Racing Reviews

Tough Win Strolls At Seoul While Aussies Keep Flying At Busan

Tough Win took it easy for a while and then cruised by the field to record possibly the simplest of what is now thirteen career wins from seventeen starts. Back at 1800 metres and escaping the handicapper’s weights for once in what was a rare Allowance feature race, the result was never likely to be in doubt.

Tough Win heads to post for another easy win

Nevertheless, Tough Win (Yonaguska) was still up against the likes of Larrycat (Fantasticat), who finished way ahead of him in the Grand Prix Stakes last year and the in-form Japanese pairing of Necromancer (Air Eminem) and KJ Khan (Squirtle Squirt). not to mention the old warhorse and former Grand Prix winner, Bally Brae (Yarrow Brae).

Under Cho Kyoung Ho, Tough win sat at the back of the field around the first turn before moving into contention in the back-straight and easing clear as they turned for home. The margin at the end was eight lengths but it might as well have been eighteen.

Tough Win is a horse that exposes both strengths and weaknesses of Korea racing. Ultimately he’s a sprinter but there are so few sprint races for Class 1 horses, he has had to be stretched out further. No problems there; he’s head and shoulders ahead of anything else on the peninsula up to nine furlongs. Above that, it gets tricky but the only Championship races for imported horses such as Tough Win are at 2000 Metres (Busan Metropolitan) and 2300 Metres (Grand Prix).

Tough Win just about managed to win the Metropolitan last year but was soundly beaten this year as indeed he was in the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is an Korean racing institution – racing fans get to vote on which horses should receive invitations and the result is that the best horses on the peninsula get in. It’s great. But it would be even better if we had both the Grand Prix Stakes and the Grand Prix Mile!

Down at Busan it was business as usual for Peter Wolsley and Nathan Stanley. The Australian trainer/jockey duo combined to win the feature race with Gyeongkwaehanjilju (Tapit). The grey four-year old has now won his last three races and Wolsley and Stanley are undoubtedly the most lethal combination at the track. At least some Aussies are flying this weekend.

Moon Walking To The Title

Moon Se Young Opens Up Big Lead In Jockey Championship

In 2009 it was a fall, while in 2010 it was a lengthy suspension. Bad luck and carelessness cost Moon Se Young the Seoul Jockeys’ Championship in the two years following his victory in 2008. It seems that it is only one of those two misfortunes that could possibly cost him this year’s crown as the 31-year-old cemented his commanding lead over rival Cho Kyoung Ho by riding four winners at Seoul Race Park this afternoon.

Smiling Assasin: Moon Se Young

Moon’s victories today were by no means routine. After taking race 1 on 7/1 shot Time Light (Revere) he immediately followed up in race 2 on Jeongsangillo (Flatter). After sitting out race 3 in he was back winning in race 4 by five lengths on 4/1 Jeongsang Yechan (Menifee). Not until race 8 did he ride a favourite and when he did, Magic Light (Exploit) duly obliged.

It was a good day’s work but the Champion-elect still managed to look disgusted with himself after the last when Senchingu was beaten by slight favourite Bohemian Love (Commendable) ridden by his only serious rival for the title, Cho Kyoung Ho.

Moon is now thirteen wins ahead of last year’s winner Cho with veteran Park Tae Jong a distant third.

In other races, perennial underachiever Singgeureounachim (Exploit) finished on the right end of a quinella for once. The one-time Derby favourite has so far failed to live up to his substantial potential, however, today he made no mistake as, under Jo In Kwen, he took out the first of co-feature races. Starting even-money favourite, the three-year old collared early leader Gangcheoljangsa in the home straight and held on for a narrow victory.

Eyes Down: Singgeureounachin and Jo In Kwen beat Gangcheoljangsa and Kim Ok Sung

It was also a good day for the two Japanese jockeys at Seoul. After Makoto Noda won race 7 on Wangkkaebi (Fiercely), Mai Beppu followed up in race 11, the day’s second co-feature, by making all on Mass Media’s Tea (Mass Media) to score victory by a length. Noda and Beppu move on to six and eight wins in Korea respectively.

While on the subject of jockeys, a word for Park Sang Woo. With the horses in the gate for race 9, his mount Honggwang reared up violently throwing him off and jamming his leg against the metal stall in the process. Unable to move, he had to be carried out towards the waiting ambulance.

However, with Honggwang unharmed and to a round of applause, he insisted upon being placed back on the horse. Brave, stupid or both it may have been from Park and Honggwang, a 25/1 outsider, ran to form and finished nowhere. On returning to scale, Park collapsed after dismounting, his leg giving way, and had to be carried to weigh in. He did his job. Jockeys are tough.

Sunday October 30

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 7 races from 12:30 to 17:00

Winter is coming: In the gathering gloom at Seoul Racecourse, Mai Beppu wins on Mass Media's Tea

It’s No Secret That Aussies Rule At Busan

Secret Whisper Wins the MJC Trophy for Peter Wolsley & Nathan Stanley

Things just keep getting better on the track for Peter Wolsley and Nathan Stanley. The Australian trainer and jockey duo recorded another big win at Busan this afternoon as Secret Whisper took victory in the Macau Jockey Club Trophy by the narrowest of noses.

Another big win: Nathan Stanley

Sent off as second favourite, Stanley and Secret Whisper sat towards the back of the field in the early stages of the 1400 metre race as punters’ choice Jeonseong Sidae made the early running. There was still plenty to do when Stanley made his move entering the home straight finding one route and then another blocked off by traffic.

It wasn’t until deep inside the final furlong that Secret Whisper had daylight in front of her and she swept past Jeonseong Sidae just before the line.

One of five fillies among the fourteen strong field, the Pegasus Farm owned Secret Whisper now has five wins from her eleven starts. Although officially classed as a “Featured” rather than “Stakes” race, in terms of prize money, the MJC Trophy is still a big one and it continued the remarkable run of success that Peter Wolsley and Nathan Stanley have been enjoying of late.

For Wolsley it has been a long hard slog in the barn since arriving in Korea three years ago to reach his current position as one of the top four trainers at Busan. On the contrary for Stanley, success has been instantaneous. Since getting an unexpected bonus on his first day when he picked up the ride on Khaosan, who would go onto win the Owners’ Cup, it has been winner after winner.

With a win rate of nearly 25%, punters have started to look out for him. No doubt the local jockeys will be doing exactly the same. They should; his ride on Secret Whisper today was both resourceful and well judged.

Macau Jockey Club Trophy – Busan Race Park – 1200M – October 23, 2011

1. Secret Whisper (KOR) [Sea Of Secrets-General’s Passion (General Meeting)] – Nathan Stanley – 4.8, 1.9
2. Jeonseong Sidae (AUS) [Stromberg Carlsen-Jessie’s Journey (Crown Jester)] – Choi Si Dae – 1.7
3. Kidari Joe (USA) [Tiznow-Trickle Of Gold (Formal Gold)] – Jo Chang Wook – 3.5

Distances: Nose/0.5 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Gamun Daejangun (KOR) 5. Haneului Chubok (KOR) 6. Choegang Uno (USA) 7. Darani (USA) 8. Book Seven (USA) 9. Royale Embrace (USA) 10. Money Hunter (KOR) 11. Dehere Queen (USA) 12. Juknokwon (USA) 13. Sand Hi (USA) 14. Sangseung Geotap (USA)

Up at Seoul the fillies were in Stakes action in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup and it was three-year old Seingniuihamseong, fifth in the Korean Oaks in August who took the honours. Last but one entering the home straight, Moon Se Young guided the 5.1 second favourite through the pack to hit the front with just metres to spare to win by just under a length.

Gyeonggi Governor’s Stakes – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – October 23, 2011

1. Seungniuihamseong (KOR) [Vicar-Hug And Kiss (Commander In Chief)] – Moon Se Young – 5.9, 2.0
2. Mustang Queen (KOR) [Concept Win-Arouser (Golden Missile)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 1.4
3. Candy Gongju (KOR) [CReek Cat-Mi Geum Ho (Shearwalk)] – Choi Bum Hyun – 3.9

Distances: 0/75 lengths/1.25 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Sen Girl 5. Beauty Icheon 6. Wild Cat 7. Isanghwa 8. Gate Shine 9. Choichoro 10. Persona 11. Urikkot 12. Anseong Chukje 13. Saeroungangja 14. Yuseongjeil

A word too for apprentice jockey Lee Hyeok. In race 3 at Seoul today, he won for the very first time as he partnered 9/1 Damas Ruler to victory. An hour later he was back in the winner’s circle with Exciting Runner after race 5. With his two wins today it means that all three of this year’s new jockeys are off the mark – Lee is one winner behind Lee Ah Na and Seo Seung Un who both have three.

All three look very competent. Ultimately good jockeys matter. At Busan, a bout of sickness aside, Nathan Stanley had already proven he was lucky. Today he proved he’s pretty good too. It’s great news for Korean racing.

Dolpung Jilju & Gyeongbudaero Take Juvi Crowns

A filly and a colt were sent of as favourites in Seoul and Busan’s first Stakes race for this year’s two-year old crop. And a filly and a colt won. However, while the colt in question did the business at Busan on Sunday afternoon, a day earlier in the capital it was a different filly taking the acclaim.

Cheoneun (Forest Camp) had strolled through her three previous starts and came into the Gwacheon City Mayor’s Cup the red-hot favourite. And in a torrential downpour, it looked as though she was going to live up to that billing as, under Park Tae Jong, she bounced straight out of the gate and into what seemed both a comfortable and commanding lead.

Having won at seven furlongs before, there was no reason to think that Cheoneun would tire over just six. However, on the sloppy track, that’s exactly what happened and the beneficiary was Dolpung Jilju (Didyme) who slowly wore down the favourite before passing her in the final furlong to record victory by half a length. Dolpung Jilju, another filly, was winning for the third time on her fourth start. Four lengths adrift of Cheoneun was the first colt home in the shape of Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire).

There were no such problems down at Busan today for Gyeongbudaero (Menifee). Happy to let others set the pace, the Choi Si Dae set Gyeongbudaero loose in the home straight and he made short order of the field to win by a length and a half going away. Nathan Stanley grabbed second place on Peter Wolsley’s filly Nuriui Bit while another filly, Sing A (Fortitude) was third.

Gyeongbudaero translates as “Road from Busan to Seoul” – it is likely that the colt will be travelling up that very road at the end of next month for the Breeders’ Cup where he’ll meet Seoul’s fillies to decide just who is Champion Juvenile of 2011.

Gwacheon City Mayor’s Cup – Seoul Race Park – 1200M October 15, 2011

1. Dolpung Jilju (KOR) [Didyme – Alder Gulch (Gulch)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 8.2, 1.9
2. Cheoneun (KOR) [Forest Camp – Naha (Silver Buck)] – Park Tae Jong – 1.1
3. Jigeum I Sungan (KOR) [Ingrandire – Solmaru (Mujaazif)] – Kim Dong Chul – 1.6

Distances: 0.5 lengths/4 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Viva Cat 5. Spin Up 6. Ft. Silver 7. Rocket Sox 8. Ubin Teukgeup NR. Mighty Hong Kong

Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup – Busan Race Park – 1200M – October 16, 2011

1. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) [Menifee – Princess Labique (Cherokee Run)] – Choi Si Dae – 1.3, 1.0
2. Nuriui Bit (KOR) [Menifee – Altria (Maria’s Mon)] – Nathan Stanley – 2.1
3. Sing A (KOR) [Fortitude – Seollimwon (Wheaton)] – Kim Dong Young – 4.7

Distances: 1.75 lengths/0.5 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Over Power 5. Good Time 6. Predict 7. Uddukseon 8. Baekho Janggun 9. Super Grand 10. Daejiui Gamdong NR. Innofast

* Also at Busan this afternoon Mister Park (Ecton Park) continued his record-breaking streak. With Japanese jockey Akane Yamamoto on board for the first time, the four-year old extended his winning streak to a remarkable seventeen races. In this latest victory, Mister Park crushed a small field of foreign bred horses by five lengths without working up much of a sweat.

Mister Park is not a horse that has been given the respect one might expect for a Grand Prix winner and a horse who has won more consecutive races than any other in Korean history. Being stabled at Busan contributes to this (not the fault of Busan – it’s better than Seoul but it doesn’t get the same exposure) and also a perception that he has been kept away from the toughest challenges (or campaigned sensibly, if you like).

It’s unfair, but it’s a fact. What’s also a fact is that we are only two months away from the Mister Park’s defence f the Grand Prix. If he comes to Seoul – as he surely will – and if he successfully defends his title, no-one will be disrespecting Mister Park.

Ace Galloper Wins The KRA Cup Classic

Ace Galloper strode to a three-length win in the KRA Cup Classic at Seol Race Park this afternoon and in doing so gave himself a favourite’s chance in the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes.

Ace Galloper and Park Tae Jong win the KRA Cup Classic

With Park Tae Jong on board, Ace Galloper took control in the home straight and strectehd away to win comfortably from Sing Sing Cat and Jumong. Double Grand Prix winner Dongbanui Gangja was fifth while Baekgwang returned injured in sixth.

KRA Cup Classic (KOR.G.III) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – October 9, 2011

1. Ace Galloper (KOR) [Chapel Royal-Explicitly (Exploit)] – Park Tae Jong – 3.6, 1.5
2. Sing Sing Cat (USA) [D’Wildcat-Freddy Fenter (Fenter)] – Oh Kyoung Hoan – 3.1
3. Jumong (USA) [Johar-Foreign Aid (Danzig)] – Jo In Kwen – 1.6

Distances: 3 legnths/1 length
Also Ran: 4. Captain Cugat 5. Dongbanui Gangja 6. Baekgwang 7. Celebrate Tonight 8. Bulpae Gisang 9. Ppoppai 10. Cheonjidolpung 11. Florida Sox

Dongseo Jeongbeol Crashes Classic Winners’ Clash

16/1 Shot Wins Final Leg Of 2011 Triple Crown

Dongseo Jeongbeol stunned the big guns to storm to claim victory in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the 2011 Korean Triple Crown, at Seoul Race Park this afternoon.

Dongseo Jeongbeol beats Useung Touch to win the Minister's Cup

In a race which brought together the winners of all three previous races in the Triple Crown series – Soseuldaemun, Gwangyajeil and Useung Touch – Dongseo Jeongbeol was sent off as a 16/1 outsider, despite having won six of his ten prior starts.

Things seemed to be going to form to begin with as Oaks winner Useung Touch (Menifee) set the early pace with Derby winner Gwangyajeil (Vicar) following closely behind. Midway through the back straight, the horse who was actually sent off the slight favourite, Champion Belt (Exploit) – the most expensive horse of this generation when sold as a two-year old, hit the front. All the while, Dongseo Jeongbeol (Vicar) and jockey Chae Gyu Jun were simply siting in the middle of the pack.

As the field entered the home straight, battle commenced. However, Gwangyajeil was quickly out of it as Useung Touch seemed set to go on to claim the win. Then came Dongseo Jeongbeol on the outside. Third with a furlong to go, he was travelling much quicker than Useung Touch and he swept past the filly fifty metres from the line. Another fast finishing outsider Geuma Champ grabbed third.

Not right: Derby winner Gwangyajeil

As for Gwangyajeil, he went backwards in the home straight eventually finishing thirteenth. Indeed, the only horse he beat home was KRA Cup Mile winner Soseuldaemun – that first Classic victory looking more and more a flash in the pan although he did return lame. Gwangyajeil returned looking angry and didn’t want to trot for the vet. However, he didn’t seem injured.

For Dongseo Jeongbeol it was, as mentioned earlier, he moves onto seven wins from eleven starts and a potential invite back to Seoul next month for the President’s Cup. His win means that horses from Busan claimed the Cup Mile, the Oaks and the Minister’s Cup with Gwangyajeil’s Derby win the only success for Seoul.

Dongseo Jeongbeol and Chae Gyu Jun in the Minister's Cup Winner's Circle

Dongseo Jeongbeol is the second classic winner this year by Vicar – in the sire’s first year of three-year olds hitting the track. Useung Touch continued Menifee’s strong performance in what is also his first season of classic runners.

The Minister of FAFF Cup (G2) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – October 2, 2011

1. Dongseo Jeongbeol (KOR) [VIcar-Rendezvous Bay (Wonderloaf)] – Chae Gyu Jun – 16.7, 4.6
2. Useung Touch (KOR) [Menifee-Jenny Tudor (Gulch)] – Choi Si Dae – 2.0
3. Geuma Champ (KOR) [Vicar-Stormcloudrising (Stormy Atlantic)] – Choi Bum Hyun – 5.0

Distances: 1.5 lengths/0.5 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Champion Belt 5. Amass 6. Absolute 7. Choenji Horyeong 8. Singgeureounachim 9. Raon Speed 10. Daejeuimilsa 11. Sun Hero 12. Smart Win 13. Gwangyajeil 14. Soseuldaemun

So, four classics and four different winners. A very competitive crop or just a poor one? We’ll know for sure when they start taking on the best older horses. That begins in the President’s Cup next month.

* Next week big Stakes action returns to Seoul in the form n the KRA Cup Classic. Tough Win, Dongbanui Gangja, Ace Galloper and even Baekgwang are all set to be there. Full preview coming soon!

She’s An Imperial Girl

Second favourite Imperial Girl cruised to a comprehensive win in the first ever Singapore Turf Club (STC) Trophy at Seoul Race Park this afternoon.

Imperial Girl and Choi Bum Hyun Win the Singapore Turf Club Trophy

The seven furlong Cup race for fillies & mares attracted a competitive field of thirteen and it was the favourite Kkochyeoul who set the early pace with well-fancied Blueband Mama and Imperial Girl closely following her. They remained in this order until, with a furlong to go, Choi Bum Hyun asked Imperial Girl to accelerate and the three-year old motored away from her rivals to record a four length win from the fast finishing Hwansanguimulgyeol who swept home unnoticed on the stands-side.

The win was only the third for Imperial Girl whose previous career highlight was an impressive third place in the Owners’ Association Trophy back in June. For jockey Choi Bum Hyun – sporting a haircut that can charitably be described as interesting – it was a first big race win for over a year. The Chairman of the Singapore Turf Club was on hand for the presentation.

Singapore Turf Club Trophy – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – October 1, 2011

1. Imperial Girl (USA) [Imperialism-Wallena (Wallenda)] – Choi Bum Hyun – 3.2, 1.5
2. Hwansanguimulgyeol (KOR) [Happy Jazz Band-Koran (Alquoz)] – Kim Dong Chul – 3.4
3. Kkochyeoul (USA) [Essence Of Dubai-A Star Has Risen (Rock Band)] – Jung Pyeong Soo – 1.3

Distances: 4 lengths/1 length
Also Ran: 4. Alpha Lady (AUS) 5. Worincheongang (USA) 6. Uigiyangyang (USA) 7. Arisae (KOR) 8. Saeroungamun (KOR) 9. Burning Sky (JPN) 10. Pilseung Korea (JPN) 11. Blueband Mama (USA) 12. Sky Center (USA) 13. Manjeomhwanhui (KOR)

* On Sunday it’s the big one. The Minister’s Cup brings the 2011 Korean Triple Crown Series to a close. The winners of all three legs so far will be present – Soseuldaemun (KRA Cup Mile), Gwangyajeil (Korean Derby) and Useung Touch (Korean Oaks) – for the showdown at Seoul Race Park. Useung Touch is set to be the slight favourite but she’ll face strong competition not only from Gwangyajeil but also from the likes of improvers such as Champion Belt and Singgeureounachim. It’s set to be a great race – click here for the full preview.

Sunday October 2

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:05 including the Minister’s Cup at 16:35.
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:05

Imperiousness: Imperial Girl was tough to handle in the Winner's Circle

Aussies Rule Again At Busan

Stanley And Wolsley Double

If they keep this up, I’m going to run out of Australian puns very quickly. At Seoul we have what might be considered an unconventional partnership in Korean racing terms of a female trainer and female jockey – Lee Shin Young and Kim Hae Sun – being the in-form pairing, down at Busan it’s the foreigners. Specifically the Australian combination of trainer Peter Wolsley and jockey Nathan Stanley.

Heading Out For Winners: Nathan Stanley

Having won the Busan Owners’ Cup for Wolsley in his very first ride in Korea, Stanley took his win tally to six today as he combined with Wolsley to land two wins, two second places and a third. On a phenomenal – not to mention lucrative – day for the jockey, he also grabbed another second place.

The wins were not unexpected. The first of them came in race 7 as Ghost Whisper (Gotham City-Emmy’s Lullaby) justified his hot favourite status to cruise home by nine lengths. The grey Ghost Whisper is owned by Jeju Island’s Pegasus Stables which, with its foreign management made for an all foreign success. A race later and the double was complete as three-year old colt Perfect Jilju (Paradise Creek-Field Bouquet) hacked up for his third consecutive victory.

Despite having the favourite in the feature race, the Australian pair couldn’t quite pull off a memorable treble as 5/1 Full Forest (Full Mandate-Gazella Forest) just got the better of Mighty Hero (Buddha-Pretty Pretty) to win by a length. That second place added to an earlier runner-up finish on Tiare (Ft. Stockton-Misty Cee) in race 2 and a third on filly Always Owner (Ft. Stockton-Cozzie Maxine). Stanley also picked up a second place finish in race 9 on Saetbyeol (Yankee Gentleman-Tom’s Kid) for trainer Lim Keum Man.

Six rides, two wins, three seconds and one thirds. Almost Uchida-esque.

Saturday October 1

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:10 to 17:40 including the Singapore Turf Club Trophy at 16:30
Jeju Race Park: 10 races from 12:30 to 17:30

Sunday October 2

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:10 to 18:05 incliding the Minister’s Cup at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:30 to 17:05

Not Just a G’Day – It’s a Great Day For Nathan Stanley!

Aussie Doubles At Busan / Sen Girl wins Donga Ilbo at Seoul

Nathan Stanley kept up his remarkable start to his spell at Busan this afternoon by taking another feature race and doubling his win tally. The Australian jockey has now won on four of his sixteen mounts so far at the track including a Stakes race and now, a Class 1.

Double: Nathan Stanley at Busan

The first race was very much an Australian triumph as he partnered with trainer Peter Wolsley, for whom Stanley won the Owners’ Trophy a fortnight ago on Khaosan, to bring home debut-making colt Hanbaek Finale (Giacomo-Power Pack) by four lengths. It got better later. This time, riding for the other foreign trainer, American Joe Murphy, Stanley produced a last-to-first run on 12/1 shot Deep Desire (Jump Start-Bayou Blues) to win the afternoon’s feature race.

Stanley wasn’t done yet. In the finale, he was a close second on Sagyejeol Wangja (Exploit-Thought), to winner B.B. Chant (War Chant-Bravo Bravo). B.B. Chant was ridden by Akane Yamamoto, meaning that both foreign trainers and both foreign jockeys scored winners.

Nathan Stanley has big boots to fill as he replaced Toshio Uchida, a man with almost legendary status among Korean punters. He couldn’t have had a better start though. Two of his winners have come from Peter Wolsley and now one from Joe Murphy. If he keeps this win-rate up, the local trainers won’t be able to ignore him for long. The owners won’t let them.

For Joe Murphy, it was also a milestone win. It was his second feature race win and came on the weekend marking his first anniversary of training in Korea. In that first year, he’s had just seven winners. however, he will look at Wolsley, who also spent his first year with an unenviable string and through hard-work and perseverance has made it to the top. The quality of horses in Murphy’s stable has improved and his second year should be more fruitful than his first.

Up at Seoul, the big race was the Donga Ilbo Cup and it went the way of 10/1 chance Sen Girl (Strodes Creek-Badgering Shari). The three-year old filly made up seven places in the home straight to hit the front just metres from the line and record a half-length victory over long-shot Persona. With another outsider coming third in the shape of Gyemyeongui Bit, it made for a trio payout of 1289/1.

Donga Ilbo Cup Stakes – Seoul Race Park – 1800M – September 25, 2011

1. Sen Girl (KOR) [Strodes Creek-Badgering Shari (Badger Land)] – Oh Kyoung Hoan – 11.2, 3.0
2. Persona (KOR) [Lethal Instrument-Desso (Jitterbug Chief)] – Kim Gui Bae – 6.3
3. Gyemyeongui Bit (KOR) [Concept Win-Our Northern Belle (Stacked Pack)] – Ham Wan Sik – 5.4

Distances: 0.5 lengths/2 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Seungniuihamseong 5. Choichoro 6. Kanui Byeol 7. Major Girl 8. Anseong Chukje 9. Isanghwa 10. Saeroungangja 11. Chukbogui Tongno 12. Babble Classic 13. Main Flower NR. Wild Cat

Next week it’s the big one. The Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Korean Triple Crown is at Seoul on Sunday October 2. The KRA Cup Mile winner, the Derby winner and the Oaks winner will all be there.

So will we!

Geuma Champ Snatches Ilgan Sports By A Nose

Geuma Champ got up at the very last moment to claim victory by the smallest possible margin in the Ilgan Sports Cup at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Having collared long-time race leader Full Step in the home straight, the two of them dueled in the final furlong before the three-year old Geuma Champ just got ahead at the right time.

Highly rated earlier this season, Geuma Champ (Vicar) was sent off as a 9/1 chance in the Korean Derby in May. He disappointed that day, finishing 13th out of the 14 runners. However, he quickly recovered and has racked up two consecutive wins before today.

Recognising this, punters sent him off as the slight 3/1 favourite in what was a very competitive field. Full Step (Didyme) battled hard having led the field from the starting gate until just metres from the line. Super Rich (Osumi Jet) led the rest of the field home, a full six lengths back in third.

We’re just two weeks away the Minister’s Cup – the final leg of the Korean Triple Crown. Geuma Champ currently isn’t entered to take on Gwangyajeil and Useung Touch once more. If he were and was to carry on today’s form, he’d likely give them a better race this time.

Ilgan Sports Stakes – Seoul Racecourse – 1800M – September 18, 2011

1. Geuma Champ (KOR) [Vicar – Stormcloudrising (Stormy Atlantic)] – Shin Hyoung Chul – 4.1, 1.8
2. Full Step (KOR) [Didyme – Fox Dance (Foxtrail)] – Ham Wan Sik – 4.5
3. Super Rich (KOR) [Osumi Jet – Fast Fare (West By West)] – Moon Jung Kyun – 3.7

Distances: Nose/6 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Jajamega 5. Magnifique 6. Sagunyukjin 7. Gangcheoldoryeong 8. Yeongtap 9. New And Best 10. Seoul Jeongsang 11. Suseong B.F 12. Beongaegangho 13. Yodongjewang 14. Mupaeseungi