Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 28)

After the one week break racing returns to Korea this weekend. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with an eleven-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(8) WONDERFUL LION has shown promise across two starts today and while he was beaten into 2nd when favourite three weeks ago, I well worth another chance here. He’ll be on pace from the start and can lead all the way.  (4) FASHION WANG and (1) DAY STAR came home 4th and 5th respectively over this distance on the last day of August. Both should be competitive here with Fashion Wang, who also has a 2nd place to her name, likely to be the main threat. (2) BAENGNICHONG has hinted at ability and drops back in trip and into contention here while (5) B.K. THUNDER is another who can improve.

Selections (8) Wonderful Lion (4) Fashion Wang (1) Day Star (2) Baengnichong
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 4, 8, 10

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

(2) TIARA WINNER went well in 2nd on debut back in July and while she only managed 6th on her return in August, the margins weren’t big and with a much better draw today, she could be the one they need to beat. (8) TRUE KING ran a solid 4th on debut six weeks ago and returns here with every chance of building on it. He was a long way behind a very good winner that day but should be much closer this time. (5) ULSAN JANGGUN was an improved 5th in that same race and he too can continue his development here. (9) LUCKY ADELE raced twice as a three-year-old and registered a 3rd place. He returns here fifty-seven weeks after his last start having trailed up well in August and he is the wildcard here. (1) MUJEOK BEAT best of the rest.

Selections (2) Tiara Winner (8) True King (9) Lucky Adele (5) Ulsan Janggun
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 9

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

This is a competitive race and both (3) TROPHY COLLECTOR and (4) HOPEFUL SIMON enter having run 3rd on their respective latest starts on what for both was their third career appearance. Both have performed at this distance before and look to have more to offer with Hopeful Simon, who was returning from five months off, looking the more likely to progress at this stage. (9) MARU JJANG was just beaten a neck by Trophy Collector at this distance on August 31st. That was an improvement on her first two efforts and she can continue her development today. Hopeful Simon’s stablemate (1) KEEP GOING has now managed two 4th place finishes from four outings to date and can at least match here. (10) ADELEUI SIN has only raced once and that was a full nine months ago but he finished ahead of Hopeful Simon in an August trial and can go well first-up today.

Selections (4) Hopeful Simon (3) Trophy Collector (9) Maru Jjang (1) Keep Going
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) SILENT PARK came within three-quarters of a length on getting his maiden win on his fifth outing three weeks ago. He came from well off the pace that day and may benefit from stretching out to a mile for the first time here. The main danger is (10) CHALLANHAN MISO. He’s shown progress across three starts so far and also tries the distance for the first time. (4) JISAN OREUM beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at long odds over 1300M on August 24th and can back up that from here. (6) PEACE RIDER was 5th that day and went on to run 6th behind Silent Park earlier this month and should be a factor too. (8) TEXAS GONGJU looks best of the rest.

Selections (1) Silent Park (10) Challanhan Miso (6) Peace Rider (4) Jisan Oreum
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

Race 5: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This maiden in restricted to juveniles and eight of them make their racecourse debuts today. (4) AMAZON YEOGEOL, one of those first-timers, is the likely favourite. She (more…)

Seouri Byeol Stuns Special Stone In Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup

Just when it seemed as though Special Stone was set fair to claim the title of Champion three-year-old filly of 2018 by backing up her Korean Oaks win in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, up popped 10/1 chance Seouri Byeol from the rear of the field to deny her in emphatic fashion.

Seouri Byeol - Korea Racing Authority

Seouri Byeol beats Special Stone in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seouri Byeol had finished similarly quickly in the filly Classic at Busan in July but that day found two too many to pass and had to settle for 2nd as Special Stone dominated. At the top of the stretch this time, Special Stone cruised into the lead as pace-setter and betting favourite Blue Flag started to weaken and under jockey Kim Jeong-jun, seemingly had the race at her mercy.

That was reckoning without Seouri Byeol, however. Last with two furlongs to run, Park Eul-woon found a gap and his filly found top gear. Though still trailing with half a furlong to run it was clear she had the momentum and shortly after, she had the race, winning by no fewer than 4 lengths on the line from Special Stone. Nike Street, last in the Oaks, came home 3rd with a tiring Blue Flag 4th.

A filly by the Japanese-bred sire, Limitless Bid, Seouri Byeol was wining for just the fourth time on what was her twelfth start. Her colours, those of owner Kim Sun-sik, were last seen in the Stakes race winner’s circle on Final Boss after the 2017 Derby. It was a first big race win for her trainer Kim Dong-chul, a former jockey who gained his license in 2016. For jockey Park, it was his fourth success on a Group race.

At Busan, King Of Ace returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in over a year. The American import by Malibu Moon won four of his first five starts in the first half of 2017 before suffering a bad injury. Although he returned at the beginning of this year he hadn’t quit been able to recapture his old form but he looked good when leading gate-to-wire to win the south-coast track’s feature handicap over 1400M.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 16)

It’s the final day of racing in Korea before the one week break for the “Chuseok” holiday and there is plenty of action with 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. The feature race is at Seoul, The Group 3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup for three-year-old fillies with Korean Oaks winner Special Stone set to be favourite.

Special Stone Korea Racing Authority

Oaks winner Special Stone returns to action at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) STRONG VULTURE was an improved 2nd on August 19th in a similar strength race to this and it shouldn’t take much improvement for him to come out on top here. He led until close to home that day and this time will be expected to lead all the way. (1) HUNTER HAWK and (12) SOKBO ONGJU are by some margin the two most experienced horses in this field and while that’s generally not a good thing at class 6, both should have enough about them to challenge for at least places here. (3) HEY DREAMER showed some signs of figuring things out last time and can get closer today. There are four first-time starters and of them, (7) EIFFEL looks the most forward at the moment.

Selections (6) Strong Vulture (7) Eiffel (1) Hunter Hawk (12) Sokbo Ongju
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) TAMNANEUN YEOIN leaps out from the page having won his her debut but up in class here, she looks up against it. Instead, (1) AREUMDAUN CHEONSA may be a better prospect. She was promoted to this level with back to back 2nd place finishes and then got her maiden win last start getting the best of a tight finish over this distance on August 11th. She looks to be improving each run and could do so again. Seeking to emulate her with a maiden victory after being promoted off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes is (4) BEYOND OVER. She’s run on well both times and should be competitive at this level. (7) BACK TO BACK drops back in trip and may come into consideration while (9) LIVINGSTONE had a hard time on his first try at the distance last start but is worth another go. Similarly (11) DAMON ANGEL, who beat Beyond Over on the latter’s debut, can improve on his latest run.

Selections (1) Areumdaun Cheonsa (11) Damon Angel (4) Beyond Over (3) Tamnaneun Yeoin
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) QUEEN FORCE ONE returned from eight months off to run a solid 4th in a similar all-filly race to this over 1000M on  August 26th. She steps up in trip for the first time here and looks to have every chance, most probably from on the early speed. (3) GREEN TEA wasn’t far away from 2nd last start and looks a good placing prospect once more while (8) I AM WINNER is yet to actually be a winner but, last start apart, enters with recent form reading in an encouraging manner and could get close. (4) CHEONNYEON HAPPY, (6) INDY LADY and (9) QUEEN OF CAMP all made promising debuts and can build on them here.

Selections (5) Queen Force One (8) I Am Winner (4) Cheonnyeon Happy (3) Green Tea
Next Best 6, 9, 10
Fast Start 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens only and there are two stand-outs. (11) DO KKI BLADE was always going to grab some local attention due to his name and he ran well on debut, overcoming a slow start to run on well for 2nd. The step up in trip should suit and he can win. The big threat though is (9) BI PYEONG He’s been 2nd and 3rd in his two outings so far, the latter of which was at this distance and a win is surely not too far away. It would be a surprise if these two didn’t fill out the top two places – and if they do they will both be racing at class 5 next start – but there are a few others who could be involved. (1) BLUE FIRE ran well in 3rd on debut four weeks ago and can build on it today while (2) RULE BREAKER was a much-improved 2nd on his second start on August 26th. (8) UP LIGHT was 4th behind Bi Pyeong last time out and while he has four-lengths to make up on that one, can beat plenty.

Selections (11) Do Kki Blade (9) Bi Pyeong (2) Rule Breaker (1) Blue Fire
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 5, 6, 10

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

(4) GUREUM WANGJA was a good all-the-way winner over this distance on August 11th on what was just his second start. H e’s up in class here but is a firm favourite to back up with another win. It took (8) MYEONGJIN MAN four goes to get his maiden win but the Drosselmeyer colt did it in style on July 1st. He too steps up in class and while he has a bit to find if he is to push the favourite, he can go well as well. (12) YEOWOORI was a touch disappointing at 1000M last time but can be better back up in distance today while (7) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE and (9) DUAL CHOEGANG are others who are most likely to compete for places.

Selections (4) Gureum Wangja (12) Yeowoori (7) Neungryeok Sidae (8) Myeongjin Man
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) VICAR BLADE just missed out by a nose over a mile three weeks ago and drops back to the distance at which he earned his previous win today. He’ll be on pace early and is the one to beat. Five of these raced each other at class and distance on August 17th with (6) SIMON MAGIC coming out on top among them, finishing in 2nd place. He can go well again although it could be that a couple of the ones he beat can overturn the form. They’re the confusingly named pair of (3) GANGHAN JILJU and (10) JANGHAN JILJU are both proven performers at the distance with the latter – Janghan – favoured here. (2) SUPER SUPREME was a class and distance winner in June and while he didn’t go especially at a mile on his only start since, should be in the frame today.

Selections (8) Vicar Blade (10) Janghan Jilju (3) Ganghan Jilju (2) Super Supreme
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 8, 9

 Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) STRONG RUNNER ran 4th at this distance at class 6 back in May. After that, he dropped back in distance to get his maiden win in June and followed up with back to back 3rd place finishes at 1400M and 1200M, both at this level. He looks ready to move (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 15)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00:

RH2_6261

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

(1) RAON JAMES has improved across three starts so far and ran a strong 2nd over this distance on August 19th. From gate 1, he can get off to a quick start and should have too much for this field. (8) MERRY WHITE comes in having recorded her first 2nd place finish four weeks ago and can aim to at least match that today. (4) GEUP HAENG MA was 6th behind Raon James on debut in that August 19th race and can build on it here. (6) SEOKGWA BULSIK struggled on debut over 1200M last month but the minimum distance today could suit more. The wildcard is (11) TONGHAP SIDAE. She hasn’t been seen since her debut last Christmas Eve when she beat Merry White on her way to 3rd place at this distance. She trialed encouragingly last month.

Selections (1) Raon James (8) Merry White (11) Tonghap Sidae (4) Geup Haeng Ma
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 11

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here (along with one mare) and (7) RAON WILLIAMS ran out a six-length winner over this distance on August 12th to get promoted to this level. She made all that day and while the competition is undoubtedly stiffer today, she can get on pace again and win again. She’s joined up in class by (2) LUCAS and (11) BARAMUI SORI, both of whom got their maiden victories last start, the latter on debut and both can be competitive even if they have a little more to find than Raon Williams at this stage. (10) FANTASTIC QUEEN was a shock class and distance winner on August 18th, beating (6) STRONG LIGHT by a head. A repeat isn’t impossible although Strong Light will be favoured to overturn that form.

Selections (7) Raon Williams (6) Strong Light (2) Lucas (10) Fantastic Queen
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 1,6, 7, 8, 11

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

There are twelve juvenile fillies here, all of whom are racing for the very first time. Two of them come in having won their trials with (3) NAREUDUSI having been slightly more impressive than (11) HEUNG BUJA. The presence of Manoel Nunes aboard the former is probably enough to ensure she begins as favourite. (1) HEUNG KKAEBI also went well in her trial. She’s a half-sister to the very good Sotong Sidae (as well as a few average ones) and should join Naareudusi on the early speed. (5) BAKCHAOREOM and (12) YAHO M J CAT are others who caught the eye in their respective heats and can go well first-up. As ever in races such as this, do watch the market for any clues.

Selections (3) Nareudusi (1) Heung Kkaebi (12) Yaho M J Cat (11) Heung Buja
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 12

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

(1) DAE UNHA has been close in recent starts and emerging from the inside gate today, the Hansen colt has a good chance of getting away well and potentially getting his maiden win. (2) ISCRA, who starts beside him, looks to be the main danger. He ran a good 2nd over 1200M on August 18th, with four of his rivals here back down the track. He too will be on pace and can go close. (6) K ZONE comes in with recent form reading well and should be in the placing hunt while (10) MEGA CITY and (11) MIDAS CHIEF have both proven competitive and can also aim for career-best finishes today.

Selections (1) Dae Unha (2) Iscra (6) K Zone (11) Midas Chief
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 9, 10

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

Wide open race with most having at least some claim. (4) UNDEFEATED won on debut and hasn’t been too far away from adding to his tally in each of his four subsequent tries. He’s come up short but not by much and looks worthy of another chance here. (6) RAON SIRIUS returned from almost five months off to run 3rd over 1000M three weeks ago. His solitary win came at this distance and he looks a big danger. (5) MONEY ZIF was unexpectedly beaten by (8) J BAEK last time as the pair came home 2nd and 3rd over 1200M. He should at least overturn the form on that one today and can be in the hunt. (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG steps up in class following a maiden win and while he will need to improve, he’s not without a chance. (3) SKY MARINE and (12) EAST KINGDOM both come on having placed in their latest outings and may also be considered.

Selections (4) Undefeated (6) Raon Sirius (3) Sky Marine (5) Money Zif
Next Best 12, 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 10

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) WINNER SPIRIT was an eye-catching eight-length winner over 1300M on August 19th. He’s up in class today but the manner of his win – his second in four starts so far – suggests there is plenty more to come. (1) CHEON MONG too is up in class having got his own second career win by a similarly wide margin a month ago. He too will challenge for the early speed and has claims. (5) WINNING WIN is already a proven winner at this class having prevailed over 1200M in July. He comes in having run 3rd in a very competitive contest four weeks ago and is another to be strongly considered. (8) PALDO DAEJANG has won two of her last three to be rapidly promoted to this level and is (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 14)

Next weekend will be dark in racing terms due to the Chuseok – or Korean Thanksgiving – holidays so this weekend’s cards are the last for a fortnight in Korea. The feature race if the weekend is the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday which will see Special Stone looking to repeat her Korean Oaks victory against a number of the filles she beat in the Classic at Busan in July. First up though is a Friday card at Busan with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

RH7_2434

It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) NAEGA DAESE was a much improved 2nd over 1200M on what was her fourth start in July 27th and with only a bit more progress today, she can win this. (1) TOJONG CHAMP too comes in having run 2nd, her best so far, over this distance three weeks ago. She doesn’t have a fast start on her but can grind plenty down late on in the race. (5) INTERCEPTOR was a touch disappointing when well-backed on his latest start in July. That followed a couple of promising runs and after nine weeks off he is worth another chance today. (2) CHOEGANG SEONBONG and (4) SMART BANK look best of the rest.

Selections (8) Naega Daese (5) Interceptor (1) Tojong Champ (4) Smart Bank
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 4, 8

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

He missed out by a length last time four weeks ago when running 2nd on what was his third career start and (1) BUGYEONG STORY should come out of gate 1 on the lead and with every chance of going all the way this time. (2) URANUS J was 6th behind Bugyeong Story in that race on what was his debut. He was sent off as favourite having trialed well and while the result wasn’t great, he can get another chance today. (3) TONGIL HANGUK has shown some promise in running 3rd and 5th in his two outings so far. Both of them have been at 1200M and he’s been on the early pace only to weaken so he looks an interesting prospect dropped back to the minimum distance here. (5) ROYAL RIVER and (8) WANBONG are the others who look most likely to improve.

Selections (1) Bugyeong Story (3) Tongil Hanguk (2) Uranus J (8) Wanbong
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 1, 3

 Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

This race is restricted to maiden fillies and among the nine starters, five have raced before. Among those with prior experience, only (7) ARCADIA has done anything of note when finishing not far away at all in 4th over this distance a month ago. She should be close to the pace here and has a chance. A couple of first-time starters look like being the main dangers. (3) GEUMA GHOST ran 3rd in her trial last month and looked competent in the process. She led for much of it and will be expected to try to lead here. (8) TONGIL GIPPEUM held her own in a very quick heat, and if she runs in a similar fashion today, she shouldn’t be far away at all. (2) B.K. GAMBOL and (5) PHOENIX QUEEN are next best.

Selections (7) Arcadia (3) Geuma Ghost (8) Tongil Gippeum (5)Phoenix Queen
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 7

 Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

 (8) FLASHY MISS was sent off favourite for her latest start over 1200M on July 27th. She ran poorly, looking unsettled around the turn and then offering nothing in the straight. Her form going into that race was strong, however, and dropped back to 1000M today, she looks again the one they’ll need to beat. (6) B.K. MARINE was a class and distance winner by a nose on August 17th and while she carries an additional 3.5kg here, a repeat is not impossible. (2) THUNDER STRUCK is capable at this class and shouldn’t be too far away while (7) FELICE too comes in with recent form reading positively and is in with at least a placing chance. (3) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG isn’t as bad as his latest couple of outings suggests and he too can improve here. 

Selections (8) Flashy Miss (6) B.K. Marine (2) Thunder Struck (7) Felice
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Start 10, 1

 Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This race is restricted to juvenile maidens. Four of the eight have race before and two of them raced together when (2) TOUGH GREEN beat (6) GLITTER by a length as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd over 1000M on what for both of them was a second career start on August 5th. They’re the picks to fight it out for top honours this time and with the slight step up in trip in mind, Glitter is favoured to prevail. Of the other two who have raced before, (3) DAEJI CHAMP looks the most likely to improve while among the debut-makers, (1) DOCTOR CHIC, a good trial winner back in July, looks most promising at this stage. (4) MUJEOK SPEED trialed at the beginning of this month and looked sharp too.

Selections (6) Glitter (2) Tough Green (1) Doctor Chic (4) Mujeok Speed
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 2, 8

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

Another set of juvenile maidens although this time all but two have raced before. Plenty of them have shown promise as well with both (3) MIGHTY POWER and (5) GIDAEHAE recording runner-up finishes on their respective debuts, both of them on August 17th. (1) GOLD TICKET and (4) K PLUS WON came home 3rd and 4th with less than a length between them when they debuted a month ago at this distance and both can be in the hunt to improve here, however, the one they need to beat may just be (7) (more…)

2018 Korea Cup & Sprint – Review

The 3rd Korean Autumn Racing Carnival featuring the Keeneland Korea Cup and Keeneland Korea Sprint has been and gone and once more, the highlight of the local racing season made for an interesting and exciting week.

Korea Sprint 2018

Moanin (purple cap) gets the better of Fight Hero in the Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)

The Sprint was a well-run race that saw a tight finish contested by two good horses. Moanin – the highest rated horse in the race – ran out the narrow winner under a vigourous ride by Joe Fujii who added the Sprint to the Cup he won two years ago on Chrysolite.

While the decision to enforce the widest gate on Hong Kong entrant Fight Hero attracted some scorn, it allowed the habitually difficult starter a trouble-free trip and possibly crucially, not a bit of sand in his face the whole way around. Under a very good ride by Derek Leung, Fight Hero made the most of that with a great late run that saw him duel with Moanin in the final 300 metres and almost beat him.

Sprint Presentation

Sprint Presentation (Pic: KRA)

Chublicious navigated a trickier route through but also finished off very strongly for 4th. The US-trained gelding had won plenty of admirers throughout the week for his kind and friendly demeanour in the barn but once out on the track, proved he is a proper racehorse too. over the two years that American horses have been coming, they have a 3rd (in last year’s Cup) and back to back 4ths in the Sprint with all three adjusting the surface very well. The Sprint looks a winnable race for a top level American Sprinter.

Wild Dude ran better than he did two years ago, gettng out to a fast start and while he faded, still managed to come home in sixth place. It wasn’t to be for France’s King Malpic, however, who was scarcely involved and came home last.

Doraonpogyeongseon ran 3rd for the second year in succession, consolidating his position as the host nation’s top sprinter even if that means he’s just a little bit below the standard necessary to win a race such as this. Could that standard be achieved next year by Ace Korea? The only three-year-old in the contest was on pace until the final furlong and while the extra power of the older horses then kicked in, he looks a huge prospect for further improvement.

London Town

London Town (Pic: KRA)

As to the Cup, it is perhaps best to simply look on it as simply a sensational performance by London Town. Yes, his form coming into the race wasn’t as imperious as it had been last year but from the moment he set foot on the Seoul sand last week, he looked a winner. Drawn wide again, he was hustled to the front by Yasunari Iwata (who picked up a two-day ban for his troubles) although it was Cheongdam Dokki who got to lead into the corner.

London Town went past Cheongdam Dokki with five furlongs still to run and for a moment it looked like Iwata may have gone to soon. A very very brief moment. From then on, he was relentless and strung the in now way weak field out in the manner of a three-mile steeplchase. Dokki was done, coming home 4th with Dolkong getting the closest on the line. Although “close” is perhaps not the best way to describe a 15-length deficit. London Town had so destroyed the field that Clean Up Joy was able to run on late for 3rd ahead of the tiring Dokki and the game Forest Ranger, who ran a good 5th for Richard Fahey.

Cup Presentation

Cup Presentation (Pic: KRA)

While successful at Group 2  level on more than one occasion, London Town is yet to win a Group 1 race in Japan. Hopefully he can go on and achieve such a feat in the forthcoming months. Dolkong’s 2nd place was the best finish by a Korean horse in the race to date and if his injury problems are behind him, could go on to be a big player in the months to come. Him against Cheongdam Dokki in the KRA Cup Classic next month, if it comes to pass, could be something to savour.

Singapore’s Maximus ran well but was one of those broken by London Town’s surge and ultimately finished 8th. Riven Light ran in midfield in the early exchanges but ended up eased. That was disappointing given the amount of goodwill the horse had generated in the lead up to the race and the star-power he attracted with Rich Ricci, Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh all in the parade ring.

Foster Antonio

Jockey Antonio Da Silva and trainer Simon Foster after Dolkong’s 2nd place (Pic: KRA)

The races were simulcast for betting in numerous countries. The Sprint was shown during the Sunday program at Sha Tin – and Hong Kong turnover on the race was actually bigger than the Korean turnover (Fight Hero started as 3rd favourite in his home country, compared to 2nd in Korea – both markets had Moanin on top). In the USA, TVG showed both races while At The Races’ coverage of the Cup was the first time a Korean race had been shown live on a British racing channel. Domestically, like last year, KBS N Sports recorded the races and produced a 75 minute highlight show (pro-baseball taking priority in the live slot).

In terms of attendance, it was free-entry to Seoul Racecourse on the day although in the end the on-track attendance was almost the exact same as last year at just over 39,000. Betting turnover on the Sprint was  4.06 Billion Won and 5.15 Billion Won on the Cup; the Sprint being slightly down on last year and the Cup a tiny bit up.

The official events were slightly more low-key this time around although that’s not necessarily a bad thing and the barrier draw taking place in the parade ring on the Thursday before the race instead of at a hotel seemed to work. Naturally, however, there was still a K-Pop group performing before the Cup presentation. On track, with horses representing nine different nations (including Korea), it was the most diverse event yet. The presence of the Melbourne Cup Trophy touring the racecourse also added a pleasingly cosmopolitan touch.

CupPRes

Customary annual picture of Keeneland’s Chip McGaughey, this year assisted by Seungho Ryu and Andrew Hawkins,  along with K-Pop group WJSN (Pic: KRA)

There will be murmurings of disquiet locally about both races being won by Japanese horses and that visitors from across the East Sea have now won five of the six carnival races across the three editions (Hong Kong’s Super Jockey in the inaugural Cup being the odd one out). However, the Sprint was an exciting race while the Cup saw a genuinely world-class performance. The event continues to slowly but surely make its mark in the racing calendar and its development in years to come can play an important role in the integration of Korean racing on the international stage, which in turn can strengthen its standing at home.

 

Japan Doubles As London Town & Moanin Win Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint

For the second year running, Japanese-trained horses emerged victorious in the Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint. For London Town in the Cup, it was just as much of a procession as last year but in the Sprint, Moanin had to battle all the way to the line to see off a valiant challenge from Hong Kong’s Fight Hero.

London Town - KRA

Too good. London Town with Dolkong a distance 2nd (Pic: Ross Holburt/Korea Racing Authority

While his form coming into the race hadn’t been quite as imperious as last year, once he stepped onto the sand of Seoul, London Town stepped up. Local bettors remembered him too, sending the five-year-old by Kane Hekili off as the prohibitive favourite in a field that was reduced to fourteen, due to the scratching of Ennobled Friend.

Cup Presentation - KRA

Korea Cup Presentation (Ross Holburt/Korea Racing Authority)

London Town was drawn wide and this time he was taken on early by Korea’s big hope Cheongdam Dokki under Manoel Nunes. However, ridden by Yasunari Iwata, London Town asserted his dominance in the back straight going past Cheongdam Dokki and then stretching the field out as he galloped away around the home turn. The race was essentially over with the only questions being who would run 2nd and whether London Town would break his own track record.

The answer to the second question was “yes” with London Town shaving one-tenth of a second off the 1800M mark he set a year ago. The answer to the first was Dolkong as the Simon Foster trained four-year-old finished strongly up the rail, abeit a full fiteen-lengths in arrears. Clean Up Joy also finished well for 3rd place ahead of a tiring Cheongdam Dokki and the very game British challenger Forest Ranger.

Korea Sprint - KRA

Moanin (far side) sees off Fight Hero (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Moanin won the Sprint but had to work hard under Kanichiro Fujii as Fight Hero pushed him all the way to the line after the pair had come from well-back. Korea’s Doraonpogyeongseon was 3rd with US-trained Chublicious in 4th and up and coming local hope Ace Korea in 5th.

The official attendance on course at Seoul Racecourse was 39,228. Local betting turnover on the Sprint was KRW 4,062,473,800 and KRW 5,154,087,500 on the Cup.

Moanin Joe Fujii - Ross Holburt KRA

Joe Fujii and Moanin (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

KEENELAND KOREA CUP DAY 2018 ALL RACE PREVIEW (September 9)

It’s Keeneland Korea Cup Day! Full previews of both races can be found here. There is plenty going on with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while Busan also runs a card from 12:40 to 17:25. Here is the race-by-race:

Korea Cup Barrier Draw

SEOUL

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden to begin with and (8) HANEUL ACE comes in having scored her best finish to date last time when running 3rd over 1200M. While she was a long way behind the winner, she ran on quite well and could make the breakthrough here. (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR has been getting closer across her latest three. She should be on pace early and could well stay on while similarly (9) WANY K comes in after an improved 3rd last start. It looks to be between those three with (2) GREEN PARK and (5) GOLDEN SPARK, perhaps the most likely among the rest to challenge for a place.

Selections (8) Haneul Ace (9) Wany K (3) Daemyeong Solar (5) Golden Spark
Next Best 2
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Another maiden and the wonderfully-named (3) CARROT SEEKER showed signs of improvement as after three very indifferent efforts, he ran 3rd over 1200M on August 11th, handily beating a couple of others who go here. It was a slow race and he’ll need to improve again but if he does, he can win. (6) SO ARA DAEWANG was 4th behind Carrot Seeker in that race, her first at further than the minimum distance and he too can build on it here. (7) GRAND DOLPUNG is the only one of this field who has a 2nd place to his name, achieved over 1000M in June. He’s been 3rd at this distance too and is likely to join Carrot Seeker on the early lead with solid claims to make a breakthrough of his own here. (2) COUNTRY SONG and first-timer starter (1) DAEHAN ILPUM look the best of a limited rest.

Selections (3) Carrot Seeker (6) So Ara Daewang (7) Grand Dolpung (1) Daehan Ilpum
Next Best 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

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

It’s juvenile maidens only here with precisely half the field having raced at least once before and the other half making their debuts. (2) CHOEGANG STAR, 5th on debut in a competitive time on July 21st returns for a second go after seven weeks off and looks to be the one to beat. With Manoel Nunes in the saddle, he’ll look to lead from the gate and should go all the way. Among the others who have raced already, (3) WONDERFUL EVIL looks the best. He was 4th on debut before beating a couple of the others who go here on his way to 6th on his re-appearance. That leaves the debut-makers and (12) JANGSAN FLY won his trial in a quick time and should go well first up with (6) WHITE VELVET and (8) BUCKETFUL GOLD both looked competent when trialing up together in August.

Selections (2) Choegang Star (12) Jangsan Fly (6) White Velvet (3) Wonderful Evil
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 7, 8, 12

Race 4: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) RAON ZEUS comes in having won two in a row, the latest of which was a seven-length romp over 1400M at the end of July. He’s up in both class and distance here but has every chance of continuing the excellent start to his career. It won’t be easy though. (3) KING POSE is up in class too following victory at 1300M four weeks ago. He came very close to winning at this distance in June and should be a real threat. The one they both need to (more…)

2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Previews

It’s the big one. The 2018 Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 9. Free entry to the racecourse for the 10 race-card which gets under way at 10:45am. The big races are at 3:45pm and 4:55pm respectively.

KEENELAND KOREA SPRINT – 1200M

Korea Sprint Overseas Runners:

 

1 PERDIDO POMEROY (USA) He led this race last year until he was overcome with a furlong to run and ended up in 6th. He rebounded with a win a month later at Busan but has been indifferent across four starts since. Last raced three months ago in the SBS Sports Sprint when he finished 7th behind Doraonpogyeongseon and Today. Very fast in a trial at Busan only last week. He’ll aim for a fast start but looks up against it here.
2 TODAY (KOR) He won 10 of his first 12 races to be sent of as favourite for the SBS Sports Sprint in June where he ultimately ran a close 3rd to Doraonpogyeongseon. He then went to Singapore to run in the KRA Trophy at Kranji in July where he overcame a bit of bad luck to run a strong 3rd again behind Singapore’s Skywalk and Rafaello. From Korea’s top stable, he should be near to the pace here and should go close.
3 ZENTENARY (USA) Ran in this race last year, showing close to the front early on but was quickly bettered. Enters in good form with a win and 2nd place from his latest two starts but in much softer company than this. Will aim for a quick start and try to hold on for as long as possible. Outsider.
4 GEUMA RAPID (AUS) Started his career very promisingly but has been hampered by a succession of injuries. He’s one start into a comeback following nine months on the sidelines and offered few clues running 10th of 12. Hard to recommend.
5 ACE KOREA (USA) This up and coming sprinter is the only three-year-old in the race and accordingly gets a weight allowance. Two very smart wins in the Spring led him to take his chance in the SBS Sports Sprint in June but he had a hard time and finished well back behind three others who go here. Returned to Busan and was an eye-catching class 2 winner at the end of July. Trained by Australian Peter Wolsley, he could make for an interesting outsider.
6 MORNING DAERO (USA) It’s been over a year since his latest win, which was at 1400M last July. Best finish in 2018 so far was 2nd place at this distance in March. He only beat one home on his latest outing a month ago and he’ll be among the outsiders here.
7 DORAONPOGYEONGSEON (USA) Third in this race last year, he returned to Seoul in June to win his second consecutive SBS Sports Sprint at this distance beating Today and establishing himself as Korea’s top sprinter. Stretched out to a mile to win another big Stakes race at Busan last month. He’s versatile so the draw shouldn’t be an issue for him and is in top form. A big chance.
8 KING MALPIC (FR) King Malpic is a prolific winner in France, including three consecutive triumphs between April and June this year at La Teste De Buch and Chantilly at distances between six furlongs and a mile. His latest outing saw him run 2nd of 9 in the six-furlong Group 3 Prix de-Ris-Orangis at Maisons-Laffitte on July 15th. This is a tougher test but the form is good. As with all European runners, how he copes with the sand will be key to his chances.
9 MOANIN (USA) Winner of the Listed Coral Stakes at Hanshin over 1400M in March, that was his first win since the Group 1 February Stakes at Tokyo all the way back in 2016. He won six of his first seven starts and has been racing in top level company since. He’s never actually tackled a distance as short as 1200M but that’s unlikely to trouble him. JRA horses generally have little difficulty adapting to the track and a jockey who knows Seoul very well has been booked. A big chance and very possibly the one they’ll need to beat.
10 WONDER BOLT (USA) Very experienced eight-year-old who finished runner-up to Singapore’s El Padrino in the Asia Challenge Cup all the way back in 2014. It’s been more than two years since his last win but he’s still a regular place-getter in class 1 handicaps. Most recently ran 2nd over 1800M. Usually ridden patiently these days but this is a tough ask.
11 WILD DUDE (USA) Winner of the Grade 2 Kona Gold Stakes at Santa Anita in 2016, he ran in this race two years ago finishing 9th of 16. Since then he’s done his racing in Dubai where he hasn’t quite managed to re-capture the best of his American form although his latest efforts have been encouraging. He last ran on Dubai World Cup night, finishing 4th of 8 behind Mind Your Biscuits in the Golden Shaheen where he ran on well to finish within four-lengths of the winner. Not necessarily among the favourites but he surely improves on two years ago and could offer some value.
12 CHUBLICIOUS (USA) A Group 3 winner in the United States, he enters in very solid form having finished 1st or 2nd in six of his seven latest starts dating back over a year. They include the aforementioned Group 3 at Laurel Park, when he was the longest shot on the board – as well as a victory in a Listed race at Monmouth Park this June. He only beat one home on his latest outing at Delaware Park on July 14th but American-trained horses with similar records ran well here last year and Chublicious could be a factor.
13 FIGHT HERO (GB) Fight Hero will be looking to emulate Super Jockey, who won this race for Hong Kong in 2016. He arrives having finished up the season a winner over the all-weather at Sha Tin on June 24th at this distance, coming from off the pace. All his wins have been over 1200M and if he adapts to the sand, he like any Hong Kong sprinter, has every chance.

Five international runners take on eight local sprinters here and it’s anyone’s race. We’ll go with Japanese raider (9) MOANIN under the guidance of Kanichiro Fujii to get the win but it certainly won’t be easy. US raider (12) CHUBLICIOUS has looked very good since arriving and should take to the track well while Hong Kong’s (13) FIGHT HERO must be respected too. On the Korean side, (2) TODAY has been drawn well and could possibly overturn the form on (7) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON who beat him in the SBS Sports Sprint here in June. Doraonpogyeongseon is the kind of horse who generally steps up when challenged though so shouldn’t be discounted himself. An interesting outsider could be (1) PERDIDO POMEROY. While his Spring campaign this year didn’t go especially well, he was absolutely flying in a trial at Busan last Saturday and from gate 1 will surely lead early. They’ll have to come past him.

Selections (9) Moanin (7) Doraonpogyeongseon (12) Chublicious (2) Today
Next Best 13, 1, 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

KEENELAND KOREA CUP – 1800M

Foreign contenders:

1 FOREST RANGER (IRE) Back to back wins in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket in April and then the Huxley Stakes at Chester in May, the latter race a Group 2 for the first time this year enabled him to take his chance in the Eclipse. He found himself overmatched that day before finishing 5th of 7 in the York Stakes at the end of July. He is a proven top class performer and has won on the all-weather surface at Newcastle.
2 DOLKONG (USA) A rival of Cheongdam Dokki when they were juveniles, his career has been hampered by injury since which has restricted him to just nine starts. He returned to action in August with an effortless victory over this distance in a class 1 handicap and so long as he’s trained on from it – and the word is that he has – there is no reason why he can’t prove he belongs here. Drawn in gate 3, he can take a sit behind the early speed and make his move late on.
3 GREAT KING (USA) Trained by Thomas Gillespie at Busan, Great King has won six of twenty-one in total and three of his latest six. He last ran in early July beating a decent field at 2000M, coming from just off the pace. He looks to still be getting better and while this is obviously a tough assignment, he can acquit himself well.
4 FINAL BOSS (KOR) Korean Derby winner in 2017, he’s been a touch frustrating since, offering hints of real talent but similarly flopping on occasion too. He began the year winning a listed race over 1200M and enters having last run 4th in the SBS Sports Sprint in July. Back up to two turns today, he is versatile – he won the Derby coming home wide and late but has also gone forward too. He’ll be an outsider here.
5 TOSCONOVA CAT (USA) By some margin the lowest rated among the local entrants, the three-year-old has only race nine times for three wins, two of them at this distance. A smart winner at local class 2 on his latest outing in August when he led all the way but this is almost certainly too much too soon for him.
6 RIVEN LIGHT (IRE) He began his career in France winning two of seven starts. He then missed over a year, reappearing with Willie Mullins in Ireland and after winning a Thurles handicap in December 2016, was gelded and sent hurdling. He returned to the flat in April 2017, winning three of five at distances up to ten furlongs before heading to Australia and trying his luck in the Ladbrokes Stakes at Caulfied. He finished 7th of 11 behind Gailo Chop that day and after injury and a lengthy spell, returned to action in style at the end of July, winning a seventeen-runner handicap at the Galway Festival for the second year running. Trainer Willie Mullins has put a Korean jockey on board who knows the track well.
7 DONGBANG DAERO (USA) The last time he came to Seoul he ran a huge race in the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes last December, closing to finish 2nd to Power Blade over 2300M. He’s not won since and his recent Busan form is uninspiring. If the early pace is very hot and the leaders tire, he may make up some ground late on.
8 DYNAMIC DASH (USA) The six-year-old has won ten of forty and was last in the winner’s circle at Busan in May when he scored over 2000M – it was his first win in two years although he picked up plenty of minor money in the meantime. He’s struggled in his latest two and he looks a touch overmatched here but he still may well beat a few.
9 MAXIMUS (USA) A Singapore-based polytrack specialist, his latest win was at a mile in April. He’s run three times since then including finishing 6th behind Southern Legend in the Group 1 Kranji Mile. He has never raced a further than a mile before but is trained by Alwin Tan, who knows what it takes to be successful on this track having saddled El Padrino to victory in the inaugural Asia Challenge Cup in 2014.
10 PLACES TO GO (USA) Found a rich vein of form when scoring in three consecutive class 1 handicaps between February and April this year but has tended to struggle when faced with really top class opposition. Comes in having run 7th of 10 last start over 2000M and has plenty to find.
11 ENNOBLED FRIEND (USA) Expected to be scratched.
12 CHEONJI STORM (KOR) Always talented but coming into his own this year. He won a local Group 3 at 1200M in March before scoring by ten-lengths in a class 1 handicap here at the end of April at today’s distance. He went to Busan for the Mayor’s Cup on July 1st, again at this distance and got to within three-lengths of Cheongdam Dokki. Still will potential to get better, he will try to sit just behind the early leaders.
13 CHEONGDAM DOKKI (USA) Korean racing’s latest great hope. Four for four in 2018, he has established himself as the top horse on the peninsula. His last defeat came in the Grand Prix Stakes here at the end of 2017 but even that was only after he had set some brutal fractions for the first part of the 2300M. He generally leads and dominates his domestic races although he can be patient if necessary. He can overcome the wide gate to get close to the action early and it should be a chance to see what he is made of. He is Korea’s best chance to get a maiden win in the Cup.
14 LONDON TOWN (JPN) He was a dominant winner of the race last year, making all and breaking the track record in the process. It hasn’t been straightforward since, however, as he’s yet to return to the winner’s circle in five subsequent starts, all of them at Group level. This contrasts with his lead up to the race last year when he broke the Sapporo track record at 1700M. Nevertheless, all those races were in very tough company and even if he is not quite as on song as a year ago, back on the sand at Seoul, he remains the one to beat. Wide draw but that was the case last year too.
15 CLEAN UP JOY (USA) Winner of the Grand Prix Stakes in 2016 he has since seen Cheongdam Dokki usurp him as Seoul’s top horse. Nevertheless, he returned to winning form in March before finishing runner-up to Cheongdam Dokki in two big Stakes races in April and May. He always has to start from the widest gate due to his starting manners and don’t be surprised to see him miss the break slightly. He will get stronger as the race goes on though and can challenge for the minor money.

It’s the moment of truth for (13) CHEONGDAM DOKKI. Korea’s superstar is drawn alongside last year’s winner (14) LONDON TOWN in Korea’s most valuable race and both will be looking to get on the early speed here and they are favourites to dispute the prize. London Town’s build up to the race may not have quite as impressive as it was a year ago but he may still have enough to successfully defend his crown. (2) DOLKONG made a hugely impressive return to racing a month ago. He’ll sit behind the early speed and will come through strongly late on. (1) FOREST RANGER and (6) RIVEN LIGHT have both impressed in work this week and both are established group race horses in Europe. They have drawn well and will be in the hunt. Longer shots who may go well include (12) CHEONJI STORM and Singapore’s (9) MAXIMUS as well, of course, as (15) CLEAN UP JOY.

Selections (14) London Town (13) Cheongdam Dokki (2) Dolkong (6) Riven Light
Next Best 1, 12, 9, 15
Fast Start 3, 5, 12, 13, 14

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 8)

Saturday racing at Seoul sees 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00 and the eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint includes a number of international exchange races which are being contested for big prizes. The Melbourne Cup Trophy will be on display at Seoul Racecourse as part of its annual Tour.

DSC_3978_resized_1

It’s almost Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint again!

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

(4) GOLD SEUTAK beat (11) SURFING POINT as the pair of them came home 3rd and 4th over this distance on July 7th. Gold Seutak has raced once since then finishing 6th in what was actually a very tight finish four weeks ago. Surfing Point could turn the tables today. The one they both need to beat is (2) FAPP CAT. She looks like she is finally figuring things out and recorded her best finish to date when 2nd over his trip in a similarly week race to this three weeks ago. She’s not very quick but might not need to be here. (5) SCARLET PERFECT also has a 2nd place to her name and could be involved while among the three first-time starters, (1) STRIDE UP looks the pick at this stage.

Selections (11) Surfing Point (2) Fapp Cat (4) Gold Seutak (1) Stride Up
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 6, 8, 10

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

An all the way winner on debut in June, (4) SHANGHAI JORDAN could only manage 3rd place as favourite when stepped up to this class for her second appearance at the end of July. Although she got within three-lengths of the winner she was slowly away and never looked like being a threat. She’s drawn well today and should be returning to the winner’s circle. (8) MISS PYEONGCHON ran a solid 3rd place last time over 1300M and drops back in trip today. She’ll be a danger. (10) PERFECT SOCKS is a winner at this level already but has been lightly races since. She last ran in early June finishing 4th of 8 at this distance and looks nicely in here. (1) DOUBLE A and (3) VICTORY STAR are others who can compete for the placings.

Selections (4) Shanghai Jordan (8) Miss Pyeongchon (10) Perfect Socks (1) Double A
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 3, 5, 9

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

Juvenile maidens and just two of them, (4) JEOKTO BIMA and (6) PARRHESIA, have raced before. Of the pair, Jeokto Bima was an improved 4th on her second start on August 19th and she will be among the favourites here. First-time starters are likely to be favoured though, principally (3) TRI THUNDER, who romped home by seven-lengths in a trial at the end of July. If he runs similarly today, he should be able to get to the lead and maintain it all the way through. (7) BARAMEUL GEURIDA also looked competent in trials, going round comfortably in a decent time in mid-August and he can be given a chance first up, as can (11) WONDERFUL DIXIE.

Selections (3) Tri Thunder (7) Barameul Geurida (4) Jeokto Bima (11) Wonderful Dixie
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 3, 7, 10

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

A winner of two from four, (7) DOKDO JIGI returns from five months off, up in class but looking ready to add to his win-column. He looked good in a fast trial in August and should have too much here. (9) L CAR has won three out of six and while he put in a lackluster effort at class and distance a month ago is worth another try today. (4) CHEONHA HYEONGGUK ran a creditable enough 5th over 1300M on August 11th and drops slightly back in trip today. He won at this distance on July and should be in with at least a chance of the places here. (2) OUR CAT and (6) HEUNG BARAM look best of the rest.

Selections (7) Dokdo Jigi (9) L Car (4) Cheonha Hyeongguk (2) Our Cat
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 3, 6, 7, 8

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

He’s finished 4th and 2nd in his two starts to date and (3) CHANGSEONG LUCKY shouldn’t require much in the way of luck to make his maiden breakthrough here. He can get off to a fast start and lead all the way. (4) SPHAERA runs best when she gets on pace early and starting from just outside the favourite, that’s what she’ll be trying to do today. She could stay on for a place. (5) HARD PRINCESS and (6) GEUMBIT HWANHYANG both come in off the back of fair efforts and they too should be looking for a place. (1) GANGSANUI ACHIM the best of a limited rest.

Selections (3) Changseong Lucky (5) Hard Princess (6) Geumbit Hwanhyang (4) Sphaera
Next Best 1
Fast Start 3, 4

Race 6: Class Open “Horse Racing Ireland Trophy” (1400M) Allowance / KRW 100 Million

Valuable prize here and lots enter in good form but it would be a surprise if (9) GALAXY POWER didn’t run out the winner. There was no disgrace in being beaten six lengths by the excellent Gaon Champ over 1200M last start and while he is yet to win at this distance, he ran a close 2nd in the CHIA Trophy in June. (3) CALLIOPE was 4th behind Galaxy Power in April but has come on since then, winning his latest two including one at this distance. He’ll be on pace early and can be a danger to the favourite. (14) CLEAN UP TEUKGEUP was an also-ran in the Korean Derby but returned to form running a close 2nd over 1800M in July. He drops back in trip today and is in with a chance. (1) YAHO SMART CAT was a good winner at this distance last start and will join Calliope on the early speed while (12) WONDERFUL CHAMPION is up in class following a victory at (more…)