Luna Stakes Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 5)

The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed). That’s part of the 7-race program at Busan which runs from 11.25 to 16.55. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55 as the capital track’s cherry blossom festival continues:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those newcomers will be the favourite. That’s (5) WHIZ POINT, who led from much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (2) CRUSH GIRL also impressed in her trial. He showed handy and crossed the line 2nd in a fair time, and she too can be considered first-up. Among the experience, (6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM ran 6th on eleven on debut over this distance on March 7th but wasn’t far away from 4th. She should have come on for the run, and she can be closer here. (8) FLYING MACH and the more experienced (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can be in this.

Selections(5) Whiz Point (2) Crush Girl (6) Cheonggang Yeoreum (8) Flying Mach
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) QUERENCIA here. He comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M at 1400M, coming from off the pace both times and while he has plenty of weight to carry, today should really be his day. (3) MANGEUM CROWN is the only other one in the field who has placed, something he has done twice. He comes back to racing at one turn for the first time since finishing well back in Listed Juvenile company last October and he can be close today. (11) BEAT CODE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and while she had to trial after her lates, she can continue to make progress. (4) B.K. VIVACE and (2) DELTA DAECHEON are others who can at least challenge for the places.

Selections(1) Querencia (3) Mangeum Crown (11) Beat Code (4) B.K. Vivace
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old filly maidens and it is competitive. (7) NEWWORLD TIARA ran 4th on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 6th, settling close to the speed and not having enough late on. She should have derived benefit from that run and can get it right today. She will need to overturn the form on (5) POWERFUL DEVIL, who ran 2nd in that March 6th race, coming from off the pace. She has shown steady progress across three starts so far and can continue that here. (8) GOLDEN TIARA was an improved 2nd at start three over 1200M on March 1st and while well beaten by a good winner, can aim at least for the places again. (10) BABEL FOLGORE and (12) HUIMANG LOGI are among plenty of others who can step up.

Selections(7) Newworld Tiara (5) Powerful Devil (8) Golden Tiara (10) Babel Folgore
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. (9) FLYING SMART won a January trial and then came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1300M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 1st. She should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, she can win this. (7) BLACK SUN is yet to get inside the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th including her latest on March 8th when she beat a couple of these on her way to 4th at this distance. She can get a bit far back in her races, but she should be a danger late here. (1) CHEONJI LADY had hinted at ability prior to an almost eleven-month layoff. She should have come on for her run in February and from the inside gate can be on pace today. (4) QUEENS FLYING and (6) ROAD TO SPEAR are others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Flying Smart (7) Black Sun (1) Cheonji Lady (4) Queens Flying
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an ordinary debut, (8) KING BLACK has gone on to run 4th in four consecutive races, most recently stepping up to the mile for the first time on March 8th and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests today can be the day. (2) DIA X is a fifteen-start maiden but has been knocking on the door with no fewer than ten finishes between 2nd and 5th. He steps up to the mile for the first time and at this stage, it can suit. (9) NICE POWER comes in off her best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on March 20th and she can aim for the places again. (11) WORLD TREE and (12) FANTASTIC CAPTAIN others with place chances.

Selections(8) King Black (2) Dia X (9) Nice Power (11) World Tree
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After three consecutive 3rd place finishes, (7) RAON BLAIDE broke through on his first try at this class and distance on February 28th when on pace throughout. An apprentice claim means his carried weight only goes up by 1kg and he can win again. (2) MIGHTY BEAT only managed 6th of eleven last time out when well supported but prior to that he had a win and two placings over this trip and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is worth another chance. (11) SEUNGNI BAROWS was 2nd behind Raon Blaide in that February 28th race and while he has almost two-lengths to make up, he can be in the finish again. (4) DANAEUN STAR and (9) GIDAEHARA can also be considered on at least a place line.

Selections(7) Raon Blaide (2) Mighty Beat (11) Seungni Barows (4) Danaeun Star
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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Seoul Cherry Blossom Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 4)

The blossoms are out at Seoul Racecourse and the festival gets underway on Saturday. There are 11 races from 10.35 to 17.55 and a drone show after races as well as the usual food-trucks etc. Here are the previews:

That time of year again

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Three-year-old maidens and we’ll take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but looked assured when he did, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time behind an experienced rival. From a nice draw he can lead and he can win. After a couple of trials, (1) PEGASUS KING was a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on January 17th, settling back and running on. He’s had eleven weeks off since then, but he should have come on for that and will probably start as favourite. (8) NAOL AURORA was 3rd on debut over this distance on March 7th and can build on that here. (10) MANGEUM DAON, who races for the first time since his debut last October, and (5) ÉCLAIR WIND are the other main chances.

Selections(5) Jeongmun Kingdom (1) Pegasus King (8) Naol Aurora (10) Mangeum Daon
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) DRAGON MIJIN was slow away on debut over 1200M on January 17th but recovered well to run on for 3rd place, seven-lengths behind a winner who has gone on to score twice more (Maeum Hana). He didn’t return to work until mid-March but with a better start, he should have too much for this lot. (10) POWER BEST is second-best. He has finished in the top five in each of his last four starts, most recently 3rd on February 14th. In this company he should be on pace and a similar effort will see him place again. (2) PARAIBA has two 3rd places on her record and while she only managed 6th of ten last time out, she comes into a better gate today and should be closer. (8) SEOPOKCHAT and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others in the frame.

Selections(1) Dragon Mijin (10) Power Best (2) Paraiba (8) Seopokchat
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) SMART RISE has finished 3rd in both his latest two, most recently beating two of today’s rivals over this distance on March 7th. That was his second placing over 1400M, and he won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) TOUR FELIX has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times doing his best work late. He comes up to this distance for the first time, and it may well suit. (9) DAEHAN SIDAE looks to be figuring things out with a 5th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the speed and he can be in this a long way. (5) SU BU TAI and (2) NAEGEROWAJWO are others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Smart Rise (3) Tour Felix (9) Daehan Sidae (5) Su Bu Tai
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (3) LOVE IN SEOUL got her maiden win at start number three, leading all the way over 1300M, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance in a similar filly and mare race on March 2nd behind Raon Finalle who goes in tomorrow’s Luna Stakes. She draws nicely to lead, and she can go one better. (2) POMADE had been working towards her maiden win, and it duly arrived at start number six over this distance on March 1st. She comes up in class but can keep her momentum going here. She will be competing for the lead from the start. Those two will top most tickets as the rest have patchy recent form. (7) DURAY SHOW has a 3rd place at this class as recently as January and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (11) MACHEON WORLD and (8) POETIC NUBI others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(3) Love In Seoul (2) Pomade (7) Duray Show (11) Macheon World
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 3)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17: 55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and a couple of the newcomers catch the eye. (7) POWER TIGER was very quick in trials, posting 61.8 seconds when 3rd behind two experienced horses, showing handy throughout. That form on race day can be winning. (6) BYEOLBIT SONATA won his trial, racing close to the speed throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. Seo Seung-un’s booking will tempt plenty. Of the experienced ones, (9) BEST VALUE was an improved 3rd at start two over 1200M on March 1st when leading for much of the way. She should be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) BREEDO SHOOTER and (8) POWER HIT are others who can get better.

Selections(7) Power Tiger (6) Byeolbit Sonata (9) Best Value (10) Breedo Shooter
Next Best8, 12
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Very ordinary maiden, although that means from a punting perspective, there are plenty of chances. (6) LIKE DRAGON has a 3rd place as recently as three starts back at this distance and enters off a fair 5th in a stronger event than this. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and today could finally be the day. (3) BIG SMILE beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place on March 6th coming from well off the pace. That was her best so far and with only four starts under her belt, she may more to offer. (11) DALBITWIE ran 2nd at 33/1 over 1300M two weeks ago. That was his first race since last August and it’s not impossible that he can strip fitter with a quick turnaround. (12) JEONGMUN SKIP and (7) PILSEUNG WINNER are others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(6) Like Dragon (3) Big Smile (11) Dalbitwie (12) Jeongmun Skip
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(9) MAENGNYONG was a class and distance winner on February 6th, leading all the way to score narrowly over Nice Buddy. Since then, he has been through a trial, in which he continued to look well, and while he comes up 3kg in weight and draws the widest gate, he can win again. (8) HUIMANG RANI is generally slow away but was even slower than usual when brushing the gate on exit on her return from over three months out on March 13th. She can strip fitter and has proven competitive at this level. (5) LEMON PIE hasn’t done much in two starts back from a lengthy absence but has won at this distance and in this company and third-up, she can be given a chance. (1) TTANBONG QUEEN and (2) JEOLDAE BOSS other place chances.

Selections(9) Maengnyong (8) Huimang Rani (5) Lemon Pie (1) Ttanbong Queen
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only. (2) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE won a trial in January and then scored on her debut over 1200M on February 27th, leading all the way. She is up in class here and slightly in trip, but she comes into a much better gate, and she can lead again and win again. (1) MOMENTUM struggled when tried over a mile on March 13th, settling handy but knocking up fast and only beating two. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 2nd place two starts back at this trip and give her another chance today. (4) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win but has placed twice at this class and distance this year already and can be in the mix again. (8) ARE YOU READY and (9) QUEEN WIND both broke through on their respective fourth starts and can be competitive at this level.

Selections(2) Road To Number One (1) Momentum (4) Dolphin Kick (8) Are You Ready
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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BAYERN’S FUNNY WILD TAKES FIRST LEG OF KOREAN TRIPLE CROWN

If there is to be a Triple Crown winner in 2026, his name is Funny Wild. Under Seo Seung-un, the Bayern colt ground down Hwang Geum Eo Jjang to win the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) – the “Korean 2000 Guineas” – by a length. Hwang Geum Eo Jang rallied for 2nd while 130/1 long shot Chocolate came home 3rd.

Funny Wild held off Hwang Geom Eo Jjang to win the Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

A full field of sixteen with eight each trained at Seoul and Busan lined up with Live Star sent off as a narrow 3.0 favourite ahead of Funny Wild at 3.2. Live Star though was slightly slow away, bumping with Amazing One, and while ridden up to just behind the leaders on the turn, never at any time looked a winner.

Flutter, under Kim Hyo-jung, was the best out of the gate and led until the home turn, but he too was quickly beaten, while third in the market Hey Brother was never a factor. Aboard Funny Wild, Seo Seung-un was able to stalk the pace before making his move, taking over the lead from Hwang Geum Eo Jang just over a furlong from home and while the latter did come back at him, the margin on the line was a full length.

“The stable prepared (Funny Wild) very well” winning jockey Seo Seung-un told KRBC. “In fact, I didn’t ride him in work at all, my only job was to ride him in the race and fortunately it went as we expected. I am pleased I was able to do my part as my results in the other races this weekend haven’t been great.” Seo rode two winners at Busan on Friday.

The victory was jockey Seo’s second in the race with his first coming back in 2014 on Cheongnyongbisang, who remains one of just three Seoul-trained horses to win the opening Classic of the season.

As for trainer Choi Ki-hong, it was his tenth Group race win but his first by a horse not called Winner’s Man.

Funny Wild is by Bayern and out of Funny Sunny (by Sharp Humor). He was bred by his owner Choi Sang-il at Great Hill Farm which stands Bayern. After the presentation Choi Sang-il spoke with KRBC about Funny Wild and his sire:

“The horse was in top condition and Seo Seung-un read the flow of the race very well. This horse has always been fit and healthy since he was young, and he has always been nice looking and eaten well.

“Actually, Bayern’s conception rate has been quite low, and he hasn’t been a significant producer so I am very happy that we have a good one in Funny Wild that can help keep Bayern’s line going. The Wild Again (Bayern’s sire Offlee Wild was by Wild Again) line is getting rarer and rarer worldwide so I think Bayern can help preserve it.”

The Triple Crown Series moves on to the big one, the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday May 3rd. Next week, the fillies get their chance as the Triple Tiara Series kicks off with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guines” at Busan next Sunday.

KOREA RACING REPORT: MARCH 27-29

THE PRINCIPAL ACTION IN KOREA ON SUNDAY WAS ON THE SOUTH-EAST COAST BUT SEOUL STILL HAD A GOOD PROGRAM AND A VERY STRONG CLASS 1 CONTEST WAS WON BY VICS GO who made it two consecutive wins over the course, distance and grade in race 9, writes Luke Humphreys.  

Vics Go (Vics) was ridden exactly the same by Woo In-cheol as at the start of the month, going towards the rear and then hugging the rail to go on and score by two-and-a-half lengths over Ziggurat and Pepper X who ran very honourable races in 2nd and 3rd places.

The last horse home was last year’s G3 Kookje Shinmun Cup winner Munhak Boy who with 58kg was beaten 17 lengths. He was on pace early but lost the plot from the halfway stage onwards.

No Problem was coming into the race on four consecutive victories but his first run at class 1 level was one to forget as he got upset in the gate as the race began and dumped Song Jae-chul who was conveyed to hospital for x-rays.

KING MASTER (The King) ran out a strong winner of race 8 (1800M Class 4) when defeating Mr. Taeyang by four-lengths. King Master had chased home the smart Chrysol Stone at his previous start and could potentially be a Derby horse, as could Mr. Taeyang who lost no admirers in second.

King Master gave jockey Jo Jae-ro two of the last three winners on the card as the ever consistent TIARA SUA (Audible) led throughout to win the concluding 1400M class 3.

SLAM DRAGON (Power Blade) took race 7 (1600M Class 4) for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira defeating his co-favourites Myeong Power and Geosen Daero.

HWASAN POKPAL (Smokem) broke through at the seventh time of asking when winning race 6 (1300M Class 4) as the third market elect at 5.9. He had never placed from six runs, but the best two runs of his career were his two previous outings, so he is obviously heading in the right direction. The race saw the two favourites in Jjarithan Haengbok, 2.6, and Hero Cheetah, 3.6, proved disappointing.

Hwasan Pokpal completed a riding double on the program for Jeong Jeong-hee as he won race 4 (1200M Class 5) on board 24/1 chance SMART MARU (Revolutionary) with only a nose, a head and a nose separating the first four home.

The victory of Smart Maru completed a race-to-race training double for Park Jae-woo who 68 minutes earlier landed a 1700M Class 6 thanks to the four-length victory of the 2.7 favourite LUCKY JOY (Gemologist).

FLYING THUNDER (Preservationist) was an impressive seven-length winner of race 5 (1400M Class 5) and in doing so completed back-to-back front-running victories and looks destined for more victories in his career.

BEOLGYO EMPEROR (Rock Your World) was the best of the maiden winners in race 2 winning the 1300M contest by two-lengths at odds of 1.5.

DOWN AT BUSAN ON THE SAME DAY FUNNY WILD LANDED THE KOREAN 2000 GUINEAS BUT THE LAST OF THE TWO CLASS 3 HANDICAPS WAS WON BY NEVER GIVE UP who lived up to his name as he was winning for the first time at the grade at attempt five.

Never Give Up (Peace Rules) won three races in a row last summer over the Busan 1800M and once again won over the distance when landing the concluding contest of the day as a 5.7 third pick in the betting. The 3.1 second favourite Max The Cat, who beat Funny Wild at his prior start, was a two-and-a-half-length 2nd whilst the 2.6 favourite Storm Fighter was an eight-and-a-half-length fourth.

The race saw Choi Eun-gyeong get dumped at the start when Sekwang Choegang knuckled on leaving the stalls. Choi, who only last week had returned to riding after four months out with a pelvic injury walked back to the jockey’s room but will have to pass concussion protocols.

The victory of Never Give Up completed a riding double for Jo In-kwon after 60/1 outsider BEOLGYO MABEOPSA (Revolutionary) came from miles back to win race 2 (1400M Class 6). 

EPHPHATHA (Instagrand) made it three wins from as many starts when leading for the majority of the contest to win race 5 (1400M Class 3) by two-and-a-half lengths. The US import looks progressive and is one to continue following.

4.3 second favourite SUNRISE (Gemologist) proved too good for the 2.4 popular pick Lampyojeonggeenie when pulling away to win race 4 (1300M Class 5) by one-and-a-half lengths. She has now won her last two races, which gives her a 50% winning strike rate.

Kim Hyo-jung was down at Busan to ride Flutter in the Korean 2000 and whilst he only beat two home her trip was still worth it as she picked up multiple rides on the card for Baik Kwang-yeol and DOCTOR HUNTER (Race Day) was a decent five-length winner for that combination in the opening 1200M class 6 as a 3.5 second pick defeating 2.1 favourite Global One Pick.

AT SEOUL ON SATURDAY DAESEONG STAR bounced back from a disappointing effort last start to land the 2000M class 2 by one-length.

Daeseong Star (Concord Point) had won the start prior over course, distance and grade and made it two wins from his last three starts and in doing so defeated the ever consistent Choegang Gold, who ran a fine race at his first run at the grade, Musket Day, who had the perfect run and presented as the winner early in the home straight but only managed third as a 2.3 favourite, and the 2024 Derby winner Eunpa Sarang, who for the second consecutive start ran a much better race. Brown Gold, the 4.1 second market choice, was home in fifth but was only beaten by two-lengths.

WONPYEONG SKET (Musket Man) was written off by some after her incredibly basic performance against similar rivals at the start of the month, but punters kept the faith sending her off a 2.2 favourite in the closing 1200M class 3 and she justified their support with a diminishing neck victory. 

The two worst runs of her career, obviously including her previous run, had been the only two times where she hadn’t led so naturally from gate one Ruan Maia was very keen to hold the top in the early stages and she was a clear leader for the majority of the contest before getting very tired in the closing stages, but she had enough of a break to hold off the late challenge of Cosmo One in a solid time of 1:13.5 considering the slow track. 

Cosmo Run ran the equal quickest final furlong of the race, 13.1 seconds, whilst the fourth placed Free The One, who was the 3.7 second favourite, also ran the same time for his last 200 metres coming from last after getting way too far out of his ground in the early stages.

The disappointment of the race was Gwanaksan Storm who won the form-line race for this event on March 1 when leading Wonpyeong Sket but today the roles were reversed in the run and also in regard to the result and he was the one that was vehemently disappointing.

The victory of Wonpyeong Sket completed a double on the program for trainer Jung Ho-ik who prepared SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA (Overanalyze) to win race 9 (1800M Class 3).

Songdang Hwangtaeja was having his first run over both the distance and grade but proved more than up to the task after sitting midfield off a strong pace to win by two-and-a-half lengths. 

It was Malaysia against Brazil in the first half of the race with CC Wong on the 2.5 favourite Dragon Killer and Ruan Maia on the 2.8 second choice Perfect Danaeun both very keen to lead and they set up a decent break on their rivals, which obviously was eventually reduced, and a quick time of 1:57.1. Dragon Killer was second whilst Perfect Danaeun, at his first run at the trip, ended up a tired fourth. MK Lee and BS Storm were the two disappointments of the race finishing sixth and ninth respectively.

The very consistent CLUB Q (Revolutionary) won her fourth race, they have all been over 1400M, when winning race 7 and making it two wins from her past three starts, both at class 4 level. She was sent off the 3.2 favourite and won by two-and-a-half lengths over the third and fourth picks in the market in Tohomarket and Geunyang Gara whilst the big disappointment was the 3.2 favourite Jiljuui Yeowang who has now produced two very good performances and two very bad performances from four runs.

RAON SAPPHIRE (Musket Man) made it two wins from four starts when winning race 5 (1300M Class 5) by one-and-a-half lengths over Choego Gold, 2.4 favourite, whilst CHEONJI TANK (Air Force Blue) was an impressive four-length winner of the opening 1300M class 6 as a 1.3 favourite.

Riding honours on the day clearly went to Lee Dong-ha who not only rode a double but also his 300th career winner on JILPUNGA (Tapwrit) who led throughout to score by four-lengths in race 6 as a 3.7 favourite. Lee’s earlier winner came on BEST URBANE (Uncaptured) in race 3 (1400M Class 6) which, a la Jilpunga, also led throughout.

AT BUSAN ON FRIDAY THERE WERE PLENTY OF TRAINERS AND JOCKEYS WITH MULTIPLE SUCCESS AND VANGIE completed a treble on the program for Bart Rice and a double for Seo Seung-un when winning the concluding 1200M class 2.

Vangie (Musket Man), who was having his third run at class 2 level, was having his first run at the grade over the 1200M after a third and two fourth places over 1400M but appreciated the drop back in trip by a furlong and recorded his fifth win from 15 starts with four of those coming over the six furlongs. He has never missed the top four either with six second places, a third and two fourth place finishes also. 

The favourite in the race was Beolma King who wasn’t far away but finished a never nearer sixth just the same.

The other victory for jockey Seo Seung-un on the card came courtesy of FAST MAN (Blue Pin) who justified 1.5 favouritism in race 4 (1200M Class 5) with a four-length victory, and made the form of race 5 at Busan on February 27 look very good as he finished third in that race whilst the second placed Bunker Buster has been a subsequent winner also. However, the winner of that race, Seongsil Dream, is yet to have raced again.

The other victories for trainer Bart Rice came in race 1 (1200M Class 4) with BARAM DAERO (Copper Bullet), who led throughout to deny the 1.4 favourite Vegas Jeontu, and also SKY WIN WIN (Win Win Win), who was ridden from the top for the first time, in race 6 (1800M Class 4) and held on to score by one-length in what was an outstanding frontrunning ride from Franco da Silva.

The victory of Baram Daero in the opener was the first of two winners for jockey Masa Tanaka who followed up in race 5 (1400M Class 5) on board GWANGBOKUI BANSEOK (Mendelssohn) who won by a comfortable space of four-lengths.

Jockey Lee Hyo-sik and trainer Lee Jung-pyo combined to have a double thanks to the efforts of debutante CHEONNYEONDOR (Dortmund) in race 3 (1300M Class 6) and SEKWANG LIGHT (Shackleford) in race 7 (1600M Class 4)

The biggest winner of the day was YONGBI JJANG (Gemologist) in race 2 (1600M Class 6) who won by a very cute 10 lengths as a 1.5 favourite.

The big race for next weekend is back down at Busan with the first leg of the Triple Tiara taking place for the three-year-old fillies in the Luna Stakes (KOR-Listed), the Korean equivalent of the 1000 Guineas. At Seoul it will also be the opening of the popular annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul (March 29)

The Triple Crown Series gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW AND FORM COMMENTS FOR THE BIG RACE. There are 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55

Who will succeed Oasis Blue as the KRA Cup Mile winner? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) EVER LOVELY ran 2nd at start number two and then was a beaten favourite when 3rd over this distance on March 2nd, settling midfield and running on. In this company, she should be on pace and this time she can win. The danger is on her inside. (5) THE SUN MONSTER was a much-improved 2nd on his own third outing at this distance on March 8th when handy throughout. He carries more weight than Ever Lovely but should be in the finish again. (10) TRIGONUS was a fair 3rd on debut back at the end of February and should have come on for the run. (2) POWER MAGIC and (7) WORLD VICS are the other main contenders in an interesting opener.

Selections(6) Ever Lovely (5) The Sun Monster (10) Trigonus (2) Power Magic
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BEOLGYO EMPEROR did nothing on debut in December but was an improved 4th at start two in January and then a solid 2nd, albeit beaten by a good winner, over 1300M on February 8th in a quick race. He draws well and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (6) COSMO JJIN did nothing on her first two starts but then came home in 2nd place at big odds in all filly maiden over 1200M at start three. She did her best work late that day so the slight increase in trip may suit and with an apprentice claim keeping her carried weight light, she can be in the finish. (4) BLACK MAMA was 4th two starts bac k and that’s enough to have her in placing contention in this company. (5) ANYANG LASER and (10) STUNNING BOLT others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(3) Beolgyo Emperor (6) Cosmo Jjin (4) Black Mama (5) Anyang Laser
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) GLOBAL ONE PICK did nothing when debuting las July and then didn’t reappear until trialing in January. She put in a very solid effort on her return to racing on February 27th, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd over 1300M with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She should have come on for the run, and she is the one to beat here. (12) DELTA FORCE was 3rd on debut over 1200M and then 5th behind Global One Pick on February 27th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be challenging late on. Kim Hyo-jung is in town to ride Flutter in the Cup Mile later and picks up a promising ride on (6) DOCTOR HUNTER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1400M on March 6th and should have come on for the run. (1) ONNURI PARTY and (9) SINHEUNG GANGTAJA debuted together, and both can show some natural improvement second up.

Selections(8) Global One Pick (12) Delta Force (6) Doctor Hunter (1) Onnuri Party
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) PNS TWIN has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place at 1300M on March 7th when coming from well off the pace. His racing style so far suggests that he needs a bit of distance, and he gets the chance to prove it here. (3) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish inside the top three in sixteen attempts, but she enters off a best to date 4th place over this distance on February 8th when she came from well back and beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, another career-best should be the aim. (5) LUCKY JOY was only ordinary on his first try at this distance last time out, but prior to that he registered a 5th and a 4th and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here.  (8) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (11) NURI EUTTEUM are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) PNS Twin (3) Bulguksidae (5) Lucky Joy (8) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After winning a trial, (11) WIN NOW beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut over 1400M on February 27th. Settling behind the speed and running through the line well enough. He should have come on for the run and is the one to beat. (4) GOLD ROGER has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M. She too has finished off well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (6) TOP OF THE RANK needs a line drawn through his latest when he was fractious in the gate and missed the start. He was well backed that day following a 2nd place in January and as he has subsequently completed a stall test, he can be given another chance. (2) FLYING SKY and (10) OASIS KINGDOM others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Win Now (4) Gold Roger (6) Top Of The Rank (2) Flying Sky
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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KRA Cup Mile: Preview & Form Comments for Triple Crown 2026 1st Leg

Sixteen colts will set out at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, bidding to be the first since Power Blade a decade ago to win the Triple Crown. The series gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the “Korean 2000 Guineas”.

Eight of the sixteen have travelled down from Seoul, but capital visitors do not have a good record in the race, registering only three victories since the race began in its current form in 2008 and none at all since Global Chukje scored in 2019. This time though a formidable line-up travels.

LIVE STAR has won his last three starts by a combined thirty-eight lengths, including a full eighteen last time out at class 4 over 1800M. While the robustness of the opposition he faced is debatable, he has been nothing if not impressive.

DI NE was well beaten behind Roshe in the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy on March 1st but prior to that was going very nicely and will be firmly in the market while FLUTTER and HWANG GEOM EO JJANG also travel down with solid credentials.

Don’t rule out the home team though. HEY BROTHER enters with the highest rating. He was 2nd behind Clutch Winner in the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy but prior to that was an excellent winner over a mile at class 4 level in January. Jockey Choi Si-dae won the race on Betelgeuse in 2023.

Seo Seung-un won the Cup Mile on Cheongnyong Bisang, one of those three Seoul horses to triumph in the race. Now firmly Busan-based, this year he partners FUNNY WILD, who while he lost his way late on when 2nd over 1800M last time out, was very strong prior to that and from a great draw, will be on the speed.

There is sadness over the race. Champion Juvenile Supex Winner began the week set to be favourite but suffered a catastrophic ligament and sesamoid injury on Monday morning which he ultimately succumbed to on Wednesday.

The KRA Cup Mile is race 6 on the 7-race program at Busan with a 16:05 post time:

1. HEY BROTHER – The highest rated in the field and one of the most experienced with nine starts. He’s won four times up to class 4 and a mile. His most recent start saw him 2nd to Clutch Winner in the Classic Trial at 1400M on March 1st. A front-runner, the mile suits and the draw suits, and he is among the favourites.

2. BREEDO SOL – Only beat two home in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie but has begun his three-year-old campaign well with a win over 1800M at class 5 level and then 2nd at class 4 over the same distance on February 15th, beating Legend Hit. Likes to come from off the pace and can aim for some minor money.

3. FUNNY WILD – A strong winner over 1800M at class 4 level in February, he led when trying to repeat at class 3 on March 1st but ultimately weakened late on and was caught. He is one for one at the mile, he has a great draw to get on pace and with Seo Seung-un riding him from potentially several options, he will probably be the betting favourite.

4. LIVE STAR – Took a few goes to fully figure things out, but he has won his latest three, most recently at class 4 level over 1800M on February 7th when leading all the way and scoring by a full eighteen-lengths in a time that would win the Korean Derby most years. On that evidence, he has to considered a real threat here.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 28)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Big crowd last week (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) CHEONJI TANK has a 4th and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far at 1200M and most recently at this distance on January 25th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today, and coming in fresh after nine weeks, he looks to be the one to beat. (9) NINJA TIGER was an improved 3rd at start two in an all-filly race over 1200M on February 8th. Third-up she can strip fitter and Johan is on for the first time. (6) ROAD TO PERFECT has run 4th in all three of her outings so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. (5) HANAM LASER and (10) YEOKJEONUI HIT are the other main contenders in what should be a competitive opener.

Selections(8) Cheonji Tank (9) Ninja Tiger (6) Road To Perfect (5) Hanam Laser
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

After winning a trial in January, (12) SOUTH CARNIVAL was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 14th and from a midfield position, he proceeded to finish off well for 3rd place, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He should have learned plenty from that and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) WHIZ STAR was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 28th. The only one in the race who has two starts under her belt, she can have a fitness edge on plenty and should be on pace in a race with little obvious early speed. (10) SUN DOLPUNG was last on debut but has since looked much better in a trial and gets another chance. With the first-timers not catching the eye, (9) JEONGWANGSEOKHWA and (7) SMART SHINHWA are the next bests.

Selections(12) South Carnival (6) Whiz Star (10) Sun Dolpung (9) Jeongwangseokhwa
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start6, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 2nd when he led for much of the way. He doe shave to contend with a worse draw this time so he may need a touch of luck at the start, but if he can get to the front, he can win. Betting favourite will be (7) BREEDO CALEY. He has mixed his form across his four appearances but his latest was a strong 2nd over 1300M on February 28th, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (11) MADE returned from six months out to run 3rd over this distance on February 15th form a similarly wide draw. He should strip fitter for the run, and an apprentice takes his weight down. (4) SEMYEONG PEAK and (5) CHEONGRYONG GIUN others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Sunganui Fighter (7) Breedo Caley (11) Made (4) Semyeong Peak
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) GEUMJEOKSAN got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M in November and has since run 3rd and 5th in two subsequent starts, showing on pace both times. The 3rd place came over this distance and from a good draw, she can be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (6) AGAIN GOOD MAN stepped up to this distance on March 2nd and registered his maiden win having raced handy throughout. He is up in class here but is down 2kg in weight and he can measure up. (1) FINAL JILJU went through a bit of a cold patch but has picked up in her latest couple of outings with a 2nd and a 4th and she can be there or thereabouts again. Up in class (11) JAZZ PURPLE, along with (9) GRAND KWAEMA, are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(5) Geumjeoksan (6) Again Good Man (1) Final Jilju (11) Jazz Purple
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) CHOEGO GOLD enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 2nd when on pace throughout. He is up 2kg in weight, but he comes into a much better gate and can accordingly get an easier run to the lead and go all the way. Like Choego Gold, (4) REFLECT has never been outside of the top five, in his case in six appearances. He has been 3rd and 4th in his latest two, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and in this company can race on pace and be a danger. (5) WIDAEHAN HAMSEONG is yet to win in seven attempts but following his first two runs, he hasn’t been outside of the top four. He is another who should be on the pace and can at least place again. (7) JURING SKY and (9) YONGBI SHINHWA among other placing chances.

Selections(3) Choego Gold (4) Reflect (5) Widaehan Hamseong (7) Juring Sky
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview

The Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday. Before that, the weekend’s racing kicks off on the South Coast on Friday with 11-races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Franco is going to be on mainstream TV next Monday! – He might have some winners before then too! (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens which means a small field. (3) VEGAS JEONTU was 3rd on debut in January before being a beaten favourite from a wide draw when 6th of twelve on March 6th. He is up in weight today but should be on pace and in this a long way.  (5) ONE LAST MARGARITA has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on March 1st when he settled back and ran on. He won’t need to improve much to win here. Solitary debut-maker (2) MISS WONDER showed fairly in her trial and has to be given a chance in this company first-up. (6) BARAM DAERO and (7) BIWOLUI KKIM can improve.

Selections(5) One Last Margarita (3) Vegas Jeontu (2) Miss Wonder (6) Baram Daero
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) YONGBI JJANG has made progress across three starts to date, culminating in 2nd place at 1400M on February 27th when settling right back and running on. His style suggests that the step up to the mile can suit, and he can go one better today. (6) FLASH TO ME was a beaten favourite on February 15th over this distance when ridden from a wide gate to be handy but not offering much in the straight. If we go on her outing two starts back when 3rd at 1400M, she can be afforded another chance here. (9) TAMNA BRAVO was similarly disappointing when well back as favourite on March 1st. He has an excuse as he was found to be lame on the near-fore. He has been back in work since March 13th and if recovered, should be a danger. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK and (2) RESONANCE MARINE are other place chances.

Selections(3) Yongbi Jjang (6) Flash To Me (9) Tamna Bravo (5) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After winning a trial, (4) SKYNEX ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M being slowly away and then running on well.  He should have learned from that and with a better start today, he is the one to beat. (5) BACK TO THE DREAM came from midfield to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on February 27th. That also followed a good trial and with some natural improvement, he is a danger. Solitary debut-maker (3) CHEONNYEONDOR went through three trials, and he posted some good times. He draws well to be on pace and if he brings his morning form to the races, he can be in the finish. (11) I AM HAPPY and (9) SHINY KOREA other potential place chances.

Selections(4) Skynex (5) Back To The Dream (3) Cheonnyeondor (11) I Am Happy
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) FAST MAN got his maiden win at this class and distance two outings back and then ran 3rd at 1400M on February 27th when leading for most of the way. Seo Seung-un returns and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can get on pace here and he should have too much here. (11) B.K. SPIRIT had a poor day at the office when favourite over 1300M on January 18th, showing on pace but weakening. He comes in here fresh after ten weeks off and back at the trip over which he won, he is worth another chance. (12) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was 3rd in that January 18th race and was 3rd in his latest too on March 15th. The veteran makes a quick return here and this is the kind of race he can money in again. (5) CLUTCH RUNNER and (4) WIND SWORD both need their respective latest starts overlooked.

Selections(10) Fast Man (11) B.K. Spirit (12) Taeyang Eutteum (5) Clutch Runner
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start6, 10, 11, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Raon Forest Beats The Upstarts In Queens’ Tour 1st Leg

Changing of the guard in the filly and mare division? Not just yet, there isn’t as Raon Forest to take out the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-Listed), the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.  

Raon Forest in the Donga Winner’s Circle (Pic: KRA)

The only six-year-old in the race and therefore the only one who came out of what proved to be a vintage Triple Tiara class in 2023, Raon Forest, a Queens’ Tour veteran, entered the race fourth in the market behind Breeders’ Cup Queen winner Ace High with Boryeonglightqueen and Oneuldo Smile also well supported. 

There was unfortunate drama as the gates opened with Indy Ghost going up on hind legs and the going over. Fortunately, neither she nor jockey Masa Tanaka were seriously hurt.

Oneuldo Smile did lead while defending champion Gladius was also on pace, but both were beaten early as Raon Forest, under a patient ride from Jo Jae-ro, consistently made ground on the rail, striking the front a furlong out and lengthening away to win by a full six-lengths.

Boryeonglightqueen and Satang Sonyeo appeared from the back of the field with late runs for 2nd and 3rd. Pre-race favourite Ace High never landed a blow and ended in 7th.

“I had some high hopes” winning trainer Park Jong-kon told KRBC. “Not necessarily that we would win but I had some expectations. The draw was good and while Choi Bum-hyun couldn’t ride (due to suspension), Jo Jae-ro came in and did well.”

“Raon Forest has had so many near-misses, she ran well against the males last time and today she was really good. She’ll go to the Ttukseom Cup next, in the past with her start I don’t think the 1400M would suit but she is different now.”

Raon Forest [Hansen – Raon Nari (by Ecton Park)] moved onto seven wins from thirty-one starts.

The Queens’ Tour will return on April 26th with the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) also at Seoul. Next weekend, it’s the turn of the three-year-olds as the Triple Crown kicks off with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) – informally known as the Korean 2000 Guineas – on Sunday afternoon at Busan.