It’s International Exchange race this weekend but naturally this year, it’s in name only. Nevertheless, there are some extremely interesting match-ups on the cards at both Seoul and Busan. In the capital, Mark Story puts his unbeaten record on the line in the Tokyo City Keiba Trophe, while top filly Dia Road heads the lineup in the Turkey Jockey Club Trophy. Down at Busan, in addition to the Exchange races, there is also the new “Luna Stakes”, which is the primary Korean Oaks trial. There are 13 races at Seoul from 10:25 to 18:00 and 5 at Busan from 12:20 to 15:55. Both meetings are behind closed doors:
Dia Road will line up in the TJK Trophy at Seoul
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The fillies kick off the thirteen-event race card where there looks a standout engaged in the event. (11) GOOD VOW handed in a good performance on debut when finishing second behind George Queen. The Private Vow filly has gate speed which will help her overcome the outside draw, with the other runners engaged failing to show early dash at their previous outings. If she can get on speed early she will take some running down. (2) BLACK SILVER looks next best coming off some reasonable performances over the 1000m before the hiatus. The Tout filly trialed poorly but we will include her based on her efforts prior to the break. (5) RAON SPECIAL has had just the one start when finishing tenth. Whilst well beaten at her first start she clocked a reasonable time that should see her be competitive in this event, which is considered weaker. (1) BIANCA is the only other likely runner to sit on speed, but she appeared underdone last time out when failing to run the 1300m out. She will appreciate the drop back to the 1000m and should be fitter for the run.
Selections
(11) Good Vow (2) Black Silver (5) Raon Special (1) Bianca
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Eight previously unraced two-year-olds go around here. Based on trials, there is just the one standout in the shape of (5) GEUMBIT YEOJEONSA. The Peace Rules filly put in a front-running performance in her heat ultimately ending up in 2nd place in a creditable time on a dry track. If she hits the front here – and she’s well drawn to do so – she can lead all the way. There are a couple of well-bred ones in. (6) ALL HEART is half-sister to Heuk Jeonsa, a winner of seven of twelve starts so far. It did take Heuk Jeonsa a couple of races to figure things out though and based on All Heart’s trial, it might be the same for her. (4) SAENAE HWANGJE is out of a dam who won plenty in Korea and is half to Simon Queen who also knows where the finish line is. He trialed a little more promisingly. (8) JAY HAWK’s dam too was a good performer in Korea. He went through two trials, the latter of which saw him improve significantly and he can be a danger although it’s likely he will need further than this. (2) YEONGUNG DAEMA and (3) SUPER CHAMPION others who can go well first-up.
Selections
(5) Geumbit Yeojeonsa (4) Saenae Hwangje (8) Jay Hawk (3) Super Champion
Next Best
2, 6, 1
Fast Start
5, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Nine Korean-bred gallopers will face the starter in the third where it is hard to make a case for the majority of the field. (9) GOLD FIELD comes off a last start placing behind Daehyong Hojae over the 1400m which reads well for this assignment. The four-year-old has had the fourteen starts yielding two minor placings, which is a hardly convincing statistic, but based on her previous run she can work forward and should hold off most of the field. (8) WINDY RUSH debuts after some fair trials. She showed some speed in her trials so expect her to work forward. She is capable of placing on debut. (5) YAHO M J CAT is second up after a midfield performance behind Top Seed last time out. She started to throw in the short strides halfway up the straight. She should be better for the run and dropping back a furlong should be an advantage. (3) CHEON CHONG lines up after a midfield performance when resuming. He is yet to place from six starts but in such a weak assignment can run into the money.
Selections
(9) Gold Field (8) Windy Rush (5) Yaho M J Cat (3) Cheon Chong
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) TERRA SPEED went into the shutdown having run 2nd on a wet track in a similar race over this distance. He trialed up three weeks ago, finishing 3rd in his heat in a solid time and looks poised to make his breakthrough here. (4) MONEY LINE ran 3rd in that same trial. He hadn’t shown an awful lot in six starts prior to the break but it may have ended up doing him so good and he has a fresh start here. (2) DALRINEUN BITKKAL has a 2nd and a 3rd among his seven outings so far. He returned to action with a 5th place over 1400M on June 21st and should be improving on that today. Under Kim Yong-geun, he can settle just behind the lead and run on strongly. (6) BIG FACE didn’t show much speed in two outings before the shutdown, but he didn’t really need to do too much to finish 2nd in the latter of them. His trial was no better than average, but he should be competitive in this company.
Selections
(1) Terra Speed (2) Dalrineun Bitkkal (6) Big Face (4) Money Line
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
1, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A field of twelve will face the starter in the fifth where there looks to be an abundance of speed. (3) JANGSAN BADA has begun his career in good style winning on debut back in February before backing it up with a second behind Wang Taeng I three weeks back. He has drawn perfectly to get a trail into the race and let down with a nice turn of foot. (5) BLUE K comes off a Class 6 win when leading throughout last start. Expect Kim Yong-geun to work forward once again from a good draw and try to lead throughout. (2) MAPAEBONG looks next best after finishing second last time out in similar grade. The Ecton Park entire sprouted wings late to rocket home over the same distance. (6) TOP SEED is a last start winner when leading throughout. The time was reasonable for this grade, with an economic run he can run into the money.
Selections
(3) Jangsan Bada (5) Blue K (2) Mapaebong (6) Top Seed
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The maiden gallopers line up in the second event where a case can be made for many. Going with the lightly raced (2) SUSO TANK to improve at her second start. She was good on debut when hitting the line strongly after running on from a long way back. She should be at an each way price in this event. The extra furlong should only help her chances. (6) JEONSEOLUI FIGHT is the likely favourite in the event. The Colors Flying (more…)
Busan was struck by monsoon rains during the early part of Friday’s card but while there is the possibility of showers, there should be no such problems at Seoul for Saturday’s behind closed doors fixture. There are 13 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
It will be empty at Seoul again
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A field of inexperienced fillies and mares kick off proceedings at Seoul where they are all looking for their first victory. (4) WONDERFUL LIGHT gets her best chance to date to break maiden status coming off a good effort behind Hansen Choice three weeks back. The Tiz Wonderful filly hit the line with gusto last time out where they clocked a reasonable time. She drops back to the 1000m where Moon Jung-kyun will need to ensure she sits closer to the speed this time around. (3) PRIME SUMMIT comes off a midfield performance when debuting three weeks ago. The Chapel Royal filly got tired in the final stages after positioning directly behind the speed. She should take improvement from the run and be gifted a nice run from a good draw. (5) AMAZING WHIZ is first up since the enforced break. She has had the two previous starts, the most recent of them she finished fourth over the 1300m when finishing off strong. It is unknown if the drop back to the 1000 will suit her, but she did clock a reasonable trial time over the five furlongs during the break. (10) MARU CASTLE is one of three debutants lining up in the event. Her recent trial was encouraging when finishing second in a fair time. Keep her safe in your exotic bets.
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Maiden two-year-olds go around here with just two of the eight having raced previously. They went in the same race and of the pair, (1) NINE EYE was the one to emerge with some credit, running 5th of twelve and through the line strongly. He can be expected to have come on for that run and to improve today. The main dangers are likely to emerge from the first-timers. (4) ADELE MUSTANG looks the most likely, having run well in a May trial posting a good time on what was admittedly a fast track. He’s the second foal from his dam, who won here five times and the jockey/trainer combination will tempt plenty. He can win. (3) JOEUN GWANGYE, who should be on speed from the start, and (8) LUCKY WORLD are others who performed well enough in trials to be considered place chances first-up.
Selections
(4) Adele Mustang (1) Nine Eye (3) Jeoun Gwangye (8) Lucky World
Next Best
6
Fast Start
3, 7
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The third on the card will see the three-year-old maiden gallopers go over the 1200m. (1) KING KANMOREU resumes and will line up for his fifth start. The Hansen chestnut placed over the 1300m last time out behind Jeongmun Bolt in January. He trialed in April and clocked a fair time when comparing it to the strength of this race. (3) WONDERFUL MAMBO looks the next best of the runners engaged coming off a last start fifth behind Big Plan. Her last start was prior to the hiatus, with the filly performing only fair in a trial in April. (5) SEOUL CROWN is another that resumes and is capable of running into the money. The colt has the ability to position on speed and should hold out quite a few. (2) CUPID KOREA is next best with a handy trial in May. He lines up for his fourth start with his best performance a fifth two starts back behind High Wonderful.
Selections
(1) King Kanmoreu (3) Wonderful Mambo (5) Seoul Crown (2) Cupid Korea
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 5
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) CHODONG ROCKET ran twice last autumn for 3rd and 2nd, the latter in a useful time on a sloppy track at this distance. He’s not raced since and while he was only average in an April trial, he’ll not need to do too much to win this. Kim Yong-geun, who rode him in both those 2019 starts, remains aboard, and he is the one to beat, most likely leading from the start. After an encouraging trial, (7) SANARAE ran a solid 4th on her return to action on June 20th over this distance. She is slightly one-paced but that will be enough to see her go close today. (8) HYPER CAR recorded back to back 3rd place finishes at the turn of the year and while he only managed 6th over 1400M on his return two weeks ago, he too should have enough about him to challenge for a place here. (6) SUN WINNER and (9) BAEKDU GEOPO are others with claims on the minor places.
As is the theme of the day, another small field lines up in the fifth where they will go over the 1200m. (2) GIANT GIRL is second-up after a nice performance when resuming to finish third behind Wish Me over 1300m. She clocked a good time for this class and a similar performance will see her go close. She missed the kick last start, but if she can jump with them she should be ready to strike at the top of the straight. (5) GO UP looks (more…)
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 15-race behind closed doors fixture from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Only three of the nine in the opener have raced before and conveniently for us, all three went in the same race over this distance on June 19th. The best of the three was (3) TOP MATE, who came from just behind the pace to run on strongly for 2nd. It was a solid run and he can go one better today. (9) WORLD CHEONSA was prominent all throughout that race, briefly striking the front in the home straight before ultimately coming home in 3rd place. The filly has drawn wide again but has claims to at least match her performance from last time. (5) K K WON came home in 5th place in that race and he too can improve. There are, however, a couple of useful looking first-timers. (4) WINNER’S MAN recorded the fastest trial time although that was aided by a wet track. (2) DAEHO PYEONGJEONG and (6) B.K. LOOKS, the latter partnered by Jo In-kwen, who rode Top Mate on debut, are others who should go well first-up.
Selections
(3) Top Mate (9 World Cheonsa (6) B.K. Looks (2) Daeho Pyeongjeong
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
2, 6, 9
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The three-year-old runners line up in the second all looking for their maiden victory. (9) TOP QUEEN looks a big chance as she lines up for her second career start. The Cowboy Cal filly finished second on debut behind Thunder Vegas in November last year. She trialed in a fair time back in May, with some mild improvement on the trial she looks the one to beat. (11) MAEUM DAERO has had a run since the racing hiatus where she finished fourth behind Smart Value. She was beaten a big margin but clocked a time that should see her competitive in this event. (10) GLOBAL SEUNGNI has had the one career start where he was tested over the 1200m on debut. The Testa Matta gelding was beaten eleven lengths by a handy one in Goblin on that day, this is a much easier assignment so don’t let the margin bother you. (2) GRAND YEOWANG performed well in a trial leading into this preparation. She looks the best chance of the well drawn gallopers.
Selections
(9) Top Queen (11) Maeum Daero (10) Global Seunghi (2) Grand Yeowang
Next Best
1, 12
Fast Start
9, 10, 11
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens go around here with all but one of the full field of twelve having raced at least once before. Four of these raced each other over 1000M on June 19th in the very first race back after the shutdown. (2) GOLD MAGIC finished the best of them, running on well for 3rd, a long way behind a decent looking winner but not far off the runner-up. The way he ran that day suggests the additional furlong can be to his benefit and he looks a serious chance here. (10) SWEET BAND and (11) ALPHA HEART came home in 4th and 5th respectively in that race, with the former especially hitting the line well and both should be involved at the business end of the race today. (1) MORNING THUNDER improved across three starts before the break culminating in a 2nd place finish. He looked well when winning a June trial and comes straight into contention. (5) BAEDARI SUNSHINE was less impressive in his trial but also has a 2nd place to his name and is likely to be on speed early here. The Wildcard is (8) YEONGGWANGUI START, who hasn’t raced since September of last year, but he did show promise and was a trial winner in the Spring. He’s another who should sit on the pace early. (6) A. ONCE weakened over 1400M two weeks ago but is better than that and today should be more suitable.
Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another batch of maiden gallopers face the starter in the fourth where the main chances come from the early speed. (9) ECHO GOOD is the on top selection after finishing fourth to My Queen on debut. The winner on the day in My Queen romped in winning by five lengths. While she looks a very handy galloper, Echo Good looks one that can improve and be a main player in this event. (3) HUIMANG SOYEO handed in a much-improved effort last time out when third behind King’s Landing. Whilst it was back in January, a similar performance can see her figure once again. (10) MILE QUEEN has managed to finish fourth twice from her five career starts. At her last start she finished fourth behind Haeundae Thunder where she was beaten seven lengths. With some improvement she is another capable of finishing in the placings as this is a much weaker event. (6) ARA MYUNGMA has finished in the minor placings on two occasions from ten starts. She trialed up in good time but looks a place chance at best.
Selections
(9) Echo Good (3) Huimang Soyeo (10) Mile Queen (6) Echo Good
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
5, 9, 10
Race 5: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky race as nothing enters with much in the way of convincing form. The best might be (7) B.K JOHN. He’s certainly the only one who has a runner-up finish to his name, and it was recorded on his most recent outing. However, that was all the way back in April of 2019. He did though look good in a trial in April of this year and can be considered. If you prefer your form a touch more recent than (4) PORRIMA is the one to go for. He’s from the track’s top stable and he surely builds on the 4th place he achieved on debut at 1400M just two weeks ago. (5) DALGI didn’t catch the eye in a recent trial but knows how to come from off the pace with a late run and can hit the board while it’s a similar story with (11) GRAND CAPTAIN, who doesn’t have much in the way of speed about him but can plod into the money in this company. (3) SEONGSIL SONYEO did nothing in two starts before the shutdown but did well in a May trial and gets a fresh start today.
Selections
(4) Porrima (7) B.K. John (5) Dalgi (11) Grand Captain
Next Best
3
Fast Start
6, 7
Race 6: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The three-year-old maidens go over the 1300m where the field is inexperienced. (3) ROYALIST looks the one to beat coming off a last start third behind Smart Value when lining up for his first start two weeks back. The three-year-old was beaten a significant nine lengths on debut but clocked a quick time, with the winner of that particular race looking a handy type. With a severe (more…)
Touch Star Man struck the front in the final furlong and held off all-comers to win the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the 2020 Korean Triple Crown, at Busan this afternoon.
One major contender had already fallen by the wayside earlier in the week when it emerged that Breeders’ Cup winner Roller Blade didn’t have the correct paperwork in order to enter. Another had to drop out ten minutes before the race when Determination reared up when parading and dislodging Alan Munro who was taken to hospital for x-rays on a suspected broken wrist (unfortunately this was subsequently confirmed).
That left Save The World as the leading contender but just as he had done in the Breeders’ Cup last December, the Menifee colt was slow out of the gates and was playing catch-up from the start.
That left outsider Golden Winner showing the way early with Thunder King and K N Road for company while Touch Star Man settled at the front of midfield. The former two would quickly capitulate in the home straight, but K N Road stuck gamely to his task as Touch Star Man and Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Cup winner Doctor Carson emerged as the main challengers.
👉⭐️👨🦰 TOUCH STAR MAN 👉⭐️👨🦰 Touch Star Man takes out the 1st leg of the Korean Triple Crown with a brilliant win in the KRA Cup Mile. The Testa Matta – Useung Touch colt powered to the line under the rising of Jung Do-yun. Trained by Kim Young-kwan @korearacing@SkyRacingWorldpic.twitter.com/0kCGIuHAW6
Ultimately jockey Jung Do-yun would find a little bit more from Touch Star Man who went on to win by a length from K N Road with Doctor Carson a further three-lengths in arrears. Despite his dreadful start, Save The World ran a big race coming home in 4th.
Touch Star Man is by Testa Matta and out of Useung Touch (by Menifee). Useung Touch herself runner-up in the Korean Derby in 2011.
For jockey Jung Do-yun, the victory was his first in a Group race. For trainer Kim Young-kwan it was his fourth in this race alone following successes with Sangseung Ilro in 2009, Power Blade in 2016 and Divide Wind in 2018. Power Blade would, of course, go on to sweep all three legs of the Triple Crown.
The next leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby which is currently scheduled for Sunday August 2nd over 1800M at Seoul.
It’s been a rocky road to the first three-year-old Classic of the season but against the backdrop of an existential threat to Korean racing with seemingly little prospect of either online or offline betting arriving any time soon, the KRA Cup Classic will finally be run at Busan this afternoon. There is a 5 race card at Busan with the big race at 3.30pm while at Seoul there are 14 races from 10.25 to 18.00.
Save The World enters the KRA Cup Mile as a leading contender
Fourteen horses will enter the gate but champion juvenile and one time Triple Crown favourite Roller Blade won’t be among them, after a 10,000/1 type administrative oversight meant he hadn’t fulfilled the qualification criteria.
It hasn’t been the smoothest of build-ups for another leading candidate Save The World either, with his trainer having sadly passed away in March.
Save The World does run and is set to be among the favourites as is Choegang Team who has only been beaten by Roller Blade in his five starts to date and looks to be the pick of the raiders from Seoul along with so far unbeaten Roan Tough Man. Gyeongnam Do Min Cup winner Doctor Carson is another in a race made all the more fascinating for the lengthy absence of racing at a time when the three-year-olds would have been coming into their own. Here are all the previews – scroll down for the KRA Cup Mile (Busan race 5):
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A tough race to kick proceedings off on Sunday with a lack of exposed form for punters to assess. (8) SHINY FIRE is the top elect based on a reasonable trial performance in April combined with what she showed at her first couple of starts. The Midshipman filly has shown early speed in her racing and should work forward early on. Expect it to be a slog up the home straight but we think she will be one of them left in the finish. (2) KKAEUCHIM can run into the money based on some reasonable performances before the hiatus. The four-year-old is yet to place from nine starts but this race has a severe lack of form. (1) SHADOW QUEEN has been included on the basis of a nice trial in recent times. She has had the one start where she showed very little but the trial was good and if she collects a cheque it would not surprise. (3) WOL YEONG I is another that trialed well but needs to bring it to race day.
Selections
(8) Shiny Fire (2) Kkaeuchim (1) Shadow Queen (3) Wol Yeong I
Next Best
4, 5
Fast Start
2, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Not the strongest of maidens here. (1) HAMYANG SANGRIM sports two 3rd place finishes among seven starts so far and is at least capable of consistently running a competitive time. She didn’t catch the eye in an April trial but if Ha Jung-hun can work her to the front from the inside gate then she has a good chance of scoring here. (4) GEUMA MAJESTY is the only one of the field who has recorded a runner-up finish, something she achieved at this distance. She returned in February after nine months out to run a decent 4th, again over this distance and can go well first up once more. Neither (3) GAJA PLAN nor (9) OKAY JJANG offered much in their limited experience so far but both showed a bit more promise, the former especially, in recent trials and can improve today. That’s true too for (10) MAY BLUE, who does at least have a 4th place to her name and will be expected to work forward to the front from the outside gate.
Selections
(3) Gaja Plan (1) Hamyang Sanrim (10) May Blue (4) Geuma Majesty
Next Best
9
Fast Start
1, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The Korean-bred three-year-old fillies line up in the third over 1200m. (3) RAPIDO ARES looks the one to beat based on a very solid debut performance. The Lion Metal filly finished third behind Lucky Myeongho on that occasion when hitting the line strongly. The step out to the 1200m looks ideal for her and she comes off a reasonable trial. (2) SAENAE CHOICE must be considered as a winning chance. She is a speedy type who has stuck on in her races honestly to date and with fresh legs she is one to keep safe in your selections. (5) HANIL MOA has been settling further back at her past couple of starts. She will be hitting the line strong late and looks a place chance at best. (7) GLOBAL SUN is on the two week back up after feeling the pinch late in her recent run. She should strip fitter for the run and looks capable of collecting a cheque.
Selections
(3) Rapido Ares (2) Saenae Choice (5) Hanil Moa (7) Global Sun
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Maiden fillies only tackling the 1200M. (1) DREAM GIRLS showed progress over three starts prior to the shutdown culminating in a 2nd place on February 22nd. All of them were at 1000M and all were in decent times. She confirmed her ability when trialing well behind Blessing Road in May and stepping up to 1200M for the first time, she can win and in a race with no early speed, can probably lead gate to wire. The form for the rest is patchy, to put it mildly. (7) ANYANG HORANGI has never finished any better than 4th but has posted some good times, albeit in rain-assisted tracks. She trialed up well – also in the wet – three weeks ago and can be competitive here. (6) WONDER PLACE too has been consistent if unspectacular and she too performed competently in her trial. (9) HARUON got sent out only slightly better than even-money when she raced at this distance in February. Punters must have seen something in her prior run when she clocked a useful time over the 1000M. She ended up finishing 5th but that form is enough to bring her firmly into placing contention today.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A compact field of eight will go over the 1400m in the fifth event. (4) YEOLRIN MUN was a good last start winner over the 1200m back in February. The Any Given Saturday colt has had just the five runs for the win and two minors. The trial in April was average but he lined up against some handy types. (2) STREET GANGJA was a last start winner on debut. The Hongji gelding won by a clear margin but clocked a very slow time for the 1200m. The recent trial was good and with some improvement has to be considered a winning chance. (6) MISSILE CANDY is consistently around the mark and finds an assignment where the entire can collect some prizemoney. He comes off a last start fifth behind Gold Blue Magic when shortening stride in the final stages over 1400m. The drop back to the six furlongs suits and his trial was good. (1) RESKA looks next best after lining up in a tougher assignment last start when finishing fifth. Expect the Big Brown filly to sit behind the speed and motor late.
Selections
(4) Yeolrin Mun (2) Street Gangja (6) Missile Candy (1) Reska
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
3, 4 ,6
Busan Race 2: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(2) CHROME MAGIC had started to lose his way somewhat in his last three outings prior to the shutdown so it may be that the enforced time off has done him some good. It certainly looked that way when he trialed up at the beginning of June, running 2nd in a fast heat to the class 1 Baengmunbaekdap. Moon Se-young is an intriguing booking aboard and he can win. (1) WONDERFUL COUNTRY and (8) DAEHO JILJU both returned to action two weeks ago, both (more…)
It’s KRA Cup Eve! The delayed 1st leg of the 2020 Triple Crown takes place at Busan on Sunday but before that, there is a bumper 15-race card at Seoul on Saturday. As ever these days, however, it will be run behind closed doors. The highly thought-of Eoma Eoma will run in the concluding race 15. Due to the Cup Mile, a number of top jockeys including Moon Se Young and Alan Munro are in Busan for the weekend and will not be riding at Seoul. Here are the previews:
Saturday will be another behind closed doors day at Seoul
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
The two-year-old debutants line up over the short course in the first where there looks to be some nice types. (5) MOST SPEED is the on top selection after a very speedy trial. The Federalist filly cruised along early before railing like a greyhound and winning by a big margin. The time was good and there looked to be more in the tank. (2) JILJU DAERO handed in a nice trial performance when crossing from the outside to take up the running. Under minimal urging the Gyeongbudaero colt went on to score in a soft trial. He has a good draw and will work forward, whether he can hold out the others we will have to wait and see. (7) HEUNGBARAGI looks to cover the ground with a nice action. The Old Fashioned colt won his trial in good fashion clocking a solid time on a wet track. Lee Joon-chel will need to find a position early on as he has plenty of others with early speed drawn inside of him. (6) LUCKY CLUB worked through the line well in his heat. He settled behind the leader before running through the line in good style. There will be no surprise if any of aforementioned four gallopers take out the opener.
Selections
(5) Most Speed (2) Jilju Daero (7) Heungbaragi (6) Lucky Club
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 7
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(7) MIR SKY has been sent off at three-figure odds in all three of her outings to date, but such is the weakness of this race, she actually has claims. Those come off the back of managing to finish 4th in her final start before the shutdown and then winning a trial in May in a reasonable time. She drops back to 1000M for the first time. Such is the level, that those who have been hapless on the racecourse so far but have got it together somewhat in subsequent trials must come into consideration. They include (5) CAPTAIN BRAVO and to a lesser extent, (10) HURRICANE SOCKS There are also three debut-makers who, given the circumstance, should also be given a chance. Among them (1) FINE HEART trialed up alongside some experienced horses. It was a slow run heat but he didn’t look out of place. (3) MASEONG HONSIN one paced but got through her latest effort competently enough. Meanwhile, (2) BIROE KING offered few clues across two trials but the jockey booking will tempt some.
Selections
(7) Mir Sky (1) Fine Heart (5) Captain Bravo (10) Hurricane Socks
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
1, 4
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The three-year-old gallopers line up over the short course in the third event. (7) CUPID BISANG is the on top selection based on her most recent trial. The Thunder Moccasin filly sat on speed and worked to the line strong albeit passed by a couple. The winner of the trial was Raon Tough Man who lines up in the KRA Cup Mile and is yet to be defeated. The filly matched strides before the winner booted away, but she must be considered a big chance given the strength of this event. (2) RIDE LUCKY lines up for his second start after finishing fourth on debut back in November. The gelding showed a nice turn of foot running on strong to finish fourth behind Lucky Myeongho. (3) RAON HIGH has placed at two of her three starts but disappointed at her most recent effort when well beaten. She threw in the short strides from the furlong onwards last start and whilst the 1000m will be suitable in this event, options going forward will be limited if she cannot get at least the six furlongs. (4) SANTTEUTHANSEUCHIM trialed fairly in March and lines up for her fourth career start. This looks one of the easier assignments she has been placed in.
Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here. (5) GREAT WAY improved across three appearances before the shutdown, culminating in 3rd place over 1400M on February 9th. The race was run in an utterly glacial fashion, but the filly has since shown that she has a bit of speed about her, putting in a very good trial in April. Expect her to be on pace and she has good claims to lead all the way from a good draw. (10) SAND POWER was 3rd behind Great Way in that February slog. It was his second consecutive 3rd place finish and while he perhaps doesn’t have the turn of foot required to win, he can hit the board again. The one they’ll need to beat though is (3) SOSEONO LEGEND. She debuted in extremely inauspicious fashion last October and didn’t re-appear again until a May trial. She looked much better in that, finishing a front-running 2nd. Her dam was a Listed winner in Korea and she’s closely related to Subsidy, who also loved this track. (6) CHEONJI BARAM was quickly beaten when returning two weeks ago but has hinted at ability in the past and may improve today. (7) YONGMARU GU can have a line drawn through his debut and he has performed consistently well in trials since then.
Selections
(3) Soseono Legend (5) Great Way (7) Yongmaru Gu (10) Sand Power
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 12
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
There appears to be a lack of speed in the fifth where the Korean-bred gallopers line up over the 1300m all looking for their first victory. (10) GEUMA FLAWLESS looks to have this in the bag already based on the chestnut’s placing last time out back in December behind New Moon Warrior. The three-year-old trialed a fortnight ago and clocked a good time winning the heat. (6) A. P. PATEK looks next best coming off a third behind Dongjjok Glory in January. The three-year-old trialed fairly in April and may be able map closer to the speed. He hit the line well at his most recent race start. (4) JEONGMUN PRINCE looks (more…)
There was a brief glimmer of light at the beginning of the week when the government gave to go ahead to the professional baseball and football leagues to begin admitting spectators to stadiums from as early as this Friday. The hope was that this could be quickly extended to the racecourses where strict bio-security and distancing measures are ready to be enforced. That hope was quickly extinguished with the rise of new “cluster infections” in the middle of the week with baseball and football having immediately had their approval put on hold.
Accordingly, this weekend’s racing will once more be run without spectators and without betting, the latter of which is unsustainable for very much longer. The races, while unavailable to loyal Korean punters, are, however, available to overseas bettors through the usual simulcast partners. There are 15 races at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00.
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A small field of eight first-time starters get Friday’s card underway, tackling the minimum distance of five furlongs. The fastest in trials was (8) KKOTGWA BARAM, who despite weakening late on, still managed to hold her own in a heat that included Baengmunbaekdap. The widest gate may not be ideal, but she most likely doesn’t need to lead, and she has fair claims here. (2) YEONGGWANGUICHUKJE also looked competent when trialing at the end of May, running on strong late to post a respectable time and to warrant consideration first-up. (5) MY STAR trailed up along with some decent horses and didn’t look out of place when recording a by no means poor time while (6) GALLANT WARRIOR and (7) DOCTOR TAKE also hinted at some promise and can give a good account of themselves.
Selections
(8) Kkotgwa Baram (2) Yeonggwanguichukje (6) Gallant Warrior (5) My Star
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
8
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The three-year-old maidens go over the short course in the second event on the card. (9) FANTASTIC BOY lines up for his debut performance coming off an eye-catching trial. The Old Fashioned colt was piloted by Lee Sung-jae when working through the line strong. He was given minimal urging by rider Lee and looked to have plenty left in the tank. (11) HALA NURI looks the main danger, trialing well in May. The filly was allowed to free roll by Cho Si-dae who rides her in the event. She did have one start back in January where she finished midfield. (7) SMART BIJIN improved at her second trial and looks a place chance. She is by Daishoten winner Smart Falcon and it may take a couple of runs to see what she really has to offer. (6) MUJEOK YONGBYEONG has had a couple of starts back at the turn of the new year. He improved at his second start to settle behind the leaders and finish off fairly.
Selections
(9) Fantastic Boy (11) Hala Nuri (7) Smart Bujin (6) Mujeok Yongbyeong
Next Best
5,10
Fast Start
6, 9, 11
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens line up here with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. Of the five who have prior racing experience, (9) STING is the only one to have troubled the judges, running 2nd on what was his third career start in February on a muddy track over 1000M. He ran on pleasingly enough and the additional trip today has the potential to suit. Jockey Park Jae-I became a father for the first time on Wednesday and he has a fine chance on debut-maker (10) GEUMGANG JEONGGI. A solid performer across three trials, the first all the way back in January and the most recent just a couple of weeks ago, he looks very much ready to run. The jockey is likely to send him to the front from the gate and he could be the one they need to beat. (4) CHOEGANG HUNTER and (6) QUEEN FLYING both offered next to nothing in two and one prior starts respectively. However, in May trials, both looked to have befitted from the time off and should be much better prospects this time around. Among the other debutants, (11) MR. FUSION looks the pick.
Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The fillies line up over the six furlongs in the fourth where there appears to be only a handful of chances. (9) FASHION KEY looks a speedy type who can perform well fresh. She has lined up in stronger events than this and accounted for herself well. The trial was good, and she will have one of Busan’s best in Seo Seung-un on her back. (10) NORTHERN DREAM trialed up well back in April. She did place two starts back over the five furlongs and then backed it up with a fair performance in February before the hiatus. The concern is where she ends up from barrier ten. (3) BARAMEUI WOOLLIM lines up for her first start as a four-year-old. She won a trial back in February when qualifying in good time then finished midfield in a trial against the older horses. (4) HONOR QUEEN will have her second start after finishing midfield on debut over the 1000m. She never looked a winning chance but held her own, with some improvement she can run into the minor money.
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Maidens again here but plenty of form to go around. (1) PINEUI KKUM has finished no worse than 6th in six appearances so far with a best of 2nd. That came at 1000M, but he has finished 3rd at this distance as well. He has disappointed as favourite on a number of occasions, but he looked well in a May trial and this really should be his day. (8) ALPHA STAR ran 2nd on June 19th, well beaten by the very promising debut-maker My Queen. He should have come on for that run and gets a quick turnaround here. He’ll be on pace early and can go close. Looking to overcome being drawn in the car park to get to the front early will be (12) MILLION MAKER. He led for much of the way over 1200M on his second career start back in February only to get overhauled late on. He too looked well in a trial just last Saturday and presuming he didn’t leave his race in that heat, he has a big chance here. (10) ACE JACKPOT hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has hit the board a couple of times at this level and has placing claims.
Selections
(1) Pineui Kkum (8) Alpha Star (12) Million Maker (10) Ace Jackpot
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
8, 12
Race 6: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A compact field of maiden gallopers line up in the sixth where there is a lack of early speed. (2) CHEONNYEONUI GIL lines up for her sixth start after an average trial in May. The Tiz Wonderful filly has finished in the top five on four of her five starts including a last start third behind Gold Candy. She was beaten a big margin that day but Gold Candy does look to have ability winning at her next start by ten lengths in a stronger grade. (3) TIZ LINE appreciated the step up to the mile for the first time last start, finishing second behind Borne Matta. He trialed in April and only beat a couple home, with a slow time. We will include him on the strength of his last run. (7) BAEDARI CAPER is a twenty-nine start maiden but is capable of running into the minor money. He is drawn to sit midfield and have every chance of collecting a cheque. (6) TOP OF THE GIRL has mixed her form since starting her career in August last year but based on her trial in May where she clocked a good time, she is worth including.
Selections
(2) Cheonnyeonui Gil (3) Tiz Line (7) Baedari Caper (6) Top Of The Girl
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
3
Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) MASTER KING was a good winner over 1300M all the way back in November last year. Although he didn’t get a chance to make his class 5 debut before racing was halted in February, he certainly looked the part when leading for most of a trial at the start of June. Look for him to get on pace early and potentially lead all the way today. (9) MAN OF THE WORLD’s final run before the shutdown saw him come home 4th when sent off as favourite over 1000M on February 14th. He is yet to win but has a 2nd place to his name at 1300M and was similarly fast in a trial two weeks ago. He will be challenging for the early lead and has every chance of making the breakthrough here. Another maiden is (10) BANJIUI MAGIC. He returned to action two weeks ago running a solid class and distance 4th and should have come on for that run. Another (more…)
Gaon Champ gave everything but ultimately Do Kki Blade was just too strong as the sprinting pair turned the Busan Ilbo Cup (KOR G3) into a two-horse war on Sunday afternoon.
Do Kki Blade and Gaon Champ finished 2nd and 3rd behind Simjangui Godong in a blanket finish to January’s Segye Ilbo Cup at Seoul. While that day’s winner was also present on the south coast today, along with a vast amount of the nation’s sprinting talent, it quickly became clear that only two horses were going to dispute the finish.
Gaon Champ and Alan Munro briefly managed to get on terms and almost touch the lead in the final furlong, but Kim Yong-geun was able to extract another effort from Do Kki Blade and the four-year-old ultimately pulled clear to take the line half a length in front of his rival. King Of Glory came home 3rd a further three lengths in arrears, while Simjangui Godong could only manage 6th.
“I’m very proud of him” winning jockey Kim told KRBC after the race. “Coming in he was still a class 2 horse with the lowest rating in the race, but he was going up against all the established class 1 sprinters. Then to make it worse he got the really bad draw in gate 14.”
Kim, who was winning the race for the first time despite having ridden at Busan for most of his career before relocating to Seoul three years ago, knew the start would be important: “I felt there was a lot of speed in the race so I couldn’t afford to be chasing but then he jumped out so well and I saw we had a chance to get across so I decided to go for it. Once we hit the straight, I knew he had plenty left.”
Veteran trainer Park Dae-heung, who last year finally captured a Korean Derby with Wonderful Fly, was also winning the race for the first time and he was full of praise for his jockey: “I thought the race could be lost at the start so I was disappointed with the draw. I told Kim Yong-geun it was up to him to use his judgement and he did it perfectly.”
The Busan Ilbo Cup, like all racing in Korea at the moment, was held behind closed doors and with the absence of any legal remote betting in Korea, local fans were completely shut out and unable to even watch the race on TV. Both winning jockey and trainer addressed that situation.
“I value this win of course” said Kim Yong-geun. “It would have been far more exciting if we could have had our fans inside the racecourse though. I felt this was a very good race and I would have loved for them to have been able to watch it live. (Covid-19) has been hard on all of us but I keep the fans in my mind all the time.”
Trainer Park echoed those sentiments: “I have had a lot of time to think during the shutdown and I realise how important our racing fans are. Just to be racing is a start and we must do it, but it isn’t the same. I want all our fans to know we race for them and want to see them soon.”
Gaon Champ will get his chance for revenge on Do KKi Blade when the Sprint Series heads up to Seoul for the SBS Sports Sprint in July, a race which will be the final tune-up for September’s International Group 3 Korea Sprint.
* At Busan on Friday, the star of the show was Pro Consul. The Peter Wolsley trained colt has had an interrupted career but looked superb when dominating a class 1 field in the concluding Mile Handicap, winning by a full eight-lengths under Seo Seung-un. Pro Consul is a US import by Freedom Child, who was himself imported to Korea earlier this year. The four-year-old moves on to five wins from nine starts and into contention for big races later this year.
The fifteenth running of the Busan Ilbo Cup is the feature race for the weekend with a capacity field of sixteen to face the starter at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. With the postponement of the Chairman’s Cup due to Covid-19, this will be the first leg of the 2020 Korean Sprint Series. There are 5 races at Busan from 12:15 to 15:30 while at Seoul there are 14 from 10:35 to 18:00. Both meetings are closed to spectators.
Simjangui Godong denied Do Kki Blade and Gaon Champ in the Segye Ilbo in January. The trio meet again in Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Eight of Seoul’s top sprinters will line up against eight of Busan’s best over the 1200m. The Group Three feature was taken out by Gaon Champ last year, who lines up in the event once again.
The winning trifecta of the Segye Ilbo Cup in January will reunite to face off once more. There was less than half a length covering the first three in the 1200m listed feature with Simjangui Godong (1st), Do Kki Blade (2nd) and Gaon Champ (3rd) completing the trifecta. Last year’s Champion Three-Year-Old Simjangui Godong showed a brilliant turn of foot over the sprint distance after dropping back from the 1800m the start prior. Do Kki Blade and Gaon Champ both settled on speed and were gallant up the Seoul straight.
Last start Class One winner Seobu Cat will face his toughest test to date, coming of four successive victories. The four-year-old comes off a dominant two length victory when carrying the featherweight of 51kg, defeating Doraonpogyeongson (2nd/58kg) and Ace Korea (4th/60kg).
Last year’s Korea Sprint runner-up Dia Socks will make the trip to Busan for the feature. The five-year-old comes off a last start fourth behind Global Captain, who is absent from the race. The five-year-old is never the fastest out of the gates, but he did fail to muster early on last start which cost him a closer finish after rattling home late. To make things more difficult, he has been dealt the outside gate but will have the services of Korea’s leading jockey in Moon Se-Young.
M J Power and Morning Daero both come off Class One victories. M J Power saluted over the 1200m in February with just 52kg on his back, he beat home Munhak Winner (3rd/52kg) who will line up in the event as well. Morning Daero comes off a 1400m victory carrying 56.5kg when defeating former KRA Cup Classic Winner Divide Wind (4th/52kg).
King Of Glory was beaten four lengths last start late December over 1200m in Class One grade carrying 56kg, with Hi Sexy finishing well back in the same race. Clean Up Board comes off a last start midfield performance behind Heuk Jeonsa whilst Seongpa and Seongsan Simon saluted in Class 1 events over 1200m and 1400m respectively.
In a wide open version of the Busan Ilbo Cup, Gaon Champ is the on top selection. The five-year-old entire has been so consistent throughout his career to date, winning nine of fourteen and placing on three other occasions. He is drawn to likely find the fence early on, and if not sit at worst one of the fence outside of Seongpa who is a speedy type. His trial in April was encouraging, Lim Gi-won looked statuesque aboard him as he worked home under his own steam to clock a good time. Epsom Derby-winning jockey Alan Munro is the beneficiary of an injured Lim Gi-won and will be legged aboard on Sunday.
Here are previews for all races:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The maidens kick off proceedings on Sunday’s 14 event card. (7) GLOBAL WANGJA looks the one to get punters off to a good start coming off a last start second behind Ganghojeil back in February. The lightly race four-year-old has speedy types drawn either side of him suggesting he should get a trail forward and be able to camp on the leaders’ coattails. (6) PARAN WANGJA is one of those speedy types who will work forward. The Divine Park chestnut was prominent in his debut when placing behind Cheongdam Curling. He completed the 1200m in a slow time on debut but with some improvement he looks an each-way prospect. (3) COIN BLADE hasn’t raced since April last year when finishing third on debut. He trialed in April and the performance couldn’t give us an indication of how he is going. Keep him safe as is if he is sound he could give this a shake. (4) HOEBOK looks next best finishing just behind the placings at his past couple of starts.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Maiden fillies go around here. (8) RAON BLOOD improved to 3rd place on what was her fourth outing in February. She’s not the quickest but she plugs away well and against this limited set of opposition, she has fair claims having almost made all in a trial earlier this month. (6) IMPERIAL SILK finished 4th behind Raon Blood last time out and looked similarly well when trialing with seemingly scope for more development. (12) HWA SSI BYEOK has finished no worse than 5th in three outings so far. She has been quite one-paced but just with Raon Blood, that may be enough to see her into some money here. Her recent trial was good enough. (5) WONDERFUL CAT has a runner-up finish at class and distance to her name and must be taken seriously while (9) BAEKDUWA HALLA did nothing wrong when 4th on debut in February, running on strongly over 1000M and looks in the hunt over the additional distance too.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The maiden three-year-olds will go over the 1400m in the third with the most experienced gallopers having just the five starts against their name. (6) BLUE CHARM is considered an each-way chance based on his past couple of starts. He finished third behind Punch Power last time out when beaten less than a length. The Tiz Wonderful colt is a strong and leggy type who looks as if he will appreciate the 1400m first up. (9) WILD KINGDOM is a big chance after finishing third behind Dynamic Punch last time out. The Competitive Edge colt has placed twice from the three starts and is one of only a few who can show early speed. (2) ROCK NEWS has been hitting the line better at his past couple of starts. He won his trial in April and further improvement first up is possible. (1) YEONGJU STONE looks next best coming off a last start third when hitting the line strong in the final stages. The chestnut will be aided by an inside draw.
Selections
(6) Blue Charm (9) Wild Kingdom (2) Rock News (1) Yeongju Stone
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Fillies only here. (6) SIBERIA made all when odds-on on debut in February for a strong win. She is up in class today and didn’t exactly pull up trees in her trial so while she can win again, there are some question marks. (1) CHOEGANGMA similarly steps up to this distance for the first time. She got her maiden win at 1000M last November and then raced twice at this class finishing 3rd and 2nd beating a few of these in the process. She likes to come from just off the pace and today could be his day again. (4) PRETTY JOY too tries the distance for the first time having run 2nd on her first try at this class in December. Her trial was not as strong as others, however. (10) RAIN K had a hard time on her first start at this level in February when she never got into gear and finished well back but looked much better in a recent trial. If she gets a good start, she can be a factor. The up in class (2) ALL BAEK is another to look out for.
Selections
(6) Siberia (1) Choegangma (4) Pretty Joy (10) Rain K
Next Best
2, 3, 4, 11
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
There looks to be a lack of speed engaged in the fifth suggesting the winner will need to be in touch with the leaders at the top of the straight. From an outside draw (12) SAMSEONG VIVA looks one that can work forward and camp on the leaders’ backs. The Tiz Wonderful colt saluted over this distance three starts back, then finished midfield before running second last start behind Jeongsang Dolpung. (3) EAST CHAMP broke through for his first win last start over this distance. He trialed in April and performed only fair but we will include him based on his consistency shown in his four career starts to date. (1) TANK SOCKS has drawn ideally to sit closer to the speed. She comes off a last start fourth when somewhat one-paced to the line. She did win on debut at big odds, suggesting the forced freshen-up may work in her favour. (7) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM is considered an each-way chance based on his last start when third behind Dia Key. The four-year-old has had the sixteen start yielding just the one win and three minor placings, whilst the record is not overly impressive, this isn’t the strongest race.
Selections
(12) Samseong Viva (3) East Champ (1) Tank Socks (7) Cheonnyeonui Baram
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
6, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
After getting his maiden win at odds in excess of 60/1 back in January, (3) MR. HANSEN promptly followed up with another victory, this time at 1400M in February. He steps up in class again but is beautifully drawn to be on pace from the start and has every chance of completing his hat-trick here. (11) BEYOND steps up in class and distance following a nice looking win over 1300M back in January. He usually comes from off the pace so if (more…)
There are 15 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.45 to 18.00. Most of the top jockeys including Moon Se Young, Park Tae Jong, Kim Yong Geun and Alan Munro are absent as they are in Busan for Sunday’s Busan Ilbo Cup, but there is still plenty to get stuck into. Here are the previews:
This weekend’s meetings are sadly behind closed doors again
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A field of twelve three-year-olds will kick Saturday’s monster card off with eleven of them on debut. (8) LEROY BLANC is the on top selection after some handy trial performances. The Forest Camp filly has been ridden by Ha Jung-hun in her trials, and will partner her on debut. She was ridden with minimal urging in her heat and clocked a good time for the debutants. (4) HAEK SOCKS produced a fair trial and is considered an each-way chance on debut. The Hansen colt was given a soft trial qualifying with ease. He should position near the speed with a good draw. (9) ROSEDAY MARINE was well beaten in her trial but managed to produce a reasonable time. (3) DEKABRIST is next best after finishing fourth in her trial when clocking a fair time on a wet surface.
Selections (8) Leroy Blanc (4) Haek Socks (9) Roseday Marine (3) Dekabrist Next Best 11, 7 Fast Start 4, 8
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Twelve unraced two-year-olds go around here No eagerly awaited debuts here but we do at least have some trials to go on. (6) YEONGGWANGUI MISO looked the best of them with the Hansen filly finishing well ahead of a couple of her rivals here in a reasonably well run heat at the end of May. One of those was (9) SOARA BABA, who failed to qualify that day, but she made a quick return to have another go two weeks ago and this time did much better, running 3rd in her trial and looking altogether more ready to race. (5) BAEDARI CANDY ran prominently in her trial and while she weakened a little late on, should have come on for it and can go well first up. (3) DDAENGBEOL and (10) FIGHTING GIRL others who didn’t disgrace themselves.
Selections (6) Yeonggwangui Miso (9) Soara Baba (5) Baedari Candy (10) Fighting Girl Next Best 3 Fast Start 6, 11
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The Korean-breds go over the 1200m in the third where nine of the twelve are on debut. We will watch with interest the performance of (5) PIEONADA. The three-year-old trialed in good fashion finishing close up behind the likes of Uri and Raon Tough Man. The Tiz Wonderful filly clocked one of the faster trial time when compared to her opposition. She sat on speed in her trial suggesting she will be gifted a good run from barrier five. (6) MASTER FUTURE has had two starts to date finishing fourth on both occasions. The three-year-old at his last start was somewhat one-paced in the run home when beaten seven lengths by Nunbit Eunyak who has since placed in stronger company. (8) SUPER LUCKY BOY improved at his second trial in May. The Gyongbudaero colt clocked 62.6 on a dry track for the 1000m, looking at his conformation he looks one that may appreciate a longer journey with time. (2) RAON FASHION is next best coming off a nice trial four weeks back. Expect the Old Fashioned gelding to position on speed after showing plenty of speed in his trial.
Selections (5) Pieonada (6) Master Future (8) Super Lucky Boy (2) Raon Fashion Next Best 9, 3 Fast Start 2, 5
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(8) GLOBAL GOLD ran a front-running 3rd place over this distance on his most recent outing back in January, marking steady improvement on what was his third career appearance. He showed he’s still in form with a good trial in April and if he can get to the front here, he has every chance of winning. (5) HAECHAN ran far better than his 80/1 odds suggested he would on debut last September, leading most of the way before tiring late on. He trialed up well enough behind Global Captain back in February but hasn’t been seen since. Nevertheless, he can run well first-up. (7) DREAM FASHION put in a promising effort on his second start back in January, running 4th on a wet track at this distance. He wasn’t pushed when finishing back in the pack in an April trial and there’s no reason why he can’t pick up from where he left off here. (12) ALCHAN NURI was well back behind Dream Fashion in that January race but previously ran 2nd over 1000M and put in an encouraging trial. There are two first-time starters and of the pair, (2) JANGSAN PARK looks the more likely first-up.
Selections (8) Global Gold (7) Dream Fashion (5) Haechan (12) Alchan Nuri Next Best 2, 4 Fast Start 5, 8
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The Korean-bred gallopers line up in the fifth all looking for their first victory. (7) EAST ONE is the on top selection in a wide open race. The colt has finished in the top four on three occasions from four starts including a last start third over this distance. His trial in April was rather average but we take him based on his efforts earlier this year and towards the end of 2019. (10) NEVER WALK ALONE is the omen bet of the weekend after Liverpool claimed the Premier League Championship on Thursday evening. The three-year-old placed last start in February behind Arirayo when coming from well back. Based on his closing sectional the step-up to the 1300m looks suitable. (1) YAHO GOLDEN CAT trialed in a fast time earlier this month clocking 61.7 seconds for the 1000m on a dry track. His most recent start was disappointing when well back but it was a tougher affair. He finished second two start back over this distance, a similar performance to that day will see him run into the money. The lightly raced (9) NAUI SINHWA trialed respectably in April. The Old Fashioned colt has had the two starts finishing fifth on both occasions. This looks a weaker assignment hence a forward showing would not surprise.
Selections (7) East One (10) Never Walk Alone (1) Yaho Golden Cat (9) Naui Sinhwa Next Best 4, 11 Fast Start 3, 7, 11
Race 6: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
As weak a maiden race as you’ll find and we’ve had some weak ones already today. We’ll go with (10) RUFFIAN PARK, who has managed to finish no worse than 6th in any of his five appearances so far with his best being a 3rd. That came over 1300M and he stretches out to seven-furlongs today with as good a chance as any of breaking his duck. (6) BEST TAP has a 3rd and a 4th place to his name, and is another who may appreciate the additional half furlong. He ran well in an April trial and is a clear contender here. Also showing well in a trial was (8) THROUGH THE SKY. He’s never been in the first-five in an actual race but offered a little bit in his recent heat and should improve here. Likewise, (2) SEONGPAJANG and (11) HIT THE PACE also have the potential to improve off the back of the layoff.
Selections (10) Ruffian Park (6) Best Tap (8) Through The Sky (11) Hit The Pace Next Best 2, 1 Fast Start 1, 7
Race 7: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The seventh on the card is likely to leave punters with a cracking headache after doing the form. (3) DAEHYEONG HOJAE was the eventual on top selection. The chestnut comes off a last start fifth behind Our Simon over the 1000m. The Park Dae-heung trained three-year-old trialed fairly in April, expect him to sit just off the speed and be given every chance at the top of the straight. (5) GOLD FIELD is a thirteen start maiden who has managed a placing just once. In saying that the filly is never too far away and this is an extremely weak race. She gets the services of Yoo Seung-wan who is arguably the best jockey riding Seoul Saturday with other topliners making tracks to Busan for the Busan Ilbo Sunday. (2) MAD DIVA has placed twice from the seven starts. The One Cool Cat filly has shown the ability to sit on speed previously, if she can jump clean from barrier two she is capable of finishing in the money. (9) SPEED DANCER reeled off a good last 600m last start running into fifth behind Ganghojeil. The filly gets well back in her races and ideally connections would be hoping she can muster a bit quicker.
Selections (3) Daehyeong Hojae (5) Gold Field Mad Diva (9) Speed Dancer Next Best 7, 10 Fast Start 5, 8
Race 8: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(5) SUNSHINE TEUKGEUP came from off the pace to run a decent 3rd over 1400M back in February. It’s been a long time since she ran at such a short distance as today’s but she looked sharp in a May trial and is a leading hope today. (6) BLESSING ROAD also drops back in trip although only slightly with all the mare’s recent appearances having been at 1300M. She made all to win a trial last month in a fast time and if she gets the lead here, she may well go all the way again. Also winning a recent trial was (9) GOLDEN JAY. He’s another front runner who has won on a wet track and can be considered today. (7) BLACK PUPIL has also won in the wet and performed very pleasingly in a trial at the beginning of this month. He’s drawn better than he did when performing abysmally at 1200M back in January. (12) CAMP TOUCH has the fastest time of any of these at the distance although it is fair to say that wasn’t an especially quick time itself. Nevertheless, she too looked in good touch in trials and has to be a chance here.
Selections (5) Sunshine Teukgeup (6) Blessing Road (9) Golden Jay (12) Camp Touch Next Best 7, 4 Fast Start 4, 6, 9, 10
Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Tactics will play such an important role in the ninth with an abundance of speed engaged to go over the six furlongs. (11) BLACK ZAPPER is the on top selection after a promising start to her career. The daughter of Tiz Wonderful has placed twice in this grade including a third last start behind the talented Dia Road, who went on to win the Donga Ilbo Cup beating Silver Wolf. She was given an easy time of it in her trials but her previous form is strong enough to suggest she can win. (6) TANGO TIME is another Korean-bred that has started his racing career in good fashion. The Hansen gelding is likely to catapult out of the gates and end up in the first couple in running. He ran a good second behind Choegang Team bacak in January and a similar performance will see him go close. (5) LUCKY SANGUN lines up in Class 4 company for the first time coming off a two length victory when clocking a solid time. He’s built with a sprinter’s stature, muscly through the hindquarters. (7) YEONHUI ILCHUL has finished close up in this grade at his past three starts. He clocked 60.6 on a dry track earlier this month suggesting he is forward at the moment and can figure.
Selections (11) Black Zapper (6) Tango Time (5) Lucky Sangun (7) Yeonhui Ilchul Next Best 2, 4 Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 6
Race 10: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
A field of imported three-year-olds tackle the six-furlongs here. There’s only one previous race winner among them. That’s (5) SHARK JJANG, who scored in a tight finish at 1300M on a wet track back in December. His two starts since then haven’t been great but he was beaten by good horses both times and looked well in a trial last month. (4) ROCKUI JEWANG beat Shark Jjang on his way to 3rd place on debut in February. After a slow start he came from well back to run on well and can build on that today. (1) SOMETHING EXPECT was sent off at 120/1 on debut in December but he defied that by finishing 3rd behind Shark Jjang. He was accordingly sent off only slightly better than even-money on his reappearance in February when he finished 3rd again. He will be on pace from the start and should be there or thereabouts once more. Of the others with experience, (7) ACE CHAN is perhaps the most likely to figure. There are three debut-makers but bearing in mind their trial performances, we’ll take a watching brief with all three of them first-up.
Selections (5) Shark Jjang (1) Something Expect (4) Rockui Jewang (7) Ace Chan Next Best 2 Fast Start 1, 11
Race 11: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The Korean-bred gallopers line up in the eleventh over the 1400m. Going with the inexperienced (3) CHOEGANG TEUKGEUP who broke maiden status last time out over the 1400m. The time was reasonable for this grade, with the good draw the Tiz Wonderful colt is likely to lead and give them something to run down. Yoo Seung-wan is the beneficiary of Moon Se-young riding at Busan this weekend. (1) GLORY VERN has had plenty of racing but looks a chance of figuring in a weak race. The mare has placed on multiple occasions over similar distances and should be able to settle closer from the inside draw. Veteran galloper (2) HAETBINNA gets a good opportunity to collect another cheque at start seventy-three. He has been campaigned over the middle distances in his later years suggesting the 1400m should be suitable first-up. (5) GEUMBIT TANHWAN is next best coming off a fifth over the 1300m back in February. The chestnut is still looking for his first win after fourteen starts.
Selections (3) Choegang Teukgeup (1) Glory Vern (2) Haetbinna (5) Geumbit Tanhwan Next Best 8, 9 Fast Start 3
Race 12: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(1) BIG TRIPLE beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on February 9th, coming from behind the pace and running on strongly. He trialed competently enough in April and while he does carry and additional 2.5kg today, he looks firmly in the hunt for the win today. (6) SUN START was among those beaten that day but he has a 2nd and a 3rd to his name at this distance and looks to be a major contender. He won an April trial. (7) CUTIE BARBIE won back to back races last autumn, both of them at this distance. She was slow to get involved on her only 2020 start so far but if she gets away a bit better, has every chance of going close once again. (11) COLORS KING has also won at this distance and drops back in trip having come close over 1800M in February. He is another who carries a little bit more weight today but shouldn’t be discounted. The wildcard is (2) GLOBAL LUCKY. She’s only raced four times for a best finish of 4th, all at shorter distances but she has run well through the line and could well appreciate her first try at two-turns today.
Selections (1) Big Triple (11) Colors King (7) Cutie Barbie (6) Sun Start Next Best 2, 10 Fast Start 7, 10, 12
Race 13: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
A compact field of ten will go over the two turns in the thirteenth event. (3) ROYAL SMARTY has been a model of consistency over his thirteen start career to date. The Any Given Saturday colt was a last start winner over this distance when clocking a fast time. He is a unique type as he solely relies on his turn of foot, rarely settling near the speed. (4) RAON SERENA has had the five starts in Class 3 grade for three minor placings. She did go off the boil at her past couple of starts but with the freshen up she needs to be considered. She won her trial in April in good time. (10) SARYEONI HEALING is most experienced galloper in the race with forty starts under his belt. He rarely wins but in an even race he is capable of running into the money as he is never too far away. (9) FAST FASHION has won four from seventeen and needs to be kept safe. The lightly raced five-year-old resumed in February when running midfield before Covid-19 hit. There is a slight query with a poor trial in April but if sound he can figure.
Selections (3) Royal Smarty (4) Raon Serena (10) Saryeoni Healing (9) Fast Fashion Next Best 7, 8 Fast Start 1, 4
Race 14: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(6) BRIGADIER GENERAL and (2) GLOBAL ACE came home in 3rd and 4th places respectively when they raced one another over a mile on February 2nd. Global Ace had been the more favoured that day on the back of some very encouraging performances at the start of his career. It may have been a little too much too soon and the break may have done him good so he is favoured to overturn that form today. Brigadier General will still be a danger though. He too tackles two turns for the first time but his running style suggests it should suit. (1) MR. TURNER registered back to back 3rd place finishes at class and distance around the turn of the year and while his most recent effort in February wasn’t good, he clearly has ability at this level. So too does non-winner (3) DONGBANGUI GIEOK, a horse who always finds a way to get beat but who has nevertheless racked up plenty of money finishes. (12) K.N ACE looks best of the rest.
Selections (2) Global Ace (6) Brigadier General (3) Dongbangui Gieok (1) Mr. Turner Next Best 12, 10 Fast Start 2, 12
Race 15: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
A handy bunch of gallopers will line up in the last to cap off the big day of racing. Last year’s Derby winner (7) WONDERFUL FLY is the on top selection as he looks set for a good preparation. The four-year-old was outclassed when lining up in the Segye Ilbo in January but now lines up in restricted company. He has won five races from eleven starts and is a Class 2 winner in this grade two starts back. (11) YEOKJEONUI USEUNG trialed well in April. The six-year-old comes off a last start third behind Seongpa, who lines up in the Busan Ilbo tomorrow. With the lightweight on his back he can figure fresh over the 1400m. (5) KILIUI JEWANG has had the nine top-three finishes from thirteen career starts. He finished third behind Munhak Ariari in February which reads well for this race. He is one of the likely pacemakers and has drawn well. (9) SUPER FLUID looks next best, being a class and distance winner previously. He is unlikely to match his opposition’s early speed so look for him rattling off a quick last sectional.
Selections (7) Wonderful Fly (11) Yeokjeonui Useung (5) Kiliui Jewang (9) Super Fluid Next Best 12, 6 Fast Start 4, 5, 10
Horse Racing in Korea 