Power Blade Faces Four In Kookje Sinmun

Triple Crown winner Power Blade will be the prohibitive favourite when he makes his return to his home track of Busan for the first time since winning the first jewel in the Crown all the way back in April. He has scared off all but four other entrants in the Kookje Sinmun Cup which will be run over 1400M on Sunday afternoon.

Power Blade Banjiui

Power Blade, seen here becoming Champion Juvenile on the last occasion he raced at 1400M, faces four in the Kookje Sinmun Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

While still lightly campaigned – Power Blade has only raced a total of ten times in his career, there were fears among some that a trip to Seoul for the Korea Cup last month would be a race too far. He defied those to some extent by finishing 4th in the Cup, albeit a full twenty lengths behind winner Chrysolite and four lengths behind Stablemate Triple Nine in 3rd.

It’s another stablemate that could provide the main danger in Sunday’s kookje Sinmun. Seoul Bullet, who was six for six before injury struck in Spring of 2015 and perhaps returned a little too soon when racing last when finally reappearing in August. Significantly better is expected of him today.

Kookje Sinmun Cup (Listed-Weight for Age) – Busan Racecourse – 1400M – Sunday October 9 (16:15)

1. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee] 3 C (10/7/2/0) – Kim Yong Geun
The Triple Crown winner drops back to seven furlongs for the first time since he was a juvenile – a race in which he recorded a faster time than any of his oppponents here have managed at this distance. Tactically versatile, fully fit or not, he should have far too much for these.

2. Hangangui Gijeok (KOR) [Didyme] 5 G (15/10/1/0) – Choi Si Dae
Two years ago he was one of the best horses on the peninsula. Ruled out with tendinitis for seventeen months from March of 2015 until August of this year, his return was an inauspocious one, only beating one home over 1200M. Two months down the line we’re expecting improvement. We’re not expecting him to beat Power Blade. Likely to lead.

3. Yuseong Fighting (KOR) [Didyme] 4 C (21/6/3/0) – Oh Kyoung Hoan
Decent sprinter whose connections are never afraid to send him out in tough company. Beat Seoul Bullet on the latter’s return from injury. He’ll join Hangangui Gijeok in looking for the early lead and he he should stay on to be competitive.

4. Seoul Bullet (KOR) [Peace Rules] 5 G (7/6/0/0) – Seo Seung Un
Sent to Florida as a juvenile he raced there four times for one third before returning to Korea towards the end of his three-year-old season. Stronger, fitter and more muscular than his contemporaries, he promptly went six for six before injury intervened. He lost his unbeaten record on his return after fifteen months out in August, behind Yuseong Fighting. He’ll settle handy probably close to Power Blade.

5. Royal Impact (KOR) [Cielo Gold] 5 H (33/5/6/0) – Song Keong Yun
Drops back to 1400M for the first time in some considerable time, he has struggled to make an impact in class 1 but scored a creditable 5th behind Triple Nine in the Owners’ Cup at a mile in August. He’ll settle at the back and try to be the closer here.

The Kookje Sinmun Cup is the feature among a 6-race card at Busan from 12:50 to 17:05. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00. The Seoul meeting will be broadcast live on Sky Racing in Australia and a full race-by-race preview will follow.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 7)

The southern part of the Korean peninsula, including Busan, got slammed by a typhoon on Wednesday causing significant damage and disruption. Racing goes ahead, however, and Busan runs 10 races on Friday from 14:20 to 21:00. 

English racecards can be found here. Notes on overseas simulcast races (1-7) are below:

Key

Rating Top five official rated
Fast Starters Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M Fastest average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20

Seven of these are debut-makers but it’s the experienced ones who are likely to be favoured. (2) TIGER SLAM was an improved 3rd on what was his second outing in August and he can make all here. (6) EORIN YEOWANG was behind him that day but came back out an improved 3rd herself a month ago and should be competitive again. Of the first-timers, (5) BANJIUI JANGMI is a half to two really good horses and was encouraging in trials as was (8) AGNES and (4) TAEYANGUI SINHWA.

Selections (2) Tiger Slam (5) Banjiui Jangmi (8) Agnes (6) Eorin Yeowang
Next Best 4, 10, 11, 9
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 9, 11
Start-200M 2, 10, 6, 12, 7
200M-Finish 10, 7, 6, 2, 12

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:45 

A half-sister of prolific winner Cinderella Man, (5) EVERGREEN TREE debuts here and will be hot favourite to score having won a trial by fifteen lengths two weeks ago. (2) SEGI GANGJA, 5th on debut in July and returns from injury here and is likely to be second favourite while fellow experienced ones (7) TEUKGEUP GAMDONG and (9) STAR GOLD can also improve. (3) ADELEUI JINJU qualified (a considerable distance) behind Evergreen Tree and looks the best of the other debut-makers.

Selections (5) Evergreen Tree (2) Segi Gangja (3) Adeleui Jinju (9) Star Gold
Next Best 7, 10
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 5, 7, 10
Start-200M 7, 2, 8, 10, 9
200M-Finish 8, 11, 2, 9, 7

Race 3: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30 

Kiwi trainer David Miller sends out his first Korean runner in the shape of (5) WOLHADOKJAK and it could be a winning start. The colt has shown improvement in his last two and was narrowly beaten out of 3rd last time at this distance. The main danger is (9) SAMHYEONGJE, who has two 3rds at this distance so far while (10) SAERON NA also improved last start and can be considered. (4) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG and (7) DONGNAM CHOEGO look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Wolhadokjak (9) Samhyeongje (7) Dongnam Choego (10) Saeroun Na
Next Best 4, 12
Rating –
Fast Starters 1, 4, 7, 8
Start-200M 8, 7, 1, 9, 12
200M-Finish 5, 4, 9, 6, 3

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:15 

Small field but should be competitive. (7) MAGIC WINNER hasn’t exactly lived up to his name but has as good a chance as any on what will be his first try at this distance. He beat (8) DON’T STOP as the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1200M on August and both will be competitive here. (6) VEGA KHAN was an improved 4th two weeks ago and can build on that here while (4) STYLISH and the sole debut-maker (9) BULBIT JEONSA may also be considered.

Selections (7) Magic Winner (9) Bulbit Jeonsa (8) Don’t Stop (4) Stylish
Next Best 6, 3
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 5
Start-200M 2, 3, 7, 5, 4
200M-Finish 3, 8, 1, 7, 6

Race 5: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 17:00 

The final maiden race and (1) HWAJEONG should really be making her breakthrough here. She was 3rd last start, beating (2) PUREUN GANGJA in the process and looks the best of these. (6) HWANHAN SESANG comes in following a pair of 5ths and can improved with the aforementioned Pureun Gangja and (3) DREAM ACE looking the best of a limited rest.

Selections (1) Hwajeong (6) Hwanhan Sesang (2) Pureun Gangja (3) Dream Ace
Next Best 5
Rating –
Fast Starters 3, 5
Start-200M 3, 7, 4, 1, 2
200M-Finish 1, 6, 2, 7, 5

Race 6: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:50 

Nine of these imports are unraced. (2) POINT LUCK was the fastest in trials and accordingly will be one the favourites to strike here. Also looking good in preparation was (8) AMERANCE FASHION and (7) SPEED MARK, the latter winning his trial. (4) MORNING PARK beat a couple of the others in his trial and can be considered. The only one of these with racing experience is (3) BAEDARI SAMCHONGSA. He hasn’t shown much in two starts so far but has a top jockey booking and can show improvement.

Selections (2) Point Luck (7) Speed Mark (8) Amerance Fashion (4) Morning Korea
Next Best 3, 6, 5
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 6, 8
Start-200M 3
200M-Finish 3

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:30 

Finally we get to see some horses who have actually won some races. (1) WONDER WALL was 2nd last month in a valuable race for juveniles who passed through the domestic sales and he can get back to winning ways here. (10) BAEKDUBONG is up in class and distance following his maiden win a month ago and warrants consideration while (4) LIMITLESS WIN seems to be getting to grips with this class and can improve on his last two outings. (6) REALLY QUEEN and (8) BOUND QUEENS look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Wonder Wall (10) Baekdubong (4) Limitless Win (6) Really Queen
Next Best 8, 2, 12
Rating 4, 1, 2=8, 11
Fast Starters 1, 6, 8
Start-200M 1, 6, 8, 7, 12
200M-Finish 10, 1, 4, 6, 12

Satoshi On Fire At Busan While It’s Bravo Belli at Seoul

Yonekura Satoshi continued his solid September with no less five winners at Busan last weekend. Meanwhile up at Seoul, Sunday was a milestone day for Marcello Belli as the Italian claimed his first Korean winner.

Since winning the KNN Cup on outsider Supreme Magic in July, Satoshi has finally found himself getting plenty of opportunities and the 41-year-old Japanese rider is converting them.

Taking advantage of a number of Busan’s top riders being in Seoul for the Jeju Governor’s Cup, Satoshi won the first race last Friday on Queen’s Queen and added two more later on in the evening before coming back out on Sunday and adding two more. None of the five across the weekend started at shorter than 5/1.

It’s still early days for Marcello Belli but the Italian rider got a big boost on Sunday as he partnered his first winner in Seoul. On a day of long-shot winners, Belli made all on 43/1 chance Northern Hojae in race 8 and just had enough left to hold off the  favourite by a nose on the line

It was Belli’s first win on what was his 21st ride at Seoul. He still has some considerable way to go to match fellow Italian-licensed Seoul rider Djordje Perovic but he’s now on his way.

Seoul’s other foreign jockey Imran Chisty also rode a winner on Saturday although Paolo Aragoni and Pasquale Borelli who were also in the capital for the weekend both saw their mounts come up short in the Jeju Governor’s Cup.

Busan’s fourth foreign jockey, Francisco Da Silva got his own Korean career off to a remarkable start. Debuting on September 9th, he won on his first two rides and added a third later that same day. The 37-year-old is yet to add to that tally but has had a few near misses and was suspended last weekend.

Indian Star Skips Through The Slop In Jeju Cup

Indian Star made all to win the Jeju Governor’s Cup at a soaking wet Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The 22/1 chance left some of the best domestic-bred fillies in her wake as she cruised a four-length win.

1. Indian Star (KOR) [Adcat – Indian Diamond (Indian Charlie)] – Lim Sung Sil – 22.4, 3.8
2. Touch Flying (KOR) [Colors Flying – Jeongtongseong (Lassigny)] – Jo Jae Ro – 2.7
3. Ottug Ottugi (KOR) [Forest Camp – Main Objective (Lion Heart)] – Choi Si Dae – 1.2
Distances: 4 lengths / 2 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Santa Gloria 5. Pinot Noir 6. Sharp Gale 7. Hwanggeumbitjijunghae 8. Smart Time 9. Special Rookie 10. Chang Se 11. Queen Two Hearts 13. Raon Amos 13. Valkyrie

Korea Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi was sent off as favourite having come out of the Korea Sprint three weeks ago in good shape while Santa Gloria, who won a trial for this race at Busan at the end of August was second in the betting.

It was a miserable day at Seoul with the rain having started in the early morning and the track resembling the Han river by the time the thirteen went to post for the Jeju Governor’s Cup. However, once the gates opened, instead of Ottug Ottugi leading, it was Indian Star who was brought right around from gate 11 by Lim Sung Sil and into a lead that she wouldn’t give up.

Touch Flying, who entered on a streak of four consecutive victories, came home 2nd while Ottug Ottugi just held off Santa Gloria in a photo-finish for 3rd.

Indian Star (Adcat), a four-year-old, was winning for the 9th time in 16 outings. Her previous attempt at a Stakes race ended badly as she came home 10th in the Busan Ilbo Cup but she entered having put in two solid performances in class 1 races at Busan and had perhaps been due a good result. For trainer Mun Je Bok it continues a good year – he also trains Perdido Pomeroy who won the Korea-Japan Cup at Seoul in June and was 4th in last month’s Korea Sprint.

2nd in the Korea Sprint was Macheon Bolt and Peter Wolsley’s four-year-old made his return to action down at Busan on Sunday. He was sent off the hot favourite for a 1400M class 1 handicap which attracted a strong field including Gamdonguibada and Ms. Margaux. Macheon Bolt (Old Fashioned) was too good for them though, leading all the way under jockey Lee Hee Cheon to record his 10th win on his 16th career start.

Next weekend Stakes action moves to Busan and the Kookje Sinmun Cup.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

It’s a big day of racing in the peninsula as Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi heads the line-up in Seoul in the Jeju Governor’s Cup, a race that brings together some of the top Korean bred fillies on the peninsula. At Busan, Macheon Bolt is the one they have to beat in a top class feature handicap.

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Ottug Ottugi and Choi Si Dae, seen here at the Korea Sprint, return to Seoul Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English Racecards are here. All Seoul races are available on the TAB in Australia.Race-by-race preview (except Busan race 1) below:

Key

Rating Top five official rated
Fast Starters Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M Fastest Average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40 

Two standouts here and we’ll go with (11) SMART PARK to beat (9) LEAD MONEY. The latter would perhaps have won last time had he not shifted inwards away from the whip in the closing stages and gets another chance here. Among the rest, (6) CUPID FLOWER was beaten by Lead Money on debut in August and can improve for it while (2) LUIBAN, (3) RAON ROCKY and (10) GOLDEN STEP look best of the first-timers.

Selections (11) Smart Park (9) Lead Money (6) Cupid Flower (3) Raon Rocky
Next Best 10, 2
Rating –
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 6
Start-200M 9, 4, 5, 11, 6
200M-Finish 11, 8, 6, 9, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:05 

(6) NHA TRANG has improved on each start so far and was 2nd in a weak race over 1000M a month ago. He tries 1300M for the first time today and can win from on the early speed. Main danger is (4) HAWK EYES, narrowly beaten into 3rd last start and with a strong finish. The rest look indifferent at best. It’s not a good sign to still be at class 6 after 23 starts but (1) DREAM KING should be capable of beating a few of these while (2) PROUD and (9) NONGBON OREUM can also compete for places.

Selections (4) Hawk Eyes (6) Nha Trang (2) Proud (1) Dream King
Next Best 9, 3
Rating –
Fast Starters 6, 9
Start-200M 6, 4, 8, 2, 9
200M-Finish 4, 6, 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:30 

(3) NO MERCY was 2nd on debut at the beginning of September, having briefly led close to home and he is one of the main contenders here. He’ll look to lead all the way. (5) BINNANEUN TALLYEOK was a much improved 2nd on what was her fourth start at the end of August. She’s not a fast starter and may appreciate the extra half furlong today. (1) I AM CAPTAIN was a slightly disappointing 6th last time but gets another chance while (4) SUNNY SKY and (6) HIMCHAN CHULBAL look best of the rest.

Selections (3) No Mercy (5) Binnaneun Tallyeok (1) I Am Captain (6) Himchan Chulbal
Next Best 4, 7
Rating –
Fast Starters 3, 7
Start-200M 3, 7, 1, 2, 4
200M-Finish 6, 5, 8, 4, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:10 

(9) RAON CONDOR was a three-length winner on debut a month ago and while she had little to beat that day and is up in class here, she will be competitive. (5) STORM RYKER has been knocking on the door of the places at this class and should be going close here while (3) GEUMBIT ROAD returns after nine months off and looked sharp in a trial in the summer. (7) SUPER ROCKET and (8) SAEBYEOCK BULKKOT both improved last start and may be considered.

Selections (5) Storm Ryker (9) Raon Condor (7) Super Rocket (3) Geumbit Road
Next Best 8, 11
Rating 1, 5, 7, 4=9
Fast Starters 3, 7, 8, 9
Start-200M 9, 7, 3, 5, 8
200M-Finish 3, 11, 4, 2, 1

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:15 

Really open race all-filly race. (1) PUREUN JILJU was a winner on debut last month but will have to find plenty if she’s to repeat. Just as likely to make the step up is (11) GEUMSAEKJO, who looked good making all to get her own maiden win on August 28th. (7) EONJE EODISEONA and (8) MARI have both run twice at this level and should be competitive while (2) ECTON GAYA and especially (3) DOLCE VITA are others to consider.

Selections (11) Geumsaekjo (7) Eonje Eodiseona (3) Dolce Vita (1) Pureun Jilju
Next Best 8, 2, 10
Rating 7, 8, 11, 1, 2
Fast Starters 6, 7, 8, 10
Start-200M 8, 7, 10, 6, 5
200M-Finish 2, 11, 10, 9, 1

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 

(11) GASOK ACE is up in class following his maiden win last time and looks nicely in for a repeat today. Rivals are (9) GOLDEN KINGS returned from five months off to record a solid 5th place earlier this month and should have come on for the run and (10) KWAESEOK BOLT, already a winner at this level and top weight here. The inconsistent (3) ACE POWER looks best of the rest.

Selections (11) Gasok Ace (10) Kwaeseok Bolt (9) Golden Kings (3) Ace Power
Next Best 1, 5, 6
Rating 10, 6, 11, 3, 9
Fast Starters 3, 11
Start-200M 3, 11, 9, 1, 8
200M-Finish 11, 9, 7, 2, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:05 

Only one previous winner amongst this lot and that’s (12) GYODUBO, who races for the first time since that victory, achieved on a muddy track in July. He’s top weight but has claims again. (1) BROOKS comes in following a 3rd and a 2nd from his last two and should place again while (2) TOTAL WALKER is always well-supported and may find conditions more favourable today. (8) SINGIPARANG is one start into a comeback following over a year off and can improve with (7) MUSTANG STRONG, (9) ALL KILL and (11) GUKJE MYEONGPUM among a number of others to watch.

Selections (12) Gyodubo (1) Brooks (2) Total Walker (7) Mustang Strong
Next Best 8, 11, 9, 10
Rating 8, 12, 10, 1, 2
Fast Starters 1, 7, 8, 12
Start-200M 7, 8, 6, 10, 12
200M-Finish 12, 8, 10, 2, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 

(2) CAPITAL GANGJA comes in following three consecutive 2nd place finishes and taking her chance against imports can go one better here. She beat (5) KKEUTPAN BOOSTER into 3rd last time out and both should be in contention with the latter carrying 3kg less today. Main danger is Kim Young Kwan’s (8) MATCH POWER, 3rd on his second start a month ago and surely a winner at some stage. (10) DEVIL KING and (11) YEGEURINA are also to be considered.

Selections (5) Kkeutpan Booster (8) Match Power (2) Capital Gangja (11) Yegeurina
Next Best 10, 4
Rating 11, 6=9, 7, 4
Fast Starters 1, 3
Start-200M 1, 2, 5, 11, 3
200M-Finish 11, 4, 6, 5, 8

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 

Competitive race here. (1) MISUJAE and (3) DANGCHANBISANG are up in class after slightly unexpected wins at 1200M and 1300M respectively. They’ll have a bit to find today but can be competitive. (2) SPECIAL ROAD HILL secured her second career win against softer opposition earlier this month and will also need to improve. (9) WHIZ SPEED, with two wins and two 2nds from his last four looks the one to beat although strong finisher (4) SUPER BROAD can improve on recent starts too. (6) CHEOLLI and (11) OFFIDAY also with claims.

Selections (9) Whiz Speed (4) Super Broad (1) Misujae (3) Dangchanbisang
Next Best 11, 6, 2
Rating 9, 11, 2=8, 4
Fast Starters 1, 3, 9, 11
Start-200M 9, 5, 3, 6, 1
200M-Finish 4, 11, 6, 2, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20

(3) GABO STAR has been sent off at odds-on for all but one of his seven starts to date. He’s only won the two but while he is up in class here, he should be leading all the way from a favourable draw and making it three. He’s up against (7) GIFTED SUN though, a sharp winner over 1000M last month who is similarly up in class today and can provide a stern examination. (1) PHANTOM BLADE hasn’t lived up to early promise but can come on for his 5th place back from a spell three weeks ago while (2) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL, (9) FOR MY SIS and (10) GIMAKIN JILJU are always reliably competitive.

Selections (3) Gabo Star (7) Gifted Sun (1) Phantom Blade (9) For My Sis
Next Best 10, 2
Rating 9, 10, 2=3, 6
Fast Starters 3
Start-200M 7, 3, 1, 4, 2
200M-Finish 2, 9, 5, 11, 10

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 

(11) MIDAS ROAD stepped up in class last time just didn’t quicken enough, finish in 3rd at this distance. He gets a chance to return to winning ways today. He narrowly beat (7) KATIE STAR into 4th that day and she too will be competitive as indeed will (9) SUPER START, who beat Katie Star at class and distance in July before going on to disappoint when stepped up to 1400M last month, a race in which (2) ARGO CHAMP finished 2nd. (1) HUIMANG ROCKET was 5th on her first attempt at this level last month and should look to better it here while (8) JINNYEONGUI GEOIN is up in class today and has a bit to find but will be backed.

Selections (11) Midas Road (9) Super Start (7) Katie Star (2) Argo Champ
Next Best 8, 1
Rating 3, 10, 4=9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5, 7
Start-200M 7, 3, 10, 5, 9
200M-Finish 11, 7, 9, 8, 1

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 

 Small but competitive field and Peter Wolsley’s (3) PRIVATE DANCER showed he’s capable at this level with 2nd place (to a long-shot winner) at the beginning of the month, beating (2) WIN GO MAN into 3rd and can match or better that here. (4) BEOLMAUI SIN is the main danger, up in class and with more wins likely to come. (5) MACHU PICCHU was a strong 4th at class and distance a month ago and can look for the places here with (6) YEONGUNG BOLT the best of the rest.

Selections (3) Private Dancer (4) Beolmaui Sin (5) Machu Picchu (2) Win Go Man
Next Best 6
Rating 5, 6, 3, 4, 2
Fast Starters 2, 5
Start-200M 3, 2, 5, 4, 7
200M-Finish 4, 3, 5, 6, 1

Seoul Race 9: Class Open – Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 300 Million / 16:40 

(6) OTTUG OTTUGI won the Korean Oaks and was 7th in the Korea Sprint here at Seoul three weeks ago. So far, the top filly of her generation, she can prove that here. She will try to make all. Her stablemate (3) SPECIAL ROOKIE was surprisingly beaten by (5) SANTA GLORIA in a trial for this race at the end of last month and both those will be contenders here. (8) CHANG SE was the winner of the corresponding trial at Seoul, beating (1) SMART TIME into 2nd, and will be dangerous as will (9) TOUCH FLYING and (13) RAON AMOS, both of whom come in on a run of four consecutive victories. The experienced Stakes winner (7) PINOT NOIR can never be ruled out of finding the money either and nor can (11) INDIAN STAR.

Selections (6) Ottug Ottugi (3) Special Rookie (8) Chang Se (5) Santa Gloria
Next Best 13, 7, 11, 9, 1
Rating 7=11, 6=9, 8
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13
Start-200M 11, 6, 8, 13, 4
200M-Finish 12, 5, 7, 9, 2

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:05

(2) MACHEON BOLT was 2nd to Hong Kong’s Super Jockey in the Korea Sprint in Seoul three weeks ago over 1200M. He prefers further and has to be favourite to take the honours here. (8) GAMDONGUIBADA was an also-ran that day but should be much happier back on her home track while (9) MS. MARGAUX won on her first outing for trainer Thomas Gillespie earlier in the month and shouldn’t be too far away. (3) HEBA seems to have lost a touch of form recently but an apprentice jockey gives her much less weight to carry than usual. (6) TAPIPOINT, 3rd to Macheon Bolt last start, can look to place.

Selections (2) Macheon Bolt (8) Gamdonguibada (3) Heba (9) Ms. Margaux
Next Best 6, 4
Rating 8, 3, 2=9, 4
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6
Start-200M 6, 8, 5, 4, 2
200M-Finish 3, 2, 9, 7, 8

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30 

(4) SHAMROCKER is giving plenty of weight away but remains a strong contender here to get what would be his 3rd win in his last four starts. A beneficiary of that weight is (9) SAMBONG, who was a strong 2nd on his first try at this class at the beginning of the month. He may try to lead all the way. (3) SUPER COMMANDO is up in class and has a bit to find but may be considered. (1) NEULPUREUN TIGER and (10) NAMSAN CHUKJE may also contest for places.

Selections (4) Shamrocker (9) Sambong (3) Super Commando (10) Namsan Chukje
Next Best 1, 11
Rating 4, 5, 7, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 3, 9
Start-200M 10, 6, 3, 9, 5
200M-Finish 4, 7, 3, 9, 8

Seoul Race 11: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00

Both (4) ACE RUNNER and (8) KENTUCKY YEONIN are up in class following maiden wins on what for both of them was their second start last time out. Both made all and both will be looking for the same again here. (10) KODIAK LOVE beat a number of these when running 2nd at class and distance on September 4th and will be in contention once more with (6) KOREA JEONGSANG and (12) JEONMUHUMU among a number of others with claims.

Selections (8) Kentucky Yeonin (4) Ace Runner (10) Kodiak Love (12) Jeonmuhumu
Next Best 6, 8, 7
Rating 2, 10, 9, 8=12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5, 8, 9
Start-200M 11, 5, 8, 4, 3
200M-Finish 4, 6, 11, 10, 2

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 30)

There’s a big weekend of racing coming up. On Sunday at Busan, Macheon Bolt, 2nd in the Korea Sprint earlier this month returns to action while at Seoul, Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi heads a strong line-up for the Jeju Governor’s Cup

We start on Friday at Busan though with ten races from 14:20 to 21:00. English race cards are here. Race-by-race notes (races 1-8) are below:

Key

Rating Top five official rated
Fast Starters Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M Fastest Average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20 

2nd on debut on September 2nd, having led for much of the way and just beaten half a length on the line when odds-on favourite, (9) QUEEN’S QUEEN is favoured to go one better today. (4) FOUR NINES was 5th in that race and he too will be fancied to improve on that here but the main danger is likely to be debut-maker (6) EOREUM GONGJU, She won her trial in sharp fashion earlier this month and looks a good prospect. Peter Wolsley has done well with his two-year-old debut makers so far this autumn and (7) BULKKOT NORI could be another while (10) B.K. SAY was a promising 4th on debut a month ago and can match or better here.

Selections (9) Queen’s Queen (7) Bulkkot Nori (6) Eoreum Gongju (4) Four Nines
Next Best 7, 11
Rating –
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5, 6, 11
Start-200M 5, 9, 11, 10, 4
200M-Finish 4, 9, 10, 5, 11

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45 

(1) BADA BULPAE and (3) CHARTERED DREAM both come in having recorded their best finishes to date last time out and are top picks here. Bada Bulpae returns after almost three months off and with Chartered Dream having beaten a couple of their rivals last month, it is the latter who is slightly favoured. Not many stand out among the rest with (2) SEONGGONG PLAN and (7) SUPER SONIC having shown glimpses and (8) NAMBANG JEONSEOL, whose only previous start was all the way back last December, having looked in shape in a trial last month.

Selections (3) Chartered Dream (1) Bada Bulpae (8) Nambang Jeonseol (7) Super Sonic
Next Best 2, 5, 4
Rating –
Fast Starters 1, 3, 12
Start-200M 12, 3, 1, 2, 4
200M-Finish 2, 3, 8, 9, 12

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:30 

Fillies only here and (10) CHOEGANG DRIVER steps up in distance for the first time following an improved 3rd place on what was her third start three weeks ago. She can improve here once more. (1) LADY LUCK has come close in each of her last three and can be competitive again while (4) QUEEN MEDIA was 3rd on debut last month and has little to fear in this company. Main danger to all those will be (6) RAPA CHUKJE, beaten by Lady Luck last time out back in July but performed well in a trial last week.

Selections (10) Choegang Driver (4) Queen Media (1) Lady Luck (6) Rapa Chukje
Next Best 3, 9
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 7
Start-200M 2, 7, 10, 4, 3
200M-Finish 10, 4, 1, 8, 9

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:15 

Small field for the final maiden race and it looks to be between two. (8) HAENGBOKAN JILJU was a much improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance at the start of this month and looks set to battle it out with (4) DESTINY, who dead-heated for 4th last time out behind some decent ones and may look to lead here. They really should fill the 1-2 with (1) KNIGHT KING and (5) BIG GOLD perhaps the best of an indifferent rest.

Selections (4) Destiny (8) Haengbokan Jilju (1) Knight King (5) Big Gold
Next Best 3
Rating –
Fast Starters 4, 5
Start-200M 5, 4, 6, 2, 8
200M-Finish 8, 3, 5, 4, 1

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:00 

(8) ADELE STAR was a winner on debut two months ago and he finally returns, up in class and distance, for his second outing here. He should be able to cope with it; he made all last time and can do the same here. It won’t be easy though. (9) MORNING PARK is also up in class and distance following his own maiden win at the beginning of this month while Thomas Gillespie’s (2) ACE GLORY made his breakthrough at this class and distance at the end of last month and could well repeat. (12) COT WING is yet to win in eleven but remarkably has never finished worse than 5th and can maintain that here while (10) MINIME, poor last time, is capable of the money in this company.

Selections (8) Adele Star (2) Ace Glory (12) Cot Wing (9) Morning Park
Next Best 10, 7, 4
Rating 2, 12, 8, 9, 5
Fast Starters 8, 9, 11
Start-200M 8, 9, 11, 2, 10
200M-Finish 8, 9, 2, 6, 7

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:50 

Just fillies (and one mare) here. (4) DAESTAR, a winner on debut, was 3rd on her first try at class and distance in a similar race to this earlier this month, finishing strongly. An apprentice jockey takes some weight off today and she can win. (5) NAMYANG TOWER and (6) BEATBOX are both up in class following maiden wins with the former looking the more likely to make an impact here while (8) CHALLANHAN ACE is proven to be capable of winning money at this level and could well get an easy lead here. If she does, she could stay on all the way. (2) ENTER WAY QUEEN is yet to win but should be competitive while the very experienced (10) SAMDA GONGJU looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Daestar (8) Challanhan Ace (5) Namyang Tower (2) Enter Way Queen
Next Best 10, 6, 12, 9
Rating 7, 8, 4, 10, 12
Fast Starters 8, 12
Start-200M 8, 5, 12, 6, 1
200M-Finish 4, 5, 9, 12, 11

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:30

Kim Young Kwan’s (6) DIVINE TOUCH comes in after back to back 2nd place finishes and looks ready to win on what will be his fourth career outing. He’ll be on speed early and can make all. This race is open to overseas-bred horses but Korean-bred (2) YEONGWON CHUKJE could be the main danger, having scored a couple of narrow 2nd places at domestic class 5 in recent outings. (4) TAEGWON CHAMP is yet to win in sixteen attempts at this level but is always competitive and will be again while (1) LION PARK and (9) SAEBYEOK BADA look best of the rest.

Selections (6) Divine Touch (2) Yeongwon Chukje (4) Taegwon Champ (1) Lion Park
Next Best 9, 12, 11
Rating 6=7, 1, 12, 4
Fast Starters 1, 6
Start-200M 6, 1, 8, 9, 12
200M-Finish 3, 4, 9, 6, 12

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35

Open race to conclude with and following back to back 2nd place finishes at 1300M, (5) OCEAN LINE, just beaten a nose last time, can go one better here, coming from just off the pace. Up in class following his second win in six outings, Korean Derby also-ran (3) SEUNGNIUI CHUKJE looks a danger as does the similarly up in class (9) SUPER BLADE. (10) HWANHUIUI BYEOL will be on speed early and can stay on while (4) INDIAN PARK looks best of the rest.

Selections (5) Ocean Line (3) Seungniui Chukje (9) Super Blade (4) Indian Park
Next Best 10, 2
Rating 4, 6=10, 5, 2
Fast Starters 2, 4, 10
Start-200M 10, 4, 3=9=2
200M-Finish 9=5, 7=10, 1

Colonel John Headed to Korea

It’s been reported in the US this morning that Colonel John is to be the latest addition to the Stallion ranks in Korea. He’s been purchased by the Korean Thoroughbred Breeders Association and will stand in 2017 on Jeju Island.

Colonel John [Tiznow – Sweet Damsel (Turkoman)] won the Santa Anita Derby and the Travers Stakes in 2008 and had been standing for $7,500 at WinStar Farm. He currently lies in 33rd place on the Leading sire list for 2016.

Colonel John has had a number of his progeny run in Korea with the most successful of them having being imported in-utero.

His four-year-old filly Queen’s Champion and three-year-old gelding Baekdu are both prolific winners who have made it up to class 1 level at Seoul while his gelding Call Me Rocket won six of his twelve starts in a seven-month period in 2013 before having to be retired with an injury (he is now a riding horse at Haenam Equestrian Club).

The 11-year-old will enter quarantine shortly. He’ll be an interesting addition.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 23)

Horse racing in Korea gets back to business this weekend. Busan gets things going on Friday with an 11-race card from 14:20 to 21:00, Seoul goes on Saturday with a card running from 14:00 to 21:00 while both tracks operate daytime racing on Sunday.

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Paolo Aragoni was 3rd in the korea Cup on Triple Nine – he returns to busan on friday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

 

English racecards are here. Nores on Friday’s races 1-9 are below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 13:20 (SIN)

Only one of these has raced before, (6) BEONGGEULBEONGGEUL. She was 3rd on debut last month and can go on here. She probably won’t be favourite though as two of the debut-makers, (3) I’M ADELE and (7) TWO TWO RAPTOR, won their trials, with the latter looking especially impressive in the process. Peter Wolsley’s (10) SECRET MARINE showed promise in their own trials as did (1) KEUN MABEOP and (11) HWARANGUI HUYE. (5) CAPTAIN BLADE is from Korea’s top stable and is sure to well-backed also.

Selections (6) Beonggeulbeonggeul (7) Two Two Raptor (10) Secret Marine (3) I’m Adele
Next Best 1, 11, 5, 8
Outsiders 2, 4, 9, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3, 11

Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:45 (SIN)

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here and top trainer Kim Young Kwan’s (11) PINK BLADE is favourite to score after an encouraging enough 3rd place on debut on August 26th. She beat (7) RECHAE into 4th that day and Rechae too can go close again. (5) SWEET WHY was an improved 3rd at this distance just two weeks ago and can be considered while (8) NIPSYS should have come on from their debuts. The more experienced (9) PALMYRA is the wildcard while even (10) IGIPPEUM GEUDAERO, winless in 35 outings, can find the minor money.

Selections (11) Pink Blade (7) Rechae (5) Sweet Why (8) Nipsys
Next Best 9, 10, 6, 3, 4
Outsiders 1, 2, 12
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 9

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (SIN)

Another maiden race and (8) CHOEGANG OFFICER and (10) PARK MAN both try further than the minimum distance for the first time. It should suit both but while the former will be on speed early, the latter can finish quickly and is strongly favoured to prevail here. (9) MAGIC WINNER beat two of these when recording his best finish to date three weeks ago and will be at much shorter odds today. (1) SUPER WINGS was much improved when dropped back in trip to 1000M last time but can be given another chance here while (3) HAPPY LIGHT and (4) SAMHYEONGJE are others to consider.

Selections (10) Park Man (8) Choegang Officer (9) Magic Winner (1) Super Wings
Next Best 3, 4, 5, 2, 13
Outsiders 6, 7, 11, 12, 14
Fast Starters 4, 8, 14

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:55 (SIN)

The last of the maiden races. (10) INDIAN KING disappointed when well fancied on debut but showed plenty of improvement at the end of August when running 2nd. The step up in trip today may be exactly what he needs. He’ll want to be on speed early as will (14) MAJOR DANCER, also a much improved 3rd last start and with potential to go on. (3) TAEGWON MISO, (4) ROAD TO SUCCESS and (7) PUREUN GANGJA are all capable of placing at this level. While the only debut-maker, Peter Wolsley’s (9) ROYAL RUBY can also be considered first up following a good trial.

Selections (10) Indian King (14) Major Dancer (9) Royal Ruby (3) Taegwon Miso
Next Best 4, 7, 11, 1, 12
Outsiders 2, 5, 6, 8, 13
Fast Starters 10, 14

Race 5: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:40 (SIN)

(11) I’M YOUR FATHER beat some decent horses when winning on debut last month and can follow up here. Should thrive with an extra furlong. Thomas Gillespie’s (4) ACE SINHWA has come close in recent starts and looks nicely in here under an apprentice jockey. (1) JUNGANG DAERO is up in class following two wins from his last three and can be competitive while (5) PAMAPAS FARM and (7) ARION METAL are both yet to score but are capable of moneying in this company.

Selections (11) I’m Your Father (4) Ace Sinhwa (1) Jungang Daero (7) Arion Metal
Next Best 5, 3, 8
Outsiders 2, 6, 9, 10
Fast Starters 10, 11

Race 6: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:25 (SIN)

(6) RACHEL made all to win on debut at this distance last month. She’s up in class today but Bart Rice’s filly is favoured to repeat. (11) YUSEONGCHEOREOM was also a debut winner but could only manage 4th on his first try at this level in August. Dropped back to 1000M today, he should be closer. Yuseongcheoreom did manage to beat (3) MACHEON CHIRON last time and she too should see improvement back at the minimum today. (4) MISS CANBERRA and the up in class (8) HUIMANG CHANGA are others with claims.

Selections (6) Rachel (11) Yuseongcheoreom (3) Macheon Chiron (4) Miss Canberra
Next Best 8, 2, 1, 7, 5
Outsiders 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3, 6, 11

Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:05 (SIN)

A four-length winner on debut, (1) SINUIPUMGYEOK is up in class and distance but should surely have too much for this field. (11) SHINE STAR was an even more ye-catching winner on his debut in July and followed up with a 3rd place at this level on August 26th and looks the main danger. (14) WHITTE QUEENS closed strongly for 2nd last start at class and distance and will want to be closer to the speed today while (2) YAKSOKUI SIGAN and (7) REALLY ONE look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Sinuipumgyeok (11) Shine Star (14) Whitte Queens (7) Really One
Next Best 2, 4, 5, 12, 9
Outsiders 3, 6, 8, 10, 13
Fast Starters 1, 7, 8, 14

Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:45 (SIN)

Competitive race and while (10) TEXAS RUSH is yet to score in eight, she’s come close and we’ll go with her to come from just off the pace to finally get it right today. (2) DAEJIUI HUIMANG beat Texas Rush last time and should be competitive again. She’ll look to lead early along with (3) DANCING STAR and (14) FOCUS LINE, both of whom can stay on. A danger from the back is (5) BIGBANG BID. He’s closed strongly to get a win and a 2nd place from his last two outings and can go well again here.

Selections (10) Texas Rush (2) Daejiui Huimang (5) Bigbang Bid (3) Dancing Star
Next Best 14, 8, 4, 6, 12
Outsiders 1, 7, 9, 11, 13
Fast Starters 2, 3, 9, 14

Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:35 (SIN)

(13) GABOGAPJJANG and (3) LET’S WIN are both up in class having finished 1st and 2nd racing over 1200M at the end of last month; the time before they were 2nd and 3rd. They both look nicely in here with GABOGAPJJANG favoured once more. (2) SUPER CHEOLIN is two starts in a comeback following a lengthy spell and looks to be coming back into form while (11) SOUL BLADE and the up in class pair of (4) GANGJA BONSAEK and (9) JILJUUI SIN should be capable of going close.

Selections (13) Let’s Win (2) Super Cheolin (3) Let’s Win (11) Soul Blade
Next Best 4, 9, 10, 5, 1, 12
Outsiders 6, 7, 8, 14
Fast Starters 5, 7, 11, 12

Attendance, Turnover & Coverage Among Positives To Emerge From Korea Cup

The Korean racing community has returned from the long”Chuseok” holiday and racing is set to resume on the peninsula on Friday  for the first time since the inaugural Keeneland Korea Cup and Sprint the weekend before last.

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Chrysolite romps home in the Keeneland Korea Cup (Pic: Ross Holburt)

And it means the review of the weekend will now begin in earnest. Turnover held up remarkably well. It is very difficult for punters to handicap races such as the Sprint and the Cup with any degree of confidence given the wide range of backgrounds, surfaces and environments the horses’ past performances have taken place in. Yet they still put 4.3 Billion (US$3.9Million) and 4.8 Billion (US$4.3Million) Korean won through the windows in the Sprint and Cup respectively.

That was up on the corresponding races 8 and 10 from the prior week and indeed turnover on the whole day of 71.1 Billion Korean Won was also up on recent Sundays (67.8 Billion Won the previous week). In terms of attendance, 44,691 people came to Seoul Racecourse on Cup day compared with 38,130 the prior Sunday and just 33,941 the Sunday before that. A total of 124,986 people were either on course or in OTBs last Sunday.

Now the Cup was by no means the only reason for this. With the Chuseok holiday approaching many punters would have been in attendance knowing that a dark week was approaching.

The experience in Hong Kong over the past decade has been that domestic turnover on its international races is lower than that of normal races. The gap is narrowing which the Hong Kong Jockey Club attributes to local punters becoming more familiar with international racing through their inbound simulcasts and the HKJC looks on all three of turnover, attendance and brand exposure as being important.

Brand exposure was something there was plenty of last week, including in Hong Kong, where local punters were able to cash tickets on Super Jockey winning the Sprint. Six countries took the races live with others showing it on delay. KBS Sports, one of Korea’s major Sports channels devoted two hours to the races the following day. That’s in addition to the write-ups the races received around the world.

One reason why “internationalization” is so difficult is that results can’t be seen either quickly or – and this is a key one – expressed numerically in a way that makes it easy to measure progress or success. While some in KRA will probably feel that the investment made in the weekend (and it was not insubstantial) should have been reflected by a proportional increase at the betting windows, that doesn’t really tell the the whole story.

Having followed racing in this country for almost ten years now, last weekend was something I didn’t think I would be seeing in Korea for a very long time – if ever. Now is the time to build on it.

Horses Return Home Following Korea Cup & Sprint

On Wednesday, the final overseas-trained horses left Seoul Racecourse to return to their respective homes across the globe, bringing the final curtain down on the inaugural running of the Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint. 

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Super Jockey & Karis Teeton ease to victory in the Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

It’s been a welcome novelty for Korean racing to be so widely reported elsewhere so we’ll not run through the results again. Super Jockey’s effortless win in the Sprint was the highlight with a real international quality horse putting in an international quality performance in a race which would have pleased the Hong Kong punters who made him favourite in the Jockey Club pools despite him gong off the $8.50 third choice in Korea.

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Teeton & Super Jockey return to scale (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

There was a huge performance too in the Sprint by Macheon Bolt. The Peter Wolsley trained gelding flew home for 2nd under Lee Hee Cheon and should connections so desire, has to be a strong candidate for Korea’s representative in the Japan-Korea Sprint at Ohi in November or for the Dubai World Cup Carnival early next year. Wild Dude and Super Winner, favourite and 2nd-favourite respectively, struggled but Korea’a pre-race big hope, Perdido Pomeroy, came home a decent 4th having been on speed most of the way around.

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Team Hong Kong

The Cup was a slightly strange affair. After early pace-setter Beolmaui Kkum faded even earlier than expected, the two Japanese horses simply ran away from the field. Chrysolite, a quality horse, was the easy winner ahead of Kurino Star O. Three seconds and 16-lengths behind the winner, Triple Nine got up for 3rd ahead of stablemate and Korean Triple Crown winner Power Blade. Despite the margin of victory, the time was still outside Power Blade’s track record on a wet track in the Korean Derby earlier this year.

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Chrysolite & Joe Fujii returning to scale (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Famous Mark, for France, got up for an excellent 5th place but the UK’s Solar Deity was slow out of the gate and came home in 10th place.

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The Korea Cup held aloft 

Overall, it was an excellent weekend and we’ll have more on the follow-up over the next couple of weeks.