It’s the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with Japan’s Yumeno Honoo lining up against Global Hit and the rest of the top line Korea distance horses.
Success Baekpa and Speed Young were 1st and 2nd in the Herald Business and return (Pic: KRA)
1. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Won this race in 2023. Briefly showed near the front in the Herald Business before dropping back to finish midfield. That was his first run since the Grand Prix, so can strip fitter and always a chance.
2. MIRACLE MARINE – Won three in a row between November and January and then led the Herald Business before finishing 5th. Draws well to be on pace again and can be in this a long way. Real chance.
3. YUMENO HONOO – A superstar at Kochi, if he takes to the track and racing anticlockwise, he won’t have too many excuses. Drawn beautifully for the jockey to pick his spot and if he takes to the track conditions, he may take some beating.
4. TIZ BAROWS – 4th in the Herlad Businesshaving broken on pace before dropping back and ultimately running on, continuing a run of positive form. Runa Maia knows him well and he can be a money chance again.
It was June of 2015 when an overseas horse last tried their luck in a Korean Open race. Now, almost ten years later, Yumeno Honoo will try to emulate Esmeraldina, who prevailed in her trip to Seoul and the Ttukseom Cup, when he lines up in the YTN Cup (1800M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse next Sunday.
Yumeno Honoo (Pic: KRA International Racing Team)
After Esmeraldina, piloted by Joe Fujii, demolished that Ttukseom Cup field, the feeling – or maybe fear would be a better word – was that Japanese horses would regularly plunder those Korean races that are open to overseas runners. Instead, it has been almost exactly a decade before another has even tried.
The YTN Cup is one of eight Korean races that carry Listed status in the international “Blue Book” and therefore open to eligible runners from overseas. Unlike the invitational Korea Cup and Sprint though, connections are responsible for their own expenses.
While it was rumoured around the turn of the year that some from Japan were considering the Grand Prix Stakes which at a Billion Won in prize money offers some margin for error and a 2300M distance that Japanese stayers will have a huge advantage over, Yumeno Honoo will need to finish in the top two of the 500 Million Won race if he is to even break even for his owner.
So it isn’t about money and the owner has been quite open both on social media and in an interview with Choi Hyeon-seong of Horse Biz, as to why he is here despite having not even travelled to other NAR tracks to take part in bigger local dirt races – essentially he wants to run overseas because the horse, a sensitive type, can spend a week or more at the racecourse to acclimatize first. He was among the preliminary nominations for the Korea Cup last year but had no hope of getting in over high rated JRA horses.
Yumeno Honoo’s record is formidable with eighteen wins from twenty-three starts, including being the first horse in fourteen years to win the Kochi Triple Crown in 2023. His times measure up. He apparently had problems with the gate when younger and has also had manners issues. Whether they will resurface in a new environment is anybody’s guess but he has been participating in gate schooling in his morning work since arriving in Seoul.
Kochi Racecourse is on the local council NAR circuit. Located on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s five main islands, Kochi prefecture has the third smallest population among Japan’s forty-seven prefectures. Racing is on Saturday and Sunday late afternoon and evenings and is punching above its weight both in terms of wagering and in terms of performance of its horses.
Scheduling on weekends after the main JRA programs have finished surely plays a big part, but Kochi posted record wagering turnover in 2024 and was behind only the Tokyo region tracks of Oi, Kawasaki, Funabashi and Urawa in betting revenues last year.
More significantly from a sporting point of view, Kochi horses have measured up very well when traveling to more competitive races within Japan. Garbo Mambo, who has both beaten and been beaten by Yumeno Honoo, and Shimme Daisy being recent examples.
Japanese racing observers attribute that competitiveness to Kochi horses training and racing on very deep sand and, given that surface, the fast pace of the races. This all sounds very similar to Korea. While the Kochi track is clockwise and tighter than Seoul, there is no reason why Seoul can’t suit Yumeno Honoo more than his home track does.
Trainer Tanaka Mamoru was the leading NAR trainer in 2023 while jockey Yoshihara Hiroto is one of the NAR’s best. Crucially he has Korean experience, having partnered Light Warrior to 4th place in last year’s Korea Cup. He will know all about Global Hit, who finished one place ahead of him and will also be very aware of how the Seoul track races.
Even if connections didn’t have any previous Seoul experience themselves, they have plenty of sources to turn to. Ikuyasu Kurakane, who rode 347 winners in Korea, was based at Kochi in his riding days and is now a trainer there. Ueda Masashi, currently riding at Busan, is also a Kochi jockey and is one of very few riders who has beaten Yumeno Honoo in a race (on Hachikin Musume back in October 2022 when Yumeno Honoo was a juvenile).
In Seoul, Yumeno Honoo looks very well. As a physical specimen his appearance is superior to Sunday’s rivals and in the mornings, he has had his ears pricked and seemingly very much enjoying his work. Those present observed that he is being prepared with exactly the same professionalism and attention to detail as the JRA horses at the Korea Cup and Sprint. He moves over the sand very well and while he has tended to hang out a little on the turns, if this translates to race day – and an actual race – it could be very ominous for the locals.
* Thanks to Joe Fujii and to journalist Yoko Oe, as well as LongBallToNoOne for background information on Kochi and the NAR.
It’s the biggest day of the season so far as Japan’s Yumeno Honoo takes on Global Hit, Success Baekpa and the rest of the top two-turn horses in the country in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). It’s race 7 of an 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. At Busan there are 6-races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews with full form comments for the YTN to follow:
Success Baekpa won the 1st leg of the Stayer Series but will face a bigger challenge in the 2nd (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After thirteen starts, (4) DAEWONYONGMA looks to have finally figured it out and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on March 16th when he led almost the entire way. He draws nicely to lead again and today should finally be the day. (8) JISAN FRIEND was an improved 4th at start number two on March 22nd over this distance, settling just behind the speed and finishing well. It was a slow race, but he finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and he can continue to make progress here. (11) CHEONGRYONG GIUN was a fair 5th of eight on debut a month ago. He should have come on for that run and go closer. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST and (9) FLYING CONCORD, the latter looking well in a March trial, are others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AWESOME QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in January before following up with 4th at this distance on March 15th. She has been doing her best work late so can sit behind the leaders here and she will be a short-price favourite to be too good. (3) BULGUKSIDAE enters off an improved 4th place at this distance on March 23rd. Well drawn in this company she should be among the pacesetters and can be in this a long way. (9) GEOLJAK HAPPY has a 3rd place on her record and against limited opposition, that’s enough to put her in with a chance of a place. (7) KIA ORA and first-time starter (1) CHARMING QUEEN are others to consider, the latter having hinted at ability in a decent trial earlier this month.
Selections
(4) Awesome Queen (3) Bulguksidae (9) Geoljak Happy (7) Kia Ora
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) QUANTUM K ran a fair 5th on debut and followed up with an improved 2nd place at 1300M on March 15th. He has run through the line well suggesting that the slight step up in trip can be in his favour and he will be odds-on to go one better. (6) MASTER KWAIGON similarly made progress at start number two on March 15th when 2nd at 1300M, coming from well off the pace. He too should go well at the 1400M and shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after that pair but (1) BLACK SMILE has been knocking on the door of the places in her latest few and can so similar here. (3) PURGE RUBY and (7) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG are others who can challenge for the minors.
Selections
(5) Quantum K (6) Master Kwaigon (1) Black Smile (3) Purge Ruby
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) CHOEGANG TRIPLE has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd when close to the pace throughout and posting a time half a second faster than any of these have managed over 1200M. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate, but he won’t need much improvement to win this. Second-favourite will be (2) LION MAGIC. After running-on too late on debut he was ridden much closer at start two on March 21st, ultimately running 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. Expect similar tactics today and he shouldn’t be far away. (1) DIA KNIGHT ran twice without distinction last year, most recently in October. He looked well in a March trial and can make a fresh start here (although do note he trialed well last year too. Debut-makers (3) GREAT UP and (8) WIND ROSE showed well in their respective trials and can be considered on a place line first up.
Selections
(11) Choegang Triple (2) Lion Magic (1) Dia Knight (3) Great Up
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two last autumn before straining a ligament on his first try at this class in early December. He returned to action on March 9th at this class and distance and led a long way and ultimately ran 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but should have come on for that run and he can win here. (5) HAKSAN CAIRO remains a maiden after eight attempts but he has been ultra consistent with seven top five finishes. That includes his latest when 2nd over 1300M on March 29th and while he may once again find one too quick, he can be a danger late on for his first try at 1400M. (8) TAEGISAN KING comes up in class having scored over 1300M on March 8th, coming from midfield. He is down slightly in weight, and he can measure up. (1) ECLIPSE EDGE and (10) BULGEUN POKPUNG other place chances.
It’s back to a day schedule at Seoul this Saturday when there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. The forecast is for rain. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) AFLEET RUN has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on March 9th when handy throughout and well beaten by a good winner. This is weaker and if he can get to the lead again, he should go all the way. (3) DIXIE MAN has two 3rd places among five starts so far. His latest couple have been disappointing, but they have been at further and nicely drawn and with Moon Se-young staying on, he can be closer today. Among the debut-makers (1) UEOKSURO looks best having led a February trial before ultimately finishing 4th in a fair time. He can be on pace again and should be in the mix first up. (7) COSMO MING and (8) BULGEUNTAEYANG also hinted at ability in trials and couldn’t have picked a softer race to debut in.
Selections
(9) Afleet Run (3) Dixie Man (1) Ueoksuro (7) Cosmo Ming
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) JOY CHEONHA enters off 3rd place at this distance on March 15th when handy throughout and running on. That continued a pattern of progress across his five starts so far and nicely drawn today, he can sit just behind the speed and be too strong late on. (5) EAST SKY came from midfield to run a solid 2nd place at this distance on February 22nd. He draws a much better gate this time, so can be closer to the pace early and can be in the mix again. (2) CHOCO BEAUTY has six top five finishes from thirteen starts as well as the fastest time among these for the distance. She draws well and may make for some each-way appeal. (6) THUNDER LUCKY and (10) BISANG BELL are others to consider.
Selections
(3) Joy Cheonha (5) East Sky (2) Choco Beauty (6) Thunder Lucky
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A winner on debut and then 2nd on his first try at this class, (10) WESTERN GUN weakened after leading when sent up to 1700M, before firing a blank in Seoul’s Classic Trial in February. He returns to more amenable company today and accordingly can return to winning ways. (2) JECHUK LOG IN was 2nd on debut in January and followed up with a maiden win at start two on February 8th when slowly away but running on to score over 1300M. He’s had ten weeks off since then and is up in class, but he is down in weight and the additional half furlong can suit. (9) RAON NIZHINSKII didn’t seem to appreciate 1700M last time even though his previous running style had indicated that he might. He comes back to one turn today and with CC climbing on, should be a danger. (3) GOLDEN BALL and (4) HYEUKMUSANG other place chances.
Selections
(10) Western Gun (2) Jechuk Log In (9) Raon Nizhinskii (3) Golden Ball
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN CONCORD got her maiden win last time out at start number eleven leading all the way in a similar filly only race at this class and distance. She comes up 3.5kg in weight but she can lead again, and she can win again. (6) BEOLGYO LAVA got her maiden win two starts back before running 3rd on her first try at this class on March 16th. She remains under a light weight and with the fastest final furling average time in the field, she can challenge here. (1) SONGAM SKY beat a couple of these when winning at this class over 1200M on March 22nd. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but that’s balanced by a nice draw, and she can be in this again. (8) KHAN NUT and (9) MENI SHARK others to look out for.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After running 4th on debut, (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 31st at, racing handy throughout having overcome the widest gate. Drawing slightly better this time, he can go one better. (6) BLACK SQUALL was similarly 2nd at start number two, in his case over 1200M on March 7th, tracking the leader throughout. The slight step up in trip should be no problem and he too has every chance of peaking third-up. (1) WIND VAIN was 2nd on debut before running 3rd behind Apdojeok Numberone in that March 31st race with very little between them He comes into a much better gate and it’s not impossible that he overturns that form. (10) QUEEN SPICY and (12) SEOBU DANCING are others who can improve.
Selections
(8) Apdojeok Numberone (6) Black Squall (1) Wind Vain (10) Queen Spicy
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. After finishing 2nd in February, (7) QUEENS DRAGON was sent off as favourite in a similar event to this over 1200M on March 14th but was caught wide of the early speed and ultimately finished 5th. The increase in distance can give her more time to settle and Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests this can be the day. (12) LOILOI was an improved 2nd at start two over 1300M on March 14th, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit here and she should have a big chance late on. (3) BABEL COME ON has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from six starts so far racing both on pace and from behind. She’s drawn well here and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) REIGN QUEEN and (6) TUHON FIGHTER other placing hopes.
Selections
(7) Queens Dragon (12) Loiloi (3) Babel Come On (8) Reign Queen
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not an especially strong maiden. (1) NICE GIRL ran a best to date 2nd when coming form well off the pace over 1400M on March 28th, adding to an earlier 3rd. Her previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, but the opposition here is weaker and she has ss good a chance as any. (9) USANG RYUNG enters off a fair 5th of eleven over 1400M on March 9th when coming from well back. She has a 2nd and a 3rd at this trip already and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (6) BAEDARI BOSEOK could only manage 7th last time out on March 14th but she did finish ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She has a 4th place at this distance and while one-paced, can beat plenty of these again. (7) JOJOBA and (5) RIVERSTONE are perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race with plenty entering in form. They include (6) QUEEN TYCHE, a winner of two of her latest three, most recently on March 23rd on an all-filly affair at this class and distance when on pace throughout. She only comes up 2kg in weight, and she can repeat. (5) DONGNAM GANGTAJA got his maiden win last October and has since had three goes at this class with two of them ending in 3rd place, including last time out at this distance on March 9th when coming from well off the pace. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will probably be sent off as the favourite. (3) UNLIMITED RUN won at 1300M at start three in February, leading all the way, before finishing 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 23rd, again racing on pace. He’ll be on pace here too and can have a big say. (10) SPEED TOP and (4) CHEONGWAN, the latter needing a line through her latest but who has since trialed well, others to consider.
Selections
(6) Queen Tyche (5) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Unlimited Run (10) Speed Top
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Vincero Cavallo cemented his status as the nation’s top sprinter as he pulled away from the field late to win the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, adding to his win in the Busan Ilbo Sprint, the opening leg of the Sprint Series a month ago.
Sent off as one of three almost co-favourites, Jo Jae-ro settled Vincero Cavallo into his preferred midfield position as the one of the other two at the top of the market, Choegoui Kkum vied for the lead with expected front-runner Super Finish.
As the field fanned across the track entering the home straight, Vincero Cavallo quickly cut the gap to the leaders and then pulled away in the closing stages, crossing the line two-lengths to the good. Tony Castanheira’s 60/1 chance Black Musk was a fast-finishing 2nd under Kozzi Asano, while Black Mamba and Alan Munro came home 3rd.
“He actually started a little too well” winning jockey Jo Jae-ro told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “But then the others went through, and we were able to settle. On the 4th corner I was confident he would win although I was surprised how easily he did it.”
“Everything went to plan” trainer Seo In-seok confirmed to KRBC. “Yesterday’s rain was a bit of a concern as you never know what effect it will have but it was fine. The intention was to settle back like last time and after the start, Jo Jae-ro made a good decision to be patient and I think that won us the race.”
Black Musk was a winner at Group level over 1200M all the way back in May of 2022 and while he did win a class 1 handicap over the same distance last October, it was still a remarkable return to form on the big stage especially having taken a big bump from either side coming out of the gate. Disappointment of the race was Choegoui Kkum who, after a bright start finished back in 11th. No lameness was found although jockey Masa Tanaka commented that “his stride felt heavier than last time.”
Vincero Cavallo [Cowboy Cal – City Lass (by City Zip)] is a four-year-old colt who was a revelation when an excellent 6th of fifteen behind Remake in the Korea Sprint last September. Since then, he has run seven times for five wins and while that has been a hectic schedule – Jockey Jo mentioned the horse was “mentally and physically tired after Busan”, he keeps on lifting.
Now Korea’s leading contender for this year’s Korea Sprint, Vincero Cavallo may need to lift again much sooner if he is to sweep all three legs of the Sprint Series, which concludes with the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2) on Sunday May 18th. An international blue book race, there are strong rumours of Japanese interest.
There is confirmed Japanese interest in next Sunday’s YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series. Also an international blue book race, Yumeno Honoo has travelled over from Kochi to become the first overseas trained runner in a Korean non-invitational race since Esmeraldina won the Ttukseom Cup in 2015. Global Hit and Success Baekpa await him in the most eagerly anticipated showdown of the season so far.
It’s a big day of racing on Sunday with the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series at Seoul as well as six International Trophy exchange races across the two tracks, each with a big prize on offer. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Vincero Cavallo won the first leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) RACE ROSE took a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has a 4th and two 3rd places from her latest three, most recently at this distance on March 15th racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays on, she draws well and today should be her day. (4) TIGER K was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on March 8th when being ridden further forward than in his first two appearances. Expect similar tactics today, and he can be a danger. (5) DIA ROOK has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a better gate can go much better than last time. (9) CHEONGHAE STAR and (7) DUSON EUTTEUM others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Race Rose (4) Tiger K (5) Dia Rook (9) Cheonghae Star
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an inauspicious debut, (9) POWER BAND has run 3rd in both subsequent outings, both at 1200M and most recently on March 16th when close to the speed throughout. The wide draw shouldn’t stop her getting a forward position, and she can win here. (4) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around over this distance on March 2nd before ultimately having to settle for 5th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) BEST KINGDOM has two 3rd places from his latest three. An apprentice keeps his weight nice and low, and he can be doing his best work late on. (5) NONSTOP SERVE and (6) LASER RUN are perhaps the best of a somewhat limited looking rest.
Selections
(9) Power Band (4) Alpha Female (2) Best Kingdom (5) Nonstop Serve
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. It’s been twelve runs at this class for (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT since getting her maiden win, but she has been working her way back into contention in her latest few, most recently when 3rd at class and distance on March 9th sitting behind the speed and running on. The same apprentice keeps her weight from coming up too much and she has as good a chance as any. (8) EXCELLENT MATTA is yet to win in seventeen, but recent efforts are a cause for optimism, and she beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd in a similar race to this at 1300M on March 8th. In this company she should be on pace and she could break through. (7) UPPERHAND is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in filly maidens. Both times she was beaten by decent winners and there isn’t much to fear here. (9) GOOD FIGHTER and (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA others to consider.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) HANNAM QUEEN enters in the best form with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at 1200M and both times close to the speed. In this company she should be among the early pacesetters again, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (12) SEOGWI CHOWON beat a few of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on March 14th. That was by far her best effort so far and she can build on it here. (3) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL was a fair 6th of nine on debut at the end of February. She should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and she can improve here. (1) SPEED MORE and (5) HOLIDAY QUEEN are others to consider for the places.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After winning a trial, (2) WHITE CARLA led every step of the way to win on debut over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is down in weight, draws well, and he can maintain his 100% record here. (11) LEGEND WOW won on debut and following an undistinguished first try at this class, ran 3rd at this distance on March 2nd. CC climbs on and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) HAKSAN DARK HORSE has been working towards a second win, most recently running 3rd at class and distance on March 23rd when coming from well back. He can leave himself a bit much to do but should be dangerous late on. (3) SEOUL BINGO and (9) RYAN HEAT, the latter up in class following a last start maiden win, are others to consider.
Selections
(2) White Carla (11) Legend Wow (8) Haksan Dark Horse (3) Seoul Bingo
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) RAON THE MASKE was a winner on debut over 1200M in February before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on March 7th racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight, he should be on speed, and he will be a short price favourite to win this. (9) BEOLGYO WANGCHO is the danger. His maiden win had been coming, and it arrived at start four in January when leading all the way at 1200M. He was on pace on his first try at this class on February 28th, ultimately finishing in 2nd in what was his first try at this distance. He should have come on for that run and while up in weight and drawn a touch wider than ideal, he can go close. (4) BEST BOY is yet to finish in the top two and was 7th behind Beolgyo Wangcho last time out. He has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th though and from a good gate may make for some each way appeal. (12) ASTRE and (10) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Raon The Maske (9) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Best Boy (12) Astre
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with an afternoon and evening card of 10-races from 13:25 to 20:00. Here are the previews:
Moon Se-young will be conducting a fan meeting a 4:55pm at the Seoul Races on Saturday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. We’ll side with a first timer and (8) LUCKY A ONE who took three trials to get it right but finally did so with aplomb on March 13th when leading all the way. She can be on the speed here too and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) CRAZY MARI needs a line drawn through her latest when she got a long way back. Instead we’ll go on her effort two outings back when 4th at this distance and if she can get off to a good start here, she can be a danger. (2) LUCKY DAY looks to be on the right trajectory with an improved 5th place at start number three and from a good draw can be in the mix. (5) GEOLJAK CHUKJE and (3) WONDERFUL CATHY others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Lucky A One (9) Crazy Mari (2) Lucky Day (5) Geoljak Chukje
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) VINCERO CUE has made solid progress across three starts so far culminating in a 2nd place at 1300M on in February 8th when leading until the closing stages. He draws well to lead again and in this company he will be a hot favourite to go one better. (5) AWESOME STEP was ordinary on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on March 1st when settling midfield and running on. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can be close again. (10) SECRET WOLF has hinted at ability with a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far. She has demonstrated she has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can challenge late. (11) SAENAE PARK and (3) DRAGON FANTASY are others who can go close.
Selections
(6) Vincero Cue (5) Awesome Step (10) Secret Wolf (11) Saenae Park
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) ECO FORE enters off his best finish so far when stepped up to this distance for the first time on March 16th and beating plenty of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place having settled handy to the pace. The same apprentice keeps his weight low, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem in this small field, and he can go one better today. (5) CHAMPIONS FIELD was 3rd in that March 16th race, settling midfield and running on. That followed a 4th place at the start before and he can continue to get closer here. (2) SANBANG BOMNAL was 4th, adding to a 2nd and a 3rd from his previous two tries at 1700M and he should be there or thereabouts again. (6) HERO CHOICE and (4) MARUBYEOL are others who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(9) Eco Fore (5) Champions Field (2) Sanbang Bomnal (6) Hero Choice
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) ROPPONGI DRAGON has been a beaten favourite on both his latest two starts, most recently his first try at this class and distance on March 15rg when he settled back and ran on for 3rd place in a slow race. He should have benefited from the experience and from a good gate and still under a light weight, he is worth another chance here. The danger is (5) TONNERRE. He enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two at 1800M and 1700M, both times leading for much of the way around. He will probably lead here too and may take some catching. (3) WORLD JOY is up in class having got his maiden win at 1300M on March 16th. He is up in trip too, but his running style suggests it may suit and he can measure up. (2) STUNNING MONEY tends to get a bit far back but can run into some money. (8) QUEEN ABIGAIL a minor money chance.
Selections
(1) Roppongi Dragon (5) Tonnerre (3) World Joy (2) Stunning Money
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) TOP DOG debuted inauspiciously last September and only reappeared, gelded, on February 21st when he ran a solid 2nd over this distance from a wide draw. He should have come on for that run, he comes into a much better gate, and he can win here. (2) STUKA Debuted in that February 21st race, finishing 7th. He came back out on March 14th when he was an improved 3rd at 1300M having raced on pace throughout and he is a big danger here. (8) JUST SHINY ran 2nd in two trials in quick times. Seo Seung-un is on and if he brings that form to the races, he can co close. (11) PLUTO has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far and has the best time among these for the distance. He has the challenge of a wider gate this time but warrants another chance. (10) YEOSU SUPER STAR another fast timer who caught the eye when winning a trial.
Selections
(3) Top Dog (2) Stuka (8) Just Shiny (11) Pluto
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) DOCTOR MATTERS enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on March 16th when handy throughout. She comes up to 1400M for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and she has every chance here. (1) STORM POINT has shown signs of figuring it out with a 5th and a 4th in two starts back from a six-month layoff, most recently at this distance on March 21st, coming from off the pace. Munro stays on and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (11) GEUMA PANTHER didn’t do much on debut a month ago but previously trialed well and can improve here. There is no early speed in this race so (5) HANEULPYEONGJEONG can get an easy run to the lead and can be in this a long way. (3) BAEKPAL BOEUN another in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Doctor Matters (1) Storm Point (11) Geuma Panther (5) Haneulpyeongjeong
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
A very ordinary maiden. (4) DOCTOR CURLIN was away slowly from a wide gate before running on for a best to date 4th place at 1300M on March 9th. She draws much better this time and in very modest company won’t have to improve much to win this. (1) COWBOY MAN has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record, something that has led him to be sent off as the favourite in each of his last three starts. None of those went especially well, but from the inside gate he can be on pace here and in things a long way. (9) SUN LIGHT was slow away on debut over 1200M on March 14th, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 6th place. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (11) HOUND POKER and (2) DOCTOR SOLAR others who may have a say.
Selections
(4) Doctor Curlin (1) Cowboy Man (9) Sun Light (11) Hound Poker
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The maidens continue. (2) OASIS GREEN has been knocking on the door of the places and was a beaten favourite when leading on his first try at a mile on February 7th, ultimately finishing a fair 5th. Drawing well to be on pace again, he can go all the way this time. (6) ARONDIGHT was a much-improved 2nd at start number seven over 1400M on March 9th, settling midfield and running on well. Franco climbs on for the first time and he can build on that effort here. (4) EAGLE POWER will need a line drawn through his latest when never a factor but if we instead go on his 2nd place two starts back over this distance then he has to be considered a chance here. (9) SUN JAE and (11) HIT MAJOR among plenty of other chances.
Selections
(2) Oasis Green (6) Arondight (4) Eagle Power (9) Sun Jae
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
2, 9, 10, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Oasis Blue produced a performance of consummate control and maturity to dominate the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the first leg of the 2025 Korean Triple Crown, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Oasis Blue in the clear in the Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)
Fully justifying his 2.8 favourite status, Oasis Blue was ridden patiently in the early stages by jockey Jin Kyum, before letting down in the home straight and the Busan Classic Trial winner pulled away for a comfortable four-length victory in the opening jewel of the crown.
“I didn’t really have to do much; he is so straightforward” winning jockey Jin Kyum told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The stable prepared him really well, I am grateful for the opportunity and happy to repay their trust in me.”
Getting the closest was Thomas Gillespie’s My Dream Day, who as a 38.0 chance ran on under Alan Munro. Another outsider, Yongbi Paewang, ridden by Masa Tanaka, was 3rd. However, pre-race fancies Long Run Bulpae and Gangnaru, as well as Oasis Blue’s stablemate Beolmaui Ace, made little impact.
“These are three-year-olds, the other horses will continue to make progress, but I think Oasis Blue has potential for more too” jockey Jin continued. “The next race (Korean Derby) we know the increased distance is no problem so if he remains well, then he has a big chance of winning again.”
For the 30-year-old jockey Jin, it was a first Graded Stakes win but for trainer Baik Kwang-yeol it was familiar territory, saddling his eighth Graded winner and second in this race after Betelgeuse scored two years ago for the same owner as Oasis Blue, Lee Jong-hun. According to the trainer, it was one of his simplest.
“Although (Oasis Blue) is only three, he is a very relaxed horse, he can settle into a rhythm and pace that is very mature for his age” said Baik, speaking to KRBC. “He is a gentle horse in the stable, so he is easy to manage and train and he is an easy ride. If he continues to make the progress he has so far, then he has a very big future.”
“The owner is very good; he trusts us completely and I have complete trust in the jockey, so I am in a very lucky position as Trainer. The next race is the Derby, we’ll prepare well and see what happens.”
There is much cause for optimism. Oasis Blue has already won over the Derby distance of 1800M and is now set to be a hot favourite when the division reconvenes in Seoul on Sunday May 11th for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1).
Oasis Blue is by KRA stallion Uncaptured and is out of Saena (by Peace Rules). He was bred by Lee Nam-il at Pyeongdae Farm and was purchased by owner Lee Jong-hun for 69 Million Korean Won at the November 2023 Korea Breeders’ Association Sale. The win moves him on to five wins from eight starts – he also crossed the line 1st in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy last October only to be disqualified for an incident early in the race.
Next week the focus shifts to the Road to September’s International Korea Sprint and the second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.
Horse Racing in Korea 