Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

The two-year-old races begin and eight face the starter for the first time, so we head to the trial videos. (2) BIG MUSICAL STAR went through two trials scraping through the first in the slowest allowable time but then much better on May 11th when overcoming a wide gate to settle midfield and run on for a close 4th in a quick time (as a voluntary trial, this may not appear in all race cards, so do take note).  The trainer/jockey combination will ensure he has plenty of backers first up. It took (6) ARION TAEYANG two goes to qualify which he did well on May 4th settling on pace and while a long way back behind a six-time winner the time was good, and he will be a danger here. (3) YONGBI PAEWANG settled right back in his heat before running on. (8) WORLD KNG IJI and (1) WONDERFUL GROOM others who may offer some interest at longer prices.

Selections(2) Big Musical Star (6) Arion Taeyang (3) Yongbi Paewang (8) World King Iji
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6 

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) ONE WAY has shown improvement across her three starts so far and enters off a 4th place at 1200M on May 3rd when racing close to the pace. She may need a touch of luck from the wide draw, but she should be close here. (8) ONES HEYDAY enters off am improved 2nd place over this distance on April 28th when leading for much of the way. She recorded the fastest time of any of these for the 1300M and she can be on pace and in this a long way again. (4) GREEN LEGEND enters on the right trajectory with a 5th and a 4th from her latest two and she can be there or thereabouts again. (7) DREAMMA and the returning (10) ALLURE, the latter looking well in a trial earlier this month, are others in the frame.

Selections(11) One Way (8) Ones Heyday (4) Green Legend (7) Dreamma
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 11

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

(10) FLYING ICE has raced just twice but did improve in the second of those when stepped up to this distance on May 3rd. That was four months after his inauspicious debut and he should strip fitter for that run and with Franco climbing on, there is plenty to like. (6) TODAY QUEEN has a 4th and a 5th from her latest with the 4th coming when she led at this distance. There isn’t much early speed here so she should get an easy run to the front again and she should be in this a long way. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th in all three starts so far. He comes into slightly softer company here and can be aiming higher. (1) GUKDAE WIFUNG and (11) B.K. MARON other placing chances.

Selections(10) Flying Ice (6) Today Queen (7) Pompeii (1) Gukdae Wifung
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) BURUI TONGCHI ran 3rd on debut last October but didn’t reappear until March when he won first-up over 1200M on the last day of the month, overcoming a wide gate to settle midfield and then run on. He stepped up to this class on April 26th and from the same wide draw, ran a close 2nd place at 1300M. He comes up slightly in the weights, but that’s offset by a better gate and the slight step up in trip can suit. The big danger is (3) MR.KEYMAN. He too got his win over 1200M and comes in having run 5th of twelve in a quick race over this distance on May 5th.  He too draws better this time and won’t need to go much better than that to go close here. (10) LEMON BULPAE races for the first time since running 2nd at class and distance in January. He looked well in an April trial and can be competitive first-up. (8) SKY SHOT was a class and distance winner on April 21st and while up in weight shouldn’t be dismissed. (5) BLACK EAGLE another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Burui Tongchi (3) Mr.Keyman (10) Lemon Bulpae (8) Sky Shot
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

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GLOBAL HIT SEEKS STAYER SWEEP IN LUNCHTIME TV SHOWDOWN

Global Hit can further establish himself as the top horse in Korea if he wins the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) and in doing so complete a clean sweep of the Stayer Series in front of the KBS N Sports cameras at Busan Racecourse early on Sunday afternoon. See here for race-by-race preview of all races at Seoul and Busan.

Gloabl Hit beat Speed Young and (out of shot) Tuhonui Banseok in the YTN (Pic: KRA)

Having already taken out the first two legs of the Stayer Series, the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), both at Seoul, Global Hit, who was crowned champion three-year-old last year having taken out two legs of the Triple Crown, will be the favourite to score again over a similar field.

By To Honor And Serve, GLOBAL HIT is a winner of seven of his twelve races and was runner-up to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes to round out his 2023 campaign. He is two for two this season with his wins in the opening two legs of the Stayer Series, both times overcoming a wide draw to settle back and prove too strong. He has a furlong less to play with this time and while he races at what is ostensibly his home track of Busan for the first time in more than a year, he can be too good again.

He has thirteen rivals to contend with. TUHONUI BANSEOK won this race and the YTN Cup last year, both times defeating Winner’s Man to be crowned the Series champion. Although his form tailed off slightly towards the end of 2023, the Bart Rice trainee was a fair 5th in the Grand Prix Stakes before returning to run 3rd in the Herald Business and then 2nd in the YTN, only going down by a nose to Global Hit in the latter. He draws very nicely to be on pace, and he can be a big danger. Seo Seung-un climbs back on.

NUT PLAY registered a 4th and two 3rd place finishes in the Triple Crown Series last year before scooping up a Listed prize in the autumn. A comfortable class 1 winner over this distance in February, he ran a close 2nd to Global Hit in the Herald Business, before running 4th in the YTN Cup. Both times he has a got a bit far back but with the drop back to 1800M as well as an excellent draw, he may be ridden closer this time and can have a say in the finish.

Former Champion Juvenile SPEED YOUNG was highly fancied in the first two legs of last year’s Triple Crown but didn’t live up to expectations. He redeemed himself somewhat with a close 2nd to Global Hit – his stablemate – in the final leg, the Minister’s Cup and then a 3rd place behind Winner’s Man and Global Hit in the President’s Cup. With a 5th and a 3rd from the first two legs of the Stayer Series, he should be a contender again.

GALAXY ROAD and ALIVE STAR bookend the barrier in gates one and fourteen respectively. Both are in the best form of their careers at age six and may have a say. Veteran SIMJANGUI GODONG was well back in the first two races in the series but can’t be ruled out of a return to form.

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is race 3 on the 7-race program at Busan with a local post time of 13:35. Admission to the racecourse is free and the race will be shown live in Korea on the SBS N Sports Channel.

Selections(11) Global Hit (6) Tuhonui Banseok (5) Nut Play (1) Galaxy Road
Next Best3, 14
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

Busan Mayor’s Cup Sunday- Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 26)

The Stayer Series heads to Busan on Sunday when Global Hit will seek to complete a clean sweep by winning the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2). Unusually the big race is race 3 on the card with a post time of 1.35pm, in order to accommodate live TV coverage (SBS N Sports). There are 6 races in Busan on Sunday from 11:25 to 17:00 as well as 10 in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won the Herald Business Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive opener. (6) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG enters off his best finish to date at start number five on April 28th when racing handy over this distance and finishing 2nd, well beaten by a good winner, but ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can sit behind the speed here and can go one better. (5) NAOL INDY raced once without distinction last summer and then didn’t reappear until this April. Now gelded, he has a 4th and a 2nd in two stars back, most recently leading almost the entire way around over this distance on May 5th. Third-up he can be peaking and can win. (1) SAMAEBEONJJEOK enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes and comes up to this distance for the first time having drawn well. (3) EURACHACHA and (9) CHROMITE others in the frame.

Selections(6) Geumak Myeongjang (5) Naol Indy (1) Samaebeonjjeok (3) Eurachacha
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Fillies only in this maiden, and (7) CROQUIS will be the favourite. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th in her latest two appearances, both over 1300M and both times having sat handy and run on. The slight step up in trip can suit and, in this company, she should be on pace and is the one to beat. (2) P N S GAJA enters off an improved 4th place at start number three on April 21st when ridden on pace for the first time. She draws well for similar tactics to be employed today and she can be competitive. (11) ARNOLD QUEEN does have experience at this distance. She ran 5th behind Croquis at 1300M on March 30th on what was her first start since January and while she has had another eight weeks off, she can get closer here. (8) NEXTLEVEL and (9) CLAIR GOLD are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Croquis (2) P N S Gaja (11) Arnold Queen (8) Nextlevel
Next Best9, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Maiden fillies in the south coast opener. It’s fair to say that she has mixed her form across her five starts so far but (11) BLISS MARINE has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at 1400M and 1600M. She likes to race on pace and while she has drawn wide, her pattern so far suggests she can run well today, and she won’t need to improve much on those precious showings to win here. (5) NEOM CITY enters off an improved 4th place over this distance at start number five on April 28th. In doing so, she recorded the fastest time among any of these for the distance and a similar effort will see her in the finish again. (1) JUMBO ROCKET also enters off her best finish to date, which came over 1400M on April 5th. She was ridden much further forward than in previous starts and she is nicely drawn for a repat here. (9) RUN TO QUEEN and (6) WE LIKE MONEY others in the hunt

Selections(11) Bliss Marine (5) Neom City (1) Jumbo Rocket (9) Run To Queen
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

(4) CAMP DAVID comes in off a much-improved 2nd at start number three on April 20th when handy throughout. He comes up to 1700M for the first time and from a good draw should be on pace, and he can win here. (8) P N S OHOH ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 11th, settling just behind the speed and running through the line pleasingly enough. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement can challenge a bit closer today. (9) MAGIC PRINCE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far, most recently at 1400M. His running style suggests that two turns can suit, and he should be challenging late. (2) MARUBYEOL and (3) MEOTJIN CHOEGANG are others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Camp David (8) P N S Ohoh (9) Magic Prince (2) Marubyeol
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) THUNDER GUY ran 4th on debut in March and followed up with a 2nd place over 1300M on April 21st when on pace throughout and only going down very narrowly to the longest shot on the board. He draws very well here, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and he can go one better today. (9) AWESOME SUNRISE enters off a career-best 2nd place at start number nine on April 26th when coming from off the pace over this distance. In doing so, she recorded the fastest time among those here who have tackled the 1400M and she shapes as the main danger. There is one debut maker. (5) OASIS BLUE took two trials to qualify but he certainly caught the eye on the second of them, running 2nd in a quick time. The trainer/jockey combination will not go unnoticed either and he will have backers first-up. (11) WORLD MAID CAT and (4) GLOBAL SPURT are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Thunder Guy (9) Awesome Sunrise (5) Oasis Blue (11) World Maid Cat
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) NARAOLA will be the warm favourite here. He got his win over 1400M three starts back and come sin having run 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 28th when overcoming gate eleven to find a handy position. He enters under a similar weight but draws a much better gate and will take some beating. (5) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA has plenty of experience of this class and distance with a 2nd place on his record over it. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be a danger. (8) THORUI MANGCHI has placed at this class over 1400M, and he comes up to two turns for the first time. He has shown he can be versatile in his running style and the distance may well suit. (7) FEDERAL KING and (2) ANYANG CHEONDUNG ae the other logical money chances.

Selections(1) Naraola (5) Heuimangui Changa (8) Thorui Mangchi (7) Federal King
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class Open (1800M) Weight for Age / Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2) / KRW 700 Million

The final leg of the Stayer Series sees (11) GLOBAL HIT looking to complete a clean sweep having already taken out the Herald Business and the YTN Cups at Seoul, both over 2000M. He is steadily asserting himself as the best horse in Korea and he will be hot favourite to prevail again. Should he not be at his best then (6) TUHONUI BANSEOK is an ever-present danger. He was 3rd in the Herald and 2nd in the YTN, and he is the defending champion. He draws nicely to be on pace and Global Hit has a furlong less to get past him here than he did in Seoul. (5) NUT PLAY was 2nd in the Herald and 4th in the YTN. If he can take advantage of the favourable draw here to get in front of Global Hit and make the favourite come past him instead of the other way around, he can be firmly in the finish. (1) GALAXY ROAD hasn’t really managed to mix it in with the elite but enters in very good form and Franco staying on gives him a chance from off the pace. (3) SPEED YOUNG is a stablemate of Global Hit and was 5th in the Herald and 3rd in the YTN. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he has a big win in him eventually and from a good draw, it is not impossible it could be today.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 25)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens in the opener with three of the eleven racing for the first time. One of those is set to be the favourite in the shape of (11) KING OF DRAGON, who came from off the pace to run 3rd in his trial in a quick time. The wide draw shouldn’t matter and if he brings the trial form to the races, he may be hard to hold out. (4) CRAZY SHAH has shown signs of figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. She draws nicely here and should be in the mix again. (3) TIZ THE FASHION ran a fair 3rd on debut over this distance on May 5th working home well from off the pace. She was well beaten by a good winner, but her time was faster than any of the others here and improvement is possible. (6) BEATRIZ and (2) YEOGEOL BISANG others to consider.

Selections(11) King Of Dragon (4) Crazy Shah (3) Tiz The Fashion (6) Beatriz
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

(4) JERAQUEEN was a beaten favourite at this distance on April 21st when on pace but failing to see things out. She previously secured a front-running 2nd place, again at this distance, and in this company, she can be given another chance. (7) KNIGHT CHARM returned from five months out to run a close 3rd over 1400M on April 28th, leading for much of the way. He should strip fitter for that run, the drop back in trip can suit, and he should be close here. (5) HANGANG CAPTAIN did nothing in two starts last September and this January. He went through trials in two consecutive weeks in May, improving to win the latter in a quick time. He should be a different prospect this time around. (2) SINUI UNMYEONG and (10) P N S JU other placing chances.

Selections(4) Jeraqueen (7) Knight Charm (5) Hangang Captain (2) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Like many in here, (3) HOMYEONG QUEEN can mix her form but going on her last start 3rd over 1300M, she has to be in with a chance. In a race devoid of early speed, she draws well to get to the front and can be in this a long way. (1) TOUCH CHARM returned from almost six months out to run 3rd at this class over 1300M on March 16th. She has had a further ten weeks off since then but comes into a better gate and can be a danger. (2) AL SIMON came from off the pace to run 3rd at class and distance on April 28th at big odds and only up 1kg in the weights, can be close again. (8) BRIGHT WINNER and (5) CHADOL RUN are among others in the frame in a tricky race.

Selections(3) Homyeong Queen (1) Touch Charm (2) Al Simon (8) Bright Winner
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

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

(3) RICH GATE is yet to win in eleven attempts but comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class over 1400M. The slight drop back in trip can suit, he draws well to be on pace and while he is up 2.5kg in the weights, today could be the day. Plenty of others enter with recent form reading well. (7) CHEONGUCHAT is another non-winner but has a 4th and a 3rd from two tries at this class, both over today’s distance. He can sit just behind the early speed and be a danger late on. Continuing the non-winning theme, (2) SMART SOCKS has failed to score in twenty-one, but she too comes in looking well. She ran 2nd at class and distance on Mary 11th settling midfield and running on, and from a nice draw and under a light weight, she should be in this. (9) GREEN FEELSTAR and (1) WONDERFUL SHADOW, who both do have wins to their name, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Rich Gate (7) Cheonguchat (2) Smart Socks (9) Green Feelstar
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 24)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan-trained Ssonsal successfully defended his SROA Chairman’s Trophy last weekend under Franco Da Silva (Pic: KRA)

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

Mainly, but not only, fillies in the opening maiden. (11) LET THEM ALL COME has raced twice, improving to 3rd place in the second of those over 1200M on February 23rd. He has had thirteen weeks off since then and he has the challenge of a wide draw, but he has as good a chance as any. (2) WHITE FALCON looks the main danger. She has a best of 2nd form eight starts and comes in off solid back-to-back 4th places. He draws nicely and Seo Seung-un climbs on. There are three debut-makers and a couple of them warrant consideration first-up. Both (10) MAX KINGDOM and (4) DREAM RACE trialled well and if they bring that form to the races, they can be close. Returning to the experience, (6) THE GREY MAN is another potential improver.

Selections(11) Let Them All Come (2) White Falcon (10) Max Kingdom (4) Dream Race
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

Competitive maiden. (2) BABEL DREAMY has a 2nd on her record and it came over this distance on March 24th when beaten only by the useful Morpheus. She got a bit far back when 5th among plenty of these on her latest start on April 26th but she comes back into a much better gate, and she can win here. (5) ILNYEOM SINHWA is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than six finishes between 3rd and 6th. He has two 3rd places among his latest three, both at this trip and most recently in that April 26th race. He should be close here. (6) TRICKSTER was 4th in that April 26th race, following on from a 2nd place at the start before and she can be a factor again. (4) STORMY DAY – who was 2nd that day at odds – along with (1) STAR PARK are others to consider for the places.

Selections(2) Babel Dreamy (5) Ilnyeom Sinhwa (6) Trickster (4) Stormy Day
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) SAENAE HIT is yet to win in seven attempts but has five top-five finishes, including her latest on May 3rd when 3rd over 1200M at this class. She comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (5) DAESEUNGNIJA is another non-winner, in her case from eight starts. She too comes in with recent form reading well with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this distance and the most recent being at this class too. She likes to settle back and run on, and she should be a danger late. (10) QUEEN’S ROAD mixes her form but she has two 2nd places at this class over 1800M and may make some each-way appeal coming back in trip today. (3) SHINE FOREST and the up in class last start winner (9) DIA GRIT are others to consider.

Selections(8) Saenae Hit (5) Daeseungnija (10) Queen’s Road (3) Shine Forest
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

Another competitive affair. (7) MASTER ROAD is winless in five starts but has never been worse than 4th and has a 2nd and that 4th in her two starts at this class, most recently over 1200M on May 3rd when beating a couple of today’s rivals. She has posted a quick time over this distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, today can be the day. The wildcard is (6) PHANTOM ACE. He showed plenty of ability at this level before suffering a setback and he finally returns to action after more than a year out. He didn’t offer too many clues in his trial, but he may make for some interest. (8) RUBY STONE is yet to finish outside of the top-three, and she can maintain that record here. Her win came at this distance, and she should be on pace and in this a long way. The form falls off after that. (2) TAURUS KING and (1) SANGIM BOLT may improve.

Selections(7) Master Road (6) Phantom Ace (8) Ruby Stone (2) Taurus King
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Beolmaui Star, Eoma Eoma To Clash Again in SROA Chairman’s Sprint

The road to September’s Korea Sprint hots up on Sunday as the domestic Sprint Series reaches its conclusion with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race that is being run for the first time with international Listed status, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

Following his gate to wire win in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on April 14th, BEOLMAUI STAR is the favourite to back up. He ran a huge 2nd to Japanese star Remake in last year’s International Korea Sprint but struggled with his start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy at Busan last November and then in two forgettable efforts in Dubai to begin the year.

Seoul seems to suit Beolmaui Star though and under Seo Seung-un, he was the fastest away in the SBS Sports Sprint and was never headed, scoring by three-quarters of a length. He comes into a much better gate this time around and so long as he gets the start right, he will prove hard to beat again.

EOMA EOMA was the horse who got closest to Beolmaui Star in the SBS. It was a return to form for the 2022 Korea Sprint winner who had been an underwhelming 5th in the first leg of this year’s series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) in March 10th. To add to the intrigue, CC Wong gets legged up for his first real live chance in a Korean Group race.

The result of the Busan Ilbo had hinted at a generational shift as the four-year-old pair of RAON THE POINT and SOMETHING LOST swept home late to finish 1st and 2nd respectively. The older sprinters struck back in Seoul last month but Something Lost finished a close 3rd and Raon The Point is worth another chance from a better draw.

A newcomer on the Sprint Series trail is VICS GO. In the absence of the top line of sprinters he won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M in February but instead of persisting into the Busan Ilbo, he was sent back up to two turns and the Stayer Series instead. That didn’t go well so he comes back down in trip again and from a good gate, can be in the mix.

Several old-favourites among the sprinting ranks return including last year’s winner SSONSAL as well as the venerable MORFHIS, now nine-years-old but a creditable 6th placegetter in the SBS Sports. Among the lesser-known ones, FANTASTIC KINGDOM is a winner of six of nine starts up to class 2 level and while facing the elite at level weights will be a new experience for him, he may just measure up.

The SROA (Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association) Chairman’s Sprint is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30.

Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 19)

Sprinters take centre-stage on Sunday with the 3rd leg of the Sprint Series, the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) the highlight. There is also Listed action with the Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M). There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 plus 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Ssonsal beat Eoma Eoma to win last year’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint. Both return (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden and there will be a strong favourite. (6) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places and a 4th among five starts so far and the fastest time among these for the 1200M by a considerable margin. In this company, she can settle just behind the early speed and should prove too strong. (1) BYLONG STAR was 6th to Complete Party’s 4th when they raced each other at 1200M on April 14th. She has certainly shown more in trials than she has at the races, but it marked an improvement, and we could see more here. (9) JANGBI DAEUN debuted fairly back in December and while she hasn’t raced since, she looked well in an April trial and can be a danger. (8) HERO GOLD and (3) STUNNING QUEEN other placing chances.

Selections(6) Complete Party (1) Bylong Star (9) Jangbi Daeun (8) Hero Gold
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

(6) BREEDO KING STAR has two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three, all at 1400M. In this company he can be expected to be on the pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (9) DONKEY PLAY wasn’t fancied at all on debut after an undistinguished trial, but she ran a close 2nd over 1200M, coming from off the pace. She should have derived benefit from that experience and while this field is stronger, she could match that or even go one better. Like Breedo King Star, (7) BOLLIN has two 3rd places in his record including at this distance last time out on April 20th. He comes in under the same weight and warrants consideration. (10) TOHOMARKET and (8) WONDERFUL JET others in the frame.

Selections(6) Breedo King Star (9) Donkey Play (7) Bollin (10) Tohomarket
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) FLYING THE FORD did nothing in his first two starts in December and February, but after going back and winning a trial, re-emerged at this distance on April 12th and led for much of the way before finishing 2nd. He draws very nicely to get to the lead here and he will be favourite to go one better. There are three debut-makers and among them, (7) WONDERFUL BIDDER makes for the most appeal. He trialled in October and then again at the end of April, crossing the line in 2nd place in both in good times. This is a great race to debut in and he can be close. (8) SHINING MORNING comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M and 1200M in contrasting styles. She continues under a light weight and Choi Si-dae climbs up. (4) WORLD ANGEL CAT and (9) THE BIG SHOT are others to consider.

Selections(2) Flying The Ford (7) Wonderful Bidder (8) Shining Morning (4) World Angel Cat
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) USEUNG CONCORD got a 3rd and then a 2nd in two outings late last summer before returning in April and getting his maiden win at start number three over 1200M. Up in class here, he should strip fitter for that run and the step up in trip can suit. He’ll be a short-price favourite. (7) BAEKRYONG remains a maiden after ten attempts but has had plenty of near misses including his last start 2nd at 1300M when trying this distance for the first time. He comes up 2kg in the weights but can be in the mix again. (4) THE SUN FIGHTER similarly enters with recent form reading well. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and an apprentice claiming 3kg should make him more than competitive. (1) BAEDARI HYANGGI is up in class following a maiden win over this trip on April 7th and he can measure up. (11) STAR RUSH another to consider.

Selections(10) Useung Concord (7) Baekryong (4) The Sun Fighter (1) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. (3) SEKWANG CHOEGANG is yet to win but has five top-three finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at 1200M at this class. She has a strong finish on her and having already placed at 1300M, the slight step back up in trip can suit. (6) FLEX DAY took a couple of goes to get used to this level but ran well for 2nd over this distance on April 19th. She comes up 3kg in this company, but a similar effort will see her as a major danger here. (1) RED JASPER is, like Sekwang Choegang, still a maiden and she can mix her form, but she comes in off a last start 3rd place in a similar all filly race over 1400M and from a nice gate and still under a light weight, she shouldn’t be dismissed. (4) JINJU BIT and (2) JAZZ STAR among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Sekwang Choegang (6) Flex Day (1) Red Jasper (4) Jinju Bit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 18)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive maiden with five of the eleven racing for the first time and we’ll go with a first timer in (4) PHANTOM DRAGON. He led all the way to comfortably win a trial in a quick time on May 2nd and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to hold out here. (2) YEONGUNG JARYONG was similarly impressive in a trial at the end of April, racing handy and running 2nd behind a class 2 horse. He too draws well, and Moon Se-young’s booking will attract plenty. (1) GRAND LARGE came through two trials, improving in the second of them in early April and he too can go well first-up here. As for those with experience, (11) CUPID MIR looks the best with a one 3rd and four 4th place finishes to his name. (5) WONDERFUL LORD may improve on a nondescript debut.

Selections(4) Phantom Dragon (2) Yeongung Jaryong (1) Grand Large (11) Cupid Mir
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) EAST RISING was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on April 14th, racing handy throughout and only narrowly missing out. She draws well to be on pace again and she can go one better here. (7) AMAZING ROCK similarly improved on her second start, when 4th over 1400M on April 28th. In this company she too can be expected to be on the pace from the start and she should be in this a long way. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE has a 2nd place on her resume from two starts back over this distance. She then got a bit far back before running on for 4th place at her latest effort on April 21st. She should be in this. (10) WONDERFUL WELLS and (9) YONGBI QUEEN are the other placing chances.

Selections(4) East Rising (7) Amazing Rock (6) Chogangbulpae (10) Wonderful Wells
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Since landing his maiden win in January, (8) ROYAL BEST has two 4th places and a close 2nd in three attempts at this class. That 2nd was last time out on April 21st when he led close to home and with CC aboard again, he can go one better. The main danger is (11) JECHUK IHO. He is yet to win but has finished no worse than 4th in six starts. Most recently, he was 3rd in that April 21st race, just half a length behind Royal Best. That was his first outing since last November so he should strip fitter for the run and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. Another non-winner with plenty of near misses is (7) SSEULMO. An on-pace type, he comes in off a 2nd place finish at this class and distance on April 13th when he led for much of the way, and he should be in the finish again here. (9) SAENAE VIVA and (3) ARCH CLASS among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(8) Royal Best (11) Jechuk Iho (7) Sseulmo (9) Saenae Viva
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) APPLE QUEEN got her maiden win over 1200M on April 14th leading every step of the way. She comes up in class here, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but with only three starts to her name there is plenty of scope for more development and this looks a winnable assignment again. (5) GOLDBERG comes in having beaten a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place at this class over 1200M on April 13th. She can settle behind the speed and should be challenging late on. (7) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL is winless, but she finishes off her races well and she can be beating the 5th place she secured last time out on what was her first try at this class. (4) MY THUNDER and (10) GREEN VIVACE are others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(11) Apple Queen (5) Goldberg (7) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) My Thunder
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 17)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden. (11) PURE DANCE returned from seven months out to run a fair 3rd place over this distance on April 26th, racing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for that run and can win here. That will mean overturning the form on (3) CHAS QUEEN. She ran 3rd in that April 26th race, settling midfield and running on to record her best finish to date. She draws nicely here and will be a danger. (10) SEOGWI STAR has the fastest time among these for the distance and comes in under an apprentice claim which can bring her into contention. (12) GOLDEN NICE and (5) STORMING MAGIC are others who have top-four or better finishes in their records and can be considered.

Selections(11) Pure Dance (3) Chas Queen (10) Seogwi Star (12) Golden Nice
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BREEDO PELL did nothing on debut last October and wasn’t seen again until March when he trailed well, before returning to action on April 12th and looked a totally different prospect, finishing 3rd over this distance. He should have come on for that run and will be a warm favourite over this somewhat limited looking set of opponents. (2) SKY ARCH comes in following a 2nd and a 3rd in her latest two, both over 1400M, both times coming from off the pace and she can be one of the main dangers here. (6) BEST BOY was an improved 3rd at his latest outing on April 21st. He showed a smart finish on him and should be coming home strongly again. (8) OAK RIDGE and (4) ARA NURI are the other placing chances.

Selections(7) Breedo Pell (2) Sky Arch (6) Best Boy (8) Oak Ridge
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(5) HYPER FORCE didn’t do much on debut but has since run a 3rd and a 2nd, the latter in a filly only race over this distance on April 19th when she settled just behind the speed and ran on very pleasingly. She was found to be slightly lame after that, but she was quickly back in work, and she can go one better today. (9) ONE WAY ROAD has been consistent across his latest few and in this company, he really should be looking for a best finish to date. There is very little early speed in the race so the widest gate shouldn’t prevent (10) BEOLGYO FRANCHE from getting to a forward position and with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, he should be in the mix at the business end of the race. (2) ROSE DRAGON and (7) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Hyper Force (9) One Way Road (10) Beolgyo Franche (2) Rose Dragon
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

The only downside about (12) JEOLDAE BOSS is his draw. And perhaps that he is yet to win in fifteen attempts. He has plenty of near-misses though including last time out over 1300M on April 14th when he led late but ultimately had to settle for 2nd. In this company he can get a forward position, regardless of the gate, and he can win today. (6) CAPTAIN DIA was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back before running close 5th over the same distance at his latest outing when slowly away. He carries his fair share of weight again but with a better start he can be in the mix here. (5) GANGSEO JEORYEONG can mix his form, but he comes back in trip today and can be a threat. (4) BRUG KINGMAN is up in class following a last start maiden win and can measure up. (2) POWER PLANE another place chance.

Selections(12) Jeoldae Boss (6) Captain Dia (5) Gangseo Jeoryeong (4) Brug Kingman
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 12

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

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EUNPA SARANG AND MOON SUNG-HYEOK LAND KOREAN DERBY

Eunpa Sarang stalked and then pounced, and then won the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Korean Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, at odds of 47/1. Not only was it a fine win for a hitherto undervalued three-year-old, it was also a redemption of sorts for jockey Moon Sung-hyeok.

Eunpa Sarang pulls clear in the Derby (Pic: KRA)

Having run 5th in the KRA Cup Mile, Eunpa Sarang settled right back among the fifteen-strong field, improving only in the back straight to race handy on the turn and then prove too strong by some margin at the business end. 20/1 chance World Dragon was 2nd, with KRA Cup Mile winner and pre-race favourite Success Baekpa in 3rd, the latter remaining in pole-position for overall Triple Crown honours.

“Is it true that I won? Am I right that we were first?” a disbelieving jockey Moon Sung-hyeok asked his in-house broadcaster KRBC inquisitor immediately after the race.

Last autumn, jockey Moon’s career seemed in the abyss after he mistook the 100M pole for the winning line and eased down what should have been an easy winner to an embarrassing beaten on the line 2nd. He served 3 months on the sidelines as a result.

Eunpa Sarang and Moon Sung-hyeok take the acclaim of the Seoul crowd (Pic: KRA)

“(Eunpa Sarang) was in great condition and after he was 2nd in the Sports Seoul Cup, he was 5th in the Cup Mile, but to be honest, he improved in that race” an enthusiastic Moon continued. “This horse is a slow starter, so I decided I will go outside and then wait for an opportunity. It came at the 3rd corner, and I thought that it was then or never, so I went for it. And he responded so well.”

Reflecting on his own comeback, Moon said “There weren’t many opportunities to ride, and it was hard to control my weight. Of course, it was my fault, but I had been worrying a lot about what I should do. I haven’t been able to show my good side. I am really grateful to those who supported me and to those fans who called my name out today.”

“It doesn’t feel real, but it feels good,” Trainer Seo In-seok told KRBC. “I thought Eunpa Sarang was improving, but I thought the same about a lot of the other horses here. I thought the jockey rode a great race and so we have won.”

(Pic: KRA)

Eunpa Sarang is by Hansen and out of Achim Sarang (by Broken Vow). He was purchased for just 10 Million Korean Won by his owner Lee Mi-gyeong in April 2023. The Derby was his third career win on his ninth start.

The final leg of the Triple Crown is the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Soeul Racecourse on Sunday June 16th.

Next week the focus shifts to the sprinting division and the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race which will have international Listed status for the first time.