Bally Brae second / Another big win for Choi Beom Hyun
At the end of eleven and a half furlongs, Dongbanui Gangja was the strongest in the sprint to win the 27th annual Grand Prix race on a bright winter’s afternoon at Seoul Race Park. The three year old colt overturned last year’s winner Bally Brae in the final furlong and run on to win by four lengths for jockey Choi Beom Hyun.

Punters couldn’t make up their minds and opted for experience as they sent off Bally Brae the slight favourite just ahead of Vicar Love, with Dongbanui Gangja third in the betting. However it was an outsider, Top Point who took the early lead. Drawn in stall 10, Shim Seung Tae brought the filly around the field and into the pace setting position as they passed the grandstand for the first time. Going with her was Secret Weapon with Bally Brae in third.

This was how it stayed until midway through the backstraight when Cho Kyoung Ho asked Myeongmun Gamun to quicken, the seven year old coming around the outside to take a position just behind the now flagging Top Point as they began the long turn for home. Meanwhile Dongbanui Gangja was sitting comfortably in fourth. Now the question was, which horses would stay the distance? Bally Brae was certain to and as Top Point fell away as they began the sprint, Moon Se Young looked likely to guide the six year old to his second consecutive Grand Prix. Down the outside though came Dongbanui Gangja, hitting the front with 150 metres to go. Bally Brae tried to fight back but there was to be no catching him.

Myeongmun Gamun ran on for third, repeating his 2007 performance by being the highest placed Korean bred horse. Fly Queen came home fourth, just edging out Baekpa. Rank outsider Seongpacheonha was sixth followed by Galsaem. Secret Weapon was a disappointing eighth and second favorite Vicar Love never got going, finishing in ninth. Predictably, early pace-setter Top Point was last to finish.

Grand Prix (G1) – Seoul Race Park – 2300M – Dec 21, 2008

1. Dongbanui Gangja (USA) [Broken Vow – Maremaid (Storm Bird)] – Choi Beom Hyun – 4.6
2. Bally Brae (USA) [Yarrow Brae – Political Bluff (Unaccounted For)] – Moon Se Young – 2.9
3. Myeongmun Gamun (KOR) [Future Quest – Guided Dancer (Incinderator)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 11.8
Distances: 4 lengths/1.25 lengths – 10 ran

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Busan’s top handicapper, Areumdaun Jilju closed out his 2008 with a stylish performance in this afternoon’s feature at Busan Race Park. The four year old stalked second favourite Procyon throughout the latter half of the 2000 metre race, dismissively coming past at the furlong pole and sprinting away for a six length win. Areumdaun Jilju finishes 2008 with seven wins and two second place finshes from nine starts.

In other races, there was a second win for three year old Khaosan. The Peter Wolsley trained colt was one of the first horses in Korea to wear pacifiers when finishing second last time out. Today he stepped up in both class and distance but soundly defeated his cat 2 opponents by two and a half lengths.

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Saeroun Bulpae wins Min Ilbo Cup / Six in a row for Tu Won
Supernatural, set to be nailed on favourite, was a late scratching at Seoul Race Park this afternoon in a race which saw Shaving Points return to the track. It was outsider Afternoon Dove, however, who took advantage of the four year old’s absence to claim a three length win from Royal Missile and Hero’s Song. On his first outing since being pulled up in early September, Shaving Points showed little interest in racing although Ikuyasu Kurakane managed to battle his way into fifth place on the line.

One race later, Tu Won continued his remarkable run of recent form which has seen the gelding win six times from six starts since breaking his maiden in July. Today’s victory was was a stroll from gate to wire although he did his best to make things difficult for jockey Choi Beom Hyun, veering drastically towards the stands in the home straight. Fortunately there was plenty of daylight between him and Geumbit Gangja and Sinbi Wangja who were battling it out for second and all it meant was that what should have been a ten length win became a two length win.

Seoul’s most valuable race went to form as favourite Dashing Champ led old stager Flying Cat home by three lengths. Earlier in the day, Luxury Jewang took his second win in a row, Boo Min Ho bringing the gelding through from the very back of the field at just the right time to steal vicory in race 6. Meanwhile, jockey Yoo Mi Ra missed out on her very first victory as Natural Guy succumbed to Keuntaeyang in the final strides of race 4. Yoo remains the only member of this year’s intake of jockeys to be without a winner although injury has restricted her to just 22 rides.

At Busan Race Park, it was the GyeongnamDo Min Ilbo Cup, a race which gave overseas bred horses a rare opportunity to compete for a big prize over the short distance of 1400 metres. Japanese filly Jilju Hara made the early running but faded badly as they turned into the straight as Dongbang Geona took over. The gelding wouldn’t stay there for long though as at the furlong pole, 13.4 shot Saeroun Bulpae hit the front and stayed there for a length and a half win from second favourite King Kephalos who just edged out Shane Bob for third. Dongbang Geona held on for fourth but Jilju Hara eventually finished tailed off. Another disappointment was Florida Native, while Metropolitan winner Hard Ride managed fifth. The US bred Saeroun Bulpae moves on to five wins from fourteen starts with all but one of those wins coming at 1400 metres.

In other news from Busan, Japanese jockey Eiki Nishimura was relieved of his riding duties after failing a random alcohol test. Confessing to having had a heavy Saturday night, Nishimura has been suspended until December 28.

Gyeongnam-Do Min Ilbo Cup – Busan Race Park – 1400M – Dec 14, 2008

1. Saeroun Bulpae (USA) [Northern Afleet – Really Appealing (Valid Appeal)] – Chae Gyu Jun – 13.4
2. King Kephalos (JPN) [King Glorious – Western Edge (Woodman)] – Jo Sung Gon – 4.3
3. Shane Bob (USA) [Double Honor – Severeturbulence (Far Out East)] – Toshio Uchida – 16.5
Distances: 1.5 lengths/Neck – 13 ran

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Always in the money but rarely in the Winner’s Circle of late, Seoul Teukgeup took advantage of a weak field to finally land a category 1 contest at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. The three year old colt breezed past second favourite Haengun Daewang in the final furlong to win by a comfortable three lengths. Second in the Owners’ Association Trophy, the American bred Seoul Teukgeup [Safely’s Mark – Bemmalou (Waquoit)] has never finished lower than fourth in fifteen outings and today’s win takes his career total to five.

On a day of what was largely mediocre racing, Seven Card continued his progress through the ranks, stepping up in class to win the 1800 metre race 9, just edging out a strong challenge from Mr. Fortune to make it four wins from seven starts.

Tomorrow’s cards get underway at Seoul at 11:00 with Busan and Jeju both beginning at 12:20.

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Mare upsets younger rivals / Nice Choice strolls Herald Juvenile
In an amazing final furlong twist, Luna was the shock winner of the Busan Owners’ Cup at Busan Race Park this afternoon. The seven year old mare came through the star-studded field to secure victory and the KRW 74Million first prize at odds of 53.9. As the field broke from the gate, it was Jeolho Chance who took up her usual position at the front with Ebony Storm just behind and favourite Gaeseon Janggun a menacing presence just a little further back.

Derby winner Ebony Storm was quick to fall out of contention but, in a re-run of the Minister’s Cup, Jeolho Chance continued to set the pace as they turned for home with Gaeseon Janggun looking the main danger. No-one was looking at Luna, but as Park Seung Kwang got to work, the mare, who had been steadily moving through the bunch, responded with a bust of speed. Jeolho Chance faltered but Gaeseon Janggun had nothing to give and Luna led the bunch through to win from fellow outsiders Sinheung Gangja and Boryeong Bulbit.

Of the pre-race favourites, in what was a tight finish, Jeolho Chance finished fifth, one place behind Yeongung Manse. Gaeseon Janggun could only manage seventh. For Luna, KRA Cup Mile winner in 2007, it was a 12th career victory in 27 starts dating back to 2004, but only her second of this year.

Up at Seoul Race Park, an early morning dusting of snow had made the setting suitably festive for the Herald Economic Juvenile, the top two year old race at the track. Unlike at Busan, there were no surprises as hot favourite Nice Choice made short work of a field of just five rivals, winning by five lengths from the previously unbeaten Clever Money. The filly Mipung was a further six behind in third.

Temperatures were a little more bearable than yesterday but still failed to make it above freezing point as strong favourite Baekjeonmupae took the feature handicap five lengths ahead of Pocketful of Money. Earlier in the afternoon, exciting two year old import Bulpae Gisang made it three from three with a two length win in race 5.

Owners’ Cup – Busan Race Park – 2000M (Hdcp) – Dec 7, 2008

1. Luna [Concept Win – Wu Su Hae (Exactly Sharp)] – Park Seung Kwang – 53.9
2. Sinheung Gangja [Archer City Slew – Recondite (Silver Deputy)] – Han Sang Kyu – 17.5
3. Boryeong Bulbit [Revere – Windy Ruki (Wind And Wuthering)] – Jo Sung Gon – 20.3
Distances – 0.75 lengths/Head – 14 ran

Herald Economic Cup (2YO) – Seoul Race Park – 1200M – Dec 7, 2008

1. Nice Choice [Lost Mountain – Betty’s Rhapsody (Don’t Hesitate)] – Moon Se Young – 1.4
2. Clever Money [Lethal Instrument – Hotline (Desert Sun)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 2.5
3. Mipung [Revere – T’aep’ungjeonya (Cache of Gold)] – Jun Duk Young – 30.7
Distances: 5 lengths/6 lengths – 6 ran

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Seoul freezes in sub-zero conditions / Serendipper upset / Cheongha Eutteum returns with win
Machine Gun continued his strong run of late season form in the feature race at an almost unbearably cold Seoul Race Park this afternoon. With the “highest” temperature reading of the afternoon at -4 and a breeze worsening the conditions, it was a day for punters to stay in the warmth of the grandstands and pity the jockeys outside.

Machine Gun, a six year old gelding, has had an indifferent career since reaching the top level back in early 2006. It took over two years for him to take a category 1 race, finally achieving it in August this year. Today, he racked up his third in four outings. Starting the 1.7 favourite and top weight, Moon Se Young kept Machine Gun just behind the leaders for much of the 2000 metre race. He asked for an effort as the hit the home straight and they pulled away for a four length win from second favourite and early pace-setter Sound Hawk. Machine Gun still only has a record of eight victories from 35 starts but the late bloomer has confirmed himself as one of the top handicappers in Korea right now.

Thirty minutes earlier, Mupae Jilju caused an upset in the big race for foreign bred horses. Serendipper was sent off the 1.4 favourite of an underwhelming field but, in a final furlong battle, New Zealand bred Mupae Jilju held off the Australian filly to score a half length victory.

Much earlier in the day, there had been an impressive win for Cheongha Eutteum. The two year old made his debut with a win way back in May but has been injured ever since. Stepping up in class on his return, the colt went off at an unfancied 14.0 with Suseong Equus the 1.3 favourite in the 1200 metre race 2. There wasn’t much of a race, however, as Cheongha Eutteum bolted out of the gate and never came close to being caught, eventually winning by seven lengths on the line. He’s going to be another one to watch carefully over the next few months.

On a day where it was impossible not to have both sympathy and respect for the jockeys, Moon Se Young – certain to be 2008 champion – landed a treble and Park Tae Jong a double. Mercifully, it will be slightly warmer tomorrow with temperatures set to be slightly the right side of freezing for the Herald 2YO race. However, that will bring its own hazards as there is an outside chance of snow. Meanwhile, it’s Owners’ Cup day at Busan. As usual, the southern city was much warmer than Seoul today and temperatures should be a comfortable 6 above tomorrow.

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Power Boy storms home / Areumdaun back in form / Good Day loses
Power Boy established himself as the top juvenile at Busan Race Park with victory in the Busan Breeders’ Cup this afternoon. Third favourite Noseon Jilju set the pace in the 1200 metre sprint but Toshio Uchida on Power Boy was always close and the colt kicked on in the stretch to gain a three length win over Best Partner, who has now finished second in all of his four starts. Noseon Jilju ran on for third.

In the following handicap, Areumdaun Jilju got the better of Sinjin Gangja as the two fought a private battle way ahead of the eleven others in the field. With both horses carrying 62 kilos, Sinjin Gangja was the pace-setter throughout the 2000 metres but when it mattered, Areumdaun Jilju had the quicker sprint to take victory by just over a length. Earlier, there was an impressive debut for Impeccable, who was exactly that when trotting up by ten lengths in race 3.

Up at Seoul Race Park, there was an upset in the feature race as Good Day went down to a surprise defeat. Starting 1.6 favourite, the four year old with 13 wins from 19 previous starts was always well placed but never got into top gear as third favourite Balhaejanggun emereged from the field to take a half length win from outsider Gang Gwon. Good Day at least managed third but second favourite Namchonuijijon never figured and eventually finished eighth.

In other races at Seoul, K J Khan was back in the winner’s enclosure for the first time since June. The Japanese bred gelding had struggled since moving up to category 2 but comfortably saw off a field including Mexicali Blues and Samson’s Echo.

Breeders’ Cup – Busan Race Park – 1200M – Nov. 30, 2008

1. Power Boy (KOR) [Lost Mountain – Keon-Gon-Ch’eonggi (Pro For Sure)] – Toshio Uchida – 2.1
2. Best Partner (KOR) [Horse Chestnut – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)] – Chae Gyu Jun – 2.7
3. Noseon Jilju (KOR) [Creek Cat – Daehanui Ttal (Psychobabble)] – Yoo Hyun Myoung – 7.8
Distances: 3 lengths/0.5 lengths – 8 ran

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New Heart debuts strongly / Wangsan takes it easy
Angus Empire relished the cold conditions to sweep to victory in the feature at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. The four year old, who only seems to win in winter, came wide round the field off the final turn to to take the win under Shim Seung Tae. Gamadongja, with Nozomu Tomizawa on board had, as usual, roared out of the gate and set a brisk pace in the back straight. However, the sprint specialist locked up in the straight and the field came by. Seungnyu Sinhwa also came with a late run to finish second with Seongpacheonha in third.

The US bred Angus Empire [Lion Cavern – Clever Dorothy (Clever Trick)] now has seven career wins since his 2006 debut – all coming between 27 October and 1 March.

With temperatures down to 3C, a number of jockeys opted to wear jackets on their way down to post. The clear skies and biting wind made conditions feel even cooler on what was already the coldest day of this winter season so far. As usual for this time of year, two year olds were the focus of the early races. There was an impressive debut for the grey filly New Heart, who landed race 2 by eight lengths. Race 3 saw a first win for Nuri Wangja, the American import leaving it late to get to the front over 1200 metres.

In other races, Wangsan cruised to his third win from his last four outings. The gelding sat in mid field for much of the 1700 metres, before making light work of his rivals in the stretch. The four length win gave jockey Kim Young Jin his first win since returning from more than a year away. Being the only jockey to record more than one win, Choi Beom Hyun was once more jockey of the day. Racing returns to Seoul tomorrow at 11am with eleven live races plus four simulcast from Busan where it is Breeders’ Cup Day for the two year olds. Busan’s card begins at 12:20.

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Geumsuni stayed on to win the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Despite having won the Dong-A Ilbo Cup and coming second in the Gwacheon Citizen’s race in her last two outings, the four year old started as an outsider in her first test against category one horses. It was Hwanggeum Mulgyeol, under Kim Hyo Seob, who was quickest away with Geumsuni latching on to second. Pre-race favourite Seonju Jangsu settled in the middle of the pack and was never able to make a move from there.

The line-up remained unaltered until the final furlong when Hwanggeum Mulgyeol fell away. Geumsuni didn’t, however, and Han Sung Yeol took the filly to her fourth career win, the late charge of second favourite Seungni Yongsa not enough to overtun her. Lcuky Mountain, under Choi Beom Hyun sneaked into third ahead of Seonju Jangsu.

In other races, there was a debut for highly rated two year old, Land Imperial. Under Moon Se Young, the colt went wire to wire but had to hold off a challenge from Forest Sun to win by less than a length. At Busan Race Park, the day’s feature was won by Hwanggeumbit Taeyang, the six year old Australian bred gelding scoring his second consecutive win this autumn.

NACF Chairman’s Trophy – Seoul Race Park – 1800M – Nov 23, 2008

1. Geumsuni (KOR) [Big Sur – Monster (Waikiki Star)] – Han Sung Yeol – 24.1
2. Seungni Yongsa (KOR) [Our Poetic Prince – Jane Lauren (Snow Chief)] – Park Tae Jong – 3.9
3. Lucky Mountain (KOR) [Silent Warrior – Myeonggaheui (Revere)] – Choi Beom Hyun – 6.6
Distances: 1.25 lengths/0.5 lengths – 14 ran

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