Gang Gwon takes chance / Strong Hug makes it four from four
Secret Weapon was sent off as long odds-on favourite but once more failed to deliver. Instead, it was Gang Gwon who came through to take the honours in the main event at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Having failed to stay the trip in the Grand Prix race in December and running second to Top Point in a handicap last month, Secret Weapon was well placed throughout and hit the front under Park Tae Jong with a furlong to go.

The six year old had nothing in the tank, however, and Gang Gwon, Highteen and Lucky Mountain all passed him, Gang Gwon taking it on the line by a length and a half. Another six year old, it was Gang Gwon’s first win since December 2007.

Earlier, on a day when punters digested the news that Playing Politics, who so emphatically dominated his first attempt at class 1 last week, may never race again (of which more on Monday), US bred three year old Strong Hug [Strong Hope – Lady Dora (Lord At War)] put in a powerful performance to record his fourth straight win. With Moon Se Young on board, the colt always looked comfortable and outsprinted Tiffanyuikkum, another horse stepping up to class 2 for the first time, by two lengths.

In other races, there was a long overdue win for Taklamakan, the five year old scoring for the first time for over a year in the valuable race 10. While Moon Se Young managed two wins, Shin Hyoung Cheol was jockey of the day, landing an early treble with victories on Jisang Gangja in race 1, outsider Hwallyeok Plus in race 2 and the promising American import Red Trip in race 5. Red Trip [Trippi – Queen’s Ransom (Red Ransom)] had placed in three of his four previous outings.

It was a spring-like day at the track today and on what was the mildest day of the year so far, a large Saturday crowd made it to the races with the infield park attracting families for the first time this year. Tomorrow is expected to be slightly cooler but should still be dry and bright for the eleven race card which gets underway at 11:10. Busan has six races beginning at 12:30 while Jeju has ten with a 12:30 start.

Class 1 (Korean Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 1900M – Feb 28, 2009

1. Gang Gwon [Curia Regis – Bad Smart (Baederwood)] – Yoo Sang Wan – 15.2
2. Highteen [Mujaazif – Alittle Nostalgia (Nostalgia)] – Lee Gi Hwoi – 37.2
3. Lucky Mountain [Silent Warrior – Myeonggaheui (Revere)] – Choi, Beom Hyun – 10.4
Distances: 1.75 lengths/Head – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Good Day beats Tu Won / Symphony Sonata tuning up nicely
Mexicali Blues outsprinted her rivals to take the honours in the 8th Segye Ilbo Cup for Fillies and Mares at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. In an open betting race, the four year old started as second favourite and sat comfortably in the pack as old stager Why A Duck under Lee Shin Young set the early pace in the seven furlong race. Kim Ok Sung, completing a successful weekend following his win on Playing Politics yesterday, asked Mexicali Blues for an effort as the entered the home straight and as Why A Duck faded, they hit the front with a furlong to go.

Favourite Meni Cherry looked well positioned but failed to find a run and in the end it was the fast finishing Hwanggeum Dwaeji who proved the biggest danger, coming from the back of the field to the front in the straight. The line came soon enough though for Mexicali Blues to record the biggest of her five career wins to date. Angel Pegasus came in third.

Mexicali Blues, who finished fifth in this race last year, is owned by the Segye Construction Company. Although it took her seven races to break her maiden, once she did she won three in a row but, one more win aside, had struggled since moving up to class 2 races last summer while racing against mostly male opposition. Aside from Meni Cherry, who finished fifth, another filly to disappoint was the three year old Jangjagang who never featured, eventually coming in twelth.

In other races, Tu Won made the step up to class 1 racing, but the three year old gelding ran straight into an in-form Good Day, who made light of the six kilos he was giving his younger rival and outsprinted him in the straight to record his fourteenth win in his twenty first start. Second favourite Triple Seven was a further length and a half back in fourth. While beaten, Tu Won did enough to show he belongs in this company and his progress will be interesting to watch as the year goes on.

Another who is being closely watched is Symphony Sonata. By E. Dubai and out of the Dixieland Band mare First Violin during her short stay in Korea (and thereby qualifying as Korean bred), the colt only made his debut at the age of three, getting beaten by the highly rated gelding Something New. Winning his next start easily, he found the going similarly favourable in race 7 this afternoon, his first outing as a four year old, going wire-to-wire for an eased-down five length win over seven opponents.

In other races, two three year olds broke their maidens, both sent off odds-on favorites. The filly Born Revival in race 2 and the colt Badasin in race 4. Won Jung Il was the only jockey to record a double, taking race 3 on D Day and race 11 on Daechun.

At Busan Race Park, Ikuyasu Kurakane followed up his treble on Friday with a double today including taking the feature race on Shane Bob. Japanese jockey Kurakane moved from Seoul to Busan following countryman Toshio Uchida’s decision to take an extended break back home and is coming close to matching the remarkable Uchida’s success. The stand out result of the day at Busan, however, was a shock ten length win by 19.1 shot Orion’s Gold in race 3. The American import had only placed once in seventeen previous starts but led from start to finish and was well out of sight of the field at the end of the six furlongs.

Meanwhile, it was a frustrating day on Jeju Island as thick fog forced the late cancellation of all the day’s races at Jeju Race Park.

Seye Ilbo Cup – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – Feb 22, 2009

1. Mexicali Blues (USA) [Golden Missile – Golden Made (Allen’s Prospect)] – Kim Ok Sung – 5.0
2. Hwanggeum Dwaeji (AUS) [Langfuhr – Proudest (Sir Tristram)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 6.2
3. Angel Pegasus (USA) [Gold Case – Sahara Princess (Alphabet Soup)] – Ham Wan Sik – 5.7
Distances: 1.25 lengths/0.5 lengths – 14 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Subsidy achieves the Billion / Seven Card sharp again / First win for Chavez
Playing Politics confidently strode into the top tier of Korean racing at Seoul Race Park this afternoon, romping to a five length wire to wire win in his first class 1 outing. It was a race that was notable too for a horse at the other end of his career as Subsidy battled on to a valiant third place to take his lifetime earnings to over KRW 1 Billion.

With Kim Ok Sung replacing the suspended Choi Beom Hyun on board, Playing Politics leapt out of the gate and straight into the lead. In the back straight, Moon Se Young brought Subsidy from the back of the field to the front, and it was these two who headed the pack going into the home straight. Playing Politics had never gone 2000 metres before but any questions there may have been about the four year old’s staying power were quickly dismissed as he sprinted to the line for an easy win.

Behind him, just as he had on his last outing, Subsidy looked ready to tie up at the furlong pole but this time, Moon Se Young managed to coax a final effort from the nine year old and, although Yodongseong came past, he managed to hold off odds-on favourite Baekjeonmupae to take third and his place in Korean racing history.

Playing Politics now has six wins from seven starts, a fourth place in the YTN Cup the only blot on his record since his debut last May. He won’t have the luxury of his rivals giving five kilos to him again in a hurry but the manner of his victory suggests there is much more to come. It was perhaps fitting that Playing Politics as a half brother of Subsidy’s long time rival Bally Brae (through their dam, Political Bluff) should be involved as Subsidy finally achieved the Billion. Out of his thirty four starts, the now nine year old Subsidy has been in the money thirty one times and although he no longer goes off as favourite, is still more than capable of mixing it with the best.

One race earlier, another four year old, Seven Card, put in an impressive performance as he too went wire to wire to land his first win at class 2 beating Grandzif and Daehyo by four lengths on the line. Seven Card goes onto five wins from nine outings. Much earlier in the day, improving three year old filly Chowon Dream broke her maiden, landing race 3 by five lengths.

It was a good day for Santos Chavez, the American jockey finding himself in the Winner’s Circle for the first time in Korea as he guided third favourite Dongbang Baksa to victory in race 2. The 47 year old Chavez appears to have made a favourable impression on punters and with any luck, the win will get him some more rides.

Also on a day of milestones, Chun Chang Ki saddled his first runner as a trainer in race 6. The former jockey was granted a trainer’s license earlier this month after battling the cancer that forced him to quit race riding over a year ago. Crown Champ was sent off favourite but never figured in a race won by Mo Yang Seong, a 106.0 outsider.

Racing returns to Seoul tomorrow when it is Segye Ilbo Cup day. The first of eleven races goes to post at 11:10 and the big race is at 16:45. Both Busan and Jeju Race Parks go to post at 12:30.

Class 1 (Foreign bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Feb 21, 2009

1. Playing Politics (USA) [Outflanker – Political Bluff (Unaccounted For)] – Kim Ok Sung – 5.4
2. Yodongseong (USA) [Payne’s Bay – Copelan’s World (Copelan)] – Park Tae Jong – 6.8
3. Subsidy (USA) [Mr. Prospector – Foreign Aid (Danzig)] – Moon Se Young – 9.9
Distances: 5 lengths/0.5 lengths – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Nice Choice steps up / Free Woody drifts to victory
Gaeseon Janggun went a long way to showing that his dismal performance in December’s Owner’s Cup was a one off by beginning his four year old season in style at Busan Race Park this afternoon. Last year’s champion three year old who followed up close seconds in the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby by taking the final Triple Crown race, the Minister’s Cup at Seoul in October was sent off at surprisingly generous odds and made his usual come from behind charge as the field entered the home straight, going away from the field to win by five lengths.

Second favourite Yeongung Manse, who was among six horses who finished ahead of Gaeseon Janggun in the Owner’s Cup took second. Relatively lightly raced, the win was Gaeseon Janggun’s fifth from twelve starts and raises the prospect of future showdown with Areumdaun Jilju, the horse one year his senior and currently recognised as Busan’s best domestically bred runner.

Up at a chilly Seoul Race Park there were no class 1 races but nevertheless an interesting day’s action. Nice Choice, winner of December’s Herald Business and 2008’s top two year old made his three year old debut and confirmed his status as a Triple Crown front runner by successfully stepping up to the Derby distance of 1800 metres with a business like victory in race 9.

With Cho Kyoung Ho replacing the suspended Moon Se Young on board, Nice Choice [Lost Mountain – Betty’s Rhapsody (Don’t Hesitate)] sat in the middle of the field throughout before outclassing his rivals in a strong final furlong to take a third consecutive win. Closest to him on the line was three year old filly Crown Carla who will also be one to watch later in the year.

The day’s most valuable race at Seoul saw Free Woody drift all over the track on the run in but the favourite still managed to secure a one length victory from Wig. Sitting out for the final day of his suspension, Moon Se Young will have a satisfied observer as none of his rivals for the Champion Jockey title managed to land a winner. Indeed Choi Beom Hyun will now sit out next week after he picked up a two day ban.

Class 1 (Korean Bred) – Busan Race Park – 1800M – Feb 15, 2009

1. Gaeseon Janggun [Duality – Diamond Star (Dixieland Band)] – Ikuyasu Kurakane – 2.7
2. Yeongung Manse [Sharp Appeal – Saratogasplash (Wild Again)] – Jo Chang Wook – 3.7
3. Gangjaui Beopchik [Fortitude – Crispy (Tax Collection)] – Chae Gyu Jun – 8.2
Distances: 5 lengths/1 length – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Gangho takes it easy / Aria wins again
Ugildongja made the most of Namchonuijijon’s recalcitrance to land the feature at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Making his first appearance as a five year old, Namchonuijijon was backed into favourite but reared up in the stalls and then sat down. On being backed out of the gate, although there was no visible sign of injury, the vet ruled him out of the race as a precaution. With Namchonuijijon’s withdrawal, it was left to the horse who took turns with him playing second fiddle to J.S. Hold in 2007, Hwangnyongsaji, who took over as favourite.

When they finally got underway, Lucky Seven under Lee Sang Hyuk bolted into a five length lead and he would remain in front until deep into the home straight. Hwangnyongsaji had been well placed but failed to kick on when asked and it was Ugildongja under Ham Wan Sik who came down the rail to hit the front in the final furlong. He would hold on comfortably with Saebyeok Dongja and Natural Nine following in second and third. After three races out of the money, it’s a return to form for Ugildongja who takes his seventh career victory.

Earlier, Gangho made a walkover of race 5. The official margin of victory was eleven lengths but jockey Boo Min Ho never picked up his stick and began easing the colt around the furlong marker. Gangho [Peace Rules – Honor Delilah (Honor Grades)] goes two for two since his debut in January with a combined margin of twenty lengths. Although he has been in distinctly average company so far the American import looks to be a horse who could brighten up 2009.

Three year old filly Aria also took her second consecutive win but she had to battle to just edge out Guard Blue by a nose in race 7. Taking on and beating male horses, even at this stage of the season, has Aria as an Oaks possible come August. In other races, there was an rare dead heat as the judges failed to separate Haetbit Jangsa and Jebe at the end of race 8. Meanwhile, Baram Queen, fourth in last year’s Oaks landed race 9.

With Moon Se Young serving the first of a two day ban, Park Tae Jong revelled in champion’s absence, the veteran landing a treble. Cho Kyoung Ho also picked up two winners but Choi Beom Hyun only managed to take the last. Racing returns to Seoul tomorrow. There are also cards at both Busan and Jeju.

Class 1 (Korean Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Feb 14, 2009

1. Ugildongja [Dixie Dot Com – May Roses (Incinderator)] – Ham Wan Sik – 9.5
2. Saebyeok Dongja [Fiercely – Cheongpa (The Rogers Four)] – Shin Hyoung Cheol – 7.0
3. Natural Nine [Revere – C. Bop (Alydar)] – Oh Kyoung Hoan – 2.8
Distances: 1 length/1.25 lengths – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Hardride was back in the Winners circle for the first time since the Busan Metropolitan last November with a win over a host of well known names at a wet and blustery Busan Race Park this afternoon. Starting third favourite, the four year old sat just behind the leaders from the gate before outsprinting long time leader Florida Native in the final furlong to claim victory by a length. Outsider D M Merch snatched an unlikely third place on a day which was both by far the warmest, wettest and windiest of the the year so far.

Joint Favourites Dangdae Star and Crafty Louis both failed to feature at the business end of the race. King Kephalos and Angle Slam, both of them Stakes winners in 2008, finished fourth and fifth. For Hardride it was a sixth career win and his third over ten furlongs.

Racing returns to Busan on Sunday as the action moves to Seoul tomorrow.

Class 1 (Foreign Bred) – Busan Race Park – 2000M – Feb 9, 2009

1. Hardride (USA) [Colony Light – Lametta (Lomond)] – Lim Sung Sil – 6.3
2. Florida Native (USA) [Kissin Kris – Bindianna (Jose Binn)] – Yoo Hyun Myoung – 6.8
3. D M Merch (USA) [Langfuhr – Personally Yours (Personal Flag)] – Han Sang Gyu – 118.8

Distances: 1 length/Neck – 13 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Areumdaun Jilju scratched / Mighty Runner makes it five from five
Carrying a light weight and with his main rival and perhaps Busan’s best domestic bred horse, Areumdaun Jilju, a late scratching, the scene seemed to be set for Procyon to end his recent barren spell at Busan Race Park this afternoon. However, just like for Bally Brae at Seoul yesterday, it was not to be. Chae Gyu Jun took Procyon into the lead straight out of the gate and maintained pole position turning into the home straight, looking ready to kick on.

When asked for a final effort though, there was nothing left in the tank and it was Yeonhap Jakjeon who came through to take his first win at class 1 level ahead of Boryeong Bulbit. Procyon is now nine months and seven races without a win. Looking good for all but the final furlong, he may be taken down in distance next time, where the vast majority of his wins have come.

Areumdaun Jilju’s late withdrawal due to a slight ligament injury meant that Ikuyasu Kurakane was denied the opportunity to complete a treble having earlier won on Yeokjeonui Champ in race 3 and Haste in race 5. An Oaks possible, Haste [Snow Ridge – Fresh Strike (Smart Strike)] wrapped up her third victory in four outings hitting the front two furlongs out and holding on comfortably for a two length win.

At Seoul Race Park, Mighty Runner overhauled Hongji in the final furlong to land a class 1 race at the first attempt and in doing so, take his unbeaten streak to five. A late developer, Mighty Runner was sixth in the Derby in 2007 but was then out for almost a whole year through injury. On his return he showed an aptitude for the longer distances and began his winning streak last September. In much better company today, he was sent off fourth in the betting. Favourite Taebaek Janggun looked well placed heading into the straight but then commenced to give jockey Moon Se Young, stepping in for Choi Beom Hyun who was injured in an earlier fall, a torrrid time as he fell from first to last. Shin Hyoung Cheol on Mighty Runner took advantage and just got the better of Hongji and a fast finishing Bandoui Byeol on the line.

Moon Se Young and Cho Kyoung Ho both landed doubles and American Santos Chavez managed his first placing passing eight horses in the final furlong to take third favourite Skibbereen from last to third in race 11. It was Chavez’s best finish in four rides over the weekend but he has looked comfortable and his light riding weight may give him more opportunities than previous overseas jockeys have been given.

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Bally Brae beaten / Bop’s Punch wins / Chavez debuts
Punters kept faith with Bally Brae, but it was Vicar Love who got back to winning ways in the big race at a foggy Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Bally Brae may not have won since last March, but his second place in the Grand Prix indicated that the big gelding was ready to win again and he went off favourite ahead of Seoul Teukgeup who had the beating of him throughout last autumn.

As the field broke, Bally Brae took up his customary position just off the lead, but as they turned into the back straight, Cho Kyoung Ho gave up trying to restrain the fractious Pocketful of Money, and the mare shot away from the pack, stringing out the field behind her. Only Bally Brae, Seoul Teukgeup and Vicar Love remained in touch with the rest out of sight.

Turning for home, inevitably Pocketful of Money was spent and it was Vicar Love, with Oh Kyoung Hoan at the controls for the first time, who was first to pass and take up the lead a furlong out. Bally Brae bore down the centre of the track, while Seoul Teukgeup was finishing the fastest of all three. The line came soon enough, however, for Vicar Love to take the honours by a length and a half with just a Neck seperating Bally Brae and Seoul Teukgeup. Saerounbisul put in a fast final furlong to almost bridge the gap with the rest well beaten.

Despite the fog, it was a dry and mild day and earlier, promising US import Bop’s Punch [Bop – French Punch (Two Punch)] continued his progress in landing race 5 by an impressive five lengths. Kim Dong Min took the colt into the lead straight out of the gate and there they stayed for a comfortable wire to wire win. Also finally tasting victory was the Ft. Stockton colt Love For Ever, who justified his odds on status by taking race 6 by four lengths.

Moon Se Young took the jockey honours completing a treble by the end of race four. Moon later tarnished his day somewhat by picking up a 2 day ban for careless riding while guiding favourite Pop’s Slew to defeat in race 8. American jockey Santos Chavez debuted this afternoon finishing well out of the money on both his mounts. Chavez will have two more rides tomorrow, including one in the feature race.

Racing returns tomorrow with cards at Seoul (11:10), Busan (12:30) and Jeju (12:30).

Class 1 (Foreign Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Feb 7, 2009

1. Vicar Love (USA) [Vicar – Canberra (Silver Hawk)] – Oh Kyoung Hoan – 5.1
2. Bally Brae (USA) [Yarrow Brae – Political Bluff (Unaccounted For)] – Moon Se Young – 1.7
3. Seoul Teukgeup (USA) [Safely’s Mark – Bemmalou (Waquoit)] – Moon Jung Kyun – 3.0
Distances – 1.5 lengths/Neck – 8 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

After injury and then indifference, Miss Ecton demonstrated that she has regained her form of early last year in taking a three length win in the feature race at Busan Race Park this afternoon. After winning the Busan Ilbo Cup last March, the filly was sidelined until August and out in disappointing performances for the rest of the year. Today, with four kilos on favourite Dongbang Geona and eight kilos over Golding, she took full advantage.

Third favourite Sinsapung made the early running and was still in front as they entered the home straight of the 1600 metre race. Dongbang Geona, who had been sitting just off the lead, looked poised to strike, but it was Miss Ecton who came out of the pack to hit the front in the final furlong under Ikuyasu Kurakane. Golding went with her but the seven year old never looked likely to make up enough ground to challenge.

Racing tomorrow is at Seoul and Jeju, with all three tracks hosting cards on Sunday.

Class 1 (Foreign bred) – Busan Race Park – 1600M – Feb 6, 2009

1. Miss Ecton (USA) [Ecton Park – Miss Lion King (Lion Cavern)] – I Kurakane – 12.4
2. Golding (USA) [Gold Alert – Ritzy Lady (Kissin Kris)] – Gu, YJ – 3.0
3. Dongbang Geona (JPN) [Paradise Creek – Hanashinju (Leo Castelli)] – Kim, ES – 2.3
Distances: 3 lengths/0.5 lengths – 13 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Grand Prix winner opens 2009 account in style / Myeongmun Gamun regresses
Dongbanui Gangja started 2009 as he ended 2008, cruising to victory in this afternoon’s feature at Seoul Race Park. Starting long odds-on favourite, the Grand Prix winner left it late to come round the field in the home straight to claim a six length win from Angus Empire and Obaek Yechan. While third favourite Gamadongja set the early pace before fading, Brilliant Knight, stepping up to class 1 for the first time, was never a threat eventually finishing in ninth.

Yesterday at Seoul, Myeongmun Gamun was back up to his old tricks, proving a headache for handlers to get into the stalls. Seoul’s top earner was eventually cajoled into racing but, despite a late rally that propelled him to third place, never looked likely to take top honours. Instead it was the mare Top Point who finished the strongest, overhauling Secret Weapon in the final furlong for a two length win.

* Pick Me Up’s return to racing on Korean soil ended in defeat at Busan on Friday as Sinheung Gangja scored an impressive four length win in the feature race. Ebony Storm came in second with Pick Me Up, who had been front running for most of the race, dropping to fourth on the line.

Class 1 (Foreign Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Feb 1, 2009
1. Dongbanui Gangja (USA) [Broken Vow – Maremaid (Storm Bird)] – Choi Beom Hyun – 1.3
2. Angus Empire (USA) [Lion Cavern – Clever Dorothy (Clever Trick)] – Yang Hee Jin – 7.3
3. Obaek Yechan (AUS) [High Yield – Kanaka Creek (Thunder Gulch)] – Kim Ok Sung – 33.5
Distances: 6 lengths/2.5 lengths – 12 ran

Class 1 (Domestic Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Jan 31, 2009
1. Top Point (KOR) [Tom Cruiser – Mooncello (Northern Baby)] – Moon Se Young – 3.7
2. Secret Weapon (KOR) [Native regent – Aheadofthetimes (Gold Alert)] – Park Tae Jong – 3.6
3. Myeongmun Gamun (KOR) [Future Quest – Guided Dancer (Incinderator)] – Cho, KH – 1.7
Distances: 2 lengths/1 length – 10 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN