Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17)

It’s KNN Cup weekend at Busan with the 2nd leg of the Queeens’ Tour series being run at the track on Sunday. That means top Seoul jockeys Lim Gi Won and Kim Yong Geun are both in action on the south coast on Friday when there is an 11-race card from 14:30 to 21:00:

RH7_3074

Lim Gi Won will be riding at Busan this Friday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Rather weak maiden to begin with to the extent that it might be worth looking to one of the three first-time starters purely on the grounds that they’ve done nothing wrong so far. Of them, (1) URANUS J fits the bill having looked competent and reasonably fast when running 2nd in a June trial. He couldn’t ask for a better race to debut in. Of those who have raced before, (2) TIZ POWER registered back to back 4th place finishes in March. She’s been out since but trialed reasonably well last weekend and go well first-up. (6) PARTY WINNER did ok on debut at this distance and while he didn’t go so well at 1200M on his reappearance, can be better dropped back to the minimum today. (4) YEOWANGUI GWIHWAN and (9) BUGYEONG STORY are others who could improve.

Selections (1) Uranus J (2) Tiz Power (6) Party Winner (4) Yeowangui Gwihwan
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 1, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A maiden for two-year-olds and just two of the eleven runners have raced before. Of the two, (7) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT was by some margin the better, running 2nd at this distance on July 13th and that experience can stand him in good stead here. Kim Young Kwan’s debut-makers always attract attention and (3) KING SOCKS will be no exception. He trialed well enough and a top jockey is booked. Slightly preferred at this stage though is (5) TRUE KING. The Hansen colt raced prominently in his trial posting a good time and looks ready to hit the ground running. (2) MIGHTY POWER went through a pair of trials and was quicker in her latest one last week. The stable tends to have plenty of success with juveniles and the champion jockey is aboard. (6) JEONSAUI JULJU is another who showed promise in her trial and can be considered.

Selections (7) Yeonggwangui Fight (5) True King (2) Mighty Power (3) King Socks
Next Best 6, 1
Fast Start 5, 7, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More two-year-old maidens, this time with four debut-makers and the rest having raced once each. Beginning with experience, (11) TIARA WINNER beat a couple of the others who go here on the way to 2nd place over this distance on July 20th. Seoul jockey Lim Gi Won, in town to ride in Sunday’s KNN Cup, takes the mount and she has a chance. (3) SINBIHAN YEOIN similarly beat two of today’s rivals on her debut a week earlier. She ran a solid 3rd that day and can build on it here. She too is ridden by a currently Seoul-based jockey as Kim Yong Geun – former Busan champion – returns for the weekend. Of the other experienced ones, (9) ARCADIA did nothing wrong when 5th on July 6th and should be in the hunt. As for the first-time starters, one of them may well begin as favourite. That’s (7) GEUMGANG CHILBO, who looked very sharp when winning a trial on July 21st in a quick time ahead of some experienced horses. While slightly slower, (4) GIDAEHAE went round in the same heat and also acquitted herself well.

Selections (11) Tiara Winner (7) Geumgang Chilbo (3) Sinbihan Yeoin (9) Arcadia
Next Best 4, 5
Fast Start 4, 5, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Back to regular maidens here and (9) MUJEOK VETERAN, 3rd on debut at 1000M on July 20th, looks very much the one to beat. He ran on well and will likely benefit from the additional distance today. (6) GOLDEN JOY and (1) SMART BANK came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other over a mile on July 20th and both can look to at least match those finishes today. (3) ROYAL CLUB registered her best finish to date on her only previous try at this distance back in May. She comes in following a solid 4th place at 1200M last time and should be in the hunt. There is just one first-timer starter. (2) TRUE WARRIOR won a trial two weeks ago and must be taken seriously.

Selections (9) Mujeok Veteran (3) Royal Club (2) True Warrior (1) Smart Bank
Next Best 6
Fast Start 3, 5, 9

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

(8) QUEEN OFFICER looked to be making all on her first try at this class on July 13th, only to get overhauled by a long-shot in the closing stages and ending up in 2nd. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging performance and suggests that it won’t be too long before she adds to the maiden win she achieved back in June. (6) JANGHAN JILJU’s 7th last time was perhaps a touch disappointing but was in tougher company than this over 1400M and she can get closer today. It’s similar with (1) SIMON MAGIC, who had a hard time in a (more…)

Seoul Sunday Race-By-Race Preview (August 12)

With Busan taking the weekend off, there are no fewer than 15 races at Seoul on Sunday with the daytime card running from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Start

15 races at Seoul on Sunday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(12) BEYOND OVER ran a useful 2nd on debut on July 15th, running on pleasingly. She’s got the widest gate today but that shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance and she’s got a good chance of coming out on top this time in this all-filly affair. (4) STEEL RUN was 4th in that race, a position she’s developed a habit of ending up in and there is a chance she could improve here although stiffer competition may come in the form of (1) RAON WILLIAMS. She was a touch disappointing in 6th on her debut last month having previously impressed in trials, but hopefully learned a bit from it and does better this time. (9) HALLA DAERO and (11) SCARLET PERFECT both recorded their first runner-up finish on their respective latest starts and should be very much in the placing hunt again today.

Selections (12) Beyond Over (9) Halla Daero (1) Raon Williams (4) Steel Run
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 5, 8, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Only one of these juveniles has raced before. That’s (9) WONDERFUL EVIL, who ran a decent 4th in a similar contest over the distance on July 7th. That experience should stand him in good stead and he has a chance but we will be favouring a couple of the first-timers. Likely favourite is (6) WINT SEVEN. He won his trial in a decent time under today’s jockey Manoel Nunes and is perfectly drawn in the middle to get a good start and go all the way. (1) HAE SAEM CHAM won her trial too, coming from just behind the early leaders to run on nicely. Nunes was also her trial rider but gets on Wint Seven here. With a name like (7) DO KKI BLADE, you’d hope this Officer colt is good, but he didn’t offer many clues in his trial. Connections mean he will be backed though. (8) BLACK ZAPPER is another who has the potential to go well first-up.

Selections (6) Wint Seven (1) Hae Saem Cham (7) Do Kki Blade (9) Wonderful Evil
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 6

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) CHEONSANG GIUN did noting in his first two starts before being shunted up to 1700M for his next two where he started to show some hints of ability. That continued back down at this distance last start when he ran a useful 4th and he can make his breakthrough today. The main danger looks to be the solitary debut-maker (7) MYEONGPUM CHUKJE. He looked good across two trials, most recently on July 20th and if he brings that form to the races, he has a real chance. (8) BEST BOBAE comes in off a 3rd place in an admittedly weak contest over 1200M on July 7th and could look to match that here while (2) DAEJIUI SAESSAK and (6) GANGSANUI ACHIM are ones with potential to improve on recent results.

Selections (1) Cheonsang Giun (7) Myeomgpum Chukje (8) Best Bobae (2) Daejiui Saessak
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 4

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) MAIN RACER has had a couple of months off since disappointing when favourite at class and distance on June 3rd. He was reasonably well positioned that day but didn’t quicken, ultimately ending up in 5th. He’s shown plenty of ability though and will probably be ridden on the speed today and is worth another chance. Stablemate (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR ran well when stepped up to this trip last time and can build on it here, while (3) SUJEBI and (7) SPEED HWANGNYONG came home 3rd and 4th over this distance on June 16th. Sujebi has raced once more since then and struggled when favourite, but Speed Hangnyong returns for the first time and will be expected to do better today. (4) MIDAS CHIEF is another hwo looks to be figuring things out and can go close.

Selections (6) Main Racer (7) Speed Hwangnyong (4) Midas Chief (2) Daemyeong Solar
Next Best 3
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

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

(7) KING POSE drops back in trip having just been beaten a head over 1700M on June 24th. He’s won at this trip already, should be on speed early and has a chance. (4) MALAKAS keeps going close at this class with several near-misses. He began poorly at 1000M last time but still rallied for 5th and with a better start, can get much closer. (6) SUN BOLT won on debut back in January but had seemingly started to lose his was in his next three outings He arrested that slide with a solid 3rd on his first try at this distance three weeks ago and can build on it here. (2) NANGMAN STAR and (5) BAEKSAN ISLAND are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections (7) King Pose (4) Malakas (6) Sun Bolt (5) Baeksan Island
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 4, 6, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ROMAN BLADE only managed 6th place when favourite at class and distance on July 15th. We’ll not give up on her yet though and with Manoel Nunes rising her for the first time, she’ll likely be favourite to put things right here. When she got her maiden win back in June, she beat (4) CLEAN FLOWER by two lengths. Clean Flower followed up with a five-length win of her own on July 7th to come up in class for the first time and she will be one of the principal dangers. Others include (5) SPECIAL WINNER, who drops back in trip following a good 2nd place at 1400M and (2) MONEY DAERYUK, who like Roman (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 11)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 2pm to 9pm:

Turn

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) GOLD SEUTAK has gone no better than 3rd in nineteen starts so far and only achieved that on her latest start, However, her latest three efforts have been promising and she beat a couple of these last time. It could be her day. (1) RAON SITIEOSEU has beaten Gold Seutak in the past and while her latest couple of starts have been disappointing, they were in slightly tougher company than this and she can improve today. (3) MAGIC DOLPUNG hasn’t done too much wrong in two tries to date while (7) SPHAERA also looks to be figuring things out with 2nd place last time, albeit in an even weaker race than this and some distance behind the winner. (6) YONGUI JUDO is another who has a 2nd place to her name and she can aim to repeat here.

Selections (11) Gold Seutak (1) Raon Sitieoseu (3) Magic Dolpung (7) Sphaera
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) SO ARA DAEWANG enters off back to back 3rd place finishes, running on nicely each time and the extra furlong today may be exactly what she needs to get her maiden win. (5) CHANGSEONG LUCKY debuted at this distance on May 27th and did well, finishing 4th. It’s been eleven weeks since but he comes in here with solid chances for a stable that has started to pick up recently. (1) JEONGMUN K enters off a similar layoff and can improve here while (9) GLORY VERN should be setting the early pace and can stay on. (2) SAND CHAMP another who has offered a couple of glimpses of ability and could improve.

Selections (6) So Ara Daewang (5) Changseong Lucky (9) Glory Vern (1) Jeongmun K
Next Best 2
Fast Start 8, 9

 Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Two-year-old maidens only here with three racing for the first time and the other five making their second appearances. (5) BI PYEONG was 2nd on debut on June 16th and while he was well-beaten by a good winner, he has every chance of going one better today. He ran on well that day at 1000M and the additional distance should suit. (3) RAYMOND also went well on his debut, running 3rd, also at 1000M and he should be a danger here while (2) GUREUM WANGJA demonstrated some promise too and is likely to be on the lead from the gate. Among the debut-makers, (6) CHOEGANG SINGI looked the best in trials.

Selections (5) Bi Pyeong (3) Raymond (2) Gureum Wangja (6) Choegang Singi
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 2

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

(9) BAEKSAN FORCE got her maiden win by an emphatic thirteen-lengths at 1200M on July 1st, making all. That win had been coming and while she’s up in both class and slightly in trip today, she’s the one to beat again. This is undoubtedly a tougher assignment though. (2) FLYING JOY remains a maiden after eight attempts but has run 3rd in each of his last two, both at this class and should surely be close again. (8) SPEED YEONGUNG beat (3) VICTORY STAR as the pair came home 2nd and 4th over 1400M on July 14th and both are capable of challenging again here. (1) RAON MIRACLE too ran an encouraging 3rd at class and distance on her latest outing and should be in the hunt to at least match that today.

Selections (9) Baeksan Force (2) Flying Joy (3) Victory Star (8) Speed Yeongung
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 9

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) SKY JUMP was a six-length winner over this distance on what was just her second career start two weeks ago. She makes a quick return here and while up in class the small filly – she weighed in at less than 400kg prior to that victory – could win again. She’ll have stiff competition from (6) PRIMO, who just missed out by a nose at class and distance on July 7th and beat a couple of these on her way to another runner-up finish in June. She’ll come from just behind the early pace and could get up this time. (2) CHEONJI BOBAE and (5) PERFECT BIC C came home 3rd and 4th at the distance on June 16th and both look in the placing frame here.

Selections (10) Sky Jump (6) Primo (2) Cheonji Bobae (5) Perfect Bic C
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 8, 10

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After just being beaten a head into 2nd on his first try at both class and distance in June, (1) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI was sent off as favourite on his re-appearance three weeks ago. Things didn’t go to plan and he ultimately finished 5th of 8 but there’s a good chance he can put that right today. (8) GANADORA is already a winner at this distance, albeit at class 6. The I Want Revenge filly ran a solid 2nd on her first try at this level on July 7th and she should get close again. She may well get an uncontested lead early here. (4) ONNURI ALBA is a stablemate of Ganadora and while a touch inconsistent has proven competitive at both class and distance. (9) CHANGSEONG GANGJA and (10) BAEKDU POWER come in with recent form reading positively and both can challenge here, at least for minor money. Both those two beat (6) ASTER last time but he too can be a useful performer on his day and may well improve here.

Selections (8) Ganadora (1) Hwanggeum Jumeoni (6) Aster (4) Onnuri Alba
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 8

Race 7: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A winner of three of her first seven before being put up to this class and distance, (4) OKAY QUEEN managed a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at it to date, She’s likely to race (more…)

Stallion Update: Menifee On Top Again / Thunder Moccasin, Hansen Impress / Cielo Gold Passes

With over half the season gone, it’s time to update the leading sire race and as usual Menifee is out in front, leading Ecton Park and the late Sharp Humor at the top of the General Standings.

Menifee 4

Menifee (Pic: Ross Holburt/Korea Racing Authority)

It’s in the other catefories where we potentially see the furture starting to take shape though, with Hansen and Pegasus Farm’s Thunder Moccasin currently 3rd and 4th in the Leading Sire of 3-year-olds list. Both are second-crop sires in Korea as is Testa Matta, who is also stating to show well.

Stallion list

We get asked a lot about Take Charge Indy – so here is a picture of him taken in May. His first Korean crop is set to hit the track in a couple of years.

Take Charge Indy 2

Take Charge Indy (Pic: Ross Holburt/Korea Racing Authority)

As ever, the English language Korean Stud Book has information on all racing and breeding horses in Korea: http://studbook.kra.co.kr/neweng/main.jsp

There is one obituary to announce. Cielo Gold [Conquistador Cielo – Private Light (Private Account] died at the Jangsu Stud Farm on July 25th. The cause is listed as “sudden death” (heart attack).

As a racehorse, Cielo Gold dead-heated with Star Dabbler in what was at the time a controversial 2006 Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park (Simon Pure, also in Korea now, ran in that race too). Even Cielo Gold’s trainer thought he had been beaten. The same year, he finised 2nd in the West Viginia Derby at Mountaineer.

Cielo Gold spent a decade in Korea and generated a solid return each year from a modest book of mares. His chief earner so far is the recently retired Royal Impact.

Bumper Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 5)

With Seoul off for the weekend, Busan takes centre-stage on Sunday with a bumper 15-race program. And with the South-Coast track itself dark next week, plenty will be looking to head into the vacation on a positive note. The 15-races run from 10:45 to 18:00.

Busan Racecourse

Busan hosts fifteen races this Sunday

The past month has been a quiet one for trainer Kim Young-kwan. Since the start of July he’s led in six winners, joint-top among all the track’s handlers but still low by his standards. He did, of course, send two horses to Singapore for the KRA Trophy two weeks ago – both ran well – and then had to contend with the disappointment of losing stable star Power Blade to a fractured sesamoid a day before he was set to jump favourite in the Owners’ Cup. Kim sends out seven runners on Sunday and his three-year-old colt World Day is one of three up-and-comers that make race 10 a tantalizing prospect.

World Day only debuted in April but has won three of four starts so far, going down by a neck in his sole defeat and he faces two other very competent three-year-olds in the shape of Great Rock and Cheonnyeonuitaeyang over seven furlongs on Sunday. All three of them come in having won their latest assignments and all look to have more to offer.

Kim could have a winner earlier in the day when he sends out two-year-old Glitter in race 4. The Officer colt ran well on debut a month ago and will be favoured to score in the juvenile maiden. Rounding out the card, Kim’s Finest Warrior also looks the most likely in race 15, the only class 1 race of the entire weekend. He was overmatched in the SBS Sports Sprint in Seoul in June but beat four of his seven rivals on his return to Busan last month.

In other races, the latest of the “Blades” to roll off the production line should score in race 9. Gioi Blade has won three of four so far and drops back to 1200M today. Favourite backers will also be getting stuck into I’m Your Star, who took eight goes to get his maiden win but shouldn’t have to wait too long for his second in race 6. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

She ran 2nd on her debut a month ago and it would it be a surprise if (3) CAR TWO were not to run out the winner of this modest opener. She didn’t get off to the best of starts that day but overcame it to run well and should be too good. (5) HARVEST GOLD’s best performance so far came at this distance in March and while he had a hard time on his return from three months out at the end of June over 1200M, he should go better today. (6) DAY STAR was 4th, albeit a long way back behind the winner, on what was an improved showing at the distance last month and could continue to get better today, while (7) BREAKING NEWS has also shown some aptitude for the distance and looks good for at least a place.

Selections (3) Car Two (7) Breaking News (6) Day Star (5) Harvest Gold
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 6

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) DREAM CAT has raced twice, without distinction on either occasion. In between times though, she has shown plenty of speed in trials and coming back almost four months after her latest effort, this is a fresh start of sorts. She has a top jockey on board and against this week set of opposition, can come out on top. (1) DIAMOND KING last raced in January when he finished 4th of 7 over 1300M having led until the top of the straight. He trialed up adequately enough last month and can run well first-up here. (6) SPERO SPERA has a 3rd place to his name and can at least match that today while (7) EL DREAM has been unspectacular but competent enough in two outings so far and may improve.

Selections (2) Dream Cat (6) Spero Spera (1) Diamond King (7) El Dream
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) QUEEN’S FANTASY was a solid 4th on debut over 1000M two weeks ago and Kim Young Kwan’s filly steps up in trip for her re-appearance with a good chance of making-all. (2) OCEAN PHOENIX has shown good promise with a 4th and a 3rd from her two starts to date, both at 1200M and she can continue her development here. (9) CHEONHAUI KKUM has been getting closer and while he is still a maiden after twelve attempts, he can certainly match the 3rd place he secured last time. That day, (4) CHALLANHAN MISO, who was making his debut, ran 4th and he too can build on that here. (5) BICHUI HAENGJIN looks to be the best of a competitive rest.

Selections (8) Queen’s Fantasy (2) Ocean Phoenix (4) Challanhan Miso (9) Cheonhaui Kkum
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Maiden for two-year-olds only hence the enhanced prize-money, and precisely half of the field has raced once before. Moreover, they all debuted in the same race at 1000M on July 6th. (8) WONDERFUL IJI came out the best of them that day, coming home in 2nd place although (2) GLITTER and (3) TOUGH GREEN weren’t far away either in 3rd and 4th. With Glitter being from Kim Young Kwan’s stable, he’s sure to be backed to improve here but Wonderful Iji, who was a 13/1 chance that day, showed she has plenty of potential and she cold come out on top again. Those three should be battling it out between them with the other experienced one, (6) MARU JJANG having a bit more to find. Among the debut-makers, (1) YEONGGWANGUI SIDAE and (5) WONDERFUL Lion look to have the best chance of making an impact first-up.

Selections (2) Glitter (1) Yeonggwangui Sidae (3) Tough Green (5) Wonderful Lion
Next Best 8
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

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

After getting his maiden win at 1200M in May, (4) MAGIC STREET was 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on July 6th, beating a couple of these in the process. He led for much of that race, being passed in the closing stages by a couple of useful looking types and is well drawn to get to the front again and this time go all the way. (1) RISING DERBY returned from just over a year out to run 3rd over 1000M on July 8th. It was a good return and with a top jockey booked today, he can build on it. (10) GIJEOGUIMYEONGSEON has been promoted to this level by virtue of two runner-up finishes. He too was returning from a lengthy absence on his latest start and he can be competitive today. (2) PARK MINISTER comes up in class as well, in her case off the back of three consecutive 3rd places. She’s been off since May but won a trial in July in handy fashion and can go well here. (5) DOCHI didn’t do himself justice last start but is much better than that and can (more…)

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 4)

There’s no racing at Seoul this weekend with the capital’s track taking its one-week summer vacation, however, that means there is a rare Saturday card at Busan with 8 races from 16:30 to 21:00. There is also an afternoon pony-racing card on Jeju Island kicking off at 14:00. (Seoul Racecourse is open for simulcasting from both). Here are the previews:

Divide Wind

It’s Saturday! It’s…Busan? It certainly is 

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) OS HILL has gone progressively closer across four starts to date, culminating in 2nd place last time out, beating two of these in the process. She should be away to a fast start here and have too much for this weak set of opponents. (3) ARIYA and (8) ROCK HARD QUEEN were the two who were beaten by Os Hill that day and while they only managed to finish 6th and 8th respectively, Ariya especially can get closer today. However, a more credible challenge may come from (1) SEONBAL CAT, who steps back in trip today following recent tries at further. Again the start will be important but she has offered some glimpses of talent. As has (2) TAMNA HANEUL, who looks best of the rest on the strength of a 4th from 7 two starts ago.

Selections (7) Os Hill (3) Ariya (1) Seonbal Cat (8) Rock Hard Queen
Next Best 2, 4, 5
Fast Start 2, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) TRIPLE GOLD ran an improved 3rd, her best finish in nine outings to date, last start a month ago at this distance. She began poorly that day but finished off well in what was probably tougher company than this and she is in with a chance here. Plenty of others are too. (1) ROYAL TREE struggled last time at 1300M but was 2nd that start before that and can go close here, likely trying to lead from the gate. (2) GIRL CRUSH debuted indifferently all the way back in February and hadn’t been seen again until trialing encouragingly in mid-July. She’ll be expected to be better this time. (5) SEUNGNI STORY and debut-maker (7) BRIAN PARK are others to take into account.

Selections (1) Royal Tree (6) Triple Gold (2) Girl Crush (7) Brian Park
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) DARK TEMPLAR beat (5) GOLDUI INYEON and (1) MIRACLE ALICE as the three of them came home 3rd, 4th and 5th at this distance on June 8th. Dark Templar had seven-lengths on them that day but all three have raced once since with all three running well once more. Dark Templar is marginally favored to prevail although it should be closer than seven-lengths this time. She’ll likely try for the early speed along with Miracle Alice and (2) SOJUNGHAN GIRL, who came home just behind Miracle Alice in a close finish on July 13th and who, while inconsistent, also runs well on her day. (4) HWANGGEUM BEOLMA finished half a length behind Goldui Inyeon three weeks ago, again at this distance, and can get close once more.

Selections (7) Dark Templar (1) Miracle Alice (4) Hwanggeum Beolma (5) Goldui Inyeon
Next Best 2
Fast Start 1, 2, 7

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

(8) SAKISAKI has been knocking at the door for a while now and that door could finally open here. She wasn’t far away last time at the distance and with a top jockey on board, this could be her day. (2) JITTERBUG was a good four-length winner at the distance at class 6 in June and while she had a hard time on her first try at this class three weeks ago, she had excuses and can be given another chance today. (1) EONJEONA SEUNGNI ran well for 3rd at class and distance last start and can back that up here while (3) (more…)

Korean Racing Webtoon “Track” Now Online

“Webtoons” have become very popular in Korea in recent times and the KRA’s broadcasting arm has recently released its own racing-focused one on Facebook.

Track Header

From left: Charming Girl (!), Dangdae Bulpae and Baekgwang in webtoon form (Pic: Track)

The series, called “Track”, which is so far up to episode 3, tells the story of three apprentice jockeys preparing for the Korea Cup of 2020 and features appearances by three of the best-known horses in Korea; Baekgwang, Dangdae Bulpae and er….Charming Girl.

Currently it’s only in Korean so outside of the peninsula it may only be of interest to those learning the language but the three episodes to date still have some fun pictures to scroll through.

It’s at: https://www.facebook.com/koreatrack/

track1

Seoul Racecourse getting the webtoon treatement (Pic: Track)

 

Power Blade Heads For Surgery as Doraonpogyeongseon Wins Owners’ Cup

Power Blade will this week undergo surgery on the fractured sesamoid that ended his storied career one day before he was due to defend the Busan Owners’ Cup that he won last year. In his absence, Doraonpogyeongseon, the two-time SBS Sports Sprint winner, took top honours in the Group 3 contest at Busan Racecourse last Sunday.

The diagnosis on Power Blade was made public early Sunday morning , together with the announcement that once he recovers from surgery he will be retired to Stud.

In addition to sweeping all three legs of the 2016 Triple Crown, Power Blade (by Menifee) managed to place in Group company at the Dubai World Cup Carnival early in 2017, ran 2nd to Japan’s Graceful Leap in the Korea Sprint in September and rounded out the year by winning the Grand Prix Stakes, the traditional finale to the Korean racing year. While he was beaten on his only previous start of 2018, running 2nd to Silver Wolf in the Busan Ilbo Cup over 1200M in April, he was expected to get back in the winner’s circle last Sunday.

As it turned out, the up and coming US import Mighty Ssing (Congrats) was sent off as favourite ahead of fellow Seoul raider and last year’s champion filly/mare Silver Wolf (Oratorio). Doraonpogyeongseon (Kantharos), thought to be more a sprinter than a miler, was sent off only fourth-best among ten in the eyes of punters. Jockey Choi Si Dae rode the 5-year-old patiently, keeping him towards the back and on the rail and they steadily made progress rounding the turn, while Mighty Ssing went off in pursuit of early pacesetter King Of Ace.

Doraonpogyeongseon struck the front around a furlong and a half out and the rest had no answer as he strode away to a three-length win, the $50K purchase crashing through the Billion-Won prize-money barrier at the same time. Mighty Ssing was 2nd and Silver Wolf 3rd.

Doraonpogyeongseon Owners Cup Korea Racing Authority

Doraonpogyeongseon won the Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

In other news, Seoul headed into its short summer break – there is no racing in the capital this coming weekend – with two bumper cards last Saturday and Sunday and it was the most successful weekend yet for trainer Simon Foster.

The Australian handler sent out his biggest number of runners since arriving at Seoul at the end of last year and was rewarded with three winners across the two days. Filly Lovely Nute (Menifee) was a seven-length maiden winner on Saturday while on Sunday, another Foster-trained filly Sky Jump (Thunder Mocassin) also got her maiden win. She may have weighed in at just 397kg but the manner of her six-length win suggests she has a bright future. The more experienced Pro Matheus rounded off a good weekend for Foster later on Sunday.

Seoul’s break means attention will switch to Busan which this coming weekend runs a rare Saturday card as well as an expanded Sunday one, in order to make up for the capital’s absence

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Power Blade In The Owners’ Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (July 29)

There is a heavyweight rematch in the Owners’ Cup (Korea Group 3) at Busan this Sunday as Silver Wolf and Power Blade face off once more having run 1st and 2nd in the Busan Ilbo Cup earlier this year. This time it’s at a mile and they’re joined by other big-hitters Doraonpogyeongseon and I’m Your Father  as well as up and comer Mighty Ssing in what is set to be one of the races of the summer. There are 5 races at Busan from 12:40 to 16:20 and 12 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.

(Update 9/29 – It emerged on Sunday morning that on Saturday Power Blade fractured his proximal sesamoid bone in his right foreleg and has been scratched from the Owners’ Cup and retired from racing)

Silver Wolf Power Blade Busan Ilbo 2018

Silver Wolf (right) beat Power Blade to win the Busan Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)

Cheongdam Dokki was entered in the race but ultimately did not travel, to Busan. Full previews of every race in Korea on Sunday (and horse-by-horse of the Owners’ Cup) is below:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) DONGHAE SILVER was an improved 2nd over 1200 M last time, leading for much of the race before getting overturned in the closing stages. She drops back to 1000M today and can continue here progress. (3) SUN QUEEN ran a promising 2nd on debut over this distance behind Sagwarang, who went on to run 3rd at a higher level last weekend. She was a 70/1 shot that day but will get a bit more respect based on that and looks the main danger. (5) SKY JUMP also looked encouraging on debut, running 4th of 8 on a very wet track at the star of this month and can make progress here. (4) I’M HAPPY and (6) BLESSING ROAD look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Donghae Silver (3) Sun Queen (5) Sky Jump (4) I’m Happy
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 6

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(5) TAURUS run a good 2nd on debut at this distance on July 1st and the stars looked aligned for his maiden win here. (4) MAPAEBONG ran an improved 5th place in that race, his best in three outings so far and he could well prove to be the main danger today. (3) HYEONGMA PUBU keeps on being well backed and keeps coming up short although she should be looking to at least match her career-best finish of 3rd here. (6) MEGA CITY showed some glimpses of talent when finishing 3rd at odds of 90/1 last time. He’s been off since April and is a bit of an unknown quantity here. So too is first-timer starter (7) JJANGDAE but he trialled up competently enough earlier this month and must be given a chance of a place in this limited company.

Selections (5) Taurus (7) Jjangdae (4) Mapaebong (3) Hyeongma Pubu
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 3, 6

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) HADALRAE is up in class after getting his maiden win at the third time of asking on June 30th. It was at this distance and he made all on a wet track. He’s well drawn to get on speed again and can win again. (7) SHAR NAO and (1) HANSEN BAROWS came home 4th and 6th respectively when they raced each other on July 1stover 1700M and both drop back in trip today. Both are likely to challenge the favourite for the early lead and can go close here. (6) DONGTEUL TTAE has raced just the once this year and is a bit of a wildcard but has won at the distance and could go well. (8) SKY BIG remains a maiden after twenty-eight attempts but ran well for 3rd at class and distance on a wet track last time and could repeat.

Selections (5) Hadalrae (7) Shar Nao (1) Hansen Barows (8) Sky Big
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

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

(2) MASYA remains a maiden but acquitted herself well on her first try at this level having been promoted following a narrow defeat over 1000M at class 6 in May. She ran 4th of 12 at 1200M, running on nicely at the end and has as good a chance as any of winning here. (8) AMARONE was 2nd last start at 1200M, albeit beaten five-lengths by Geuma Thunder. Her solitary win came at this distance back in January and she’s another who can finish strongly. (1) JIGONG JEIL began well but quickly weakened when sent out at this distance on June 24th. It was her first outing in three months and first at this level and she can go much better today. She’ll likely be on the early speed and be joined by (4) HAETSAL WANGJA, who has plenty of experience at this level and can benefit from Manoel Nunes aboard today. (6) COMPLETE HIGH looks best of the rest.

Selections (2) Masya (8) Amarone (1) Jigong Jeil (4) Haetsal Wangja
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

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

Another wide open race with plenty in the hunt. After several near-misses, (1) JUNGLE BEAT finally got his maiden with plenty to spare over 1000M three weeks ago. He’s up in class today and up to 1200M for the first time but he can win again. (11) SOMETHING MYSTERY and (8) WOOSEORA ICHEON are both up in class having finished 1st and 2nd at this distance on June 23rd and both should be competitive at this level. As for those who already have class 4 experience, (5) JEONGSANG MUJEOK is already a winner at this level and steps up in trip for the first time following a 2nd place over 1000M a month ago while (6) INCITATUS came home a creditable 5th in a decent race on a wet track at the beginning of this month and can get closer today.

Selections (1) Jungle Beat (5) Jeongsang Mujeok (6) Incitatus (8) Wooseora Icheon
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) VICAR BLADE got his maiden win over 1300M at the second time of asking two weeks ago and backs up quickly here. He’s up in class and once more marginally in distance but (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview Of The Bumper 15-race card (July 28)

There are no fewer than 15 races at Seoul this Saturday with the 1st at 2pm and the last at 9pm.  There’s no Manoel Nunes as he is away riding in the Macau Derby and no Antonio Da Silva as he is at Busan to ride Mighty Ssing in the Owners’ Cup on Sunday While Johan Victoire and David Breux are both in France. So there are plenty of opportunities for the locals this week:

RH7_8272

Lim Gi Won will be among a number of riders looking to take advantages of several big name absentees on Seoul’s Saturday program

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) GRAND DOLPUNG got his career-best result to date last time out, running 2nd over this distance and the Hansen colt can go one better today for a stable that has been coming into form over the past couple of weeks. (5) GUDSEEORA too enters off a much-improved 2nd just two weeks ago and backs up quickly with chances although (3) ULTRA MISSILE, who is likely to lead from the gate, may be a bigger danger. (2) RUSSEL and (10) MIRACLE GOLD are two others who can have potential to improve on promising – if not exactly quick – recent efforts.

Selections (9) Grand Dolpung (3) Ultra Missile (10) Miracle Gold (5) Gudseeora
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 3, 11

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

Two-year-old maidens only and three of the seven have raced before. The one that showed the most was (7) HAEDEULMOE, who ran 3rd at 1000M on July 1st. He finished a cool twelve lengths behind a good winner but he ran on nicely and the extra furlong should suit. (5) GEOTAP did nothing wrong either on his debut comfortably finishing in midfield, also at 1000M and should improve today. There are a couple of useful debut-makers though and (3) SMARTY ADELE could well jump the favourite. She’s from the top Song Moon Gil stable and looked competent when running 3rd in a trial in a quicker time than many race in and if she brings that form to the track, she has a serious chance and could well get an uncontested early lead. (1) GEUMA KINGDOM and (6) RAON STELLA are the other first-timers to keep an eye on.

Selections (3) Smarty Adele (7) Haedeulmoe (5) Geotap (6) Raon Stella
Next Best 1
Fast Start 3

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More two-year-old maidens. Half of the eight have raced once before and it was (8) GOD OF SOCKS who went the best, finishing 2nd over 1000M ten lengths behind a good winner (and ahead of Haedeulmoe from race 2) on July 1st and he can win today. (6) TOHAMSAN POWER and (3) LAO JIN also debuted in that race, running 5th and 7th respectively and both can improve here. Lao Jin went back to trial just last week and performed very well suggesting she may be the greater danger this time. The first-timers here didn’t really catch the eye in trials. The best look to be (4) BARAMUI MISO and (7) GEUMBIT TANHWAN.

Selections (8) God Of Socks (3) Lao Jin (6) Tohamsan Power (4) Baramui Miso
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) BRAVO ILSIN come sin off a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two having led both at some stage. They were at 1300M and she drops slightly back in trip today with a big chance of coming home on top. (2) LOVELY NUTE ran twice without distinction at the tail-end of last year and returns after a full thirty weeks out. She’s moved to Simon Foster’s barn now and looked a much improved animal when trialing two weeks ago and will be a danger here. (5) RAON GANGHO has been close in each of his last five outings and although he’s never managed better than 3rd, can aim for at least the places here. (1) SONGAM JEUNE and (3) JEONGMUN JEKI are others who can go close.

Selections (8) Bravo Ilsin (2) Lovely Nute (5) Raon Gangho (3) Jeongmun Jeki
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) MAIN EVENT beat both (5) SAMAE STAR and (7) TAEWANG SINHWA on his way to 2nd place at this distance on June 30th. That was something of an upset but Main Even will need some respect today and could repeat. Nevertheless, Taewang Sinhwa, who never looked hugely comfortable from a wide draw that day, has gone close in the past and has every chance of overturning the form here. (4) POX RANGER may be the one they all need to beat though. She was 3rd the last time she raced at this distance in May and held her own in a reasonably stiff 1000M contest at the beginning of this month. Expect her to be ridden to the lead today with every chance of staying on. (9) Cheonsang Giun and (11) Speed Captain others who may get involved.

Selections (4) Pox Ranger (7) Taewang Sinhwa (6) Main Event (11) Speed Captain
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 4, 6, 11

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A rare maiden for two-year-old imports sees six first-timer starters and one who has raced one time before. All things being equal, the actual race experience can be important, especially if they ran well and (1) NAUI BICHIYEO did exactly that. The Mission Impazible colt ran 3rd of 7 at this distance on June 16th and can progress from that to the winner’s circle today. (7) THANK YOU CHARLIE made all to “win” his trial by a (more…)