Racing Previews

2019 KOREAN DERBY – FULL PREVIEW (May 12)

The 22nd running of the Korean Derby (KOR G1) takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (race 9 of 11 races which run from 10:45 to 18:00). Global Chukje, the dominant winner of the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the 2019 Triple Crown at Busan last month, is set to be hot favourite to score a repeat in the second jewel against fourteen rivals over 1800M.

Horse by horse comments for the Derby are followed by race-by-race for the rest of the Seoul card and then selections for Busan:

Seoul Race 9: KOREAN DERBY (1800M)

  1. DELTA BROTHER – Didn’t run as a juvenile but has won two of four starts this year, with his latest being a front-running victory over 1700M in April. It was only at class 5 so he is still relatively untested, but it showed good potential.
  1. DO KKI BLADE – Only start this term was a good win over 1700M at class 4 level on April 13th when he made all to win by three-lengths. Plenty of potential for improvement. He’ll want to be on pace from the start but has got the ideal draw to do it. There’s a bit of hype around this horse but it could be justified, especially after the draw.
  1. POWER WINDY – Takes his chance having run 2nd to True King at this distance on April 12th having previously racked up back to back wins at shorter. Ran on well that day but will need to find significantly more here.
  1. GABO DAY – Got wiped out coming out of the gates in the KRA Cup Mile but his 45/1 odds that day were likely fair anyway. A class 4 winner but only up to 1300M, the distance is a question too. Outsider again.
  1. WONDERFUL FLY – (KRA Cup Mile 7th) – Won his first two last summer but then suffered some injury setbacks. Showed promise when 2nd on his return over 1400M in March before running a creditable but unthreatening 7th in the Cup Mile. Ran on pleasingly enough from an unpromising position and could be one under the radar here. Multiple champion jockey Moon Se Young takes the ride.
  1. ENDURANCE – Just the one win from six starts so far, he comes in having run 2nd at class 5 over 1300M a month ago. Despite his name, his one attempt around two turns didn’t go well so there are question marks over the distance too. Likely to attempt to get close to the early speed and stay on as long as possible. Outsider.
  1. JANGSAN JOY – Has won twice over a mile at Busan and comes in here following back to back 3rd-place finishes at that same distance at class 4 level, beaten by useful ones both times. Had a couple of setbacks which makes this his first start since February. From a top stable and jockey Franco Da Silva won this race last year. Settles behind the early speed.
  1. DAEJI CHAMP – Two wins as a juvenile but yet to come out on top this term. Runner-up twice to promising filly Doctor Thunder over a mile in January and February. Latest effort saw him 3rd, again at a mile, at class 4 level a month ago. More needed here. Another likely to head for the front from the gate.
  1. WONDERFUL EVIL – Ran 5th in the Seoul Classic trial in March, coming from well-back to finish the quickest of all, but swerved the Cup Mile in order to win over 1700M at class 4 level, once more coming from of the pace. Could be coming into form at the right time and there could be more to come. Live outsider.
  1. SIMJANGUI GODONG – Only debuted in January and after finishing 3rd in his first two, went on to win his next pair, including a wild score over 1700M at class 5 on April 20th when he went so wide, he almost ended up climbing the grandstand. A Korean Derby has actually been in that manner in the past – Final Boss in 2017 – but you’d think he’ll need better manners in order to prevail here.
  1. GAON FORCE – Well backed for the Cup Mile having run a close 3rd in Seoul’s Classic trial in March but was one of a number who was severely hampered coming out of the gate and he accordingly never figured. He’s won 1700M
  1. TRUE KING – A little later coming onto the scene than most rivals, but he was a winner at this distance when he beat Power Windy on his way to scoring by two-and-a-half lengths at class 4 level in April. That puts him right in the hunt. Tucked in behind early lead and finished well. More improvement possible.
  1. GLOBAL CHUKJE – (KRA Cup Mile Winner) – The winner of the KRA Cup Mile, he cruised to the front early that day and won with a full eight-lengths to spare. He’s also a standout winner at class 3 level over 1700M and has shown plenty in the way of speed. He’ll be favourite and won’t need to improve too much to win. He doesn’t need to lead but there will always be question marks about such a wide draw.
  1. MYEONGPUM CHUKJE – (KRA Cup Mile 5th) – Likeable colt who could thrive on the distance. 4th in the Sports Seoul and then 5th in the Cup Mile but both were perhaps too short. Easy gate to wire winner over 1700M at class 4 in January. He has a chance.
  1. GLITTER – (KRA Cup Mile 4th) – Solid but unspectacular 4th in Cup Mile but he does hold a 3rd place in a fast class 3 race over 1800M – albeit on a wet track – which may stand him in good stead here. Needs more and will have to do it from the widest gate but can’t rule out the stable. Settles mid-position.

Verdict: A really competitive renewal of the Korean Derby sees (13) GLOBAL CHUKJE set to start a prohibitive favourite on the back of his demolition job in the KRA Cup Mile a month ago. He is the best horse at this stage and all things being equal, he’ll win. However, there are one or two doubts, not least the draw and it’s not impossible he could find himself in trouble in the straight. If that happens then the front running (2) DO KKI BLADE, the big winner from that draw, could be the one to take advantage leading gate to wire but also that one’s stablemate, the improving (5) WONDERFUL FLY, who can run his own race from gate 5. Then there is Kim Young-kwan’s (15) GLITTER, who can be expected to stick to Global Chukje like glue throughout. The long-shot play could be (9) WONDERFUL EVIL, a really good winner over 1700M last month and with potential to improve further still.

Selections (5) Wonderful Fly (13) Global Chukje (15) Glitter (2) Do Kki Blade
Next Best 9, 12, 14
Fast Start 1, 11, 12, 13

Here’s the race-by-race for the rest of the Seoul Sunday card:

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

Filly maiden to begin with. (4) CRAZY QUEEN came from just behind the early pace to run a strong 2nd on what was just her second start and first at this distance on April 14th. She’s well drawn to get to the front here and can win. (1) SONGAM BARBIE has been knocking on the door for a while and steps back up in trip in good shape to be competitive while (5) BINNANEUN RUBY too has been consistently close and could make a breakthrough here. (2) SUNSHINE MARINE and (8) JANGGUNUI SIDAE were both a touch below par last time but could improve here.

Selections (4) Crazy Queen (1) Songam Barbie (5) Binnaneun Ruby (8) Janggunui Sidae
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 3, 4, 9

Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) SPEED BELLE was a good winner in a fast time over 1000M on April 13th and steps up in class here with solid claims of a repeat. She raced promisingly over 1300M before so should have few problems with the trip today and can lead all the way. (2) LOOKING GOOD looked anything but when weakening on his latest start. He had a win and a 3rd place before that though, the latter at this class, and is worth another chance off six-weeks break. (7) HANEUL ACE beat Looking Good last time on her way to 5th on what (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 11)

It’s Derby Eve! There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(단신2) 출발 참관 프로그램 (2)

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

(6) SENTOSA has come by far the closest of these and looks set to start as firm favourite here. She’s the only one to hit the board so far and comes u following back to back 4th places in slightly stronger company than this. She may well lead all the way. It’s going to take a big improvement from anything else to beat her. (2) NAE GIRUI BIT has done nothing in six starts so far but did look good in an April trial so may improve while (3) HAENGBOGUI NAEIL has a 4th place to her name and should aim to beat it here. There is one debut-maker and in such a race it would be remiss not to give it a chance and (5) CHEONGSU BIG EAR put in a reasonable showing in a trial two weeks ago.

Selections (6) Sentosa (2) Nae Girui Bit (5) Cheongsu Big Ear (3) Haengbogui Naeil
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

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

(7) ROAD HILL STORM and (2) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM came home 3rd and 5th with less than a length between them when they raced each other at this distance on April 13th. Both come in here looking ready to go close and we’ll side with Cheonnyeonui Baram to overturn that form and get his maiden win. (1) SINBU led early but weakened on her latest start five weeks ago but looked sharp in a subsequent trial and should be on pace from the start here with claims to stay on this time (8) O PI M J and (9) KKAEUCHIM are others with potential for improvement.

Selections (2) Cheonnyeonui Baram (7) Road Hill Storm (1) Sinbu (9) Kkaeuchim
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 5

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) FEDERAL CAT didn’t live up to expectations when well-backed over 1300M n March 30th. He drops back in trip today and can be given another chance with Moon Se Young retaining the mount in what is an inferior contest. (8) LUXURY POWER ran a much improved 4th in a better race than this four weeks ago and can continue to make progress here while (3) KHAN ACE and (4) DAEGUN OK also find themselves in more amenable company today then they have faced so far and can improve. There are two debut-makers and while (7) BEST WOMAN’s trial time wasn’t quick, she ran 2nd in her heat and showed that she knows what she’s supposed to do.

Selections (6) Federal Cat (8) Luxury Power (7) Best Woman (3) Khan Ace
Next Best 4, 1
Fast Start 3, 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) GOLDEN ANGLE ran a close at hand 2nd on debut at this distance on April 13th having previously caught the eye in trials. He should have come on for that run and is strongly favoured to go one better today. He’ll try to come from behind an early pace that will most likely be set by (2) BAEKSANG, who significantly improved into 2nd place himself on what was his second start last month and who looks like the primary danger here. (3) JEONGJOUI KKUM should be on pace as well and drops back in distance after a decent effort at 1300M three weeks ago. Also dropping back is (10) NUNBIT EUNYAK, who was 3rd on debut at 1300 at the end of March. He’ll have to overcome the widest gate but should be a factor. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, Luigi Riccardi’s (6) DIAVOLA won a trial just last week and can go well first-up here.

Selections (1) Golden Angle (2) Baeksang (6) Diavola (10) Nunbit Eunyak
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 9

Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) PLATINUM EURO was a winner on debut over 1300M on March 30th coming from just behind the early leader to run on well. He is up in class and distance here but looks to have potential for more. Despite the wide draw, he could well get a soft lead and is likely to be strong favourite here. Also up in class following a maiden win in (3) MAIN EVENT, however, it took him eighteen attempts to make his breakthrough and he likely has more to find. Instead the biggest danger may be (5) BARAM KING. A class and distance winner already, he was no better than ordinary when 6th in similar conditions last time out but can get closer today. (7) ADELEUI KKUM, with Busan-based Franco Da Silva aboard, looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Platimun Euro (5) Baram King (3) Main Event (7) Adeleui Kkum
Next Best 1
Fast Start 8

Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Small but competitive field. (5) HAPPY MAUNTAIN ran 3rd in a good race at class and distance on April 7th. He’s a runner who likes to come form off the pace and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do here, he has solid claims. (4) SUN START and (2) ECHO GOLD come home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

It’s Korean Derby weekend and we’ll have all the build-up to the big race over the next couple of days. In the meantime, however, there is a nine-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

https://twitter.com/KRAOfficial/status/1126339674534887431

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

Two standouts here with both (4) CHODONG DAEJANG and (6) BARAMGWA GUREUM coming in looking ready to win. Both came close int heir respective latest outings and both a are front-runners well drawn to lead. We’ll give the slight edge to Baramgwa Gureum, who comes in off just a three-week layoff and has a couple of kilos in hand. The rest of the experienced ones here don’t especially inspire so we’ll look at the two first-time starters. Both (1) MAJOR GUY and (10) SEOGANG YEOJE looked well in trials and couldn’t have picked a better race to debut in. Both can go well.

Selections (6) Baramgwa Gureum (4) Chodong Daejang (10) Seogang Yeoje (1) Major Guy
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 7

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

More maidens here. (5) NEW QUEEN comes in with recent form reading well and she can continue that here. She’s one of only two in the field to have a runner-up finish to her name already and she can at least match that today. (4) GOOD TREND hasn’t done too much wrong in two outings so far, both times finishing in 6th place and while he hasn’t really quickened in either, he can continue to make progress here. (1) DAENERYS IJI and (6) HWANGGEUMBITMASENG are others who have hinted at ability and could be in line for places. There are three debut-makers and among them, (2) CHARGE POWER looks the best. A half-sister to a few useful horses, she performed well in an April trial, showing decent speed and she has a chance first-up here.

Selections (2) Charge Power (5) New Queen (4) Good Trend (1) Daenerys Iji
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 8, 9, 10

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) YEONGSEONG STAR and (9) MORNING BRAVO came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on a wet track on April 12th. There was just a neck between them that day and both should be competitive here. It’s a wide-open affair, though. (4) HALLA HWANGHU was the beaten favourite in that same race on April 12th off the back of some good showings. She bumped at the start and then used up a lot of energy getting to the front. We’ll draw a line through that and give her another chance today. (6) LUCKY ADELE comes in off a useful 3rd place at class and distance three weeks ago and can get close again while (2) SECRET MEMORY remains a maiden after eighteen attempts but has shown positive signs in her latest two and could be a factor here.

Selections (4) Halla Hwanghu (6) Lucky Adele (9) Morning Bravo (2) Secret Memory
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

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

(9) SILLAUI MISO has finished no worse than 4th in five outings to date and comes in having had eight weeks off since running 2nd at class and distance on March 17th. Under You Hyun-Myung, she’ll look to get to the front right from the start and looks to be the one to beat. (10) YONGYEON steps back up in trip following a win and a runner-up finish over 1000M in his latest two starts. He too will look to get on pace early and looks a danger. (1) GHOST RIDER was slowly away and then failed to offer much last start but is better than that and can be given another chance here. (11) COMING AGAIN and (12) B.K. THUNDER are others in the hunt.

Selections (9) Sillaui Miso (10) Yongyeon (1) Ghost Rider (12) B.K. Thunder
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 5, 8, 9, 10

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

This is as weak a maiden as we’re likely to see so (6) GOLDUI INYEON’s 5th place in and almost – but not quite – as weak event at the distance on April 19th, may be enough to her favourite here. She’s certainly the top pick. (10) BUSAN MAGIC finished 6th in that same race, less than a length behind and is also to be considered. That was her first try at this distance and she can improve here. (7) MAEPSI COLOR has been inconsistent across five outings to date but steps up to a mile for the first time here and it may suit while it’s a similar story for (4) TWO TWO HAMMER. Of all of them (1) RICH WONDERFUL has done least wrong, having only raced once. True, he only managed 8th but can have come on for the run and do better here.

Selections (6) Goldui Inyeon (10) Busan Magic (7) Maepsi Color (1) Rich Wonderful
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 4, 5

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

The second heat of this maiden is just as weak as the first. (4) YEONGBONGSAN performed badly in that April 19th race behind Goldui Inyeon, weakening to only beat three home. He was well-backed for a reason though, having run well in his previous two, and in similarly poor company today, gets another chance. (6) BAEKDU JANGSU ran (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

Sunday sees racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). Feature races are a pair of class 1 staying events over 2300M in the capital and 2200M on the South Coast. Here are the previeews (Busan selections below):

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It’s been a bit hazy at Seoul this weekend with plenty of dust in the air

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

(2) INDEPENDENCE came from off the pace to register a career-best 2nd place on March 17th, running on well when dropped back to this trip. He’ll be favoured to score here. (8) SEOUL MAGIC similarly scored on his return to this distance on March 30th, beaten in to 2nd at long odds by a good winner. That was a big uptick in form, and he can aim to repeat from the front under the same apprentice rider. (3) JIOBANA can perhaps have a line drawn through her latest having been bumped around at the start but ran well the time before and can come under consideration. (10) WANSEUNG MUPAE and (11) ANYANG LEOPARD come in off promising runs last start – the latter despite being later found lame – and either could run into a place here.

Selections (2) Independence (8) Seoul Magic (3) Jiobana (11) Anyang Leopard
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 7, 8

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

(2) CUPID CHOICE has been getting closer across five starts so far and was 2nd in a quick time over this distance on April 6th. From gate 2 she should be well positioned to come through strongly and go one better here. (7) PRIME QUEEN was a touch disappointing when favourite in a similar race three weeks ago but previously showed ability at this distance and can be given another chance today while (4) COMPLETE MOTION hasn’t shown an awful lot in the way of speed but did improve with 3rd last start and can continue to progress today. (1) CHEONJI POKPUNG and (12) JEONGSANG STAR are others to consider.

Selections (2) Cupid Choice (7) Prime Queen (4) Complete Motion (1) Cheonji Pokpung
Next Best 12, 11
Fast Start 3, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Small filly-only field but it’s competitive. (6) SINGGEUREOUN TIME, the latest out of one of Korea’s most successful broodmares, is the likely favourite having followed up her maiden win in February with a runner-up finish on her first try at this class on April 7th. Both were at this distance and she can come from off the pace to mount a strong challenge ger (1) TAP LINE is yet to win in three starts but finds herself up in class today after three near-misses. Alan Munro takes the mount for the first time and she looks nicely in here. She’ll be expected to be on pace alongside (4) LUCKY SOCHEON, who came home behind (2) AMARONE last time. Both of those two should be in the hunt as well.

Selections (6) Singgeureoun Time (1) Tap Line (2) Amarone (4) Lucky Socheon
Next Best 3, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

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

(9) INGRAN QUEEN looks as though she is finally figuring things out and rana solid 3rd over 1300M four weeks ago. She drops back in trip here and with Moon Se Young riding for the first time, this could be her day. (11) SAMAE JILJU should appreciate stepping back in distance too here. She’s run well on all three of her previous tries at it and if she can get forward early from a wide draw, should have a chance. (5) BIG PRO didn’t really recover from some jostling at the start on his latest effort but has had over two months off since then and can go better today. (2) WONDERFUL HEELS and (12) BLUE MEGA ELLA are others in the placing frame.

Selections (9) Ingran Queen (11) Samae Jilju (5) Big Pro (2) Wonderful Heels
Next Best 12, 10
Fast Start 3, 4, 11, 12

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

(8) MISTER HERO returned from six months off on April 6th to make what was just his third career start and it ended very well indeed as he recorded an eye-catching eight-length win. He is up in class today but with a good start once more, has every chance of backing up. (7) SA SA comes in off the back of a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two efforts, beating a couple of these in the latest of the, and she should be a danger here while (2) THANK YOU MOTHER’s form reads similarly and she should go well from a nice draw. (4) ROYAL SHALOM is up in class after a somewhat unexpected maiden win last start and looks equipped to be competitive at this level. (5) CHOEGANG STAR returned from five months off in April, running a solid 5th which he can build on today.

Selections (8) Mister Hero (2) Thank You Mother (7) Sa Sa (5) Choegang Star
Next Best 4, 11
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens and (3) BIG CLASSIC is set to be strongly favoured to make her breakthrough here. After finishing 3rd on debut, she was slow to begin and raced a touch ungenerously when 5th of 12 on her re-appearance at the end of March, but once she got going, she ran on really well and should thrive on the additional furlong today. It’s hard (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday – Breeders’ Cup Day: Race-By-Race Preview (December 2)

Korea’s champion juvenile will be crowned on Sunday as the Juvenile Series comes reaches its conclusion in the Breeders’ Cup (KOR G2) which this year, for the first time, is being run at Busan. 13 line up including the winners of both Seoul and Busan’s primary races, Dae Wan Ma and King Socks. There is a 6 race-card at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.

Dae Wan Ma Dokki Blade Gwacheon Mayor's Cup - KRA

Dae Wan Ma (1) and Do Kki Blade are at Busan to take on King Socks in the Breeders’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

  1. YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT – Never got going in the Gimhae Mayor’s. Two good wins prior to that. Not a fast starter and additional trip today may suit.
  2. TOP OF WORLD – 4th in Gimhae Mayor’s having led and tired off a stiff early pace. Three for three prior including at 1300M. Likely to lead and has a chance.
  3. WONDERFUL EVIL – Well beaten by Do Kki Blade in August but has won his latest two. Will need more here. Settles midfield.
  4. DAE WAN MA – Beat Do Kki Blade by a neck in the Gwacheon Mayor’s. Only defeat so far a DQ. Will be on pace and is one of the favourites.
  5. MIGHTY POWER – Beaten nine-lengths by King Socks on debut but has since won two of three including at a mile. Distance no issue and could be a wildcard.
  6. KING SOCKS – Dominant eight-length winner on the Gimhae Mayor’s having sat behind the fast early pace. Only defeat was on debut. Favourite here and can win.
  7. RULES ICHEON – Takes his chance having got his maiden win on his third start a month ago. Stablemate of Dae Wan Ma. Big outsider.
  8. DAEJI CHAMP – Eye-catching scores at 1300M and 1200M in his latest two, making all both times. This is much tougher.
  9. PRECEDE –Stablemate of King Socks with just two starts. Won on debut over 1000M then was beaten a head at 1300M at the end of October. Never rule out the trainer.
  10. GWONTOJUNGLAE – One win from three over 1000M. 4th place at 1300M last time makes him hard to recommend.
  11. DO KKI BLADE – Just beaten a neck by Dae Wan Ma in the Gwacheon Mayor’s. Looks to be getting better and distance should suit under likely patient ride.
  12. YEONGGWANGUI SECRET – 2nd to King Socks in the Gimhae Mayor’s, albeit beaten eight-lengths, was his first defeat. Placing chance.
  13. MYEONGPUM CHUKJE – Won his first two before running 3rd to Dae Wan Ma and Dokki Blade in Gwacheon Mayor’s. More to find.

Verdict: The winner’s of the two second legs at Seoul and Busan, (4) DAE WAN MA and (6) KING SOCKS will be favourites to battle it out here with King Socks on his home track slightly favoured. (2) TOP OF WORLD and (11) DOKKI BLADE may both appreciate the extra distance today and can be competitive while (7) RULES ICHEON and (9) PRECEDE may be the surprise packages.

Selections: (6) King Socks (4) Dae Wan Ma (2) Top Of World (11) Dokki Blade

Busan Selections

Race 1: 2, 3, 1, 9
Race 2: 8, 12, 9, 7
Race 3: 5, 8, 3, 4
Race 4: 1, 2, 7, 8
Race 6: 3, 2, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maidens to begin with and six of the eight have prior experience. (6) WIND RIVER was by some margin the best on debut, running a good 3rd over this distance on November 10th. It was a decent time and a similar performance should see her home on top today. One of the others have really impressed although (9) FULL MOON OCEAN did nothing wrong for his 6th and can improve today. Similarly (3) RAON KEVIN can be given another chance having finished 7th of 12 on his own racecourse bow. That leaves the two debut-makers as contenders. (5) MISS SUNSHINE looks the best of them, running well in a trial just last week. (2) DAEJI YEOGEOL also looked competent enough in her heat and can go well first-up.

Selections (6) Wind River (5) Miss Sunshine (9) Full Moon Ocean (3) Raon Kevin
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 8, 9

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

More juveniles seeking their first win with seven of them having raced once before. The one of those with the best finishing position on debut was (10) CHEONNYEON VIKING, who ran 2nd in a filly-only maiden at this distance all the way back in August. She should be in the mix again, but it wasn’t a fast race that day and she will need to improve. (9) SLING STONE ran faster in 5th on his debut last month and the recency of that perhaps makes him a better bet while (3) VICTORY KING beat a couple of the others who go here on his debut four weeks ago and should beat plenty of them again. However, for our pick we are turning to a newcomer. (8) RAON STORM looked like he meant business when running strongly in a trial at the end of October and if he brings that form to the races, he should win. Another first-time starter (4) YEOKDAE CHOEGO will also be well-backed first-up having won a trial. Watch the market with both for additional clues.

Selections (8) Raon Storm (9) Sling Stone (10) Cheonnyeon Viking (4) Yeokdae Choego
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 8, 9, 10, 12

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here and having beaten a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at class and distance on November 4th, (8) RAON SERENA is favoured to prevail here. She’s yet to win in four outings but has never been worse than 3rd and she can come out on top today, most likely leading all the way. (3) EOMJI YEOWANG and (2) DANGDAE SONYEO chased Raon Serena home that day in 4th and 5th and they may well be the ones who pose the greatest threat here although they do have almost three lengths to make up.  (1) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON remains a maiden but is capable if finding the places in this kind of race while the same is true of (7) NAMJJOK NARA, another maiden but up in class today after a useful 3rd last time out.

Selections (8) Raon Serena (2) Dangdae Sonyeo (1) Kkeuleojuneun Son (3) Eomji Yeowang
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 2, 8, 9

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

(3) MIREU STORM has won two of her three starts so far and is up in class today looking for a hat-trick. Both her wins have come at this distance and both by leading from gate to wire and she is well-drawn for a good start and a repeat. This is a stiff test though and the primary danger – and possible favourite – is (6) CHAPEL ACE. He’s a class and distance winner and while he hasn’t been exceptional in recent outings, he comes in off a good 4th last time and looks set to got well here. (1) RAON ZEUS drops back significantly in trip following a couple of chastening experiences at 1700M and should be much better today. (5) SERA KHAN won at this distance at class 5 in September and while he only managed 6th on his first try at this level in October, he can improve today. (12) BOMBI’S KING ran a good, if slightly unexpected, 2nd last time out (the jockey got fined for returning half a kilo heavier than he weighed out) and could aim for a place again.

Selections (3) Mireu Storm (6) Chapel Ace (1) Raon Zeus (5) Sera Khan
Next Best 12, 11
Fast Start 1, 3, 7, 9

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

(9) YEOGEOL VISION came up in class following a 2nd place and a win from her first two starts before running 3rd on her first try at this level on November 4th. She’s up in trip today but she’s run on well each time and it may suit her very well. (8) LUCKY BONGHWA remains a maiden after eight attempts but since returning from five months out has registered a 4th and a 3rd in two outings and may be considered to go even better here. (1) DAE BYEONHWA’s recent form reads well and he should have placing claims. (5) CAMP TOUCH and (6) HANEULEUL DALRIDA, the latter up in class after a solid maiden win over this distance a month ago, are others in the hunt.

Selections (9) Yeogeol Vision (8) Lucky Bonghwa (6) Haneuleul Dalrida (1) Dae Byeonhwa
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 3, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(12) DARK PLAYER has run twice so far recording a 3rd and a 2nd. He’s run well on both occasions and with a bit more progress today, he can find his way to the winner’s circle. He’ll have to overcome the widest draw, but he looks capable. (9) PRIMO has been very solid of late, going down by a nose in July, a neck in August and a half-length in (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 1st)

December gets underway with a familiar face back in the weighing room at Seoul. Multiple Championship winner Moon Se Young returns to action with seven rides across the 13-race Saturday card (10:45 to 18:00):

de4_3987

The Moon is back (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Multiple-time Champion jockey Moon Se Young is back from a long injury spell and he could get back among the winners right away as he partners (10) REAL GANGJA, 3rd in each of his latest two. He briefly struck the front last time out before being headed late-on and he could well make the breakthrough today in similar strength company. (7) PARRHESIA steps up in trip following 2nd place over 1000M last time and can go close again while both (4) ROAD MAN and (5) PINEAPPLE MARK have sown some potential and both come in following 4th place finishes in their respective latest outings. (1) DONG JAK could be the wildcard. He’s not offered much across four starts but tries a new distance and could improve.

Selections (10) Real Gangja (7) Parrhesia (5) Pineapple Mark (4) Road Man
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 7, 11

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

Eleven maiden fillies going here and (1) QUEEN OF CAMP ran very nicely for 2nd place last time at this distance, just being beaten half a length. Given today’s draw, she’ll most likely look to lead and win. (11) WONDERFUL HEELS ran 4th in that same race, which was on October 27th, continuing her own promising start and she can match or better that today. Stiff competition can be expected too from (3) SSOARAUTS and (4) WHITE FLOWER, bot of whom have proven themselves competitive and should be in at least the placing hunt. Among the rest, (7) GEOTAP has a 3rd place to her name and while it was in weaker company than this, a repeat is not impossible.

Selections (1) Queen Of Camp (4) White Flower (3) Ssoarauts (11) Wonderful Heels
Next Best 7, 6
Fast Start 1, 6

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

(9) BI PYEONG was scratched at the gate on a scheduled start in September when found to be lame and was accordingly stood-down for two months. He’d gone well in two starts before that with a 2nd and 3rd to his name and now back fit again, he may e the one to beat here. (7) COILRO ran competently enough for 3rd on debut over 1000M a month ago and could appreciate the extra trip today while (3) DALGWA GUREUM returned from five months off to run a useful 5th at this distance two weeks ago and can build on it. (1) WONDERFUL RUBY ran very greenly on her debut and with better manners should go better. There are two debut-makers and (6) JEMA TEUKGEUP, a handy trial winner in October, looks set to run well first-up.

Selections (9) Bi Pyeong (7) Coilro (6) Jema Teukgeup (3) Dalgwa Gureum
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 3, 4, 9

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 69 Million

Juvenile maidens with just two of the eight having raced before. And both performed well with (8) BANJIUI HAMSEONG and (2) HAMYANG SANSAM running 2nd and 4th in the same race at this distance on November 4th. There was just a length and a half between them and they’ll be expected to battle it out here. Among the first-timer starters, (7) VIVA KING and (3) DONGSEO JEPAE trialled up together with just a neck separating them in a decent time. (4) CHEONROK was slightly slower than that pair but did actually win her heat and can also go well first-up.

Selections (2) Hamyang Sansam (8) Banjiui Hamseong (7) Viva King (4) Cheonrok
Next Best 3
Fast Start 4, 7

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

(8) POP STREET comes in having run 2nd when favourite at class and distance on November 10th. He led until the closing stages and finished well clear of three of today’s rivals and he is the one to beat here. (7) FINAL STORM has been a little inconsistent since reaching this level but ran a close 4th last time three weeks ago and is well drawn to get to the front early today. (1) DURGA remains a maiden after twenty attempts but equalled her best finish of 2nd on her latest start a month ago and can target a repeat. (2) DAECHEON HERO and (10) GIVEN WEEKEND are others in the placing frame.

Selections (8) Pop Street (7) Final Storm (1) Durga (10) Given Weekend
Next Best 2, 4
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

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

(7) GAON FORCE is up in class following two strong 2nd place finishes including last time out at this distance and a repeat of that performance would be enough to see him win this. He’ll be a strong favourite. (8) TOHAMSAN POWER was similarly promoted to this class while still a maiden but he managed to make his breakthrough on November 4th at this level, scoring by three-lengths over 1000M. He’ll be on pace again and can make the favourite work hard to get past him. (2) LAST JACKPOT overcame some early bumping to (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 30)

This coming Sunday Busan will, for the first time, host Korea’s top juvenile race, the Breeders’ Cup.  Before that, however, there’s a 10-race card on Friday running from 11:30 to 18:00. Trainer Peter Wolsley, who is just three winners short of reaching the 500 landmark, has a couple of decent chances to get closer:

Ace Korea Wolsley KRA

Ace Korea brought up Korean winner number 497 for Peter Wolsley two weeks ago and the Australian trainer can close in on 500 this weekend (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens to start with and seven of the twelve have raced before. The only one of those to have appeared twice prior to today is (7) DAMYANG CHOEGANG and his improved 3rd place on his second appearance on November 2nd is enough to make him the top pick here. (2) BARAMEUI KKUM finished three-lengths back that day in 4th on what was her debut and she looks like being the main danger here, possibly getting closer this time. Both will be aiming to get to the front as soon as possible. (4) DONGBANG WARRIOR was a touch disappointing on debut having been well-backed after winning a trial. He can be given another chance here. (5) ECTON STEALTH and (11) AMAZING WINNER are others with scope to improve on their respective debut efforts. Among the first-time starters, (6) DEEP MIND looks best at this stage.

Selections (7) Damyang Choegang (2) Barameui Kkum (4) Dongbang Warrior (5) Ecton Stealth
Next Best 11, 6
Fast Start 7, 2

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

More juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve having racing experience and they do look a bit stronger than those we saw in race 1. The clear top pick is (10) TOHAM ACE, who followed up a 4th place on debut in September to then run 2nd, beating a couple of these, on his was to 2nd over this distance on November 2nd. He should have too much here. (6) DOCTOR TIZ was a good 2nd on debut and while he found the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup a bit too stiff at the end of last month, he’ll be expected to go much better in more amenable company today. (8) GEUMGANG CHILBO beat the two top picks for race 1 on what was his second start four weeks ago and has to be given a chance here. (1) TITLE CODE and (4) RAON ARES are others who can step up from promising debuts.

Selections (10) Toham Ace (8) Geumgang Chilbo (6) Doctor Tiz (4) Raon Ares
Next Best 1, 3, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 11

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

(10) HAPPY DRAGON ran a much-improved 2nd on what was his second career appearance at the start of this month with two of his rivals here back down the track behind him and a similar run today will put him right in the mix. (5) SERENDIPITER was one of those beaten that day but he came back out two weeks ago and ran a good 4th, just missing out on the places by a head, and can get closer today. (7) MARU JJANG has been knocking at the door for a while now and steps back in trip following a good 3rd over a mile last time out with claims to go close here. (9) MY TIME ran a career-best 2nd at this distance three weeks ago and his time may not be too far off. (2) GOLDEN SHARP, with a pair of 5th place finishes from two tries so far, looks best of the rest.

Selections (10) Happy Dragon (7) Maru Jjang (2) Golden Sharp (9) My Time
Next Best 5, 4, 11
Fast Start 2, 4

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

(2) JEONSAUI JILJU has a best of 3rd place from three starts so far and has finished ahead of a few of these along the way, His 7th last time was in tougher company than this and with a top jockey aboard here, he can make the breakthrough. (3) MAGIC FLYING has shown some ability across his three outings, all of them at this distance and can be competitive here while (12) SUNDAY GLORY steps up in trip for the first time and it may well suit. (9) EDGE OF WINNER has already raced at this distance and while he has been a little one-paced to date, should have enough to challenge for at least a place. (6) BEAUTIFUL KOREA hinted at ability last time and can progress today too.

Selections (2) Jeonsaui Jilju (9) Edge Of Winner (3) Magic Flying (12) Sunday Glory
Next Best 6, 1
Fast Start 2, 5

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

It’s been almost a year since (2) NINA got her maiden win but since returning from a six-month absence in September she’s run well for 3rd and 2nd from two starts and should take some beating in this race which is restricted to fillies and mares. (3) I’M YOUR LEMON is up in class following a battling maiden win on what was just her second outing. That was a decent race for the level though and she’ll surely be a danger here. (9) QUICK MOVE won on debut in July and races for the first time since running 5th on her first attempt at this level a month later. She’ll be on pace early and can go close. (11) (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: NACF Chairman’s Trophy / Gyeong DoMin Ilbo – Race-By-Race Preview (November 25)

It may not be until next week then the top hopes for the 2019 Triple Crown trail come together to decide the title of Champion Korean Juvenile in the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul but this Sunday in the capital will also give a glimpse of some potential future stars as the top imported juveniles compete for the NACF Chairman’s Trophy over 1200M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05:

Spring Back KRA

Spring Back is one of the leading contenders for the NACF (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Last year the race was won by PK. Party, who has gone on to win seven of eleven starts to date but also featured this year’s KRA Cup Classic 3rd place-getter Moonhak Chief as well as two of the stars of the Queens’ Tour, Ttukseom Cup winner Cheongsu Yeogeol and Sky Bay, victorious in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup.

So, who are the top contenders this time around? Spring Back looked sensational in his first two starts this summer, recording one of the fastest times of the year when winning on his second start over 1400M. He didn’t impress when 2nd on his reappearance in October though and that may open the door for others.

Since running 3rd to Spring Back on debut in July, Thank You Charlie has won three in a row, culminating in a facile six-length score at the big-race distance last month. He’s one of two Adios Charlie colts in the race – the other being Havana Charlie – and both will have plenty of backers. Kitten’s Joy colt Munhak Joy has won three out of five so far and looks a solid prospect while Wang Beotkkot was a solid winner at the distance earlier this month and looks dangerous too.

Both Medici Glory and Ultra Punch tackle six-furlongs for the first time and are others who could play a big part in the race.

At Busan, the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo highlights. It too has illustrious alumni with I’m Your Father taking victory in 2016 before going on to win the Busan Mayor’s Cup the following summer. Last year Ace Korea, who won last weekend’s Kookje News Sprint and looks to be Dubai World Cup Carnival-bound, ran 4th. Ace Korea’s trainer Peter Wolsley saddles one of the main hopes, Pro Consul while another foreign trainer Thomas Gillespie comes in with the hitherto unbeaten Mujeok Yeongung.

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) SATO ROYAL improved to 3rd place on what was her first try at this distance on October 27th and her third career start in total. It’s true she’s not shown much in the way of speed, but she has shown progress and with a bit more today, she can win. (8) RAON STELLA is similar in that she’s shown potential if not much swiftness across four starts to date. She’s also gone well at this trip and beat a couple of these over 1000M last time out. (6) GEUP HAENG MA steps up in trip for the first time after a decent showing in 3rd at 1000M last time and should be challenging for the early lead here. (3) GWANGPOK JUHAENG and (11) CHEONGDAM QUEENS are others who may go close.

Selections: (7) Sato Royal (6) Geup Haeng Ma (8) Raon Stella (11) Cheongdam Queens
Next Best: 3, 1
Fast Start: 6, 7, 10, 11

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

Juvenile maidens here with just three of them making their debuts. They’ll be up against it as plenty of those who have raced have demonstrated some ability. (9) SIMPLIFY ran 3rd on debut on October 27th, beaten less than a length at this distance. He ran on strongly and should have come on for it. (5) WONDERFUL BRUSH was 5th when debuting in that very same race. He was very keen at the halfway point and ran out of room slightly and he can improve today. (8) RED BLADE debuted in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at the end of September and while that was too much too soon, he ran well for 3rd on his re-appearance last month and is likely to be well-backed here. (12) WONDERFUL MARIA also did nothing wrong when 5th on debut at this distance and is another who can get close. Of those three first-timers, (7) GEUMSUNI STAR trialled nicely and looks the most forward at this stage.

Selections: (9) Simplify (8) Red Blade (5) Wonderful Brush (12) Wonderful Maria
Next Best: 7, 11
Fast Start: 5, 6, 8, 10

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

(4) SPEED WINNER ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M a month ago, beaten only by a very nice-looking winner, Havana Charlie, who goes in the big race later this afternoon. He ran through the line strongly and can be confident stepped up to 1300M today. He’ll be on pace from the start, as will (8) DAEGUNUI GEOM, 3rd over 1200M on his first start seven weeks ago and who looks to be the main threat. (3) GEUMSEOK DOLPA was a little slow to begin on debut on October 6th but ran on well over 1000M to finish 6th. More trip may suit here. (6) MALIBU GINGER has plenty of experience compared to the rest and while he will need to improve if he is to compete for top honours, he’s capable of beating plenty of these. There are two debut-makers and (5) INCHEON CHIEF looks a potential prospect. The Pioneerof The Nile colt has looked more than competent in two trials and could go well first-up.

Selections: (4) Speed Winner (8) Daegunui Geom (5) Incheon Chief (3) Geumseok Dolpa
Next Best: 6, 12
Fast Start: 4, 6, 8

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

(3) FIGHTING HERO got the best of a tight finish to win by a nose on debut at this distance four weeks ago. He’s up in class here but looks the one to beat. He’ll settle just behind the early leaders and look to be too strong late on. (2) MISS PYEONGCHON may have only won one of her seventeen outings to date, but she enters with strong recent form and was last seen running 3rd at class and distance with three of her rivals here behind her. She’ll be on the early speed and could win. One of those behind her that day was (7) HANIL MAGIC and he too can get a little closer this time. (5) GEUMA KINGDOM remains a maiden after three attempts but is up in class today following two runner-up finishes and a 3rd place. She’ll be competitive at this level. (11) ARABIA GONGJU looks best of the rest.

Selections: (3) Fighting Hero (2) Miss Pyeongcheon (5) Geuma Kingdom (7) Hanil Magic
Next Best: 11, 4
Fast Start: 2, 4, 10

Busan Race 1 Selections: 10 (This is New Legend, a Korean bred who ran seven times in the USA, including winning at Arlington Park in July of this year. This is his Korean debut) 6, 11, 7

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

Wildly competitive contest here. Five of these raced each other at class and distance on October 27th and it was two rank outsiders that day (3) SHADOW MONEY and (2) YEONGWONHAN SUNGAN who finished the best in 2nd and 3rd respectively. They will require more respect today although the margins weren’t huge and it’s more than possible that the best backed of them there, (11) HEUNG KKAEBI, who finished 6th, can overturn the form today. That was his first try at this distance and only his second start overall following a maiden win on debut, and he can have come on for that run. (12) SABA KINGDOM is another who can be given another chance following his latest effort. That was in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, so this is far more amenable company and he can get close. (7) GOODCHOICE ran 3rd on his first try at this class three weeks ago and should be very much in the placing frame again.

Selections: (11) Heung Kkaebi (3) Shadow Money (7) Goodchoice (12) Saba Kingdom
Next Best: 2, 8
Fast Start: 4, 8, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) SANGSEUNG DAEHAN remains a maiden after six starts but enters off the back of three consecutive 2nd place finishes, two of them at tis distance and the latest at this class. An apprentice jockey takes significant weight off his back today and he could well make the breakthrough. (10) ECTON SPEED is up in class following her maiden win which came via a six-length score over 1300M on October 26th. She made all that day, running on well and should be able to handle to rise in both class and distance. (7) (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 24)

Winter is here! It’s turned quite chilly across the Korean peninsula this week but it should still be pleasant enough in the daytime sunshine to enjoy some racing. The main action of the weekend is on Sunday when both Seoul and Busan will host big juvenile races but before that, there is a bumper 13-race card at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

20160228_153611.jpg

Well ok. It’s not quite this bad yet.

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

(5) GREEN Y struggled when stepped up to 1300M at the end of last month but prior to that recorded her best finish so far when 2nd at this trip in September. That wasn’t a strong race, but neither is this and she’s shown more in the way of speed than most here so if she gets off to a good start, she can win. (9) DAEJI GONGJU ran an improved (although admittedly distant) 2nd last time out and can look to build on it today. She’s not the quickest of starters but can run on well. (6) DOUBLE RAINBOW has two 4th places to her name and should be beating plenty again. There are two debut-makers and of them (12) LOOKING GOOD looked competent enough in trials and can go well first-up.

Selections (5) Green Y (12) Looking Good (9) Daeji Gongju (6) Double Rainbow
Next Best 4, 11
Fast Start 5, 8, 10, 11

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

Juvenile maidens here and six of the twelve have raced before. Of those with prior experience, (5) YAHO THUNDER CAT ran 3rd behind a couple of useful looking ones (the 2nd place-getter has since gone on to win too) on October 20th. He was prominent throughout that day, is well drawn to lead, and could win this. (6) BUCKETFUL GOLD ran very greenly on his own debut back in September to the extent that Stewards placed a warning on him. Nevertheless, he still managed to finish 4th and comes back in after a couple of months off with scope to improve. The main dangers though are likely to be from the first-timers. (3) CHOIN BOLT and (7) OKAY TAP came home 1st and 2nd in an October trail with just half a length between them. They both looked competent and should go well first-up here. As ever, the market may offer some clues.

Selections (5) Yaho Thunder Cat (3) Choin Bolt (7) Okay Tap (6) Bucketful Gold
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 1, 5, 6

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens here with just four of the twelve having previous racing experience. Only one of those four has experience to boast about and that’s the likely favourite (9) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM. He’s raced twice and improved to 4th on the most recent of those five weeks ago, coming from well off the pace having shifted inwards and bumped another horse at the start. He ran into trouble in the home straight too so with a clean trip today, he has every chance of winning. There are two standouts among the debut-makers. (1) SUN SPIKE was the fastest in trials putting in two very solid efforts, the most recent of which was just two weeks ago. Expect him to begin well and to be a danger. (3) DORORA won a trial in good fashion at the beginning of this month and can be a threat too. (2) TANTAN WINNER and (8) MY HAWK are other first-timers who can go well.

Selections (9) Cheonnyeonui Baram (1) Sun Spike (3) Dorora (2) Tantan Winner
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 4

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies only here.  Four of them raced each other at this distance on October 28th and that day (8) BLACK GINGA finished the best of them coming home in 2nd place. She came from off the pace to record her best finish to date and has to be given a chance here. So too though does that day’s 3rd place-getter, (4) BANGTANMA, who was just a neck behind. She previously ran 5th in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup and should be looking to lead all the way here. (3) SUNSHIN MARINE had a poor day at the office on her latest start, beginning slowly and never being involved. She had shown ability prior to that though and can go close here. (7) DAESEONG HANEUL and (10) NEW PARADIGM have both run just the once and both showed some promise that they can build on today.

Selections (4) Bangtanma (8) Black Ginga (7) Daeseong Haneul (10) New Paradigm
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 4, 9

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

(5) CHANGSEONG ILHO ran solid 2nd place over 1300M two weeks ago, his best finish in twelve outings to date. He’s raced at this distance in the past and looks ready for another crack at it in what is a really weak looking contest. (7) SAMAE STAR too has run at this distance before and enters in decent form with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M and she looks to be the main danger. (4) SINBIRYONG’s recent work has all been at 1000M and ran well enough for 4th last start. (1) LUCKY FACTORY and (3) MAIN EVENT are others who could potentially improve.

Selections (5) Changseong Ilho (7) Samae Star (4) Sinbiryong (3) Main Event
Next Best 1
Fast Start 3, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Class 5 fillies here. (6) GREEN DARC registered a win and a 2nd place from her first two starts before taking her chance in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup – Seoul’s top juvenile race – at the end of last month. She was found out a little there but didn’t run badly and dropping back to the minimum trip, she will be expected to return to winning ways today. (5) DAMON ANGEL won a weak filly-only race back in July before being a bit (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 23)

The final three days of racing in November in Korea gets underway at Busan on Friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00:

Supernova Iji

It’s Friday! It’s Busan!

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) SILLAUI MISO ran a good 3rd on debut on October 5th in a fast time over 1000M. She finished only a length and a half behind the winner and stepping up to 1300M today, Thomas Gillespie’s filly can come home on top. (7) MABEOP CHEOREOM also went well on debut just two weeks ago, coming home 2nd, also at 1000M and should have come on for it. More experienced is (8) MUJEOK BEAT, who may never have finished any better than 3rd but comes in off the back of two useful efforts at this distance and may get close again. Of the two first-time starters here, (5) SPEED FURY won a trial at the end of October and is likely to be backed to go well first-up.

Selections (9) Sillaui Miso (7) Mabeop Cheoreom (5) Speed Fury (8) Mujeok Beat
Next Best 1, 11, 4
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 9

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

Twelve previous unraced juveniles – eight of them fillies – make their racecourse debuts here. The market will be the best guide and the likely favourite is (3) SPICE ROCK. She’s a half-sister to champion Triple Nine and posted the fastest time of any of these on trials and could provide jockey Francois Herholdt with his first Korean winner. She was actually the quickest by some margin but others who caught the eye in trials include (1) ONE CHANCE, who finished ahead of a couple of others who go here, and (7) DARUI BADA, who did similar. The former is likely to be on pace early along with (12) BAEJJANG, another who ran 2nd in his heat and could go well first-up here.

Selections (3) Spice Rock (1) One Chance (7) Darui Bada (12) Baejjang
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 1, 4, 6, 12

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

(2) HANEOLUI BIT ran well for 3rd on his return from over six months off three weeks ago. He was prominent throughout, ultimately going down by just over two-lengths and should be on pace again with every chance of going all the way this time. (8) SISEON GANGTAL didn’t do a whole lot on debut back in August but has run well twice since then, including 3rd in a valuable race for breeze-up sale grads at the end of September. He’ll also likely be on the early speed and can go close. (3) CHOEGANG STEALTH and (1) EL DRAGON came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on November 4th and both should be in the frame for at least some minor money today. (12) ACE CRUSH is a stablemate of Haneolui Bit and while she was beaten by Siseon Gangtal in that valuable September race, she ran well for 4th place last time out at 1000M, beating a couple of the others who go here and can be considered for further improvement today.

Selections (2) Haneolui Bit (8) Siseon Gangtal (12) Ace Crush (1) El Dragon
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) TORNADO KING returned from eight months off to run 2nd over this distance on October 26th, beating three of his rivals here in the process. He can have come on for that run and looks the one they need to beat here. He’ll be on the early speed alongside (1) HOT GIRL, whose previous two efforts at this trip didn’t go particularly well but who may be ready for another try having run a solid 2nd over 1300M a month ago. (3) KWAEHAN SINGANGJA was 4th behind Tornado King in that October 26th race, his second start back following more than three months off and he may get closer today. (7) NOVELLA tackles the distance for the first time following a 5th and a 4th in two outings to date. She’s run on well both times and the extended trip looks set to suit. (9) BICHUI HAENGJIN too tries something a bit different today and is the wildcard pick to improve.

Selections (2) Tornado King (1) Hot Girl (7) Novella (3) Kwaehan Singangja
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 1, 2, 8

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

(3) TANGENT is up in class having secured his maiden win on his second career start on October 26th. He only got up by a nose but then he was only beaten half a length into 2nd place on debut. There looks to be more to come from him and he’s well drawn to lead from the start. Five of the others race each other over this class and distance on that very same day. (6) MAJOR THUNDER came out on top, registering victory by a length from (5) B.K. UNO. While Major Thunder carries an extra 3kg this time, he should be involved again and if he gets to the lead, may be difficult to reel-in. (1) SHARP KING races for the first time since late August when he was a solid 3rd (in a race an out of sorts Major (more…)