Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field but it’s competitive and four of the eight race for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut maker and (6) WHITE CARLA, who went through two trials (the latter was voluntary and may not be in all race cards) improving to win the second of them running on pace and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance first-up. Of the experienced ones, (2) AWESOME QUEEN was 2^nd on debut over this distance on January 25^th, coming from off the pace. She should have come on for that run and can go close again. (5) QUANTUM K put in a solid 5^th on her first start, and she too can have benefitted from the experience. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN trialed behind White Carla and Moon Se-young’s booking will tempt some. (9) BODY CHECK can improve.  

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) UNJU TIME has a 4^th and a 3^rd from two starts so far, most recently beating a couple of these on January 12^th when settling midfield and running on. She had a wide draw that day too and third-up she can be peaking. (6) MUNHAK FIGHTER was a solid 2^nd on debut over this distance on February 15^th, stalking the leader throughout but unable to get by. She should have come on for that run and she can be in this a long way too. (10) UPPERHAND enters off an improved 2^nd place over this distance in a similar all-filly maiden on February 8^th. That continued a positive trajectory of results, and she is another who can be coming home strong here. (7) RACE ROSE and (9) CRAZY MARI among others in the hunt.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL will be a hot favourite here. He has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times racing on pace. He draws well to get a soft lead, and he should prove too good. (6) STUNNING STEP has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a very close 2^nd place over 1200M on February 9^th when settling back and running on. In this company he may be ridden further forward, and he can be a danger late. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has been well supported in both starts so far, most recently an improved 4^th place on February 8^th. Moon Se-young stays on and they can settle just behind the speed and run into some money. (7) RAON THE CAVIAR and (1) JOY CHEONHA others who can be in the mix.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) HAKSAN SPEED got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2^nd on his first try at this class on February 15^th having led almost the entire way over 1400M. He comes up 2kg in weight and he has the challenge of the widest gate, but Maia stays on and he can return to winning ways. (5) HYEUKMUSANG was a winner at this class and distance on January 12^th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has the steadier of an additional 3.5kg today, but he draws well, and a repeat isn’t impossible. (3) CANVASEN GO got his maiden win two starts back before running a fair 4^th on his first try at class 5 on February 8^th when slow away and coming from a long way back. With a better start he can get closer.  (2) HANGANG FANTASTIC and (4) CAPTAIN RISE among others to look out for.                                                                                                                                                          

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11.25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) GLOBAL HIGH ran 3^rd on debut in November and followed it up with a 2^nd place on December 22^nd when slow out and wide early before running on well. He comes into a better gate today and in likely peak fitness at start three, he can go one better. (1) BURUI PYEONGHWA has shown signs of figuring things out in his latest two, racing on pace both times before finishing 4^th and 6^th but beating a couple of today’s rivals in the latter of those. From the inside gate he can get a sift run to the lead here and can be in the finish. (7) CHOEGANG TRIPLE ran 4^th on debut and was sent off as favourite in that December 22^nd race with Global High. He had a poor day at the office, running 7^th, but based on that opening effort can be given another chance here. (2) CRUELLA and (11) SIX HERO others to consider for improvement.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) MATONGNYEONG came from off the pace to run 2^nd on debut over 1300M on December 27^th. In keeping with most races at Busan at the moment, the time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest he has potential and with some natural improvement, as well as stepping up to 1400M, he can win. (2) CANCAN STEP has a 2^nd and a 3^rd in her latest two, with the former coming in her only previous try at 1400M. She draws nicely here to be ridden forward in a race devoid of much early speed, and she can be a danger. (7) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE has raced twice, finishing 4^th on both occasions. The increase in trip can suit and he can get closer today. (3) SUCCESS COW and (9) SEUNGNI CHANSA are others in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) SHANGHAI THUNDER didn’t do much on debut but was much improved at start number two over 1200M on December 15^th, when settling midfield and running on. From the inside gate and in this company, he can be further forward much earlier here, and he can make it third time lucky. (11) COWBOY MAN has a 2^nd and a 3^rd to his name at 1400M and a mile. He was sent off as favourite for his latest start December 20^th but got hampered early and then caught in kickback, which he did not seem to enjoy, and ultimately finished 6^th of twelve. He has the challenge of a wide draw here but if he can find a forward position, he has every chance. (12) DONGNAM DOLPUNG improved to 4^th at start number two at 1200M on December 12^th. He drew similarly wide last time and can be a danger late on. (7) B.K DREAM and (4) GOLDEN SPOT other minor money hopes.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (6) SWEET BEOMHAN returned from over seven months off to run a fair 5^th of twelve in a similar race to this over 1200M on December 8^th. She should have derived benefit from that run, she got her win at this distance, and she can return to winning ways here. (8) ALICE MARINE is yet to win in twenty but has no fewer than fifteen top five finishes. They include a 2^nd and a 4^th among her latest three starts and this is the kind of race she can find the money in, most probably coming from off the pace. (11) CATCH THE DREAM was a well beaten favourite last time out on December 20^th when she got bumped about early and then put in an effort her jockey described as “timid”. We’ll go on her opening two efforts when winning at 1200M and then running 4^th over 1400M and give her another chance here. (9) FLYING BABY and (3) SMART SMILE other place chances.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) UNLIMITED RUN was the fastest in trials, leading for most of the way around and ultimately crossing the line in 2^nd place. He draws well to be on pace, and he has every chance first up. (6) OASIS WICKY is the only trial winner in the field, and he overcame a bad start to do it, running on very pleasingly. The 1200M can suit and he is a real threat. (7) SEOGUI WORLD came through the same trial as Oasis Wicky, showing on the lead before crossing the line 4^th and he is another who can be on speed and in this a long way. (5) GREAT TOP and (12) ARIONUI GEOM, the latter having run 5^th on debut in a very slow race, others to consider.  

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) BEOLGYO WANGCHO has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 2^nd place at this distance on December 8^th when he led for much of the way, only to get passed late. That day’s winner went on to run 3^rd at class 5 level and in this company, Beolgyo Wangcho should be going one better this time. Nothing else has shown much so we might as well give a chance to one of the first timers. (12) THUNDER PASSION took three goes to qualify although he did win a heat along the way on a decent time and that’s enough to give him a chance of the places here. (10) FANTASTIC HIT hinted at ability with a 4^th place at 1000M last summer but then didn’t reappear until December 20^th when he showed on pace but weakened. He can strip fitter here and go closer. (11) DONGBANG JEONSA and (6) BABEL COME ON other minor money chances.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. After a positive trial, (8) ROCK CANDY put in a fine effort for 2^nd place on debut over 1200M on December 13^th coming from off the pace to almost get up. She should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she can go one better. (6) EMPIRE DAY was sent off as favourite for that December 13^th race and having raced handy, finished a solid 3^rd. That came almost a full six-months after her debut in June, when 2^nd over 1000M, so she too can strip fitter here and she is a danger. (3) CHRYSOL HERO has much more experience and has looked significantly better since returning from five months out in October. She has a 3^rd and a 2^nd in two starts back, coming from off the pace both times and third-up she may well be peaking today. (10) PURE MARINE and (2) GREAT MARU others in the placing frame.

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive, if not very strong race. (5) USANG RYUNG has placed twice at this distance, at which she also has the fastest time among these. She likes to settle back and run on and today can be her day. She can at least overturn the form on (8) JOJOBA, who defied 50/1 odds to beat three of these on her way to a best in twelve starts 3^rd place on December 13^th, including Usang Ryung, who was 5^th. Coming in under the same conditions, she will warrant more respect today. (3) DAEJI DAEBONG has only raced three times and has a pair of 5^th places to his name. He hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but the step up in trip may suit and Franco climbing on means he can worth a chance at an each-way price. (2) PINOT POWER and (10) BAEDARI BOSEOK are others who will be in the market.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After a disappointing debut in September, (2) ARION KING CAR came back for start number two on December 6^th and led every step of the way to score over 1200M. He comes up in class and slightly in distance, but he draws very nicely, and he can go back-to-back. (8) TAMNA SUPER got his maiden win two starts back before running a fair 5^th of twelve on his first try at this class over 1400M on December 13^th. In this company he can be a little further forward today and should be in this a long way. (5) DREAM WAY is yet to win in thirteen tries but has plenty of experience at this level and enters off a smart 4^th place over 1200M on December 13^th when he got a long way back before finishing off very pleasingly. Seo Seung-un gets on today and he can go closer. (1) STRIDING MAN and (4) ONE WAY ROAD, the latter second-up following seven months out, are others to consider.

The eve of the OBS Korea Cup and Sprint sees an absolute feast of a card at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday, featuring the Group 3 Jeju Governor’s Cup where the nation’s top fillies and mares will clash, as well as the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles. Additionally there are Trophy races for the Singapore Pools, Japan Racing Association, Selangor Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Gold Circle (South Africa) and OSAF (South America). In total there are 11 races from 13:55 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B (Gold Circle Trophy) / KRW 150 Million

(4) MEGA DRAGON was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May but has since put in two solid 3^rd place finishes at class 3 level over a mile and at 1800M. In this company he can settle behind the speed and run on and with Alan Munro aboard, today can be his day. It has been a while between drinks for (1) COMPLETE TIME, but she enters with recent form reading well including a 4^th place in double quick time over 1400M at class 2 level on August 3^rd. She is one for one over 1700M and from the inside, should be on pace and in this a long way. (11) JJARITHAN JAYU beat Mega Dragon when winning at class 3 level over 1800M on August 4^th and he shouldn’t be dismissed here. (6) TAURUS QUEEN and (2) UPTOWN WHIZ among plenty of others in good form and with at least placing claims.

Seoul Race 2: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / OSAF Trophy / KRW 150 Million

Fillies and mares only. (6) BRIGHT HANSEN is a winner of four from six including her latest on July 14^th when on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time for this distance at class 3 level She is nicely in here and from a central gate, can get to the lead and take some beating. (10) STARTER is the main danger and may even begin as the favourite. She was an also-ran in the first two legs of the Triple Tiara but has since won back-to-back races at class 4 over 1400M and class 3 at a mile. She has won at this distance too and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, with a bit of luck early, she can get forward and can win. (9) MILLION PARTY has won her latest three all over this distance and up to class 3 level. She is another one who likes to get forward and can be a danger. (4) FURIOSA and (8) GEUMA ALLURE among other place chances.

Seoul Race 3:  Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / SLTC Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(7) SPEED ONE scored three consecutive wins between December and April to get up to class 3 level and then ran 3^rd over a mile on July 27^th. He tackles 1400M for the first time under a light weight and Moon Se-young, who doesn’t ride in either the Cup or Sprint tomorrow, will be keen to take out this valuable trophy race. (11) SUPER FINISH comes in having recorded a scorching time when winning at 1200M on June 22^nd. He is a two-time winner over this trip too, and while he has the widest gate to contend with, he will be a danger. (3) DAEMUL was a strong winner in a tight finish at quite big odds over 1200M at class 2 level on August 24^th. He makes a quick return here and while he is up 4kg in the weights, can be considered. (5) GLADIUS and (9) DREAM PLAY are others in the frame.

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight B / JRA Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(7) GANGPUNGMA is the one to beat here. Having run 3^rd in a similar Trophy race over a mile in April, he then won the Listed Sprots Chosun Trophy over 2000M in May and then ran a close 2^nd to the excellent Naol Sniper, again at 2000M at class 1 level on July 7^th. Under today’s conditions, he carries an additional 4kg, but that shouldn’t be a problem. (4) MY CENTER won that aforementioned April Trophy race at a mile and while he was well back in both the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup, he returned to winning ways on July 20^th, again back at the mile. He too has his fair share of weight but draws nicely and is a danger. (6) DRAGON STAR was 4^th in the Sports Chosun and has since registered back-to-back runner-up finishes at class 2 level. He has won at this distance and has registered a quick time at it and can be in the mix again. (11) BLACK BELT and (13) COMPLETE LEVEL among plenty of others who can be in the hunt for the money.

Seoul Race 5:  Class Open (1400M) Special Weight A / Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) / KRW 500 Million

The latest round of the Queens’ Tour sees fifteen top-class fillies and mares line up and (8) WONDERFUL SLEW and (12) JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG will renew their rivalry. The latter dominated last year but Wonderful Slew won when they met in the KNN Cup over a mile at Busan in June. Jeulgeounyeojeong had an excuse that day as she got interfered with in the back straight to the extent her jockey did well to stay on, but they raced one another again when taking on the boys in the KRA Cup Classic over 2000M here in August and Wonderful Slew ran 4^th to Jeulgeounyeojeong’s 9^th. It isn’t necessarily a two-filly race though. (14) CROWN HAMSEONG ran 2^nd on debut and has since strung together a series of five wins up to class 2 level and up to this distance. She has recorded some super times, and she has every chance of measuring up. (13) ECLIPSE BERRY won the first two legs of this year’s Triple Tiara and while she came up short in the final leg over 2000M, that was an unusual race and back at one turn, she can be a danger. (1) RAON FOREST another in the hunt in a tremendous looking race.

There will be no Triple Tiara winner this year as Seirene, the longest but one shot on the board – and a maiden to boot – stormed through late to claim glory, and a first ever race win, in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Having won both prior legs of the Triple Tiara, the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks, Eclipse Berry was sent off as the hot favourite for the Gyeonggi, ahead of Global Taeyang, who had run 3^rd in both races, getting especially close when Moon Se-young dropped his crop on Eclipse Berry in the Oaks, but still went down by a nose.

In the final leg of the Tiara, Global Taeyang began badly and was always chasing while Eclipse Berry set the pace under Moon Se-young. You Hyun-myung rode Global Taeyang up to be on the heels of Eclipse Berry in the back straight, but it was quickly apparent that the Luna Stakes and Oaks runner-up had very little left in the tank.

The favourite quickly capitulated as Flying Star first struck the front and then Seirene set out in pursuit. Flying Star would put in a special effort, but Seirene, the second longest shot on the board, would pick her off in sight of the line.

Son Jin-ha, representative of the Gong I Gong Pal ownership group of the 70/1 chance Seirene, had taken the unusual step of leading his filly around the parade ring while sporting a full replica jockey silk. He was still wearing it after the race.

“I cheered until my voice was hoarse” Son told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “As they got to the 4^th corner, I was thinking that we might manage to come 3^rd. But suddenly (the leaders weakened) and I thought we might get 2^nd. And then the end. It was thrilling. I can’t believe it!”

When asked about his parade ring appearance (it wasn’t the first time he has worn his silks in the parade ring) Son said: “I think it is important to show the happiness an owner can have.”

“We have been doing this for just eight years (the Gong I Gong Pal club), but we have shown it is possible – we went into this race with a maiden filly and now she has won a Group 3!” Seirene was the only one in the race yet to break her maiden. But how she broke it! When I bought her, I assumed she would be better at long distances. My hope is that she can continue to race at these distances for years to come.”

Owner Son then poked fun at the English translation of his filly’s name noting that he had intended it to be “Siren”: “Because they lure foolish men onto the rocks.”

Whether the Korean racing registry will take note is yet to be seen.

The rest of the connections were just as forthcoming: “This is just the second time I rode her, and I tried to stick as close to the leaders as possible” winning jockey Jang Chu-youl told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “Flying Star went to the lead in the home straight and she was going so well that she looked like she wasn’t going to stop. I just asked Seirene to give as much as she could, and she just wouldn’t give up. It felt so good.”

“I think (Seirene) has the potential to go further and challenge for the Queens’ Tour races later this year.” Jockey Jang then reflected on a personal note. “We always want to win the best races and for me it has been a long time since I did, (the 2012 G3 SROA Chairman’s Sprint was his only prior Group win) so I am grateful, and I will work harder in future.”

“I didn’t expect this at all. I never even thought about it, really.” trainer An Hae-yang told in house broadcaster KRBC. And he didn’t say any more as the notoriously shy – and somewhat old-school trainer ushered his assistant to answer the remainder of the questions on his behalf. For An, it was a fourth Group win in a twenty-five-year career, having won the 2001 Minister’s Cup with Mubidongja and then two Koreans Oaks with Amaranth in 2003 and Uaryung in the Covid hit 2020 season.

It’s another big winner for sire To Honor And Serve. The stallion attracted Korean notice with his imported champion Cheongdam Dokki. That alerted Korean breeders and they bought him. Along with Seirene, he is the sire of locally-bred superstars Global Hit and Beolmaui Star.

Bred by Kim Sang-wook, Seirene was bought by her owners, the 0208 or “Gong I Gong Pal” group for KRW 25 Million at the December 2022 Mainland Yearling Sales. Race Video: https://youtu.be/vZxd3xfuz7s?si=uaE8mww9LhYyryhl