Racing Previews

Kookje Shinmun Cup Sunday – Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (November 17)

It’s Kookje Shinmun Cup Day at Busan with a host of well-known names contesting the Listed event over 1400M. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 as well as 11 in Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.

today

Today (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Last year’s Kookje winner Ace Korea returns but he’ll not be favourite in a field that includes stablemate King Of Glory, as well as the likes of Today, Doraonpogyeongseon, Sprin Back and Bright Cat. A preview of the race is at the bottom along with Busan selections while race-by-race for Seoul follows here:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Weak but competitive maiden to begin with. (8) PRETTY JOY and (4) JOLLY ROGER came home 4th and 5th when they raced each other over this distance on October 27th. While that race was arguably even weaker than this, both look to be improving and they should be among those disputing the finish today. (5) GANGHAN YEOJEONSA improved to 5th last time in what was a stronger event than this and she can continue to make progress today while (10) HWARYEO and (11) SPEED FLYING are others with potential to get better.

Selections (4) Jolly Roger (8) Pretty Joy (5) Ganghan Yeojeonsa (10) Hwaryeo
Next Best 11, 7
Fast Start 4, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Another maiden that falls into the weak but ultra-competitive category. (6) ROCK LINE did nothing on debut in September but significantly improved when only beaten half a length into 2nd over this distance last month. He led until the closing stages that day and is well drawn to get to the front once more. This time he can win. (1) STORM FORCE and (2) PENUMBRA are the only other two in the race to have a runner-up finish to their names and that in itself puts them into contention here. (9) ANYANG JAGUAR and (10) HAMYANG SANGRIM also come in with recent form looking positive and both can be competitive here.

Selections (6) Rock Line (1) Storm Force (10) Hamyang Sangrim (9) Anyang Jaguar
Next Best 2, 4
Fast Start 1, 6, 7, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) MILKY SHERRY made an inauspicious start to her career, but she’s been getting closer over her latest three and ran 3rd on her latest start just two weeks ago. She’s been ridden forward in her last couple of outings, which has seemed to help, and if she can get to the lead early today, she can win. (8) COLORS DE LAGO was 5th behind Milky Sherry in that race on November 3rd and she will be one of the threats here although more serious challenges may come from (5) MONEY LINE and (10) MAD DIVA, the latter especially putting in a fast time in a much better race than this last start. (4) GOLD PARK another who can compete for the minor money.

Selections (9) Milky Sherry (10) Mad Diva (5) Money Line (8) Colors De Lago
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 8, 9

Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) OKRYONG ran an improved 2nd on what was just his second career start on October 13th. He was well beaten by a very nice-looking winner but showed enough to suggest he (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 16)

It’s become quite chilly in Seoul the past few days and some Friday downpours have left the track in a wet condition. Bear that in mind when handicapping the 12 Saturday races which run from 10.45 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

Splashing through the wet in trials yesterday

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

Good looking juvenile maiden with six first-timers joining four with prior racing experience. Of those who have raced before, (7) WILD WOODS and (5) LUCKY SANGUN are the most convincing having both registered decent performances at this distance and both will be well supported here. We will side with one of the debut-makers though. (4) ALPHA DOK impressed in a trial two weeks ago, running 3rd in a fast time in a competitive heat and won’t need to improve too much on that to be right in the mix here. (1) GWANGYA SIDAE and (2) BALBATU are others who caught the eye in trials, the former winning hers, and both also have claims to go well first-up.

Selections (4) Alpha Dok (7) Wild Woods (1) Gwangya Sidae (5) Lucky Sangun
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 8

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden doesn’t look quite as strong. Six of the eleven have raced before with the most convincing of them being (8) BEST GUNDAN. He’s appeared twice, improving to 4th in the most recent of them over this distance. He was well beaten by a good winner, but his time was considerably superior to anything the others here have achieved. (9) DAHAENGIDA was 7th in that race and has potential to improve while (1) WONDERFUL AGAIN has struggled with poor manners in two starts to date and may be better dropped in trip today. Of the debut-makers, (4) JILJUUI KKUM and (10) SPRING COME look the most likely to make an impact.

Selections (8) Best Gundan (9) Dahaengida (4) Jiljuui Kkum (10) Spring Come
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 1, 3, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The final lot of juvenile maidens although this time over 1300M. (2) FIGHTING NOW ran a close 2nd on debut on October 20th, beaten just half a length. He ran on well and the additional distance today should suit. (5) CHODONG ROCKET was a bit further back on his debut, running 3rd also over 1000M. He too ran on gamely and is likely to join Fighting Now in contesting the early speed. (3) YEOLRIN MUN and (9) QUIET ADELE are the only two in the race to have appeared on more than one occasion already. Both have shown promise with Quiet Adele perhaps the most progressive at this point. As for the rest, (4) JEONGMUN BOLT overcame poor manners to run 5th on debut behind Fighting Now and if he fixes them, can get closer today.

Selections (2) Fighting Now (5) Chodong Rocket (9) Quiet Adele (3) Yeolrin Mun
Next Best 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens although this time it’s not restricted to juveniles. With a 2nd and a 3rd among her four starts so far, (6) MASEONG TUHON needs only a top three finish to find herself up in class next time. She should really be bowing out of the bottom tier of racing with a win over this lot and should be on pace from the start. There are a couple of other promising ones too here. (1) OUR SIMON raced a couple of times around the turn of the year without making an impression but returned in September to run a good 3rd over 1300M. A top jockey is on and if she is right, she should go close. (8) BODY STAR was an improved 4th in a decent time on his latest a month ago and can build on that today while (7) EAST CHAMP and (10) FLYING THOR are others in the hunt.

Selections (6) Maseong Tuhon (1) Our Simon (8) Body Star (7) East Champ
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 2, 6, 8

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) CUPID MISSION was a winner on debut at class and distance on October 12th, making all in a fast time as the odds-on favourite. The Mission Impazible colt will be odds-on again today and should be repeating. (5) ULTRA CHAMPION returned from eight months out to run a good 3rd over the distance a month ago and can build on that today while (1) MOONHAK CHAMPION, well back behind Cupid Mission on debut, looks to have potential to improve. The biggest danger, however, may come from one of the two debut-makers. (6) CAPTAIN BULLET was a solid trial winner and should go well first up.

Selections (3) Cupid Mission (6) Captain Bullet (5) Ultra Champion (1) Moonhak Champion
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 3, 5, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) FIGHTING LANGFUHR has raced six times and while yet to win, has picked up three runner-up finishes including last start over 1200M. From gate 2m he can sit handy behind the speed and finish strongly here. (4) DORAON POPEYE picked up a warning for hanging outwards in the home straight on his debut on October 13th but still managed to finish in 3rd place, just a nose out of 2nd. If he fixes those manners today, then he has every chance. (8) MY ROMEO did nothing wrong on his own debut a month ago and can build on the 4th he achieved that day. Almost a year separated the first and second appearances of (6) GLOBAL BOSS but he looked well on his return when 3rd at the end of September. (5) DRAGON BOAT, up in class here, looks best of the rest.

Selections (2) Fighting Langfuhr (4) Doraon Popeye (8) My Romeo (6) Global Boss
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 7

Race 7: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Really good race. (8) RAYMOND is finally living up to his potential having won four of his latest five. The most recent was his first tilt around this trip and while up in class today, he’s nicely in and is favoured to win again. Also up in class after a strong of good results is (5) ACTIMON. He ran a strong 2nd over 1800M last start and looks nicely in here to go strongly. It’s quite possible that neither of those will be favourite though. (6) MUNHAK TSUNAMI has run 2nd and 3rd in two starts at class 2 so far. He is versatile and ran on really well over 1400M last time. This will be the furthest distance he’s tried, and it may well suit. (3) URI disappointed over 1900M last time out but has talent and is worth another chance. (1) MUNHAK TIGER and (10) TAP FASHIONED others who can go close.

Selections (8) Raymond (6) Munhak Tsunami (5) Actimon (3) Uri
Next Best 1, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 6

Race 8: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) TANK SOCKS was a winner on debut back in September, narrowly scoring over this distance. He’s had eight weeks off since then and returns here up in class, with claims once more. 3rd that day was (2) WORLD BEYOND. He came back out in October and registered a win of his own and he too comes up in class here. He made all that day despite racing rather ungenerously at times and while today’s is a stiffer assignment, he is the slight choice to overturn the form on Tank Socks. (10) KING OF SUNDAY has a 3rd and a 2nd since returning from nine months off and can place again here while (6) FEDERAL CAT remains a maiden but has already proven himself competitive in this kind of company and looks in amongst it here. (1) WONDERFUL PANGPANG best of the rest.

Selections (2) World Beyond (5) Tank Socks (10) King Of Sunday (6) Federal Cat
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 2, 5, 8, 10

Race 9: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) SOLGAEBARAM may have only managed 6th place in each of her latest two starts but both have been better races than this and the margins have not been big. She’s drawn inside today, should be on speed from the start, and can win. (10) MACH THUNDER is up in class having come from off the pace to win well over this distance on October 19th. His manners weren’t the best, but he’s got a nice turn of foot and should be dangerous here. Outgoing trainer Simon Foster saddles (2) KOOKA CAT, a good maiden winner last start and who can be competitive here while (5) ECHO FIRST ON and (11) CHEONSE MANSE are others in the hunt.

Selections (1) Solgaebaram (10) Mach Thunder (2) Kooka Cat (5) Echo First On
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 1, 2, 12

Race 10: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GEUM ROYAL steps up in class off the back of a nice win over this distance on October 19th. This is a good race for class 5 level but everything about him suggests he can be competitive at this level and from gate 1 he can sit nice and handy behind the early speed and launch a strong challenge late on. (3) LUMINESCE has consistently run good times at this distance and seems to have landed in a nice spot here. He’s also drawn well to get on the early speed. (11) JEJUI HEUKSEON showed a big uptick in form when 2nd last start and can build on that today while (2) SPEED BELLE is better than recent results suggest and can get closer here. (8) P.K. JEONSA best of the rest.

Selections (1) Geum Royal (3) Lumincesce (11) Jejui Heukseon (2) Speed Belle
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 8, 12

Race 11: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) MAMMA ROMA was 5th in the Korean Oaks before wilting a little over 2000M in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She dropped back to 1300M to run 2nd at the end of August and has since been off twelve weeks. She returns here looking nicely in and is the favourite to score here. (7) HANYANG GONGJU ran 5th in a tight race at class and distance last start and looks set to get much closer today while (2) GEOM HYANG may be better for being given a bit of extra distance to play with this time. (5) TAURUS and (6) DONG JAK have placing claims.

Selections (3) Mamma Roma (7) Hanyang Gongju (2) Geom Hyang (6) Dong Jak
Next Best 5
Fast Start 4, 6

Race 12: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(7) BEST STAR won four from four between January and May progressing rapidly through the classes before suffering a bad injury that has kept him out since. He showed no ill-effects when blitzing a trial earlier this month and can return victorious today. Should he be rusty then (10) GAENARI SONG could be one to take advantage. He only managed 6th when favourite last start a month ago but he was slowly away, and the margins weren’t big. Expect him to do better today. (3) MACHA BUCHA and (8) NIMUI HYANGGI ran home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on October 6th and both should be in the placing hunt again. (9) GEUMSEONGHWANGJE is another to consider for the minor money.

Selections (7) Best Star (10) Gaenari Song (8) Nimui Hyanggi (3) Macha Bucha
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 11, 12

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 15)

The weekend’s racing kicks off on the South Coast on Friday with Busan Racecourse hosting 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seo Seung Un Glitter

Seo Seung-un returned from an extendede spell on the naughty step last week with winners and he looks in line to ride more at Busan On Friday

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

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with only two of the ten having previous racing experience. And those two are likely to be at the head of the betting market. (10) MIRACLE DREAMING debuted back on October 11th and ran 4th, despite running off with two furlongs to go and finishing the race on the grandstand rail. He got sent back to trial, which he won, and if he fixes his manners today, is in with a real chance. (1) MAN OF THE WORLD debuted the same day last month and ran 7th in a useful time. He should have come on for that and is the main danger. Of the first-time starters, (6) TOP LUCKY was a trial winner and will be backed first-up while (2) MORNING THUNDER and (9) BAEDARI SUNSHINE also looked competent in their respective heats.

Selections (10) Miracle Dreaming (1) Man Of The World (6) Top Lucky (9) Baedari Sunshine
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 10

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

More juvenile maidens and once more just two of the ten have raced before. Once more they’ll be the market leaders. (9) HALLA BIHO ran 2nd on debut on October 4th, beaten by the same filly who beat her in her trial. It was a good time and she looks the one to beat here. (6) PINEUI KKUM has raced twice and in between those had the distinction of finishing ahead of Triple Nine in a trial. His latest outing saw home run 5th over 1300M four weeks ago, leading for part of the way around and dropping back in trip today, he should continue to improve. Turning to the debut-makers. (1) K.B. BOSS ran 2nd in a fast trial earlier this month and looks to be the pick of them while (2) K-POP DANCER and (5) BURNING FLY are others who demonstrated some potential.

Selections (9) Halla Biho (6) Pineui Kkum (1) K.B. Boss (2) K-Pop Dancer
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 1, 4, 6, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens and (7) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH is banker favourite of the day. At least he’ll almost certainly be the shortest priced. He didn’t do much on debut in September but has since run in a 3rd and a 2nd and was only beaten a neck last start on October 25th. He’ll be on pace here and it’s hard to see him getting beaten. (4) RAINBOW PARK and (1) WONDERFUL IJI are the only others in the race to have a runner-up finish to their names. In the case of Rainbow Park, it was last start four weeks ago and he can build on it here. Wonderful Iji meanwhile is one race into a comeback following seven months out and should improve on the 5th she scored that day. (3) CHARGE POWER and (6) WONDERFUL CITY have placing claims.

Selections (7) Jeonseolui Punch (4) Rainbow Park (1) Wonderful Iji (6) Wonderful City
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) DREAM CHASER was a much improved 2nd on what was his fourth start on October 18th. It wasn’t a strong race and he was seven-lengths behind the winner, but his time was good, and he can challenge again here. (8) WAKANDA has hinted at ability over four appearances to date and having been slowly away, ran on well for 6th on his first try at this distance last start. The jockey booking will turn a few heads today. (7) SAEROUN SEUNGJA finished ahead of Wakanda three starts back and managed a 5th in better company than this last time out. He’s a little one-paced but should have enough about him to be close here. (4) INDIAN CHUJANG and (5) MYEONGGA DAERO are other who may improve.

Selections (8) Wakanda (3) Dream Chaser (7) Saeroun Seungja (4) Indian Chujang
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 4, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Small field for the final maiden of the day. (5) DOCTOR SKY should have the edge. An also-ran in the GC Trophy on his second career start, he stepped up to this trip last time and beat a couple of his rivals here on his way to a solid 2nd place. He should be on pace from the start today and can win. The pair he beat in that race, (8) JANGGUNEUI JILJU and (7) NAGWON DAERO are both capable of improving on their last start finishes although a bigger threat may turn out to be (2) KING OF JOY. He’s two starts into a comeback following six months off and ran a good 4th last time out two weeks ago over 1300M. (1) TEXAS GONGJU another who can challenge for some minor money.

Selections (5) Doctor Sky (2) King of Joy (8) Jangguneui Jilju (7) Nagwon Daero
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 1, 5

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) IRON WARRIOR comes in having run a good 2nd in a similar strength race to this on October 13th, beating a couple of these in the process. That day’s winner has gone on to win again and from a handy position, Iron Warrior can go on to win today.  (10) TANGENT returned to action for the first time since January to run 3rd over this distance (more…)

Jeju Governor’s Cup Sunday – Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 10)

It’s Jeju Govenor’s Cup day at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday and a full field of sixteen fillies and mares will line up for one of the final Korea Group races of the year over 1400M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.

Lead Money 2018 Jeju Governor's KRA

Lead Money held off Sinui Myeogryeong in a battle of the greys in last year’s Jeju Governor’s Cup. She returns to defend her title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Last year’s Jeju winner Lead Money returns to defend her title as one of the few established class 1 contenders in the race and will accordingly be among the favourites. However, she will face stiff competition from the lightly raced Dia Road as well as other more established runners such as Hello Venus and Doctor Thunder. See below for race-by-race for Seoul with Busan Selections at the bottom:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with five of the ten having raced before. Of those five, (4) GEOMPO has looked the most promising with a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, the latter at this distance. He’s drawn well to lead and can win. None of the others have impressed to any extent so it’s to the first-timers we need to look for the other chances. Possible favourite is (8) WISH ME. She ran out a very good trial winner last month, running on very well and should go well first up. (9) JEONJEONGSAGUEM also won her trial while (1) A TO Z and (3) CHAMILHO hinted at ability too.

Selections (4) Geompo (8) Wish Me (9) Jeonjeongsaguem (1) A To Z
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 4, 6, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Very weak maiden. (4) BOMNALUI GIEOK hasn’t shown much in the way of speed – he’s not alone in that regard in this race – but he seems a reasonable type who has run on well in better company than this and if he can put himself in a handy position may be able to pass the rest in the closing stages here. (1) J M FIGHTER looked promising on debut and while he has had a couple of setbacks, looks like he has some ability. (3) J. S. POWER too has run reasonably well in better company and can go close. The only one of the field to have a runner-up finish to their name so far is (5) BEST GOLD. That came at this distance and she comes in following a 4th place last start. That’s enough to put her in the frame today.

Selections (4) Bomnalui Gieok (5) Best Gold (1) J M Fighter (3) J.S. Power
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) DONGBANG JIJON comes in off a 3rd place in a similar race to this and having shown proficiency at the distance is the slight pick to finally break his maiden at the thirteenth time of asking. (6) DAECHEON ACE and (10) MAENGJU have both beaten Dongbang Jijon in the past and both come in off reasonably recent outings. (1) CORRE MI CABALLO debuted all the way back in September of 2018 and actually ran rather well. He’s not been seen since but returned to training this autumn and looked very well when 2nd in an October trial, which brings him straight into contention first-up. (4) MY SISTER NINA had a poor day at the office last start but is better than that and can be given another chance here.

Selections (2) Dongbang Jijon (1) Corre Mi Caballo (6) Daecheon Ace (4) My Sister Nina
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 4, 8, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) EAGLE EYE ran a solid 4th place over 1000M at the end of September and having previously run 2nd and 3rd at this distance, looks to be the favourite to take the honours here. The others are going to need to step up. (7) SAEROUN BOBAE had to be scratched on the way to the start last week after her jockey aggravated a back injury. The same jockey returns today and so long as they make it to the gate this time, she will have a chance. (3) MACH NEDAN and (4) BAEK HAK have hardly impressed so far but both are likely to be on the early speed and that could be enough to get them close at the end. (10) FAMILY HOPE the best of a limited rest.

Selections (2) Eagle Eye (7) Saeroun Bobae (10) Family Hope (3) Mach Nedan
Next Best 4, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

(6) DYNAMIC PUNCH led all the way to record his maiden win by a length over this distance on October 12th. Although that wasn’t the strongest of races, he and the rest of the place-getters were a full ten lengths clear of the remainder of the field and he looks to have enough development in him to be favoured here. (3) SUNSHINE TEUKGEUP and (5) YEONGGWANGUI BEAT are similarly up in class following maiden victories on their respective last starts and both should be competitive at this level too. (9) GEUMBIT YEOLJEONG comes in off a string of near misses and should be close at hand again while (2) PRIME QUEEN too ran a really good 3rd place at class and distance last start and looks a danger.

Selections (6) Dynamic Punch (9) Geumbit Yeoljeong (2) Prime Queen (3) Sunshine Teukgeup
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 9, 12

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ELITE LADY got her maiden win at the third time of asking at the end of September, scoring by four lengths over 1000M, having previously run 4th in a valuable race in August. She is up in class and in distance here but should be able to overcome both of those things and can win again. (9) P.K. HILL is similarly up in class following a maiden win last time, also at 1000M and is set to be competitive too, likely joining Elite Lady on the early speed. (8) CHEONEUN JJANG was beaten a nose on her first try at this class in (more…)

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

There are 12 Saturday races in Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Blue Chipper’s Breeders’ Cup exploits noted at the Seoul Racecourse entrance

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

Juvenile filly maidens to begin with and five of the twelve have raced before. Among those five is the hot favourite, (2) NUNBUSIN HANSEN. She ran 2nd on debut in a decent time on September 29th and a similar performance should see her home on top today. Of the others with previous racing experience, (11) COMPLETE MAGIC ran an improved 5th on her second start in October and can continue to make progress here. Among the first-timers, (4) MONEY SIJANG was a useful trial winner two weeks ago and looks to be the pick. (10) THUNDER SONIA ran 2nd in the same heat and also looks to have some ability. (3) ONE AND ONLY the pick of the rest.

Selections (2) Nunbusin Hansen (4) Money Sijang (3) One And Only (10) Thunder Sonia
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with four of them having raced before. (8) CHUNSAN was only beaten a nose into 2nd in a tight three-way finish on debut on October 6th. It was a fast time and she showed enough to warrant being favourite here. (2) CHEONSA PARK was 6th in the same race, an improvement from his first effort and can go better again today. (10) AMIGO RARO missed the kick slightly on his latest appearance three weeks ago but ran on pleasingly enough and can continue his development here while (3) POWER YACHT did nothing wrong on debut and is another who can aim for a place. Of the first timers, (4) CLEAN UP BELLA is the clear pick having run 3rd in a fast trial all the way back in August. It’s taken him a while to get to the track but should go well first-up.

Selections (8) Chunsan (4) Clean Up Bella (10) Amigo Raro (2) Cheonsa Park
Next Best 3, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Only nine runners but a wide-open race. It’s tempting to give (2) PUNCH POWER another chance. Having put in encouraging runs on his first two starts, he never really got going over 1000M last time out two weeks ago and finished back in the pack. Back up in trip today, he may be better. Since returning from seven months off in September, (1) HIT THE PACE has run 4th and 3rd, the latest of which was at this trip. This is a tougher assignment, but he may be considered. (3) GOLD FIELD too swims in slightly choppier waters here but also looks to be on the improve. (7) WIN BLADE came close to making all at length odds last start, only to be caught late on. That was his first try at this distance and a big improvement, so he has to be respected here. (8) RESKA the best of the rest.

Selections (2) Punch Power (7) Win Blade (1) Hit The Pace (3) Gold Field
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 1, 3, 7

Race 4: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Valuable juvenile maiden for imported horses with only two of the eleven having raced before. One of those two is (10) BLUE MACARON, who ran 4th on debut on October 6th, just under three-lengths behind the winner. He should have come on for that run and is among the leading contenders here. Both (6) MARK STORY and (7) MOONHAK MISCHIEF won their respective trials last month and both come straight into contention. The latter probably looks best place to make an immediate impact. Quicker than both of those in his trial was (1) FULL BOOSTER, who finished ahead of three of his rivals here – including Blue Macaron – in his heat back in September, and he too is likely to be well backed first up. (4) NANEUN STAR is another who posted a fast qualifying time – be sure to watch the market for additional clues.

Selections (10) Blue Macaron (7) Moonhak Mischief (1) Full Booster (6) Mark Story
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 2, 7, 8, 10

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Back to juvenile maidens here and (10) SIMPLE STYLE ran 6th on debut in a decent time behind some promising looking horses. His manners weren’t great but if he sorts those, he won’t need to have come on too much to be right in this. (4) HEUNGHAENG JILJU ran 3rd on debut over 1000M last month, running through the line well and should appreciate the step up in trip today. (9) GOSOK PEDAL was a decent 4th on debut at long odds on October 5th, also at 1000M. He too steps up in trip with claims to go better. (5) SHINY QUEEN and solitary debut-maker (1) GO UP look best of the rest.

Selections (10) Simple Style (4) Heunghaeng Jilju (9) Gosok Pedal (1) Go Up
Next Best 5, 6
Fast Start 2, 8, 10

Race 6: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) DAE YONGWANG has been knocking at the door for some time and almost made his breakthrough last start, his first at this distance when he was only beaten a nose. In this small field he should be prominent from the start and can win. Also only beaten a nose on his first try at 1700M was (1) ACE SHINE. That was just two weeks ago and was his first start for trainer Tony Castenheira. He can go close again. (8) ANY SEON is another

(more…)

President’s Cup 2019: Full Preview / Seoul & Busan Sunday Race-By-Race (November 3)

This decade there have only been four different President’s Cup winners. From 2010 to 2012, the great Dangdae Bulpae monopolised the race. Indie Band and Gyeongbudaero then each took a turn in the winner’s circle before Triple Nine won the first of what would be four straight successes in 2015.

There will be a new name on the trophy this year. Now aged seven, Triple Nine is back in training but he hasn’t made the starting gate and instead sixteen horses will vie to succeed him in winning the President’s Cup (KOR G1-2000M), the nation’s richest age-open race for Korean-bred horses at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. Race-by-race notes for Seoul below followed by Busan selections.

Simjangui Godong KRA

Simjangui Godong (Pic: KRA)

It’s a deep field. The last two Korean Derby winners, Ecton Blade and Wonderful Fly, are present but both will be outsiders in a bunch headed by Simjangui Godong. The three-year-old ran 2nd in the Derby and 6th in the Minister’s Cup but has since embarked on a purple patch of three wins including the Ilgan Sports and HRI Trophies.

Jockey Moon Se Young had more than one option but ultimately plumped for Simjangui Godong. However, a heavy fall on Saturday that landed him in hospital, seems likely to rule him out of the mount and a chance of winning one of the few elite races still to elude him.

Speaking after Thursday’s barrier draw, Moon had been bullish about Simjangui Godong’s chances and excited to ride a horse on whose sire, Jigeum I Sungan, he finished 3rd in the race in 2013. “I rode his sire in this race. We didn’t win it, but he was a great horse and I would love to win on his son. He’s a good horse, so it’s down to me. He’s so good that we can overcome even one mistake – obviously if we make more, it will be difficult”.

In gate 5, Simjangui Godong also has the plum draw. “In the President’s Cup, it’s so hard to win if you’re not within the inside 10. Gate 5 is perfect”, said Moon. Should Moon not make the race, a replacement rider has yet to be confirmed.

New Legend hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise. A Korea bred, he spent the early part of his career in the United States, even winning at Arlington Park, and for his first few outings back home looked unstoppable. The he hit the elite level and things haven’t been so easy with his latest being a disappointing run in the Keeneland Korea Cup (KOR G1).

This time though, New Legend faces only domestically-bred rivals and Kim Uk, assistant trainer to Kim Young-kwan, believes better is to come. “There is a myth that Menifee’s progeny aren’t good around 2000M or further, but we know that’s not true after Gyeongbudaero and Power Blade (both Grand Prix Stakes winner at 2300M). But we heard it again after New Legend was beaten (in May’s YTN Cup). We think he’s ready. After the Korea Cup he had a bit of a rest then we brought him back and started training him early with this in mind. We put him through a trial, and he went really well, and we think he is a chance here.”

Another serious chance is New Legend’s stablemate Captain Force. The four-year-old, by Peace Rules, is a winner of nine from twenty so far, but last raced in June. That doesn’t concern jockey Lee Hyo-sik. “He has been out a while and we initially wanted him to run once before this race, but we trialled him and felt he wasn’t ready so went back to training. We trialled him again at the beginning of October and were really happy with him so decided to come straight here. He did his fast work on Thursday and he was excellent. He’s exactly where we want him to be.”

Busan’s strong challenge is fortified by Final Energy. The Testa Matta gelding ran 5th behind Blue Chipper in the Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) in September but showed his staying credentials when beating fellow contender here Toham Ace in a strong race over 1800M five weeks ago.

Jockey Lim Sung-sil won this race on Indie Band in 2013 and likes what he sees in Final Energy. “It’s his first time around 2000M so we’ve been working on his stamina. He’s got good gate speed so I wasn’t worried about the draw although getting gate 7 is great, we just have to make sure he sees out the whole race. If he does that then he’s right in there. He travelled well, has eaten well and he likes it at Seoul – the stable here is bigger!”

There are plenty of other contenders too. Among the three-year-olds, Minister’s Cup winner Rock Choice takes his chance while top filly Clear Geom will also be in the gate. Among older contenders, the prolific winner Dokdo Jigi, a winner of eight from eleven lifetime starts, returns to action for the first time in five months and while he was given an easy time in a barrier trial last week, has plenty of quality about him. As for foreign interest, Thomas Gillespie saddles Toham Ace while Richard Oliver rides Ecton Blade and Ioannis Poullis gets the big leg-up on New Legend.

Seoul Comments

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) GEOSEN JILU comes in having run 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far, both at 1000M and both times running on well. She steps up in trip for the first time today and could well be the one to beat. (4) DAESEUNG QUEEN ran well for 2nd on debut on October 5th. She too steps up in trip for the first time and looks to be a danger. (7) ILBO DEUNGCHEON does have experience of this distance having run 4th in what was quite a strong race last start and must be considered for improvement. (2) CHOGANGGUK and (8) BAEKDUSAN CHEONJI look to be the best of the rest.

Selections (5) Geoseon Jilju (4) Daeseung Queen (7) Ilbo Deungcheon (8) Baekdusan Cheonji
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 5, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Competitive – if not especially strong – maiden. (6) SHARK JJANG and (4) EAST BAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced each other on September 28th. That was just East Ban’s second start and e should have improvement in him. He’s drawn better today to get to the lead and can win. (2) MUNHAKUI JEONSA already holds a win over 1200M and while he disappointed last start can be given another chance today back at the minimum. (9) POP STREET comes in off a very narrow defeat last time out over 1700M and is interesting dropped all the way back to 1000M today. (5) GOLDEN SERVICE (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 1)

It’s President’s Cup weekend up at Seoul but before that, November’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an eleven-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan World Sun

A number of Busan’s top jockeys are in Seoul so Choi Si Dae could have a good day at Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden with only four of the twelve having raced before. (3) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT is set to be firm favourite having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts to date. He’ll be leading early and it’s hard to see anything stopping him here. Of the others who have raced before, (2) SPRING WALTZ was perhaps the most promising but greater threats should come from the first-timers. (10) JANGMI GONGJU ran 3rd in a trial (eight-lengths behind Triple Nine) in early October while (5) DOCTOR GREY and (7) QUEEN GRACE also hinted at some competence. As every with the debut-makers, watch the market for additional clues.

Selections (3) Jeonseoului Bulkkot (5) Doctor Grey (7) Queen Grace (10) Jangmi Gongju
Next Best 2, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 8

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

More juvenile maidens here and ten of the eleven are fillies. Four of them have raced before. The slight pick is (4) OASIS GIRL. Having run 4th on debut, she was 6th on her reappearance at the end of September. She was less than a length behind 2nd and this looks to be a simpler task so she could well come out on top today. (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY did nothing wrong when 4th on debut at the beginning of October and can build on that here, but there are some promising first-time starters. (11) MASTER BELLA ran 2nd in a trial on October 5th in a fast time. She’s drawn wide but if she brings that form to the track, then she should go well first up. (9) KKUMEUL NEOMEO ran a fast time in what was a slightly unusual trial and looks to be in the hunt. (2) SIMON LADY was another mature looking trial performer.

Selections (4) Oasis Girl (11) Master Bella (2) Simon Lady (3) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2, 8, 10, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) SMILE WINNER ran an improved 3rd on what was her fourth career start on September 20th. It was her first try at this distance and she can build on it today. The one she’ll need to beat is (5) ACE JACKPOT. She was considered good enough to be allowed to take her chance in the Gold Circle Trophy at the end of September and while she only managed 6th of 9, didn’t run badly. She can run well from the front today. (2) WILD GERANIUM drops back in trip following a couple of useful spins around a mile since returning from five months out in September. (1) CENTER FORWARD and (9) DAESAN GAPBU are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (8) Smile Winner (5) Ace Jackpot (2) Wild Geranium (1) Center Forward
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 4, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) WORLD TODAY ran 4th on debut over 1000M on October 8th. He started steadily and ran on well and stepping up to 1300M here should be in his favour. He’ll probably be ridden on pace this time and looks the one to beat. (3) WORLD SLAM and (4) RAON FLYING came home 3rd and 5th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on October 4th. Both should be competitive again here with World Slam again (more…)

President’s Cup 2019: Runner-By-Runner Notes

For the first time since 2014, a horse not named Triple Nine is going to win the President’s Cup. The four-time winner of the richest all-aged race in the country that is restricted to Korean-bred runners – and resultingly, Korea’s all-time leading money-earner – came back into training in late summer with a tilt at five in a row in mind, but a setback in early October means he hasn’t made it.

Triple Nine KRA 1

Four-time winner Triple Nine won’t be defending his President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

A full field of sixteen have though and they will line up in race 9 this Sunday over the 2000M at Seoul. We’ll have selections up later in the weekend but for now, here are all sixteen contenders.

President’s Cup (KOR G1) 2000M / KRW 800 Million

  1. WONDERFUL FLY – The easy winner of the Korean Derby in May, he struggled in the Minister’s Cup the following month. He then won at class 3 over 1400M but had a hard time on his class 2 bow over 1800M at the end of September. That Moon Se Young gets off him to ride Simjangui Godong perhaps tells its own story but there was a more than capable replacement in Alan Munro. Will be a front-runner but whether he can stay on at this trip in this company is questionable.
  2. SHARK DAEJANGGEUN – Well back behind Simjangui Godong on a wet track in July’s Ilgan Sports but redeemed himself somewhat when 2nd in the JRA Trophy over 1800M on international weekend. Yet to win at higher than class 3. Generally operates as a deep closer so may need some luck but he can pass plenty late on.
  3. NASCA PRINCE – A good class 1 winner over 2300M in May so his staying credentials are not in doubt. His form perhaps is though with him coming home 19th and 7th in two subsequent starts, both at 1800M. Nicely drawn to get to the front early and he can give a good account of himself although others are favoured.
  4. KINGSTON HARBOR – One of two in the race for trainer Baik Kwang-yeol. A three-year-old, he didn’t make it onto the Classic trail but won three in a row between May and July to get to class 2 level. Since then he has put in two 3rd place finishes, both at 1800M. Likely to settle just behind the early pace, this is his first try at the distance and in this company. Can go well but perhaps too much too soon.
  5. SIMJANGUI GODONG – Ran 2nd in the Derby and 6th in the Minister’s Cup but has been very good since then, winning the Ilgan Sports Cup and HRI Trophy in back to back starts in July and September and most recently scored over a mile at class 2 at a mile. Four of his five wins have come on wet tracks, but he looks to be the improver of the field and jockey Moon Se Young gets on him instead of the Derby winner. He’ll be close to the pace early and has a big chance.
  6. TOHAM ACE – An up and comer from Thomas Gillespie’s stable, he recorded a five-race winning streak between March and August this year which saw him go from class 5 to class 2. That streak came to an end when 3rd behind Final Energy at 1800M on September 27th. He tests the distance for the first time and You Hyun-myung comes up from Busan to ride him. Goes best when at the front, this is a tough ask, but improvement is possible.
  7. FINAL ENERGY –Managed an excellent 5th behind Blue Chipper in the Korea Sprint over 1200M here in September before returning to Busan and winning in a very fast time for 1800M ahead of Toham Ace at class 2 level at the end of September. It’s his first time over the additional furlong today but he should be equal to it and has a big race jockey aboard. He has a chance.
  8. DOKGO JIGI – A winner of eight from eleven, this is his first start since June, when he was a class 1 winner over 1800M. A mild bout of colic and injury have kept him out since then but he looked well enough when trialling up last week. His only defeat this year was his first try at class 1 back in April. He generally settles just off the pace and while this is a very tough ask first-up, he is a class act.
  9. NEW LEGEND – Began his racing career in the United States, picking up a win at Arlington Park, before returning to Korea last autumn. He won his first four efforts easily before finding his match once he reached elite level company. Nevertheless, he has more than held his own with his only really disappointing run coming in the Korea Cup. He was 4th to Moonhak Chief here in the YTN Cup in his only previous try at this distance but this looks the ideal race for him. He has a chance.
  10. MYEONGPUM CHUKJE – One of the better three-year-olds, he was 5th in the KRA Cup Mile, 4th in the Derby and then 2nd in the Minister’s Cup. Since the conclusion of the Triple Crown, he has picked up one win in three starts and while it was only at class 3, it was over 1900M. He’s a colt who seems to need a bit of distance so this should suit and while he has suffered reverses to four of his rivals today among his latest five starts, he could run into some minor money.
  11. ROCK CHOICE – Joined the Triple Crown trail in the final leg and duly won the Minister’s Cup extremely handily at odds in excess of 20/1. He then returned to Busan and promptly won at class 3 over 1800M but has failed to make an impact in two subsequent starts at class 2 level. The Minister’s Cup win was the only race he’s been ridden forward in, but he has won from behind before, albeit in weaker company. Can’t be completely ruled out.
  12. MAJOR ALPHA – A very consistent type, he got his first class 1 victory at odds of 40/1 when dropped back to 1400M in August. He bled for the first time in that race and was accordingly stood down for a month and sent back to trial, which he passed at the end of September. He has a 3rd place at class 2 to his name at this distance. While up against it here, he’ll come from off the pace and can pass some in the latter stages of the race.
  13. ULTRA ROCKET – A very good 4th in this race last year, he has subsequently established himself at class 1 level and comes into contention after a good win in the HKJC Trophy at 1800M on International weekend in September. He usually comes from off the pace with a strong finish which, given his draw, looks to be the likely tactics again here. He could go close.
  14. ECTON BLADE – The 2018 Korean Derby winner has had an interrupted career since then, with only one subsequent victory to his name and that was all the way back last August. He returned just three weeks ago from eight months off and while he was well beaten, it was clear he needed the run. Obviously scope for improvement but this is a tough race and he’ll be among the outsiders.
  15. CLEAR GEOM – A somewhat surprising winner of the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the concluding leg of the “Triple Tiara” at this distance in June, she has since backed up that form with two wins from three more outings. She upset both Myeongpum Chukje and Wonderful Fly last start on September 29th over 1800M. She likes the distance and as both a three-year-old, and the only filly, she is getting weight from the entire field making her an interesting wildcard.
  16. CAPTAIN FORCE – Stablemate of New Legend, he is one of the few genuine established top-class performers in the field with four wins at class 1 to his name. He comes in having won his latest start, which was over this distance, in very handy fashion. That was back in early June, so he has been off for five months. He did go through a barrier trial in October, which he won in good fashion. Likes to be close to the front so the draw does him no favours, but if he s at his best, he has an excellent chance.

 

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

Seoul and Busan both host their respective 2nd legs of the 2019 Juvenile Series on Sunday with the best in both races qualifying for the final at Busan on the first Sunday in December. There is an 11 race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Roller Blade

Roller Blade won the 1st leg of the Juvenile Series at Seoul (Pic: KRA) 

 

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

Maiden juvenile fillies to kick things off and all twelve of them are racing for the very first time. (9) BOHEMIAN MUSIC is the only trial winner among them, taking her heat by leading all the way back in September in a decent time and she’ll be among the top line of favourites here. Fastest though in trials was (7) ROAD RAN. She too led all the way until the closing stages and under Moon Se Young could well start favourite. (3) SONGAM PLAYER took part in a slowly-run heat but ran on very competently and can go well first up here while (8) CHEONJI YEOGEOL also hinted at ability. (11) SOSEONO LEGEND is out of Soseono, a filly who ran well in Korea and has a top trainer/jockey combination aboard.

Selections (9) Bohemian Music (7) Road Ran (3) Songam Player (11) Soseono Legend
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not the strongest of maidens here. There were six months between his first and second starts and (3) GOOD MOUNT returned to run 4th at this distance on September 28th. He’ll most likely be on the early pace here and won’t need much improvement to win. That’s true too of (8) JOLLY ROGER, an improved 4th on his third start last month. He led for much of that race and is in weaker company here. (7) PRETTY JOY races for the first time since February. And trialled up adequately enough to suggest she has a chance first-up here. (5) GWACHEON ACE and first-time starter (11) ULTRA ANNIE are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (3) Good Mount (8) Jolly Roger (7) Pretty Joy (11) Ultra Annie
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Competitive maiden. (7) CHOEGANG MAGIC gets the decision having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two, at this distance and at 1700M. He’s likely to be among the early leaders here and could have too much. (9) ROYAL REMEMBER ran an improved 4th at this distance last month and should join Choegang Magic on the early speed and pose the biggest threat. (10) BEST LUCKY showed some progress on his latest outing and may appreciate the increase in trip today while (12) CHEONNYEONUI GODO has finished 4th in each of his last three starts and coule well finish 4th again today. (4) SOUTHERN MAN looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Choegang Magic (9) Royal Remember (10) Best Lucky (12) Cheonnyeonui Godo
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 9

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

Banker favourite of the day time. (2) KING OF RULES may still be a maiden, but he’s finished as runner-up in four of eight starts so far, beaten by useful ones each time. From gate 2, he should lead from the start and would be a big surprise where he to not finally make the breakthrough here. (5) LUCKY BEOPJEON is in a similar position having finished as runner-up behind TK Day and Stretto, both talented juveniles. He’s up in class here but does have a win in him sooner or later.  (10) BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE ran 2nd on his first try at this level on September 29th and should be competitive here too. (1) KAHINAH and (11) SOLGAEBARAM look best of the rest.

Selections (2) King Of Rules (5) Lucky Beopjeon (10) Baeksaek Gwangchae (1) Kahinah
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 1, 2

Busan Race 1 Selections: 5, 1, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) SPEEDOM was an emphatic five-length winner on debut over 1000M on September 21st. He’s up in distance today but looks to have plenty more in him and he can make it two from two today. (3) CHEMI BLUE remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but comes in having finished as runner-up in each of his latest three, just beaten a nose last time. He’ll be on pace from the start and today looks as good a chance as any he has had so far. (4) MUNHAK REWARD showed some progress on what was his second start a month ago, running 3rd and can build on that today. (5) EOMAMUSI was a good maiden winner last start and should be competitive. (9) SOULY MAJESTIC looked sharp when winning a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections (8) Speedom (3) Chemi Blue (4) Munhak Reward (5) Eomamusi
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 3, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Having debuted last November, it wasn’t until September 27th that (11) YEONGSEONG HOPE finally returned to the track. It was a winning return though, as he scored by three-lengths over 1000M. He’s up in class and distance today but should be equal to both and is favoured to win again. (4) AMOR FATI got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking a month ago. It was at this distance and he made all. He’ll try to get to the lead right away today and looks the main danger. (8) NAEGA SAEGANGJA enters with recent form reading well and should be challenging for a place, as should (3) DONE IT MY, who may be a twenty-nine-race maiden but is capable of finding the money in this type of company. (9) GIDAEHAE another in the hunt.

Selections (11) Yeongseong Hope (4) Amor Fati (3) Done It My (8) Naega Saegangja
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race but (4) HWANGGEUM DOYAJI looks the pick. She may only have been 5th last start but she was only half a length off 4th and ran on strongly. Today marks her firs try at 1700M and it may well suit. (3) CITY CHAMP is still a maiden after twenty-six starts but comes in having raced well lately with a 3rd and a 2nd from his most recent two, both at this distance. He should be placing again. (6) INDIAN BOSS and (1) CHEONJI MYEONGJANG came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on September 29th and both should be aiming for some money here. (11) CHOEGANG SINGI, up in class today, looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Hwanggeum Doyaji (3) City Champ (11) Choegang Singi (6) Indian Boss
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 5, 10

 Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) WONDERFUL COUNTRY ran out a good class and distance winner just two weeks ago. As a result, he carries an additional 4.5kg today but if anything, the competition is not as strong as it was that day and another win is possible. (5) DAEHO JILJU enters in similarly good form with a win and runner=up finish from his latest two and should be a threat while (3) YEONGGWANGUI CHEER is better than his latest couple of outings suggest and back in trip today, can get closer. There are two wildcards. Both (1) SPEED FURY and (7) TANGENT are returning from lengthy spells on the sidelines and both looked well in trials.

Selections (6) Wonderful Country (5) Daeho Jilju (1) Speed Fury (7) Tangent
Next Best 3, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) VICAR BRACING enters having completed a hat-trick of victories in his last three starts, the most recent of which was at class and distance and four in a row is not (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 26)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Burui Gori Sports Chosun

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Maiden to kick things off. (6) FAMILY PARK has two 3rd place finishes to his name, including last time out at this distance. He was sent off as favourite that day but couldn’t quite get to the front. He should be on pace today and can win. The main danger is (2) PUNCH POWER. He’s only raced twice so far, improving in the latest of them when he briefly led before finishing 4th. (1) KAIZEN SILVER has a 2nd place in his records and should go close here while (4) RAON DANCER and (5) DONGJJOK GLORY are others with the potential to improve.

Selections (2) Punch Power (6) Family Park (4) Raon Dancer (1) Kaizen Silver
Next Best 5, 11
Fast Start 4, 6, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with precisely half the field racing for the very first time. (8) COMPLETE CAPTAIN is set to be a strong favourite having run 3rd on debut on September 7th. He quickened pleasingly that day and should have too much for his rivals here. (7) CHEONJI KKOT BARAM was 5th that day and should get closer this time while (11) SINDAERO and (12) WONDERFUL HEART also have scope to improve – the latter is the only one in the field to have raced twice already and ran well for 2nd last time. As for the first-timers, the most impressive in trials was (3) MIRACLE ICHEON.

Selections (8) Complete Captain (3) Miracle Icheon (7) Cheonji Kkot Baram (12) Wonderful Heart
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden for fillies. (1) TA MINA beat a couple of these on her way to a somewhat unexpected 2nd place at this distance last start. She came from well off the pace that day and ran on very well and should be in the mix again here. (9) VIRTUS finished 4th in that race in what was her second start back following six months off. She’s had a stop start career but looks to have ability and can go close today. (4) HWANGGEUM STAR ran 6th in the same race but has since come back and put in a strong run for 2nd at this distance on September 22nd. Like Ta Mina, she finished strongly from off the pace and could well start as favourite here. (2) HAPPY MONTH showed considerable improvement when 2nd last start while (6) WONDERFUL PLEASURE also has scope for improvement.

Selections (9) Virtus (4) Hwanggeum Star (1) Ta Mina (2) Happy Month
Next Best 6, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 12

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) WHITE COMET made all to secure his maiden win in fast time over this distance on September 21st. He is up in class today, but that manner of that victory was impressive enough for him to warrant favourite status here. (2) JEONGMUN SUMMIT had a hard time on his first try at this level but comes back in after two months off, back in trip and looking set to pose a sterner challenge today. (9) BAEKJEUI KKUM similarly had a hard time on what was just her second start, but she too should be a different prospect here. (3) SAMAE JILJU and (11) CAMP BADA look best of the rest.

Selections (8) White Comet (9) Baekjeui Kkum (2) Jeongmun Summit (11) Camp Bada
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 8, 9, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) CHEONJI AEGA stepped up to this distance last start and ran a good 3rd, beating a couple of these in the process. She ran on well and can be considered favourite here. (4) HOSUA too tried two-turns for the first time on his latest start and got on well with it recording a career best to date of 3rd and looks to be the main danger. (9) DAEGIRI too ran pleasingly for 2nd last start and is likely to look to lead from the start here. (6) WIND SKY was beaten by Cheonji Aega last time out but can get closer today while (8) GREEN PARK looks best of the rest.

Selections (2) Cheonji Aega (4) Hosua (9) Daegiri (6) Wind Sky
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 2, 6, 9

Race 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Maiden for imported juveniles with just three of them having raced before. One of those is (2) D K PURMIR and having run a good 2nd on debut back in August, looks set to be favourite here. (7) CHUKBOKUI YAKSOK debuted in the same race, running 3rd. He’s since run at this distance, finishing 5th and can be a contender today. The other with experience is (4) VICTORY MAP and he will be expected to improve on his debut 7th. Among the newcomers there were a few who hinted at ability in trials. (5) GLOBAL LUCKY looks the best of them having made all in her heat taking the line in front by a comfortable margin in a fast time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll be right in this. (9) CONSTI SOLO also posted a fast time and can go well first up.

Selections (5) Global Lucky (2) D K Purmir (7) Chukbokui Yaksok (9) Consti Solo
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 1, 2, 10

Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) MENI HERO has a 3rd and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far. That’s enough to se him up in class today but despite that – and the fact he has been the beaten favourite in each of his latest two appearances – he should be favourite here and this time should make no mistake. Should Meni Hero come up short then (6) BISAYEON and (7) MENI SPEED both come in off the back of solid performances last start and could take advantage while (9) DASHING CANOE came home 5th on her first try at this class a month ago and should be in at least placing contention. Like Meni Hero (5) WONDERFUL PANGPANG finds herself up in class despite still being winless. She should be capable of challenging for a place here.

Selections (4) Meni Hero (6) Bisayeon (5) Wonderful Pangpang (7) Meni Speed
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 4, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A winner on debut in July, (3) TK DAY has been 3rd in both her subsequent outings, both times in good company and most recently at this distance. She’ll be one of a number on pace here and could well lead all the way in this race which is restricted to fillies and mares. (2) WHITE QUEEN won her first two races to be rapidly promoted to this class. She hasn’t raced since running 7th behind TK Day in a valuable juvenile race in August and looks set to be one of the main dangers here. (4) THANK YOU MOTHER has finished in the top three on seven of her ten starts to date and should be close here while (1) INDIAN ECO and (8) MIGHTY LUCK are also contenders.

Selections (3) TK Day (2) White Queen (8) Mighty Luck (4) Thank You Mother
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 7, 8

Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Good match up here. It took (2) CHEON GOE SEONG eleven attempts to secure his maiden win but he did it in fine style at this distance a month ago. His reward is to be bumped up in class today but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again. The big danger is (11) MANSEOK JIGI. He’s thrived since being tried around two turns with two wins and a runner-up finish from his latest three outings. Whereas Cheon Goe Seong will likely be on pace from the start, Manseok Jigi can come from behind and it should be a good battle late on. Aside from those two, (1) JEONGSANG ETTEUM and (4) RULE BREAKER enter with recent form reading well while (8) JACOB is another who can go well in this company.

Selections (2) Cheon Goe Seong (11) Manseok Jigi (1) Jeongsang Etteum (4) Rule Breaker
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 2, 8

Race 10: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) MUSTANG RUN was a class and distance winner on September 28th, racing prominently throughout and running on well. He does carry an additional 4kg today but could well be equal to the task. (5) RULES ICHEON came from off the pace to win at this class over 1200M last month and should get on well with the additional distance today while (4) FLASH JET ran a decent 4th in a similar race to this last start and can match or better that today. Both (1) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI and (7) GWANAK HAMSEONG are better than their respective latest outings suggest, and they can get closer today.

Selections (9) Mustang Run (4) Flash Jet (5) Rules Icheon (7) Gwanak Hamseong
Next Best 1, 8
Fast Start 8, 9

Race 11: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(4) URI has three races in a row and was a very handy winner over 1800M last start at this class. He steps up in trip slightly once more and carries more weight than in any of his previous races, but he should be capable of winning again. (8) GEUMA WHOLESOME won back to back races in June and July and comes in off a decent 4th over 1800M last month. He’ll be dangerous here. (1) HWANSANG STAR has finished no worse than 3rd in three attempts at this level and should be close today. (9) SEOUL TANK and (10) CALL WIN, the latter up in class after a good win over 1300M, are others in the hunt.

Selections (4) Uri (8) Geuma Wholesome (1) Hwansang Star (9) Seoul Tank
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 4, 8

Race 12: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(10) GUREUM WANGJA beat a couple of these on his way to a good 3rd place over 1400M on September 22nd. He drops back in trip today and could well come out on top. (8) GOLDEN GATE and (7) PENETRO came home 1st and 3rd when they raced each other at class and distance on September 28th. Penetro led for much of that race, just weakening slightly in the closing stages and with Golden Gate carrying plenty more weight today, that form could be overturned. (3) CRAZY WIKI and (5) SEONGPA are others with placing claims.

Selections (10) Gureum Wangja (7) Penetro (8) Golden Gate (3) Crazy Wiki
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5