Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 21) – “Dokki Day”

Cheongdam Dokki makes his seasonal re-appearance at Seoul on Sunday and the now seven-year-old will have a weighty task to overcome in the Class 1 feature if he is to make a winning start to the season. There are 15-races at Seoul on from 10:45 to 18:00. The meeting is behind closed doors although betting locations in Busan, Jeju, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Changwon and Cheonan will be open for betting. Here are the previews:

Seasonal reappearance – Cheongdam Dokku

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A filly maiden to begin with and of the twelve, seven have raced before. They have all been extremely slow, so we’re going to pass on all of them and focus on the debut-makers and if (4) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE brings his trial form into the race itself, he should be winning fairly easily. She finished 3rd in a creditable time and the Tony Castenheira filly can lead all the way from a good draw here. (10) SMART DAEBO was 4th in the same trial not too far behind and that automatically makes her the second pick on debut as well. (2) FIRENZE CASTLE and (8) LOVE ARCH both posted decent enough times when finishing in midfield in their respective heats, while (1) SWEET KAKAO was a little slower but came out of a trial where there wasn’t much pace and she looks to have a good chance of aiming for some money on debut too.

Selections(4) Namsan Chocolate (10) Smart Daebo (1) Sweet Kakao (2) Firenze Castle
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(9) THE KING BLADE has never been outside the top three in three starts so far and got his maiden win on December 20th at this distance. His winning time was more than a second faster anything else in the field has achieved and he really should be backing up with another win today and complete what should be an early double for trainer Tony Castenheira. (6) GEOSEN DOLPUNG looks next best. He ran a useful enough 4th of fourteen on debut a month ago having previously won a trial. While those two jump off the page of the form guide, not much else does. (7) GRAND FLY ran on to record a creditable enough time on what was his second start on December 19th and that may be enough to put him in contention here. (14) RAON THE CHOEGANG was last in that race but previously showed a bit of speed over 1000M and can be included in the numbers here. In such a weak race, it’s worth looking at the first-timers, and of the pair, (4) MAGIC MANJEOM looks the more likely to make an impact first-up.

Selections(9) The King Blade (6) Geosen Dolpung (4) Magic Manjeom (7) Grand Fly
Next Best14, 13
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 14

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Good little race this and having come close to leading all the way his second start on December 6th, (3) DAEHAN JILJU returns to action here extremely well drawn to get to the lead again this time to hold on.  He’ll be joined on pace by (1) ELITE POWER, who has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. She has tended to weaken late on but looks a potential place line today. (4) GEUMA FLAWLESS is another who looks to be approaching a win.  He ran a solid 2nd place over this distance last start and while a touch consistent should be right in this. The main danger, however, could be (9) GRAND CASTLE. The only one of the fourteen to have visited the winner’s circle already, he stuck on debut last October and followed up with a 3rd and a 2nd. His times have been consistent, and he is another who should be competing for the early lead. (10) CHEROKEE MARINE and (14) NONSTOP CAT are others who are in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Daehan Jilju (9) Grand Castle (10) Cherokee Marine (4) Geuma Flawless
Next Best14, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5, 9

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another class 6 with one previous winner in it. That’s (9) SEO E BEONJJEOK and he achieved it last time out at start number three, running on strong from midfield for a tight score at 1200M. The additional half furlong today shouldn’t matter, and he can win again. We’re going to look elsewhere though and in particular to (1) SPOT FLATTER. He was well beaten into 2nd by a good winner last time out but ran on well and with Alan Munro remaining aboard, looks to have solid claims to make the breakthrough this time. (2) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG was 3rd in that same race just before Christmas and can get close again here. The only one of the fourteen to have tackled this distance before is (13) BRAVO MAY. He did it in a reasonable time too and then ran 3rd back at 1200M last start. The draw shouldn’t matter, and he has placing chances. In a race in which overseas jockeys should do well, (4) MAGICUI HAMSEONG, to be partnered by David Breux, looks best of the rest.

Selections(1) Spot Flatter (9) Seo E Beonjjeok (13) Bravo May (4) Magicui Hamseong
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here and it looks wide open. We have one previous winner in the shape of (10) GRACE QUEEN, who bested three of these on her way to victory over 1200M on December 20th. Can she do it again? She’ll certainly have her supporters and while she hasn’t tried this distance before, she does have a 3rd place at 1300M. Nevertheless, the runner-up that day (4) ABOUT SOMETHING, has to be strongly considered. She is yet to score in seven but has run very well at this distance and today could well be her day, coming from off the pace. With an extra furlong, she may well have got there last time. (3) SEMYEONG NARAE come sin of a decent 2nd place over 1200M last start. She’s been relatively one-paced so far but sticks to her task well and she may appreciate the additional trip. Similarly, (5) SPEED FLYING doesn’t exactly fly home but does persevere and is consistently close. (9) TELOS has recorded the fastest time of any of these who have tried the distance before and along with (6) REMEMBER WHEN, has place chances here.

Selections(4) About Something (10) Grace Queen (3) Semyeong Narae (9) Telos
Next Best5, 6, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 10

Race 6: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 20)

Busan flies solo on Saturday with 10-races from 13:30 to 18:00. A reminder that Busan Racecourse as well as Off-track betting centres across the south of the country will be open (attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app, Seoul Racecourse and all locations in the Greater Seoul area remain closed. The meeting is on the international simulcast. Here are the previews:

There will be one or two punters at least at Busan on Saturday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only to kick things off. Six of the twelve have raced before and one of them is a prior winner. That’s (2) DONGBANUI SIJAK, who scored on debut back in October over 1200M. She ran poorly on reappearance but bounced back with a 3rd place just before Christmas. She drops back to the short course for the first time today and is in with a shout. So too (7) SEOBU QUEEN. A half-sister to the outstanding Seobu Cat, she ran 3rd on debut at this distance before running out of steam a little second-up at 1200M but drops back today and into contention. As for the first-timers, the standout is (4) BLACK OLIVE. She was an accomplished 3rd in a fast trial behind two experienced racehorses and should go well first up. (1) RAON THE BLUE did absolutely nothing in her two trials but she is a half-sister to an Oaks winner (as well as a few ordinary ones too) and has a top jockey on so may attract some interest. Returning to those with experience, (6) PARTY INDY has two 5th place finishes among three starts to date and can aim for some minor money again.

Selections(4) Black Olive (2) Dongbanui Sijak (7) Seobu Queen (6) Party Indy
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10i

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) AFLEET TAPIT didn’t do an awful lot on debut over 1200M back in October but returned with a positive trial two weeks ago and looks set to improve today. Likely favourite and one to beat though is (3) DONGNAM BULPAE. While he hasn’t shown a lot in the way of speed across three starts to date, he impressed with a front running 2nd over this distance last time out from a favourable draw again, can go one better this time. Also expected to be on pace will be (6) KING BID. He came home 5th last start beating a couple of these in the process, having previously run 3rd at 1000M. Seo Seung-un remains aboard and he should go close. Plenty of others have the potential to step up into the placing frame with (9) DREAM DANCER and (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY perhaps the best credentialed to do so.

Selections(3) Dongnam Bulpae (1) Afleet Tapit (6) King Bid (9) Dream Dancer
Next Best8, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

After running 4th on debut all the way back last July, (13) ETERNAL HERO returned in November and closed out the year with back to back runner-up finishes over 1200M. He gets another crack at class 6 today and stepping up to 1400M for the first time, can defy the wide draw to make the breakthrough. (10) KING BROTHER comes in off a 2nd place last start when he beat a couple of his rivals here. He has mixed his form over seven outings to dare but does have experience of the distance and looks a solid place chance. So too does (3) GREAT GO. She too beat two of these on his way to a useful 4th continuing a positive run of form. The filly can settle in midfield and finish strongly and having a 5th to her name over a mile already means there shouldn’t be any questions about the trip. (4) K K WON came from off the pace to run a much improved 3rd on his latest start and is another who can be considered for the minors. (7) FIRST WIND and (8) STAR EYE should also be in the hunt.

Selections(13) Eternal Hero (10) King Brother (3) Great Go (8) Star Eye
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 7, 13

Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) ADELE PUPIL was a smart winner on debut back in July last year over 1200M. She’s not raced since but trialed two weeks ago in adequate fashion. The trip looks likely to suit and it’s not impossible she could win first-up again, despite being up in class. She may need this though so punters may be tempted by a couple of others. (7) MARK ACE is perhaps the most likely. She’s never been worse than 5th in five starts to date and comes in off a strong 3rd over 1200M. (9) ACHIM BIT is similar, having run on well for 3rd in both her latest two outings and the additional trip may suit here. (11) PORRIMA has been the bane of punters – or at least tipsters – in the past, frequently looking like she is just one race away from breaking through only to just come up short. A couple of months off may have done her good and while she can’t be put on top, she may well place. (2) JANGMI GONGJU, a last start 3rd, is another in the frame.

Selections(7) Mark Ace (1) Adele Pupil (9) Achim Bit (11) Porrima
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 7, 11

Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

Competitive race here. (3) RAON SKY MAN won his first two and while it has seemingly taken him a couple of races to get to grips with this level of racing, he comes in here following a strong 3rd place over this distance in a decent time just before Christmas. He has experience of the distance and shouldn’t be far away today. (5) YESULUI GYEUNGJI likewise began her career in a hurry with two wins from her first three before stuttering a little. She too is back in form with a front-running 2nd last start and has claims to go one better today. (6) WINNING DANCER is two from four so far and her class and distance 7th last start was no disgrace at all. She should have come on from that and has the combination of a top jockey and a very light weight on her back. The only last start winner in the field is (14) CAPTAIN STEALTH. He came from well off the pace to score at this class over 1200M on December 19th. The outside gate shouldn’t cause too many problems and he can go close again. 

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Betting Locations Open In Some Parts of Korea from Friday – Jeju Preview

With the Covid-19 social distancing level having being lowered to “1.5” in all areas except Greater Seoul, some betting locations are permitted to reopen to customers from Friday. Those locations are the Busan and Jeju Raceourses, plus the off-track betting centres in Busan, Changwon, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon and Cheonan. They will be allowed to admit up to 20% of their official capacity. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track locations in the Greater Seoul area (Seoul and Gyeonggi Province) must remain closed as the social distancing level remains at “2.0”.

Pony racing on Jeju will be first action that some punters in Korea will be able to have a legal bet on this Friday

This means that instead of all three tracks racing simultaneously on Friday, each track will get a day to itself. Jeju will race on Friday, Busan on Saturday and Seoul on Sunday. Seoul will not be allowed to admit customers but its races will be beamed for betting to the nine open locations in the south of the country.

To mark the re-opening, just for fun (and due to Busan and Seoul declarations having been held back until today), here’s a pony by pony preview of Friday’s 10 race meeting on Jeju Island.

Race 1: Class 6 (800M) Allowance / KRW 9 Million

1CHOOJEOKJA – 5th on three of four starts so far, latest behind Tamraingi. Fourth fastest time at the distance among these and that would be a good finish today.
2WAHEULGONGWON – First time starter. Went ok in trial behind Cheonmahwangje. Watching brief first-up.
3SAEBYEOKYANGGI – First-time starter. Nothing wrong in trial but was behind both Cheongmahwangje and Waheulgongwon.
4JANGTAUIBYEOL – 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far both at this distance in races with wildly differing paces. Should be on the early speed and goes close.
5TAMRAINGI – 2nd in both starts so far having led almost the whole way on both. Fastest time of any of these at the distance, should lead again and is the one to beat.
6SEUNGJEONSOSIK – Won a trial before debut but not made much of an impact in three starts since. Well back behind Tamraingi last time
7JEILBOMUL – Offered few clues when midfield on debut. Watching brief again today.
8YESONE – No worse than 5th in four starts so far. 2nd first-up following six months off in January and a place chance again here.
9CHEONGMAHWANGJE – Best looking of the three first-time starters having run 2nd in his heat. Can be competitive.
10TTUBEOGI – Mid position in both outings so far at this this distance, sticking to task both times. Maybe more to come.
Selections(5) Tamraingi (4) Jangtauibyeol (8) Yesone (1) Choojeokja
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 5

Race 2: Class 6 (800M) Allowance / KRW 9 Million

1GWANGMYEONGWHANGJE – First-time starter. Well back in trial. Watching brief first-up.
2HEALINGSTAR – Last of ten on debut on November. The time was ok compared to some of the others but it was favourable conditions and he was a long way behind the winner. Fresh start today but plenty to find.
3YANGDAESAN – Had a couple of trials before coming from off the pace to run 4th on debut behind Jejumulyeol on January 8th. Can build on that today.
4JUNGMUNILLO – Improved to 6th on his second start to date.Time hardly fast but in this company can get closer.
5CHEONJITIME – 7th of ten in debut a long way behind a super winner. That was all the way back in August of last year so it’s a fresh start today.
6SOLDIER – Made all to win his trial and needs to be considered in weak company first up.
7JEONGUISILCHEON – Last of ten on debut behind Cheonjitime. Lots to find today.
8JEJUCHEOMDAN – 7th of ten on debut, not too far behind in a slow run race at this distance. Potential for improvement here.
9JEJUMULYEOL – 4th on debut before running 2nd, ahead of Yangdaesan on reappearance on January 8th. Fastest time of these and the likely favourite.
10SINCHEONJILJU – First-time starter. Went ok in his trial in an adequate time and can be in the minor money mix first-up.
Selections(9) Jejumulyeol (6) Soldier (3) Yangdaesan (8) Jejucheomdan (5) Cheonjitime
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (800M) Allowance / KRW 9 Million

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Eoma Eoma Super at Seoul but Blue Chipper Upset on Busan Return

Eoma Eoma began 2021 the way he left off in 2020 with an easy Class 1 win over 1400M at Seoul, but Blue Chipper could only manage 5th place in his long awaited return to action at Busan as Mr. Afleet took out the feature race on the south coast.

Seoul’s feature class 1 event was essentially a Group race run under handicap conditions over 1400M. With Morfhis having taken out the SBS Sports Sprint last summer as well as a pair of full prize-money class 1 races, his rating had risen to the extent that he had to carry 60kg as was giving away 8kg to all of his prominent rivals.

Morfhis was game coming through late as usual to finish in 4th place, but he was always going to struggle to catch Eoma Eoma who, under Moon Se Young, led from gate to wire to score by three-lengths from Do Kki Blade in 2nd and Jjang Kong in 3rd.

For Eoma Eoma it is now six wins from eight starts and punters and fans alike will be desperately hoping that circumstances will allow he and Morfhis – along with the likes of East Jet – to clash at level weights for a big prize at some point this year.

At Busan, Blue Chipper was making his return to racing for the first time since running 3rd in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.

It wasn’t to be for the now six-year-old who missed all of his five-year-old season after getting travel sickness on the way to the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Blue Chipper led out of the gate in the Mile-long Busan feature, which like the races at Seoul, was being contested for reduced prize-money, but started to tread water once they entered the home straight.

Mr. Afleet, trained by Peter Wolsley and ridden by Seo Seung-un, went on to win the race by four-lengths from Core Blade.

For Blue Chipper, who missed his planned final gallop earlier in the week due to heavy rain, a mile was always going to be a tough ask first up and so long as he pulls up without any issues, perhaps little should be read into his performance. There will hopefully be bigger things to come for him later in the year.

Seoul Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 5)

Blue Chipper will be going around at Busan on Friday but we’re turning our attention to Seoul which will be the location for the international simulcast this week and there are no fewer than 15 races from 10:00 to 17:00. The feature sees what is essentially a Group race run at handicap conditions when Morfhis renews hostilities with Eoma Eoma and Do Kki Blade over 1400M. Here are the previews:

Morfhis beat Do Kki Blade and Eoma Eoma in last summer’s SBS Sprint but Eoma Eoma now holds the 1400M track record and gets an 8kg handicap advantage on Friday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Three-year-old maidens here with only four of them having raced before. Of those four, (8) HOLIDAY CHARM ran 2nd on debut over this distance back on November 11th. He registered a creditable time and while it isn’t the most fashionable trainer/jockey combination and perhaps wants a bit further, he is probably worthy of being favourite today. (4) CUPID BULLET ran creditably enough for 5th place on debut at 1200M in December and can improve today while (7) TORUK MAKTO too did nothing wrong on her first try and she should be set to get much closer this time. Of the first timers, the most impressive in trials was (5) CHEONSANGSEONG, who won his heat three weeks ago in the kind of time that if replicated in this kind of race, would usually see him right in the mix. (6) DESK TAP, who came through the same trial, and (9) STAR CRAZY are others who can go well first up.

Selections(8) Holiday Charm (4) Cupid Bullet (5) Cheonsangseong (7) Toruk Makto
Next Best6, 9, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) WINNER IS WELL struck on debut in December, coming from midfield to score at this distance in a time faster than any of the others here have achieved. He is a five-year-old so he is making up for lost time and he surely makes the most of getting a free hit in the shape of another crack at class 6 today. As for the rest of them, we’re looking for potential rather than achievement with not a single one of them having finished better than 6th. (4) BEST CHEONSANG led for much of the way around on her debut on December 19th before fading in the closing stages for 6th. She should have come on fitness wise for that run and can get closer today. (13) OLD SPECIAL debuted adequately all the way back last July. He’s not been seen since but trialed up in January looking well and should be a factor first up here. (5) ICE STAR and (6) GLOBAL CHEONSA have both been solid if unspectacular across two starts apiece and solid might be enough to get some money today.

Selections(1) Winner Is Well (13) Old Special (4) Best Cheonsang (6) Global Cheonsa
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start4, 13

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

It seems unlikely that this year’s Oaks winner will emerge from this very modest maiden for three-year-old fillies (6) DANCING WITH YOU has shown the most so far, leading for much of the way on debut before finishing 3rd, while racing just off the speed and ending up 4th on her second attempt with both races having been at today’s distance. She has a better draw today and every chance of making the breakthrough. (4) BORAQUEEN has improved across two starts so far, running 5th in her latest having expended up a bit of effort getting to the lead from a wide fate. She too is much better drawn today and can be a danger. Another couple of with seemingly the right trajectory are (2) LUCKY BALLY and (11) DAEJIUI YEOGEOL with both having shown improvement in their respective second outings. (10) K N MENIQUEEN will attract attention as Moon Se Young stays aboard. It is possible that he is simply maintaining relations with a top trainer but while his filly has finished well back in both starts so far, both have been tougher assignments than this and she has the fifth fastest time of the twelve who have raced at the distance already.

Selections(6) Dancing With You (4) Boraqueen (10) K N Meniqueen (2) Lucky Bally
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start4, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

All fourteen tackle 1300M for the first time. We do have two last start winners though and it would be no surprise to see them competing for the win here, despite both having drawn wide. (12) HI HI is slightly favoured. A fast trial winner, he ran 3rd on debut before coming from midfield to comfortably score second up over this distance on December 19th in a decent time. A day later (13) STAR WARS made his own breakthrough. He led from gate to wire to win comfortably having run 2nd on debut. Another who improved on his second start is (14) TAP QUALITY. He is yet to win but ran a good 2nd on his latest outing and it was from the same outside gate that he has to deal with today. Plenty of others have hinted at ability too with (1) ADELE NARAE and (10) THE FIGHTING perhaps best placed to compete for the money here.

Selections(12) Hi Hi (13) Star Wars (14) Tap Quality (10) The Fighting
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 13

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here and (3) CHEONMA TODAY has the opportunity to do something that will hopefully never happen again and that’s win three races in class 6. She has won her latest two in fine fashion by seven and six lengths respectively. She, along with every other runner in the field, steps up to the distance for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. It’s very competitive though. (1) YEONGGWANGUI MISO broke through at start number three on December 20th. She had two 3rd place finishes prior to that and should be on pace from the start here. (9) BLACK ROOKIE was a much improved 2nd on her second start on December 20th, beating a couple of the others who go here in the process. She ran through the line well and may like the additional furlong today. (7) FOREVER ONE and (11) RUBICON also come in off the back of a runner-up finish and have placing claims at least again. There is another previous winner in the field in the shape of (4) QUEEN OF BEST. She scored in a fast time over 1200M in October but was disappointing on her return in December. Up in trip she is worth another chance.

Selections(3) Cheonma Today (1) Yeonggwangui Miso (9) Black Rookie (4) Queen Of Best
Next Best7, 11, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

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Blue Chipper Returns To Racing On Friday

After fifteen months off the track, Blue Chipper will return to racing on Friday afternoon at Busan Racecourse. The now six-year-old hasn’t competed since finishing 3rd behind Spun To Run and Omaha Beach in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.

Blue Chipper returns to action at Busan on Friday

It’s all very different to how his homecoming was supposed to be as Blue Chipper lines up the favourite in what is a strong class 1 race handicap over a mile but which, due to the straightened circumstances that Korean racing finds itself in due to the Covid-19 pandemic putting a stop to legal betting, can only offer a KRW 28 Million (US$25,000) to the winner.

After his 3rd place in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile, Blue Chipper returned briefly to Korea before being shipped to Dubai for a campaign at the 2020 World Cup Carnival. Calamity struck on arrival though with Blue Chipper diagnosed with shipping fever, something he would fail to shake off to the extent that he could race. It was June until he could get a flight back to Korea and after a spell at the Jansgu Farm, he returned to training just in time to see the pandemic halt local racing again.

Blue Chipper trialed up nicely in January and having had plenty of setbacks across his career, is accustomed to producing first-up. He is the track record holder over a mile at Busan and even if not 100% race ready, will be expected to dispatch a field containing the dangerous Doraonpogyeongseon, World Power and Mr. Afleet. Now in the stable of Min Jang-ki, he will be ridden by Serbian jockey Djordje Perovic.

No Stakes or Graded races have yet been confirmed this year in Korea but providing Blue Chipper comes through this test in good shape, it is thought likely that the Korea Cup , should it go ahead in September, would be the ultimate aim. He is not expected to be asked to travel overseas again.

The race is the concluding race 10 at Busan on Friday and is scheduled to jump at 3.20pm Korean time. The international simulcast will be from Seoul throughout February so the race will not be screened live either inside or outside of Korea. However, the race video will be uploaded within ten minutes of the conclusion of the race at the KRA’s official website and the “KRBC Race” YouTube channel.

Moonhak Chief Downs Tiz Plan On Return

Moonhak Chief, 2019 Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner returned to racing for the first time in just shy of a year at Seoul Racecourse on Friday afternoon. And it was a winning return too as the former Horse of the Year downed a hot class 1 field including the star of last summer Tiz Plan, by a full six-lengths.

Moonhak Chief dominated the Korea Cup in September 2019 before a disappointing showing behind Dolkong in the KRA Cup Classic a month later. He would return to form in the Grand Prix Stakes in December before opening what promised to be a glorious 2020 season by beating Cheongdam Dokki in early February just as the pandemic was taking hold.

Moonhak Chief was on the sidelines with a tendon injury while Cheongdam Dokki and the emerging Tiz Plan dueled for big purses over the abbreviated summer racing season but showed he hadn’t lost a step on his Friday return.

A field containing Moonhak Chief, Tiz Plan and the great – if fading – mare Silver Wolf, probably deserves better than to race at 5pm on a Friday afternoon in a deserted racecourse with no betting or live broadcast for a 1st prize of 28 Million Won (US$25,000). Such is Korean racing’s lot these days with customers no nearer being allowed back on track and the Government no nearer budging on allowing online betting.

Coming out of adjoining gates for the 2000M test, Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan came together at the start and under Johan Victoire, Tiz Plan seized the early initiative tracking leader The Gumpu. Once in the back straight though, Moon Se Young moved up a gear on Moonhak Chief and once the Pioneerof The Nile entire took command of the race, the result was scarcely in doubt.

Tiz Plan ran on well but could only get within six-lengths of Moonhak Chief while Tony Castanheira’s The Gumpu ran on for an excellent 3rd. Silver Wolf ran a creditable 5th of twelve but was a full thirteen-lengths behind the winner.

For Moonhak Chief it’s a thirteenth win from twenty-three starts. There will be other days for Tiz Plan and Cheongdam Dokki will surely have a say at some point as well. Then there is Blue Chipper, who may well make his return in a similarly underfunded race at Busan next Friday. Will they get to face each other with a suitable purse on the line with a suitable crowd watching and punting on them at any point? With a legislative lifeline looking ever more unlikely, just as it was a year ago, that will be up to the virus.

  • During January, with all three tracks racing simultaneously on Fridays, the Busan races have been available for international simulcast. With the Seoul coronavirus situation stabilizing a little as well as hopefully the temperature being a little warmer making race times less susceptible to changes, it will be the Seoul races (where there are 15 across the day, rather than the 10 at Busan) which will be broadcast overseas in February). Somewhat amusingly, it means that we have missed Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan this week and could well mean we miss Blue Chipper next week!

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 29)

As usual racing in Korea is confined to Friday this week with all three of Seoul, Busan and Jeju hosting cards. At Seoul, Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner Moonhak Chief returns to action and he runs straight into Tiz Plan in the 2000M class 1 feature on what is set to be a bitterly cold day in the capital – just for good measure, the great mare Silver Wolf is among the twelve lining up too. However, the Seoul meeting will have no attendance and no betting so we will once more focus on Busan, where there are 10 races from 10:4o to 15:20 and which will be available on international simulcast:

Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief is back but he faces Tiz Plan at Seoul on Friday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Only four of these three-year-olds have raced before. Of those four, (4) RAON THE POWER is the clear pick having won on debut on December 12th with a front-running performance. It was no surprise as he had previously looked sharp in a trial and due to the reduced prize money on offer that day, he gets another crack at class 6 here with every chance of winning again. None of the others with previous experience really caught the eye although (10) GOSUUI POWER didn’t run badly and could improve second up here. That leaves the first-timers and a couple did well in their trials. (6) COOL GUY registered the fastest time when running 2nd in his heat back in October. He showed good speed out of the gate and can challenge for the lead early here. (5) NEW FIRE and (11) GLORY KING are others who looked well in their respective hearts and have every chance of being competitive first-up.

Selections(4) Raon The Power (6) Cool Guy (5) New Fire (11) Glory King
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here. (5) JILJU MANYEO was a very solid winner on debut at this distance on December 5th having previously blitzed a trial. She gets another crack at the level today under a similarly light weight and has every chance of scoring again. (12) NEW LUX is another who gets another chance at this class having won at start number five a month ago. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem as she doesn’t need to lead and she looks to have solid claims to go close again. (3) HANHYEOLMA has been getting closer across six starts so far culminating in a runner-up finish on December 6th. Djordje Perovic takes the mount today and she has strong claims to continue her positive run of form. (7) HAPPY WOMAN hasn’t shown much in the way of speed so far but has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts and should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Jilju Manyeo (12) New Lux (3) Hanhyeolma (7) Happy Woman
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(8) CATCH THE VICTORY broke through at start number three on December 12th, making all to win comfortably over 1200M. He tackles this distance for the first time – although so do all but one of these – and he has every chance of being successful again. (6) SKY MORE ran 2nd to Catch The Victory on debut last month. He finished six-lengths in arrears but should have come on for the run and can get closer today. (10) B.J. KING was a good winner on December 12th too, also over 1200M. He can come off the pace here and should be a significant factor. There are others with promise too. (4) WONDERFUL BOBCAT was 4th on debut behind B.J. King and should come on for that run while (7) TWO TWO CARLTON is the only one on the race who has previously tried 1400M. He did rather well at it as well, with a much improved 3rd place and he can aim to match that today.

Selections(8) Catch The Victory (6) Sky More (10) B.J. King (7) Two Two Carlton
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start6, 8

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

(6) MR. FUSION got his maiden win over this distance on debut back in July last year and has followed up with three very solid showings at this class, beating three of these when 3rd last time out on December 12th. He is giving weight away but he seems to have a bit of quality and he could win again here. (7) CHOEGANG SSONSAL looks a big danger. He got his maiden win over 1300M in November before following up with a 2nd place at 1400M on December 12th and he looks nicely in to go close again today. (1) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO races for the first time since last February. He made all to win a trial two weeks ago, looking sharp and can go well first-up today. (5) STRONG MIND and (12) NUMBER ONE STAR are others who look firmly in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(6) Mr. Fusion (7) Choegang Ssonsal (1) Cheonnyeonuiyakso (12) Number One Star
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 7

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

(5) NICE ONE came from slightly off the pace to score his third win in five starts at class and distance on December 12th beating a few of these in the process. All of his wins have come at this distance and staying under a nice light weight today, he has every chance of another. (2) FASHION KEY has been very consistent, finishing no worse than 5th across his nine starts to date. He drops back in trip here but well into contention. Loads of others have placing chances. (7) SINBIHAN YEOIN is inconsistent but does have the fastest time at the distance among these and could be considered for improvement. (1) BAENGNYEON SIDAE and (9) LUCKY NUMBER ONE are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections(5) Nice One (2) Fashion Key (1) Baengnyeon Sidae (7) Sinbihan Yeoin
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 9

Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) ULTRA PHOENIX was a touch disappointing when 6th of fourteen at class and distance on December 6th. That was a better race than this and she did beat a couple of today’s rivals though. Two starts back she was a class and distance winner and she has strong claims here. (5) KINGS LANDING enters with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two. She’s likely to be ridden on pace here and should be going close. (4) CHEONNYEONUI GIL was a good 3rd first-up in November over 1300M. She’s not raced since and while she remains a maiden, expect her to be running on strong late and she can place again. The rest of them are going to need to show an upturn in form with (2) DOCTOR MAX perhaps the most likely to have a say in the placings.

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

The behind closed-doors Covid-Relief racing continues in Korea with Seoul, Busan and Jeju all hosting simultaneous cards on Friday. We’ll focus on the Busan card which is available on international simulcast with 10 races from 10:40 to 15:30. The feature is a heavyweight clash over 1400M as Today races for the first time since running 2nd in the Curlin Handicap at last year’s Dubai Carnival. He’s not going to find it easy either as he faces the up and coming Ssonsal.

Today races for the first time since running 2nd in the Curlin Handicap in Dubai last February. He runs straight into Ssonsal at Busan

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky little filly maiden to begin with where just four of the twelve have raced before. (2) ARTIE’S GAL was well supported in November having won a trial in a fast time. She led for much of the way around over 1200M before running out of petrol and finishing 3rd. She can be given another chance today. (12) B.K. POWER similarly led in his latest two races only to end up 2nd and 3rd over 1000M and 1200M respectively. The draw is not ideal here but if he can overcome it, then he has a fair chance of finishing on top this time. (1) BARAM GONGJU didn’t really catch the eye in three appearances, the most recent of which was in February of last year. She did though look well when leading all the way in a December trial and we can expect improvement today. Among the first-timers there aren’t really any standouts. (3) DOCTOR FAPPIANO and (6) STARLIGHT registered the best trial times and can be expected to go well first-up here.

Selections(2) Artie’s Gal (12) B.K. Power (1) Baram Gongju (3) Doctor Fappiano
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 12   

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) MIRACLE SON won at start number three on December 6th, coming from just off the pace to prevail by four-lengths at this distance. He gets another crack at the same level today and while he is carrying an extra 1.5kg, he can win again. There are a couple of credible challengers though. (12) ECHO RUSH may not have win to his name but he recorded a faster time over this distance in similar conditions when 2nd on December 5th having briefly led in the home straight. He has the wide draw to contend with but if he can get up close relatively early then he has claims. So too does (8) LUCAS SUN. He was a little bit slow off the mark last start on his first try at today’s distance but rallied well for 3rd place and today’s jockey booking catches the eye. (5) DAMYANG JEWANG is another in contention having returned from five months out to run 2nd at this distance in December. He’s drawn well to get on the early speed and should be a factor at the business end too.

Selections(7) Miracle Son (12) Echo Rush (8) Lucas Sun (5) Damyang Jewang
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

This is a tricky one. The only previous winner is (10) BABY LINE who broke through at start number four on December 5th. That was over 1200M and he was ridden a touch more patiently than he had been in his opening three efforts. The additional trip may suit. (8) GOLDEN KAISER was a long way behind a good winner when 3rd on debut at the end of November. He should have come on for thee run and has claims to go closer today. (11) DIVINE QUEEN and (2) KING OF JOY came home 3rd and 5th when they raced each other over 1200M on December 5th. They are the only pair to have previous experience over this trip and both have at least placing chances today. (4) MIDNIGHT QUEEN ran 5th to Baby Line last start but in all three of her outings to date, she has run on well late and may appreciate the opportunity of more distance today. (1) THE FIRST FACTOR too has shown some ability and can’t be ruled out.

Selections(10) Baby Line (8) Golden Kaiser (1) The First Factor (11) Divine Queen
Next Best2, 4, 5
Fast Start5, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(2) TOP OF KOREA is a winner of two from three so far including his latest which came at this class and distance on December 12th. He’s drawn well to get close to the early speed and with less weight on his back than last time, he is favoured to score again. He faces a few useful ones though. (9) QUEEN UP was 6th behind Top Of Korea in that race but she was racing for the first time since January and evidently needed it. She can improve today. (7) BARAMEUI KKUM beat three of these on his way to class and distance 3rd on December 5th, running on strong and he too can have designs on at least a place again. (10) GOBLIN was well back in that race but he was first-up and today carries 4.5kg less and can improve. (1) WONDERFUL KING and (11) DOCTOR KHAN are also better than their respective latest appearances suggest.

Selections(2) Top Of Korea (7) Barameui Kkum (10) Goblin (9) Queen Up
Next Best1, 11, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 12

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Both (1) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON and (4) MY QUEEN have done their best work – and scored their victories – at 1400M. They both step back in trip today and find themselves amongst a competitive field. That said it would be no surprise were they to end up battling for top honours. Both are front runners and of the pair, My Queen is marginally favoured to prevail. (3) YEONGGWANGUI TIME has the speed to beat them both as she showed when winning at class and distance last October. She was slowly away from a dreadful gate in her only start since but still rallied for 5th. Much better drawn today, she should be a big factor. (2) QUEEN MARVEL IJI is also capable of running a competitive time and can be aiming for a place while (6) MY TIZ GEM and (12) HANBIT YEONGGWANG are among others in the frame for a money finish.

Selections(4) My Queen (1) Ilnyeom Tongcheon (3) Yeonggwangui Time (2) Queen Marvel Iji
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4

Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 15)

After last weekend’s sub-zero and then some unpleasantness, the temperature has warmed up significantly in Korea where once more, all three tracks will run Friday cards at the same time. There is no local attendance or betting. East Jet and Alan Munro renew their successful partnership in Seoul’s feature but once again we will focus on Busan (10 races from 10:35 to 15:15) which is available on international simulcast in the usual places.

East Jet goes at Seoul but we’ll focus on Busan (Pic: KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A maiden to kick things off with eight of the twelve racing for the very first time. Of the ones with experience, (5) FIRST EDITION is set to be favourite. Having impressed in his trial, he was well fancied first-up on November 20th but having led for much of the way, ultimately finished a rather well-beaten 2nd. Nevertheless, he’ll be favourite again today and should get things right this time. None of the others with experience caught the eye so we’ll turn to the first-timers. (7) FIRST CHOICE first trialed up all the way back in May of 2019 and after a string of setbacks finally makes it to the track. She registered the quickest trial time and goes straight into contention. (6) WONDERFUL JAZZ didn’t offer too many clues in his heat but did nothing wrong and given the stable, he will be backed first-up. (2) S.L. KING and (9) GEUMBIT SKY similarly looked well in their respective heats.

Selections(5) First Edition (7) First Choice (9) Geumbit Sky (6) Wonderful Jazz
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start5, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(2) JEONGMUN POWER led from gate to wire on debut to record a very smart looking win over this distance. He gets another crack at class 6 here and has every chance of repeating from a good draw. It looks to be between Jeongmun Power and another previous winner, (11) MACH TITAN. He made his breakthrough at start number two and it was a similar all the way performance in a decent time in October. That encouraged connections to take a chance in Busan’s top juvenile race at the end of November and while he couldn’t get close to Heat Yegam or Winner’s Man, he did finish 4th in a reasonable time and back in shallower waters today is a real threat. (10) MONEY BAG improved on his second start in November and the booking of Seo Seung-un catches the eye. (12) TOP ADELE did nothing on debut last July but looked better when trialing up on Chirstmas Eve and gets a fresh start here.

Selections(2) Jeongmun Power (11) Mach Titan (10) Money Bag (12) Top Adele
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only for this maiden. (7) LOOKING CAT improved on what was her second career start on December 6th. She ran on well for 5th and may appreciate the chance to get a bit of extra distance today. (10) LADY LOVE has been a touch one-paced across her two starts so far but she did improve in the latest of them and shapes to be a factor here. Also improving second up was (2) BAEDARI ICON, who came from off the pace to run a few down for 3rd place over 1200M and is another who may find the extra furlong suits. (1) NEW GLORY DAY led on her debut a month ago before weakening to 5th and may be fitter for that run today. (3) KKOTMURI is another who hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but also hasn’t done too much wrong in two starts so far and can improve here. There is just one debut-maker and in such company (6) FLAT BABE merits consideration after an adequate enough trial.

Selections(7) Looking Cat (10) Lady Love (2) Baedari Icon (1) New Glory Day
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Uncharted territory here with all twelve tackling a mile for the first time. (2) ACE DAY is a half-brother to Today, a winner of eleven races in Korea who has also placed in visits to Singapore and Dubai. For his part, Ace Day was an all the way winner on debut over 1200M before making a very slow start on his return to action at the end of November, giving himself far too much to do and ultimately finishing 2nd. The step up in trip should be fine and he can win here. (7) TRIUMPH KING ran a solid 2md on debut on December 12th. He ran on well and should also be able to cope well with the mile. Those two look the clear standouts with everything else needing to show improvement. (1) ROCK HARD DANCER hinted at some ability when running on well behind Ace Day last start while (6) DAEHO PYEONGJEONG showed a bit of promise in his first two starts before losing his way a little. The change in distance may be good for him too.

Selections(2) Ace Day (7) Triumph King (1) Rock Hard Dancer (6) Daeho Pyeongjeong
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start2, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (5) GREY ANGEL has won both her two starts so far, running on well both times to score by handsome margins at this distance. Today she has to step up in class for the first time but the task should be well within her ability and she has solid claims again. (9) MAJOR PUNCH beat four of these on her way to a solid 2nd place at class and distance on November 27th. That came following a poor performance two starts back but she is a class and distance winner and can be in the hunt again today. (7) GEUMA BONNY was a good winner on debut back in August and while she could only manage 4th on her November return, this looks a bit easier and she has claims. It’s a similar story with (8) NAMDO QUEEN who ran on well for 4th on her second start having won on debut. (4) BODE BLADE and (12) ACHIM BIT are others in at least the placing hunt.

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