Winner’s Man was a dominant winner of the first leg of the Stayer Series earlier this month, but last year’s Korean Derby faces perhaps his sternest test yet as he must contend with Grand Prix Stakes winner Haengbok Wangja in the second race of the series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Raecourse on Sunday.

The YTN Cup was one of the races that didn’t make it into the abbreviated Stakes program that was crammed into the final three months of 2021. There is one former winner going around though, as Moonhak Chief, who bagged the 2019 edition along with the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes on his way to Horse of the Year honours, returns, amplifying the test for Winner’s Man.

Haengbok Wangja will be favourite. The five-year-old ran out a three-length winner of the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) on Boxing Day. In his only race so far this year, he ran a close 2^nd to President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong at the end of March and having sat out the first leg of the Stayer Series, the Herald Business Trophy, he can be ready to peak here.

Moonhak Chief has mixed his form since that stellar 2019 campaign but remains very good on his day while trainer Kim Young-kwan brings two contenders up from his Busan base. Touch Star Man won two legs of the Triple Crown in 2020 and ran a strong 2^nd in the Grand Prix Stakes last December. Meanwhile the relatively unexposed King Of The Match has won five of eight starts, never finishing outside the top three, and he takes his chance against the elite for the first time.

As for Winner’s Man, he won the Herald Business by a full four-lengths. Another step up today in the YTN isn’t impossible and would almost certainly go down as his most impressive achievement to date. Here is a full look at all the runners in the YTN Cup which is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul on Sunday:

1. TOUCH STAR MAN (KOR) [Testa Matta – Useung Touch (Menifee) 5-H

Owner: Uh Mun-sik Trainer: Kim Young-kwan Jockey: Lim Sung-sil

(Runs/1^st/2^nd/3^rd) 20/5/5/2 – (Career Earnings) KRW 1,031,380,000

The winner of two legs of the 2020 Triple Crown, he hasn’t actually crossed the line 1^st in eleven starts since the latter of those, the Minister’s Cup, over this distance twenty-one months ago. However, he ran a big 2^nd here in the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) here last December and meets that day’s winner Haengbok Wangja 4kg to the better here. Beaten by Winner’s Man in both of his latest two but draws well today and could well put in a big run. Worth an each-way chance.

Recent Race Video: December 26th (2021), Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) 2^nd: https://youtu.be/wCbShtp2pdg

2. HAENGBOK WANGJA (USA) [Daredevil – First Installment (Broken Vow)] 5-H

O: Lee Bang-hoon T: Park Youn-gu J: Kim Yong-geun

17/8/4/1 – KRW 735,510,000

A winner of eight of his last ten starts, he was runner-up in the KRA Cup Classic at this distance last November before winning the Grand Prix Stakes here in December. His only run since saw him run 2^nd to Simjangui Godong at this distance on March 27^th when hand and wide and going close under the same weight as today. Tactically versatile, he can be on pace or settle back and run on but given the favourable draw, is likely to go forward and he will be a big player here.

March 27^th, Class 1 (2000M) 2^nd: https://youtu.be/sh2es_Jl4rQ

3. GEUMA MYSTIC (USA) [New Year’s Day – Stormy Allure (Stormy Atlantic)] 5-H

O: Kuem A Industry Co Ltd T: Lee Sang-young J: Kim Cheol-ho

15/6/3/3 – KRW 251,510,000

A winner of six up to class 2 level and 1800M. He ran 2^nd on his only previous try at this distance, which was at class 2 behind Power Wonderful. Well fancied for his first crack at class 1 on April 8^th but finished down the pack and is one of the outsiders here.

March 6^th, Class 2 (2000M)) 2^nd: https://youtu.be/iYp0aPtlYxE

4. MOONHAK CHIEF (USA) [Pioneerof The Nile – Tallulah Lula (Old Trieste)] 7-H

O: Kwon Kyung-ja T: Jung Ho-ik J: Johan Victoire

30/14/5/3 – KRW 2,252,900,000

The winner of this race in 2019, the year he went on to score in both the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes. He has mixed his form of late, last winning four starts back at 1800M. A good 2^nd to Simjangui Godong at 2000M in February is sandwiched by two disappointing showings in the Grand Prix Stakes and then last time out in the Herald Business when he settled midfield but failed to quicken and only beat two home. Grand galloper who can still mix it with the best on his day, you just need to catch him right. A chance.

February 27^th, Class 1 (2000M) 2^nd: https://youtu.be/rjh7Vja5pGE

5. KING OF THE MATCH (USA) [Cairo Prince – Fought The Fight (War Front)] 4-C

O: D R M City T: Kim Young-kwan J: Choi Si-dae

8/5/2/1 – KRW 213,850,000

An up-and-comer who enters off super wins at 1800M at class 2 level and then an on-pace score over a mile on his first try at class 1 on April 15^th, narrowly beating Barbarian over a mile, both in fast times. This is his first time among the elite, his first time at Seoul and his first time at 2000M, but he gets weight from the leading lights and a top jockey comes up to ride him. He’ll be on or close to the pace and a bold showing is expected. Stablemate of Touch Star Man.

April 15^th, Class 1 (1600M) 1^st: https://youtu.be/mv799FlK8WY

6. CONSTI SOLO (USA) [Constitution – Solo Survivor (Pleasant Tap)] 5-G

O: Park Cheol-geun T: Jeon Seung-gyu J: Jang Chu-youl

6/3/3/0 – KRW 116,550,000

A first start since last August when he ran 2^nd to the then hype horse Carving Cross. A winner of three from six, his running style suggests the distance won’t be an issue for him but while he won a trial in fine style two weeks ago, this is a very stern test first-up.

August 28^th 2021, Class 2 (1800M) 2^nd: https://youtu.be/WiMCkuOx350

7. SHAMROCKER (USA) [Dublin – Portera (Lemon Drop Kid)] 9-H

O: Cho Mong-ju T: Song Moon-gil J: Song Jae-chul

53/6/12/10 – KRW 1,306,450,000

The old warhorse. It’s been thirty-three runs since he has saluted back in 2017, however, he has been regularly picking up a check right up until very recently, and only ever racing among the elite. At his last start he ran 7^th in the Herald Business Cup and given recent form, a midfield finish will be expected but with the potential to sneak a 4^th or 5^th place money finish,

May 1^st, Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-L) 7^th: https://youtu.be/rxWhLswIRTI

8. MUNHAK TIGER (USA) [To Honor And Serve – A Precious Memory (Honor Grades)] 6-H

O: Hwang Bong-ki T: Park Jae-woo J: Lim Gi-won

27/5/4/2 – KRW 369,550,000

Only beat three home in the Herald Business when he had the challenge of the outside gate. That wasn’t out of keeping with recent form though and it has been eight starts since he managed to finish in the placings. He will drop back and look to pass a few in the home straight, aiming for minor money.

May 1^st, Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-L) 10^th: https://youtu.be/rxWhLswIRTI

9. LOOKING GOOD (KOR) [Federalist – Quail Run (Wagon limit)] 6-H

O: Shin Woo-chul T: Jeon Seung-gyu J: Lee Hyeok

16/4/0/6 – KRW 175,170,000

A big 3^rd place in the Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M KOR-L) on March 20^th at odds of 75/1 enables him to take his chance there, although with that race having been restricted to Seoul-based Korean-bred horses, this is much tougher. Nevertheless, he went right to the back that day, making up excellent ground in the home straight and similar tactics may see him pick a few off again.

March 20^th, Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M KOR-L) 3^rd: https://youtu.be/SQ9GDIHIgKc

10. SENSE JAENGI (USA) [Munnings – Balansense (Street Sense)] 6-G

O: Kim Jong-chul T: An Byung-ki J: Cho Han-byeol

28/1/2/0 – KRW 186,690,000

Sense Jaengi running in Graded Stakes company is probably not something many had on their 2022 bingo card. Unable to get into a full class 3 race back on January 8^th, the then twenty-five-race maiden was thrown in at class 2 to get a run and duly won at odds of 130/1. In both outings since, he has run 2^nd, both at 1800M. He loves to – or at least has recently discovered he loves to – go right back and run on but surely this is too hard.

March 26^th, Class 2 (1800M) 2^nd: https://youtu.be/fB7kIYuz2DM

11. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (Volponi)] 4-C

O: Lee Gyeong-hui T: Choi Ki-hong J: Seo Seung-un

15/10/2/1 – KRW 861,730,000

Last year’s Korean Derby winner and very hard to find fault with here. He is in terrific form, winning three of his last four starts including the Herald Business by a full four-lengths at this course and distance on May 1^st. He likes to race forward, and while he draws wider and is up in weight on the Herald Business Cup win, he cannot be left out.

May 1^st, Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-L) 1^st: https://youtu.be/rxWhLswIRTI

Data Summary

Rating	Win %	Quinella %	2000M Win %	2000M Time
4	137	11	66.7%	6	100.0%	11	66.7%	4	2:05.5
2	125	5	62.5%	5	87.5%	4	38.5%	11	2:06.3
7	118	6	50.0%	11	80.0%	1	20.0%	7	2:06.4
11	115	2	47.1%	2	70.6%	7	7.7%	1	2:07.2
1	104	4	46.7%	4	63.3%	–	–	2	2:07.2

1st Furlong Avg.*	Final Furlong Avg.*
5	13.7	2	13.0
11	13.7	5	13.0
1	13.7	6	13.0
5	13.9	10	13.1
3	14.0	3	13.4

*In seconds, calculated by an average of the most recent 6 starts regardless of distance

Selections: (2) Haengbok Wangja (11) Winner’s Man (4) Moonhak Chief (1) Touch Star Man

Next Best: 5, 6

Winner’s Man scored a dominant win in the first leg of the 2022 Stayer Series, last year’s Korean Derby winner scoring by four-lengths in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M-Korean Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

In front of a post-shutdown record crowd of 26,000 on course, Winner’s Man was sent off as the even-money favourite ahead of Touch Star Man, the 2021 Grand Prix Stakes runner up, who shared second-favourite status with the up-and-comer Good Pilseung. There wasn’t much love in the market though for Moonhak Chief, who started the race a 7/1 fourth favourite.

Touch Star Man hampered his own chances by dipping as the field exited the gate, immediately putting him at a disadvantage while Winner’s Man broke well and got right behind the pace which was set by Jeongmun Sai, while Good Pilseung and Great King were to the fore as well. Moonhak Chief, meanwhile settled in midfield alongside Touch Star Man after the latter’s poor start.

That’s how it would remain until the top of the straight when jockey Seo Seung-un asked Winner’s Man for an effort and the Musket Man colt responded, striking the front and then never looking anything other than a winner, crossing the line four-lengths ahead of a blanket finish for 2^nd place, which was held onto by a game Jeongmun Sai, with Heuk Jeonsa and Good Pilseung within a nose in 3^rd and 4^th.

Winning jockey Seo Seung-un, speaking to in-house broadcaster KRBC, admitted the race went better than he could have hoped: “I expected Jeongmun Sai and Great King to lead but my horse was better out of the gate than I expected, and we were right up there from the start.”

Seo also said that Winner’s Man had not given him cause for optimism in his work in the past week: “This horse is very smart. In the mornings, he just wasn’t doing anything, but when it came to race day, he knew it was time to be serious. He conserved his energy during the week and really let loose today.”

Seo Seung-un is notoriously self-deprecating in his post-race interviews, and continuing to KRBC, he wasn’t afraid to say out loud what many had been thinking: “The other main reason we could win is that Simjangui Godong and Haengbok Wangja didn’t come” he said, referring to the 2021 President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winners. “But I am looking forward to riding Winner’s Man against them,” he added, to a polite chuckle from the assembled local racing press.

There is no reason to doubt that Winner’s Man can defeat both of those when the inevitable match-up happens. Winner’s Man is by Musket Man and is out of Winner’s Marine (by Volponi, the long-shot winner of the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Classic, and who is now pensioned from Stud duties in Korea) and he moves on to ten wins from fifteen starts. He was bred by Kim Gi-seok of Saemi Farm and is trained by Choi Ki-hong for whom, after seventeen years as a trainer, Winner’s Man is proving the horse of a lifetime.

Moonhak Chief finished well back in the field and an initial vet check didn’t find any obvious issues although a full examination will take place.

The Stayer Series continues with the Group 3 YTN Cup at Seoul over 2000M on May 29^th and concludes on the south coast with the Busan Mayor’s Cup, also Group 3 but run over just 1800M, on June 26^th.

Next Sunday the big race action returns to Busan with the Korean Oaks, the second leg of the filly Triple Crown.

Raon The Fighter stumbled at the gate and ultimately went down to the very first defeat of his career as Eoma Eoma won the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M – KOR G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Entering Sunday’s race a perfect ten from ten and having beaten the other big guns in the field in last autumn’s SROA Chairman’s Trophy Raon The Fighter was sent off a prohibitively short-priced favourite for the Busan Ilbo, the first leg of the Korean Sprint Series.

Eoma Eoma, who had looked a picture when parading, was second in the betting while a resurgent Blue Chipper was third in the market.

Calamity struck the favourite coming out of the gate.  Raon The Fighter stumbled and then dipped, losing any chance of getting to the lead. Jockey Lee Hyeok had a split-second decision to make and rather than dropping in behind, he opted to take Raon The Fighter up wide and to the speed. It was a gamble that didn’t pay off.

Eoma Eoma meanwhile got an easy tow to the lead from East Jet, who set the pace on his inside. Under Moon Se-young, Eoma Eoma would take up the running with just over a furlong left to travel and while Raon The Fighter finally appeared on the scene in the home straight and ran on bravely and gamely, he couldn’t get to the winner.

Eoma Eoma won by a full three-lengths with Raon The Fighter swooping late for a very competitive 2^nd while Dixie Again was a revelation in 3^rd.

Winning jockey Moon Se-young was uncharacteristically emotional after the race and, swerving questions about the run of Raon The Fighter, he talked to in-house broadcaster KRBC only about his own mount.

“I thought Eoma Eoma was working so well this week, so I really need to thank the guys who came down to Busan and prepared him so well” said Moon Se-young. “I only rode him the last two days in trackwork, so it is nothing to do with me, they prepared him perfectly – really when you guys (KRBC) asked me how he was on Thursday, well, I almost wanted to hide how good he was doing.”

Moon went on to describe what it meant to him personally to win the race. “I usually ride in Seoul, but I am from Busan. I am a Busan guy. I grew up in Milyang (northern Busan suburb) so I have desperately wanted to win a big race in Busan; in my home town. It had never happened for me before, but now it has.”

It might be a blemish on his record, and Raon The Fighter is now probably not going to break Mister Park’s unbeaten streak. However, he didn’t lose much in terms of reputation, and he will surely win many more.

Blue Chipper, who was sent off as third in the market but who ultimately crossed the line a long last, was found to have bled.

The next leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint at Seoul on May 22^nd before the final leg in the SBS Sports Sprint, also in the capital on June 19^th. The Korea Sprint itself is on September 4^th.

There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. The racecourse is open for walk-up attendance. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (8) WILD RUNNER has finished 3^rd in both starts so far, both over 1000M. She has run on pleasingly enough on both occasions and the additional trip today may well suit. The main danger looks to be (7) CASH BACK. He stepped up to this distance at start number five last time out and was handy throughout, running on for 3^rd. It was a slow race, but he will be expected to be on or close to the pace again and should be in the finish once more. (5) GEUMSEONG HWANHUI is the clear third pick, having significantly improved at his most recent start on March 20^th, when he ran 2^nd at this distance on a muddy track. A similar run here will see him close. (4) M J TIME and (2) PERMISSION TO WIN should at least both be on pace from favourable gates and could improve.

Selections	(8) Wild Runner (7) Cash Back (5) Geumseong Hwanhui (4) M J Time
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	2, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maiden with four of the ten racing for the very first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those first-timers, in the shape of (6) B.J. STORM. He went through two trials, improving in the 2^nd of them on April 1^st when coming out of gate twelve but getting on pace and running through the line in 2^nd place in a fair time. He won’t need to improve too much to win this. The probable favourite is (1) CHANGER. An improved 5^th at his latest start at 1200M on a sloppy track on March 26^th having led, he went back to trial last Friday and led all the way around, stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws very nicely here to get on pace and so long as he didn’t leave his race in the trial, has every chance. (3) BLUE INDY comes out of the same trial as B.J. Storm, when he settled handy and crossed the line in 3^rd. He too can make a bold showing first-up. (9) GYEONGBU DAEGEOM didn’t do too much wrong on debut and while that was back in January, is enough to make him a placing chance here along with (7) TIGER ZONE.

Selections	(6) B.J. Storm (1) Changer (3) Blue Indy (9) Gyeongbu Daegeom
Next Best	7, 2
Fast Start	1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Another set of three-year-old maidens. (11) SONGAM ARCHGIRL beat a couple of these on her way to 4^th place at his distance in a fair time on a wet track on March 26^th. The draw isn’t exactly in her favour here but that was just her second start and with some natural improvement, she has claims here. (1) MARUMA has run fairly across three starts so far with two 5^th place finishes including her latest at 1200M when after breaking well, she settled back before running on. The slight step up in trip should suit and the inside gate should give her options. (9) WELLBEING CHAMPION was one of those beaten by Songam Archgirl last time out but again it wasn’t a bad run, and she has some potential for improvement. (3) LONDON MYEONGGA and (6) MABAWI are others to take into consideration.

Selections	(11) Songam Archgirl (1) Maruma (9) Wellbeing Champion (3) London Myeongga
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	3, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (1) CHEONGSAN GANGHO has good experience at this level and has the joint-fastest time of any of these at the 1700M. He comes in off a solid 3^rd place at class and distance on April 2^nd, well beaten by a good winner but well clear of 4^th. He usually goes back in his races, then runs on and he has as good a chance as any here. Probable favourite is (4) RUNNING NUMBER ONE, based on his last start 2^nd at class and distance on March 20^th, when he beat two of today’s rivals, having settled back in the field and finished strongly. He too has run good times at this distance and has every chance. (10) BRAVO SOCKS was 3^rd in that March 20^th race. He is yet to finish in the top two in nineteen attempts but has plenty of minor money finishes and shouldn’t be too far away again. (9) ADELE MUSTANG and the up in class (12) THUNDER HORSE are others to take into account.

Selections	(1) Cheongsan Gangho (4) Running Number One (10) Bravo Socks (9) Adele Mustang
Next Best	12, 3
Fast Start	5, 6, 9, 11

(more…)

Golden Power swept home late to snare the Luna Stakes by the finest of margins at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon to claim the first jewel in the Filly Triple Crown.

Golden Power was sent off as the third-favourite and for much of the race it looked as though it would be a straight battle between the two fillies at the top of the market, Raon The Spurt and Chamjoeun Chingu. The Seoul pair set the pace and having shaken off the attentions of Wonderful Raise with a furlong and a half to go of the mile-long test, looked set to duel to the finish.

At this point, Golden Power was still a full ten-lengths adrift but, under Choi Si-dae, once she found clear track in front of them, she accelerated rapidly. It still looked as though she would run out of track but, in a desperately close finish, Golden Power swept by as the three hit the line together. The resulting photo-finish showed that Golden Power had prevailed by a nose over Chamjoeun Chingu with Raon The Spurt a half-length back in 3rd.

Winning jockey Choi Si-dae told in-house broadcaster KRBC that while he always intended to be patient and then launch his challenge late, it almost didn’t come off. “My plan was to overtake from behind but the pace of the front two was a bit faster than I expected and it was difficult for Golden Power to keep up.”

Once Golden Power hit her stride though, Choi had no doubts. “Once we got out, the horse ran really well. Fifty metres from the line I knew we were going to get there and as soon as we passed the line, I knew we had won.”

While two of the three legs off the filly Triple Crown are held at Busan, Choi Si-dae noted that it is a division that has been dominated by Seoul over the past couple of years. “I feel a little bit sorry for Moon Se-young (beaten jockey on Chamjoeun Chingu) as it was a good race, but Busan fillies have been a little inferior to those from Seoul recently, so I am really happy with this and look forward to more.”

Golden Power is trained by Kwon Sung-ju and is owned by Son Boing-chul, who is also her breeder and through Winner’s Farm, is owner of both her sire and dam. Golden Power is by Afleet Express, who stands at Winner’s Farm, and is out of Cherokee Sheik (by Cherokee Run). Golden Power is her second Korean born foal. She produced two in the United States.

The second leg of the filly Triple Crown is the Korean Oaks, also at Busan, on Sunday May 8^th over 1800M, before the series concludes with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul over 2000M on Sunday June 4^th. This coming weekend, the colts kick off their Triple Crown at Busan with the KRA Cup Mile.

Determination downed Chief Indy to take the honours in the Sports Chosun Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and in doing so, gave jockey Boo Min-ho his first Stakes race winner in twelve years.

Sent off as a 17/1 chance, Determination, who was drawn wide in gate thirteen, was kept back and wide in the early exchanges as Daehan Jilju, the top-rated horse in the race, set the pace. Determination quickly moved up wide while pre-race odds-on favourite, Chief Indy, runner-up in last year’s Minister’s Cup, sat just behind the leading group.

Daehan Jilju, racing for the first time since Christmas Day, finally weakened at the furlong pole just as Chief Indy was looming. But it was Determination who swept by to take the lead late on, and while Chief Indy pushed and pressed, it was Determination who took the line three-quarters of a length to the good.

For Determination it was a third straight victory. He had shown ability as a juvenile but hadn’t really pushed on, with a 4^th place in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown, the best return from his three-year-old campaign. He didn’t race at all between November of 2020 and September of 2021 but, after a couple of tune-ups to find his feet, Determination has been unstoppable, and he completed a hat-trick of wins on Sunday.

On the contrary, it had been a long time between Stakes race drinks for winning jockey Boo Min-ho. Boo turned professional in 2007 and registered his first big race win in the 2010 Segye Ilbo Cup and quickly followed up with another in that year’s edition of the Sports Chosun.

“Twelve years ago, I won this race (Sports Chosun) on Luxury King, and I have so desperately wanted to get back here, and I am very happy to do so today”, Boo Min-ho told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

“We were drawn wide (so) I was considering bringing him to the rail from the start, but Determination is so strong that I decided he would be fine on the outside, so I just let him settle. I knew he didn’t want kickback, so I let him run his own race and he delivered.”

Trainer Seo Bum-seok was successfully defending the race having won the Sports Chosun in 2020 with Wonderful Evil (the race wasn’t held in 2021). He was effusive in his praise for his jockey:

“I think Boo Min-ho is in his prime. He was calm and rode a great race. We discussed the race strategy this morning and I said the horse is very powerful and physically strong and he is ready. I left it to Min-ho to do the rest.”

Video: youtu.be/SQ9GDIHIgKc

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations will be open but attendance must be booked in advance using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings and ten of the twelve race here for the very first time. However, the two with experience both offered some promise on their debuts. We’ll tentatively side with (10) MABAWI, who having trialed well ran a close at hand 3^rd on debut on November 11^th, settling midfield and running on. He doesn’t draw well but (9) TOUCH NINE gets only a marginally better gate. He also ran 3^rd on debut on November 27^th and in a faster time than Mabawi, albeit further beaten in a faster race. He should have come on for that and can get closer today. Among the debut makers, (3) BAEKDU GIRL was the fastest in trials. She draws nicely to be on pace here and has solid claims. (8) CLAIR POINT won her heat in a fair time and is another who should be on pace. (2) RIVER TAEYANG another of several first-timers who have every chance first up.

Selections	(10) Mabawi (9) Touch Nine (3) Baekdu Girl (8) Clair Point
Next Best	2, 1
Fast Start	2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Big field of juvenile filly maidens with (4) BESTYA the one to beat. She has raced twice so far finishing 3^rd on both occasions having come right from the back of the field at 1000M and 1200M. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win this.  The only other one in the field to have tried this distance already is (1) WONPYEONG QUEEN. She too ran on from the back of the field on debut on November 21^st and while she could only make it up to 7^th, it was promising enough to suggest that from the inside gate today, she can get much closer. (13) HUIMANG GADEUK ran 4^th on debut in a fast time at 1000M and should have come on for that run. If she can overcome the wide draw, she should be right in this. So too (12) QUEEN OF RACING, who has a pair of 5^th place finishes from two starts and can build on those here. (7) BIG BIT, a not too far away 5^th on debut at 1000M, is another in the hunt.

Selections	(4) Bestya (1) Wonpyeong Queen (13) Huimang Gadeuk (12) Queen Of Racing
Next Best	7, 9
Fast Start	4, 5, 6, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(2) AMAZON KING has made steady progress across three starts so far with a 2^nd place over 1000M two starts back followed up by a good 4^th at this distance on November 6^th. He has the fastest start among these and from gate two should be on pace and can lead all the way. (11) SILVER STAR ran on well from an unpromising position in an all-filly race on November 21^st. She has been getting a bit far back in her races but should beat plenty here. (3) WARRIOR THUNDER has mixed his form across eight appearances so far but comes in off a fine runner-up finish over 1300M when on pace throughout. A repeat of that run would put him in the finish again. (8) JILJUE BADA and (14) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN among others with placing chances.

Selections	(2) Amazon King (11) Silver Star (3) Warrior Thunder (8) Jiljue Bada
Next Best	14, 13
Fast Start	2, 3, 12, 13

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) CHEONJI JIDAE is set to be favourite here. He’s raced three times so far and has done well on each occasion including runner-up at his latest outing on November 14^th when he sat behind the pace and ran on strong. He steps up to this distance for the first time and may take some beating. (8) SEUNGSEUNG POWER was sent off as favourite for his scheduled most recent outing on November 6^th but blundered on exiting the gates and dislodged his rider, proceeding to complete the 1400M on his own. He has two good 3^rd place finishes to his name and should be in the mix here. (13) SMART POWER went in that same race and was able to keep his human assistant aboard to finish a good 5^th from an even wider gate than he draws today. He is one of only two in the race to have a win to his name and should be competitive. (11) HALLAUI WONSEOK is the solitary debut-maker and having been through three trials at various stages, could be primed to go here. (2) GEUREUMTAGO comes back in trip and can be competitive from a good draw.

Selections	(5) Cheonji Jidae (8) Seungseung Power (13) Smart Power (11) Hallaui Wonseok
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	2, 5, 7, 13

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

(2) CHAMJOEUN CHINGU comes up in class having made all for a facile win over 1200M on November 14^th. She had been working up towards that and the increase in trip should be no problem here either. She draws well and will be hard to beat. (4) M J BEST’s challenge faltered a little over 1400M at his last start, but he drops back in trip slightly today and has previously registered fast times and good results at this distance. He’ll come from off the pace and can be a danger here. (5) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK remains a maiden but is yet to finish worse than 3^rd in four starts, hence being up at this level. He showed he measures up in this class with 3^rd place over 1200M at the end of October and there is no reason why the additional half furlong can’t suit here. (12) GRAY CAT and (7) GOLD SPIKE among several others who could place.

Selections	(2) Chamjoeun Chingu (4) M J Best (5) Yukwaehan Seontaek (12) Gray Cat
Next Best	7, 10
Fast Start	2, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Very competitive race for the level. (2) MENI GOLD had a slightly disappointing day at the office when sent off as the odds-on favourite at class and distance on November 7^th, not getting the best of trips and ultimately finishing 5^th. She looks to have potential though and is worth another chance here. He needs to overturn the form from that day on (3) PRINCESS SOCKS, who ran 2^nd in that race having inconvenienced Meni Gold in the early part of the race and then led for much of the way. She too looks to have a win in her at this level and from adjoining gates, the pair will be vying for the lead from the start. (8) PINE FARM was a fine winner on debut at 1000M on November 7^th. She comes up in class and in trip today but should be competitive. (9) SOEWAKKOT and (13) BEST CHEONSANG among others who can go well in a race of many chances.

Selections	(2) Meni Gold (3) Princess Socks (8) Pine Farm (9) Soewakkot
Next Best	13, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 13

(more…)

The 2021 Triple Crown reaches its long-delayed conclusion on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse as KRA Cup Mile winner Heat Yegam and Korean Derby champion Winner’s Man face off in the “Minister’s” Cup. The big race has only attracted eight runners but should be a fascinating affair nonetheless and is race 8 on the 10-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:10 to 16:40. All betting locations within Korea are open but attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens here with two of the twelve racing for the first time. The one to beat is set to be (4) RAON THE ARIA, who has raced twice for 4^th and 2^nd, both at 1000M and both in fast times, coming from just off the pace. She can go one better today. The main danger is one of the two debut-makers. (1) SAENAE FOREST went through two trials and vastly improved in the second of them, sitting just behind the leader throughout and then running on to cross the lone in front on a fast time on an admittedly wet track. From the inside gate she can sit handy or lead here and if she brings that form to the races, should go well. (5) COSMO won a September trial before running a solid 5^th on debut in a fast time at this distance, settling back and running on. He should have come on for that and can be competitive again. (7) DAPHNE and (8) P N S CHANCE others to consider for the places.

Selections	(4) Raon The Aria (1) Saenae Forest (5) Cosmo (7) Daphne
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(12) KING SATURDAY trialed up nicely at the end of October before impressive on debut when 3^rd at 1000M on November 7^th, starting a touch slowly but quickly ridden up to be handy and then running on. He comes up in trip here and despite the wide draw has every chance of making his breakthrough. (3) CHOEGANG FORCE ran 4^th in that same race, improving on his debut 6^th. He has run on both times and may appreciate the additional furlong here. (1) DAEHO JEONSEOL didn’t do too much wrong when 5^th on debut in October. He had an apprentice on that day so he does come up in weight, but he draws well and should be in the mix. (7) RAON THE GUTSEN also comes up in weight from a good 4^th on debut over 1000M, but he too should be competitive here. (10) WISE BOY among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections	(12) King Saturday (3) Choegang Force (1) Daeho Jeonseol (7) Raon The Gutsen
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(2) BE CRAZY is likely to be a warm favourite. After winning an October trial, he led on debut over 1200M on November 14^th before ultimately finishing 4^th. He draws well to lead again, and this time shouldn’t be caught. (10) ROAD ACE should be on pace too. He ran well in his first three outings over 1000M but was never able to get a foothold in the race on his fourth start over 1300M last month. The draw isn’t great but if he can get away well, he can go close. (1) CUPID WONDER has mixed her form over nine prior appearances but overcame a wide draw last time out to run a good 4^th at this distance and she should be involved again. (4) SHINE MUSIC has the fastest time among any of these at the distance and comes back in trip after a spin over 1700M last time out that was better than her 8^th place finish suggests. Along with (8) B J FLASH, she should be in the hunt for some minor money.

Selections	(2) Be Crazy (10) Road Ace (1) Cupid Wonder (4) Shine Music
Next Best	8, 14
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

With a 4^th, a 3^rd and a 2^nd from three starts so far, it’s time for (2) STELL LUNA to go one better and register her maiden win in this all-filly affair. She is up to this trip for the first time, but she has run on well in her races so far and from a great draw it’s hard to look past here. (8) FANTASTIC LOVE tackles further than 1000M for the first time. He is yet to finish any worse than 4^th and there is no reason why he can’t handle the additional trip. (7) HAVANA JANE come sin having registered her best finish so far when 2^nd over 1300M on November 12^th. That day’s winner has gone on to win again and Havana Jane should be aiming for at least a place here. (1) WILD ADELE was 6^th behind Havana Jane last time but draws better here and should be competing to get on the early speed. (4) DARI TTEUNI is the only one in the field who has won a race before and enters the calculations on that alone.

Selections	(2) Stell Luna (8) Fantastic Love (7) Havana Jane (1) Wilde Adele
Next Best	4, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) DOUBLE TAKE is yet to win in eight attempts but enters with two 3rds and a 4^th from her latest three including her last start 3^rd on November 7^th when she came from well off the pace to swoop home. Munro stays aboard, she carries the same weight and has the same gate and this time she looks the one to beat. (4) BARAMGWA HAMKKE was ridden more forward than in previous starts at his latest outing on November 13^th and ended up a significantly improved 2^nd. He draws much better this time and can maintain his momentum here. (1) VIENTO led for much of the way around at class and distance at her latest start, ultimately giving way and ending up a good 3^rd. She has mixed her form over her six appearances but looks nicely in here on the inside to be on pace again and go close. (13) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG and (11) TAEYANGTAGO among others to take into consideration.

Selections	(6) Double Take (4) Baramgwa Hamkke (1) Viento (13) Cheongsan Yeongung
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	1, 7, 10, 14

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race. We’ll give another chance to (5) HORAENGI, who has only missed the top five on two of ten occasions so far. She drops back in trip having posted consistent, if admittedly unspectacular, times at 1400M in her most recent starts and she looks to have as good a chance as any here. (1) SUSO POWER is set to be the favourite. She races for the first time since June but went through two trials in November posting good times in both. She draws nicely on the inside and has very chance. (6) JEONSEOLUI PARTY was a much-improved 2^nd on her latest outing over 1200M on November 7^th. She was found to have bled that day and has since been back to trial which she came through unscathed and can go well again. (7) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL and (4) STATICE others with minor money claims.

Selections	(5) Horaengi (1) Suso Power (6) Jeonseolui Party (7) Seungriui Bulgil
Next Best	4, 8
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here. (4) PURPLE K will be hot favourite. She was a super all the way winner over 1000M at class 6 level on October 10^th before running a very solid 5^th in a hot Nonghyup Chairman’s Cup at the end of that month. She could have probably taken her chance in the Korean Breeders’ Cup at Busan last week but goes here instead and really should be winning. (7) COMPLETE STAR has placed in her last three starts, all at this class and the most recent two at this distance. Last time out she posted a fast time in 2^nd behind a decent winner and should sit handy again here and can push the favourite close. (11) BLACK SILVER doesn’t draw as well as she did when 3^rd at her latest start but still has claims to be involved at the business end again. (1) WOL YEONG I and (9) HANGANG MAGIC are others in the frame.

Selections	(4) Purple K (7) Complete Star (11) Black Silver (1) Wol Yeong I
Next Best	9, 8
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look past (10) DAEJI CHOICE here. He had been working up to his last start win, which came at class and distance on November 14^th when he was quickly in front and won by a long way. He had the same wide gate that he has today and the same weight and should win again. (5) SUSO ENGINE made her breakthrough at start number two on November 7^th, making all over this distance to win in a decent enough time. She comes up in class here but draws nicely again and she’ll be expected to challenge for the lead and be in this a long way again. (1) BEST HAMSEONG also comes up in class following a win at this distance three weeks ago. She draws well, carries a light weight and is another who should be on pace from the start. (9) MENI GLORY and (8) GOLD LUCK are others in the placing frame.

Selections	(10) Daeji Choice (5) Suso Engine (1) Best Hamseong (9) Meni Glory
Next Best	8, 3
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) SECRET BOSS has won his latest two stars at class 5 over 1400M and then at this level and this distance. He has proven capable of winning from the front or from off the pace and while he comes up plenty in the weights, he can make it three in a row here. The logical second choice is (9) MUNHAK FIRE. A class and distance winner in a fast time in June, he comes in here having run 3^rd in each of his latest three outings, beating a number of these in the process. He likes to be on pace so may need a little early luck in running but he should go close. (1) RACE ROYAL looked on her way to victory over 1400M at her latest outing before getting swamped in the closing stages. She’s yet to win but is yet to finish any worse than 5^th and seemed to have sorted out her slow starting issues last time. She has placing chances again. (10) MUNHAK STORM and (6) ROCK LINE others to watch out for.

Selections	(7) Secret Boss (9) Munhak Fire (1) Race Royal (10) Munhak Storm
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	6, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) PURE KING comes up in class but significantly down in weight and is worth thought based on his 1400M form including his latest start when 2^nd to the promising Mongttang. He can sit handy early here and looks the one to beat. (6) ACE DAY was a good class and distance winner two starts back when leading all the way. He comes out in trip today but does have a 2^nd place at this distance on his record. He likes to lead in his races and if he can get into a rhythm, he can be in the finish. (9) INFINITY POWER is another up in class following a 1400M win when racing forward. He drops in weight here and though he draws a touch wider than ideal, he’ll be in this. Draw a line through the latest effort from (3) HAPPY WOMAN when she was very wide early. This should suit better as from gate three she should be able to get to her preferred handy position without too much trouble.  (11) GALAXY ORB the best of the rest.

Selections	(5) Pure King (6) Ace Day (9) Infinity Power (3) Happy Woman
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	2, 6, 8, 11

(more…)

There will be more Stakes action at Busan on Sunday in the shape of the first leg of the filly Triple Crown, the Luna Stakes. Sixteen fillies go around and we will have a full preview over the next couple of days. In the meantime, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a six-race card from 13:25 to 18:00.

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field of juvenile maidens line up in the opener with three of the eight racing for the first time. The only one of the remaining five to have raced twice already, (2) ADELE BOSS, probably did enough on the latter of those appearances to warrant favourite status. Having done little on debut in August, Adele Boss was significantly better on September 17th when settling handy and running on for 2nd place, albeit a long was behind a very good winner, in a decent time. He won’t need to improve much on that in order to win here. (3) OREUDA and (5) I WILL BE FREE trialed up in the same hear on September 11th with Oreuda finishing the better of the pair in a good time. Both hinted at some competence though and they look to be the biggest dangers here. Returning to the experienced ones, (6) GOLDEN BROOM ran a fair race on debut on a wet track and he along with (1) NOBLE SPIRIT have placing claims.

Selections	(2) Adele Boss (3) Oreuda (5) I Will Be Free (6) Golden Broom
Next Best	1, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) CROWN KING STAR led for much of the way around 1300M at his latest start on September 17th, ultimately being passed at the furlong pole by a good winner and having to settle for a career-best to date of 2nd. He comes back in trip today, draws fairly and this time could lead from gate to wire. (12) RUN AND GUN has been consistent in recent outings with a couple of 3rd places along the way, including last start at this distance. She also has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. She tends to go back in her races so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and she has claims here. (5) UNBRIDLED QUEEN was a significantly improved 2nd when returning to action a full ten-months after her original debut. She should have come on for that run and can go close again here. (6) USEUNG HUNTER and (9) HOT PLAY among others in the frame.

Selections	(7) Crown King Star (12) Run And Gun (5) Unbridled Queen (6) Useung Hunter
Next Best	9, 3
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(12) PUREUN JANGMI broke through at start number three back in July when she made all over 1200M. That followed 3rd and 2nd place finishes form her first two attempts. There are a couple of things to be careful of. She races for the first time in thirteen weeks, she is up in class and she is an on-pace runner drawn in the widest gate. But she should be able to overcome all three and she will be favourite. (6) MARK ACE may only have won one of his twelve races so far but he has finished in the top three on seven occasions. He has run consistently good times at this distance and drops back in trip having beaten a couple of these on his way to a creditable 6th over a mile a month ago. He can settle handy to the speed here and should be a danger at the business end. (7) HAEUNDAE BADA has also run good times at this distance including at his latest start on September 12^th when he ran 3^rd having led for part of the way around, beating a couple of these in the process. (1) INDIAN PARTY should be better for coming back in trip today while (4) CHOEGANG LIGER is another with placing hopes.

Selections	(12) Pureun Jangmi (6) Mark Ace (7) Haeundae Bada (1) Indian Party
Next Best	4, 2
Fast Start	7, 8, 10, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) MENI GLORY has three runner-up finishes from four starts so far, with his latest coming on September 10^th when he was returning from five months off. He should strip fitter for that and tackles the mile today with fair claims to register a maiden win. Also on the hunt for a maiden score is (2) K K WON. He has raced thirteen times to date, finishing in the top three on six occasions but still finding the breakthrough elusive. He could well start as favourite here though on the back of a solid class and distance 3^rd on September 10^th when he overcame the widest draw to almost lead the entire way around. From a better gate this time, he surely goes close. (12) GEUMA GOOD POINT finished behind K K Won back in July but has since put in a couple of decent spins around 1800M and despite the wide draw, can be expected to go close here. (11) KWAEHAN HWANGGEUM is better than his latest couple of outings suggest and along with (4) GOLDEN KAISER, also has placing claims.

Selections	(10) Meni Glory (2) K K Won (12) Geuma Good Point (11) Kwaehan Hwanggeum
Next Best	4, 5
Fast Start	3, 4, 10, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) HILL MORE registered his maiden win two starts back at class 6 level over a mile before running 2^nd on his first try at this class and distance on September 10^th, beating several of today’s rivals in the process and only beaten a neck on the line. He comes up 2kg in the weights under today’s conditions but from a great draw can pick his spot and he should be too strong in the closing stages. That 2kg swing can work most in favour of (9) BURNING PARTY, who having led for part of that race on September 10^th, ultimately finished in 3^rd place and has a four-length deficit to overturn on Hill More. She may well get closer this time. (10) DUMUSAN is the only one of these to have won at this distance. That came at his latest start on September 3^rd when he came from well off the pace to win at class 5 level. Despite being in class, he also comes up in the weights but don’t rule out a strong finish from him here. (11) CLEAN SHOT was 4^th in the September 10^th race continuing his run of consistent finishes and should be in amongst the action again while (8) TRIUMPH KING may also enter the calculations.

Selections	(2) Hill More (9) Burning Party (10) Dumusan (11) Clean Shot
Next Best	8, 12
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(7) SONIC KING IJI beat four of today’s rivals on his way to an excellent win at this class over 1400M on September 17^th. He is back in trip and up in the weights but he is set to be favourite to prevail once more. (3) MIRACLE DREAMING led for much of that race before ultimately coming home in 2^nd place. He has three wins but now has no fewer than eight runner-up finishes to his name, He draws nicely here and should be close to the pace again but may well have to settle for 2^nd again. (8) FANTASTIC ROAD returns from seven months off but trialed competently enough a couple of weeks ago and comes in here under a light weight. He has every chance of going well first-up. (2) YES PERFECT has a hard time when tried over 1800M at his latest start in August but should be much better for being dropped back to today’s distance – he has beaten plenty of these at it already. (4) I’M YOUR FASHION another with genuine placing claims.

Selections	(7) Sonic King Iji (3) Miracle Dreaming (8) Fantatsic Road (2) Yes Perfect
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	1, 4, 5, 8