There won’t be a Korean Triple Crown winner this year after KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild came home 3rd in the Korean Derby a week ago, but there could still be a sweep in the Triple Tiara as Luna Stakes victor Clearly Winner is set to start as favourite in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
Kim Hye-sun and Park Jae-i seek to go again with Clearly Winner in the Oaks (Pic: KRA)
The wife and husband trainer and jockey combination of Kim Hye-sun and Park Jae-I scored their first big race success together in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) on April 5th when Clearly Winner pulled away to score by three-lengths, and the step up in trip in the Oaks will hold no fears. She’s only suffered one defeat – against the colts in the Gyeongnam Shinmun (1400M KOR-Listed) – in early March and she can win again.
Luna runner-up Fappi Babe has since gone lame, but five from the first jewel do re-oppose. Chief among them is CHIEF STAR, the highest rated filly in the race and a Listed winner as a juvenile. However, the Moon Byeong-ki trained Seoul raider has had a difficult relationship with Busan.
Boasting an unbeaten record, Chief Star was backed into favourite status ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) in November, but she reared up and over in the starting gate and had to be scratched. She returned to Seoul for a class 4 win and class 3 runner up (albeit not without some gate nerves) but then came unstuck at Busan again in the Luna Stakes when drawn wide and using up a lot of energy to get forward, setting some breakneck speed fractions.
Her final furlong was the slowest in the field but this time from a better gate and a more sensible pace, Chief Star is a chance. CATCH RACE was 3rd in the Luna at big odds but will be given much more respect this time. TIGER ROAR finished off strongly and is one of a number who may appreciate the step up in trip.
Six fillies who didn’t go in the Luna joint the Tiara trail for the Oaks, with the Seo Seung-un ridden Bayern filly RUSH WILD likely to be the best supported of them in the market.
The Korean Oaks is race 6 with a local post time of 16:05. Here’s a full rundown of the field:
1. RUSH WILD – A winner on debut over 1300M followed by 2nd at a mile and most recently 4th over this distance at class 5 level when ridden to the lead from a wide gate. Better draw today and one of few natural leaders. Seo Se ung-un aboard means she will have backers.
2. CATCH RACE – Sole win came in a maiden over 1400M, but she was a smart 3rd at big odds in the Luna Stakes, overcoming the widest gate and running on from an unpromising position. Better draw and on that effort has to be a place chance.
Sunday is the Korean Oaks at Busan. The second leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara series is race 6 on the 7-race card with a local post time of 16:05. Busan’s program runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Fantastic Value won the Oaks last year (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) WORLD VICS has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, racing on pace each time, most recently on March 29th. She’ll be on pace here and this time, she has every chance of going one better. (5) CHAOS also has two 3rd place finishes, in her case in consecutive races, most recently when favourite on March 15th over this distance when she led for much of the way around. Jang Chu-youl gets off and on to World Vics, but CC is a more than adequate replacement and she too has winning claims. (4) POWER MAGIC has a 4th and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently behind World Vics on March 29th. He draws well to be handy and should be in the finish again. (9) YEONDONG STAR and (11) DONGBAEK other place chances.
Selections
(8) World Vics (5) Chaos (4) Power Magic (9) Yeondong Star
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) SUPERTRAMP has made steady progress across three starts so far with his best being his latest when 4th at 1300M on April 11th when slow away and running on. While that was the second time he has taken the long way home, he is nicely drawn and can give a little bit more here. (2) SMART MINK has raced fourteen times and has never finished any better than 5th. She did that last time though on April 11th over this distance when coming from a wide draw and beating a couple of today’s rivals. This is one of the shallower fields she has been in so should be aiming for a best to date result. (5) COSMO JJIN has a 2nd place to her name two starts back over 1200M and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. It’s hard to make a case for any of the others, with perhaps (3) RISING WIND – who was 3rd back in January – and (7) VICAR DRAGON, the best of a limited rest.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) KING BLACK arrested a run of four consecutive 4th place finishes with a strong 2nd place at this distance on April 5th when handy throughout. He comes into a better gate today and he will be favoured to go one better. (7) WORLD TREE was 3rh in that April 5th race, having led for much of the way throughout. After a 4th place at his previous start, that confirmed that he is figuring things out and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, means a few will fancy him to overturn the form on the favourite. (6) JEONGMUN SKIP has five top five finishes from seven starts and enters off a good 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 19th. Like the other two, he races best on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) LOOKS GOOD and (3) SKYNEX the next bests.
Selections
(4) King Black (7) World Tree (6) Jeongmun Skip (1) Looks Good
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) SUPERDAY got his maiden win over 1300M in February and has held his form in two starts at this class with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place, again at 1300M, on April 5th when as usual, he raced handy to the speed. He comes up to 1400M for the first time, but it can suit and he will be a short price to score. (10) TOUR FELIX is yet to win in six attempts but comes up in class here following three placings, most recently a 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 4th. The class rise means a 4.5kg weight drop and that should be enough to make him competitive in this company. (9) SEUNGNI BAROWS had a hard time from an even wider gate last time out but going on his runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back, warrants another chance here. (6) STUNNING STEP and the down in class (2) HERO JEONSA others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Superday (10) Tour Felix (9) Seungni Barows (6) Stunning Step
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BABEL FOLGORE has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M, both times racing on pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and drawing much better today, she can get an easier run to the front. (6) AEGIS CHEONMA ran a good 3rd on debut over this distance on April 10th, racing just behind the speed and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a good time. He should have come on for that run, and he will be disputing favourite status here. (10) GREAT LUCKY raced three times last year and was a much-improved 2nd in the last of those, all the way back in August. She ran well in an April trial and has every chance of a bold-showing first-up in this company. Among the three debut-makers, (1) KANGCHEOL YEONGMA was the best in trials and can be a minor money chance first up. (11) RANI, 6th on debut, can improve.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) MR.CREDIT was ahead of two reopposing rivals when a four-and-a-quarter length third when stepping up to this distance for the first time on April 12. On that basis he gets the nod. (2) PNS TWIN has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Mr.Credit from that race but must be a chance based on his four-length second over this distance on March 29. (7) JECHUK SANJIRO was an improved effort at his second run making up ground to finish third. He comes up three hundred metres in trip and is an interesting runner. (3) TOUR KING was behind Mr.Credit and PNS Twin last time but his half-length second to Fighter at his prior run, which was over this distance, is the best form on offer in this. They are the only four chances with (8) DIABIT and (4) SMART WARRIOR best of the outsiders.
Selections
(9) Mr.Credit (2) PNS Twin (7) Jechuk Sanjiro (3) Tour King
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) GOLDEN MATCH has been around the mark at each of her last two with a one-and-a-half length second to Flying Honor on March 7 followed by a six-and-a-half length fourth on April 18, where she was a 1.5 favourite. She can be given another chance from the draw and should go close. (4) EVER LOVELY was well beaten most recently but had placed at her previous two starts so on those runs she is a chance. (8) GLOBAL CARD only beat two home on debut but has been third the next two times and CC Wong is on board. (10) MISS CHRISTIE rates next over (3) POINT I and debutante (5) TIGER REVENGER.
Selections
(1) Golden Match (4) Ever Lovely (8) Global Card (10) Miss Christie
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) MYEONG DREAM is not a surprise runner this weekend but a surprise runner at this venue instead of down at Busan for the Oaks on Sunday. She made up good ground from last to finish midfield in the Listed Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas) last start and whilst she would have had a place chance in the Oaks she would have been struggling to win whereas she will be struggling lost in this race. (5) POWER BAND was a half-length victor on April 12 over the course, distance, and grade ahead of two reopposing rivals and whilst rising seven pounds and three kilograms she can go close again. (1) FASHION STAR has been close-up in each of her last five and they have all been races under the same conditions as this. (8) QUEEN DIA has not been too far away either and rates next over (3) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (7) HEEMANGBAND.
Selections
(4) Myeong Dream (5) Power Band (1) Fashion Star (8) Queen Dia
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) STUNNING BOLT put together three consecutive fifth places prior to a two-length third last start when making up ground. She should be in the finish and can break through. (1) HANAM LASER has gotten better with each start and must be a chance from the draw. (3) SMART RISE has been a beaten favourite at each of his last two but with a three-kilogram claim cannot be dismissed. (2) RAON KINGSMAN has been fifth in three of his five runs whilst (4) DELTA DAECHEON, whose best run was last start, looks the only other chance with (9) CLUB MAN best of the outsiders.
It’s Korean Oaks weekend on the south coast and while the big race for fillies is on Sunday, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive opener. (7) DOKKI TIGER is yet to finish in the top two but has four finishes between 3rd and 5th. She comes in following a 4th place over a mile on April 10th and she has as good a chance as any here. The danger is (2) GOLD ROGER. She raced fairly enough in her first two but was much improved at start three on March 29th when stepped up to this trip and running an on-pace 2nd. From a good draw she’ll be on pace again and she may well start as favourite. (8) SWEET POWER beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on April 10th and with a bang in form apprentice claiming 2kg, he can be in the finish again. (4) WORLD THUNDER CAT and (1) NICE POWER are the other main place chances.
Selections
(7) Dokki Tiger (2) Gold Roger (8) Sweet Power (4) World Thunder Cat
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After six winners last weekend, apprentice Nam Jeong-hyeok has the veritable Midas Touch and his 2kg claim can see (6) DIA X home on top. A seventeen-start maiden, he has been knocking on the door recently, he has the fastest time among these for this distance, and he can win here. (11) QUEEN PERFECT also benefits from an apprentice claim. She has been getting closer across her five starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on March 22nd, and she can be a danger here with the wide draw not likely to be a problem. (5) DUBAI CANDY enters off a 3rd place last time out and she too looks to be figuring things out. (9) DALBITWIE and (4) WONDERFUL BAND others in the placing frame.
Selections
(6) Dia X (11) Queen Perfect (5) Dubai Candy (9) Dalbitwie
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) WONDERFUL FASHION ran 2nd on debut before getting his maiden win at start two over a mile on April 10th, beginning steadily before making his way rapidly forward. He comes up in both class and in distance, but he looks to have potential for more and down in weight, he can win here. (6) SOMANGUIGIL is a non-winner of twelve but has ten top five finishes and comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this class over a mile. He was 5th on his only previous try at this distance but he should be closer today. (8) NEOM CITY beat Somanguigil in that previous go around this distance and while she hasn’t held her form, this is the kind of race she can go close in. (9) K ROYAL and (7) BEOLGYO SARANG are others who should be in the placing hunt.
Selections
(5) Wonderful Fashion (6) Somanguigil (8) Neom City (9) K Royal
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) GRAND CRU got his maiden win at 1300M three starts back and has run 3rd in two tries at this level over a mile and most recently at this distance on April 10th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He really should have the beating of these. Nothing else enters in any form. (2) MUHAN NAREUSHA needs a line drawn through his latest when well back over a mile, but he has placed twice over this distance and he was 4th in Busan’s Classic trial at the start of March so he warrants another chance here. (5) THEIA too missed the start last time and is worth another chance in this company. (7) MAGIC MIRROR and (9) DOROTHY QUEEN others who may be better than their respective latest starts suggest.
FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)
The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.
HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.
Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.
DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.
Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.
As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.
1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.
2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.
3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.
It’s Korean Derby day and general admission is free to Seoul Racecourse. The big race is set for 4.30pm. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:
Final Boss was a fine Derby winner (Pic: Ross Holburt)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) PARKA SHINE was a disappointing 7th of eleven when well backed over 1200M on March 1st getting away slowly and then always on the backfoot. Prior to that he looked as though he was figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd and he can be given another chance here with The Moon aboard on his final day. (4) HOT FEVER was an improved 2nd at 1200M on April 5th settling back and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M, and it would be no surprise if he started as favourite. (10) TAEGUK WANGJA enters off a smart 3rd place over this distance back at the end of January. He has had some issues since that kept him in the swimming pool rather than on the track, but he has been in regular work since April 10th and should be ready for this. Those three will fill out most quinellas, with (7) TWOTWO MAGIC and (5) SMART GRAND, perhaps the best of the rest.
Selections
(9) Parka Shine (4) Hot Fever (10) Taeguk Wangja (7) Twotwo Magic
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only in this maiden. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has raced eleven times and has never finished any better than 4th, but she has done this on no fewer than six occasions. She settles back and runs on and in this company, unless she automatically stops when she has three left to pass, she really should go by them all and win. It’s hard to make a winning case for the others. (11) SINCHEON HEART ran 4th over this distance two starts back and has as good a chance as any of being in the finish. (1) THE SUN STORY improved to 6th at start number two on March 1st and can continue to improve. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG was 6th on debut on March 29th having got a long way back. Natural improvement and the extended trip can see her closer. (7) NURI QUEENS another minor money chance.
Selections
(3) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Sincheon Heart (1) The Sun Story (4) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best
7, 10
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) POWER TIGER could not justify the odds-on favouritism on debut, but he gets an even better chance to here in a very winnable maiden. He may have let punters down at his first start but regardless that piece of form is the best on offer in this race by a long way and he can go one better for Masa Tanaka and Kim Hye-sun. (11) BREEDO SHOOTER has five-lengths to find with Power Tiger from April 3 but with a 3kg claim from Nam Jeong-hyeok he can make up some ground. (10) BRAVE RUN put together three consecutive 4th places prior to finishing down the track last time. (6) PILSEUNG WINNER produced the best effort of her career last start so that is a positive. (9) WONDERFUL WIND has been around the mark a few times whilst (1) GRAND HERO was 2nd in a trial but has only been 8th in two starts.
Selections
(3) Power Tiger (11) Breedo Shooter (10) Brave Run (6) Pilseung Winner
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) BLISS STAR has chased home a couple of nice winners in his seven-start career, and they include Musket Cleaver and Concord Blue who we see in the Derby later. He is close to a win and is a chance of breaking through in this. However, he will have to contend with (11) KIA ORA who comes off a four-length maiden victory on March 22 when coming from midfield. Based on that win, she can make it back-to-back. (5) BROWN MAMMA won his maiden before winning at this level across the winter. For his second run at this level, he went up 3.5kg and was beaten as favourite. He carries the same weight here so that is a concern, but he has the ability. (3) CUPID K has been just behind the placegetters of late and rates over (7) MANGEUM CROWN, who makes his first run at this grade, and (10) ROYAL BEST.
Selections
(8) Bliss Star (11) Kia Ora (5) Brown Mamma (3) Cupid K
Next Best
7, 10
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 8, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) NEWWORLD TIARA has had the two starts for a five-length 4th on debut in March before halving the beaten margin when 3rd last month. She clearly goes on top as she brings the most consistent form, albeit from just two starts. (7) QUEEN THE GOLD ran the best race of her career last time when coming from midfield to run a one-and-a-half length 2nd. If she replicates that performance, she could go one better. (6) WONDERFUL PREACH has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of her seven starts and it is a similar story for (5) BREEDO CAPTAIN. (1) GREAT CHAMP and (4) THANKYOUFORTHETIME head the rest.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) FLYING CONCORD returned from over nine months out to run 2nd at this class over 1200M on April 5th when leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can go all the way. (2) RAON SAPPHIRE is a winner of two from four, most recently at this class and distance on March 28th when coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she can be a danger again. (11) REFLECT was 4th behind Raon Sapphire in that race, continuing a consistent run of results at this level and he should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class last start winners (7) CLOVER ONE and (3) QUERENCIA, the former scoring on debut, both probably have a bit to find at this level but shouldn’t be ruled out.
Saturday is Derby-Eve at Seoul and there are 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Oasis Blue won last year’s Derby (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) WHIZ POINT was sent out as a 1.3 favourite for his debut on April 5 after finishing a one-and-a-half length second in his trial on March 5 but could only manage third beaten six-and-a-half lengths. Johan Victoire, who rode him in the trial, hops on board for the second race of this Shackleford colts’ career and he will get his chance to go a few places better in this type of race. (8) BARAMGAEBI looks the potential danger as he hasn’t been far away in his two starts to date behind decent winners, who have both subsequently won. (3) HAKSAN WINNER was a much better run at her third start and is clearly next best. All three of these horses will race on pace. (4) PIEONARI, (1) MIDEUMUI JILU and (10) GEOSEN HAMSEONG are three of the six debutantes and are best of the rest.
Selections
(6) Whiz Point (8) Baramgaebi (3) Haksan Winner (4) Pieonari
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) MONEY MOVE has been placed in each of his two starts to date on January 31 and March 21 and must be a good chance of breaking through at attempt three. It will be interesting to see where he lands in the run but regardless of where he is he is a good chance of coming home in front. (6) NINJA TIGER was out the back on debut but has been much better at his next two with a pair of third places and can be in the finish again. (4) MEGA WIND has been midfield in both starts to date; he was a beaten odds-on favourite last time on April 19 and he does have one-and-a-half lengths to find with Money Move from March 21. (8) ECLAIR WIND has had the two starts and been just behind the placegetters on each occasion. She rates next over (10) INSPIRE and (11) CHEONGGANG BOM.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BEST JOY comes into this following the best run of his career finishing second beaten four-lengths on April 11. He gets the nod over (11) DAEHAN SIDAE which is the only other horse to have a second placing against their name and in his case his defeat was only by a nose back on April 4. (7) SEOPOKCHAT has been around the mark with one third place finish alongside three fourth places. (10) CHRYSOL POSH hasn’t been far away at her latest two and rates next over (9) CHEONJI JACKAL and (3) SPICE BAND.
Selections
(6) Best Joy (11) Daehan Sidae (7) Seopokchat (10) Chrysol Posh
Next Best
9, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM finished midfield on debut before racing on pace throughout to win a 1200 metre maiden on April 5. Based on her last start there is no reason why she can’t go back-to-back. (2) QUEENS FLYING led throughout to win her maiden, on the same day and that was over this distance so she will be up there for a long way. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI is yet to win and has been hard to catch but if everything went smoothly, she could break through. (1) POETIC NUBI was out the back last time but was around the mark prior and rates over (11) HAKSAN DAESE, which brings similar form, and (9) SMART MARU, who is a last start winner at this level but comes up five pounds and three-and-a-half kilograms for that victory which was by a nose.
There is Holiday Friday racing at Busan with 8-races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BYEOLBIT SONATA won a trial before finishing 4th on debut over this distance on April 3rd when leading early. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can win. Enough was thought of (8) POWERFUL MENIFEE that aside from being bestowed with quite the name, he was also sent out on debut in the Rookie Stakes last August. He finished last and then went lame and has been in and out of work ever since without making it to the races. He trialed up in super fashion at the start of April, blitzing his heat in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be close. (9) SIERRA GOLD showed well in his trial and can debut well under Franco. Another first-timer (6) ROAD FIGHTER, along with (2) ANY WIN, who improved last time out, are others in the frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After some underwhelming trials, (6) GWANGSEON DAERO was sent out at big odds on debut on April 3rd but from a wide gate and settling back, she finished off very well to claim 4th place. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she will be much shorter this time around. (9) BIG SMILE has made steady progress across five starts to date with her best being her latest when 2nd over this distance on April 3rd. In this small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and an apprentice claim keeps her under a light weight. (3) HUIMANG LOGI has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from her latest two and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) MISS COCO and (4) FANTASTIC GREEN are others who can potentially improve in a race where there is no obvious early speed.
Selections
(6) Gwangseon Daero (9) Big Smile (3) Huimang Logi (5) Miss Coco
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) VEGAS JEONTU almost made his breakthrough when favourite over this distance on March 27th when on pace throughout but ultimately going down 2nd to Baram Daero (who was 2nd at the same class last week). He draws the same gate today and this time should go one better. (6) SHACKLE LAUD returns to action for the first time since January. A two-time winner and five-time placer over this distance, she looked very well in a trial on April 9th, and she can be a danger first-up. (5) WIN WIN enters off three consecutive class and distance 3rd place finishes and he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) BRIGHT MARINE and if she can get a lead which won’t be easy from her gate, (9) DOCTOR KAREN, others to consider.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) PORT MORE got his maiden win over a mile three outings back and has a 6th and a 5th in two starts since at this class over 1800M and then again at a mile. He drops back to a trip at which he ran 2nd on his only previous try and from the inside gate, he can be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) D’LOVELY KING is yet to win, nor even match the three consecutive runner-up finishes that he began his career with, but he hasn’t raced badly of late, especially his 3rd place at this class three starts back. He can settle back and run on here and he may have more improvement in him. (11) SHINING ONE was a well beaten favourite on April 5th when further back than usual and seemingly resenting the kickback. He comes down 4.5kg in weight today, assisted by an apprentice claim and while drawn wide, he is worth another chance here as his form prior to last time was good. (7) GUKDAE HERO and (5) GLOBAL HIGH perhaps the best of the rest.
Selections
(1) Port More (4) D’Lovely King (11) Shining One (7) Gukdae Hero
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The phrase “time-honoured” isn’t one that can often be used unironically in Korean racing, but it applies at least in name to the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer which will be run at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday with a full field of sixteen to take their chance.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.
Raon Forest won the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer (Pic: KRA)
Ttukseom was the home of Seoul Racecourse from 1954 until the move to the present location in 1989 when the race, named in honour of the old course, was run for the first time. That old racecourse has never been built on, although it is now the location of one of Seoul’s best downtown parks and this week the bronze statues of a driving finish located at the park’s entrance were adorned with saddlecloths and caps marking this year’s race.
The conditions have changed numerous times over the years and some of the nation’s biggest stars have won the race, including Kwaedo Nanma (2002), J.S. Hold (2007) and Dangdae Bulpae (2011).
However, since 2012 it has been for fillies and mares only. Appearing in the “international blue book” in 2015 it was won by Japanese raider Esmeraldina although she is to date, the only internationl visitor to compete. There are none this year either, but there will be a new name on the trophy this time around as Jeulgeounyeojeong, who won the last two editions, is not sent out in pursuit of a third.
RAON FOREST won the first leg of the series, the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-L) in March and she will be among the favourites to prevail again. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN and ONEULDO SMILE are among others with strong chances while SATANG SONYEO and GLADIUS are also very capable performers.
The Ttukseom Cup is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul: Here’s how they line up:
1. TIARA SUA – Since figuring things out, she has at least placed in each of her last eight starts and comes in off a win over this distance at class 3 level on March 29th when she led. Much tougher company today but can lead and be in this a long way.
2. CATCH THE DREAM – Races for the first time since last October when well beaten by plenty of these but she is a winner of five from eleven and was an on-pace winner in a very quick time in a March trial. Draws nicely to put in a big effort first-up. Place chance.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL showed a decent turn of foot in his trial, settling midfield and finishing off well for a close 3rd in a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he is a chance. (8) STEPPING STONE went through two trials, improving in the second of them when he came out on top having raced handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for his debut. (1) BEAUTIFULLY similarly had two trials, running second in the latest of them. From the inside gate she has a real chance too. With the three with experience not having impressed, other debut-makers (2) STUNNING SKET and (11) MASK GIRL look the most likely.
Selections
(6) Naegiluiwonderful (8) Stepping Stone (1) Beautifully (2) Stunning Sket
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) UHANGSANGSTAR came from the widest gate and a long way back to run 2nd on debut over 1200M back at the end of January. She then went lame so she hasn’t raced since but she came back into full work on April 12th and if her fitness is up to scratch, she should make a winning return. (6) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI looks to be figuring things out with his latest three finishes being his best, including a close 2nd place at this distance. He had an apprentice claim in all three of those, which he doesn’t get today, but in this limited company, it shouldn’t matter and he can be close again. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has been knocking on the door of the places in recent outings and can be in the mix again. (4) K N STORM and (7) BLUE DRAGON other minor money chances.
Selections
(9) Uhangsanstar (6) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Cheongryong Giun (4) K N Storm
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (1) BLACK MAMA has a couple of 4th places to her name, most recently on March 29th when she was ridden further forward than previously. She draws well for the same tactics here, Maia is on for the first time, and she can win. (7) ORATORIUM was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 15th when from a wide gate, she settled midfield and finished off well. She draws better today and if she has come on for the run, she has every chance. Continuing the pattern of last start 4th places, (2) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU improved to finish there at start two on March 29th and can continue to make progress here. (6) STUNNING BOLT and (9) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO are the other place chances.
Selections
(1) Black Mama (7) Oratorium (2) Cheondungui Jilju (6) Stunning Bolt
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) GOJU ILCHEOK has made steady progress across his latest couple of outings and comes in having stepped up to 1700M for the first time on March 14th and recording his best result to date when 2nd having been ridden much further forward much earlier than in previous starts. He draws well for a repeat of those tactics, and he is the one to beat. (3) SKYLOR TAEHA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1400M at start number two on March 22nd. The step up to two tuns can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (6) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts but comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and she can be there or thereabouts again. (11) BLACK SUN and (9) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(4) Goju Ilcheok (3) Skylor Taeha (6) Bulguksidae (11) Black Sun
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 