Cat – Folk (Quiet American)] – Yet to win at class 1 level but he has proved his credentials with an excellent 3rd in the Owners’ Cup at Busan over a mile last November and then kicking off this year with a solid 2nd place over 1800M. in February when handy throughout. He steps up to 2000M for the first time and while others are favoured, he can be competitive.

13. MUNHAK TIGER (USA) [To Honor And Serve – A Precious Memory (Honor Grades)] – It’s been a long time since his attest win and his last run of note was a 4th place behind Moonhak Chief four starts back. In company with Yaho Smart Cat, he will be one of the two big outsiders.

Selections: (7) Winner’s Man (8) Moonhak Chief (11) Heuk Jeonsa (6) Bolt Man