It’s the big one for the three-year-old locally bred division on Sunday as the 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan and a full field of sixteen – seven from the host track and nine who have travelled down from Seoul – will compete for the first jewel.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
Chan Famous and Long Run Bulpae are among the contenders for the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)
Trainer Baik Kwang-yeol and owner Lee Jong-hun won this race with Betelgeuse in 2023, and the pair arrive with two of the leading fancies in this edition in the shape of OASIS BLUE, who won Busan’s Classic Trial in February, along with BEOLMAUI ANGEL, who boasts the highest rating in the race.
CHAN FAMOUS won Seoul’s Classic Trial and leads the capital’s challenge in Busan in the colours of owner Shum Ho-chun. Plenty though will fancy LONG RUN BULPAE, 2nd in that race, to overturn the form on Chan Famous.
The biggest juvenile race of last season, the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) was won by 80/1 outsider Aqua Line. He hasn’t raced since and isn’t here while that day’s runner-up Dragon Ninja, is sent to race 5 on Sunday instead. That leaves KHAN MAX, who was 3rd, as the best finisher in that race, who goes here, and he won’t be among the favourites.
Race Shape: (1) LONG RUN BULPAE and (3) BEOLMAUI ANGEL both like to race on pace and both have drawn very well to do so (9) OASIS BLUE has been close to the speed in both his latest successes and while drawn wider this time will not want to be too far away. (11) ELDORADO NOLBU, (12) GANGNARU and (13) CHAN FAMOUS have all shown an ability to come from off the pace and given their wide draws will most likely settle back and seek to close.
Here’s who is taking part in the big race which has a local post time of 16:30 and is race 6 on the card:
1. LONG RUN BULPAE – Three wins up to class 4 and 1200M. 2nd to Chan Famous in the Sports Seoul having been on pace and going down less than a length. Moon Se-young travels down to ride, he can be on pace here and is a chance.
2. WONDERFUL GROOM – Awarded the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy in the stewards’ room when Oasis Blue was thrown out. Well back in the Gyeongnam Shinmun Classic trial but does have a 2nd place on his only start at this distance. Outsider.
3. BEOLMAUI ANGEL – A winner of four from eight up to class 3 level he has the highest rating of any of these. 4th on first try at a mile last time out having shown on pace throughout. That should stand him in good stead here, he draws beautifully, and he can win. Seo Seung-un is aboard.
4. MY DREAM WAY – Just the one win but has begun this year well with a class 4 2nd and then 3rd in the Gyeongnam Shinmun. Others favoured but looks to be getting better with each run and can settle handy and run on and will have Alan Munro at the controls.
The 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan. It is the last race on a 6-race card on the south coast that runs from 12:05 to 16:30. Up at Seoul there are 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Succes Baekpa won the race a year ago (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) STUNNING WORLD has a 2nd place to her name, recorded on her final run as a juvenile over this distance at the end of December. She has raced just the once since when slow away from a wide draw and running on for 5th. She comes into a much better gate today and won’t need to improve much to win this modest maiden. (10) CHOEGANG SPEED was a fiar 5th in debut over this distance on March 1st, settling back and finishing off well enough. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Debut maker (3) RAON THE BIG RED tried and failed to qualify a couple of times last summer. He was then gelded and put away until this March when he was a good 3rd in a trial. If he brings that form to the races he has every chance. (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) DREAM LYZE others who can improve.
Selections
(1) Stunning World (10) Choegang Speed (3) Raon The Big Red (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2., 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) HIGH CROWN is the one to beat here. He has a 2nd on his record and enters off a solid enough 4th place at 1300M on March 15th when settling just behind the speed and running through the line. In this company he should be on or close to the speed and he can goa ll the way. (5) GWACHEON QUEEN got a long way back when well supported over this distance on February 9th. At the start before she was a good 3rd, running on, and coming in fresh after eight weeks off and with conditions now different, she can be given another chance. (10) LOVE SCARLET was an improved 4th at start number two on March 9th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and 3rd up she can be peaking. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO and (6) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(4) High Crown (5) Gwacheon Queen (10) Love Scarlet (9) Eclipse Tango
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) KING WARRIOR has hinted at ability across six starts so far with his best being a 3rd and his most recent a solid 4th over 1300M on March 2nd when on pace throughout and briefly leading. Ruan Maia rode him that day and stays on and he has as much chance as any. (3) MALSGO was a significantly improved 3rd when beating a couple of these at this distance on March 8th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day and from a good draw, expect similar tactics with the chance of going all the way. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE and (8) ISEUL CHEOREOM were 4th and 5th respectively in that March 8th race and both should be able to have a say here. (6) LALA GIRL also picked up when 2nd on her latest and can build on that here.
Selections
(5) King Warrior (3) Malsgo (2) Haksan Prince (8) Iseul Cheoreom
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
It’s not often we start a card at 1800M but here we are, and it is very competitive with just fillies and mares. (5) BROWN FALCON was the longest but one shot on the board at a mile on March 14th, but she made a mockery of that by coming from well back to run 2nd, beating a couple of these in the process. She remains lightly weighted and from a better gate she can go one better. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA was one of those beaten in that race but she has a class and distance 4th on a tougher race than this as recently as January and with Franco climbing on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) ARION QUEEN mixes her form but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG and (4) LASER GRIT others to consider.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) TAPDINE was 3rd in both his first two starts before breaking through at start three over this distance on February 23rd when leading from gate to wire. He comes up in class today and while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, he draws very well to lead again, and he can repeat. (2) WONDERFUL FAPPY has been a touch disappointing in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win in December. In this company and drawn well he can be challenging Tapdine for the early lead and is worth another chance. (8) BEOLGYO D Y is yet to win in eight attempts but has three 2nd places including last time out over 1300M at this class. He can settle behind the speed and run on here and he should be close. The up in class pair of (9) UMA DACHI and (7) YES ANGEL others to consider.
Selections
(1) Tapdine (2) Wonderful Fappy (8) Beolgyo D Y (9) Uma Dachi
It’s supposed to be the first of two weekends of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Seoul although as of Thursday, the chilly weather has meant those blossoms are not actually out yet. Nevertheless, racing switches to a slightly later schedule with Saturday’s 10 races at Seoul taking place between 13:25 and 20:00. Here are the previews:
Will we see any of these this weekend?
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (5) FASHION STAR has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, coming from off the pace each time. She can do similar here, and in this company, she has a winning chance. (6) EXCELLENT HANSEN has a 2nd place to her name over 1300M and enters off a 4th place in a very similar race to this in February. She’ll be on pace and shapes as the main danger. (11) RAON PARANOMA debuted without distinction on the last day of 2023 and hasn’t been seen since. She looked well in two February trials and could go ok first up in this company. (9) BROWN SUGAR along with first time starter (3) JILJUUI YEOWANG are others to consider.
Selections
(5) Fashion Star (6) Excellent Hansen (11) Raon Paranoma (9) Brown Sugar
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BILLION BOY didn’t do much on debut but has since managed a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M and both times racing on pace. He comes up in trip, but he draws well to be on pace again, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today can be the day. (7) MORNING WONDER has made steady progress across three starts, culminating in a close 2nd over 1300M on March 9th when racing handy throughout. She has a strong finish on her and the slight step up in trip can be in her favour. (9) TEN KOREA debuted with 4th place behind Morning Wonder back in February. It’s taken him eight weeks to return but he should have come on for the run and can be in the mix here. (1) ECLIPSE THE QUEEN and (2) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA others in the placing frame.
Selections
(3) Billion Boy (7) Morning Wonder (9) Ten Korea (1) Eclipse The Queen
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) YEONHUI HERO is yet to win in five but has three runner-up finishes including his latest at this class over 1200M on February 8th when having to settle back and then run on. He comes into a much better gate today and this time should be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (11) KKUMUI HYANGGI is another maiden, in her case from eleven outings. He’s finished in the top four on no fewer than eight occasions including last time on March 16th when 2nd at 1400M. She likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be close again. (2) REMEMBER AGAIN has won, back at start number two at 1200M in November. He has since raced twice at this class with a 2nd and a 5th and from a good gate should be forward early and a threat. (9) ÉCLAIR and (5) GRIFFON are the other place chances.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (8) LEGEND TANSAENG got his maiden win two starts back before running a solid 4th place on his first try at this class over 1300M on February 22nd. He comes up to two turns for the first time as well as coming up 2kg in weight, but neither should be a problem, and he can win again. (6) WITH DIS KURO has steadily progressed across his five starts and he got his maiden win at this distance at the end of December when leading all the way. He is up in class here and he hasn’t raced or trialed since then so his match fitness will have to be taken on trust, but he has plenty of potential to measure up. (4) MEGA STEP has never been worse than 5th in seven appearances and comes up to this distance for the first time. She has proven capable of coming from off the pace and she can be a danger. (3) CAMP DAVID and (1) THUNDER STORM others in contention for the minors.
Selections
(8) Legend Tansaeng (6) With Dis Kuro (4) Mega Step (3) Camp David
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
6, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The 2025 Triple Crown gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile this Sunday but in the meantime, the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (5) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY overcame a slow start to run 5th on debut and then improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 14th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up she can be peaking and with Seo Seung-un engaged, today should be the day. (9) NAMYANG RUBY ran twice last autumn and showed some ability with a 3rd and a 2nd. She races for the first time since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be close here. There are two debut-makers and among them, (11) WONDERFUL SMART improved significantly in the second of two trials (it was voluntary so may not be in all racecards, but she ran 4th in 62.3 for the 1000M). If she brings that form to the races, she can go close. (8) TEUTA and (4) GWANGPUNG STAR others who can get better.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) MEANINGFUL TIME ran 4th over 1300M on debut on February 14th (behind Yeonggwangui Honey who was due to go in race 1), overcoming a wide draw to finish off well. He should have come on for that run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he can win here. (5) CHAMP SONNY ran 3rd at start two in February and then beat a couple of these on March 14th when stepped up to a mile and leading for much of the way around before ultimately finishing 5th. He can be on the speed again here and can go closer this time. (3) FLYING CHAMPION raced four times last summer and autumn with a best of 2nd. He races for the first time in five months and while he didn’t offer many clues in a March trial and a mile isn’t easy first-up, if he shows his previous ability, he won’t be far away. (6) DORAON SAMSON and (1) CAPTAIN KOREA other place chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) FLYING THE LUCKY hasn’t won since his debut but has several recent near misses including last time out when 3rd at this class and distance on March 7th. He tends to get a bit far back but if he can be a little handier here, he can win. He gets a 3kg weight swing on that day’s winner (10) FAT BOY, who emerged out of the same gate as today and settled handy before taking things up turning for home. He has to deal with that additional weight, but a repeat wouldn’t surprise. (2) STAR PARK is a twenty-two-race maiden but has been getting closer and he was 2nd in that March 7th race. He comes up slightly in weight, but draws nicely, Munro gets on for the first time, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (12) PINOT POWER and (4) POMPEII among other chances.
Selections
(8) Flying The Lucky (10) Fat Boy (2) Star Park (12) Pinot Power
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) FLY TO THE MOON is yet to win in five attempts but has been getting progressively closer and enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on March 23rd when drawn even wider than today. He may need a touch of luck at the start but if he can find a forward position, today can be his day. (7) JINJU BIT returned in January following six months out and has steadily improved across three starts back, most recently when 4th on March 7th. He’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (12) DOCTOR HAPPY was an on-pace 2nd at this class and distance on March 9th. She is up 2kg in weight and she has the challenge of the widest gate here but can follow Fly To The Moon across to the speed and be a danger. (8) BLUE THUNDER and (5) GRAND DREAM others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(10) Fly To The Moon (7) Jinju Bit (12) Doctor Happy (8) Blue Thunder
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
7, 8, 10, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The racing season hits its stride in April with top races in all divisions.
Fair to note just 2 days out from the festival, there are no blossoms out as yet
Kicking things off is the first leg of the 2025 Triple Crown with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday April 6th. With a week to go twenty colts remained entered with that number to be whittled down to a maximum of sixteen.
The following week, the domestic Road to the Korea Sprint continues at Seoul with the second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on April 14th. The first leg in Busan last month was won by Vincero Cavallo and he and the rest of the usual sprinting suspects are set to reassemble in Seoul.
Also on the second weekend of the month, six valuable international trophy exchange races – three at Seoul and three at Busan – will be run.
The highlight of the month may well be the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). The second leg of the Stayer Series on the domestic Road to the Korea Cup should see Global Hit making his return to local racing action following his 3rd place in the Al Maktoum Classic at Meydan.
This year the race is given an added level of intrigue by the entry of Japan-trained Yumeno Honoo. A superstar at his home track of Kochi, Yumeno Honoo is a winner of eighteen races but is yet to travel, even to another NAR track in Japan.
The YTN Cup is one of several Korean races that are Listed in the International Blue Book and open to overseas runners but as open races (rather than invitational like the Korea Cup and Sprint), connections are responsible for their own travel costs which can be prohibitively high. The last overseas horse to take part in such a race was Esmeraldina, who won the Ttukseom Cup in 2015.
It’s the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) that rounds out the April action on Sunday 27th at Seoul, the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer.
The first two Saturdays (5th and 13th) of the month will have an amended schedule with the first race at Seoul being 1.25pm and the last at 8pm, due to the annual cherry blossom festival. Race times on Friday and Sunday will remain normal. See https://kra-festival.com/ for more info.
The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday when twelve fillies line up for the Luna Stakes over a mile. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 (this big race is the last) while at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry won last year’s Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (7) CHRYSOL NIKE ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 25th, settling midfield and running on well. She comes in relatively fresh after nine weeks out, she should have come on for the run, and she can go one better today. (9) GIDAEHARA improved to 5th at start number two on February 22nd, showing on pace before weakening a little late on. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and with Maia getting on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) NAEGILUI ACE beat Gidaehara when running 3rd in that February 22nd race. She has shown progression across each of her three starts so far and can be in the mix again. (8) MISS FAMOUS and (10) SMART TAKE the other main chances.
Selections
(7) Chrysol Nike (9) Gidaehara (3) Naegilui Ace (8) Miss Famous
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) TOUR FELIX ran once without distinction last summer and then didn’t reappear until February 23rd this year when he was a much-improved 2nd at 1200M, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and he can go one better today. (7) THUNDER FIRE improved to 3rd at start number two on March 1st, similarly racing handy all the way. He’ll do the same here and third up can be even fitter. (3) J ONE POWER ran 3rd behind Tour Felix in that February 23rd race, having settled a little closer than in his first two outings and accordingly running better. He draws well and can be there or thereabouts again. (11) MUNHAK CHUKJE and (2) RAON SILENCE are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Tour Felix (7) Thunder Fire (3) J One Power (11) Munhak Chukje
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (9) CUPID K probably gets the verdict although that means having to discount her latest effort on March 2nd when she was sent off as favourite but barely laid a glove on them and finished midfield. Her form leading up to that was good though and on her 2nd place two starts back, she warrants another chance with the extended trip potentially suiting. (11) MARUBYEOL must be close to setting the record for most class 6 starts. That’s not a good thing. However, she got her best ever finish at this distance in January and in this very modest company, could be going even better. (6) GHOST CHYSOL races fro the first time since being beaten by Marubyeol at thus distance in that January race. He comes into a better gate today and get closer. (5) GRAND FLYING and (1) SAVANA CHARLIE perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(9) Cupid K (11) Marubyeol (6) Ghost Chrysol (5) Grand Flying
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After running 4th on debut in February, (2) VANGIE was beaten into 2nd place when sent off as favourite on March 7th over 1200M. He draws nicely here, and with the slight step up in trip, he will be hot favourite to get it right at the third time of asking. (4) JJAK SARANG also has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts to date, racing on pace both times. She can be on pace and in this a long way. Those two will be at the top of most quinella picks, although (8) HEUIMANG GUNJU was an improved 3rd at start number three over this distance on February 28th when close to the speed throughout. He can aim to at least repeat in this company. (6) FAST QUEEN and (7) THUNDER PASSION others who can potentially improve.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) RAON NOTHERN DANCE is yet to win in five but comes up in class following four top four finishes, including a last start 3rd on his first try at this distance on February 23rd when close to the speed throughout. He can have come on for that experience and coming down a full 4kg in weight and drawn nicely, can win here. (3) DANGDAECHOWOL is similarly winless and in his case has sic top five finishes from seven attempts. He enters off a 2nd place at this class and distance on January 25th and while he was well beaten by a good winner, he won’t need to improve much to have winning claims here. (9) LOTUSMIREU has improved since a six-month layoff and can aim to at least match the 3rd places she has from each of her latest two. (6) GRAND KWAEMA and up in class (10) TROLL other minor hopes.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) SWORD MASTER was an also ran in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Rookie and since then has two runner-up finishes and most recently, a 4th place at this class over a mile on February 23rd when on pace throughout. He ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and he looks the one to beat today. He will need to overturn the form on (6) WORLD HIT, who was 3rd in that February 23rd race, showing on pace throughout. He will be on the speed again and can be in this a long way. (5) HOMYEONG SHINHWA comes up in class following a maiden win over 1300M that had been coming. She carries a light weight and can measure up in this company. (7) MORNING DEW and (10) TRIPLE AXEL are others to look out for.
Selections
(8) Sword Master (6) World Hit (5) Homyeong Shinhwa (7) Morning Dew
Next Best
10, 12
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) DRAGON KILLER has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd at 1200M and 1300M. He has proven able to come from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he has every chance of breaking through here. The danger is (7) MUNHAK BELL. She was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on January 5th when settling midfield and running on. She comes in fresh following twelve weeks out and will similarly be running on strong. (4) ALL NUT raced three times up until last June with a best of 3rd place at 1300M. She hasn’t raced since but looked well in a trial earlier this month and in this company can be backed on a place line first-up. (8) SUN CATCHER and (9) BITNARA others who can improve.
Selections
(10) Dragon Killer (7) Munhak Bell (4) All Nut (8) Sun Catcher
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SEOBU SKY could only manage 6th when sent off as favourite at start number two having bumped at the start and then got trapped wide. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on his solid 3rd place on debut and with the extended trip today possible to suit, he is worth another chance. (4) JUNMA FORCE has a 5th and two 4th place finishes from three outings so far. She has been doing her best work late on so she is another for who the slight step up in distance can favour and is the main danger. (11) DRAGON FANTASY was an improved 3rd at start number four on March 1st and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can be there or thereabouts again. (3) JILJU CHEONHA and (6) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN among plenty of others with at least place chances.
Selections
(2) Seobu Sky (4) Junma Force (11) Dragon Fantasy (3) Jilju Cheonha
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (2) PURGE STEP was a winner on debut in a filly only maiden at 1300M in January before running a fair 4th on March 1st on her first try at this class and distance. She draws well here to sit just behind the speed, and she can return to winning ways. (10) ARCH DAY is yet to score in seven attempts and actually comes up in class here. Nevertheless, she has five top five finishes and won’t need to improve much on her showing when 2nd last time out in order to challenge here. (1) BIG BRIDGE is similarly a maiden but with no fewer than ten top five finishes from twelve starts and very nicely drawn, she can be an each-way chance. The up in class (5) FLYING LION, along with (3) HERO JILJU, who needs a line through her latest, are others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Purge Step (10) Arch Day (1) Big Bridge (5) Flying Lion
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (10) MR.STORM got his maiden win at start number four on February 15th when leading all the way over this distance. He is up in class and along with the wide draw, he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight drop, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come. (4) WANGCHOEGO is yet to score in eight attempts but has had plenty of near misses including as runner-up at this class and distance two outings back. On that effort he shapes as a big chance here, settling midfield and running on. (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is another maiden who has placed at this class and distance as recently as February, He has a smart finish on him and can run into the money again. (3) GOOGOO and (1) YONGBI TAEYANG are others in the frame.
The Triple Tiara gets underway this weekend with the Luna Stakes being run on Sunday. Prior to that the action gets underway with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) DEFENSE PLAY raced once without distinction last April but looked well when trialing in February, racing handy and running on for 3rd in a fair time. He draws nicely here and has as good a chance as any. (9) YONGBI LEGEND beat a couple of these when leading all the way to “win” a March 1st trial. That was his fourth attempt to qualify but if he brings that form to the races, then he should be a big chance here. (6) TANTAN DAERO was 2nd in that same trial, settling back and running on. In his case it was his second trial and he should be nicely fit for this. (5) ECHO CHAMP and (1) OVERSHOOTING others who can be considered first up.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (10) WONDERFUL FORTUNE was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on February 7th when settling midfield and running on and beating a few of these in the process. The slight step up in trip can suit and she won’t need to improve much to win this. After a positive trial, (3) SWORN QUEEN ran a fair 5th on debut, settling just behind the pace and running on. She should have derived benefit from the run and can go closer here. (7) ILLUSION has hinted at ability across her six starts with her latest being her best when 4th at 1200M in a similar race to this on February 16th. She is another who may appreciate a bit more distance, and can be competitive. (4) NICE GIRL and (1) DREAMMA other chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Another competitive maiden. (8) FATE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two, both over the mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 28th. He likes to settle back and come from off the pace and today can be his day. (5) CARIBBEAN BAY enters off an improved 2nd place at 1400M on February 23rd when handy throughout. He tackles 1600M for the first time and it can suit. (6) HOUDINI was a solid 4th at 1400M last time out when drawn in the widest gate and then settling back. He too steps up to the mile with scope to get better. (2) DAEJI DABONG and (9) EAGLE POWER are among plenty of others who should be in the hunt
Selections
(8) Fate (5) Caribbean Bay (6) Houdini (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
We’ll take a chance on (5) MEGA PLAY here. He ran out of steam on his first try at this class when stepped up to 1400M on February 28th, but he drops back to the distance at which he got his win back in January when on pace and from a good gate he can be in this. It’s been a long time since (3) ROAD TO THUNDER got his sole win, but his recent form reads nicely, and he has finished ahead of plenty of these. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field, and he should be finishing strongly again. (6) DRAGON PUCNH returned in January from six months out and has since finished 4th and 3rd in two outings back. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can be a threat. (11) DEUMULEO and (1) TENGRE other placing chances.
Selections
(5) Mega Play (3) Road To Thunder (6) Dragon Punch (11) Deumuleo
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
7, 8, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer gets underway at Seoul on Sunday afternoon when a field of fourteen fillies and mares take their chance in the Dong-a Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed). Neither of last year’s divisional standouts Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong are taking part and it looks set to be a fascinating affair. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday between 10:35 and 18:00, while there are 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Jeulgeounyeojeong is back in training but she skips the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) ROAD TO A SPUR has been getting closer over the course of his four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on February 16th when he led until the closing stages. He draws nicely to lead again here, and he will be a short price favourite to go one better. (6) HANEUL GAMDONG was an improved 4th at start number two at the start of January, coming from off the pace. He comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and he shapes as the main danger. Those two will fill out most quinella tickets. (7) BREEDO KING STAR has been a touch disappointing in two starts back from a lengthy absence. He had previously shown ability though and third-up, he may be fitter. (2) DOUBLE NINE and (10) LASER RUN others in the hunt for the minors.
Selections
(5) Road To A Spur (6) Haneul Gamdong (7) Breedo King Star (2) Double Nine
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) KOTAP enters off a best to date 2nd place at 1200M on February 22nd when she led for much of the way around. She has placed at this distance too and from a good draw and with Maia staying on, she can go one better today. The main danger is (3) DONGJIN THUNDER. She too enters off a runner-up finish at her latest appearance, in her case over this distance in a filly-only maiden on February 16th. She can settle handy and can run on. (10) BISANG BELL was an improved 3rd at start number two on February 23rd when ridden much further forward than on debut. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can build on that here. (6) HYEWONYONGMA and (7) CHEONJI LADY others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Kotap (3) Dongjin Thunder (10) Bisang Bell (6) Hyewonyongma
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) GIANT BOSS got his maiden win at the third time of asking over this distance on February 9th when handy all the way. He is up in class but down in weight and he has every chance of measuring up in this company. (9) CHOWON DOLPUNG was a winner at this class over 1200M on February 15th in filly company. She is up 2kg in weight but that made it two from her latest three and she is not to be dismissed here. (10) ECLIPSE EDGE has a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both of them at this class and distance. His sole win came from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he shapes as a potential danger late on. The up in class last start winners (3) ECLIPSE LUCKY and (5) NAMSAN SONYEO may have a bit more to find but can be competitive.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) DONGNAM DOLPUNG has made steady progress across his four starts so far, with his best being his latest when 2nd over this distance on February 21st when, as has been his pattern, he settled back and came from off the pace. Expect similar here and he will be hot favourite to come out on top this time. (9) GLOBAL HEROINE has two 3rd places from four starts, including her last start over 1200M on February 23rd. In this company she can be on pace, and she can be in this a long way. (11) GOLDEN SPOT has been poor in his latest two but does have the fastest time among these for the distance and under a light weight could provide some each-way interest. (10) BEOLGYOUI BOM and (2) TIP TAP, the latter making his return eight months on from his debut and who trialed well, are others to consider.
Selections
(5) Dongnam Dolpung (9) Global Heroine (11) Golden Spot (10) Beolgyoui Bom
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win from six attempts, but he has never been worse than 5th and comes in having run a very close 2nd at this class over 1300M on February 9th. His other runner-up finish came on his only previous try at this trip, and he looks to be the one to beat here. (9) GANDAGO comes in having run on from a long way back for 3rd place at 1300M on February 22nd. She is one for one at this distance and under a light weight, she is the main danger here. (11) LUCKY SUNNY could only manage midfield when tried at 1700M for his first go at this class on February 16th. At the start before he was a good maiden winner over 1300M and can appreciate the drop back to one turn. (3) B.K. BELLE and (6) YES MADAM are the other main placing chances.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
CC Wong has plenty of chances this weekend (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Nine maiden fillies and one gelding in the opener. (6) GEOLJAK HAPPY is one of only two in the field to have a top three finish on her record, something she managed last September over 1000M. She returned from three months out on February 23rd to run a fair 6th of eleven and stripping fitter today, has as good a chance as any. (9) NURI JILJU has run 6th in both her starts so far at 1300M and at this distance. She has demonstrated a decent start so in this company, she can be on pace and be a threat. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST is the other to have placed in her case when 3rd three starts back at 1300M and that’s enough to have her in contention here. (7) JISAN FRIEND and (2) GEUMGYEPORAN others who could potentially improve in a weak field.
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens with two standouts. After a positive trial (9) NICE FORCE was well supported on debut when he overcame the widest gate to sit handy and run on for 4th. That was back in December so he comes in here fresh after fourteen weeks out, Ruan Maia climbs on, and he can win. The danger is (5) TANSEONGUI BANSEOK. After a slow start, he rattled home from a long way back to beat three of today’s rivals when 2nd on debut on February 22nd. He comes into a much better gate this time and if he can be a bit closer a bit sooner, he can go one better. (3) GLOBAL COMPUTING did nothing on debut in January, but he has since been back to trial, which he came through well finishing in 2nd place in a decent time. CC being booked suggests he can be better this time around. (10) GLOBAL PHAROAH and (11) CALM IN STORM are potential other ones who can improve.
Selections
(9) Nice Force (5) Tanseongui Banseok (3) Global Computing (10) Global Pharoah
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) KARA K will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. She has three top five finishes from four starts so far with her best being a 2nd place two starts back over 1200M. She enters off a 4th place at 1300M on February 16th and while up to this trip for the first time, she won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) HERO CHOICE comes in off an improved 3rd place at start number three on February 22nd, coming from well back at 1300M. The slight increase in distance can suit and he can go close again here. Veteran maiden (9) TRES VITE is yet to finish in the top two in twenty-eight starts but he has no fewer than fourteen finishes between 3rd and 5th and this is the kind of company he can pick up a cheque in again. (7) LADYBIRD and (4) GRAY PHANTOM other place chances.
Selections
(5) Kara K (6) Hero Choice (9) Tres Vite (7) Ladybird
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) PASA KING is very much the one to beat here. He broke his maiden at start two last November and has since raced twice at this class and distance, running 3rd both times. He comes in under similar conditions and among slightly softer company, he can win. (1) ROYAL BEST doesn’t win out of turn but has plenty of minor money finishes and from a good draw, this is the kind of race in which he can be on pace and in things a long way. (4) HAKSAN DAESE will need a line drawn through her latest when she struggled from a wide draw. Harry climbs on here and he can be a danger. (5) SSANG OK RU and the up in class (10) LADY BLUE are others who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(7) Pasa King (1) Royal Best (4) Haksan Daese (5) Ssang Ok Ru
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 