Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 23)

There are 9 races on the behind-closed-doors card at Seoul on Saturday, running from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Moon Se Young is back on Saturday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens get us underway with five of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s very hard to look beyond (11) COMPLETE TIME. The only one in the field who has raced twice already, he was 4th on debut behind Wonpyeong Gasok, before coming back out and running 2nd to Raon The Spurt on August 28th, overcoming a wide draw to be on pace and then running on strong in a fast time. He’s drawn wide again but should have little trouble getting to the front and it’s hard to imagine him beaten here. (5) DAEBAK STAR won an August trial and then ran creditably on debut on September 12th when 4th practically the entire way around. He’ll be looking to get on pace with the favourite here and can improve his finishing position. A few of the first timers showed promise in their respective trials. (8) EUNHYE SERVE posted the fastest time, sitting midfield and finishing off well, while (1) HWARANG TODAY led all the way around in his heat. (9) JAY RAPTOR another who led throughout her trial and can give a good account of herself first up here.

Selections(11) Complete Time (5) Daebak Star (8) Eunhye Serve (1) Hwarang Today
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another juvenile maiden with five of the twelve racing for the first time. Again, there is going to be a hot favourite in the shape of (2) GLOBAL MAGIC. After winning an August trial in fine style, he debuted at this trip on September 18th, he came out of gate eight and sat towards the front of midfield before finishing off well for 3rd place behind Cowboy King in a decent time. He should have come on for that experience, draws better here and should be winning. (10) MAGIC GRACE actually ran a faster time than Global Magic on his debut on August 28th, although he was assisted in that by a wet track. He and sat just behind the leaders throughout when finishing 4th and while the draw is not ideal as he will want to get on pace, he has claims. (11) YESULIYA has raced twice and while on the surface, 9th and 7th doesn’t sound great, those two races are looking among the stronger juvenile affairs we have seen this year. She ran fair times in both and can improve. Similarly (1) BICHUI DAERYUK, 8th behind Global Magic on her second start but runner-up at this distance on debut in August, should be in at least the placing hunt. Of the first time-starters, (12) GEOMOON showed improvement in her second trial and is perhaps the most likely to make an immediate impact. 

Selections(2) Global Magic (10) Magic Grace (11) Yesuliya (1) Bichui Daeryuk
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

Regular maiden here. We’ll take a chance on (2) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE, wo steps up to 1300M for the first time following back-to-back 4th place finishes at 1200M. They have been in contrasting styles, with one of them being running on from midfield and the other leading then being passed, bus she seems to be finding some consistency and won’t need to improve too much to score in this company. She will though need to overturn the form on (9) OKDONG GONGJU, who beat Namsan Chocolate over 1200M on September 11th when running 2nd and accordingly will probably start as favourite. That was her best finish in nine starts so far and she was ridden a little more prominently, having tended to get too far back in her races. A repeat performance will see her in the finish again. Further back still in that September race was (4) SEMYEONG GANGJA. She may well be better back up at 1300M, a distance at which she has performed well already, and draws nicely to get to the front. (12) M J STORM, on the other hand, comes back in trip after a decent 4th over 1400M last start and has placing chances along with (5) MONEY GARAK, who came from well off the pace to run 3rd at this trip at his own latest appearance. That was a full thirteen weeks ago though.

Selections(2) Namsan Chocolate (9) Okdong Gongju (4) Semyeong Gangja (12) M J Storm
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

After six weeks out following a fall, Moon Se-young returns, just in time to ride Eoma Eoma in the SBS Sports Sprint tomorrow, and he could be straight back in the winner’s circle here with (12) GREAT EYE set to be favourite. The Transcend colt has shown improvement across four starts so far, notably last time out on September 18th, when 2nd on his first try at this distance. He settled midfield that day and ran on so the wide draw may not be an issue and while he benefitted from a 4kg apprentice allowance that day, the “Moon factor” may compensate for that. The main danger draws wide too. (11) HWARYEOHAN MISO has made both her starts so far over 1200M, but she has run 5th and 2nd with the latter a significantly improved time. She has gone right back both times and worked home very well and the extended trip today just might suit. (3) GEOSEN JILPUNG returns from three months off and looked well when 3rd in a good time in a September trial. He draws well and can be a factor. (8) REAL PACK has mixed his form over six starts so far but along with (2) MAIN OF KING is another capable of competing for the minors.

Selections(12) Great Eye (11) Hwaryeohan Miso (3) Geosen Jilpung (8) Real Pack
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

(7) CHOEGANG BLACK drops back in trip following a decent enough 3rd place over 1700M at this class on September 18th. That made it two 3rd and a 4th in three attempts since being promoted to this level following a class 6 score over 1300M back in May. She has run good times, including at this trip and can sit on pace or handy and run on here. (6) YEONGWANGUI CAPTAIN comes up in class and distance having broken through at start number two on August 29th when sitting behind the early speed and then running on well for a comfortable victory over 1200M. She ran through the line well and the additional furlong should be within her capabilities. (3) BODYGUARD ran a strong class and distance 3rd at class and distance on September 11th and from a much better draw, can be looking to at least match that today. He can settle handy or midfield and run on. (12) SPEAR GUN remains a maiden after eight attempts, but he has been a model of consistency which has forced him up in class here. He ran Bodyguard close at 1300M back in June and his times suggest he will measure up in this company. (2) LUCKY APPEAL, up in class following a come from behind win over this distance a month ago, is another with placing claims.

Selections(7) Choegang Black (6) Yeongwangui Captain (3) Bodyguard (12) Spear Gun
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 22)

The main action this weekend is at Seoul with the SBS Sports Sprint and the KRA Cup Classic, both Graded races, taking place on Sunday and featuring some of the biggest names in the older horse ranks from both tracks. The weekend’s action though gets underway at Busan on Friday with 6 races from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts and we will side with experience and (10) SHY DRAGON, who was slowly out of the gate on debut on September 12th, but was quickly up with the pace and ran on well for 2nd behind a good winner in a fair time at this distance. With some natural improvement on that run, he can compete for the win here. The big danger and probable favourite is (9) HANEUL JEONSA. He debuts having won two trials, first in August and then again in September, both in good times. In the latest of those, he overcame a wide draw to sit handy and run on strong and he has every chance of scoring first-up. Those two should fill out the quinella, while clear third choice is (5) FANTASTIC LOVE. She’s the only one in the field to have raced twice already and has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name. In the latest of those she sat handy and finished off well in a fast time which was assisted by a very wet track. She will be in the finish here. (12) WISE BOY ran adequately for 5th on debut and can build on that here while (2) BLUE CAPTAIN was similarly solid when 6th behind Fantastic Love on his debut and can also be in the hunt for the places.

Selections(10) Shy Dragon (9) Haneul Jeonsa (5) Fantastic Love (12) Wise Boy
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies here. (12) MILLION BANK beat three of these on her way to 2nd place on debut at this distance on September 19th when from a similarly wide draw, she settled in midfield, improved turning into the straight and then ran on well behind a good winner. A similar run today would make her the one to beat. In that September race, she was pulling clear of (6) BEST HAMSEONG, who led through the early stages and into the straight but couldn’t quite see the race out, ultimately finishing a creditable 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a good draw is likely to be leading again. After running well on debut in early August, (4) SLIM QUEEN was scarcely a factor in two subsequent outings. She went back to trial after the latest of those and looked well when winning her heat a couple of weeks ago. She has the fastest time of any of these who have raced at the distance and from a much better gate today, she can be given another chance. (3) DROMOS was an also-ran in the Million Bank race last month but had run well on debut in August when she led and ended up 3rd. She draws nicely to be on pace here. (7) QUEEN OF SPIRIT another who can compete for the minors.

Selections(12) Million Bank (6) Best Hamseong (4) Slim Queen (3) Dromos
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) DONGBANUI SIJAK beat three of today’s rivals when winning at class and distance on September 10th. He then dropped back to 1400M and ran a decent 3rd place. An apprentice jockey climbs aboard today which brings his carried weight back down to similar to what he won under, the draw shouldn’t matter too much and he has every chance. (2) ACE FOUR TEN beat four of these when runner- up at class and distance on October 1st. He settled just forward of midfield that day and stuck to his task well although could do nothing about a swooping late winner. His sole victory came at this distance at class 6 level in August and while he can mix his form and comes slightly up in the weights, he can win this. (6) WONDERFUL LADY remains a maiden but has to come up in class following a creditable 2nd place over 1400M at her latest start two weeks ago. She tackles a mile for the first time and while she doesn’t look a winning chance, she can compete for the places in this company. (12) THE FIRST FACTOR finished 3rd behind Ace Four Ten earlier this month. She led that day and while the draw obviously does her no favours in that regard, she can be competitive again. (4) BEAUTY HILL another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Dongbanui Sijak (2) Ace Four Ten (6) Wonderful Lady (12) The First Factor
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 12

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

(11) ENDLESS RUNNING comes in here looking for a fourth straight win. His latest was at class 5 level over 1200M when he was quickly into the lead and dominated, having plenty in hand despite drifting very wide in the straight. He is up in class here and tackles 1400M for the first time. He also has a far worse draw than in any of his wins so far. Regardless of that, the manner of his victories suggest that all those things can be overcome and while he won’t want to be wandering in the straight against this opposition, he can win again. (9) FLAT BABE recorded her worst finish to date on her first try at this level over 1400M on October 10th. It was a tough race and she didn’t run badly and is worth another chance here. (7) CRONUS was a class and distance winner two starts back. He runs consistent times at this distance and should be going close here. (6) FIRST STAR and (4) VEGA THUNDER others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Endless Running (9) Flat Babe (7) Cronus (6) First Star
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) HAPPY WOMAN has won two of her latest three to be rapidly promoted to this class. She also comes up in trip to a mile for the first time but here is no reason why it shouldn’t suit. She runs best when on pace or handy and she should measure up in this company. Stablemate (1) YEOWANGAUI MISO could prove to be one of the biggest dangers. She races for the first time since August when she beat a couple of these on her way to a class and distance 6th and while she can mix her form, an apprentice takes a couple of kilos off and she can go close here. (4) FUNKY was one of those behind Yeowangui Miso in August but bounced back to run 3rd at class and distance on September 12th when she went right back before closing strongly. She will be finishing fast again here. (2) ITSMYLUCKYBOY has won at this class over 1800M and while 10th at his latest start, the margins weren’t huge and it wasn’t necessarily a bad run. He has since looked well in a trial and can be dangerous here. (9) ARAM NARAE another in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Happy Woman (1) Yeowangui Miso (4) Funky (2) Itsmyluckyboy
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Can (2) B.K JOHN shake off his runner-up habit and go one better? He’ll be favourite to do so. The Colonel John gelding comes on off four consecutive 2nd place finishes, the latter two at this class over a mile and 1400M. During that run, he has finished 2nd when leading and finished 2nd when coming from off the pace. He steps up to 1800M for the first time, draws nicely and while he does come up in the weights, he can go one better today. (8) CHANGE BACK beat several of these when coming from well off the pace to run 2nd at class and distance on September 19th The start before he was a class 4 winner at this distance and under the same weight today has significant claims. (5) NANGMAN JEONSA came home in 3rd place in that race continuing a consistent run of recent form and he looks to have placing chances again. (9) FREEDOM KNIGHT led that day before ultimately running 5th and can get closer this time. (6) MAN OF TOP another who should be in the hunt.

Selections(2) B.K John (8) Change Back (5) Nangman Jeonsa (9) Freedom Knight
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

Sunday Busan & Seoul: Luna Stakes Day Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

Following Heat Yegam’s victory in the KRA Cup Mile last weekend, the fillies get their chance this Sunday with the opening leg of the filly Triple Crown, the Luna Stakes, over 1600M at Busan. The race is part of 6-race card at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30 while there is also a 9-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

The scene on Luna Stakes day last year…. (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

As is almost always the case right now, juvenile maidens kick things off and this time four of the nine race for the very first time. One of the experienced ones will be the hot favourite though. That’s (3) TOUGH GUY, who after posting a good time in a trial in August, debuted on September 12th when he put in a front-running effort at today’s trip to ultimately finish 3rd in a good time. He draws well here and should have too much. Running better on debut that his finishing position suggests was (4) AMAZON KING. Ran 6th but in a fast time in a good race. That came off an impressive trial and is the main danger to the favourite here. (8) CHAMJOEUN CHINGU was slowly away from a wide gate on her debut but did make ground late and finished in a decent time in a fats race and she too will be expected to improve here. Among the first-timers, (7) EUNHYE was the fastest in trials and perhaps has the best chance of making an impression first-up. (2) SUNNY BLADE too did nothing wrong in her heat.

Selections(3) Tough Guy (4) Amazon King (8) Chamjoeun Chingu (7) Eunhye
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here. (5) FLYING FULL MOON has been knocking on the door in his latest three outings including 3rd place last start on September 19th at this distance with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. A front runner, he draws nicely so expect him to be on pace and he can lead gate to wire. (1) VIENTO came home 4th behind Flying Full Moon in that race on what was her fourth career start. She looks like she is figuring things out and from another very good draw she could make further progress today. (4) EOMCHEONGNAN GIRL put in a significantly improved 2nd at this distance on August 15th in a fair time behind a good winner. She had already shown she can finish off her races well but for the first time raced prominently throughout and a similar run should see her in the finish again. (7) SEMYEONG HAETSAL is the only previous winner in the field and as such comes into the calculations after three consecutive 4th place finishes. (11) SISEON JUMA has made an encouraging start to her career with three top five finishes from three starts. She led in her best finish to date when 2nd but has run well from behind as well and steps up to 1300M for the first time with solid claims to continue her development.

Selections(5) Flying Full Moon (1) Viento (4) Eomcheongnan Girl (7) Semyeong Haetsal
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Unchartered territory for all of these maidens as none of them have tackled two-turns before. A few have hinted at ability and finished off their races well at shorter distances, including (5) FLYING BARBIE. She comes on off a decent 3rd place at 1300M, her best performance to date, when she came from well off the pace run down plenty. The extended trip may be what she needs. That’s true too for (4) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN. He ran fairly for 3rd over 1400M at his latest start on August 22nd when he overcame a wide gate to do his best work late. He should be in the finish here. (1) TAEYANGTAGO was 4th in that race behind Semyeong Captain in August and followed it up with another 4th place a month ago, also at 1400M when she made ground from last place entering the straight. She too may like the additional trip. (6) SEONBONG GOLD and (3) HELLO GEUMSEONG are others to consider.

Selections(5) Flying Barbie (4) Semyeong Captain (1) Taeyangtago (6) Seonbong Gold
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field of juvenile maidens get things underway in Busan and (3) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO is set to be a warm favourite. He made a bold showing on debut when overcoming gate eleven to lead before being ground down and ultimately finishing 4th in a fast time. He draws better today, should lead and should win (5) FUNNY LIFE registered a faster time than Yeongcheon Solemio when also 4th on her own debut on September 17th although it was on a much wetter and faster track. She too was on pace and looks to be the primary danger here. There are two first-timer starters and both warrant mentions. (8) RAON THE GUTSEN went through two trials, improving in the second of them, crossing the line 3rd in a decent time. He can sit outside the early speed and run-on. (2) LIGHT STORY clearly knows what to do having won his own trial. He draws well and can go well first-up. Returning to those with experience, (6) YOUNG BOSS looks to have the most potential to improve.

Selections(3) Yeongcheon Solemio (5) Funny Life (8) Raon The Gutsen (2) Light Story
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

We’ll go with (6) THE QUEEN JUSTICE here on the grounds that she has the fastest time of any of these at the distance (albeit recorded on a very wet track) and draws a much better gate than her primary rival. She comes in off a decent 2nd place at class and distance on September 11th when she went back and made ground and from the middle can perhaps pick her spot. That main rival is likely to be (12) JEONGMUN JIJON, who comes up in class after a good win on September 12th when she sat handy to the lead, striking the front in the home straight and running on well. This might be trickier from the wide draw, but she still looks nicely in and should measure up at this level. (4) GO GO STAR led at her latest start at class and distance ultimately finishing in 5th place. She draws nicely to lead again and can be challenging for a money finish. (10) JANGSAN GUARD had a poor day at the office in that race, his first at this class, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (1) YULONG STAR another in the frame.

Selections(6) The Queen Justice (12) Jeongmun Jijon (4) Go Go Star (10) Jangsan Guard
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Very tricky race. (11) GIANT CAL steps up to this distance for the first time and it may well suit. He doesn’t run on pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and last time he emerged from the back to run 3rd in a solid time over 1300M. Today could be his day. (8) TRIPLE STORM comes back in trip after a couple of spins around a mile. He ran well at class and distance three starts back when 3rd in a time faster than any of the others here have recorded at the distance and he has to be considered a leading contender. (3) DAEHOMA has raced eight times, finishing no better than 4th although that is something he has managed on each of his latest four starts. He draws well to get on pace again and has claims here. (10) OLD CHEONHA hinted at ability in two starts in the early part of the year. He hasn’t been seen since April but trialed up adequately last month and a nice race has been picked for his return. (4) RAPIDO QUEEN another who should be competing for at least a place.

Selections(11) Giant Cal (8) Triple Storm (3) Daehoma (10) Old Cheonha
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

Competitive race. (8) K N LIGHT has finished no worse 5th in six starts to date and comes up in class following a runner-up finish at this distance on August 29th when handy to the lead throughout and briefly leading in the closing stages. The time was good when compared with his rivals here and he should be competitive at this level. (10) CHALLAN HANNAL got preomotd to this class following a win two starts back over 1200M when he flew home from the back of the field. He stepped up to 1300M for his first try at this level on August 29th and almost managed to repeat the trick, ultimately settling for 2nd in a fast race. The slightly extended trip should suit, the draw should be no issue at all, and he will be competitive here. A wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem for (12) SECRET BOSS either. He ran 3rd in that race behind Challan Hannal at the end of August and has since repeated the finish, again at 1300M. Expect him to be challenging late here. (9) CHEONGSAN GASE and (2) JOY OF KING are others who can be in the placing frame.

Selections(8) K N Light (10) Challan Hannal (12) Secret Boss (9) Cheongsan Gase
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11
(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview

Saturday’s racing is hopefully one of the last behind-closed-doors meetings at Seoul. There are 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field of juvenile maidens to kick things off with five of the nine racing for the first time. Two of those first-timers were trial winners and we’ll put them on top. Slightly favoured is (2) HATMURI, who sat just off the pace in his heat before improving and then being asked for effort in the final furlong which he responded to well. The time was good, and he has every chance from a good gate. Also impressive in the trial was (3) TES GO DAEBO. He emerged from a wide gate before settling behind the leading group. He hit the front at the 400M and went on comfortable with minimal encouragement. The time was a bit slower than Hatmuri’s although the track was a little drier and slower, but he has solid claims. (8) SANSO POWER can also go well first-up. He improved in the second of two trials when he was handy then midfield, then found the inside fence and finished off well in a reasonable time. Of those with experience, (9) DUSON FANTASTIC got a good start on debut before being found a touch one-paced and ultimately finished 6th. He should have come on for the experience. (4) RAON THE WILD may also improve.

Selections(2) Hatmuri (3) Tes Go Daebo (8) Sanso Power (9) Duson Fantastic
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies here with six of the ten racing for the first time. (7) BLACK MASK looked very accomplished in her trial, quickly establishing a lead and then cruising around to cross the line first by a substantial margin without having been asked a single question. If she brings anything like that to the races, then she wins. (9) HWANGGEUM CHEONJI won a June trial before debuting at this distance at the end of August when she emerged from the widest gate and got pushed wider before finding the rail on the turn and stealing a few lengths then working home well. She should have benefited for the experience and can be in the mix here. (2) THE FAVORITE won’t be favourite but she settled back on debut on September 11th and then put in a good effort from the 300M to run 4th. She can get closer today and can aim to be on pace. (8) SILVER STAR raced a touch greenly on debut, being slow out and not looking totally comfortable in the kickback. She finished off well enough and can improve today. Returning to the debut-makers, (5) MIRACLE K trialed up in 4th behind the very good Chief Indy and finished in a fair time.

Selections(7) Black Mask (9) Hwanggeum Cheonji (2) The Favorite (8) Silver Star
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Standard class 6 here. We’ll take a chance on (7) DESK TAP, as he has been consistent across his seven starts to date which includes a 2nd and a 4th and the best time of any of these at the distance. He was a touch disappointing at his last start when he drew a wide gate and took a long time to get involved but he is worth another chance today. Based on his latest effort on September 12th, (2) JISANGUN will probably start as favourite. He showed significant improvement that day when coming from off the pace to run 2nd in a fair time at this distance. He draws much better this time around and has every chance. (11) SMART HIGH too looks to be on the right trajectory having improved with a 3rd place at her latest start. That was back in July, and she does draw an unfavourable gate, but she can challenge for a place again. Resuming after almost twice as long away is (1) SAMJEONG TAPAS. He is the only one in the field to have a win to his name, achieved at this distance almost a year ago, and he comes in having trialed pleasingly. He makes his first start for Tony Castenheira and can go well. (3) LONDON POWER another in the hunt.

Selections(7) Desk Tap (2) Jisangun (11) Smart High (1) Samjeong Tapas
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (1) BURUI YEOWANG. A winner of two from five so far, she comes in off a very smart 2nd place over 1300M on September 5th when handy throughout. She does come up 2kg in the weights but should benefit from the inside barrier and can lead from gate to wire here. Logical second pick is (6) LADY FIRST. She was a winner on debut on August 7th over 1000M and before running 6th in the Rookie Stakes at this distance on September 5th. She is in shallower waters today and should get closer. (10) SOEWAKKOT is perhaps a bit better than her first go at this class over 1300M suggests. True, she runs better on pace, so the draw today isn’t great, but she has outside placing claims. (8) LONDON QUEEN ran well for 3rd at class and distance on September 11th and while she does mix her form a little, should be in the finish while (9) BEST CHEONSANG also enters the calculations following a good runner-up finish at class and distance a month ago.

Selections(1) Burui Yeowang (6) Lady First (10) Soewakkot (8) London Queen
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 12
(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: KRA Cup Mile Day Race-By-Race Preview (October 10)

Sunday is KRA Cup Mile Day! See below for selections for the big race or here for a runner-by-runner preview. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30 and 9 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

There were no spectators at the KRA Cup Mile last year. A year later and only 20% is allowed at Busan. And still none at Seoul. (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to get us underway and it involves one of the banker favourites of the day. Having won a trial in fine fashion in August, (4) WORLD FORCE ran a close 3rd on debut on September 4th having led from the gate until the closing stages, only to get narrowly overhauled close to the line. It was a fast time, and she won’t need to have improved very much – if at all – to win this. The others will need to improve. (5) JILJU JEONSA has raced twice before and showed improvement at the second of those on August 28th, running 5th at this distance in a good time, albeit someway behind a good winner. He will settle midfield and run on and should be looking for a better finish today. (7) SPEED GALLOP goes for the second time having run 5th on debut behind Bencal Princess, who has since gone on to run well in two big Juvenile Stakes race. She came from well off the pace after a slow start that day and should be ready to improve. (9) YOUNG BLOOD beat a couple of these when 4th on debut and along with (2) NO SMALL SUN, has placing claims here.

Selections(4) World Force (5) Jilju Jeonsa (7) Speed Gallop (9) Young Blood
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

Competitive maiden with a couple of them looking ready to win. (2) REAL CONCORD comes in following her best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on August 8th. She has run good times at the distance, is well drawn and while she does come in off a nine-week layoff, has solid claims here. So too does (1) GRAY CAT. He has gone even faster at this distance and should strip fitter second up following his return from five-months out in early September when he ran 4th at 1200M. With an apprentice climbing aboard today he gets a 4kg allowance and the inside gate should allow him to get to a prominent position early and maybe lead – if he does, he can win. It is the low numbers who are favoured here. (3) DOUBLE TAKE has mixed her form but ran well for 3rd over 1400M at her latest start when settling back and running on. She should be in the mix here. (4) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG weakened badly having led over this distance last time but has shown some ability and may be worth another chance. (5) YELLOW CAT, 5th on debut at the end of August is another in the hunt.

Selections(2) Real Concord (1) Gray Cat (3) Double Take (4) Teukgeup Yeowang
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

All twelve of these maidens step up to racing at two turns for the very first time and the one it should benefit the most is (9) WONDERFUL K. The Purge colt has been consistent over seven starts so far with his best result being 3rd over 1200M two starts back. He ran well at his latest effort for 4th over 1400M and there is no indication that the additional 300M won’t suit. He’s the one to beat. (10) WONDERFUL SAM has been doing his best work late in both his two outings so far at 1200M and 1400M. Both times he has been right at the back entering the straight and has only started to pick up when too late. His final furlong times have been good so the extra distance to play with may help today. (12) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN has been showing signs of improvement in his latest couple of outings including last time when he came from well back to run 4th over 1300M. An apprentice keeps the weight nice and light which he may benefit from given the extended trip today. (11) SINUI HANSU has only raced three times and has stuck to his task on all three occasions. He’ll probably be aimed for the early lead here and could still be around at the business end. If you prefer your two-turn picks to come from a good barrier, then (1) LUCKY BALLY could be the one.

Selections(9) Wonderful K (10) Wonderful Sam (12) Sangseung Haengjin (11) Sinui Hansu
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens get to compete for a big prize here with six of them racing for the first time. It’s the experience that’s favoured though with all five who have previously raced having shown enough to suggest they have wins in them. We’ll take a chance with (8) GREEN SPEED, who ran 3rd on debut on September 12th. That day’s impressive winner didn’t run well on reappearance last week, but Green Speed should have improved for the run and the Bart ice/Seo Seung-un combination is a good one. (5) H. DAY will probably be betting favourite. After three trials, she ran 3rd on debut in a scorching time on September 17th. It was a very wet track that day which made it quicker, but it was very promising and from a good draw she should be leading or on pace here. (1) B.K. MARSHALL has raced twice before, notching a 3rd and a 2nd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She has sat handy before running on and from the inside gate is another who will be on pace here. (3) STELL LUNA ran 4th behind B.K. MARSHALL on what was her debut on September 3rd when she settled in midfield and finished well. With some natural progression she can go close here. This is a really tough race to debut in but if any of the first-timers is to break through, (10) DOCTOR KONGSUNI looks the most likely.

Selections(8) Green Speed (5) H. Day (1) B.K. Marshall (3) Stell Luna
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) NAMSAN SIDAE is the clear pick here on the basis of a close 2nd at this distance on September 11th. That was first-up and his first time up in class too following a maiden win in April. The time was good and while he comes up 2kg in the weights and draws a touch wider than ideal, he will try to sit handy to the lead and is the one to beat. (5) SILVER DRAGON is worth some thought following his last start 5th over 1300M on his first try at this class. He had the outside barrier that day and after a slow start settled a long last before swinging wide in the straight to come home very nicely. The extra distance appears to be in his favour as his solitary win came at this trip and while those slow starts are a habit of his, the better gate may limit the damage this time. (6) NONSTOP GISANG drops back in trip and into contention after a couple of swings around 1700M. He is a winner at 1300M at class 6 level and ran a fair 5th at that distance at this class. He is another who likes to be handy to the lead and then run on. (2) WONDERFUL ORANGE is up in class after a win over 1300M when she was midfield before finishing strongly for a narrow score. While the margin wasn’t big on the line, she was running on and has the benefit of a good gate today giving her placing chances. (7) ROCK FIGHTER another with placing claims.

Selections(9) Namsan Sidae (5) Silver Dragon (6) Nonstop Gisang (2) Wonderful Orange
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Not the strongest of maidens and that allows us to take a chance on a debut-maker. Isidore Farm’s homebred (3) SUNSET MELODY looked accomplished in her trial, given an easy time early and then responding very well when asked for an effort in the straight. It seems she knows her business and there’s every chance she could score right away here. If you prefer your maidens to be experienced, (5) MY DESTINY is the one to go for. She has four top four finishes from six starts so far and has run consistently decent times. She draws well and should be in the mix. Back to the first-timers and (9) BLUE SKY went through two trials showing improvement in the second of them to the extent that she may be considered a placing chance first up. (11) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE was handy to the lead on debut on September 9th before ultimately coming home in 5th. She should strip fitter for the experience and get closer today. (8) DAEHO PYEONGEONG the best of the rest.

Selections(3) Sunset Melody (5) My Destiny (9) Blue Sky (11) Myeongseong Charge
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

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

Fillies only here. (7) DREAM KNOCK won a class 6 race over 1200M in fine style by eight-lengths in July before following up with 2nd place in a similar all-filly affair on her first try at this class on August 28th, beating several of today’s rivals in the process. She will have benefited from that experience and looks hard to beat here. (12) BLACK ROOKIE is a filly who is adapting to class 5 and at her last start was a good 3rd over 1300M when wide all the way yet still ran on. Given some better luck in running and ideally a bit of cover, she could be a threat here. (4) K BLADE ran 6th on his first try at this class on September 4th. That was over 1400M, and he came out of gate ten but two starts back he got his maiden win at this distance when handy from the same gate as today and he is in with a shout here. (11) DANCING WITH YOU ran 3rd behind Dream Knock on August 28th showing she is getting to grips with racing at this level and while her draw isn’t great, she can go close again. (5) GOLD SPIKE another in the hunt.

Selections(7) Dream Knock (12) Black Rookie (4) K Blade (11) Dancing With You
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(more…)

Jockey Lee Hyo-sik Targets Cup Mile Salute Before Obeying Marching Orders

The jockey game is a tough one where even at the best of the times, a rider can never be certain when or why he or she might be replaced on a good horse. It’s different this time for Lee Hyo-sik, who knows that even if he rides a flawless, winning race on leading KRA Cup Mile (1600M – KOR G2) contender Winner’s Man on Sunday, he won’t be aboard the colt in next month’s Korean Derby. That’s because by that time, he will be in boot camp beginning his eighteen months of mandatory military service.

Lee Hyo Siks in the Stakes race winner’s circle with King Socks 2 years ago

“Of course, I am a little disappointed that just when we finally have Stakes races back, I have to go,” Lee told in-house broadcaster KRBC this week. “But there is nothing I can do about it.” He then quipped “Maybe Winner’s Man will wait for me. He will still only be five-years-old when I come back.”

For now, Lee preferred to focus on the business at hand with his mount being one of the favourites in what is arguably the highest ever quality field for the opening leg of a Korean Triple Crown. “I believe in (Winner’s Man); his condition is similar to how it was at his last win. He has always been a mature horse and forward in his ability.”

Identifying Heat Yegam and Seoul raider Heungbaragi as the primary dangers among the sixteen strong field, Lee was able to reflect on the fact that he knows one of those rivals very well and sought to ease any pressure. “I have ridden both Heat Yegam and Winner’s Man. I think they are of similar ability but maybe Heat Yegam is slightly better right now.”

Heat Yegam, a winner of seven from eight and likely to be the betting favourite inside Korea, will be ridden by You Hyun-myung whose own military experience is long in the rear-view mirror, but he knows how his younger rival will be feeling. “He’s starting his military service next week so he will be very hungry to win.” You missed Heat Yegam’s latest two victories in August. “I was injured in August so Lee Hyo-sik rode him twice and won twice. He ran very well. Since I have come back, I have been working on getting my strength up for this race.”

On Heat Yegam’s readiness for the race, You Hyun-myung was confident. “I don’t really need to worry about the horse because the stable management is so good there isn’t very much the rider needs to do. We have galloped him, and he was good and fast. Our draw isn’t great, but others have worse.” On which horse he fears most, he was clear. “Winner’s Man is the most dangerous rival.”

It is by no means a two-horse race as the fact that the sixteen runners have no fewer than sixty-one victories between them heading in bears out. Five of those wins belong to Galaxy Road, so could he upset the favourites? “Yes,” according to trainer Kim Kil-jung. “We finished up the main training with him on Thursday morning and I was very satisfied,” Kim told KRBC. “It’s my first runner in a Triple Crown race so I’m excited, we’ve got a great draw and we can run well. (Jockey) Lee Sung-jae has ridden him a lot and I think his expectations are high too. We are well prepared, so we are confident.”

The Seoul challenge is headed by Heungbaragi. He may have been drawn wide but remains dangerous for trainer Lee Joon-chel, who rode him in his earlier races before taking over the training license this summer. Lee has made a super start to his career with eight wins from his first thirty runners.

Joining Heungbaragi in making the journey from the capital was Chief Indy, who will give Antonio Da Silva his very first ride at Busan, despite him having ridden in Korea for more than four years now. “Moon Se-young usually rides the horse but he had a fall last month, so I got the call three weeks ago and rode him in work and then a barrier trial. He seems to be a good horse and in good condition,” Da Silva said of the colt who has won his latest four. “On Sunday I hope we can show 100% of our ability. I know it is a strong race, he likes to sit behind the lead, I am not sure if the middle gate is good or not, but he is a good horse, and we can win.”

The theme of the strength of the race was echoed by Kim Yong-geun, who won the Cup Mile on eventual Triple Crown winner Power Blade in 2016 and is a former Busan Champion jockey now plying his trade in Seoul. “I’ve ridden in a lot of these races and usually there are just one or two standouts but not this time. There are the two big ones though (Heat Yegam and Winner’s Man), who look like class 1 horses already.” As for his own mount, Royal Road: “It’s going to be important to get a good racing position. Get a good start and be up with the pace. If we’re up there at the beginning of the straight, then we have a chance.”

Spot Flatter earned his spot with back-to-back wins at Seoul over 1400M and jockey Ham Wan-sik rides him for the first time. “(Alan) Munro usually rides him but he needed to be in Seoul this week, so I got the chance,” said Ham. “I think he is a good horse; the distance is good. We know there are some very good horses in this race and there will be a hot pace early. I won’t worry about. I will ride my own race and not get impatient.

Patience is something Lee Hyo-sik is going to need during his next year and a half in uniform. Whether he can play a role in helping Winner’s Man on the way to a Triple Crown will become clear on Sunday afternoon.

The KRA Cup Mile is race 5 at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

KRA Cup Mile 2021: Horse-By-Horse Preview

The 2021 Korean Triple Crown gets underway a full six-months later than originally planned with the KRA Cup Mile taking place at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. As a result of the delay, the depth of form is incredible with the full field of sixteen having collectively won sixty-one races between them already and all runners will go to post with some justifiable confidence. Last year the race was won by Touch Star Man, who went on to finish 5th in the Korean Derby before winning the final leg of the Crown, the Minister’s Cup Here is a run-down of the field:

Touch Star Man won last year’s KRA Cup Mile

1. SPOT FLATTER [Cowboy Cal – Palmetto Flatter (Flatter)] – Gets his chance after back to win wins over 1400M up to class 4 level in Seoul when sitting midfield and running on with both times good. He draws nicely draw and should get the trip, but this is a level up in difficulty for him.

2. MACH TITAN [Hansen – Send An Angel (Street Sense)] – Scorching winner at this distance at class 3 two starts back in a time that would have won every edition of this race to date. He did though run poorly at his latest start over 1800M three weeks ago, running very wide early before working hard to be on the pace but then finding the extended trip a bit much. Back at a mile he should be a different prospect and he is the big winner from the draw. He likes to sit handy and run on.

3. GALAXY ROAD [Afleet Express – How Bout Tonight (Proud Citizen)] – Winner of his latest three including last start when he overcame gate twelve to lead all the way over 1800M at class 4. He has the second fastest time among those who have tackled a mile and won at this distance when sitting handy and running on strong. May lead but there is plenty of other speed in this race. Placing chances.

4. MR. INDIE [Indie Band – Candace Gold (Seeking The Gold)] – Races for the first time since July when he ran out a comfortable front-running class 4 winner over 1800M. Twelve weeks off since then but he looked well when trialing up last week. Jockey Seo Seung-un won this race in 2014 and a bold showing is possible from a nice draw.

5. ROYAL ROAD [Afleet Express – Officer Lady (Officer)] – An all the way nine-length win at class 5 over 1700M put him on the radar for this although he was a touch disappointing when 3rd at class 4 over the same distance four weeks ago. He did have to contend with gate twelve that day and drifted wide on jumping before eventually finding the rail. He is better than that and can get an easier run from a better draw, but he is not in the first line of favourites here. Jockey Kim Yong-geun partnered Power Blade to victory in the race in 2016 on his way to sweeping the Triple Crown.

6. DONGJIN CHOEGANG [Officer – Pureun Miso (Malibu Moon)] – Untried at further than 1400M and his best form has been at 1200M, he come in following a narrow runner-up finish at that distance in a very fast time on a wet track on September 12th. It’s deeper waters today and despite Park Tae-jong, who won the race on Money Car in 2010, being engaged to ride, others are favoured.

7. WILD INDIE [Indie Band – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] – Yet to be out of the top two in five career starts, he won back-to-back races at this distance to be rapidly promoted up to class 4. On his first try at that level he ran 2nd over 1800M, sitting midfield and then running on strong. He has one of the strongest finishes in the race so don’t rule him out of passing plenty late on. Definite place chances.

8. CHIEF INDY [Take Charge Indy – City Splash (City Zip)] – He has won his last four starts including carrying 58kg to victory over 1700M at class 4 level. He hasn’t raced since June which may be a concern, but he looked well when winning a trial in mid-September. He will want to sit handy to the lead and run on and the jockey booking is a plus.

9. HEAT YEGAM [Take Charge Indy – Desert Heat (Mr. Prospector)] – Super horse who beat Winner’s Man when the pair were juveniles. Both have come a long way since and Heat Yegam enters following a strong of four victories up to Class 2 level when made all over 1200M on August 27th by seven-lengths. He was an eleven-length all the way winner on his only try at this distance which came at class 3 level in June in a fast time. His style is to get out in front and just go. If he gets the lead, he may be hard to catch. He’s the favourite, with jockey You Hyun-myung bidding for an unprecedented third win in the race.

10. TK BOY [Cowboy Cal – Indian Myeongun (Indian Charlie)] – Not likely to be among the top line of favourites but could be an interesting outsider. Has a fast finish on him and while he just missed out when 2nd over 1700M at class at his latest start, he has won well at 1400M, and he will be flashing home strong. May prefer it if it’s wet.

11. JERA [Musket Man – High Key (Menifee)] – A good winner two starts back at this distance at class 4 when he settled in midfield before taking the lead entering the straight. That was in May though and he was out of sorts in his latest race when having been in a prominent position early, he weakened to last in the straight. That makes him hard to have here but punters will always take note of jockey Lim Sung-sil climbing aboard in a big race.

12. WINNER’S MAN [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (Volponi)] – A winner of seven races so far and he fairly bolted in by eight-lengths in class 2 company over 1800M when eased down at the 50M on September 12th. He has won at a mile and there should be no issue in dropping back today and while he will need some luck position-wise from his wide draw, he is race fit and is a big chance.

13. DOCTOR GIANTS [Cowboy Cal – Ms. Fool Proof (Not For Love)] – A fine 3rd over 1400M on September 17th, it was at class 4 level and while in four attempts at that class he has shown he is competitive he hasn’t looked like winning in it. Accordingly, in much deeper waters today, this appears to be a hard ask.

14. ONNURI JILJU [Officer – Onnuri Plaza (Touch Gold)] – Super consistent type who since a 4th place on debut, has finished no worse than 2nd in eight subsequent outings. That includes a runner-up finish to Mach Titan at 1400M in June and most recently, 2nd to the excellent filly Doctor Fappiano (who skips this to go for the filly Triple Crown, which begins next week) over 1800M at class 3. Times are very good, and he has a big race jockey aboard, so he is not to be dismissed, but he looks more a place line.

15. HEUNGBARAGI [Old Fashioned – Grand Marketing (After Market)] – Top juvenile in Seoul last year, he could not have been more impressive on his latest start on September 12th when a runaway gate-to-wire winner by six-lengths over 1800M. He likes to lead though, and this barrier draw has done him no favours. Nevertheless, he will be in this a long way and a win isn’t impossible.

16. YUJEONG CHAMP [Forest Camp – Yujeong Yeojanggun (Warrior’s Reward)] – Back-to-back wins over 1400M in fast times at classes 6 and 5 allow him to take his chance here but he struggled behind Royal Road on his first go at class 4 level over 1700M on September 12th. That suggests this is going to be tough.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

Saturday is Cup Mile Eve and we will have a full horse-by-horse preview of Sunday’s big race up later. For now though, there are 9 races at the behind-closed-doors meeting at Seoul on Saturday. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to start things off with six of the twelve racing for the first time. The pick has experience though as (5) CHEONJI JIDAE ran a good 3rd on debut at this distance at the end of July when he settled in midfield and finished off well. It’s been eleven weeks off since but from a central draw he can return with a win here. (11) RAON THE TEUKGEUP was a decent enough 5th on his debut on September 4th. It was over this distance in a fair time and he made up good ground late on. With some natural progression from that, he should be in this. (12) CHEOLLICHONG’s two performances so far weren’t necessarily as bad as the 6th and 8th place finishes may make them look. Both times she finished behind horses with plenty of potential, her times weren’t bad and it would be no surprise to see her improving today. The debut-makers don’t really stand out but the best of them appears to be (9) WILD SOCKS. He put in a solid, if unspectacular trial and in what is a soft race to start off in, can challenge for the places. (1) COMPLETE LUCKY another who can improve on a relatively anonymous debut.

Selections(5) Cheonji Jidae (11) Raon The Teukgeup (12) Cheollichong (9) Wild Socks
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with four of the ten racing for the first time. Again we opt for experience with two standouts who have little between them. Given the draw and the slight weight allowance she gets as a filly; we’ll veer towards (1) RAON THE DASH. Having won a July trial, she ran 5th behind Aspen Taeyang (who has since won again) on debut on August 21st when she settled handy but couldn’t quite hold her position at the business end. Nevertheless, it was a fir performance and one with potential. (10) ROAD ACE has equally solid claims. He has raced twice before and has run two consistent times at this distance both times settling midfield and, like Raon The Dash, just not being able to get past other juveniles who were perhaps a bit further developed. Today is a good opportunity for progress. (9) WINNER KAI debuts having run reasonably well in a slow trial. There is little to fear here so a positive debut is possible. (2) HANGANG MAGIC weakened on debut over 1200Mand back in trip and with a nice draw can improve today. (8) G STAR was very slow to get going on his debut on September 11th and if he can her into gear a bit quicker this time, should improve.

Selections(1) Raon The Dash (10) Road Ace (9) Winner Kai (2) Hangang Magic
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and possibly the best chance many of these will have for a win. (12) SUPER BIRD has as good a chance as any. She has been consistent over her three starts so far with a best a come from behind 3rd place over 1300M two starts back. That running style suggests the wide draw won’t be an issue and she can win. The probable betting favourite is (3) TINA. That’s based on her run two starts back over this distance when she ran 2nd in a time a full two seconds faster than any of her rivals today have managed for the 1200M. Granted it was wet and fast that day but nevertheless it was good run and while she weakened over 1400M on her August return, back down in trip today and from a good gate, she has strong claims. (1) ELITE RULES beat three of these on her way to a much improved 3rd place at this distance on August 14th when she settles slightly worse than midfield and then ran on. She drew the widest gate that day and from the inside here, David Breux should have plenty of options. (6) DDATTEUTHANBIT is the only one on the field to have placed twice with two 3rd place finishes to her name. She was beaten by Elite Rules two starts back but a place can be on the agenda again. Solitary debut-maker (4) GOLD KAISER won her trial and while it was slow time draws well to be on pace and can be given a chance.

Selections(12) Super Bird (3) Tina (1) Elite Rules (6) Ddatteuthanbit
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) MENI GOLD fairly bolted up on debut on August 28th leading from gate-to-wire to win by seven-lengths over 1000M. Accordingly, she is up in class and distance today but neither those things, nor being the only juvenile in the field, should be an issue, and from a good draw she can be on pace again and maintain her 100% record. (6) PARAN WANGJA is two starts into this current preparation following seven months out. He has run well both times with a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this class and distance and is a front-running type who can give Meni Gold some problems from the start. He does look to be working up to a second win and it could come here. (1) PRINCESS SOCKS ran 6th behind Paran Wangja at her latest start but draws better today, giving her an opportunity to emulate her all the way win two starts back in a fast time at this distance at class 6 level. She seems to be an all or nothing type with two wins and then nothing better than 5th in four outings to date but she is in the frame here. (7) POWER DOLPUNG is a touch more consistent with just one finish outside the top five in seven attempts. He drops back in trip and is another who can be on or close to the pace. (3) SPRING KKUM another in the placing frame in a competitive affair.

Selections(4) Meni Gold (6) Paran Wangja (1) Princess Socks (7) Power Dolpung
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 8)

The 2021 Triple Crown finally gets underway on Sunday when three-year-olds line up for the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. The unprecedented late start to the series has had the effect of making it arguably the strongest ever as every horse who arrives in the start line is tried and tested whereas on its usual April date, the race is often full of those who were precocious as juveniles but then haven’t kicked on. Anyway, more of the Cup Mile to follow over the next couple of days but in the meantime Busan kicks off proceedings for the weekend with a six-race card on Friday afternoon. Seoul jockeys Kim Yong-geun, Park Tae-jong and Ham Wan-sik all have rides. Here are the previews:

King Of Glory can return to winning ways in Friday’s Busan feature

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) TWO TWO LIME will be hot favourite to open her account at the fifth time of asking here. She has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name already, both of them at this distance and she has already beaten a few of these. She comes in under a light weight and from the inside gate should be on the early speed and she should win. (4) SPRING FIRE came home 5th to Two Two Lime’s 3rd at her latest start on August 13th. She is another who does have a couple of places to her name and in this company she can be competitive for another. She came from off the pace last start but has been known to lead as well. Definitely closing late will be (6) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG. Seoul jockey Park Tae-jong, one of a number in town for Sunday’s KRA Cup Mile, picks up the ride and while this colt tends to get a bit too far back, if he can get away well, then he can be a danger at the end. This is not a strong race so while the solitary debut-maker (7) SUSO ENGINE didn’t exactly catch the eye in trials, he won’t need to improve too much on it to be competitive. (11) EUTTEUM CAL another in the placing hunt off the back of an improved 4th last time out.

Selections(1) Two Two Lime (4) Spring Fire (6) Cheongma Yeongung (7) Suso Engine
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies here and all but three tackle the seven-furlongs for the first time. The pick and probable betting favourite is (12) WONDERFUL RAISE, who following a runner0up finish on debut in August then ran 6th in the Rookie Stakes on September 5th over 1200M when she ran on reasonably well and was travelling nicely at the end. The step up to 1400M may suit and while she has drawn the widest gate, she should be able to overcome it. (1) GOLDEN POWER went right back on debut before running on well for 3rd – albeit a long way behind a good winner – over 1000M on September 3rd. She should have come on for that run and the additional distance today may work in her favour. It’s fair to day that (2) WONDERFUL LADY is no superstar but she is turning into a dependable type with five top-five finishes from eight starts. She beat a couple of these on her latest start when overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on for 4th over 1300M. She draws much better today and will surely be in the finish again. (6) DONGBANG CAPTAIN and (7) WIND HIGH are others in the placing frame.

Selections(12) Wonderful Raise (1) Golden Power (2) Wonderful Lady (6) Dongbang Captain
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

Tricky one here. (11) SPEED MATCH made all to score his maiden win three weeks ago at this distance. He comes up in class here but that manner of that victory – and the time it was recorded in on a good rated track – means he has to be considered again. The wide draw is a concern though and the likely betting favourite is (9) RUN FIGHTER. He has never been worse than 3rd in four outings to date and comes in off a good 2nd place on his first go at class and distance on September 5th when he was handy throughout. He has run consistent times and has every chance here. So too (1) PURE KING. He tackles 1400M for the very first time, having got his maiden win at his latest start over 1200M on September 19th. He settled in midfield that day, running on strong and there is nothing to suggest that the additional trip won’t suit. (4) DOCTOR TEXAS had a hard time on his first crack at class and distance when well back behind Run Fighter. His previous form suggests he is better than that and is worth another chance for at least a place here. (2) B J SONG another who has every chance of competing for the money.

Selections(11) Speed Match (9) Run Fighter (1) Pure King (4) Doctor Texas
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here. (10) D’LOVELY QUEEN has been a model of consistency across her five starts so far with her one win coming at this trip at class 6 level back in July. Since has since run twice at this class, finishing in 3rd place on both occasions in competitive times. She tends to settle handy or midfield and then run on so the wide draw isn’t off too much concern and while she does carry an extra 2kg from last time, she can win here. (1) STORM TO WIN has good experience at this class and was 5th over 1400M three weeks ago having led for much of the way around. She is a filly who gets regularly trialed between races and she went through another heat just last week in double-quick time. If she has maintained that sharpness, then from the inside gate she can be in this a long way. So too can (3) BANJIUI GIJEOK, who is still a maiden but comes up in class after a good 2nd place over 1300M having led for much of the way, on August 29th. That was her first start since last December so she should have come on for the run and while this is undoubtedly harder, she can measure up. (9) APRIL QUEEN may be working towards another win. She has found her feet at this class with a 2nd and two 4th place finishes from three attempts, and drops back in trip here. She can go close. (7) GOLD LUCK another with more than a chance of placing.

Selections(10) D’Lovely Queen (1) Storm To Win (3) Banjiui Gijeok (9) April Queen
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Kim Yong-geun has traveled down from Seoul to ride Royal Road in Sunday’s Cup Mile and while that colt won’t be favourite, he takes the ride here on (4) KING OF THE MATCH, who almost certainly will be market leader in a really good race. He is three for three so far having won up to a mile and while he comes up 3kg in the weights and finds himself against some horses who have run some tremendous times at this distance, he should be equal to the challenge. (1) RAON THE POWER has finished in the top three in all eight of his starts so far with four wins. He comes up in class after a good score at this distance on August 20th, is down significantly in the weights and draws very nicely. (12) HANEUL ULLIM won three races in a row between March and May including a super win at this distance. He hasn’t raced since the latest of those wins so sharpness might be an issue but he looked well in a September trial and his running style means the draw shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. (3) DOCTOR FASHION and (10) AKER’S DREAM among others in the hunt in a race of many talents.

Selections(4) King Of The Match (1) Raon The Power (12) Haneul Ullim (3) Doctor Fashion
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 110 Million

With a good apprentice taking 4kg off his back, (3) KING OF GLORY can return to winning ways here. He comes in having run 4th behind Blue Chipper at the distance three weeks ago but has beaten plenty of these in recent outings. A front-runner, he draws very nicely and today can be his day. The main danger may prove to be his stablemate. (1) PRO CONSUL races for the first time since May but has won first up at this level before. When he last ran he was 2nd over a mile to King Of Glory and having looked well in a trial only last week, it could be a Wolsley quinella here. (6) BAENGMUNBAEKDAP comes back up in trip following recent work around one-turn including defeating Doctor Carson and Blue Chipper over 1400M. He perhaps doesn’t look a winning chance here but his quality could well see him to a place. (2) SPEED FURY is another to have been beaten by King Of Glory recently when 3rd to his 2nd at class and distance on August 1st. He has since run disappointingly over 2000M but should be better back in trip and drawn well here. (9) GOOD CASTING comes back up in trip too and is another who rarely runs a bad race.

Selections(3) King Of Glory (1) Pro Consul (6) Baengmunbaekdap (2) Speed Fury
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 12

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

Three months of Stakes action gets underway on Sunday with both Seoul and Busan hosted Listed races for the top juveniles from this year’s crop, the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at Seoul and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes at Busan. There are 9 Sunday races at Seoul – with the great Cheongdam Dokki also putting in an appearance – from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30. The Seoul meeting will be run behind-closed-doors but Busan will be open for customers with a reservation made on the MyCard app. Here are the Previews:

It will be behind closed doors but there will finally be some Stakes action on Sunday!

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens go around here with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (4) SARYEONI FIRST who ran 2nd to – and well beaten by – Aspen Taeyang on debut on August 21st. He settled back and then ran on, finishing in a fast time on a wet track and with some natural improvement for that experience, he can be the one to beat today. (3) MENI WONDERFUL is a colt for whom there are high hopes. He’s the first foal to make the track from his dam Meni Money, a winner of eight races and herself out of a one-time track record holder here over the 1800M. He ran pleasingly enough for 4th on debut at this distance on August 15th and it would be no surprise if he improved sufficiently to win this. It would be a surprise if the quinella featured anything other than these two but there are one or two first-timers to keep an eye on. (6) COSMO will be third-favourite in the market having won her trial on a wet track on September 10th. She was always prominent and while her time was no better than fair, she can acquit herself well. (1) RAON THE JET and (10) YONGAM BOSS others who went reasonably well in their heats.

Selections(4) Saryeoni First (3) Meni Wonderful (6) Cosmo (1) Raon The Jet
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 69

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go far past (5) BYEOLUI SUNGAN here. He’s run 3rd and 2nd in two starts so far, both times only beaten by similarly promising animals and both times running on strong over 1000M. The additional furlong should suit and he’s the one to beat. If anything is to beat them, then the prime candidate is the sole previous winner in the race, (9) GREEN FEELSTAR. Her victory came two starts back over this distance when she settled towards the front of midfield and then ran on well in a fair time. She returned on August 28th to beat a couple of these on her wat to a decent enough 5th place. (11) JANGSAN LASER ran 6th on his only start to date which was all the way back in January. He finally returns here having looked well in a September trial alongside some good horses and has placing claims. So too (12) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON, who improved significantly at his second start on August 29th when he was always prominent before ultimately finishing 3rd. The draw may not be kind here, but he can go close. There are two first time starters and (10) NEW SMART perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact. He showed at the front in his trial, finishing 5th in a decent enough time.

Selections(5) Byeolui Sungan (9) Green Feelstar (11) Jangsan Laser (12) New Star Yeongcheon
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 12

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

A race of many chances. We’ll take a chance on (6) BORI BORI overturning a bit of form from her latest start when she got the worst of a tight three-way finish over this distance. She has run some consistent times and draws nicely here. The one she needs to upend the form on is (9) KOREA GIJEOK. The Hansen gelding ran 2nd in that race to Bori Bori’s 4th, his best finish to date in a fourteen-race career. He can sit handy here and run on with a maiden win not out of the question. (1) SEOUL DAY gets in nicely with an apprentice jockey keeping the weight low. From the same gate last start he led until the closing stages over 1400M, ultimately finishing 2nd and he should be in this one for a long time too. (2) MIGHTY SUNSHINE may be an interesting outsider. He improved at start number two when 3rd over 1000M and his first time up in trip today may suit. (4) K N UNDERKING ran a useful enough 5th on debut on September 9th and can build on that today.

Selections(6) Bori Bori (9) Korea Gijeok (1) Seoul Day (2) Mighty Sunshine
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(12) MAN OF THE YEAR has run 4th on both his starts so far, most recently on September 5th when after jumping well, he went right to the back before running on strong over 1200M. He comes up in distance today, Perovic knows him well having ridden him both times, and the wide draw shouldn’t matter. He has a real chance. (11) CHEONGHO LEADER comes in off a strong 2nd at class and distance when he led into the straight. That was his best performance to date and a similar run today will put him in the finish. In that race, Cheongho Leader overturned the form on (5) CATCH THE SUN, who finished 3rd and had previously beaten him in July when they came home 4th and 6th respectively at today’s distance. Catch The Sun has been consistent across her four outings to date and with the draw in her favour this time, can go close. (2) SAEMANGUIVISION ran 5th, splitting Catch The Sun and Cheongho Leader in that July race and returns for the first time since then today. She too draws nicely and has placing claims. (4) ANNIKA GIRL, an improved 2nd at her latest start is another in the hunt.

Selections(12) Man Of The Year (11) Cheongho Leader (5) Catch The Sun (2) Saemanguivision
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 12

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

(2) SEUNGBUSA is a two-year-old colt with a solid class 6 win before a 3rd place in the Rookie Stakes over 1200M on September 5th when he dwelt slightly at the start before racing keenly to be up and on the pace and running on resolutely. He is up in trip slightly today but that shouldn’t be an issue and the fact that he skips today’s Munhwa Ilbo in favour of this, may be telling. (11) RAON CHAMPSELY returns to action for the first time since May. Still a maiden, she has registered three runner-up finishes from five starts and posted some very good times along the way. She prefers to be a front-runner – although one of her 2nd places did come from the back – so the draw may not be ideal and there is the obvious question about race sharpness as well, but she looked well when recording a fast time in a September trial. (4) REMEMBER WHEN is a mare who must be considered on her consistency. At her last start, when advancing to class 5, she was wide and on the pace most of the race and ran on well for 3rd. She is a placing chance here. So too (8) EUNHYE PADO, who is finding her feet in class 5. She ran 2nd on her latest start over 1400M, making up good ground in the straight. She hasn’t got a lot of early speed but will be closing. (3) SOARA BABA similarly settles back and often needs luck in running but can offer some each-way value.

Selections(2) Seungbusa (11) Raon Champsely (4) Remember When (8) Eunhye Pado
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

No fewer than eight of the twelve raced against each other at class and distance on September 10th so there’s the race of reference. None of them won – that was Honey Star by a full three lengths – and there wasn’t much between quite a few of them.  (5) SEONGSAN BULKKOT was 4th that day, having reached 2nd in the straight but ultimately being edged out. That came off the back of a career best 2nd over 1400 the time before. He can be close to the pace here and has much chance as any of coming out on top. (12) SINBIHAN GANGA came him in 6th place in that race having been one paced throughout. The time before though he beat several of these when 2nd at this class and distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard today, he is worth another chance. (9) SINJIN GANGHO was the best of these on September 10th. Coming from well off the pace to make up a lot of ground in the straight. That was a significant improvement on anything he had done in his previous twelve starts but he warrants more respect today. If you don’t rate that September 10th race at all then (6) DONGBU STAR or (2) YEONSEUNG BRAVO are probably the one to go for.

Selections(5) Seongsan Bulkkot (12) Sinbihan Gangja (9) Sinjin Gangho (6) Dongbu Star
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) VICEROY was a big winner in class 6 and is now adapting to class 5. He put in a good effort last start when a little awkwardly away before settling on the pace and battling on for a close 3rd in a good time. A repeat of that performance puts him right in it. (2) GEOSEON POWER is up in class on his last start win at this distance. He was wide all the way, so the win was perhaps a bit better than the narrow margin suggested. He draws well for an easy run here and should enter the calculations. (1) CHOIN SPARK remains a maiden but comes up in class based on his 2nd place to Geoseon Power on September 4th. With this race being run under handicap conditions, he meets him at slightly better weights, and he could cause an upset. (6) HWA SSI BYEOK could be an interesting outsider. On the face of it there’s not much to go on but she has been running times that are competitive in a field such as this and she could run into a place. (11) RULES CLASS another in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Viceroy (2) Geosen Power (1) Choin Spark (6) Hwa Ssi Byeok
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9
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