1. YES PERFECT – He has only raced twice this year and was well beaten in both in G3 and G2 company. This is his first start since May and while he still has a high rating as a result of earlier exploits, he is hard to recommend here, despite the inside gate.
2. KEIAI DORIE – NON-RUNNER.
3. SOMETHING LOST – Beaten a neck by Raon The Point in the Busan Ilbo Sprint over this distance in March, and followed up with a 3rd and a 4th in two subsequent sprint efforts in Group company. Draw a line though his latest at a mile. Likes to settle handy and run on but a minor money chance at best.
4. BLACK MUSK – A Group winner at this distance two years ago, he has struggled to reach those heights again. Returned in August following five months out but had a hard time over 1800M. His form before the layoff wasn’t great either and he will be an outsider here. At this best, he comes from off the pace.
5. MORFHIS – The grand old galloper of Korean racing, he won the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) in both 2020 and 2022. While he hasn’t tasted victory since the latter of those, he can still mix it with the best on his day as shown with his 3rd place behind Ssonsal and Eoma Eoma in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) in May. He settles back and comes off the pace and was most recently 2nd in a class 1 race on August 4th.
6. EOMA EOMA – Won this race in 2022 beating Japan’s Raptus who while good, is no Remake. He has raced four times in 2024, all in Group company and has placed in three of them including last time out when tried at a mile for the first time in the Busan Owners’ Cup. He may not be quite as quick as he once was, but he won’t be far away. Place chance.
7. REMAKE – The defending champion has maintained his form in three starts since triumphing in last year’s race, most notably winning the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard in February, when he came from behind to run the field down, before finishing 4th in the G1 Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup night. It’s his first start since March, but the Seoul Racecourse track record holder for the 1200M will take some stopping. Yuga Kawada will be up.
It’s Korea Cup and Sprint Day at Seoul on Sunday – we’ll post the full form comments for both races soon but in the meantime here is the race-by-race for both Seoul (9 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (7 races from 11:00 to 17:05). There is free entry to both tracks:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. One of those debut makers will be the short price favourite in the shape of (6) HAKSAN CLEAR. The South Beach filly went through two trials, finishing a fair 3rd in the first of them but then leading all the way to win the second in a quick time on August 1st (that trial was voluntary so may not appear in all racecards). If she brings that form to the races, she will be hard to beat. It isn’t a strong set of rivals. (3) GEOLJAK HAPPY ran 6th on debut over 1000M on August 4th having also performed adequately in a trial. With some natural improvement, she is the clear second pick. We are struggling after that. (7) GEOSEN POKJU and (2) NONSTOP SERVE weren’t horrible in their trials and may make an impact first up. (9) BLUE DRAGON improved in the second of two heats.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with six of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (5) DOCTOR CURLIN. After a fair trial, she put in a fair debut, coming from the widest gate to sit handy and run on for 5th over 1000M. She should have come on for that run, she draws better, and the additional furlong can suit. The modestly named (2) ALL TIME LEGEND was very quick in a trial, stopping the clock on 61.9 seconds and finishing 5th behind a couple of experienced horses. The track was racing very fast that weekend, but he certainly showed enough to be take seriously first up. (4) BLUE THUNDER won a trial the same day (August 9th) albeit in a slower time. He led all the way and will seek to do the same here. (9) BLACK SPEED and (1) DIA X are other experienced ones who can improve.
Selections
(5) Doctor Curlin (2) All Time Legend (4) Blue Thunder (9) Black Speed
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) MAGIC SOUND has raced eight times previously, with five top five finishes and he comes in off his best when runner-up over 1200M on July 7th racing handy. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he won’t need to improve much, if at all on that run, and he will be a short price to score. (1) HIGHEST TIME beat a couple of these on his way to his best finish so far on August 4th when 4th over this distance, coming from well off the pace. In this company and from the inside gate, he can be ridden closer to the pace and can get closer than 4th this time. Among the debut makers, (9) PROMISE showed promise in the last of three trials, running 3rd in a decent time. That bodes well here. (3) CANVASEN GO and (5) AMENO other experienced ones who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(11) Magic Sound (1) Highest Time (9) Promise (3) Canvasen Go
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) CHEONHA GEONGANG took a few goes to work things out but since returning from a five-month absence, she has picked up a 2nd and a 3rd from her two starts back, both at this distance and in quick times. She draws nicely to be on pace, and third up she can be peaking fitness wise. (11) HOLY RUN has finished 4th in both his outings so far, both at this distance. He has done it in contrasting styles, first on pace and then coming from behind so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and third-up he too can be getting better. Also third-up is (8) ROAD TO WIN. She was 3rd on debut behind Cheonha Geongang and then ran a fair 5th of nine at 1400M. Coming back in trip today, she can be in the mix. (9) FLYING ICE and (2) MOTHER WONDERFUL other place chances.
Selections
(5) Cheonha Geongang (11) Holy Run (8) Road To Win (9) Flying Ice
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) CHEONGONGUI SEOM has run 5th in both his two starts so far, but both have been in good times over 1000M and 1200M. In this company and from this gate, he can be on pace and third-up, today can be his day. (8) GANGCHEOL DRAGON has two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three appearances at 1300M and 1400M. He has never finished inside the top two, but Munro gets on and against this set of rivals, he can break that today. (9) PROCEED beat a couple of these on his way to a close 4th at 1300M on August 3rd. He also has a 3rd place on his resume and can sit handy and run into the money again here. (6) LONDON GOLD and (4) SANGIM DAEPYO among other placing hopes.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
This is a tricky one. We’ll take a chance on (10) MY DREAM DAY. He comes up in class having run 2nd in both his first two starts at 1000M and 1200M, racing on the pace both times. He draws a touch wider than ideal but is down in the weights and Tom Gillespie’s juvenile looks to have a win in him. (3) CAPTAIN EVERYTHING has good experience at this level with two 2nd places and a 4th from his latest three. Franco knows him well and can settle behind the speed and run on strong here. (4) SEOGWI OREUM has the fastest time of any of these at the distance, recorded when 3rd last time out on August 18th. He may make for some appeal at a probable each-way price. (5) DOCTOR FIGHTER and (11) GRAND DREAM, both up in class following last start maiden wins, are others to keep safe in your wider numbers.
Selections
(10) My Dream Day (3) Captain Everything (4) Seogwi Oreum (5) Doctor Fighter
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
5, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) CHOEGANG HYEONMA is yet to win in nine starts but has no fewer than eight top five finishes. He comes in off a solid 3rd place over 1400M on August 4th and while a previous try at two turns didn’t go well, he looks ready for another crack here in what is not a strong race. (6) SINUI UNMYEONG got his maiden win at the thirteenth time of asking over 1400M on August 18th. He comes up in class and up to 1700M for the first time, but in this company, he should be measuring up. (3) SEUNGNI GONGJU does have form at this distance, having finished 4th and 2nd in her latest two – her only attempts at two turns so far. Her times haven’t been special, but they are enough to put her in contention against this lot. The up in class maiden (1) CHROMITE, along with (7) GOLD MUNGCHI, a pickup ride for Edwin Maldonado, are others in the frame.
The eve of the OBS Korea Cup and Sprint sees an absolute feast of a card at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday, featuring the Group 3 Jeju Governor’s Cup where the nation’s top fillies and mares will clash, as well as the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles. Additionally there are Trophy races for the Singapore Pools, Japan Racing Association, Selangor Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Gold Circle (South Africa) and OSAF (South America). In total there are 11 races from 13:55 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong clash again (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B (Gold Circle Trophy) / KRW 150 Million
(4) MEGA DRAGON was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May but has since put in two solid 3rd place finishes at class 3 level over a mile and at 1800M. In this company he can settle behind the speed and run on and with Alan Munro aboard, today can be his day. It has been a while between drinks for (1) COMPLETE TIME, but she enters with recent form reading well including a 4th place in double quick time over 1400M at class 2 level on August 3rd. She is one for one over 1700M and from the inside, should be on pace and in this a long way. (11) JJARITHAN JAYU beat Mega Dragon when winning at class 3 level over 1800M on August 4th and he shouldn’t be dismissed here. (6) TAURUS QUEEN and (2) UPTOWN WHIZ among plenty of others in good form and with at least placing claims.
Selections
(4) Mega Dragon (1) Complete Time (11) Jjarithan Jayu (6) Taurus Queen
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / OSAF Trophy / KRW 150 Million
Fillies and mares only. (6) BRIGHT HANSEN is a winner of four from six including her latest on July 14th when on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time for this distance at class 3 level She is nicely in here and from a central gate, can get to the lead and take some beating. (10) STARTER is the main danger and may even begin as the favourite. She was an also-ran in the first two legs of the Triple Tiara but has since won back-to-back races at class 4 over 1400M and class 3 at a mile. She has won at this distance too and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, with a bit of luck early, she can get forward and can win. (9) MILLION PARTY has won her latest three all over this distance and up to class 3 level. She is another one who likes to get forward and can be a danger. (4) FURIOSA and (8) GEUMA ALLURE among other place chances.
Selections
(6) Bright Hansen (10) Starter (9) Million Party (4) Furiosa
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
5, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / SLTC Trophy / KRW 150 Million
(7) SPEED ONE scored three consecutive wins between December and April to get up to class 3 level and then ran 3rd over a mile on July 27th. He tackles 1400M for the first time under a light weight and Moon Se-young, who doesn’t ride in either the Cup or Sprint tomorrow, will be keen to take out this valuable trophy race. (11) SUPER FINISH comes in having recorded a scorching time when winning at 1200M on June 22nd. He is a two-time winner over this trip too, and while he has the widest gate to contend with, he will be a danger. (3) DAEMUL was a strong winner in a tight finish at quite big odds over 1200M at class 2 level on August 24th. He makes a quick return here and while he is up 4kg in the weights, can be considered. (5) GLADIUS and (9) DREAM PLAY are others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Speed One (11) Super Finish (3) Daemul (5 Gladius
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight B / JRA Trophy / KRW 150 Million
(7) GANGPUNGMA is the one to beat here. Having run 3rd in a similar Trophy race over a mile in April, he then won the Listed Sprots Chosun Trophy over 2000M in May and then ran a close 2nd to the excellent Naol Sniper, again at 2000M at class 1 level on July 7th. Under today’s conditions, he carries an additional 4kg, but that shouldn’t be a problem. (4) MY CENTER won that aforementioned April Trophy race at a mile and while he was well back in both the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup, he returned to winning ways on July 20th, again back at the mile. He too has his fair share of weight but draws nicely and is a danger. (6) DRAGON STAR was 4th in the Sports Chosun and has since registered back-to-back runner-up finishes at class 2 level. He has won at this distance and has registered a quick time at it and can be in the mix again. (11) BLACK BELT and (13) COMPLETE LEVEL among plenty of others who can be in the hunt for the money.
Selections
(7) Gangpungma (4) My Center (6) Dragon Star (11) Black Belt
Next Best
13, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 13
Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight A / Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) / KRW 500 Million
The latest round of the Queens’ Tour sees fifteen top-class fillies and mares line up and (8) WONDERFUL SLEW and (12) JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG will renew their rivalry. The latter dominated last year but Wonderful Slew won when they met in the KNN Cup over a mile at Busan in June. Jeulgeounyeojeong had an excuse that day as she got interfered with in the back straight to the extent her jockey did well to stay on, but they raced one another again when taking on the boys in the KRA Cup Classic over 2000M here in August and Wonderful Slew ran 4th to Jeulgeounyeojeong’s 9th. It isn’t necessarily a two-filly race though. (14) CROWN HAMSEONG ran 2nd on debut and has since strung together a series of five wins up to class 2 level and up to this distance. She has recorded some super times, and she has every chance of measuring up. (13) ECLIPSE BERRY won the first two legs of this year’s Triple Tiara and while she came up short in the final leg over 2000M, that was an unusual race and back at one turn, she can be a danger. (1) RAON FOREST another in the hunt in a tremendous looking race.
It’s international weekend in Korea with the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint set for Seoul on Sunday. Before that, the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with with an afternoon and evening card of 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with seven of the eleven racing for the very first time. The experience is good though and we will side with (4) WIND ABLE who overcame gate ten to lead on debut over this distance on August 2nd, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in a quick time. She comes into a better gate today and second up she can go one better. (3) DOCTOR HAPPY was sent off as the favourite for that August 2nd race but while she showed on pace, she ultimately came home in 3rd. She should have come on for the run and is the main danger. (9) BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN made her debut over 1200M on August 23rd and while slightly slow away, she ran on pleasingly enough for 5th. With some natural improvement, she can get closer. As for the first timers. (2) SEOGWI PRINCESS was the fastest in trials and along with (11) CANCAN STEP looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.
Selections
(4) Wind Able (3) Doctor Happy (9) Boryeonglightqueen (2) Seogwi Princess
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) HANEUL MANJEOM looks the best of these but is first-up after eight months out. After an indifferent debut, he ran 2nd and 3rd in two subsequent starts last November and December. He has been back in work for a while and looked well in a mid-August trial. If fitness is a concern for the returnee, then (2) TAMNA SUPER may be the one. He’s been 6th in both starts so far but ran a fast time in the latest of them on July 19th and the margins weren’t big. He draws much better and third-up can be peaking. (11) WORLD PINK CAT enters off a to-date best 2nd place in filly only maiden over this trip on June 14th. She overcame a similarly wide gate that day and can be a threat here. (3) PINE BLUE and (8) ROMANCE BLUE are others who can go close.
Selections
(7) Haneul Manjeom (2) Tamna Super (11) World Pink Cat (3) Pine Blue
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) HANEUL EUTTEUM will be the warm favourite. He has six top four finishes among his eight starts so far, including his latest when 4th in a quick race over 1300M on August 10th. He likes to settle back and run on, his win came at this distance, and while he carries his fair share of weight again, he is the one to beat. (3) HAERANG JINJU is yet to win in nine attempts but has plenty of near misses including last time out when 2nd over this distance having raced handy throughout. That brings her up in class here, but she comes down significantly in the weights, she draws well, and she can measure up. (7) PURPLE MANGO returned from nine months out to run a fair 5th over 1300M on August 16th. He should strip fitter for that run and can go closer here. (2) SINHAE MANGCHI and (11) BRAVE CAPTAIN among others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (1) GREEN SHARPEY ran 3rd on debut in July over 1000M before scoring at start number two over the same distance, overcoming gate ten to sit midfield and run on strongly. She is up in class and in distance here but carries a light weight, draws well and Franco stays on. (7) SEVEN QUEEN enters with recent form reading consistently. She has won just once but has ten top five finishes to her name and she looks nicely in here to go close again. (11) GUKDAE MIRACLE is up in class following a maiden win at start number four on August 3rd in a filly only maiden, striking the front a furlong out and winning doing proverbial handsprings. She has nothing to fear in this class. (5) BARADEON BADA and (3) YONGBI KHAN others to consider.
Selections
(1) Green Sharpey (7) Seven Queen (11) Gukdae Miracle (5) Baradeon Bada
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 5 ,10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) SUCCESS BATTLE mixes his form but proved competitive at this level with a 2nd place two starts back over 1400M when racing on pace. He comes up to the two turns for the first time and it may suit. (2) EONJENA YEONGUNG ran out a class and distance winner on August 3rd to score at the forty-second time of asking having raced handy throughout. She is up 3.5 kg in the weights, but in a race where not much enters in form, lightning could strike twice. (8) TOP FRIEND remains a maiden after twenty-five starts but has no fewer than seventeen top five finishes. He has placed twice at this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) POMPEII and (5) MASTERY MAN others who figure.
Sunday sees daytime meetings at both Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (7 races from 11:25 to 17:00). Here are the previews:
It’s Just a week until the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Small field of imported maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. We will side with experience though and (7) NAVY CAPTAIN was 2nd on debut over 1200M on July 28th racing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time, albeit well beaten by the winner. That should stand him in good stead here and with some natural improvement, he will take some beating. (4) CHEONDUNG LION debuted at this distance on July 13th and ran well, settling handy and running on for 4th, again a long way behind a very quick winner, but showing potential. He should have come on for the experience and be close. Of the debut makers, (1) M G BEST looks the best. He was slowly away in his trial but gathered up speed and ran on well for 4th in a decent time. If he gets away a bit better, he can put in a bold showing. (2) DREAMER WHIZ and (5) WORLD PEOPLE the others who hinted at ability in their trials.
Selections
(7) Navy Captain (4) Cheondung Lion (1) M G Best (2) Dreamer Whiz
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts here. (10) ASSI JANGGUN has been knocking at the door in her latest few and while she hasn’t shown much in the way of speed, she isn’t alone in that regard. She can race on pace or settle midfield and grind her way on and she will be in the mix. The danger and probable betting favourite is (9) K POWERFUL. After an inauspicious debut, the Shackleford juvenile ran an improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on August 3rd, leading for much of the way around. He will aim to lead here and can go all the way. (7) IRON LEG may not be the greatest name of hoping for some speed, but he ran fairly for 5th place on debut at 1200M at the end of July and should have come on for the run. (3) NONSTOP YEOLCHA and solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL ENERGY are others to consider.
Selections
(10) Assi Janggun (9) K Powerful (7) Iron Leg (3) Nonstop Yeolcha
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. The limited experience is positive though and we will have those three on top. (4) SAENAE HUNTER went through two trials, improving in the second and then ran well for 3rd place on debut over this distance on August 2nd when on pace throughout. The winner of that race won by fifteen-lengths in a Korea Sprint-esque time, but it was an assured debut and with some natural improvement, he is the clear favourite. (2) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was 4th on debut over this distance on August 2nd having settled midfield and run on. He finished off well, the step up in trip can suit, and he is a big danger. (7) WIND KINGDOM rounds out the experience. He debuted in the same race as Saenae Hunter on August 2nd and ran 5th having been in midfield throughout. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can build on that here. Among the debut-makers, (8) DRAGON NINJA was the best in trials, with (12) ASTRE also showing potential.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) HANGANG CAPTAIN stepped up to this distance for the first time on July 28th and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a solid 3rd place finish, settling midfield and running on. Coming in under the same conditions today, he will be a short price to come out on top. (1) MARUBYEOL was 4th in that race and came back out two weeks ago over 1400M when she could only manage 7th but did beat a couple of these. From the inside gate she can be on or close to the speed and is a big chance. (10) DAEMYEONGJANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record, and he steps up to two turns for the first time. He has got a solid finish on him so it may well suit and while one-paced, he can stay on. (8) OPUS PURPLE and (2) SPEED HERO others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Hangang Captain (1) Marubyeol (10) Daemyeongjang (8) Opus Purple
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) LIME TREE ran 5th on debut over 1000M on July 5th before improving to 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 2nd, fifteen-lengths behind an excellent winner, but ahead of Saenae Hunter who we should have seen in race 1 and who may give us a marker. Third-up he can be peaking, and he is under a light weight. The rather unkindly named (2) FAT BOY (who is actually on the light side) comes in off a useful 4th place in a good time over 1200M on August 10th. He draws nicely and can be a danger. (1) STORMING MAGIC has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 2nd two starts back and beating Fat Boy. She followed up with a 4th place on August 11th and she can be in the mix again. (8) DREAMING BOY and (9) STORM FIGHTER among plenty of others with at least placing chances.
The short night race program continues this weekend on Saturday at Seoul where there are 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener with just three of the twelve having raced before. We will side with one of those in (4) WANGCHOEGO, who did nothing on debut in June, but returned on July 20th and ran 2nd over this distance. He was miles behind an eye-catching winner but showed enough to be backed to go one better here. Among the first timers (8) HYEUKMUSANG led all the way to win a trial on July 25th stopping the clock in a good time. He can be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) MIGHTY RUSH and (7) BEST JOY both clocked the same time in their respective heats with the latter winning his and they can be supported first up too. (1) KARA K another who hinted at ability in trials and can go well.
Selections
(4) Wangchoego (8) Hyeukmusang (6) Mighty Rush (7) Best Joy
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) TRIPLE ACE enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this distance, racing close to the pace both times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a good gate she should be on the speed again and with Moon Se-young on, today can be the day. She will vie for favourite status with (10) CHEONGUNG STORM, The Shackleford colt raced on pace for much of his debut over 1000M, ultimately coming home 2nd in a fair time. He should have derived benefit from that experience and while up in trip and with the challenge of a wide draw, he can be a big danger. (8) YEONGWONHARA was a much-improved 2nd at start number four on July 27th, leading for much of the way and beating Triple Ace. Expect her to be on pace again and in the mix. (1) TALITHA CUMI and (6) ELDORADO HEUNGBU others who can improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only here and (10) KHAN NUT shapes as a short-priced favourite. After running 5th on debut, she was an improved 3rd over this 1200M on July 28th, when she led for much of the way around and beat a couple of today’s rivals. Despite the wide draw, she can be on pace here and offers jockey Ruan Maia a good chance of opening his Korean account. (6) SILVER MOON ran 4th behind Khan Nut in that July 28th race. She also has a 3rd place on her resume already and can be in the mix again here. (11) SKY TEN beat Khan Nut on the way to 2nd place two starts back on July 6th in a similar filly maiden to this. She led in her latest over this distance on August 3rd but from the wide draw here can be ridden a bit more patiently and challenge late. (3) DONKEY PLAY and (7) MISS CONCORD others in the frame.
Selections
(10) Khan Nut (6) Silver Moon (11) Sky Ten (3) Donkey Play
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
6, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SAMAEBEONJJEOK got her maiden win at start number nine at this class and distance on August 3rd when racing handy and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She comes up 3.5kg in the weights but draws well and a repeat isn’t impossible. (6) MINT PLAY remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but enters with recent form reading consistently well at this class. She has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this class and distance and under a light weight, she should be a big danger. (11) FINAL GO got his maiden win three starts back over this distance and enters off a smart runner-up finish at this level on June 9th. He comes in fresh after twelve weeks out and the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem. (8) MO CHUISLE and (1) ULTRA MANGCHI the other main placing chances.
Selections
(2) Samaebeonjjeok (6) Mint Play (11) Final Go (8) Mo Chuisle
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend program gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race afternoon and evening program which runs from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Juvenile imported maidens in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. (6) SAENAE MOON went through two trials, winning both and leading all the way both times (the second of those on July 20th was voluntary so may not be in all race cards). If he brings that form to the races, he can win. That equally applies to (9) GEUMA GUTTY. He has been through four trials in total – the only mandatory one was on June 8th, which was won by Saenae Moon, but he has since finished 2nd and then won two trials of his own, all of them in quick times. The jockey and trainer were hot last weekend, and he may start as favourite. (1) CLEAN ONE qualified in a fair time on July 6th but then went through another heat (again, voluntary so be aware, it won’t be in a lot of race cards) on July 20th, coming from off the pace to win in 61.8 seconds. From the inside, he can be a danger. (5) ASABIYYA trialed up behind Geuma Gutty and hinted at ability. The sole one with experience, (4) DRAGON REVENGER didn’t stand out on debut but may come on for the run.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go far past (1) CRAZY LEO. After a positive trial, he was sent odd as third favourite on debut over this distance on August 2nd, and duly finished in 3rd place, settling midfield and running on in a time much faster than any of the other experienced ones here have achieved. He won’t need to improve much on that to win this. There are four first time starters, and among them (8) BIG JAWS is the pick. He raced handy in his trial, crossing the line in 2nd place in a decent time and can put in a bold showing first up. (7) SHASHA similarly raced handy on her trial and came home a close 2nd in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll go close. (9) RALLY MAN has been back to trial since his somewhat inauspicious debut, and he can improve. (4) BARAMSOK another trial 2nd-placegetter who can be in the mix.
Selections
(1) Crazy Leo (8) Big Jaws (7) Shasha (9) Rally Man
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (8) THE WIND has raced just twice improving from 6th on debut to 4th at start number two on August 2nd, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick and he was a long way behind a good winner, but he has a smart finish on him, Munro climbs on, and third-up he may be peaking. (2) GOLDEN NICE is yet to finish in the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th. She has been a bit far back in most of her starts but from a good draw, if she is in touch at the business end, she will be a danger. (7) B.K. MARON has been knocking on the door in his latest few outings and should be there or thereabouts again. (1) BACK TO THE HUNTER and (9) GRATE WORLD, the latter having beaten Golden Nice when a much-improved 4th last start, are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) The Wind (2) Golden Nice (7) B.K. Maron (1) Back To The Hunter
Next Best
9, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) JULGEOUN DONGHANG ran 3rd om debut over 1000M before winning at start number two on July 19th, when settling just behind the speed and steadily improving over 1200M, striking the front just over a furlong from home and running on well. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but with Munro up, she can measure up. (2) RAID HIT took a couple of goes to figure things out at this class but enters off a smart 2nd place over 1200M on July 21st. She is up 3kg in the weights, but she draws nicely, and Hye-sun is one for one on her. (4) UNION CHAMP was a winner on debut over 1000M on August 2nd. She is up in class and in distance but can be competitive. (1) HYPER FORCE and (8) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA others to consider.
Selections
(7) Julgeoun Donghang (2) Raid Hit (4) Union Champ (1) Hyper Force
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
American Sprinter Anarchist is the first of the international runners to arrive for the OBS Korea Sprint (1200M G3) and OBS Korea Cup (1800M G3) which will be run at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 8th. The Doug F. O Neill trained speedster checked into the quarantine stables on Thursday morning. Six Japanese runners, including defending champions Remake and Crowd Pride are scheduled to touch down over the next few days ahead of the races which for the first-time carry “Win And You’re In” status for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar in November.
ANARCHIST was runner up in the 2023 G1 Bing Crosby Stakes and won the G2 Pat O’Brien Stakes, both at Del Mar. Having run 5th in this year’s Bing Crosby, Anarchist has skipped a defence of his Pat O’Brien to take his chance in Seoul and his front-running style may be very well suited. Aiding his chances will be rider Edwin Maldonado, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s best on pace jockeys as they bid to win the Korea Sprint and gain automatic entry into the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Anarchist at Seoul Racecourse
Koichi Shintani’s REMAKE is the headliner and the now five-year-old has maintained his form in three starts since triumphing in last year’s race, most notably winning the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard in February before finishing 4th in the G1 Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup night. The Seoul Racecourse track record holder for the 1200M will take some stopping. Yuga Kawada will be up.
JASPER KRONE is perhaps best known this year for unsuccessfully ploughing his own furrow on the opposite side of the Meydan straight course to the rest in the Al Quoz Sprint. He is a two-time Group 3 winner in Japan and has plenty of speed. Regular rider Taisei Danno travels to Seoul to ride for trainer Hideyuki Mori.
KEIAI DORIE took in Riyadh and Meydan earlier this year, finishing in midfield in both the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the Golden Shaheen. An eight-time winner, including at Listed level in Japan, he comes in having run 3rd in the Listed Cluster Cup at Morioka in August. Takeshi Yokayama will be in the saddle for trainer Akira Murayama.
Remake (Pic: KRA)
Among the local sprinting contingent, 2023 runner-up BEOLMAUI STAR will be a danger. He had an unsuccessful trip to Dubai earlier this year, but on his return to Korea won the local Group 3 SROA Chairman’s Sprint. He mixes his form but as he proved a year ago, at his best he can be right up there. 2022 Korea Sprint winner EOMA EOMA is also set to return. Now seven-years-old, he was a close 2nd to Beolmaui Star in the SROA and showed his versatility with 3rd place in the local G3 Busan Owners’ Cup over a mile in June. GANGSEO GIANT, who broke the track record at Busan for the 1200M earlier this month, also holds an entry.
The Korea Cup winner will gain automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. CROWN PRIDE scored a comfortable win in the 2023 edition of the Korea Cup, ahead of compatriot Gloria Mundi and 2022 victor, Winner’s Man, but then went on an indifferent run of form, including when well back in the Saudi Cup. Ominously though, he returned to the winner’s circle in the Mercury Cup over 2000M at Morioka in July. Takeshi Yokayama is set to be in the saddle for the Koichi Shintani trained defending champion.
Crown Pride (Pic: KRA)
Last year, Crown Pride was ridden as part of a double success by jockey Yuga Kawada, but this time around, “King” Kawada will be among those aiming to prevent a repeat as he partners WILSON TESORO. The Hitoshi Kotegawa trained five-year-old is a two-time G1 runner-up and ran 4th behind Laurel River in the Dubai World Cup in March, He enters off a runner-up finish under Kawada in the Teio Sho at Oi in June and will present a formidable challenge.
Rounding out the Japanese challenge in the Korea Cup is the experienced LIGHT WARRIOR. The Katsuyoshi Uchida-trained seven-year-old is a nine-time winner, most recently at Listed level in April and travels overseas for the first time in his career. Hiroto Yoshihara is booked to ride.
Local hopes are headed by GLOBAL HIT. The four-year-old won the Korean Derby in 2023 and has gone about establishing himself as the best horse in the country, with three wins from four starts this year, all in Group company and with his only defeat being a photo-finish with TUHONUI BANSEOK, who is also set to go in the Cup. Global Hit avenged that defeat with victory in the KRA Cup Classic, the main domestic warm up race for the Korea Cup, over 2000M in early August.
The wildcard though is WINNER’S MAN. The 2022 Korea Cup winner and 2023 3rd placegetter hasn’t raced since successfully defending the Grand Prix Stakes last December – when he beat Global Hit. An international race first-up is going to be a very big ask, but Winner’s Man trialled up very well earlier in August and if he is in the gate, can never be ruled out.
Final declarations and the barrier draw for both the OBS Korea Cup and OBS Korea Sprint will be on Wednesday September 4.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (12 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (5 races from 12:45 to 16:05). Feature is the Rookie Stakes at Seoul, the first big race of the year for juveniles. Busan’s equivalent did not attract the minimum number of entries required. Here are the previews:
A certain Lala K won last year’s Rookie Stakes at Seoul (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. The pick from trials is (4) LALA GIRL. She failed to qualify in her first attempt in June but looked much more assured at the second time of asking on July 11th, leading her heat for much of the way before crossing the line in 3rd in a decent time. She should be on pace and can go all the way. (11) SWITCH POWER qualified at try number one but went through another trial on July 25th (voluntary so be aware it won’t show in some racecards). She was much better in the second showing on pace and if she shows similar improvement here, she will be close. (6) DUSON OPEN led her trial and was a very close 2nd in a fair time. (12) STUNNING WORLD and the sole one with experience, (2) BEAT DOKKAEBI are other chances.
Selections
(4) Lala Girl (11) Switch Power (6) Duson Open (12) Stunning World
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) CLAIR GOLD enters off a fair midfield finish over 1300M last time out, but if we go on her 2nd place two starts back on June 22nd at this distance, she has to be firmly in the mix. In this small field she can be on or just behind the pace, and she has a smart finish on her. (7) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL hasn’t done much across ten starts but perked up a bit last time out on August 3rd when 4th in an all-filly race over 1300M. She won’t need to improve much on that showing to be in the finish here. (8) TRES VITE has finished in 4th or 5th place on no fewer than nine occasions, but never any better. She came from off the pace to run 4th over this distance last time out and could go one better here. (1) JEWELRY FASHION and (2) EVER THE CROWN others potentially in the placing frame.
Selections
(3) Clair Gold (7) Seongsil Yeongeol (8) Tres Vite (1) Jewelry Fashion
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (4) KYLIE has been getting closer across seven starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place finish over 1200M on July 21st when racing handy throughout. She was a fair margin behind a good winner, but she draws well, Moon Se-young gets on, and today could be the day. (10) THUNDER STORM has two 3rd places to her name, including at her latest outing on June 29th when coming from off the pace and finishing strongly at this distance and she can be a danger here. (8) MAGIC IMPACT ran once, somewhat anonymously back in January and then didn’t return until July 13th when she ran a fair 5th over 1400M, showing close to the pace. She can strip fitter for that experience and be close here. (7) CHOCO BEAUTY and (11) LEGAL LAHUI other place chances.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) GANGCHEOL DRAGON enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1300M and most recently this distance on June 22nd when he had a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the fastest time among these for 1400M and against this limited set of rivals, he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (1) GANGCHEOL BUDAE does have a 3rd place on his resume and third-up this preparation after six months off, may be at his peak here. (7) FLYING LION is slow but has managed to get three top five finishes and should be aiming for a career to date best in this company. (8) CHEONJI MARKET beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place over this distance last time out and can beat a few again. (3) ELITE BOSS another minor money possible.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) WATER DRAGON has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M first from handy and second leading. In this company, he can be expected to be on the speed and if he didn’t already get it on Friday, it should surely be Kim Young-kwan’s 1500th career win here. (6) WONDERFUL TEAM has mixed her form across four starts so far, she enters off a solid 3rd place at this distance on June 30th. She likes to settle back and come form off the pace and she can be a danger here. (3) DIA MATE beat a couple of these on her way to 6th pace over this distance on July 19th. The time was fair and that’s enough to put her in the mix. (8) GUKDAE LEGEND and (5) LUCKY HIT other placing chances.
Selections
(9) Water Dragon (6) Wonderful Team (3) Dia Mate (8) Gukdae Legend
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s an afternoon and evening schedule at Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A
Juvenile maidens here with four of the nine racing for the first time. The race also marks a first Korean race ride for former New Zealand based Kozzi Asano, and it could be winning one as he partners (4) BEOLGYOUI STAR. The colt debuted over this trip on July 27th and ran on pleasingly enough for a midfield finish in a well-run race. He should have come on for the run and is firmly in the mix here. (7) HANSEN BRACING ran a solid 4th in debut in a decent time over 1000M on July 6th, coming from off the pace. With some natural improvement and a step up in trip, he is the danger. (8) SPLENDID took a while to get going on his debut at 1000M a month ago. He ran through the line very well though and he too should benefit from the additional trip. Among the newcomers, (6) YONGAM KANTHAKA and (9) RAON ECLIPSE looked the best in trials.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After two trials, (4) GLOBAL HAMSEONG put in an accomplished effort on debut over 1000M on July 20th, settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have benefited from that experience, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) HANGANG FASHIONED was well fancied on debut over 1000M but stumbled at the start and then weakened late on. We’ll give her another chance here and with Moon Se-young getting legged up, she will have plenty of backers. (7) SOFT POWER has a 3rd place on her record and while that was in a slow race, she should be able to compete with this limited set of opposition. (5) GOOD FIGHTER and (8) WONPYEONG NURI others who may improve.
Selections
(4) Global Hamseong (3) Hangang Fashioned (7) Soft Power (5) Good Fighter
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
3, 8, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go far past (1) MR. POWER here. He comes in off his best effort to date when 2nd over this trip on July 21st, when settling midfield and running on. From the inside gate, Moon Se-young should have plenty of options, and he won’t need to improve much from last time to win here. (5) MAX TANGO was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on July 28th when racing handy throughout. She stopped the clock in a time quicker than any of the others here have managed and he shapes as the main danger. Harry Kasim is back from a short trip to ride at Kranji one last time and he returns on the consistent (4) CUPID MIR. He has two 3rd places and five 4th place finishes from eight starts so far and should be there or thereabouts again. The form drops off rapidly after those three. (11) YONGAM GIPPEUM and (6) AMENO are perhaps the most likely to improve.
Selections
(1) Mr. Power (5) Max Tango (4) Cupid Mir (11) Yongam Gippeum
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here and plenty enter with recent form reading well. (5) PHOENIX CLASS returned on July 14th for the first time since last Christmas Day and ran a strong 3rd place over 1200M. She can strip fitter for that run and can be on the pace and go all the way here. (1) BELOTERO was a close 2nd in a quick race at this class and distance on July 14th, coming from off the pace. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but can be going close again. (7) BEOLGYOWISU is racing for the first time since March. Before her layoff she was a winner at this distance and also placed at this class so while she didn’t offer many clues in her trial, she can be considered first-up. (10) ARCH RUNNER and (6) CHANIGO are the other place chances.
Selections
(5) Phoenix Class (1) Belotero (7) Beolgyowisu (10) Arch Runner
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) MAGIC PRINCE got his maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on July 17th, leading for much of the way. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, and he can go one better today. (6) CAMP DAVID was 3rd in that same race, having raced close to the pace throughout and briefly touching the front in the stretch. He was favourite that day having already won at 1700M at class 6 level and he is the main danger – and very probably favourite again – here. (2) HERO QUEEN has loads of experience at this level but stepped up to this trip for the first time on July 14th and took to it well, running 3rd. She can aim to match that here. The up in class (3) LIGHT A BLUE, along with (8) DONGHAENG FIRST are among others with at least placing claims.
Selections
(9) Magic Prince (6) Camp David (2) Hero Queen (3) Light A Blue
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 