It was a good start to life in Korea for jockey Fergus Sweeney at Busan on Friday. He rode Rock Hard Seven (Rock Hard Ten) to victory for trainer Bart Rice in Busan race 10:
Sweeney had earlier ridden Thomas Gillespie’s Great Rock (Ecton Park) to 2nd place in race 9 and made all to win by nine-lengths on Rock Hard Seven, who was notching his 4th win in 6 career starts.
It’s Korean Derby Eve! And also the eve of the 37th Asian Racing Conference which kicks off with the Derby on Sunday afternoon. Before that, however, there is a full Saturday card at Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old fillies only to kick things off and it is ultra-competitive with at least seven of the eleven having claims to win. (2) YONGUI JUDO is perhaps favourite, coming in off a 2nd place at the distance a month ago, having led for much of the race and is well drawn to lead again. (8) RISING SOCKS ran 2nd on debut on April 15th despite hanging in badly throughout the race. She went back to trial last week, and she has to have claims here. (6) CHAPEL QUEEN was an improved 3rd last time and can look to match or better while (4) LEADER’S CAMP and (5) KAILLUM YEOJE have also shown glimpses of ability. Simon Foster’s (10) SURFING POINT has also been showing signs of figuring things out, if not much in terms of speed.
| Selections | (8) Rising Socks (6) Chapel Queen (2) Yongui Judo (10) Surfing Point |
| Next Best | 4, 5, 3 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 11 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here. (1) GANGHO GAECHEOK was an improved 2nd on what was just his second career start on April 14th. It wasn’t a strong race, even for the level, but neither is this and he can win today. (11) AQUA STROM beat (5) ACE CANT as the pair ran 3rd and 6th over 1200M on April 14th. Ace Cant had previously run 3rd in tougher competition in February and both can be involved here. (2) HALLA DAERO was a disappointing also-ran behind Gangho Gaecheok last start but had hinted at some ability in two prior starts so can be given another chance. (3) ADELE JEONGSANG looks the best of the rest.
| Selections | (1) Gangho Gaecheok (11) Aqua Strom (5) Ace Cant (2) Halla Daero |
| Next Best | 3, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 10 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
After finishing 2nd at odds in excess of 100/1 on debut in early March, (1) JUNGLE BEAT could only manage 3rd when odds-on favourite on his return later that month. A finish in the top three today will see him up in class and it really should be a case of getting out of the inside gate and into the early lead from where he shouldn’t be beaten. (3) ULTRA MISSILE was an improved 3rd in a weak contest a month ago and is a potential danger while (5) GLOBAL KINGDOM raced a couple of times last autumn without distinction but trialled nicely at the end of April and could go close first-up. (10) SONGAM GONGJU was poor last time but did show some ability on debut so can be given another chance while among the three first-time starters, (9) DAMON ANGEL, looks most promising.
| Selections | (1) Jungle Beat (3) Ultra Missile (5) Global Kingdom (9) Damon Angel |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 9, 10 |
Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) GEUMA THUNDER was disappointing when well backed over 1200M last month but has come close on several occasions now and dropped back to the minimum today, gets another chance to get her maiden win. (12) ARGO ROCKET was a comfortable winner at the distance on debut five weeks ago and while up in class here, should be a threat. (4) CHEONJI BOBAE ended a string of four consecutive 2nd place finishes with a lacklustre effort at this distance at the beginning of April. She got a bad start that day and with a better one this time should be closer. (10) DALDARI and (11) YEONGWONHAN SUNGAN are others in the hunt.
| Selections | (3) Geuma Thunder (12) Argo Rocket (4) Cheonji Bobae (10) Daldari |
| Next Best | 11, 9 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 7, 11 |
Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Wide open race with any number in the hunt. (6) SEOURI BYEOL ran in the Sports Seoul Cup Classic trial in March and while he was over-matched – though he did beat (1) ÉCLAIR BEAUTY – he returned to run 4th in a quick race over 1300M on April 14th and has as much chance as any here. (2) ROYAL BOKSUNI was 3rd three weeks ago at the distance, leading until the closing stages and should be on pace again with every chance (more…)
It’s the Korean Derby this Sunday at Seoul and Busan is set to provide the top two favourites to win the 2nd leg of the 2018 Triple Crown. It’s the south-coast track that gets the weekend’s action underway with a 10-race Friday card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
It’s Friday! It’s Busan!
Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
One debut-maker among the ten fillies who line-up here and she’s in with a chance. (1) MISS PERFECT trialled up very nicely in a quick time in mid-April, running on very well and this 1300M trip looks an ideal introduction. She’s the eleventh foal out of her dam with all the previous ten went on to win at least one race and she could keep that record intact immediately here. If experience is preferred, then (9) NEW QUEEN is the one to go for. She steps up in trip for the first time after three solid attempts at 1000M and can get close. (5) BLACK SHIELD was a decent 4th on debut all the way back in February and returns here in the frame with (2) ROYAL CLUB another who has shown some ability. (8) EVELYN ran an unexpectedly good 2nd on debut last November but then refused to load on a scheduled re-appearance in March. She’s trialled since and evidently has some talent but do handle with care.
| Selections | (1) Miss Perfect (9) New Queen (8) Evelyn (5) Black Shield |
| Next Best | 2, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 5, 7 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(2) ROYAL BLUE was an improved 3rd on what was his second career start on April 20th and he can make the breakthrough today on what will be his first try at further than the minimum trip. (1) DARK TEMPLAR was 5th in that April 20th race on what for her was her debut and she can push on here although a sterner test may be posed by (10) GOLDEN REX, a much improved 2nd over 1000M last start and with potential to advance again. (6) EURO SHINHWA and (11) EONJENA SEUNGNI have also shown signs of figuring things out and may be considered for at least the places.
| Selections | (2) Royal Blue (10) Golden Rex (1) Dark Templar (6) Euro Shinwha |
| Next Best | 11, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 10 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
A useful 4th on her first try at the distance on March 23rd, (1) MENIFEE HOPE returns after seven weeks off looking the one to beat here. She led for much of that race, just weakening in the closing stages and she can get on pace again today and stay on this time. (11) YES POWER was 3rd on debut over 1000M a month ago and can build on that here with the extra trip likely to be of benefit. (6) EL DRAGON steps back in trip following a couple of decent efforts over a mile and should be in the frame. (9) SUNSHINE BOLT races for the first time since last June and trialled up competently enough a couple of weeks ago to suggest that he can run well first-up here. First-time starter (2) JITTERBUG is the wildcard.
| Selections | (1) Menifee Hope (11) Yes Power (6) El Dragon (2) Jitterbug |
| Next Best | 9, 5 |
| Fast Start | 1, 11 |
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Jockey Fergus Sweeney gets his first taste of Korean racing here, but he’s up against it here on (8) BAEDARI CAPER . That horse is actually one of only a few in this competitive field that a case can’t easily be made for though. (9) BAEKDU QUEEN was a disappointing 6th when well backed at the distance four weeks ago. She started slowly that day and didn’t get the best of trips, so we’ll give her another chance to come good today. There were five months between (6) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN’s first and second outings but he ran well on both occasions and should be a danger here. (1) THE FACT and (7) COOL (more…)
There are two new foreign jockeys making their full-time Korean debuts this weekend. Three-time Singapore Champion Manoel Nunes will be in action at Seoul while British racing stalwart Fergus Sweeney will be legged up for the first time at Busan. Both riders are on initial four-month licenses.
Manoel Nunes looks on at Seoul Racecourse last weekend
Manoel Nunes is no stranger to Seoul, having ridden in International Jockey Challenges and also having partnered Singapore-based horses in the Asia Challenge Cup and Korea Cup in the capital but this is his first time riding full time in Korea.
A native of Brazil, Nunes topped the Jockey Premiership in Singapore in three consecutive years between 2014 and 2016 and was runner-up in 2017, picking up numerous big race wins along the way.
42-year-old Nunes is also a six-time champion in Macau where he is the most successful rider in the Macau Jockey Club’s history. Nunes will be based at Seoul where his first ride is in race 3 on Saturday when he partners Lucky Race for trainer Yu Jae Gil.
Belfast-born Fergus Sweeney has had a long and distinguished career in the United Kingdom where he is closing in on 1000 career wins. His biggest success to date was on Twilight Son in the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park in 2016.
The 40-year-old Sweeney has some live chances at Busan on Friday including Great Rock for Thomes Gillespie. He’s the third British licensed jockey to ride at Busan after Darryll Holland and JP Guillambert. And Sweeney doesn’t just ride horses – the Noraebangs of Haeundae have been warned:
We’re just a week away from the 2018 Korean Derby but there’s a big day of racing at both Seoul and Busan to get through first. Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while there are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the Seoul previews, Busan selections are below:
Lee Gang Seo rode two winners for Luigi Riccardi on Saturday (Pic: Ross Holburt)
Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(2) CUPID STORM stepped up to 1700M last start and ran a decent 3rd but he also has a 2nd place to his name at this distance. He only needs to place once more to be bumped up in class and he should exit class 6 with a win here. If he somehow manages to come up short, then (5) CHILJONG CHILGEUM and (6) GOODCHOICE look best equipped to take advantage with both having shown some glimpses of ability. (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG has offered few clues from two starts so far both at 1000M and steps up in trip for the first time with a chance of improving.
| Selections | (2) Cupid Storm (6) Goodchoice (5) Chiljong Chilgeum (1) Speed Hwangnyong |
| Next Best | 3 |
| Fast Start | 2, 5 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(8) HYEONGMA PUBU came up short when favourite in a weak race at 1000M three weeks ago. She ran on well though after a poor start and the additional trip today may be in her favour. (1) FINE HEART certainly appreciated it on her first try at 1300M on April 8th, improving into 3rd. He’ll be on pace early and should be involved in the finish. (6) SPECIAL GOLD was 5th at the distance in a similar all-filly contest a month ago. She’d previously shown some ability with 3rd place over 1000M in March and can go well here. (2) ORANGE SOCKS and (3) ALEANDROS are others in the frame.
| Selections | (8) Hyeongma Pubu (1) Fine Heart (6) Special Gold (2) Orange Socks |
| Next Best | 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 8 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(1) FINAL STORM ran well on debut a month ago finishing 4th at this distance. Today’s is perhaps a marginally stronger race, but he should have come on for the experience and can win today. (8) GWACHEON HERO was just a neck back in 5th that day on what for him was his fourth outing and he can be a threat again. Main dangers, however, look to be (6) LIVINGSTONE, a solid 4th over 1200M in a better race than this on April 1st and (2) IRYEO HAYEO, who has been inconsistent across six engagements to date, but has shown ability and drops back in trip today. Also back in trip to the distance where she achieved her best finish to date is (3) MACHO HIME.
| Selections | (1) Final Storm (6) Livingstone (2) Iryeo Hayeo (3) Macho Hime |
| Next Best | 8 |
| Fast Start | 6, 7 |
Race 4: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) PRINCE MEMORY has raced three times and finished in 2nd place three times. He’s been favourite on two of those occasions and after six weeks off, the Sepoy gelding should finally get it right today, likely leading all the way. Should he find a way to get beaten once more, (7) JEONGSANG CHAMP may be the one to take advantage. He’s been getting closer in his latest two and was 2nd in a fast race at this distance on April 8th. (9) MANHATTAN MUSIC and (5) GEUMA ANNUITY were behind him that day and both those two have claims to go better here. Geuma Annuity was very fast in a barrier trial prior to that start and could well come good with a string of runs behind him. There are two debut-makers and Orb gelding (2) SCATTER MAIN is one who can be backed first-up after impressing in trials.
| Selections | (4) Prince Memory (7) Jeongsang Champ (5) Geuma Annuity (2) Scatter Main |
| Next Best | 9, 1 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 7, 11 |
Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) JI SEONI has been a beaten favourite in each of her latest two starts but we’re sticking with the filly here to get it right. She steps back slightly in trip here and with a good start, can get on speed and lead all the way. (3) HAETSAL WANGJA was also a touch disappointing in his latest outing but went very well the time before, both at 1300M and he should be a factor. (8) VICAR SCOOP is up in class following a 3rd place and a win from her first two races. She’s up in distance too but should have little to fear and is (more…)
There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday with race 1 at 10:45 and race 11 at 18:00. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Seven three-year-olds to kick things off with three racing for the very first time and it’s from them that we find our pick. The wisdom of naming a horse (3) UNDEFEATED may be questionable but Luigi Riccardi’s colt could well get through his first assignment living up to his name. He won a trial in good order in April, making all and looking comfortable and we’ll make him the pick. Another of the debutants, (4) MONEY DAERYUK also looked competent. It’s taken her a long time to get to the track having first sought to qualify last summer and she should be ready for a solid first race. Of those who have raced before, (7) ADELEUI KKUM managed a useful 3rd at 1300M in January and wasn’t too far away in 5th last time. (5) TAMNA YEOSIN and (6) ROAD WOMAN also have potential to improve.
| Selections | (3) Undefeated (4) Money Daeryuk (7) Adeleui Kkum (5) Tamna Yeosin |
| Next Best | 6 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 5 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(3) SIMON FRUIT wasn’t fancied at all on debut on April 7th but managed a strong 2nd place, running on nicely over the minimum distance. He’s up to 1300M today but it could well suit and he’s the one to beat. (9) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI and (4) BAEKDU POWER came home 3rd and 4th when the raced each other at this distance, also on April 7th. The former came from well off the pace that day and will likely try to repeat today. Both have claims. (1) I AM WINNER is yet to be a winner in anything except a barrier trial, and while that may not change here, he could better the back to back 4ths he’s achieved in his latest two starts and should be on pace early. Likewise (5) GOLDEN WEDDING comes in off consecutive 3rd places – beating I Am Winner in the latest of them – and should be in the placing hunt again.
| Selections | (3) Simon Fruit (9) Hwanggeum Jumeoni (4) Baekdu Power (5) Golden Wedding |
| Next Best | 1, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Another small field and (8) DUBUREO SOOP, who came from off the pace to run 2nd at the distance last start returns from twelve weeks off and should be hard to beat here. While his slow start may not be ideal at 1000M, unless he blows the start completely, there isn’t anything that should be of too much concern. (5) MAY PRINCE has gone well with a 2nd place at this distance in an even weaker contest than this a month ago but is inconsistent while (6) RAON SITIEOSEU. (1) NAMJJOK NARA and (3) CHOWON YEOJEONSA are underwhelming others who could improve.
| Selections | (8) Dubureo Soop (5) May Prince (6) Raon Sitieoseu (1) Namjjok Nara |
| Next Best | 3 |
| Fast Start | 5, 6 |
Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A big field to get stuck into and we’ll go for (12) ILGAKSU to break his streak of runner-up finishes and get it right this time. In his defence, he hasn’t been favourite for any of the three consecutive races he’s finished 2nd in but he will be today and he can overcome the wide draw to win. This is not a strong race so (1) SIMPLE RULES should improve on the 5ths he’s registered in his latest two and can compete for the win while the up in class (11) NEW FAMILY, whose win last start came in similarly modest company, also has little to be intimidated by. (4) HI EUREKA was a useful 3rd last start and can be considered while (10) DOUBLE A, who actually beat Ilgaksu when landing his solitary (more…)
May’s Korean racing program gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
It’s Friday! It’s Busan!
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Not an especially strong opener and that makes it nice and competitive. (4) WINNING AGAIN had to be scratched (not for lameness reasons) from a planned start two weeks ago and he would have been well backed in it. He finished 2nd at this distance in March and while he struggled at 1300M on his reappearance, back at the minimum today and with a favourable draw to get to the lead early, he can win. (8) SAEROUN BOMUL has a pair of 3rd place finishes at this distance to his name and can be a threat. (2) GOLDEN AGE is the most experienced in the race – not really a good thing at class 6 – and she should beat plenty while (10) IHYEN has had excuses in two outings to date and can improve. The big danger though is likely to be the sole first-time starter. (5) HWANGJE BONSAEK looked good when running 3rd in a fast trial three weeks ago and couldn’t have picked better race to debut in.
| Selections | (5) Hwangje Bonsaek (4) Winning Again (8) Saeroun Bomul (2) Golden Age |
| Next Best | 10, 11 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 10 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(5) MAJOR THUNDER ran 2nd, a full seven lengths behind the decent-looing Felarof, at this distance on April 6th. That was a continuation of steady improvement she’s shown across four starts so far and with nothing like that day’s winner among the field here, she can go one better. Major Thunder in that race returned the favour on (1) S S YOUNG, who had narrowly defeated her when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at the distance in February. S S Young has talent too and should go close again, likely challenging Major Thunder for the lead from the start. (3) GIPPEUM SARANG will try for a fast start too and she ran well on her latest appearance just two weeks ago. (2) SWEEP MAN and (7) MANGO PUNCH, the latter showing some promise in a trial last week, are others who could feature.
| Selections | (5) Major Thunder (1) S S Young (3) Gippeum Sarang (2) Sweep Man |
| Next Best | 7, 10 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 5 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Expectations of (6) SANGSEUNG POWER on debut on March 23rd were not high but he ran well, finishing 4th behind the very promising Sun Day and running on very nicely to get within less than a length of the 2nd place-getter. Accordingly, he’ll be much more fancied today to the extent that with an extra furlong to play with, he looks a warm favourite. He’s out of Sangseung Geotap, a mare who ran very well at this track. (1) SEONBAL CAT and (9) B.K. MARINE have both demonstrated ability too. The latter was a good 3rd at this distance in a similar race last start while the former steps up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. There are two debut-makers and both (4) KKEUTPAN STORM and (7) QUEEN OFFICER did enough in their trials to suggest they should beat a few.
| Selections | (6) Sangseung Power (9) B.K. Marine (1) Seonbal Cat (4) Kkeutpan Storm |
| Next Best | 7, 3 |
| Fast Start | 5, 9 |
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(1) BAEKDU MYEONGWOL’s 6th place last time out on March 30th was better than it looked with the margins not huge and the company competitive. She steps back up to 1300M today, a distance at which she already holds a 3rd place finish and she should be firmly in the frame. (3) BREAKING NEWS managed a 2nd at the distance in March and ran creditably enough in 5th of 12 on reappearance a month ago and can get close here. (4) BELLAMY GONGJU and (6) TESTA MAGIC ran 2nd and 3rd at this distance on March 23rd before the former stepped up to a mile and again ran well on April 6th. Testa Magic (more…)
Champion mare Silver Wolf downed Power Blade in a stretch battle to win the Busan Ilbo Cup, the 1st leg of the 2018 Korean Sprint Series at Busan on Sunday afternoon.
Power Blade was sent off the hot favourite but with a slightly more favourable draw, jockey Kim Dong Soo kept his nerve and kept Silver Wolf on the rail where she was able to gain valuable lengths on her rival as they rounded the turn. Power Blade meanwhile went wide around the field and had significant ground to make up in the straight.
Make it up he did and when Silver Wolf took the lead from early front-runner Perdido Pomeroy, Power Blade was right there. He got to within a length and no more, however, as Silver Wolf held on for what may not have been the richest win of her career but was certainly the best.
More to follow on the race over the next couple of days.
Busan Ilbo Cup – Busan Racecourse – 1200M – Sunday April 29, 2018
1. Silver Wolf (AUS) [Orotorio – Ready For More (More Than Ready)] – Kim Dong Soo – 6.0, 1.4
2. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] – Lee Hyo Sik – 1.1
3. Doraonpogyeongseon (USA) [Kantharos – Smartybegone (Smarty Jones)] – You Hyun Myung – 1.6
Distances: 0.5 lengths/4 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Perdido Pomeroy (USA) 5. Paran Juuibo (USA) 6. Saengil Gippeum (USA) 7. Morning Daero (USA) 8. Dynamic Star (KOR) 9. Success Story (KOR) 10. Party Again (KOR) 11. Macheon Bolt (KOR) NR: Cheonha TOngil (KOR)
The road to the Korea Sprint begins at Busan on Sunday and the Sprint Series gets underway with a heavyweight clash as Grand Prix Stakes winner Power Blade faces Queens’ Tour champion Silver Wolf over 1200M in the Busan Ilbo Cup. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.
Power Blade (Pic: KRA)
After spending the first part of 2017 in Dubai where he placed in Group 2 company, Power Blade ran 2nd to Japan’s Graceful Leap in the Korea Sprint. He went on to finish the year in style, winning a memorable Grand Prix Stakes over the longest race distance in Korea, 2300M, in December.
Although he skipped Dubai this year, the Busan Ilbo is his first start of 2018 but he went through trials in March and earlier this month, looking in good shape and he will be very hard to beat on Sunday.
Silver Wolf (Pic: KRA)
Entering in good form though is Silver Wolf. The Aussie-bred 6-year-old mare by Orotorio, was 5th in the Korean Sprint and finished back down the track in the Grand Prix but has been spectacular in everything else though. She made a clean sweep of the Queens’ Tour series last year, including two wins at Busan and has begun her year with facile wins in the Donga Ilbo Cup in February and then in a handicap tune-up at this distance a month ago. Both Lee Hyo SIk on Power Blade and Kim Dong Soo on Silver Wolf are likely to employ similar tactics and ride patiently and it could be quite the finish.
There is plenty of other talent in the field too. Success Story and Perdido Pomeroy will likely set a hot early pace and the favourites will have to come past them while the dangerous Doraonpogyeongseon and Morning Daero are there as well.
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
After getting it all wrong on debut in January, (12) BAEKSAN FORCE was a much improved 2nd over the distance on March 25th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter, and she should have far too much for her rivals here. It’s just three-year-old fillies here and (4) GONG SAN has made a promising start, especially her 3rd place at 1300M on April 1st. She drops to the minimum distance for the first time today and looks the clear second-favourite. (2) HIN BYEOL and (9) I’M HAPPY have shown some glimpses of ability too while among the five first-timer starters, (10) L CHOICE looks the most progressive for now having won her trial last month.
| Selections | (12) Baeksan Force (4) Gong San (10) L Choice (2) Hin Byeol |
| Next Best | 9, 1 |
| Fast Start | 4, 8, 9, 12 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Six debut-makers and six with at least one start behind them make up this race which is comprised of three-year-old colts and geldings. For the most part, we’re going to favour experience. (7) GANGHWA CHONGGAK and (12) HANSEN VOLT have the most of it with three starts apiece and both have a 3rd place finish to their names as well. Ganghwa Chonggak’s was at this distance while Hansen Volt steps up in trip for the first time and both can go well. (3) HANIL DALBIT was a good 5th on debut all the way back in January, It has been fifteen weeks since we saw him but if he runs the same way he did that day, he should be competitive. (10) MYEONGJIN MAN was a bit disappointing on debut, having won a trial leading up to it. Hopefully he will have come on for the experience and can improve here. We’d best pick one of the newcomers as well and (5) SOMETHING DELIGHT is the standout.
| Selections | (12) Hansen Volt (7) Ganghwa Chonggak (3) Hanil Dalbit (5) Something Delight |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 7 |
Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) JUNGDONG JIJON has come close on a number of occasions, beaten only by some good horses in the tail end of last year and then running (admittedly a distant) 3rd behind Dokdo Jigi and Chambit on his only start of 2018 so far on April 1st. He surely has a win in him at some point and it could be here. Should he manage to get beaten again then (12) HAMBAK MISO was just a neck behind him in that April 1st race and could overturn the form while both (2) KING POSE and (11) GARA GARA GA are up in class following very useful wins at 1300M and 1200M respectively and should go close here. (4) MONEY ZIF was an also-ran in that April 1st race behind Jungdong Jijon but is worth another chance for a place today.
| Selections | (3) Jungdong Jijon (11) Gara Gara Ga (2) King Pose (12) Hambak Miso |
| Next Best | 4, 10 |
| Fast Start | 6, 7, 8, 10 |
Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(1) BLACK WIND come in seeking a hat-trick of wins following consecutive victories at 1000M, the latter of which was at this level. Her only previous try at further than the minimum distance didn’t go well but she looks ready for another go in this all-filly event. (10) BRAVE UP seemed to lose her way a bit at the end of last year but her latest two starts have been very encouraging with a 3rd and a 2nd, the latter at this distance and she could very well be the one to beat. (8) CHOROK JILJU beat three of these on the way to (more…)
There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
David Breux could be among the winners on Saturday (Pic: Ross Holburt)
Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(7) MENI BLADE came up a little short when favourite on debut a month ago, finishing strongly but just running out of track over 1200M. She’s up to 1300M today and will take some beating. (4) SUJEBI was 6th that day and is one who could potentially give Meni Blade a run for her money although the main danger is likely to be (8) SANTOS. True, his only previous start at this distance was his worst performance to date but he ran nicely at 1000M last month, should be on the pace here and can improve. (3) MACH SEUNGNI and (5) MEGA CITY look best of the rest.
| Selections | (7) Meni Blade (8) Santos (4) Sujebi (5) Mega City |
| Next Best | 3, 6 |
| Fast Start | 4, 8 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Pretty weak maiden this although that does make it quite interesting betting-wise. (3) RAON GANGHO is the pick following and improved 4th at the distance last time out. He was a full seven-lengths behind the winner but all three who beat him that day are better than what he faces here – the 3rd place-getter went on to win last week. (9) KHENDUM POWER beat three of these on his was to 5th place at the distance on April 1st and should beat plenty again. That too was a better race than this and he should improve his finishing position. Luigi Riccardi’s (12) GAJA GAJA started badly and never became involved on her latest effort three weeks ago but showed some ability the time before that and could go close. (2) KAY ONE ahould be on the early speed and looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (3) Raon Gangho (9) Khendum Power (12) Gaja Gaja (2) Kay One |
| Next Best | 11, 5 |
| Fast Start | 2, 9, 12 |
Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) GLOBAL QUEEN won on debut all the way back on Christmas Day 2016. She didn’t race again for fifteen months. However, when she finally came back on March 25th this year, she ran very well, finishing 2nd at class and distance and has a very good chance of winning this all-filly contest from the front. (10) MAGIC ROAD certainly caught the eye when running out a seven-length winner on debut on March 31st. She’s up in class here and should have claims again. (12) MENI SMART won over 1300M on her second career start in January. Lameness forced her to be scratched from a planned outing last month but fit again, she should go close here and can overcome the wide draw to get on speed early. (2) ROYAL BRONZE is more experienced and can be competitive in this company. (9) FOREVER WINNER was an all-the-way winner at 1300M on March 3rd and while she is up in class and back in trip, she too can go close.
| Selections | (4) Global Queen (10) Magic Road (12) Meni Smart (2) Royal Bronze |
| Next Best | 9, 7 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 4, 12 |
Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) GULCHARMNAMUSUP beat (12) RAON RRIMER as the pair finished 1st and 2nd on what was both their debut outing at 1000M on January 20th. Since then, Raon Primer secured another 2nd place at that distance which got her promoted to this level and then followed up with a close 3rd at this level over 1300M on March 25th. That was a decent race and her performance that day is enough to give her the slight edge here. For her part, Gulcharmnamusup has run just once since that day in January, finishing a creditable enough 4th again at 1000M on early March. He steps up in trip for the first time and should be in the frame again. Both will face a stern test from (1) GUREUM SONJITHAE. Like Raon Primer, he is yet to get a win but now has three 2nd place finishes including last time out four weeks ago. (2) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON has been a frustrating (more…)
Horse Racing in Korea 