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KNN Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (July 24)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the 2016 Queens Tour and a strong challenge has headed south from Seoul to Busan for the KNN Cup, which will be run over a mile. Also, three Korea-trained horses are in Singapore for this afternoon’s KRA Trophy at Kranji Racecourse.

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For the first time ever in Korea, a “contest” – not actual betting which remains illegal – will be offered on an overseas race, the KRA Trophy in Singapore

Of those three, it is Busan-based Triple Five that looks to have the most chance of making an impact in what looks a tough race over 1200M. The race will be beamed back live to Korea where punters are being offered a free to enter betting “event”. Plenty going on at home though and English racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races at Seoul and Busan, including the KNN Cup below:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

A comfortable winner on debut over 1000M last month, (3) ICE MARINE steps up in class and is favourite to land this all-filly contest. She should be on speed early and can lead all the way. (8) HWANGGEUM GEOTAP beat (6) TEXAS RUSH and (9) WINNING GILI at 1300M on Jun 24th. All three are accordingly up in class today and Hwanggeum Geotap is favoured to be most suited to this level and looks a danger again. Among those with experience of this class, (7) CHALLANHAN ACE and (10) VICAR HOPE, the latter of whom struggled in wet conditions last start, look the best while front-runner (1) LION PARK can’t be discounted either.

Selections (3) Ice Marine (8) Hwanggeum Geotap (10) Vicar Hope (7) Challanhan Ace
Next Best 6, 1, 2, 4
Outsiders 5, 9, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

A winner on debut, Brian Dean’s (3) JUNGL DRUMMER couldn’t follow up when favourite for his first try at this class on June 25th, finishing 4th. Since then, he’s gone back to trial – which he won – and he should be given another chance here. (8) DOLCE VITA beat (1) MINSON as they finished 2nd and 3rd respectively at class and distance in June. Minson is slightly favoured here. (4) GEUMTAEPUNG and (10) YAHO GIANT look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Jungl Drummer (1) Minson (8) Dolce Vita (10) Yaho Giant
Next Best 4, 7
Outsiders 2, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 3, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13:50 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (1) HANEOLUI JILJU was the easy winner of a weak race at class and distance on July 3rd and should really have too much against similar opposition today. (9) PRIVATE DANCER saw a run of three straight wins come to an end last time out but can be given another chance here while similarly (6) GABOGAPJJANG disappointed when favourite on his return from five months out last month but can go better today. (7) LET’S WIN is yet to, but has shown promise in two outings and looks ready to try this distance again. A $50,000 purchase and impressive in trials, (3) B.K PARK may be considered on debut.

Selections (1) Haneolui Jilju (9) Private Dancer (7) Let’s Win (6) Gabogapjjang
Next Best 3, 11, 10, 2
Outsiders 4, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 (KST)

Competitive race this but despite being beaten into 4th when favourite last time we’ll make (2) DOCHI, who tries this distance for the first time, the slight favourite. He started badly last time but should be on the early speed here. (8) MAKGANG JILJU is also up in distance following a solid 3rd last start and can be considered. (3) NOBLE WARRIOR was a class and distance winner just two weeks ago and should go well again – he does carry an extra 3.5kg though. (1) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK and (7) RUN STAR also look capable.

Selections (2) Dochi (3) Noble Warrior (8) Makgang Jilju (1) Yeongung Chulgyeok
Next Best 7, 11, 12, 6, 4
Outsiders 5, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Up in class following two consecutive wins, (7) GOLD MORNING looks very much the one to beat here. She should make all. (8) RAON ROUIS and (9) SSONSALGACHI are capable and should be competitive while (3) SHINE CLOVER and (6) BARWONJI can find at least the places. Two others up in class following wins are (5) S CLASS and (10) SOKBO WANGJA and both have a bit to find today.

Selections (7) Gold Morning (8) Raon Rouis (9) Ssonsalgachi (10) Sokbo Wangja
Next Best 3, 5, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 11
Fast Starters 3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 15:30 (KST)

(6) TOP FIGHTER beat (1) GUMPO MIRACLE (and three others who go again here) by a full ten lengths at class and distance on June 26th. However, while Top Fighter may well end up being favourite, he carries an extra 5kg today and that may be enough to give Gumpo Miracle the edge. (7) BOHEMIAN was another of those beaten that day but can be given another chance here while (2) GOSOK JILJU and (8) MORNING GANGJA look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Gumpo Miracle (6) Top Fighter (7) Bohemian (2) Gosok Jilju
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 3, 5
Fast Starters 3, 7

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Small but very competitive field. (6) THEME DEUNGGEUK, an also ran in the Korean Derby, is up in class after a facile win at 1300M last month and looks an intriguing prospect here. He will have to deal with another intriguing prospect in the shape of (7) SEOMGWANGI, who tries this distance for the first time following a solid 2nd place at 1200M at this class a month ago. (4) SPACE SHUTTLE and (8) MUSOE are proven at the distance and will be dangerous while (3) INBEACTIVE looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Seomgwangi (6) Theme Deunggeuk (8) Musoe (4) Space Shuttle
Next Best 3, 5
Outsiders 1, 2
Fast Starters 6, 7

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The KNN Cup (KOR G3) /1600M / Allowance (Fillies & Mares) / KRW 400 Million / 16:30 (KST)

The 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour and many see this as a contest between the winner of the 1st leg (14) BICHUI JEONGSANG and (8) NEW YORK BLUE. The latter was 3rd in that race, the Ttukseom Cup and has home-track advantage this time. Bichui Jeongsang looks strong though and the wide gate shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Both look very competitive as does TJK Trophy winner (1) AREUMDAUNDONGHAENG who champion jockey Moon Se Young returned a week earlier than expected from injury in order to ride. Last year’s Oaks winner (4) JANGPUNG PARANG was 5th in the Ttukseom Cup and will be more suited to today’s distance. (13) MS. MARGAUX and (6) SILVER WOLF are among a number of others set to be dangerous.

Selections (14) Bichui Jeongsang (8) New York Blue (13) Ms. Margaux (1) Areumdaundonghaeng
Next Best 4, 6, 9, 15, 11, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 7, 10, 12
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(8) CHANG SE is up in class following a smart win at 1200M a month ago. Back in March, she won the Sports Seoul Oaks Trial at this distance and it’s hard to see her getting beaten here. The experienced pair of (1) OSAENG MYEONGJANG and (9) CLEAN UP STAR can be competitive in this company while (4) GREY KAISER and (5) BLACK DIA are others to take into consideration.

Selections (8) Chang Se (9) Clean Up Star (1) Osaeng Myeongjang (4) Grey Kaiser
Next Best 5, 2, 7
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(1) READY WHEN YOU ARE was surprisingly beaten by Power Bullet last start at 1400M having led for most of the way, but coming in after seven weeks off and back at 1200M today, can reverse that form. (6) MORNING DAERO and (7) WORLD LOVE are capable at this class and can go close. (3) POKPUNG CHOEGANG has beaten plenty of these recently and while the new apprentice jockey may deter some, there’s no reason why he can’t perform well.

Selections (1) Ready When You Are (6) Morning Daero (3) Pokpung Choegang (7) World Love
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 2, 5
Fast Starters 1, 2, 5

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Really competitive event to end with and while (3) SPACE PORT was overmatched in last month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup and is carrying 59kg today, he should still be very competitive. At the other end of the weight scale, (5) GOLDHOLIC looks beautifully in here and should have a chance. (8) BICHUI WANGJA will be on speed early and could go all the way while (7) IMPETUS and the returning from a short spell (2) DAEHAN JANGGUN could also be dangerous.

Selections (5) Goldholic (3) Space Port (8) Bichui Wangja (7) Impetus
Next Best 11, 9, 2, 12
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 10
Fast Starters 4, 8

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 22)

It’s another big weekend of racing on the peninsula, culminating in the KNN Cup, the second leg of the Queens Tour at Busan on Sunday. It’s at Busan where things get underway on Friday with a ten-race card from 14:30 to 21:00.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on Busan races 1-9 below:

A number of jockeys from Seoul are in town today and Seoul’s champion jockey Moon Se Young combines with Busan’s top trainer Kim Young Kwan in races 1 and 4. Also to note is that trainer Bart Rice has a win rate of 40% in July so far and could conceivably have three more winners this afternoon.

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Nine of these twelve two-year-olds are debut-makers and the most promising of those looks to be (12) ADELE STAR, one of two who come in having won their trial. The outside gate isn’t ideal and the start will be important but he looks promising. The other trial winner is (7) S PARIS and he too will have backers. (10) PARK MAN and (11) BRACHAH both put in encouraging debuts last month. The latter is trained by Kim Young Kwan and with Seoul’s champion jockey Moon Se Young on board, he is sure to have a lot of support. (2) INDIAN KING looks best of the rest at this stage.

Selections (11) Brachah (12) Adele Star (7) S Paris (10) Park Man
Next Best 2, 9, 3, 1
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 8
Fast Starters 7, 12

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(5) SMART LADY was 3rd on debut in an all-fully race last month and she’s the pick to go on and score here. Main danger is (12) MISS CANBERRA, who has been close in each of her five outings to date without making the breakthrough and is sure to be close again. (1) ROAD TO SUCCESS has shown signs of improvement across his three starts so far as has (7) DANCING STAR and both can be considered. (3) MACH IMPACT, who also improved on what was his second start last month is another who can go well in a race where most will be vying to lead from the gate.

Selections (5) Smart Lady (12) Miss Canberra (7) Dancing Star (1) Road To Success
Next Best 3, 2, 11, 4
Outsiders 6, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 8, 12

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:45 (KST)

Just fillies here with and Bart Rice’s stable continuing to be in excellent form, (11) MAJESTIC BEAUTY has to be the pick to score, lengthening out to 1300M for the first time. She’ll be strong favourite. (1) DANCING BLAZE was 2nd on debut in a relatively weak event over 1000M on June 24th, a full five-lengths ahead of (2) SOLYEONJISE, and can build on that here. (7) RAPA CHUKJE beat a couple of these when 3rd at 1000M in May and returns after two months off while (5) OH DAEBAK is yet to win in fourteen outings but is capable of placing. (4) QUEEN STEALTH can build on a quietly encouraging debut.

Selections (11) Majestic Beauty (1) Dancing Blaze (7) Rapa Chukje (5) Oh Daebak
Next Best 4, 8, 2, 6
Outsiders 3, 9, 10
Fast Starters 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:35 (KST)

Kim Young Kwan and Moon Se Young combine once more, this time with (11) JERAJIN, who was 4th on debut three weeks ago. The additional distance should be in her favour here and she can win. (9) GORYEOUI KKUM was beaten a long way into 3rd by a couple of good ones last month but can get much closer today. (8) PYEONGDAEMYEONGMUN is another who was 4th on debut last month and will likely join Jerajin on the early speed. She too should appreciate the extra distance. (10) TONGHAP ACE looks the best of an average rest.

Selections (11) Jerajin (9) Goryeoui Kkum (8) Pyeongdaemyeongmun (10) Tonghap Ace
Next Best 1, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 8, 11

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25 (KST)

(10) EUROPA steps up in class and distance having been a four-length winner on debut on June 17th. He made all that day and will be on speed once more and should be competitive. (9) COT WING is yet to win in nine starts but has finished no worse than 4th in any of his last seven outings and a breakthrough is possible. (3) SEUNGNIUI CHUKJE was last seen out of his depth in the Korean Derby two months ago but back at 1300M and in this company, he should be much happier and should be looking to lead early. (2) GOLD SUN and (5) GIFTED SUN are similar in name and in record and both can be looking to at least place here.

Selections (10) Europa (9) Cot Wing (3) Seungniui Chukje (2) Gold Sun
Next Best 5, 1, 4, 11
Outsiders 6, 7, 8, 12
Fast Starters 2, 3, 10

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:05 (KST)

Another Bart Rice prospect here, (7) CHALLAUI JUIN was a winner on debut on July 1st, coming from off the pace to win well at this distance and while up in class here, looks the one to beat. (3) PANGPANG LEGEND comes in following three consecutive 2nd place finishes including last time at this class, beating a couple of the others who go here and she looks to be the main danger. One of those she beat last time was (8) DONGBANG BULPAE, who was making his first start at this level and can be considered for improvement. Kim Young Kwan’s (5) HWANGJEUI TANSAENG returns for the first time since winning in January and looked decent in a trial last week while (10) BIGBANG BID is yet to win in seventeen and probably won’t here but is capable of placing.

Selections (7) Challaui Juin (3) Pangpang Legend (8) Dongbang Bulpae (5) Hwangjeui Tansaeng
Next Best 9, 10, 12, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 11
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 12

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:45 (KST)

Two wins from four and up in class today, (1) JANTEUGAREU looks to have promise and he can make all here to keep his good run going. (4) WONIL ROOKIE, a class and distance winner already, did disappoint last start, beaten by (5) ACE MARINE, among others, but can go better today although more favoured is likely to be (6) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM who has been no worse than 4th in each of her last four outings and can go close again. (10) MAJOR WINNER, just beaten a neck into 2nd on her first try at this level on June 26th, is another strong contender.

Selections (1) Janteugareu (4) Wonil Rookie (6) Kwaehan Myeongpum (10) Major Winner
Next Best 5, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 8, 9
Fast Starters 1, 4

Race 8: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35 (KST)

Competitive race this but (8) QUEEN ELEGANCE is slightly favoured to get her maiden win at what will be her tenth attempt. She comes in following a decent 2nd place at class and distance, beating a couple of these in the process on June 10th and can go one better today. Main danger looks to be (12) MAGIC LINE, who tries this distance for the first time while (2) ARION METAL and (3) CHOEGOUI SUNGAN, who finished 2nd and 3rd over 1400M on June 24th should be competitive again. (11) OHHWAMA looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Queen Elegance (12) Magic Line (3) Choegoui Sungan (2) Arion Metal
Next Best 11, 6, 4, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 9, 10
Fast Starters 8, 12

Race 9: Class 3 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 20:30 (KST)

Banker favourite of the day here is (4) BUHWARUI BANSEOK. He has beaten plenty of these in recent starts; has never finished any worse than 3rd and should really be returning to the winner’s circle here. Main danger looks to be (6) GOLD BLUE, 3rd over this distance last start and with potential for improvement. (3) IRON TRAIN and (8) GOLD MOON ran 5th and 6th behind Buhwarui Banseok and can chase him home once more with (2) DASEOT ME the other one to consider.

Selections (4) Buhwarui Banseok (6) Gold Blue (3) Iron Train (2) Daseot Me
Next Best 8, 1, 5, 7
Fast Starters 6, 8

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

Korean Oaks weekend gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon with 10 races from 12:40 to 19:00. There will be racing at Seoul on Saturday and both Seoul and Busan on Sunday.

Last weekend Seo Seung Un took full advantage of many of Busan’s top jockeys being away in Seoul to ride seven winners across the two days. Seo is back in action today add could well add to his winners but only one of his mounts is expected to be favourite. Other jockeys to follow today look to be the Italian pair of Paolo Aragoni and Pasquale Borelli – both should partner two favourites. In terms of trainers, champion trainer Kim Young Kwan could quite easily send out three or four winners. Here are brief notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance/ KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Can (9) HAEGA TTEUNDA get it done this time? She’s been well-backed since her debut but has managed to come up short each time. She needs a good start – something she has often failed to do – and if she gets it, she can win this. Main danger is (4) HAPPY JILJU, who got her best finish of 2nd last time out at this distance on May 13th. She beat (5) CHASEDAE into 4th that day which was a big improvement for the latter too. (2) ATHENS was a disappointing 7th on debut on May 20th but Kim Young Kwan’s colt can be given another chance here while another disappointing debut-maker (10) HAMAN YEOJEONSA is also expected to improve.

Selections (9) Haega Tteunda (4) Happy Jilju (2) Athens (5) Chasedae
Next Best 10, 7, 1
Outsiders 3, 6, 8
Fast Starters 4, 9, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

It’s an unfashionable trainer/jockey combination but (8) DANGCHAN JILJU was 2nd at the distance last time and a similar run today could well be enough to see off this field. He’s likely to get an uncontested lead and can go all the way. (1) SUPER BLADE was 6th in an all-filly race on debut last month and she’s the one from who improvement is most expected, having looked sharp in earlier trials. Thomas Gillespie’s (3) WINNING ALL was much improved on his second start just two weeks ago and can build on that today while (6) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK and (7) WONDER BOY look to be the best of the rest.

Selections (1) Super Blade (8) Dangchan Jilju (3) Winning All (6) Yeongung Chulgyeok
Next Best 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 4, 5
Fast Starters 8

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

No fewer than five of these are up in class today and of those, it’s (2) KKOKDAEGI who looks the most likely to build on what was a winning debut on May 22nd. He came from off the pace to win over the minimum distance last time and the step up to 1200M today should suit him very nicely. Of the others up in class (8) MUJEOK VICAR, an eye-catching six-length winner last start, and (7) YEONGGWANGUI CAMP look to have the best chances to go on while among those with experience at this level (4) GANGJA DAERO and (1) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL can find the places.

Selections (2) Kkokdaegi (8) Mujeok Vicar (1) Sangseung Mulgyeol (4) Gangja Daero
Next Best 7, 9, 3
Outsiders 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 5, 8, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(11) BLACK TETRA has been favourite in both her last two starts but despite missing out both times, she is the choice to get it right today. She will look to lead from the gate. (8) MUJEOK SINHWA hasn’t found things easy in three starts at this level so far but can improve today while (12) CLEAN CHOEGANG started awkwardly and raced poorly last time but can be considered again following six weeks off. (2) LUCKY HANMA and (4) CHOEGANG EXCELLENT are best of the rest.

Selections (11) Black Tetra (8) Mujeok Sinwhwa (4) Choegang Excellent (12) Clean Choegang
Next Best 2, 9, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 6, 10
Fast Starters 2, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(6) KKEUTPAN HERO is two for two and up in class and distance but he is going to be up against it here against some promising imports. He is very nicely in the weights though and shouldn’t be overlooked. Kim Young Kwan’s (3) GUMALLI was a solid winner over 1400M and returning after over two months, looks to have solid claims while (9) GOLD BLUE beat a couple of these when winning, also over 1400M, last month. Both (4) PAMPAS FARM and (5) QUEEN ELEGANCE are yet to win but both are capable of coming close.

Selections (3) Gumalli (6) Kkeutpan Hero (9) Gold Blue (4) Pampas Farm
Next Best 5, 1, 7
Outsiders 2, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 5, 6

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Banker favourite of the day here in (8) SAEROUN STEALTH. Last seen running 8th in the Korean Derby at Seoul four weeks ago, he should have too much for this field. Clear 2nd choice is (3) V MAN, who also went in the Derby and should be too quick for most. (4) HWANHUIUI BYEOL is the likely pacesetter and so long as he doesn’t do too much too early, can stay on well at this distance while (5) FIRST KING and (7) WORLD QUICK are others to consider.

Selections (8) Saeroun Stealth (3) V Man (4) Hwanhuiui Byeol (5) First King
Next Best 7, 1, 2
Outsiders 6, 9, 10, 11
Fast Starters 4, 10, 11

Race 8: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(3) SISEON POCHAK drops back to a mile today following a couple of spins around 1800M – one of them successful and the other a 7th place in the Korean Derby – and having won at this distance in the past, should go well here. (2) ACME returns for the first time since January. He was on a strong of three consecutive wins before the spell and looked ok in a trial at the end of last month. He may need to sharpen up a little bit but can be considered. (5) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR is two starts back from a lengthy spell of his own. Both have resulted in 3rd place finishes and he should be at least matching that today, (1) SINCHEON YEOMANG and the up in class (6) CHEONJUNGWANG are others to consider.

Selections (3) Siseon Pochak (2) Acme (5) Sangseung Junior (6) Cheonjungwang
Next Best 1, 4, 7
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(4) BIT BLADE returned for the first time in a year on May 13th to go six for six and while he jumps up to two turns for the very first time, he is favoured to maintain his 1000% record here. Main danger is (3) MAGIC PARK who beat two of these when winning at a mile on May 1st and must be respected. One of those beaten that day was (1) SHARP GALE and he along with (2) WILD BURNING and (7) PROFESSOR SILVER look the most likely of the rest.

Selections (4) Bit Blade (3) Magic Park (1) Sharp Gale (7) Professor Silver
Next Best 2, 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5

Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

Four of these raced each other at class and distance on May 22nd and the winner that day (5) SUPER STORM is favoured to follow up today despite carrying an extra 2.5kg. The ones who got closest to him that day, (6) GANGHO DRIVE and (3) MACHU PICCHU look to be the main dangers again with Machu Picchu favoured to get a bit closer this time. (7) UBAKI and (4) SMILE QUEEN are others to consider for the places.

Selections (5) Super Storm (3) Machu Picchu (6) Gangho Drive (7) Ubaki
Next Best 4, 1, 2
Fast Starters 4, 5

Bichui Jeongsang Strikes For Seoul In Ttukseom Cup

It’s not often that Seoul bests Busan when horses from the two tracks meet in Stakes races but that’s exactly what happened in the first leg of the Queen’s Tour on Sunday afternoon as Bichui Jeongsang justified her favourite status to win the Ttukseom Cup.

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Jo Sung Gon and Bichui Jeongsang win the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)

The race attracted thirteen fillies & mares with Bichui Jeongsang, 3rd in last year’s race and a multiple time class 1 winner, sent off just the right side of even money for the 1400 series opener.

Under former Champion Busan jockey Jo Sung Gon, Bichui Jeongsang was slowly away as last year’s Oaks winner Jangpung Parang showed the way early on. The latter though would fade and eventually finish i 5th place as Buchui Jeongsang improved around the home turn and then powered away from her rivals in the home straight, beating 20/1 shot Halla Chukje by half a length on the line. New York Blue, 2nd in last year’s race was Busan’s best finisher in 3rd.

Bichui Jeongsang was purchased for $30,000 at Fasig Tipton in 2013 and won four out of her first five on her way to a quick elevation to class 1 racing. She was slightly disappointing in some big Stakes races in the second half of last year which led to her missing out on a trip to the Dubai Carnival but scored back to back class 1 wins at the turn of the year and now heads the favourites as the Queen’s Tour contenders reassemble in Busan for the KNN Cup next month.

The Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – June 5, 2016

1. Bichui Jeongsang (USA) [Wildcat Heir – Persimmon Honey (Colonial Affair)] – Jo Sung Gon – 2.3, 1.2
2. Halla Chukje (USA) [Gottcha Gold – C D Player (Montbrook)] – Lee Hyeok – 4.9
3. New York Blue (USA) [Candy Ride – Aim For The Moon (Deputy Minister)] – Lim Sung Sil – 1.5
Distances: 0.5 lengths / 0.75 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Silver Wolf (AUS) 5. Jangpung Parang (KOR) 6. Ms. Margaux (USA) 7. Queen’s Champion (USA) 8. Supreme Magic (USA) 9. Hay Queen (USA) 10. Model Line (USA) 11. Bukbeol Sinhwa (KOR) 12. Winner’s Marine (KOR) 13. Indian Star (KOR)

This coming week, attention shifts to the next generation of fillies in the shape of the Korean Oaks at Busan. It is unlikely Seoul will be able to follow up with another victory.

Perdido Pomeroy Wins SBS Korea/Japan Cup

Perdido Pomeroy won the 2nd leg of the 2016 Sprint Series and the first of the year’s international races, beating out last year’s Asia Challenge Cup winner Choegang Schiller by half a length in the SBS Sports Korea/Japan Cup last Sunday.

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Perdido Pomeroy gets the better of Choegang Schiller at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

In the first leg of the Sprint Series, Perdido Pomeroy had gone down to Gamdonguibada and while the mare was sent off as favourite to make it two wins in a row, she had to settle for 3rd as under Kim Yong Geun, Perdido Pomeroy made all.

Choegang Schiller pushed the winner all the way but there was no luck for the visiting Japanese-trained trio. Kimon Avalon was the best placed finisher, coming home in 5th with Dreadnought 7th and Best Wish 11th.

Perdido Pomeroy cost just $22,000 at last June’s OBS Sales but in just seven races to date, has already earned over $350,000, with this being his fifth win.

Another up and coming import, Tongil Sidae put in a creditable effort in 4th. Unlike Perdido Pomeroy, his future is most likely at further distances. However, there was no luck for Cheongu, the globe-trotting colt looking more and more as though he could do with a spell while OS Hwadap also found it tough in this company.

Perdido Pomeroy’s emergence, however, gives some cause for optimism for Korean entries ahead of the final leg of the Sprint Series which will be the $700K Korea Sprint on International Day in September.

SBS Sports Korea/Japan Cup – Seoul Racecourse – 1200M – June 5, 2016

1. Perdido Pomeroy (USA) [Pomeroy – Boldest Of All (Bold Executive)] – Kim Yong Gen – 5.8, 1.9
2. Choegang Schiller (USA) [Artie Schiller – Changeable (Miswaki)] – Lee Chan Ho – 1.9
3. Gamdonguibada (USA) [Werblin – Radyla (Country Pine)] – Choi Si Dae – 1.4
Distances: 0.5 lengths / 1 length
Also Ran: 4. Tongil Sidae (USA) 5. Kimon Avalon (JPN) 6. Mirae Yeongung (USA) 7. Dreadnought (JPN) 8. OS Hwadap (USA) 9. Cheongu (USA) 10. Yuseong Fighting (KOR) 11. Best Wish (JPN) 12. Rise And Shout (USA)

Ttukseom Cup 2016: Runners & Riders

Sunday at Seoul sees the first leg of the Queen’s Tour to decide the nation’s Champion Filly & Mare for 2016. An hour after the SBS Korea/Japan Cup (Click here for the full preview of the Korea/Japan Cup), thirteen will line up for 1400M test.

Peter Wolsley’s Ms. Margaux, who specializes in coming 2nd or 3rd, looks to be the pick here but she will face strong competition from the likes of Bichui Jeongsang, New York Blue and last year’s Oaks winner Jangpung Parang. Indian Star is also likely to be among the favourites.

Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – May 5, 2016 (17:05)

1. Bichui Jeongsang (USA) [Wildcat Heir – Persimmon Honey (Colonial Affair)] 5 (20/7/5/4) IS Seo – Jo Sung Gon
2. Queen’s Champion (USA) [Colonel John – Side Venture (Touch Gold)] 4 (12/4/3/1) SK Kim – Moon Se Young
3. Jangpung Parang (KOR) [Creek Cat – Ascend The Throne (Silver Charm)] 4 (13/4/2/5) YK Kim – Kim Yong Geun
4. Silver Wolf (AUS) [Oratorio – Ready For More (More Than Ready)] 4 (9/4/3/0) MG Son – Yoo Seung Wan
5. Indian Star (KOR) [Adcat – Indian Diamond (Indian Charlie)] 4 (12/8/1/1) JB Mun – Yoo Hyun Myung
6. Supreme Magic (USA) [Lookin At Lucky – Thru N’Thru (Stormy Atlantic)] 4 (11/4/2/2) WS An – Yonekura Satoshi
7. Model Line (USA) [Desert Party – Playing Footsie (Valiant Nature)] 4 (16/3/1/0) IS Seo – Imran Chisty
8. Bukbeol Sinhwa (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] 5 (15/6/2/1) YK Kim – Paolo Aragoni
9. Halla Chukje (USA) [Gottcha Gold – C D Player (Montbrook)] 5 (28/5/5/2) JG Yu – Lee Hyeok
10. Winner’s Marine (KOR) [Volponi – Graceful Ballerina (Posse)] KH Choi – Choi Si Dae
11. Hay Queen (USA) [Hold Me Back – Jack’s Touch (Touch Gold)] JH Koo – Song Jae Chul
12. Ms. Margaux (USA) [Midnight Lute – Sixtyone Margaux)] 5 (24/2/9/8) PM Wolsley – Lee Hee Cheon
13. New York Blue (USA) [Candy Ride – Aim For The Moon (Deputy Minister)] 5 (22/7/8/1) KM Lim – Lim Sung Sil

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

A big weekend of racing on the peninsula kicks off on Friday afternoon with ten races at Busan with the first at 12:40pm and the last at 7pm (there is also pony racing from Jeju Island in the gaps between races).

Fields look to be competitive with some warm, but by no means nailed-on, favourites throughout the day. Trainer Bart Rice was in top form in May and he can keep it going with Wonil Bulpae in race 7 (Edit: Wonil Bulpae has been withdrawn). Many of Busan’s top jockeys are away in Seoul this weekend for Sunday’s SBS and Ttukseom Cups so Ikuyasu Kurakane, Seo Seung Un and Lee Yong Ho look to be the ones to follow today.

English racecards can be found here. Race-by-race comments:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(3) NANDANALA returned from almost a year out with a career-best 4th on May 6th and looks best placed to improve here and get her maiden win. (5) STRONG MYEONGUN will look to lead from the gate and is a danger while (1) GEOWIUI KKUM, making just his second start – a full nine months after his first, looked sharp in a trial a couple of weeks ago and may be considered. Debut-maker (6) HWANGGEUMBIT JILJU will have backers due to the stable while (8) PALMYRA and (10) JEONSEOLUI LEGEND are others with the potential to improve.

Selections (3) Nandala (5) Strong Myeongun (1) Geowiui Kkum (10) Jeonseolui Legend
Next Best 6, 8, 12, 11
Outsiders 2, 4, 7, 9
Fast Starters 5, 8

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(5) BEST CHEONGCHUN has managed a best of three 4th place finishes among eight starts to date but should have the beating of these and it’s about time she made the breakthrough here. (3) KWAESOK BOLT was a much-improved 3rd last time out, beating (7) HWASEONG ACE in the process and can be respected with likely pacesetter (1) TAKE AGAIN and (2) PERFECT KING others who are capable of being involved. Best Cheongchun should be winning, though.

Selections (5) Best Cheongchun (3) Kwaesok Bolt (2) Perfect King (1) Take Again
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 4, 8
Fast Starters 1

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

One of two up in class here, (8) WHITE BLUE is the narrow choice to follow up on her maiden win which she scored at this distance on April 15th. She made all that day and comes in following seven weeks off and while it may be harder to get to the lead today with plenty of early speed in this race, she is the one to beat. Also up in class is (4) TRIPLE PARTY; he is yet to win but has a 2nd and two 3rds in three starts and can maintain that record today while of the more experienced ones, (5) YEONGGWANGUISINHWA and (6) YUSEONG STAR look to be the main dangers. (9) GOLD SUN actually beat White Blue back in January but has struggled in three starts since.

Selections (8) White Blue (4) Triple Party (6) Yuseong Star (5) Yeonggwanguisinhwa
Next Best 9, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 7, 10
Fast Starters 1, 3, 4, 8, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

Competitive all-filly affair here but there are a couple of standouts. (6) ALBERT VICAR beat (4) MAJOR SLAM when scoring her maiden victory over 1200M three weeks ago and looks nicely in to repeat. Major Slam was 4th that day and can be a threat as can her stablemate (2) JUNGANG YEOJE. She is the only one of these up in class following a two-length victory over the minimum distance last month. (5) LOVE QUEEN beat (1) VALKYRIE at the minimum last month and both can challenge today.

Selections (6) Albert Vicar (2) Jungang Yeoje (4) Major Slam (1) Valkyrie
Next Best 5, 3
Outsiders 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(4) DOCHI has shown gradual improvement and could perhaps have won had he not missed the jump at this distance just two weeks ago. Ultimately he was beaten four lengths by a decent winner but with a better start today, can win. (6) IMPASSIONED MARINE enters following back-to-back 3rd place finishes and 3rd is a minimum requirement today while the experienced (8) SAMDA GONGJU should have the beating of plenty. (1) OH MY CAPTAIN and (7) FOREVER VICTORY also look capable in this company.

Selections (4) Dochi (6) Impassioned Marine (1) Oh My Captain (8) Samda Gongju
Next Best 7, 9, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 10
Fast Starters 1, 7

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(Edited due to withdrawal of (7) Wonil Bulpae) (3) GLORY DAYS was 3rd, beaten 2 lengths by Wonil Bulpae over 1400M on May 6th and he inherits favourite status here. Formerly with the Rice stable (11) KING THE GRAY was a decent 2nd on his first start for his new handler last month and can go well again. (5) SSI F STAR looks best of the rest but we’ll need to keep an eye on (10) CUPID BUWHAL. Kim Young Kwan’s debut-maker was 2nd in his barrier trial and will have backers first-up.

Selections (7) Wonil Bulpae (3) Glory Days (11) King The Gray (10) Cupid Buwhal
Next Best 5, 12, 8, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 4, 6
Fast Starters 3, 12

Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(8) MAD POWER is three-for-three and nicely in here to the extent that it’s hard to back against her keeping her unbeaten run going. (3) PRIVATE DANCER had an unbeaten record to defend when he raced over 1400M on March 20th. He was favourite that day but raced so poorly he was disqualified and banned for two months. He came through a trial last month in fine order though and will be one of the main dangers to Mad Power here. Also a danger is (2) ILMANGMUJE, up in class following a string of good results at class 5; she will join Private Dancer on the early speed. (6) USEUNG BEONJJEOK and (9) BETTER THAN YOU are others to consider.

Selections (8) Mad Power (3) Private Dancer (2) Ilmangmuje (9) Better Than You
Next Best 6, 7, 4
Outsiders 1, 5, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 8

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

A seven-length winner at 1400M, (2) GASOK ENGINE steps up in both class and distance today and while a previous try at a mile did not go well, he should be the favourite among this small but competitive field. (1) MR. KELLY has won at this class at a mile in the past and can improve on a lacklustre run at 1400M in March while (5) BEOLMA SONYEON showed signs of a return to form with a 3rd place at a mile last month, beating (6) JOKWANG and (4) MORNING GANGJA in the process. (3) HANBANDO JEONGBOK and (7) CAP IN ALL both come following 5th places which they can improve on here.

Selections (2) Gasok Engine (1) Mr. Kelly (7) Cap In All (5) Beolma Sonyeon
Next Best 3, 4, 6
Outsiders
Fast Starters 2, 3

Race 10: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 19:00 (KST)

Another competitive race to finish with and (5) READY WHEN YOU ARE is the slight pick to prevail having done well in two starts so far this year and looking ready for another crack at 1400M. He will look to lead all the way. (2) JUNGANG CHAMP beat (6) NOT ANYMORE by a length at a mile last time and both should be in contention here, as should (1) HEUKGANGJA, who has had eight weeks off since being beaten by Not Anymore over a mile in April. (3) POWER BULLET and (4) SEUNGNI WAVE are both up in class with the latter looking by far the more likely to have potential for further improvement. (7) JIBONG SEUNGNI struggled a little first-up following a lengthy layoff last month but can have come on for the run.

Selections (5) Ready When You Are (2) Jungang Champ (6) Not Anymore (1) Heukgangja
Next Best 7, 4, 3
Outsiders 8, 9
Fast Starters 1, 5, 8

Seoul & Busan Sunday Race-By-Race Preview

It’s a big Sunday of racing in Korea. No Stakes action but plenty going on and some big names will be taking to the track. Triple Nine heads the line-up for the feature race at Busan while Wonder Bolt races at Seoul.

Magic Party Park Tae Jong

Park Tae Jong (seen here a few years ago) rode his 2000th winner yesterday. He ended the day on 2001 and could get more today

There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:00. English racecards can be found here. Notes on races which will be simulcasted overseas are below:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 20 Million / 13:00 (KST)

The Kim Young Kwan trained (8) KKOKDAEGI debuts in weak company here and will be expected to make a winning start. He trialed well last week behind a stablemate who won at Busan on Friday and should have too much for this limited set of opposition. (1) OH DAEBAK and (9) BEATBOX look the least bad of the others and could push the favourite close with (5) TAKE AGAIN and (6) BUGYEONG DOLPUNG capable of finding the minor money.

Selections (8) Kkokdaegi (1) Oh Daebak (9) Beatbox (5) Take Again
Next Best 6, 4, 3, 7
Outsiders 2, 10, 11, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

A six-length winner over 1200M on April 24th, (7) KATIE STAR is strongly favoured to follow up here. She made all that day and has every chance of doing so again. (3) GAENARI showed promise in four starts last year and returns to the track for the first time in six month having looked good winning a trial last month and looks to be the main danger along with (8) TIZ KING. He was beaten by Katie Star last time but can be given another chance here. Both the debut-makers (4) BIG ENTRY and (9) LOST IN DRAMA looked good in trials and have chances here with the latter slightly favoured.

Selections (7) Katie Star (3) Gaenari (9) Lost In Drama (8) Tiz King
Next Best 4, 11, 1, 5
Outsiders 2, 6, 10, 12
Fast Starters 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(7) PRETTY BOY has come close in two starts at this level so far and looks nicely in to claim his second win here. He’ll be on the early speed and can make all. There are plenty of dangers though. (8) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG was a narrowly beaten 2nd last start at 1300M and should appreciate the extra half furlong. (1) TWO KAY is up in class following his maiden win last start and will go to the front early. (3) IN BORN CHAMP is another up in class following his maiden and can be considered while (9) BEST QUEEN is the other to look out for.

Selections (7) Pretty Boy (8) Gwangyang Dolpung (3) In Born Champ (1) Two Kay
Next Best 9, 5, 4, 12
Outsiders 2, 6, 10, 11
Fast Starters 1, 3, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (2) HANEOLUI JILJU was a class and distance winner by a neck three weeks ago and he’s the pick to strike again. He has a fast start and the others will need to come past him. If any do, the most likely is (8) AREUMDAUN KKUM, who is yet to win but is up in class following a 3rd and two 2nd places from three starts and looks to have potential. (4) BLUE CAT disappointed when favourite at 1400M three weeks ago but she should be better at 1200M today and the Bart Rice stable is bang in-form right now. (6) GANGJA DAERO and (7) PERFECT HUMOR may contest for places.

Selections (2) Haneolui Jilju (4) Blue Cat (8) Areumdaun Kkum (6) Gangja Daero
Next Best 7, 5
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Quite a competitive race this but having been 2nd at class and distance last month, (5) GOLD MUSIC is the pick to go one better this time. He led for most of that race, getting caught close to the line but should get the job done here. (6) HOMERUN MAKER was 2nd in a weak race at the beginning of April and comes in here after seven weeks off. She’ll contest the lead early. (9) GEUMGANGJEGUK enters following back to back 3rds and can match or better. (4) CHARISMA QUEEN and (10) MY HAPPY should both be better back down in distance today.

Selections (5) Gold Music (6) Homerun Maker (9) Geumgangjeguk (4) Charisma Queen
Next Best 10, 1, 2, 7
Outsiders 3, 8
Fast Starters 5, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20 (KST)

(1) NO SMALL KOREA was 3rd on debut last month and will be favoured to make the breakthrough today. She didn’t get off to an especially good start in that race but expect her to be on the early speed here. (6) COTTINPICKINGOOD also looks to have a win in him. He was stepped up to 1800M last month and was beaten by, among others (5) QUEEN ELEGANCE. Both can be competitive today. An unexpected winner over 1300M last time, (9) PARTYINTHEDESERT can be respected but will have to improve here. (2) SWEET MYEONGUN and (7) GOLD SKY look best of the rest of a competitive field.

Selections (1) No Small Korea (6) Cottinpickingood (5) Queen Elegance (7) Gold Sky
Next Best 2, 9, 11, 10, 12, 3, 4, 8
Outsiders
Fast Starters 1, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(1) SUPER STORM was 3rd in a strong race at class and distance on April 1st and comes in here ready to win. He was passed in the closing stages by two decent horses in that race and will go forward again. There is a lot of early speed here and a couple of the other fancied ones will be on it. They include (2) SMILE QUEEN and (4) TANK POWER, the latter of whom beat four of these when finishing 4th at 1400M on April 24th. Smile Queen last start was beaten by (8) GANGHO DRIVE and that one, along with (10) MACHU PICCHU look to be the ones to follow if the winner is to come from behind the early front-runners.

Selections (1) Super Storm (2) Smile Queen (4) Tank Power (8) Gangho Drive
Next Best 10, 5, 7, 12
Outsiders 3, 6, 9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

Any number of these have claims but we’ll make (4) HWANGGEUM SESANG the slight favourite. He was a well beaten 2nd by a good winner at class and distance last start six weeks ago but he is joint-top-rated for a reason and comes in here in the most consistent form. (2) JANGSAN TAEYANG was 2nd over class and distance in February and was a solid 5th over 1800M a month ago and should be competitive here while (3) HONGNAM BULPAE was poor behind Hwanggeum Sesang last time but can be given another chance here. (6) BIG FIVE steps up to two turns for the first time and is likely to try to lead from the gate while (7) READY KHAN races for the first time since victory at 1800M in January and may be considered.

Selections (4) Hwanggeum Sesang (6) Big Five (2) Jangsan Taeyang (7) Ready Khan
Next Best 3, 9, 10
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(10) TRIPLE NINE was last year’s Horse of the Year and is two for two in 2016 beating four of his rivals here twice already. He will be favourite for this and is the best horse and while he should win, there are dangers. (3) DORAON HYEONPYO has yet to show that he can really beat the best but he will look to set the pace here and should be at least 2nd. The ever-reliable mare (6) HEBA is one of those beaten twice by Triple Nine this year but will be close again while (2) DARKEST NIGHT has shown the best form of his career this year. (8) DIFERENT DIMENSION is up in class following a four-length win over 1800M a month ago and accordingly is very nicely in the weights here.

Selections (10) Triple Nine (8) Diferent Dimension (3) Doraon Hyeonpyo (6) Heba
Next Best 2, 4, 12, 1
Outsiders 5, 7, 9, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 8, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(7) WONDER BOLT was a four-length winner over 1200M at the beginning of April but is equally capable at 1800 and should come from just behind the early pace to win this. He has a capable apprentice jockey on board. (8) DYNAMIC JILJU and (9) SOTONG SIDAE are the main dangers although (10) BADA JILJU scored a good win at class and distance three weeks ago, albeit in slightly weaker company, and can be considered. (6) UNBEATABLE is anything but unbeatable but is generally capable of finding the money.

Selections (7) Wonder Bolt (9) Sotong Sidae (8) Dynamic Jilju (6) Unbeatable
Next Best 10, 3, 11, 12, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 5
Fast Starters 2, 3

Seoul Race 11: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Another competitive race to end with. (5) QUEEN CREEK CAT is up in class after back to back wins at this distance and is the likely favourite. She will try to make all from the gate. Also on the early speed will be (10) YAHO SKY CAT. His two starts so far this year have been in a Listed and Graded race and while they didn’t go well, the company should be much more amenable today. (11) A.P. STAR beat a couple of these when 3rd at class and distance a month ago and can go well again while (3) S ROSE and (6) JANGSANJEWANG are the others to consider. The latter is trained by former Singapore trainer Brian Dean.

Selections (6) Jangsanjewang (5) Queen Creek Cat (10) Yaho Sky Cat (3) S Rose
Next Best 11, 12, 7, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 10

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

All of a sudden we’ve had an early blast of summer on the Korean peninsula this week with temperatures above 30C for the first time this year. There is racing at Seoul on Saturday and Sunday but the action gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on race 2-10 are here:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

An all-filly affair first-up and (2) PANGPANG LEGEND beat three of these when finishing 2nd in a very similar race on April 22nd and is the pick to go one better this time. Returning for the first time in six months, (4) SUPERNOVA IJI looks to be the main danger while debut-maker (6) SUPER BLADE also looks worth considering. Both came through recent trials in good order. (3) TIME CASTLE, beaten by Pangpang Legend last time and (11) HAEGA TTEUNDA, look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Pangpang Legend (4) Supernova Iji (6) Super Blade (11) Haega Tteunda
Next Best 3, 5, 10, 12
Outsiders 1, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 4, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(1) BAEDARI GOSU showed good development in coming 3rd over 1200M on April 29th. She’ll be away slowly but has a strong finish and should appreciate the extra half furlong. She’s the pick. (4) SILENT LAGO and (11) RAON BENTREE have both come close in recent starts and both should do so again. Debut-maker (6) ATHENS showed promise in a trial at the end of last month and this modest company shouldn’t be too intimidating first up – he is from the Kim Young Kwan stable so he will be backed. (9) TAMNA CHEONHA was an improved 3rd last time out and can match that today.

Selections (1) Baedari Gosu (4) Silent Lago (6) Athens (11) Raon Bentree
Next Best 9, 2, 8, 7
Outsiders 3, 5, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 5

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(5) INDIAN CHIEF is up in class following his maiden win on his fourth start on April 1st. He’ll go to the front from the gate and has claims once more. He may not be favourite though. (6) SMART MARINE is yet to win but was a very solid 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on April 29th and will be well-backed to make the breakthrough. He beat (2) DOCHI by four-lengths that day and that one can also improve while the two “Blues”, (1) RAON BLUE and the experienced (9) MISS BLUE are both likely to be on the early speed and are more than capable at this level.

Selections (5) Indian Chief (6) Smart Marine (2) Dochi (1) Raon Blue
Next Best 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(6) WISH ME LUCK beat no less than six of these at class and distance on April 15th and can be backed to beat them again. He was 3rd that day and can go even better this time. (8) EUNHA and (5) OCEAN LINE were the two who came closest to him; the latter has gone on to record a 2nd place since and both can be considered here. (4) MR. SPENDING comes in following three consecutive 4th place finishes and should benefit from trying this distance for the first time as indeed should (9) WARRIOR KING. On the other hand, (10) GARAK GONGWON, who finally got his maiden win at the 32nd attempt three weeks ago may not appreciate the extra furlong.

Selections (6) Wish Me Luck (4) Mr. Spending (8) Eunha (5) Ocean Line
Next Best 9, 10, 12, 3, 11
Outsiders 1, 2, 7
Fast Starters 1, 7

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

This lot don’t have a huge amount of form against each other but (7) GYERIMUI JILJU beat (4) HOPPANG as the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over 1300M on April 24th and both will be among the top fancies here. (6) NURI BULPAE is a domestic class 4 winner and while he has slightly disappointed in his last two starts, he’s not been too far away and can be given another chance. Kim Young Kwan’s (5) DYNAMIC TANK was 4th on his two starts last summer and finally returns having looked sharp in a trial last weekend. (11) HWANHUIUI BYEOL went too fast too early on his first try at this class last month but back at 1200M today, can go better.

Selections (6) Nuri Bulpae (5) Dynamic Tank (4) Hoppang (7) Gyerimui Jilju
Next Best 11, 8, 12, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 9, 10
Fast Starters 4, 5, 11

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Another competitive race with a couple of standouts. Gyeongbudaero’s half-brother (2) WONIL ROOKIE has won twice in three starts since returning from eight months and will look to lead from gate to wire here. He has every chance. The main danger is (5) MAGIC LINE, 2nd on his first try at this class last month and nicely in here. (1) SINSEGYE also comes in following a 2nd place last start and should be close again while (7) CHEONHA TONGIL and the up in class (9) KKEUTPAN JILJU are others to look out for.

Selections (2) Wonil Rookie (5) Magic Line (1) Sinsegye (7) Cheonha Tongil
Next Best 9, 10
Outsiders 3, 4, 6, 8
Fast Starters 2, 7, 10

Race 8: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(3) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR was 3rd on his return from almost nine months out two weeks ago and back up to a mile today, he looks the one to beat. (9) SINCHEON YEOMANG has beaten plenty of these recently and should improve on back to back third-place finishes. His recent form is similar to that of (7) JANGGUNBONG, who will look to lead from the gate and should also be competitive. (4) GLOBAL KING and (6) KKEUTPANNYEOWANG are the others to consider.

Selections (3) Sangseung Junior (9) Sincheon Yeomang (7) Janggungbong (4) Global King
Next Best 6, 1
Outsiders 2, 5, 8
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(5) SAENGIL GIPPEUM is up in class following three straight wins, the most recent being facile triumphs over this distance and he can make it four in a row here. He will try to make all. The main danger is (8) DONGBANG DAERO, who also won twice at this distance at class 3 and was 2nd on his first try at this level five weeks ago, beating (2) WILD BURNING and (9) GHOST BLONDE, both of whom themselves will be fancied to find at least the minor money. The other one to look out for is also up in class. That’s (4) MAIN STAY, just beaten a nose at this distance in a really quick race in March and who comes in fresh after two months off.

Selections (5) Saengil Gippeum (8) Dongbang Daero (4) Main Stay (2) Wild Burning
Next Best 9, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 6, 10
Fast Starters 4, 5

Race 10: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Two stand out here and both are up in class. (4) FIRST MAGICAL was a ten-length winner on debut over 1200M last month and will be well-backed to make it two out of two here. He is one of a number who will look to lead from gate. (10) USEUNG LINE is the big danger. He has won two from three so far, last time at class and distance. Those two look significantly superior to the rest but if they are to disappoint then (5) ILLYUCHEON and (2) TARIAT TALE, 3rd and 4th at this class over a mile last time look the ones to take advantage. (3) WINNING HUMOR was beaten ten lengths by First Magical last time but also finds himself up in class today. He should beat a few.

Selections (4) First Magical (10) Useung Line (2) Tariat Tale (5) Illyucheon
Next Best 3, 7, 11, 9
Outsiders 1, 6, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 7, 9

Brian Dean Trains First Korean Winner

Brian Dean has started very well. Having put the local trainers on notice by sweeping all the barrier trials a couple of weeks ago, he sent out Jangsan Jewang to 3rd place last week. After another 3rd yesterday, today My Blade became the Australian handler’s first Seoul winner. Dean Holland rode.

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My Blade hits the front under Dean Holland (Pic: Ross Holburt)

The race took place an hour after the Korean Derby and most attention was focused on whether Park Tae Jong, riding Horuragi, could get his 2,000th winner as a jockey. Horuragi led from the gate and for much of the race but it was not to be as Holland on My Blade and Moon Se Young on Inbeactive came to challenge down the outside with My Blade prevailing by a head on the line.

It was Brian Dean’s third runner in total and the first foreign trainer ever to be granted a full-time license at Seoul  now has a 33.3% win strike rate and 100% to show. As for the other Aussie Dean, it was Holland’s second winner of the weekend.