Seoul & Busan Sunday Race-By-Race Preview

It’s a big Sunday of racing in Korea. No Stakes action but plenty going on and some big names will be taking to the track. Triple Nine heads the line-up for the feature race at Busan while Wonder Bolt races at Seoul.

Magic Party Park Tae Jong

Park Tae Jong (seen here a few years ago) rode his 2000th winner yesterday. He ended the day on 2001 and could get more today

There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:00. English racecards can be found here. Notes on races which will be simulcasted overseas are below:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 20 Million / 13:00 (KST)

The Kim Young Kwan trained (8) KKOKDAEGI debuts in weak company here and will be expected to make a winning start. He trialed well last week behind a stablemate who won at Busan on Friday and should have too much for this limited set of opposition. (1) OH DAEBAK and (9) BEATBOX look the least bad of the others and could push the favourite close with (5) TAKE AGAIN and (6) BUGYEONG DOLPUNG capable of finding the minor money.

Selections (8) Kkokdaegi (1) Oh Daebak (9) Beatbox (5) Take Again
Next Best 6, 4, 3, 7
Outsiders 2, 10, 11, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

A six-length winner over 1200M on April 24th, (7) KATIE STAR is strongly favoured to follow up here. She made all that day and has every chance of doing so again. (3) GAENARI showed promise in four starts last year and returns to the track for the first time in six month having looked good winning a trial last month and looks to be the main danger along with (8) TIZ KING. He was beaten by Katie Star last time but can be given another chance here. Both the debut-makers (4) BIG ENTRY and (9) LOST IN DRAMA looked good in trials and have chances here with the latter slightly favoured.

Selections (7) Katie Star (3) Gaenari (9) Lost In Drama (8) Tiz King
Next Best 4, 11, 1, 5
Outsiders 2, 6, 10, 12
Fast Starters 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(7) PRETTY BOY has come close in two starts at this level so far and looks nicely in to claim his second win here. He’ll be on the early speed and can make all. There are plenty of dangers though. (8) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG was a narrowly beaten 2nd last start at 1300M and should appreciate the extra half furlong. (1) TWO KAY is up in class following his maiden win last start and will go to the front early. (3) IN BORN CHAMP is another up in class following his maiden and can be considered while (9) BEST QUEEN is the other to look out for.

Selections (7) Pretty Boy (8) Gwangyang Dolpung (3) In Born Champ (1) Two Kay
Next Best 9, 5, 4, 12
Outsiders 2, 6, 10, 11
Fast Starters 1, 3, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (2) HANEOLUI JILJU was a class and distance winner by a neck three weeks ago and he’s the pick to strike again. He has a fast start and the others will need to come past him. If any do, the most likely is (8) AREUMDAUN KKUM, who is yet to win but is up in class following a 3rd and two 2nd places from three starts and looks to have potential. (4) BLUE CAT disappointed when favourite at 1400M three weeks ago but she should be better at 1200M today and the Bart Rice stable is bang in-form right now. (6) GANGJA DAERO and (7) PERFECT HUMOR may contest for places.

Selections (2) Haneolui Jilju (4) Blue Cat (8) Areumdaun Kkum (6) Gangja Daero
Next Best 7, 5
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Quite a competitive race this but having been 2nd at class and distance last month, (5) GOLD MUSIC is the pick to go one better this time. He led for most of that race, getting caught close to the line but should get the job done here. (6) HOMERUN MAKER was 2nd in a weak race at the beginning of April and comes in here after seven weeks off. She’ll contest the lead early. (9) GEUMGANGJEGUK enters following back to back 3rds and can match or better. (4) CHARISMA QUEEN and (10) MY HAPPY should both be better back down in distance today.

Selections (5) Gold Music (6) Homerun Maker (9) Geumgangjeguk (4) Charisma Queen
Next Best 10, 1, 2, 7
Outsiders 3, 8
Fast Starters 5, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20 (KST)

(1) NO SMALL KOREA was 3rd on debut last month and will be favoured to make the breakthrough today. She didn’t get off to an especially good start in that race but expect her to be on the early speed here. (6) COTTINPICKINGOOD also looks to have a win in him. He was stepped up to 1800M last month and was beaten by, among others (5) QUEEN ELEGANCE. Both can be competitive today. An unexpected winner over 1300M last time, (9) PARTYINTHEDESERT can be respected but will have to improve here. (2) SWEET MYEONGUN and (7) GOLD SKY look best of the rest of a competitive field.

Selections (1) No Small Korea (6) Cottinpickingood (5) Queen Elegance (7) Gold Sky
Next Best 2, 9, 11, 10, 12, 3, 4, 8
Outsiders
Fast Starters 1, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(1) SUPER STORM was 3rd in a strong race at class and distance on April 1st and comes in here ready to win. He was passed in the closing stages by two decent horses in that race and will go forward again. There is a lot of early speed here and a couple of the other fancied ones will be on it. They include (2) SMILE QUEEN and (4) TANK POWER, the latter of whom beat four of these when finishing 4th at 1400M on April 24th. Smile Queen last start was beaten by (8) GANGHO DRIVE and that one, along with (10) MACHU PICCHU look to be the ones to follow if the winner is to come from behind the early front-runners.

Selections (1) Super Storm (2) Smile Queen (4) Tank Power (8) Gangho Drive
Next Best 10, 5, 7, 12
Outsiders 3, 6, 9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

Any number of these have claims but we’ll make (4) HWANGGEUM SESANG the slight favourite. He was a well beaten 2nd by a good winner at class and distance last start six weeks ago but he is joint-top-rated for a reason and comes in here in the most consistent form. (2) JANGSAN TAEYANG was 2nd over class and distance in February and was a solid 5th over 1800M a month ago and should be competitive here while (3) HONGNAM BULPAE was poor behind Hwanggeum Sesang last time but can be given another chance here. (6) BIG FIVE steps up to two turns for the first time and is likely to try to lead from the gate while (7) READY KHAN races for the first time since victory at 1800M in January and may be considered.

Selections (4) Hwanggeum Sesang (6) Big Five (2) Jangsan Taeyang (7) Ready Khan
Next Best 3, 9, 10
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(10) TRIPLE NINE was last year’s Horse of the Year and is two for two in 2016 beating four of his rivals here twice already. He will be favourite for this and is the best horse and while he should win, there are dangers. (3) DORAON HYEONPYO has yet to show that he can really beat the best but he will look to set the pace here and should be at least 2nd. The ever-reliable mare (6) HEBA is one of those beaten twice by Triple Nine this year but will be close again while (2) DARKEST NIGHT has shown the best form of his career this year. (8) DIFERENT DIMENSION is up in class following a four-length win over 1800M a month ago and accordingly is very nicely in the weights here.

Selections (10) Triple Nine (8) Diferent Dimension (3) Doraon Hyeonpyo (6) Heba
Next Best 2, 4, 12, 1
Outsiders 5, 7, 9, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 8, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(7) WONDER BOLT was a four-length winner over 1200M at the beginning of April but is equally capable at 1800 and should come from just behind the early pace to win this. He has a capable apprentice jockey on board. (8) DYNAMIC JILJU and (9) SOTONG SIDAE are the main dangers although (10) BADA JILJU scored a good win at class and distance three weeks ago, albeit in slightly weaker company, and can be considered. (6) UNBEATABLE is anything but unbeatable but is generally capable of finding the money.

Selections (7) Wonder Bolt (9) Sotong Sidae (8) Dynamic Jilju (6) Unbeatable
Next Best 10, 3, 11, 12, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 5
Fast Starters 2, 3

Seoul Race 11: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Another competitive race to end with. (5) QUEEN CREEK CAT is up in class after back to back wins at this distance and is the likely favourite. She will try to make all from the gate. Also on the early speed will be (10) YAHO SKY CAT. His two starts so far this year have been in a Listed and Graded race and while they didn’t go well, the company should be much more amenable today. (11) A.P. STAR beat a couple of these when 3rd at class and distance a month ago and can go well again while (3) S ROSE and (6) JANGSANJEWANG are the others to consider. The latter is trained by former Singapore trainer Brian Dean.

Selections (6) Jangsanjewang (5) Queen Creek Cat (10) Yaho Sky Cat (3) S Rose
Next Best 11, 12, 7, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 10

Aragoni Rides 1st Busan Winner / Rice Stable Continues To Star

He’d come close a few times but Paolo Aragoni bagged his first Korean winner at Busan this afternoon. The Italian jockey partnered Ocean Line to victory in race 5.

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Paolo Aragoni and Ocean Line head out (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Aragoni debuted on April 29th and has already ridden in two Graded races, including last week’s Korean Derby at Seoul. He had racked up four 2nd places and three 3rds but the win had ths far proving elsuive. It might have arrived on Dochi in race 4 today but the colt missed the start and while he flew home, he had too much to do.

Instead it was one race later that Aragoni produced a strong finish on 10/1 chance Ocean Line to see off Wish Me Luck and the fast finishing Four Star by a neck on the line. Too strong, felt the Stewards, who fined him 50,000 Won for overuse of the whip.  Aragoni won’t be overly concerned about that. His win arrived on his 16th mount in Korea.

It was another solid day for Bart Rice. The South African trainer has been in outstanding form in May and it would continue in race 2 today.

Supernova Iji (Ecton Park) was racing for the first time in 2015 and under jockey You Hyung Myung, she dominated the all-filly test to win by three lengths over pre-race favourite Pangpang Legend. Rice has sent out twelve runners so far this month and no less than five of them have now returned as winners.

Supernova Iji

Bart Rice’s Supernova Iji and You Hyun Myung go clear at Busan on Friday. The Rice stable is in good form at the moment (Pic: Ross Holburt)

In other races, Dongbang Daero (Curlin) now has three wins from his last four starts following a resounding victory in the 1800M race 9, ending the winning streak of Saengil Gippeum (Parading), who was racing at class 2 for the first time, in the process.

There was something of a surprise in the final race of the day, the 1400M race 10 as the highly thought-of pair of US imports, First Magical (First Dude) and Useung Line (Congrats) both went down as Tariat Tale (Tale Of Ekati) swept home to claim the honours and move on to three wins from five starts.

Earlier, 2014 President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner Gyeongbudaero’s half broether Wonil Rookie (Forest Camp) secured his fourth win in eight attempts, wininng race 7 by just under a length.

On Saturday, attention shifts to Seoul where Park Tae Jong will have four opportunities to become the first Korean jockey to ride 2000 career winners, beginning in race 1. There are 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

All of a sudden we’ve had an early blast of summer on the Korean peninsula this week with temperatures above 30C for the first time this year. There is racing at Seoul on Saturday and Sunday but the action gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on race 2-10 are here:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

An all-filly affair first-up and (2) PANGPANG LEGEND beat three of these when finishing 2nd in a very similar race on April 22nd and is the pick to go one better this time. Returning for the first time in six months, (4) SUPERNOVA IJI looks to be the main danger while debut-maker (6) SUPER BLADE also looks worth considering. Both came through recent trials in good order. (3) TIME CASTLE, beaten by Pangpang Legend last time and (11) HAEGA TTEUNDA, look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Pangpang Legend (4) Supernova Iji (6) Super Blade (11) Haega Tteunda
Next Best 3, 5, 10, 12
Outsiders 1, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 4, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(1) BAEDARI GOSU showed good development in coming 3rd over 1200M on April 29th. She’ll be away slowly but has a strong finish and should appreciate the extra half furlong. She’s the pick. (4) SILENT LAGO and (11) RAON BENTREE have both come close in recent starts and both should do so again. Debut-maker (6) ATHENS showed promise in a trial at the end of last month and this modest company shouldn’t be too intimidating first up – he is from the Kim Young Kwan stable so he will be backed. (9) TAMNA CHEONHA was an improved 3rd last time out and can match that today.

Selections (1) Baedari Gosu (4) Silent Lago (6) Athens (11) Raon Bentree
Next Best 9, 2, 8, 7
Outsiders 3, 5, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 5

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(5) INDIAN CHIEF is up in class following his maiden win on his fourth start on April 1st. He’ll go to the front from the gate and has claims once more. He may not be favourite though. (6) SMART MARINE is yet to win but was a very solid 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on April 29th and will be well-backed to make the breakthrough. He beat (2) DOCHI by four-lengths that day and that one can also improve while the two “Blues”, (1) RAON BLUE and the experienced (9) MISS BLUE are both likely to be on the early speed and are more than capable at this level.

Selections (5) Indian Chief (6) Smart Marine (2) Dochi (1) Raon Blue
Next Best 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(6) WISH ME LUCK beat no less than six of these at class and distance on April 15th and can be backed to beat them again. He was 3rd that day and can go even better this time. (8) EUNHA and (5) OCEAN LINE were the two who came closest to him; the latter has gone on to record a 2nd place since and both can be considered here. (4) MR. SPENDING comes in following three consecutive 4th place finishes and should benefit from trying this distance for the first time as indeed should (9) WARRIOR KING. On the other hand, (10) GARAK GONGWON, who finally got his maiden win at the 32nd attempt three weeks ago may not appreciate the extra furlong.

Selections (6) Wish Me Luck (4) Mr. Spending (8) Eunha (5) Ocean Line
Next Best 9, 10, 12, 3, 11
Outsiders 1, 2, 7
Fast Starters 1, 7

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

This lot don’t have a huge amount of form against each other but (7) GYERIMUI JILJU beat (4) HOPPANG as the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over 1300M on April 24th and both will be among the top fancies here. (6) NURI BULPAE is a domestic class 4 winner and while he has slightly disappointed in his last two starts, he’s not been too far away and can be given another chance. Kim Young Kwan’s (5) DYNAMIC TANK was 4th on his two starts last summer and finally returns having looked sharp in a trial last weekend. (11) HWANHUIUI BYEOL went too fast too early on his first try at this class last month but back at 1200M today, can go better.

Selections (6) Nuri Bulpae (5) Dynamic Tank (4) Hoppang (7) Gyerimui Jilju
Next Best 11, 8, 12, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 9, 10
Fast Starters 4, 5, 11

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Another competitive race with a couple of standouts. Gyeongbudaero’s half-brother (2) WONIL ROOKIE has won twice in three starts since returning from eight months and will look to lead from gate to wire here. He has every chance. The main danger is (5) MAGIC LINE, 2nd on his first try at this class last month and nicely in here. (1) SINSEGYE also comes in following a 2nd place last start and should be close again while (7) CHEONHA TONGIL and the up in class (9) KKEUTPAN JILJU are others to look out for.

Selections (2) Wonil Rookie (5) Magic Line (1) Sinsegye (7) Cheonha Tongil
Next Best 9, 10
Outsiders 3, 4, 6, 8
Fast Starters 2, 7, 10

Race 8: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(3) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR was 3rd on his return from almost nine months out two weeks ago and back up to a mile today, he looks the one to beat. (9) SINCHEON YEOMANG has beaten plenty of these recently and should improve on back to back third-place finishes. His recent form is similar to that of (7) JANGGUNBONG, who will look to lead from the gate and should also be competitive. (4) GLOBAL KING and (6) KKEUTPANNYEOWANG are the others to consider.

Selections (3) Sangseung Junior (9) Sincheon Yeomang (7) Janggungbong (4) Global King
Next Best 6, 1
Outsiders 2, 5, 8
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(5) SAENGIL GIPPEUM is up in class following three straight wins, the most recent being facile triumphs over this distance and he can make it four in a row here. He will try to make all. The main danger is (8) DONGBANG DAERO, who also won twice at this distance at class 3 and was 2nd on his first try at this level five weeks ago, beating (2) WILD BURNING and (9) GHOST BLONDE, both of whom themselves will be fancied to find at least the minor money. The other one to look out for is also up in class. That’s (4) MAIN STAY, just beaten a nose at this distance in a really quick race in March and who comes in fresh after two months off.

Selections (5) Saengil Gippeum (8) Dongbang Daero (4) Main Stay (2) Wild Burning
Next Best 9, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 6, 10
Fast Starters 4, 5

Race 10: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Two stand out here and both are up in class. (4) FIRST MAGICAL was a ten-length winner on debut over 1200M last month and will be well-backed to make it two out of two here. He is one of a number who will look to lead from gate. (10) USEUNG LINE is the big danger. He has won two from three so far, last time at class and distance. Those two look significantly superior to the rest but if they are to disappoint then (5) ILLYUCHEON and (2) TARIAT TALE, 3rd and 4th at this class over a mile last time look the ones to take advantage. (3) WINNING HUMOR was beaten ten lengths by First Magical last time but also finds himself up in class today. He should beat a few.

Selections (4) First Magical (10) Useung Line (2) Tariat Tale (5) Illyucheon
Next Best 3, 7, 11, 9
Outsiders 1, 6, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 7, 9

Upcoming In Korean Racing: Triple Crown Finale / Oaks / SBS Korea vs Japan / Ttukseom Cup

It’s two down and one to go for Power Blade in his quest to complete the 2016 Korean Triple Crown. The colt won the Korean Derby in fine style in the rain last Sunday to add to his KRA Cup Mile triumph last month and will be back at Seoul in July in order to try to complete the Crown.

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All being well, Power Blade will run for the Triple Crown on July 17 (Pic: Ross Holburt)

J.S. Hold won the Triple Crown back in 2007. However, in those days Busan horses were yet to be entered in the series (that would begin the following year) and the first leg was the Ttukseom Cup. Power Blade would therefore be the first horse to sweep the Crown in its current format. The final leg is the Minister’s Cup, which will be run over 2000M on Sunday July 17th.

Ottug Ottugi was 2nd in the Cup Mile in March but didn’t run in the Derby. She may well go in the Minister’s Cup but before that, Power Blade’s stablemate has the fillies’ Classic to take care of. The 1800M Korean Oaks will be run at Busan on June 12th. We could see South African trainer Bart Rice with his first Classic runners as Janggunui Huye and Load Cell are among the seventeen fillies still left in. Seoul is set to continue its dismal record in the Classics accounting as it does for only two of the nominations even at this early stage. Hoseungjibyeok looks the main danger to Ottug Ottugi.

A week before the Oaks, on Sunday June 5th, there is a big afternoon of racing at Seoul which sees the first leg of the Queens’ Tour in the shape of the Ttukseom Cup and also the SBS Korea/Japan Cup, which is the year’s first international race.

Three horses are expected from Japan and they are the usual set of very experienced campaigners. Currently, they are the imposingly-named Dreadnought (Meishi Odo), an 8-year-old gelding with 7 wins from 33 starts, Kimon Avalon (South Vigorous), a 7-year-old horse with 9 from 53 and Best Wish (White Muzzle) a 7-year-old horse who has won just 3 from 58 but has finished in the top three a further 21 times.

The home team will fancy their chances of beating them in the race which will be run over 1200M. Gamdonguibada, Perdido Pomeroy, Tongil Sidae and Bit Blade are among a very strong contingent expected to travel up from Busan while Choegang Schiller, Cheongu, Haemaru and OS Hwadap are among the early entries from Seoul.

Last year a Japanese raider, Esmeraldina, won the Ttukseom Cup. Another Japanese filly, Lalabel (Gold Allure) was initially entered but now won’t make the trip. That leaves it an all Korean-trained affair for the 1400M event which is the first leg in the three-race Queens’ Tour series for fillies and mares 5-years-old and under.

Last year’s Oaks winner Jangpung Parang is among the 21 currently entered as is New York Blue, who was 2nd in this race last year. New York Blue was sent off as favourite for the final leg of last year’s tour but fell when clipping heels on the first turn enabling Heba to claim the race and the overall series. Bichui Jeongsang looks to be the biggest name from the capital still in.

Upcoming Graded/Listed/Special races:

May 29: YTN Cup (Listed) – Seoul
June 4: Selangor Turf Club Trophy (Special) – Seoul
June 4: JRA Trophy (Special) – Seoul
June 4: TJK (Turkey) Cup (Special) – Seoul
June 5: Ttukseom Cup (Group II) – Seoul
June 5: SBS Korea/Japan Cup (Group III) – Seoul
June 12: Korean Oaks (Group II) – Busan
June 19: Sports Chosun Cup (Listed) Seoul
July 3: Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s Cup (Group III) – Busan
July 17: Minister’s Cup (Group II) – Seoul

Brian Dean Trains First Korean Winner

Brian Dean has started very well. Having put the local trainers on notice by sweeping all the barrier trials a couple of weeks ago, he sent out Jangsan Jewang to 3rd place last week. After another 3rd yesterday, today My Blade became the Australian handler’s first Seoul winner. Dean Holland rode.

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My Blade hits the front under Dean Holland (Pic: Ross Holburt)

The race took place an hour after the Korean Derby and most attention was focused on whether Park Tae Jong, riding Horuragi, could get his 2,000th winner as a jockey. Horuragi led from the gate and for much of the race but it was not to be as Holland on My Blade and Moon Se Young on Inbeactive came to challenge down the outside with My Blade prevailing by a head on the line.

It was Brian Dean’s third runner in total and the first foreign trainer ever to be granted a full-time license at Seoul  now has a 33.3% win strike rate and 100% to show. As for the other Aussie Dean, it was Holland’s second winner of the weekend.

Power Blade Powers To Derby Glory

In a monsoon downpour at Seoul, Power Blade added the Korean Derby to his victory in the KRA Cup Mile and heads into the final leg of the Triple Crown with two jewels safely  secured and looking for all the world like he will be the first horse to sweep the crown in its current form.

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Power Blade makes it through the rain to win the Korean Derby (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Jockey Kim Yong Geun surprised many and opted to go right to the front out of the gate on Power Blade, having been slightly more leisurely away in previous starts. He was joined by stablemate World Champion along with Tohamsan and Banjiui Jewang. He would see them all off comfortably.

World Champion failed to stay on the fast running track, Tohamsan ran out and unseated his rider on the final turn. The others would stay on and challenges emerged from Zettabyte and Stealth, 4th and 3rd in the Cup Mile. Challenge is too strong a word though as this was always to be Power Blade’s and he romped away to win by three lengths on the line. Zettabyte was 2nd a further six lengths ahead of Stealth.

Winners Glory was Seoul’s best finisher in 4th place with Banjiui Jewang a creditable 5th. It is another Derby for trainer Kim Young Kwan. Few will bet against him completing his first Triple Crown on July 17th.

Korean Derby (KOR G1) – Seoul Racecourse – 1800M – May 15, 2015

1. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] – Kim Yong Geun – 1.2, 1.0
2. Zettabyte (KOR) [Menifee – Fight Back (Sakura Seeking)] – Lim Sung Sil – 3.7
3. Stealth (KOR) [Colors Flying – Missed The Tower (Woodman)] – Ikuyasu Kurakane – 2.2
Distances: 3 lengths/6 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Winners Glory 5. Banjiui Jewang 6. Cheonji Storm 7. Siseon Pochak 8. Saeroun Stealth 9. Gongryong 10. Theme Deunggeuk 11. Ever In Ever 12. V Man 13. World Champion 14. Seungniui Chukje DNF: Tohamsan

Derby Sunday Race Notes

It’s one of the biggest days of racing of the year; Korean Derby day! There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30.

Yeongcheon Ace 2

Yeongcheon Ace won last year’s Derby (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English Racecards are available here. Full preview of the Derby here. Three races from Seoul, including the Derby, will be shown on Sky Racing 2 in Australia. Here are notes on them:

Race 7: Class 2 “The Sports Kyunghyang Cup” / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 15:05 (KST)

(5) BLACK TRAIN has a knack of finding one or two too quick but he is a strong finisher and is slightly favoured to come from off the early speed to claim what would be his first win since last August. (10) DORGON defeated both Black Train and (7) SIMSIN JIRYEO when the three of them met in February and should be respected, however, the main danger looks to be (8) JINGYEOGUI GEOJANG. Unlike many of these, he is still on the way up and while the Aussie bred colt struggled on his first try at 1800M last month, he should be much happier back in a one-turn race today. He’ll look to lead early. (2) ILGI DANGCHEON and (11) SEUNGNIYEOJE look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Black Train (8) Jingyeogui Geojang (7) Simsin Jiryeo (10) Dorgon
Next Best 2, 11, 3, 9
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 1 – “China Horse Industry Association Trophy” / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 15:55 (KST)

(10) LUCKY LIGHT beat five of these when running 2nd over this distance on April 3rd and he looks to be the one to beat here. He is a fast starter and will look to lead straight from the gate. Among those he beat last time, (7) CHEONMANG got the closest to him and that one can also be considered for improvement today, however, it’s likely to be (9) SEONBONG who punters consider the greater threat. His 2016 hasn’t really got going yet but he is a very solid sprinter and he can come from just behind the speed here. (12) BRIG has the outside gate to deal with but like Seonbong, will likely be content to avoid the cavalry charge to the corner and will still have plenty of backers. (5) MAGIC DANCER has perhaps seen better days but remains a threat.

Selections (10) Lucky Light (12) Brig (9) Seonbong (5) Magic Dancer
Next Best 7, 8, 2, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11

Race 9: Class Open – The Korean Derby / 1800M / Allowance / KRW 700 Million / 17:00 (KST)

SEE HERE FOR A FULL RUNNER BY RUNNER PREVIEW

(12) POWER BLADE won the 1st leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile, last month by a facile four-lengths and will be strong favourite to add the second jewel today. He has drawn gate 12 but that won’t matter as his style is to be away patiently and then improve in the back straight. On all form, he looks the best. It’s wide open behind though. (3) STEALTH and (4) ZETTABYTE ran 3rd and 4th in the Cup Mile with the former slightly favoured again at the extra distance today. (1) BANJIUI JEWANG ran poorly in the Cup Mile but performed well at Seoul in the Breeders’ Cup last year and can be given another chance. The biggest threat to Power Blade though may come from his own stablemate. (13) WORLD CHAMPION didn’t get to the Cup Mile but comes to Seoul after four consecutive victories, the most recent of which was a gate-to-wire romp at this distance. He’ll get forward early and the favourite will have to come past him. (9) GONGRYONG and (10) WINNERS GLORY look to be Seoul’s best chances while (7) EVER IN EVER and (14) TOHAMSAN look decent outside bets. Another longshot angle is that (6) SISEON POCHAK has been moved to a new trainer specifically so that he can take part in this race (trainers and owners may not enter any more than two horses in the same race – he was with Power Blade and World Champion).

Selections (12) Power Blade (13) World Champion (10) Winner’s Glory (1) Banjiui Jewang
Next Best 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters 1, 10, 13, 14

The Korean Derby 2016: Runner-By-Runner

The second leg of the 2016 Korean Triple Crown takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Fifteen horses will line up for the 19th running of the Korean Derby. The winner of the first jewel in the crown, Power Blade heads the field and will be the strong favourite.

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KRA Cup Mile winner Power Blade will be strong favourite for the Derby

In all, there are eleven who have travelled up from Busan with just four from the capital competing. There are no fillies taking part as Ottug Ottugi, who was 2nd in the Cup Mile, is pointed to the Oaks in order to allow stablemate World Champion to take his chance here.

While Saturday was a warm, sunny day in Seoul, rain is forecast for Derby day. The race will be broadcast live in Australia on Sky Racing 2. Here is a full preview of each runner (Name [Pedigree] (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) Trainer – Jockey):

The 19th Korean Derby (KOR GI) – Seoul Racecourse – 1800M – May 15, 2016 (17:00)

1. Banjiui Jewang [Ecton Park – Sweetoil (Broken Vow)] (6/4/1/0) PM Wolsley – Lee Hee Cheon
Disappointed in the Cup Mile ending up in 7th. He was 2nd to Power Blade in the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul last November. Those are his only two defeats so far. Her should get the distance and he should certainly get another chance here. That Cup Mile performance raised questions but he can go better and can place.

2. Cheonji Storm [Admire Don – Great Thought (Empire Maker)] (6/3/1/1) DK Kim – Ham Wan Sik
He was 3rd on his first try around two turns on his last start, beaten by the kind of horses you need to beat if you are going to win a Derby and he was well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and is likely to go forward from the gate, but he will be an outsider.

3. Stealth [Colors Flying – Missed The Tower] (9/4/0/2) SY Lee – Ikuyasu Kurakane
Comes into contention haign scored a very good 3rd in the Cup Mile, six lengths behind Power Blade and ahead of five of his rivals here. Tries the distance for the first time but that should be ok. He will be given a patient ride and can finish well.

4. Zettabyte [Menifee – Fight Back (Sakura Seeking)] (8/3/2/1) KM Lim – Lim Sung Sil
He was 4th in the Cup Mile, a length and a half behind Stealth having previously made all to win at that distance at class 4 in February. The extra distance may be a slight concern but he should be prominent early and could find the money.

5. Saeroun Stealth [Colors Flying – Captive (Mutakddim)] (5/2/1/1) SY Lee – Makoto Okabe
One of the lesser known quantities of the race, he is yet to compete at higher than class 5, at which he won over 1400M last month. Definite question marks over the distance and his ability to compete in such company make him an outsider. Shares an owner and trainer with Stealth.

6. Siseon Pochak [Colors Flying – Myeongseo Gongju (Carry The Flag)] (12/3/4/3) JK Min – Paolo Aragoni
Formerly with Kim Young Kwan, he was moved to a new trainer specifically so he could compete in this race with Kim already sending the maximum allowed number of two. He was a class 4 winner by a neck at this distance just three weeks ago and makes for an interesting outsider. One of only three to race at this distance already, he most likely settles behind the early leaders.

7. Ever In Ever (Sharp Humor – Habidongju (Silent Warrior)] (7/3/2/1) KY Baik – Yonekura Satoshi
Fifth in the Cup Mile having been sent off fifth in the betting. He beat Siseon Pochak over a mile in March but so far hasn’t shown enough to warrant being well fancied here. Settles in midfield and can be competitive but is an outsider. Good opportunity though for Japanese jockey Satoshi.

8. V Man [Volponi – Katemba (Faltaat)] (12/2/2/2) KH Choi – Lee Yong Ho
Another of the Busan outsiders, he was a class 5 winner at a mile in March and was then 3rd to Tohamsan at the same distance last month. He’ll not go forward and could pass some late on but there is little to suggest he can compete for the money.

9. Gongryong [Revere – Parisilton (Woodman)] (8/4/1/0) DS Bae – Moon Se Young
He was considered Seoul’s best hope for the Cup Mile but failed to deliver last month. He came from right off the pace to win at 1700M the time before that and he will probably go to the back of the field here and try to close. He should pass plenty and he will have some supporters.

10. Winners Glory [Strike Again – Luck And Fame (Western Fame)] (6/4/1/1) ST Shim – Kim Dong Soo
Third in the Breeders’ Cup race last November, he skipped the Cup Mile having been a seven-length winner over 1700M at the beginning of March. He has had a full ten weeks off since then, he will look to lead early and if he gets to the front, he could go very well.

11. Theme Deunggeuk [Menifee – Pilseung Giwon (Silent Warrior)] (8/2/3/1) JK Park – Park Eul Woon
He was a longshot in the Cup mile and did reasonably well; his 6th place making him Seoul’s best placed finisher. However, despite that, there is little to suggest he will be any more fancied today and another creditable run would suffice.

12. Power Blade [Menifee – Cheonmachong (Lost Mountain)] (7/5/2/0) YK Kim – Kim Yong Geun
The favourite. He easily won the Breeders’ Cup and KRA Cup Mile and has also won at class 3 over this distance. On form and achievement to date, it isn’t a question of whether he wins but how far he wins by. There are 14 others in the race though, anything can happen, but he is hard to oppose. He settles midway down the field, improves in the back straight, goes forward around the final turn and then runs away from them to the line.

13. World Champion [Didyme – Ascend The Throne (Silver Charm)] (7/5/2/0) YK Kim – Pasquale Borelli
Betting on Kim Young Kwan’s 2nd string is never a bad idea especially in a race where the trainer could have fielded five if he was allowed. If Power Blade is to be defeated, it would be no surprise if this was the one to do it. He comes in having won at class 3 over this distance last month, making all and will look to lead here. If and when Power Blade comes alongside, it could be interesting.

14. Tohamsan [Kwaedo Nanma – Bernice (Yankee Victor)] (5/4/0/0) KY Baik – Seo Seung Un
A bit of a wildcard, he was won three in a row very smartly indeed, beating V Man by ten lengths last month over 1400M. The distance is obviously a question mark but he can give a good account of himself. Satblemate of Ever In Ever

15. Seungniui Chukje [Captain Coltish – Call Again (Mr. Greely)] (3/1/1/0) SJ Kwon – Lee Sung Jae
The one with the least number of starts and the lowest rating. A visually impressive win against nothing much over 1000M in March which showed he has speed aside, there isn’t much to recommend.

Selections: 12, 13, 10, 1
Next Best: 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders: 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters: 1, 10, 13, 14

Busan Friday: Race By Race Preview

It’s Korean Derby weekend. KRA Cup Mile winner Power Blade heads a strong Busan contingent who are in the capital for Sunday’s showpiece, accompanied by all five of the track’s foreign jockeys. 

We’ll have a full preview of the big race tomorrow, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening at Busan today. English language race cards are here.

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

After debuting last November, (4) MUJEOK VICAR returned last month and ran 3rd of twelve over this distance, beating two of the others who go here and must surely win this very modest affair. (2) B.K. SUN will be quick out of the gate and has claims on 2nd with (1) YEOKDONGUI JILJU and (3) DESTINY others who are set to get their biggest payday to date here.

Selections (4) Mujeok Vicar (3) Destiny (2) B.K. Sun (1) Yeokdongui Jilju
Next Best 5, 8
Outsiders 6, 7
Fast Starters 2

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

(9) IKSAN DAEWANG was 2nd on debut on April 15th and can come from off the pace to go one better here. That pace is likely to be set by (4) HAPPY JILJU, who hasn’t been far away in recent starts without really threatening a win and she can place again. Last time out, she beat (3) DAEJIUI HUIMANG by a couple of lengths and that one too can improve today. (2) PERFECT KING and the more experienced (7) CHASEDAE can also compete for the placings.

Selections (9) Iksan Daewang (4) Happy Jilju (3) Daejiui Huimang (2) Perfect King
Next Best 7, 6
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 2, 4

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

Big field but a clear favourite in the shape of (3) CHOEGANG DREAM. He’s up in class having been a four-length winner on what was his second career start on April 8th and should have too much for this lot. (9) SKY RUNNER and (11) GODAE are both also up in class following maiden victories last time and should be competitive while (2) SONATA ZONE and Shunsuke Yoshida’s (4) TAIL WIND are already experienced at this level and should go well.

Selections (3) Choegang Dream (4) Tail Wind (9) Sky Runner (2) Sonata Zone
Next Best 11, 5, 6
Outsiders 1, 7, 8, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4

Race 5: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

Perhaps the most competitive race of the day sees a couple of maidens both up in class having come close in each of their two most recent starts. (4) SMART KING was beaten a head by Godae (who we saw in race 4) last time out at 1300M having made all up to that point and has solid claims. (8) MACH BOLT is slightly less experienced but may very well appreciate tackling seven furlongs for the first time. (9) CHOEGANG EXCELLENT has already won and was 4th on his first try at this level just two weeks ago and will be a danger as will (2) GANGHO DREAM, who was half a length behind Choegang Excellent in that very same race two weeks ago. (10) IMPASSIONED MARINE is the other one with a big chance. She was 3rd last time out and looks to have a win in her at this level.

Selections (4) Smart King (8) Mach Bolt (9) Choegang Excellent (10) Impassioned Marine
Next Best 2, 3, 6
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 10

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

(6) YEONGGWANGUI AGAIN was a 30/1 winner at class and distance on a wet track a month ago and while he must be respected here, others will be favoured. One of those he beat in that narrow finish and (1) CHOA is one of a number who will be on the early speed here and can go very well. (2) ALBERT VICAR is still looking for her maiden victory but dropped back to 1200M today should improve on the 4th she scored last start. (3) ONLY BLUE and Thomas Gillespie’s (7) MAJOR SLAM, who is up in class following a good win at this distance last month, are others to consider as is the other Yeonggwangui, (5) YEONGGWANGUISINHWA.

Selections (1) Choa (2) Albert Vicar (7) Major Slam (3) Only Blue
Next Best 5, 6
Outsiders 4, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Coming in looking for a hat-trick of victories, the verdict must go to (5) KWAEHAN JILJU. An almost three-length winner at this class over 1200M last month, he is hard to oppose here. (2) CHEONMA CHUPUNGO is yet to win or come 2nd but can score a career best finish here while (3) BETTER THAN YOU is one of three entrants here who races for the first time this year. He looks better than the other two. Down in class, the very experienced (4) GIMAKHIN SEONTAEK may be competitive for the first time in a while.

Selections (5) Kwaehan Jilju (2) Cheonma Chupungo (3) Better Than You (4) Gimakhin Seontaek
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 1, 8
Fast Starters 1

Race 8: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Peter Wolsley’s (6) JIBONG BLUE has won two of three starts so far and while up in class today, should be winning this. She will likely look to lead from the gate and can make all. (1) CHEONJUNGWANG struggled at 1800M a month ago but should be better today while (2) GOLD LINE was a good winner over 1200M three weeks ago and can build on that here. (3) WORLD QUICK was 2nd at class and distance on April 1st and must be respected here and although (4) HWARYEOHANHAMSEONG may only have a solitary victory to his name, he is a tough competitor and is rarely far from the money.

Selections (6) Jibong Blue (1) Cheonjungwang (2) Gold Line (3) World Quick
Next Best 4, 7
Outsiders 5, 8
Fast Starters 3, 6

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(5) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK suffered her only setback to date in an Oaks trial in March and got back to winning ways last month with a five-length victory over 1400M. She is up in class and also in distance today but there’s no reason why she can’t win again. The one who looks to have the potential to beat her is (7) DONGNAM CHEONHA. He is already a winner at this distance and has beaten some of these in recent starts. He should be looking to go better than the 3rd place he scored last time out. One race into a comeback, (8) BARAMUI JEONSEOL also looks backable for a place while (3) SEMPER FI and (6) YEONGGWANGUITAEPUNG can’t be ruled out.

Selections (5) Hoseungjibyeok (7) Dongnam Cheonha (3) Semper Fi (8) Baramui Jeonseol
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4
Fast Starters 3, 4

Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 19:00 (KST)

He’s five for five and (1) BIT BLADE finally returns today after just over a year out. He’s with Busan’s top stable and breezed through a barrier at the end of April in good style. He’ll look to make all here and has every chance of doing so. Also returning from a lengthy spell is (2) JIBONG SEUNGNI. He too looked sharp in trials and can go well first up. The main danger though could be (4) READY WHEN YOU ARE. He returned from a spell of his own a month ago to win a quick race at this distance and comes up in class today. (3) JILJU HWASIN and (5) CHOEGANG PLUS, the latter of whom beat three of those who go here in March, are others to look out for.

Selections (1) Bit Blade (4) Ready When You Are (2) Jibong Seungni (5) Choegang Plus
Next Best 3, 11, 9
Outsiders 6, 7, 8, 10
Fast Starters 1, 4, 8, 11

Jockeys Chisty & Satoshi Land First Wins / Rice Trebles / Dean Debuts

It was a busy week for the expanding foreign contingent in Korean racing at both Seoul and Busan. And there were successes too with jockeys Imran Chisty and Yonekura Satoshi both riding their first winners, Bart Rice training three winners across the weekend and Brian Dean making his long awaited Seoul training debut and scoring a solid 3rd place with Jangsan Jewang.

We’ll start with Imran Chisty. It would be fair to say he impressed all who saw him in work and on the three with no chance that he was given to ride on his debut on May 1st. It was therefore a little disappointing to see the Indian jockey only booked for one single ride across this past weekend. Chisty responded in the best possible manner.

Jeongsang Jeil, in race 1 on Saturday, was Chisty’s first mount with any semblance of a winning chance and win it he did, the 4/1 chance making all over 1300M. Hopefully connections will have taken note and Chisty’s weekends won’t be over by 10:55 on Saturday mornings anymore.

A day earlier at Busan, Japanese jockey Satoshi Yonekura landed his first winner on the peninsula, guiding Gold Blue to victory in race 8. Satoshi, who has been getting plenty of mounts, would follow up with another winner on Sunday with Lady Champ in race 2. Established in Korea already, Ikuyasu Kurakane and Djordje Perovic were also among the winners.

On the training side, it was a very good weekend Bart Rice. The South African saddled three winners across Friday and Sunday. He started with the previously winner-circle dodging filly Load Cell, who finally got things right at the sixth time of asking in race 5 after three runner-up finishes.

Another filly, Daehanuimyeongseong would be next in race 6, landing her second win in eight starts. On Sunday, Rice’s Triple Five would make all to comfortably win the class 3 race 5. That one now has two wins and three 2nd place finishes from five starts.

Thomas Gillespie would also weigh-in with a winner at Busan on Sunday, Jungang Yeoje in race 1, while up at Seoul, Aussie trainer Brian Dean, the first foreign trainer to be licensed in the capital sent out his first runner.

Actually that’s not quite true as Dean brought Valevole to the Asia Challenge Cup last August but on Sunday Jangsan Jewang became the first starter from his newly established Korean stable. Jangsan Jewang was one of three Brian Dean horses to win barrier trial two weeks and under another Australian, Dean Holland he set out to make all in the 1200M class 2 race 11.

It wasn’t quite to be with Jangsan Jewang being caught late on and eventually having to settle for a very solid 3rd place. It was a huge improvement on his two previous starts at class 2. The Brian Dean stable looks one to watch very carefully. There could be some very nervous fellow trainers on the Seoul backstretch right now.