The beleaguered Korean racing industry was thrown a potential lifeline this week after local media reported that a group of fifteen lawmakers submitted a bill to the National Assembly seeking to allow the online sale of horse racing betting tickets.
Racecourses in Korea have lain empty since February
The group, led by Representative Kim Seung-nam of the ruling Democratic Party, have proposed a partial amendment to the Korean Horse Racing Act which currently only permits wagers to be taken in person at a racecourse or off-track betting facility.
A spokesperson for Representative Kim said the group understood there are those who are concerned about the effects of legalizing online wagering but that “minimizing the damage to the industry while preventing the spread of the coronavirus is also needed. The bill allows for a temporary suspension of online wagering should the turnover exceed an acceptable level that is set by the government.”
Racing in Korea was suspended in February due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while it resumed in June, the races have been run behind closed doors, with neither the racecourse or off-track facilities allowed to admit customers.
Both of Korea’s international races, the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint, scheduled for September have been postponed by one year with the prolonged shutdown having caused an unprecedented near-collapse of the industry.
Some other racing jurisdictions in the region such as Japan and Hong Kong have been able to continue their operations during the pandemic largely unaffected with their customers being able to place their bets online from home. The Japan Cup will be held as planned in November, albeit with only Japan-trained horses competing. Korea remains one of the only countries in the world to still not allow online wagering.
Horse racing’s collapse would have dire consequences. Not only are the racing and breeding industries significant employers, but the Korea Racing Authority is one of the largest taxpayers in Korea and provides significant support to rural communities.
Of total wagering turnover, 73% is returned as dividends, 10% goes to general taxation, 4% to local education programs and 2% to support farming and fishing communities. Operating expenses account for 7% of turnover while profits are 4% with the majority of that contributed back to an agriculture development fund. It is estimated that by the end of August, 751.7 Billion Korean Won (US $634 Million) in tax revenue will have already been lost.
Should the bill proceed in a normal manner, it would be expected to go through the various committee stages between October and December of this year before potentially coming to a vote of the full National Assembly in early 2021. All infrastructure for the processing of online bets already exists and is ready to go as soon as legalization takes place.
Dia Road firmly established herself at the top of the filly and mare division by taking out the Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and in doing so, beat perennial champion Silver Wolf for the second consecutive time. One race later, British jockey Alan Munro recorded his first Korean Stakes race victory when guiding East Jet to a smart victory in the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association (KOR G3).
Dia Road is the new Queen of Korean racing! The four-year-old has beaten Korea's best fillies and mares at set weights in the Ttukseom Cup (Korea Group 2). Re-watch the race here. @korearacing@SkyRacingWorldpic.twitter.com/URHBTyLjvU
Coming into the Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, Dia Road [Captain Coltish – Gieongnal Geunal (Menifee)] had won seven of her eight prior races, including that meeting with stablemate Silver Wolf in the Donga Ilbo Cup prior to the shutdown earlier this year when she had a 5kg weight advantage.
At level weights this time, Dia Road was slowly out of the gates but by the end of the back straight, jockey Kim Yong-geun had threaded a way through the field and was up just behind the leaders. She struck the front at the top of the home straight and powered away from the rest to record a six-length win from early pacesetter Raon First and closer Ice Marine. Silver Wolf, who took a long time to find space for a run, came home 5th.
If all goes to plan – and that is a big “if” with Korean racing in an uncertain position due to the recent COVID-19 resurgence, the four-year-old Dia Road and the eight-year-old Silver Wolf will most likely meet again in the final two legs of the Queens’ Tour – of which Silver Wolf is already a two-time winner – in the autumn.
The SROA Trophy (KOR G3) brought back together some of the nation’s top sprinters including the first five home in last month’s SBS Sports Sprint. Most pre-race attention focused on the young up and comer Eoma Eoma who after three straight wins, had suffered her first career defeat when a gutsy 3rd in the SBS Sports Sprint a month ago.
The 3YO's quinella the Owner's Cup! East Jet (Strike Again – Lend) proved too strong for Eoma Eoma (Algorithms – Lignite) who had every chance. Morfhis finished off strong to run into third. East Jet ridden by Alan Munro and trained by Seo In-seok pic.twitter.com/XUWF3lmYkR
Despite a much better draw, this time Eoma Eoma had to settle for 2nd place as East Jet [Strike Again – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)], the only other three-year-old in the race, made short work of a wide draw to get right on pace with the leaders and then proved too strong in the straight, holding off Eoma Eoma by just under a length. SBS Sports Sprint winner Morfhis produced his customary late charge but had to settle for 3rd.
First Korean Stakes winner for Alan Munro (Pic:KRA)
East Jet was ridden by Alan Munro, who was recording his first Koream Stakes race victory. Munro, who only returned earlier this month from a broken wrist suffered prior to the KRA Cup Mile has now ridden 67 winners from 570 rides in the country since debuting in February 2019.
It’s Double Graded Stakes Sunday at Seoul with the Ttukseom Cup and Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association Trophy set to be r0un in the capital. There are 12 races in Seoul from 10:25 to 18:00.
Morfhis, Do Kki Blade and Eoma Eoma are to renew hostilities in the SROA Trophy (Pic: KRA)
In The Ttukseom Cup, Silver Wolf will get the opportunity to avenge defeat earlier this year at the hands of Dia Road while the SROA Trophy brings SBS Sprint winner Morfhis back together with Do Kki Blade and exciting newcomer Eoma Eoma. See below for previews of all Seoul races plus horse by horse for the two Stakes.
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
The two-year-old gallopers will kick off proceedings on a twelve event card from Seoul. (10) VICTORICA is the on top selection after powering to the line last start to finish fourth behind Hwanggeum Power. The Colonel John filly can position in the second half of the field before reeling of a quick sectional. (2) KKANGDORI looks as if she is one of the debutants ready to fire early in her career. The grey won her trial in good style clocking a reasonable time for the juveniles. (4) DAESAN TEUKGEUP is another trial winner who looks capable of performing at his debut run. He overcame a wide gate and covered the ground nicely to win his heat when clocking 62.7 seconds on a muddy track. (3) ACE PRINCE comes out of the race that Victorica lined up in where he finished fifth. With some improvement he can be considered an each way chance.
Selections
(10) Victorica (2) Kkangdori (4) Daesan Teukgeup (3) Ace Prince
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 6
Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(11) NINE EYE was a significantly improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 2nd recording in the process the fastest time of any of these so far over the 1300M. He’ll have to overcome the outside gate to work forward but should be capable and can in. (2) GEUMSEONG ACE looks to be steadily improving and is another who has demonstrated that she can run a time. She remains nicely weighted and should go close here. (4) GO GO GO debuted in that race, coming from off the pace to run 5th. She He should have come on for that and get closer this time. (7) LOVING DANCER tackles the distance for the first time following a useful enough 3rd over 1200M. She hasn’t shown much in the way of speed so far but that was a big improvement and she can build on it today.
Selections
(11) Nine Eye (2) Geumseong Ace (7) Loving Dancer (4) Go Go GO
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 11
Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The third will see the Class Five gallopers go over the 1300m where there are numerous chances. (3) GLOBAL GOLD is the on top selection coming off a third behind Jeonjeongsaguem where the Thunder Mocassin gelding powered to the line in the final stages. With a better draw Lee Hyeok should be able to settle the three-year-old closer before unleashing him as they balance up for the run home. (2) LAO JIN is second up after finishing third behind Tiz City in similar company last time out. The filly will get the services of Moon Se-young for the first time. (5) TANK SOCKS is another that is second-up coming off a good performance. The filly finished second when resuming over this distance after sitting in the leading division. If Park Eul-woon can cross the filly early on she looks a big chance. (1) GOLD FIELD looks a place chance from an inside draw. The filly broke maiden status two starts ago before finishing midfield behind Yeolrin Mun last time out.
Selections
(3) Global Gold (2) Lao Jin (5) Tank Socks (1) Gold Field
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
5, 9
Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) COIN BLADE came from way back to get his maiden win over 1200M on June 28th. Having previously run 3rd on debut at 1300M all the way back in early 2019. He looks set to be a two-turn horse but 1400M should give him enough opportunity to stretch out and he can win again today. This is a really good race for the level though. (3) TOP SEED got his maiden win at this distance in June, making all, but was touch slow away on his first crack at this level last month, ending up in 3rd. With a better start he can be right back in the mix today. (1) CHEONJI YEOGEOL and (6) UNOECHANCHEON are both up in class following maiden wins last month at 1300M and 1200M respectively. Both ran through the line strong and should adapt to the increased trip with few difficulties. (5) CHEOGANG MAGIC comes in following a class and distance 3rd a month ago and can aim to follow up here while (7) CHOEGANG PARTY drops back in trip following a useful 3rd place around 1700M last start and is one of a number of others who can also come into consideration.
A field of eleven will line up over the seven furlongs in the fifth. (2) HAENGBOK WANGJA looks extremely hard to beat notching two runner-up performances in a row since resuming. The Daredevil colt comes off a last start second behind Mighty New which reads extremely well for this event. (4) SOUL MERIT will be sure to attract attention in betting markets. The American Pharoah colt trialed up in good fashion and was a Class Four winner before the racing hiatus. The three-year-old will have to carry 57.5kg, a substantial increase on the 52.5kg he carried to victory last start. (5) GOOD SENSE produced a solid performance when resuming last start. The Street Sense four-year-old is up in class on the strength of a second last start and as a result will carry just the 52kg. (7) BULGULUI RUNNER looks next best after finishing third behind Jangsan Forever last time out. The King Cugat gelding has been settling rearwards this time in before hitting the line strong in the final stages.
Selections
(2) Haengbok Wangja (4) Soul Merit (5) Good Sense (7) Bulgului Runner
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
4, 5
Race 6: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Entertaining little race this. (1) RUNNING BOX has looked in good form since the restart. She ran 3rd behind East Jet, who has very quickly gone on to better things, in June before running a narrow 2nd to My Hawk last month when having a hard time getting a good position from a wide draw. She has the inside gate today and could well be peaking with a real winning chance. (8) RAON TAP MAN has only finished outside the top three once in seven starts and comes in having scored at class 4 over this distance in June and then run 2nd on his first try at this class a month ago. She carries significantly less weight this time and has a real chance. (9) NEUL PUREUN CAT was well back behind Running Box last start but that was his first-up run and he has previously proven himself more than competitive at class and distance. (3) CHOIN BOLT hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise but has a class and distance 3rd place to his name since the restart and should be in at least the placing hunt again.
Selections
(1) Running Box (8) Raon Tap Man (3) Choin Bolt (9) Neul Pureun Cat
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 8
Race 7: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
The Class Four gallopers will go over the two turns in the seventh event where four of the engagements come off last start wins. (8) JEONGSANG YEOSIN is the on top selection after a very consistent career to date. The Colors Flying filly has notched four wins from ten starts with two minor placings. She resumed in good style when finishing second behind Best Lucky over the 1700m. (9) JANGSAN BADA is another progressive type who has notched two wins and a minor from three career starts. The Old Fashioned colt sits handy in his runs and has clocked some good times in his short career to date. (5) GAROSUGIL was a surprise winner last time out when leading throughout. The win was over the two turns, he is up in class but will carry just 54kg. (6) JEONJEONGSAGEUM is another progressive type notching two wins from the four starts as well. Lim Gi-won has been aboard the filly at all four starts to date. She normally has plenty of early speed so expect her to shoot across from barrier six. Good race.
Selections
(8) Jeongsang Yeosin (9) Jangsan Bada (5) Garosugil (6) Jeonjoengsageum
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Race 8: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
This is a super race for the level and is suitably tricky to solve. (1) GEUMA WHOLESOME has not only recorded the fastest time of those who have raced at the level before but also beat a number of these on his was to 3rd place behind Brigadier General on July 26th. He carries even more weight today but has plenty of quality and should go close. No fewer than three last-start winners are up in class here. (5) ECHO BILL won well at this distance on July 6th in a useful time. He was beaten by (6) SHU LEUB first-up in June, also at today’s distance, but can overturn that form today. (8) MOONHAK EMPIRE was a good winner over 1400M on July 19th and steps up to two-turns for the first time. His running style to date would suggest that won’t be a problem and he should be competitive here. (2) SHARK JJANG and (4) MUDO are others in the hunt.
Race 9: Class Open (1400M) Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) Allowance / KRW 400 Million
The time-honoured Ttukseom Cup is the ninth event on the card where the fillies and mares will line up over the 1400m at Korean Group Two level. A field of fourteen will face the starter where last year’s winner Silver Wolf will rematch Dia Road, who turned the tables on the eight-year-old back in January winning the Donga Ilbo Cup. Here’s a look at each of the runners:
DAEBAK HAENGJIN – Good performance last start to finish third behind Wang Beotkkot when second-up. Somewhat of a non-winner notching just one victory from fifteen starts. Looks to be up against it at set weights.
SKY BAY – Light raced five-year-old who needs to be considered an each way chance after a very good win at Class 1 level when first up over the 1400m. Never been able to match Silver Wolf previously but has resumed in great order.
SILVER WOLF – Last year’s champion mare clean sweeping the Queen’s Tour. Found the Grand Prix not suitable and then finished second to Dia Road in the Donga Ilbo before the enforced hiatus. Will be interesting to see her run after a lengthy break.
RAON FIRST – Seems the logical choice to line up in after struggling to run a strong 1600m out in the Luna Stakes and subsequentially bypassing the Oaks. A winner of four from six she is an on-pace runner that must be respected.
SEOURI BYEOL – Has performed admirably at the highest level behind the likes of Dia Road and Silver Wolf. Whilst she is unlikely to match their efforts, she is normally a live place chance. Query lies with the 1400m.
ICE MARINE – Winner of eight from twenty-six including a last start victory when defeating last year’s Oaks winner Deep Mind. The seven furlongs not her ideal distance as she normally takes time to find her feet before hitting the line strong.
HWA GI – Hard to suggest on her two performances since resuming in June.
SEONNYANG CHEOLLI – Class 3 winner last start over 1200m. Yet to be stretched beyond the six furlongs and she looks outclassed against this field.
DIA ROAD – A winner of seven from eight starts including the Donga Ilbo back in January when beating Silver Wolf. She is all class and looks the one to beat. Resumed with a win when made to work for it over 1800m. The one to beat.
DAMYANG HWANHO – A long time between drinks and looks safely held.
CHEONGSU YEOGEOL – Lacks to class to match it with a field of this caliber. Unlikely.
LEAD MONEY – Resumed in good fashion to finish third behind Dia Road over the 1800m. Always thereabouts in Class 1 level. Place chance at best.
CHOCO CANDY – Last start Class 2 winner when carrying only 53.5kg. Another filly who is capable of finishing in the minor money.
UJU DAEWANG – Career best performances to date include a win in Class 3 company. Looks outclassed.
VERDICT: (9) DIA ROAD showed us in January that she has more than enough ability to stamp herself as the best filly or mare in Korea. Now we get to see this rematch between her and (3) SILVER WOLF for the first time since the Donga Ilbo. There is so much intrigue watching these two superstars face each other at equal weights. In January’s Donga Ilbo Silver Wolf had to carry 5kg more than Dia Road only going down three lengths. At set weights with fresh legs she is more than capable of regaining the upper hand. (2) SKY BAY showed us that she has resumed in brilliant style when winning over this distance last time out. She has placed behind the likes of Silver Wolf previously and we know she can carry weight. (4) RAON FIRST knows one way only and that is to jump and run. The Musket Man filly looks perfectly suited over the 1400m with a good draw.
Selections
(3) Silver Wolf (9) Dia Road (2) Sky Bay (4) Raon First
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 14
Race 10: Class Open (1200M) SROA Trophy (KOR G3) Weight for Age / KRW 400 Million
1. WONDER BOLT – The 10-year-old never disgraces himself and will likely finish in midfield again but he simply doesn’t have the kind of speed anymore to be a serious contender in races such as this.
2. SPRING BACK – Good class 1 sprinter but perhaps not quite of the elite level at equal weights. Finished 7th in the SBS and while he could better that, he has a little too much to make up.
3. ULTRA PUNCH – Establishing himself as a competent class 1 campaigner although he is yet to win at the top level. Ran 2nd to Complete Sweep last start. Great draw so expect him to challenge for the early lead but others should end up too quick.
4. COMPLETE SWEEP – Good all the way win at this distance in July before running 3rd in a fast race on a very wet track earlier this month sandwiched between Jjang Kong and Mask in 3rd place. He’ll be aiming to get on speed from the start but isn’t among the favourites.
5. M J POWER – A very good 4th behind Do Kki Blade in the Busan Ilbo, he skipped the SBS and instead ran 2nd to Sky Bay over 1400M. Likes to come from just off the pace with a strong finish, he is unlikely to win but shouldn’t be far away.
6. EOMA EOMA – The up and comer put in a huge run to finish a desperately close 3rd in the SBS, his first serious race after three easy wins. He had to come from gate 10 that day but has fared much better with the draw this time. Moon Se-young being available means Song Jae-chul misses out despite doing everything right last time. Expect a fast start and this time he can win.
7. JJANG KONG – Put in a massive effort to run 2nd at this distance on a very wet track, beating Complete Sweep and Mask, on August 1st. That earns him his shot here but while he will grind away, aiming to close from a midfield position, surely this is too hard
8. CHEUNGDAM GENIE – Well back behind Morfhis in June, he takes his chance here having pulled off a good win over the distance on July 12th. Still potential to improve but may not have the speed to compete for the money here.
9. MASK – Returned from a lengthy absence to run 4th behind Jjang Kong and Complete Sweep on August 1st. That was a good first-up run and he has consistently posted solid times at this distance. In this company though, a few others may just be a bit quicker.
10. GLOBAL CAPTAIN – Loads of talent but he is unreliable in terms of manners. From an unpromising gate, he managed to run 6th in the SBS, coming from well back late on. At his best he is capable of winning but there are too many questions over him.
11. MEDICI GLORY – Made his way rapidly up the levels and ran a very solid 5th in the SBS. Runs best on the early speed but both draw and quality of opposition will make it difficult for him to get there. Matching that SBS performance would be a good result.
12. DO KKI BLADE – Brilliant winner of the Busan Ilbo and he can desperately close in the SBS before Morfhis snatched it away. A front-runner, his draw is worse today then in both the Busan Ilbo and SBS and he has a lot of speed inside him. Nevertheless, his quality should see him close.
13. EAST JET – A winner of five from his first six he was then a revelation in the SBS when he ran a close at hand 4th. One of just two three-year-olds in the race, along with Eoma Eoma, he gets weight allowance, but the draw isn’t kind. Will be hard to better that 4th but not impossible.
14. MORFHIS – That rarest of things in Korea; a closer who wins Group level Sprints. As in the SBS, the wide draw is arguably in his favour as he can keep out of both trouble and kickback and run his own race until the business end. If he is to repeat though he will need a lot to go right for him. A real chance once more.
15. SEONGPA – Struggled in the Busan Ilbo and skipped the SBS in order to run in the Jjang Kong race in which he finished 8th. He has posted a fast time when winning at this distance but it’s hard to make a case for him on most recent form.
VERDICT: (14) MORFHIS will aim to repeat his SBS Sports Sprint win with his customary late charge and it’s not impossible he could be successful. However, the up and comer (6) EOMA EOMA impressed that day and has drawn a much better gate. It may be that by the time Morfhis arrives on the scene, it’s too late. This time the draw does no favours to (12) DO KKI BLADE but he has plenty of quality and should be present at the business end of the race. Likewise (13) EAST JET will have to come from wide, but the wily Munro isn’t one to throw the kitchen sink early and he’ll surely be around to challenge late on. (9) MASK and (10) GLOBAL CAPTAIN are among others in the hunt for the minors in what should be a tremendous race.
Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
There looks an abundance of speed engaged in the eleventh where a field of eleven will line up over the 1400m. (4) DAEGUN CHEONHA has been a model of consistency in his thirteen start career. The Verrazano colt has won just the two races but has never finished worse than fifth including eight minor placings. From barrier four he should get every chance to figure, expect him to be hitting peak fitness at his third start back from the racing hiatus. (7) FLYING FORD put his brilliant turn of foot on display last start when gobbling up a good bunch of gallopers. The Shackleford four-year-old goes up a considerable 4.5kg which will make his task tougher, but his last win was very good. (3) KILIUI JEWANG is second-up after a midfield performance behind Munhak Tiger in this company last start. Expect improvement from the five-year-old second-up. (2) INCHEON CHIEF will drop back to the 1400m after finishing midfield at his first start back. He will take improvement out of that first up run, expect him to be on speed from gate two over the 1400m.
Race 12: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) STRETTO came back into form with a strong 2nd place over class and distance on August 1st. He gets in again under a very light weight and going one better isn’t impossible. (10) LUMINESCE and (11) HIGH BEAT came home 1st and 2nd at class and distance with not much between them on July 18th. Winner Luminesce was giving away 3kg that day but it’s up to 5kg today and that, coupled with the former being drawn much wider this time, may be enough to allow the consistent High Beat to overturn the form. (5) JEONGSANG ETTEUM almost made all but ultimately finished 2nd over 1400M on July 11th. From a good draw, he’ll be on pace again and has every chance. (1) PSYCHIC BOSS and (6) GLOBAL CHEONHA came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other on July 25th at class and distance and both can aim to go close again.
Selections
(3) Stretto (11) High Beat (10) Luminesce (5) Jeongsang Etteum
We remain at “social distancing level 2” so that means that Seoul’s Saturday card can proceed. There are 15 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Eleven two-year-old Korean-bred gallopers will kick off proceedings where eight of them will grace the track for the first time. (6) BLACK CAR caught the eye in her qualifying trial when clocking 61.8 seconds for the 1000m. The time she clocked was much faster than any of her counterparts in this race. Trial watchers will note the way she covered the ground with ease. (4) JOEUNGIRL was another filly who trialed well. She won her heat by six lengths with more left in the tank. (5) COLJOY looks a top four chance on the basis of his trial. The Colonel John gelding clocked a fair time for his trial but will need some improvement to be a winning chance. (8) STAR BLADE looks next best after finishing second in his heat where he clocked 62.8 seconds on a firm surface.
Selections
(6) Black Car (4) Joeungirl (5) Coljoy (8) Star Blade
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
8
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A maiden for three-year-old fillies only and a good one too with no fewer than four of them having run 2nd on their respective latest outings. One of those was (5) SARYEONI QUEEN, who was a front-running runner-up over 1000M on debut on July 25th. She should have learned from that and the step up in trip should be of little consequence and from a good draw she can lead again. (10) MAY BLUE and (6) GRACE QUEEN came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 100M on July 19th. Both step up in rip for the first time and both should be in the hunt to match or even better those finishes today. (11) WIND HILL does have experience of this distance, having run 2nd at it a month ago, leading until close to home. The draw has not been kind to her today but she should still go close. Among those who have raced at 1200M before, (9) GLOBAL SUN has recorded the fastest time, something she achieved when runner-up to Choego Camp a month ago and she too should be in the hunt today.
Selections
(5) Saryeoni Queen (10) May Blue (11) Wind Hill (6) Grace Queen
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 11
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Korean-bred maidens line up over the six furlongs in the third event. (4) CHEONSANGUI YEOIN looks hard to beat on the strength of her two runs to date. The Forest Camp filly comes off a last start third behind Joy Of King when clocking 62 seconds flat for the 1000m. This is her first try over 1200m. (8) SOARA BABA powered through the line last time out. The two-year-old is likely to settle rearwards once again with a wide draw. (10) USEUNG HWANHUI is another back marker who clocked a time that will see her be competitive in this event. (2) JEONGMUN LION looks next best based on the Divine Park colt’s trial last month where he clocked a reasonable time.
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
After an unpromising trial, (7) FLYING STEED ran well for 5th on debut over this distance on August 2nd. The time was boosted somewhat by a very wet track but it was encouraging nevertheless, and the addition of Moon Se Young will do nothing to harm her chances. (4) WANGINHAENGCHA looked ready to win having started the year with a pair of minor placings before the shutdown intervened. She ran a solid 5th first-up last month, beating a couple of these along the way and from a good draw, has serious claims today. (2) HEUNG DREAM should also be on the early speed. He steps up in distance for the first time and it may well suit. (3) AMAZING WHIZ has already managed a couple of 4th places and can be aiming to at least match those today.
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The Korean-bred maidens line up over the 1300m in the fifth event on the card. (1) ACE HAMSEONG looks ready to breakthrough after placing at both starts this time in. His last effort saw him finish third behind Korean Pearl over this distance when clocking a respectable time. (2) POTENTIAL ENERGY finished fourth when resuming behind K.N. Power. The filly showed speed out of the gates on that occasion, with some improvement she can figure in this event. (4) CHEON CHONG has finished close up at his past couple of starts when hitting the line strongly. He steps up half a furlong which should assist his chances. (10) SPEED FLYING resumed over 1400m where the Colors Flying filly finished second. She showed a nice turn of foot so look for her eating up the ground late.
The recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in Korea has ended any prospect of punters returning to racecourses for the forseeable future and if the situation doesn’t stabilise soon, is likely to see racing forced back on an extended break. For now though things continue behind closed doors and with no legal betting in Korea. It’s a big weekend of action with the SROA Trophy and Ttukseom Cup at Seoul on Sunday but before that things get underway with a 15-race Friday card at Busan from 11.30 to 18.00. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Juvenile maidens kick off the card with six of the eleven racing for the very first time. We’ll go with experience though and (2) GOOD SOCKS showed potential when 3rd on debut on July 24th. The filly is well drawn to get to the front here and the additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue. (1) YEONGGWANGUICHUKJE ran 5th in that race. He is the only entrant to have raced twice prior to today and having run on well both times at 1000M, looks like he could benefit from the increased trip today. (4) ALPHA AGAIN led on debut and while he weakened late on, he should have come on for the run and can improve on the 4th place he secured. Among the first-timers, (10) PYEONGHWA SIDAE looked well when 3rd in a trial last month and can go well first up here with a top jockey on board.
Selections
(2) Good Socks (1) Yeonggwanguichukje (4) Alpha Again (10) Pyeonghwa Sidae
Next Best
3, 8, 7
Fast Start
2, 4
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The Korean-bred maiden gallopers line up in the second where there is limited early speed engaged. (6) WISE GIRL looks a promising type after finishing second on debut. The filly rattled off a solid sectional after settling well back in the run. If Jo In-kwen can settle her closer from barrier six she looks a good chance of breaking through. (5) SUN ALPHA looks an each-way chance from a good draw. The Thunder Moccasin colt should be able to settle closer in the run. Two starts ago the three-year-old finished third behind Wind Park which reads well for this assignment. (3) CHEONMA HASEO is another that looks capable of figuring. The chestnut has had the three starts with a career best fourth to date, which came at his most recent start. (7) GABO TODAY looks next best but times he has clocked to date have been slow.
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) HAPPY SONG looked ready to win with a solid 3rd place on the weekend of the shutdown in February over this distance. Aside from an April trial which offered few clues, she’s not been seen since but if she can pick up today from where she left off, she has to be considered a real chance here. (6) HAMAN HAPGANGJEONG has shown improvement over three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place last time out at this distance. She tends to take an age to get going but in this company she won’t need to improve very much to go close. Both (2) BAEDARI SUNSHINE and
Tiz Plan ground down Cheongdam Dokki in a seesaw stretch duel to win the Busan Mayor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon, sealing his first Group level victory and denying Cheongdam Dokki a second sweep of the Korean Stayers’ Series.
Whereas in the first two legs of the Series, the Herald Business and YTN Cups at Seoul, Cheongdam Dokki had simply run away from his rivals and put both races to bed before his , this time jockey Johan Victoire, with a furlong less to worry about, kept Tiz Plan much handier in the early stages and while Cheongdam Dokki did lead, at no time did the gap look insurmountable.
Leading by just over a length at the top of stretch, Cheongdam Dokki was reeled in by Tiz Plan and the two went nose to nose. Dokki briefly regained the upper hand before a final effort from Tiz Plan saw the younger horse draw level once more and finally pull away to win by a length and a half. As usual, Shamrocker came home in 3rd place.
Tiz Plan [Tiznow – Amusing Plan (Pleasantly Perfect)] was bred by Three Chimneys Farm and arrived in Korea as a two-year-old in 2017. His win was his tenth from twenty starts.
For trainer Park Jae-woo, who gained his license in 2011, it was a first Group race victory. Jockey Johan Victoire was winning this race for the second year in a row having been successful on Dolkong a year ago. Victoire also won the G3 SBS Sports Sprint last month.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic preventing any wagering from taking place in Korea and with the Korea Cup accordingly not being run this year, the racing calendar remains somewhat up in the air. However, it is possible that Tiz Plan and Cheongdam Dokki could meet again in the KRA Cup Classic at 2000M in early October.
Cheongdam Dokki will bid to complete a clean sweep of the Stayers’ Series when he lines up in the G2 Busan Mayor’s Cup on the south coast on Sunday afternoon. There is a 5-race card at Busan along with a scheduled 12 race program at Seoul. See below for race-by-race previews for both tracks, along with a horse-by-horse guide to the big race:
Cheogndam Dokki in the YTN (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Quite a tasty looking juvenile maiden to kick off the Sunday card in the capital with five having raced before, none having finished worse than 5th and six making their racecourse debut. Of those we have seen before, three went in the same event at this distance on July 12th and it was (10) JAY HAWK who came out the best of them, coming home 3rd. Alan Munro takes the mount today and while it looks like the colt may ultimately want further, he should be in the hunt again. It’s similar with (9) GO GO STAR, who was also 3rd on debut after coming from off the pace and who looks nicely in again. The fastest time on debut though was set by (8) BEST TIME although it should be noted that was on a very wet and fast running track. As for the first-timers, (2) SEO E BEONJJEOK made all to win his heat at the end of July while (6) K FRENZY was similarly a trial winner. Both should go well first-up today.
Selections
(10) Jay Hawk (6) K Frenzy (8) Best Time (2) Seo E Beonjjeok
Next Best
9, 4, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The second event is an all-aged maiden where it is hard to make a case for many. (5) KILATAS is the on top selection after finishing midfield when first up behind Chodong Rocket. The Thunder Moccasin colt was one-paced through the line but it was a stronger affair that this event. The time he clocked last start should see him be competitive. (1) IRYEO HAYEO looks a chance of figuring after resuming with some handy performances. The mare finished fifth behind Top Seed when resuming and backed it up with a fifth behind The Beast. On both occasions she made up ground in the straight. (4) MONEY LINE is second up and punters should look for some improvement. He felt the pinch up the straight when first-up but given the weakness of this race, he can run into some minor money. (10) SPEED MOUNTAIN looks next best coming off a fair performance when trying to lead throughout last time out and settling for fourth.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Not the strongest of maidens here so a good opportunity for something to make the breakthrough. The only one to have troubled the placings so far Is (11) MUSSANG HWANGHU, who came home 3rd over 1200M second-up in July 18th. She came from the back and ran on strong so the step up in trip may be to her benefit and she has claims to go even better today. (10) TYCHE FIRE similarly ran on pleasingly for a much improved 5th place on his second outing back in June. Moon Se Young takes over aboard and he should be in the hunt. Both (1) K N WONDERFUL and (4) DIVINE POWER have run creditably at this distance already and look ready for improvement today. There are a couple of wildcards too. (7) SOJUNGHAN GOLDEN hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but also looks as though he has been crying out for a bit of distance. He gets that here and can go better. (8) JANGSAN ENGINE is the solitary debut-maker. She’s been through trial after trial over the course of a year and finally gets her racing chance after a solid showing in a heat last month. In a race completely devoid of early speed, she may be taken to the front early.
Selections
(11) Mussang Hwanghu (10) Tyche Fire (1) K N Wonderful (4) Divine Power
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
1, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The fourth event will have a field of eleven line up over the seven furlongs. (10) SARAMIRANEUNBYEOL is the on top selection after a good win at his second start last time out. The Rock Hard Ten colt managed to lead the entire way clocking a time that should see him prove competitive once again. (6) DREAM MONEY has placed at his last two starts and is capable of figuring. Drawn in barrier six expect David Breux to allow the four-year-old to find his feet before reeling off a strong last sectional. (7) KINGLY showed improvement last start coming out of the same race as Dream Money. The Federalist gelding is yet to break maiden status but has shown some reasonable performances in his eighteen starts to date. (2) MANSE is second up after finishing fourth upon resuming. The three-year-old is lightly raced and we may see some improvement from him today.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
After an extremely eye-catching win on debut in June, (1) HAEK SOCKS was in no way disgraced when 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on July 25th. He led for much of that race, weakening in the closing stages and should have come on for the experience with the potential to return to winning ways here. Speaking of eye-catching, (10) NEVER WALK ALONE’s maiden victory had been coming and he was impressive when achieving it at the fifth time of asking on July 18th. The Warrior’s Reward colt is up in class today but looks to have more scope to improve. Those two look set to dispute matters but there are others with ability here. (3) CHOEGO BISANG ran the fastest time of any of these at this distance, albeit on a wet track last start and can go close again while (5) BLUE BAND is also capable at this level.
Selections
(1) Haek Socks (10) Never Walk Alone (3) Choego Bisang (5) Blue Band
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1
Busan Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Maiden filles (and two mares) go around for a big prize in Busan’s opener. After running 3rd on debut (11) WOLRD CHEONSA led from gate to wire for an easy win in a fast time on her return on July 17th. She is up in class and distance here and while the draw has done her no favours, she can have enough about her to win again. (6) GRAND YEOWANG got her maiden win at this distance in July recording the fastest time of any of these over the 1200M. She stepped up to 1400M last start and beat a couple of her rivals here on her way to a creditable 4th place. Back in trip today, she looks a real chance. (9) CHEONGMA HERO is another up in class having made all for her maiden on July 10th. It was at this distance and while she will need to improve, she should go close. The wildcard is (2) BLUE EMBER, who ran out a winner over 1400M at class 6 a month ago.
Selections
(11) World Cheonsa (6) Grand Yeowang (9) Cheongma Hero (2) Blue Ember
There are 15 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Unfortunately the meeting must be held behind closed doors. One thing to note is it has been raining hard in Seoul all night and there is no let up forecast all day:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
A valuable juvenile maiden kicks off the card with five of the eleven runners having raced before. Of those, (8) GREEN POKJU was the best, finishing 2nd of 12 at this distance on a good track in a creditable if unspectacular time. He jumped awkwardly that day, meaning he had to come from off the pace and if he gets a better start, has every chance of going close. (6) GREEN JJANG and (9) CHEONMA TODAY also put in decent efforts on their respective debuts and can be considered for improvement, but there are several first-time starters who have claims. (1) GRAY CAT was the best in trials, making all to win his heat in a good time on a wet track. Having drawn the inside again, he can get to the front from the start and looks very much in the hunt. Similarly, both (4) MYEONGJIN CANDY and (5) LUCKY JAESAN made all to win their respective heats and shouldn’t eb too far away.
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The two and three-year-old gallopers line up in the second where there looks to be a host of potential pacemakers. One of those pacemakers is (10) WINNER QUARDRILLE who lines up for her second career start. She debuted late June where running a fair time for the six furlongs, finishing fifth behind Whiz Moment. With some natural improvement at her second start she can go close. Moon Se-young sticks with her which is a good sign. (3) NONGBON RAK is third-up after a good performance to finish second behind Never Walk Alone last start. If she gets away cleanly she can sit on speed and have every chance of winning come the top of the straight. (9) ONLY WINNER trialed up nicely when not fully exerted underneath Kim Jeong-jun. The filly coasted through the line and looked to have plenty more to give. (6) RAON SPECIAL looks next best after clocking a good time when fourth behind Good Vow last time out. She is one of the likely closers with a chance engaged in the race.
Selections
(10) Winner Quardrille (3) Nongbon Rak (9) Only Winner (6) Raon Special
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 10
Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Two and three-year-old maidens line up here. (4) GANA PARK has raced twice do far, finishing 3rd and 2nd, the latter at this distance. For the first time she’s drawn a good gate and with Moon Se Young taking over in the saddle, she looks hard to beat here. (11) LUCKY SEOKPO returns to action for the first time since the shutdown. He has a 2nd place finish to his name at this distance on debut in January and looked when posting a fast time on a dry track in a June trial. (3) PRIME SUMMIT has registered decent times in both her starts at 1000M so far and steps up in trip for the first time here. It may suit and she may well aim to lead under Lee Hyeok. (1) OKCHUMA and (9) GEUMA COLOSSAL are among others who have hinted at ability and may improve today.
Selections
(4) Gana Park (11) Lucky Seokpo (3) Prime Summit (1) Okchuma
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
3, 4
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The Korean-bred fillies go around in the fourth where we blackbooked one last time out. (2) LOVE WITH ME was the horse we suggested following, after a gutsy performance over 1300m last time out when second behind Cheonji Yeogeol. She was headed in the run home before fighting back, it was a fast finishing type that nabbed her in the end. With gate two she can kick up and a similar effort will see her go close. (1) BLACK SILVER is drawn well also and likewise has early speed. The Tout filly will be stretched beyond 1000m for the first time. She went down three lengths behind Good Vow last time out when unable to reel the leader in. (4) POWER MUSIC improved second-up last start to finish third behind Old Blade. The Winchester filly is capable of camping behind the speed and showing a turn of foot late. (6) SYDNEY MONEY is second up after finishing fifth behind Top Seed last time out. The filly is capable of placing over these sprint distances as seen in previous preparations.
Selections
(2) Love With Me (1) Black Silver (4) Power Music (6) Sydney Money
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
1, 2
Race 5: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(5) TERRA SPEED comes in off a solid first-up 4th place over 1300M a month ago. He drops back to this trip for the first time and from a good draw should be prominent early and has as much chance as any of winning this. Joining him on speed early should be (3) WINDY RUSH. She led on debut at this distance on July 12th only to weaken a little late on. She should have come on for that experience and can play a role here. (1) HURRICANE SOCKS and (9) GABO SARANGHAE both showed development in their respective latest starts, both coming home in 4th place. The former steps up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (11) BOBBY BLADE has been a touch one-paced in her three starts so far but hasn’t been too far away in her latest couple and can challenge for the minors here.
Race 6: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Eleven maidens line up in the sixth event where there is no standout. In a race that lacks in-form gallopers, (6) SPECIAL STORY is the on top selection after finishing third when resuming. The Afleet Again filly appears to have appreciated the enforced break, showing us that she can run through the line strong over the six furlongs last time out. (3) SEOUL CROWN looks an each way chance based on the strength of his most recent run. The One Cool Cat colt failed to run on last start when settling for fifth. With a run under his belt he can finish closer today. (7) GO AHEAD will be stretched out to the six furlongs at her second start. She clocked a reasonable time on debut when running through the line one-paced. She is likely to be given time to find her feet by Kim Ok-sung before asking her to improve from the 600m pole. (1) STAR RUSH looks next best after finishing fourth when resuming in only a moderate time.
Selections
(6) Special Story (3) Seoul Crown (7) Go Ahead (1) Star Rush
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
3, 6
Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Really competitive filly and mare race for the level. (11) BAEKSAN THUNDER may still be a maiden but she beat three of these on her way to a close runner-up finish over 1300M on July 19th. The draw is not ideal but she should be able to sit outside the early speed and finish strong to go close again. (4) DREAM GIRLS was a good maiden winner on what was her fourth outing on July 5th. The win had been coming and she did it well from the front over this distance. She is up in class today but nicely drawn to lead again and two in a row is a distinct possibility although she must avoid shifting outwards in the closing stages like she did last time. Also up in class after a maiden win is (8) RAPIDO ARES. In her case it came at just the second time of asking as was a similarly front-running performance at this trip. There is no reason why she can’t be competitive at this level. (9) CHEONEUN JJANG was 4th behind Baeksan Thunder last start and can aim to match that here.
A field of eleven line up in the eighth event where the majority of them are well tried. (9) WONDERFUL STORM is a less experienced type who lines up for his third career start. He won on debut when we he resumed late June and then last start finished midfield when being tried over the 1300m. He is capable of improving once again, his time last start was good enough to consider him a winning chance in this event. (10) SUPER LUCKY BOY was a surprise winner last start when leading all the way for Lee Hyeok. He was disappointing on debut but rebounded in great fashion. There is a query with the 1300m but we expect him to get better as he goes deeper into his racing career. (6) DAEGUN OK broke through for her first win last start at attempt fourteen. She has consistently finished in the first five and can do so once again here. (7) PRIMA NIKE looks best of the rest after showing some improvement last start.
Selections
(9) Wonderful Storm (10) Super Lucky Boy (6) Daegun Ok (7) Prima Nike
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 9, 10
Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens here with only three of them having troubled the placings board so far. The standout of those looks to be (5) FULL BOOSTER, who comes in having run 3rd at the distance on July 18th. That was his first up run and while he was previously good on debut before going astray a little in two further starts prior to the shutdown, this time he can maintain his momentum. (2) SUN BOOM hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but it’s been enough to see him to a 3rd and a 4th place finish in two starts back and he too can maintain that positive run of form today. (3) JANGSAN MONSTER ran well on debut all the way back in December last year before running poorly second-up in January. He’s not raced since but performed promisingly in a trial only last week and should be in the hunt in this company. There are three first-time starters and of them (4) CHEON GUN was marginally better in trials.
Selections
(5) Full Booster (2) Sun Boom (3) Jangsan Monster (4) Cheon Gun
Next Best
8
Fast Start
2, 4, 5
Race 10: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The lightly raced imports and one Korean-bred runner take to the track in the tenth. (1) MUNHAK ENCORE is the on top selection after improving at his second start. The We Miss Artie colt finished fourth behind Looking First where the margin was just over three lengths. Moon Se-young will jump aboard and be aided by a good gate. (3) DAEGUNUI GEOM has placed on four occasions from eight starts and is still looking for that elusive win. The Majestic Warrior colt looks well placed in this event, if he can overcome the 57.5kg on his back he is a big chance. (7) SONGAM TIZ is the one Korean-bred galloper engaged and has started his career with a bang. The Tiz Wonderful colt has won two of his three starts including a win when resuming last time out over the 1200m. This will be his toughest test to date but he looks well placed in the event. (6) CHANGSEONG SUHO is next best after finishing midfield behind Legend Day last time out, which is one of the stronger Class Four races we’ve seen in recent times.
Selections
(1) Munhak Encore (3) Daegunui Geom (7) Songam Tiz (6) Changseong Suho
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
3, 7, 11
Race 11: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(1) JILJUUI KKUM strolled through the minor classes prior to the shutdown and returned to run a strong 2nd to the talented Looking Good on what was his first crack at class 4 on June 21st over 1400M. A half-sister to sprint star Doraonpogyeongseon, the drop back in trip should hardly be a problem and she looks bound for the higher levels. Under a nice light weight again today, she should win. (10) FIRENZE HILL was a front-running 2nd at class and distance on July 11th. He doesn’t win out of turn but that was a nice uptick in form and suggests the hiatus may have done him some good. It’s also possible the enforced break has benefitted (9) STRONG VULTURE. He seemingly completely lost his way prior to this shutdown but does have plenty of ability and trialed well a couple of months back. He’s the wildcard here. (7) JEONGMUN SUMMIT has the fastest time of any of these at this distance and looks nicely in to find a place again.
Selections
(1) Jiljuui Kkum (10) Firenze Hill (7) Jeongmun Summit (9) Strong Vulture
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1
Race 12: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
The Class Four gallopers line up in the twelfth over 1400m where we think there is one of the better bets on the card. (7) SARYEONI WINNER is yet to break maiden status but has been good in her four career starts to date. The filly was placed in a trophy race upon resuming and performed fairly when finishing midfield behind Geosen Jilju. Back into restricted grade she should be able to notch her first win. As always when Moon Se-young is legged aboard, it’s a good sign. (2) AMIGO RARO resumed in good style to finish second behind Yori Jori early July. The Summer Front colt will step up to the 1400m at his second start back where he has previously placed. He looks one of the likely pacemakers engaged. (4) GOLD BLUE MAGIC is another potential pacemaker after sitting handy to the speed last start when finishing fourth behind Echo Bill. She will drop back to the 1400m for the first time this preparation. (9) WIND SKY looks next best coming off a last start third behind Complete Kingdom over 1700m. He is another that will drop back in distance.
Race 13: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(1) JEONGMUN SAI beat a couple of these when coming from well off the pace to win at this class over 1800M on June 28th. It was one of the slowest times you’ll see for a race at that distance but he won handsomely enough and while he is conceding significant weight to the rest of the field, another win isn’t impossible. (9) FIORE ran out a somewhat unexpected class and distance winner in early July and then returned later in the month to miss the start but still run on for 3rd over 1400M. She remains nicely weighted and her good form can continue. The big danger though could be (6) NANGMAN STAR. He’s only won once from thirty-seven starts but ran very nice race for 3rd at class and distance on July 12th in a useful time. Moon Se Young takes over aboard today and he looks very nicely in here. (7) GEUMA SUPREME and (11) DUMANGANG are others capable of going close.
Selections
(6) Nangman Star (1) Jeongmun Sai (9) Fiore (7) Geuma Supreme
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
2, 4
Race 14: Class 2 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
We are quite keen on our selection in the fourteenth where only a small field will face the starts. (8) RED BLADE looks mighty hard to beat in the event after finishing fourth behind Flying Ford last time out over 1400m. Moon Se-young will jump aboard the Menifee gelding for the first time and is likely to push him along early from the wide gate. He has shown some good performan ces over the middle distances previously including a Class Three win over 1600m last preparation. (3) GOLD HAMMER looks next best but will face stiffer competition as he lines up in Class Two company for the first time. The entire comes off a third behind Mighty Go over 1200m last time out. He has been tried over the two turns on multiple occasions and performed well. (1) DORAON NALRI is another that will line up in this class for the first time. He placed second when resuming mid-July and will be stretched out to the two turns second-up. (6) SEOUL TANK looks capable of running into some minor money. The Giant Oak gelding will be one of the backmarkers but is capable of reeling off a strong sectional.
Selections
(8) Red Blade (3) Gold Hammer (1) Doraon Nalri (6) Seoul Tank
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 7 ,8
Race 15: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
(2) EAST KINGDOM was a super winner at this class over 1200M on July 12th, coming from off the pace and running on strong. His manners weren’t great that day and it was an uptick in form. Additionally, he will need to carry an extra 4kg today, but he remains a winning chance. (1) JANGSAN FLY ran a good 2nd also at 1200M on July 18th. He is by no means a prolific winner, but he carries less weight today and has strong claims. (7) BEST LUCKY drops back in trip after an all the way win over 1700M a month ago and is another one who comes in nicely in the weights. (3) DAE BYEONHWA is a regular place-getter at this level and indeed has clocked the fastest time of any of these at this distance. He was 4th behind East Kingdom on his latest start and can match that today. (4) ACE SOLONGO, 4th to Eoma Eoma last start, and (8) GEUMA ACME are others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Jangsan Fly (2) East Kingdom (7) Best Lucky (4) Ace Solongo
This Sunday sees the Busan Mayor’s Cup, the final leg of the Stayers’ Series where Cheongdam Dokki will once again seek to see off the likes of Tiz Plan and Shamrocker to take a clean sweep off all three legs having already won the Herald Business and YTN Cups. Before that though there is a big 15-race card at Busan on Friday running from 11:30 to 18:00. With Coivd-19 confirmed cases having risen to between 40-50 per day this week, there is still no sign as to if and when racegoers will be allowed to return to the tracks. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Two-year-old gallopers kick of proceedings on Friday with six of the eleven engaged previously raced. (3) GALLANT WARRIOR is the on top selection in a race with many chances. The Old Fashioned colt has performed well at his two starts to date, coming off a last start fourth behind a handy type named Doctor Fashion. (7) CLEAN HIT trialed up nicely in his heat, when only having to be asked for in the last half furlong. He clocked a good time considering there was minimal urging from Lyu Gwang-hee. Busan’s leading rider You Hyun-myung will ride the colt on debut. (4) LUCAS SUN lines up for his second start after finishing midfield on debut behind World Cheonsa. The Purge colt was beaten a big margin, but his time was good and the winner looks an above average type. (5) THE FIRST FACTOR is another that finished behind a special one last start, named Winner’s Man. The filly settled better than midfield before running through the line one-paced. If she can find some improvement on top of her last effort, she can run into the money.
Selections
(3) Gallant Warrior (7) Clean Hit (4) Lucas Sun (5) The First Factor
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
6, 10, 12
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The second is an all-aged maiden for the Korean-bred gallopers where a field of ten will start over six furlongs. With very little speed engaged in the event it looks a good opportunity for (4) RAPTOR MAN to break through under new apprentice Mo Junho. The Rock Hard Ten gelding brought up his first placing last time out, when second behind Pai Blade. He looks one that appreciated the enforced break, he should be able to jump and run from gate four and prove hard to beat. (5) POWERFUL LEGEND looks capable of running into the money after finishing third last time out over this distance. The three-year-old gives the indication he is backmarker so don’t expect him to be settling in the first couple. (6) RAPIDO QUEEN will debut in the race. The Sadamu Patek filly clocked a fair time in her trial, many of these have shown limited ability suggesting she can figure at her first start. (10) HUIMANG SOYEO looks next best as she lines up for her first-up run. She trialed up well and has previously placed in similar company.
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another all-aged maiden for the Korean-bred gallopers here with a field of eleven engaged. In a race lacking depth, (9) DOCTOR KHAN goes on top after finishing third last start over this distance behind Nice One. The Menifee gelding was beaten ten lengths on that occasion but this is a much easier assignment. There should be some natural improvement with this start being his third career run. (6) SPRING FIRE is another that was beaten by a big margin when placing in an age-restricted race last time out. The Lion Santa filly finished third but clocked a time that will see her competitive against a field of this caliber. (2) MYEONGGA DAERO looks capable of running into a place with a good draw. The four-year-old has had eighteen starts, yielding just one place. He comes off a last start fourth when clocking a fair time behind Kkumeul Neomeo. (4) KING BROTHER has finished midfield at his three starts to date. He resumes in this event coming off a fair trial.
Selections
(9) Doctor Khan (6) Spring Fire (2) Myeongga Daero (4) King Brother
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
6, 11
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The two and three-year-old gallopers line up in the fourth over 1300m, all looking for their first win. In a very even contest, (10) TWO TWO CELEB looks capable of being in the finish. The Cowboy Cal filly will carry just the 51.5kg coming off a midfield performance behind World Cheonsa. This race looks an easier assignment, where she will get the services of You Hyun-myung. (4) ECHO GOOD was slightly disappointing last time out when well thought of in a similar event. The Tiz Wonderful filly could only manage fifth, when one-paced in the run to the line never looking a winning chance. (5) ROYALIST lines up for his third start, coming off a fifth last time out over this distance. The Chapel Royal three-year-old was beaten a big margin but this looks an easier assignment. He did place behind Smart Value on debut. Flashy chestnut (9) TAPIT WONDERFUL looks an each-way play based on his two starts to date. The three-year-old placed on debut and then was beaten seven lengths when finishing fourth behind Top Of The Girl.
Selections
(10) Two Two Celeb (4) Echo Good (5) Royalist (9) Tapit Wonderful
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
1, 5
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
The fifth will see the Korean-bred fillies line up over 1300m. (8) DASEUNG E produced a good performance last time out when finishing second behind Wind Park in similar company. The filly sat on speed and went down less than a length, over the same distance as this event. If she can hand in a similar effort, she should go close with minimal early speed engaged in the event. (7) QUEEN VRONSKY has notched two placings from as many starts including a last start second behind Top Lucky. The filly has the ability to close over a sprint distance, the additional half furlong should be in her favour. (3) SATURDAY QUEEN went down a head last time out when second behind Blue Ember. The Any Given Saturday four-year-old maps to sit just behind the speed and be given every chance as heads turn for home. (5) CAPSTONE comes out of the same races where she finished fourth. She was somewhat one-paced through the line but is capable of figuring.
Race 6: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The next best thing from a dead certainty will line up in the sixth where a compact field of eight will go over the 1400m. (3) PORRIMA lines up in a race which she should win by panels. The Old Fashioned filly is the only runner to bring any reasonable form into the race. She comes off a last start third behind Adele Classic where she was comprehensively beaten. This race looks much easier, expect her to work to the front and not be headed. (2) TRUE WARRIOR is fourth up and should be rock hard fit. He (more…)
On Sunday it’s the fillies’ turn to have their Three-Year-Old Classic as the 2020 Korean Oaks takes place at Busan. A field of fifteen will line up in the Group 2 feature which is the last race on Busan’s 5-race Sunday card. At Seoul there are 12 races from 10:25 to 18:00. See below for the race-by-race preview along with horse by horse for the Oaks:
It's the fillies time to shine this weekend with the running of the Korean Oaks on Sunday! Nine of the runners back up out of the inaugural Luna Stakes – can the fillies turn the tables on White Queen or will she be too strong! @korearacing@SkyRacingWorld@CandiceHare_@TVGpic.twitter.com/od2AYJq9ik
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
Plenty of interest lies in the first event with eleven two-year-old gallopers, nine of them unraced taking to the track. (4) GRAY CAT trialed up very nicely early July underneath Song Jae-chul. The Cowboy Cal colt won his trial by six lengths when clocking a solid time for the 1000m. (2) LUCKY JAESAN was another one who trialed up well. The Hansen filly clocked 62.1 seconds for her heat when winning by six lengths as well. She showed early speed in her trial so expect much the same from a good gate. (11) GREEN POKJU is one of two runners that has had a run coming into the race. The Old Fashioned filly hit the line superbly to finish second behind Cobra Ball. She is likely to settle rearwards once again with the outside draw. (6) YEONGUNG DAEMA also lined up in a two-year-old event on debut when fourth behind Samantha Cheetah. She is capable of filling a place.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A maiden open to both two and three-year-olds here. (6) MUSSANG HWANGHU came from well back to run an improved 3rd over 1200M on what was her second career start on July 18th. The slight step up in trip today can be to her benefit and she has a good chance of making the breakthrough. (7) MAKALU POWER has steadily improved over three outings to date, culminating in a runner-up finish at 1200M last start. His times have not been fast but he won’t need to improve much to be challenging here and has every chance of getting on the early speed. (11) STAR RUSH comes into contention following an improved 4th at 1200M a month ago and is another who may appreciate the small increase in distance. (1) ONE JI has been dreadful in three outings so far but looked much better when trialing two weeks ago in a fast time. Nevertheless, we’ll need to see him actually racing before we can be confident about him. The solitary debut-maker is (2) JANGSAN ENGINE and the Ecton Park filly, who has been trialing for more than a year, looked competent in her latest heat in July.
Selections
(6) Mussang Hwanghu (7) Makalu Power (2) Jangsan Engine (11) Star Rush
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
1, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fair to say not the most inspiring field lines up in the third event on the card. (6) POWER MUSIC is the on top selection after finishing third last time out over the 1400m. The Winchester filly will go over the same distance where she is drawn to settle just off the speed and reel of a good sectional with minimal weight on her back. (10) SHINY QUEEN is still lightly raced enough that connections will be hoping she can show something. She improved last time out and is another that can run into the minor money. (7) IRYEO HAYEO looks capable of running a place in a much weaker assignment today. It is hard to include her with one place from twenty-five starts but this is such a weak race. (3) HOSUA is third up after finishing fourth last time out. He hit the line fairly and is another capable of running into the money.
Selections
(6) Power Music (10) Shiny Queen (7) Iryeo Hayeo (3) Hosua
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Fillies only here for this handicap. (8) SAMANTHA CHEETAH was a revelation on debut, making all to win as easily as she pleased over five-furlongs. She steps up in both class and distance here but the manner of victory means she can go on top again. This is a strong race for the level though. (5) GOOD VOW also steps up in class following a maiden win in which she posted a time even faster than Samantha Cheetah’s and she too should be more then competitive at this level and will also challenge for the lead early. (7) BAEDARI CANDY too was a debut winner with a front-running performance and while she perhaps has a little bit more to find, looks right in the hunt as well. As for those with experience at this level already, (2) TANK SOCKS and (9) OUR SIMON are both proven money winners and should go close. There could be quite a cavalry charge to get the lead.
Selections
(8) Samantha Cheetah (5) Good Vow (2) Tank Socks (9) Our Simon
Next Best
7, 10, 1
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Twelve imports face the starter in the fifth where they will go over the 1400m. (11) HAENGBOK WANGJA has been knocking on the door for quite some time and comes into the race with two runner-up performances since the break. Moon Se-young will take over from the injured Yoo Seung-wan. The Moon will have to overcome the outside gate but the horse has been hitting the line strong, suggesting he can let the Daredevil colt have time to find his feet. (2) GRAYDOL looks one that is capable of running into the money. The gelding has been hitting the line strong and gets a much better draw today. Whilst finishing in the money once from six starts, his times suggest he can figure in a weaker event. (6) VICTORY GO GO is second up and should strip fitter for the run. She was only fair first up when finishing fourth behind Level Tap, when one-paced through the line. (7) GOOD SENSE looks next best after placing in a Class 5 event, which is never ideal after commencing your career in Class 4 grade.
Selections
(11) Haengbok Wangja (2) Graydol (6) Victory Go Go (7) Good Sense
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
A testing little race for the imported maidens. (5) GOOD FOR YOU was a nice 3rd on debut behind Geuma Mystic, who has gone on to win again and previously finished ahead of Derby winner Save The World in a trial. She ran 8th on her re-appearance at 1300M on July 10th but that was a much stiffer race than this and she was competitive. She can win. (10) HWANHUIUI BANSEOK was a useful 3rd on debut over this distance on July 19th. He was a front-runner that day so the draw is not kind here, but he can overcome that and compete again. (2) POKPUNG EONDEOK and (9) TRAFFIC MARINE underwhelmed in their respective appearances before the shutdown but both looked good in trials and can improve here. There are also four debut-makers and among them both (4) SONIC KING IJI and (6) JESSIEUI KKUM were both trial winners who can go well first up.
Selections
(5) Good For You (4) Sonic King Iji (10) Hwanhuiui Banseok (6) Jessieui Kkum
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Very competitive affair with plenty of these on the up. (4) JANGSAN BADA wasn’t detained by the lower levels for very long and steps up in class here having won two of three and finishing runner-up in the other. His latest win came in a fast time over this distance and while he carries plenty of weight again, he looks nicely in to just sit on the shoulder of the lead and finish strongly. (3) JEONGMUN BOLT was an all the way winner (more…)
