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

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

(Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens to begin with and (9) BIG BRIDGE will be the favourite having improved to 2nd place at start number three on March 23rd when racing handy throughout over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but it was still quicker than any of the others here have achieved over the 1200M, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOJEONSA will be the second favourite. She also showed improvement in that same March 24th race, coming home in 4th place, having been similarly on pace throughout. From a nice draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way again. (10) SARYEONI NIKE has shown slow but noticeable progress across her three appearances to date and can continue to get closer here. There are five debut-makers, and of them (7) USEUNG DOLJIN and (5) KHAS look the most likely to make an immediate impact. 

Selections(9) Big Bridge (2) Haengbok Yeojeonsa (10) Saryeoni Nike (7) Useung Doljin
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden with more than one looking ready to win. We’ll side with (4) BAZOOKA BOY. His best among three starts so far is a second place and while he hasn’t been the most fluent of runners so far, he does seem to have ability. He was sent back to trial following his last start 4th and he came through his heat well. He draws nicely and the two turns can suit. The main danger is (7) BEAT YEONGUNG. He was a beaten favourite behind Bazooka Boy on March 16th but previously recorded a 2nd and a 4th and with Moon Se-young climbing on, plenty will be backing him to bounce back here. (6) P N S CAR comes in off a 2nd place at 1300M on March 30th. That was just his third start, and his running style suggests the step up in trip can be to his liking. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) YONGBICHEON others in the minor money hunt. 

Selections(4) Bazooka Boy (7) Beat Yeongung (6) P N S Car (8) Craze Chang
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

(1) MR. TROT was a good winner over this distance at start number two over this distance in February when leading for most of the way, before putting in a somewhat ordinary showing when favourite for his first try at this class over 1400M on March 16th when he was scarcely involved. He comes back in trip and into a better gate, and he can be given another chance. (9) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win having been promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes in his opening two starts. He enters off a solid 3rd place at this class and distance on March 31st when handy throughout and while he comes up 2.5kg in the weights, he should figure strongly here. (2) RAON THE CLIPPER is another maiden up in class in his case following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two. He draws nicely to be on pace, comes down in the weights, and he can measure up and more here. (8) FIJI BLADE and (6) MORNING BOLD others in the frame.

Selections(1) Mr. Trot (9) Geumak Dia (2) Raon The Clipper (8) Fiji Blade
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 11

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

(7) HWASANGHWIHWAN remains a maiden after nine attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, most recently last time out over this class and distance on March 3rd when racing midfield and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights but with CC climbing on, today can be his day. If he does manage to find one too quick again, it could be (8) TRISTAN WANGJA. He has been finding his feet at this level and looks to be working towards a second win with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. (1) THUNDER A ONE comes up in class after registering his maiden win at start number five on March 16th when le led every step of the way. He draws nicely to lead again, and a repeat isn’t impossible. Those three will be in the majority of trifectas, with nothing else entering in good form. (4) EXPECT and (10) SUNGANUI CHANCE are perhaps the best of the supporting case.

Selections(7) Hwasangwihwan (8) Tristan Wangja (1) Thunder A One (4) Expect
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

Racing returns to the daytime schedule this week and kicks off with an 8-race program at Busan on Friday running 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) SUPREME QUEEN has finished between has been getting closer in her latest starts, culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on March 29th when leading for much of the way and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should be on pace again here and this time can have too much. (5) GONJOHARI ran once in the middle of last year, finishing a fair 6th. He hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up in March and in this company can go well first up. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th on both starts so far. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and should get closer. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST and (4) PURE DANCE among others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Supreme Queen (5) Gonjohari (7) Pompeii (11) Yeongwanguifirst
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) POWER BANK enters off a to-date best of 2nd over 1300M on March 24th when on pace throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace again here and this time looks like the one to beat. (2) AWESOME SUNRISE is the probable second favourite. She has plenty of experience over this trip and she won’t need to improve much on how she ran when 4th last time out in order to get closer here. (1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE enters odd a fair 3rd place over 1200M on March 31st, when he led for much of the way. He can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) BRUG KINGMAN and (11) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others to consider.

Selections(9) Power Bank (2) Awesome Sunrise (1) Beolgyo Franch (3) Brug Kingman
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) FUERTE has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, both over a mile and both times settling midfield and running on. Tanaka climbs on today and she can settle back once more, and this time prove too strong late on. That will mean overturning the form on (7) STAR PARK who comes in having run 3rd to Fuerte’s 4th when they raced each other at this distance on April 5th. He also has a 2nd place to his name and is another who likes to settle back and be doing his best work late. (12) BABEL DREAMY has shown progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on March 24th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be a factor. (2) STORMY DAY and (8) TRICKSTER other placing chances.

Selections(4) Fuerte (7) Star Park (12) Babel Dreamy (2) Stormy Day
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) RUBY STONE got her maiden win in a quick time over 1200M two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 29th, leading almost the entire way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. Her win came from the same wide draw she has today and this time she should go one better. (4) SEKWANG CHEOGANG was 3rd on that March 29th race. She has mixed her form over her six appearances, but she has a good finish on her and can be a danger. (9) SEUNGNI PARTY has been consistent over her own six starts, with her win coming at this distance. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can go close.  The up in class last start winner (10) BUSAN TODAY along with (5) BRAVE CAPTAIN are others to look out for. 

Selections(11) Ruby Stone (4) Sekwang Choegang (9) Seungni Party (10) Busan Today
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(more…)

GLOBAL HIT DOWNS TUHONUI BANSEOK IN LAST GASP YTN SUCCESS

Tuhonui Banseok put up a valiant defence of his title, but Global Hit ultimately wrested it away from him with a last gasp drive to win the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series, in the very final stride at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit pursues Tuhonui Banseok in sight of the line (Pic: KRA)

Global Hit had been on the wrong side of a photo-finish when going down to Winner’s Man in last December’s Grand Prix, but with Winner’s Man out of the picture, and Global Hit having won the first leg of the series, the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) in March, the four-year-old was sent off a warm favourite to once again defy a wide draw and  take out the Stayer second leg.

Tuhonui Banseok set off meaning business. Under Chae Sang-hyun the now five-year-old, who won the race by a remarkable eleven-lengths a year ago, went straight to the lead alongside 100/1 outsider Bolt Man. Kim Hye-sun aboard Global Hit meanwhile used the same tactics she did in the Herald Business and rode patiently, setting up camp in midfield and gradually improving as the field made their way down the back.

Pic: KRA

It was a brave effort from Tuhonui Banseok and while Global Hit inexorably raised the pressure in the sprint, he would not go down without a fight and continued to hold the younger horse at bay. They crossed the line together, but momentum saw Global Hit strike the front just when it mattered, the margin a nose. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit, was a length back in 3rd.

Pre-race the market consensus was that the biggest danger was Nut Play, who got within a length of Global Hit in the Herald Business and drew a better gate this time around. Just like the Herald Business, jockey Jo Jae-ro opted to follow favourite. They would not get on terms and ultimately finished 4th. Wonderful Slew, the only filly or mare in the race, was a game 5th.

The diminutive Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] may not look like a racehorse, but he is fast and gutsy and he moves on to seven wins from twelve starts. For jockey Kim Hye-sun, as well as trainer Bang Dong-suk, he is proving to be a career-defining horse. He is owned by Kim Joon-hyun, who also had Minister’s Cup winner Hit Yegam in Winner’s Man’s year.

Jockey Kim will have plenty of time to reflect on the win as she picked up a four-meeting ban for the way she came off the fence to the detriment of Wonderful Slew on the 3rd corner.

The final leg of the Stayer Series is the slightly shorter Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast on Sunday May 26. Tuhonui Banseok is the defending champion there too having lifted himself up off the canvas to go past Winner’s Man. He will need all that and more if he is to prevent Global Hit from carrying off a clean sweep.

Next week, the focus moves to the filly and mare division and the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Jeulgeounyeojeong heads the field with Raon The Spurt looking the main danger.

Can Nut Play Overturn Form on Global Hit in YTN Cup?

The Stayers’ Series reaches its second stage on Sunday when a field of fifteen line up for the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Global Hit remains the one to beat in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

After running 2nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit asserted his claim to be the new King of Korean racing with victory in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul last month.

Despite Winner’s Man being out of the picture for the foreseeable future – and possibly to be retired – the margin of victory was less than a length as another four-year-old, Nut Play was bearing down on Global Hit. The pair head the line up for the YTN and a reversal in form shouldn’t be ruled out.

At his best though, (14) GLOBAL HIT may prove hard to beat. He draws the same wide gate as he did in the Herald Business and Kim Hye-sun on board will be very aware of the threat that Nut Play – and others – can pose. Expect tactics to be adjusted accordingly.

(3) NUT PLAY also featured on the Triple Crown trail last year, running 4th in the KRA Cup Mile, before 3rd place finishes in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup. He picked up a Listed win last September over 1800M and began this year with a victory at class 1 level before his Herald Business runner-up. He comes into a much better gate this time.

Although they will be at the top of the market, this is no two-horse race. (7) TUHONUI BANSEOK is the defending champion, having demolished a field including Winner’s Man by an astonishing eleven-lengths. He made his season re-appearance in the Herald Business, running a creditable 3rd. A big run is possible here.

The wildcard is a stablemate of Tuhonui Banseok’s. In fact, it isn’t initially obvious which is the second string from the Bart Rice barn as (2) JEONGMUN COBIT enters in sensational form, having won his latest four at distances between 1400M and 2000M, posting some very quick times and for the most part, giving away weight. This is a step into the unknown competition wise, but he may well step up.

(10) SPEED YOUNG was champion juvenile in 2022 and has consistently threatened to break through at the very top level, including a strong 2nd behind Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and a 3rd in the President’s Cup. He can mix his form, but he was a fair 5th in the Herald Business and shouldn’t be dismissed today.

Others who may find some interest at longer prices include (11) CHIEF INDY and the only filly in the race, Luigi Riccardi’s (4) WONDERFUL SLEW.

The YTN Cup is race 7 on the 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05.

Selections(14) Global Hit (3) Nut Play (2) Jeongmun Cobit (7) Tuhonui Banseok
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10, 14

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 21)

After the sprinters last week, this week it’s the second leg of the Stayer Series and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) headlines the daytime card on Sunday at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Global Hit headlines Sunday’s YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(9) USEUNG CONCORD raced twice in late summer last year, recording a 3rd and a 2nd over 1000M and 1200M. He hasn’t raced since but trialled up fairly in March and Moon Se-young’s engagement makes it likely they intend to pick up from where they left off and win first-up against this very limited set of opponents. (5) ARCH ROCKET has hinted at ability and should at least be on pace here. An apprentice keeps his weight very light, and he should be in the mix. (10) POWER TRY is the solitary debut maker. It took hm two goes to qualify but he looked competent enough at the second time of asking and he can be considered against this lot. (7) JEONGSEONG VICE and (6) HERO NARA others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Useung Concord (5) Arch Rocket (10) Power Try (7) Jeongseong Vice
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

(9) BREEDO KING STAR enters off a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and both times settling behind the lead before finishing well. Despite the wide draw, he can be expected to be on pace here and he us the one to bear. Clear second-pick is (1) GEUMSEONG REVERE. Having returned from almost nine months out to run a 4th place over 1300M on March 14th, she should strip fitter here and can be a danger. The form falls off significantly after those, but (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has hinted at ability across his three starts so far. He has got a bit far back in his races but should be running on strong here.  (7) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG and (3) HIGH END are potential improvers.

Selections(9) Breedo King Star (1) Geumseong Revere (5) Éclair Power (7) Changjoui Gidung
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

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

(9) BLAZING MAN will be the favourite here. He has shown steady improvement across his three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1400M on March 22nd when racing on pace. He has finished ahead of a few of these already and he should be finishing ahead of all of them today. (3) THUNDER GUY comes in having finished a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 31st. The time wasn’t the quickest, but he should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. (4) HANEUL SINHWA dead-heated for 5th place behind Blazing Man last time out and can there or thereabouts again. (2) BEST BOY and (7) GOAT KING IJI among others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) Blazing Man (3) Thunder Guy (4) Haneul Sinhwa (2) Best Boy
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

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

Fillies only and (2) JERAQUEEN will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across her five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1300M in a similar all-filly race on March 17th when leading almost all the way. She draws nicely to lead again and will be expected to go one better. (10) BEATRIZ enters having run an improved 3rd over this distance in February when racing on the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light, and despite the wide draw, she can be on pace and in this again. (7) PINK WIND was one of those behind Jeraqueen on March 17th, but she has a 2nd place to her name and can be a factor here. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE and (5) MONEY TOUCH others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Jeraqueen (10) Beatriz (7) Pink Wind (6) Chogangbulpae
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) MORPHEUS is up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking when stepped up to a mile and leading all the way on March 24th. He has performed well at this distance as well and while he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight break, he can be on pace again and can go back-to-back. (4) MOVIE MORE is yet to win in ten attempts, nine of hem at this distance but she comes in with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two. She carries a light weight, draws well to challenge Morpheus for the early lead, and it could well be her day. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. It may have been her first win on her twentieth start, but she has loads of experience at this level and this is the kind of company she can place among. The rest need to improve on recent form with (11) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (6) SINHAE MANGCHI perhaps the most likely.

Selections(5) Morpheus (4) Movie More (2) Velociraptor (11) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) YONGAM MARENGO finished down the field when sent off as favourite at class and distance on March 23rd. The margins weren’t huge though and we can give him another chance after two near-misses leading up to it. He can sit behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (6) RAON THE TAP has two placings at this class and enters off a fair 5th, ahead of Yongam Marengo in that March 23rd race. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he will have plenty of backers here. (5) MEOTJIN GIROK has been working his way back into form and enters off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on March 17th. He is another with a strong finish who should be doing his best work late. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (7) NAOL DAEWANG others to consider.

Selections(9) Yongam Marengo (6) Raon The Tap (5) Meotjin Girok (4) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (11) JAZZ STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M in an all-filly maiden on March 22nd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and, under a light weight, she can maintain her 100% start. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE is the main danger. She was a winner at this class and distance in February – the only one in the field to have prevailed at 1400M – before running midfield in stiffer company than this and under 56kg last time out. She comes down in the weights here with an apprentice engaged, is drawn well, and she can return to form. (10) ARION QUEEN will need a line drawn through her latest over a mile but should be happier back in trip here. (7) NONSTOP DUTY and (1) CHIMING RUN others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Jazz Star (2) Wonderful Cutie (10) Arion Queen (7) Nonstop Duty
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

(3) ROYAL BEST got his maiden win over 1300M in January, making all, and has since been 4th on both tries at this class, both times having led. He draws nicely here, CC climbs aboard, and he can win. (2) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish any worse than 4th after five starts last year. He hasn’t raced since last October but he looked very well when leading all the way in a trial at the start of this month, and from a good gate, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) HAEJE YEOGEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on January 14th having led. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks out and she can be in the hunt. (4) GOLDEN LINE and (6) TAMNA CHOEGANGJA others to consider.

Selections(3) Royal Best (2) Jechuk Iho (9) Haeje Yeogeol (4) Golden Line
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 20)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Bring an umbrella, rain is forecast! Here are the previews:

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

Just eight in the first division of this maiden and (1) CUPID MIR will be the clear favourite. He has finished 3rd once and 4th three times across his five starts so far, posting decent times along the way. From the inside gate he will surely be on the pace, and he should lead all the way. (7) SEOUL DOLPUNG is the clear second pick. He overcame a wide draw to run 4th at 1300M on March 16th and in this smaller field should be closer to the front from the start. He has six finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be aiming for at least 2nd here. (5) BOLLIN ran 3rd over 1200M two starts back in a good time and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (8) CAMP DAVID and (3) EUNSEONG SARANG other possibles for the minors.

Selections(1) Cupid Mir (7) Seoul Dolpung (5) Bollin (8) Camp David
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(9) BREEDO GIRL will be heavy favourite in the second division of this maiden. After running 4th on debut over 1200M in December, she returned in February to finish 2nd at 1400M, coming from off the pace. She has had eleven weeks off since, but she really should be able to score in this company. (8) CROQUIS is second pick. She has two 3rd places from her last three including last time out at this distance on March 30th. She was beaten by a couple of these in between, but a repeat of her latest effort will see her close. Given the strength (or lack thereof) in this race, we should at least consider the solitary first time starter. That’s (7) SAEROUN GUY who while a long way behind the winner of his trial, looked competent enough, and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. (4) THUNDER SPEED and (3) ELITE PEACE potential improvers.

Selections(9) Breedo Girl (8) Croquis (7) Saeroun Guy (4) Thunder Speed
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Fillies only here. (5) DIANA got her maiden win two starts back, leading all the way over this distance, before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 31st over 1300M when on pace again. She comes up slightly in the weights, but back at 1200M, she can win again. (4) MUJANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over 1400M at this class.  She comes in der a very light weight here and from a good draw, she shapes as the main danger. (6) SMART SOCKS ran 3rd over 1200M on April 7th, coming from off the pace. That was a big uptick in recent form and while still a maiden after nineteen attempts, she can be close again. (11) DREAM SKY and (3) ELITE ROYAL are others to consider.

Selections(5) Diana (4) Mujang (6) Smart Socks (11) Dream Sky
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

(9) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN got his one win in February at this class and distance when coming from well off the pace. He then had a poor day at the office at his latest start at class and distance on March 23rd, when settling back after a slow start and this time not running on, but we’ll draw a line through that and with CC climbing on, he can return to winning ways. (4) JEONGMUN PAPAGO enters having got his maiden win at the eighteenth time of asking at this class and distance in that same race on March 23rd that Naegilui Captain disappointed in. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result, but he warrants respect. (2) BAEKRYONG remains winless in nine but comes up in class after a few too many near-misses. He is down in the weights, draws nicely, and can measure up in this company. (8) GLORY K and (7) MIGHTY BOM others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Naegilui Captain (4) Jeongmun Papago (2) Baekryong (8) Glory K
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

The short spring evening race season comes to an end this week with the action kicking off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those. (1) QUEEN OF DRAGON went through two trials in March and April, settling midfield in both and running on well to cross the line 4th in both in good times. She draws nicely, the 1200M can suit first-up, and if she brings her trial form to the races, she’ll be close. Among the experience, (12) KING DRAGON. He ran an on-pace 5th on debut over this distance on March 15th and while he was a fair bit behind the first-three, he should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (9) SHINING MORNING enters off a 3rd place over 1300M last time out, her bets in six attempts so far. That’s enough to put her in the frame here. (2) GOLDEN NICE and (3) THE GREY MAN other potential improvers.

Selections(1) Queen Of Dragon (12) King Dragon (9) Shining Morning (2) Golden Nice
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 12

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) SKY ARCH has shown improvement across eight starts so far, and she comes in off her best when 2nd over this distance on April 5th when settling midfield and running on. She is third-up this preparation and from a good draw, she can go one better here. (5) HYPER FORCE improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on March 1st when racing handy. She looks to have scope for more development and has posted the fastest time of any of these for the 1400M. (7) UNJU LEGEND enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at a mile. An apprentice keeps her weight low, and she should be in the mix again. (9) DIA GRIT and (4) HAERANG JINJU others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Sky Arch (5) Hyper Force (7) Unju Legend (9) Dia Grit
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BLUE POINT has quite the name to live up to, but he looks to be figuring things out following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to this distance at start number three on March 17th. There isn’t much speed in this race so he should get a nice run to the front, and he can win here. The danger is (6) GREAT BOY. He made his first four starts last year recording a best of 4th but was then off from October until re-appearing on March 15th. The break seemed to do him some good as he was an improved 2nd on return at 1300M and can be expected to strip fitter here. (3) MY WAY leaves himself too much to do but may appreciate the step up to the mile for the first time, while (5) NANGMAN DAERO has finished 4th on each of his last four starts and could well do so again. (9) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG another to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Blue Point (6) Great Boy (3) My Way (5) Nangman Daero
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) HUNTER DRAGON remains a maiden but comes up to this class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two, both over a mile and both times racing on pace. He comes down in the weights, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance of getting off the mark here at what is only his fourth career start.  (6) NALA beat three of these on her way to a close 2nd at big odds over a mile on March 22nd when overcoming the widest gate and flying home late. She’ll be at least an each-way price again and could provide some interest. (3) TOP FRIEND ran 5th in that March 22nd race having raced on pace. He is a twenty-start maiden but has five 2nd place finishes and should be in the mix here. (9) STREET ROCK and (5) QUEEN OF JOY others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Hunter Dragon (6) Nala (3) Top Friend (9) Street Rock
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

(more…)

Beolmaui Star Puts Start & Dubai Woes Behind Him in SBS Sports Sprint Triumph

It was always going to be about the start for Beolmaui Star. At Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the five-year-old shrugged off his recent gate woes to begin beautifully and cross to the lead and then proceeded to make every post the proverbial winning post in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un after winning the SBS (Pic: KRA)

The so-called generational shift hinted at with Raon The Point’s victory over fellow four-year-old Something Lost in the first leg of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint last month, will have to wait. Something Lost was sent off as favourite and was in the race a long way, crossing the line 3rd, just a length and a half behind Beolmaui Star.

But Raon The Point, while showing near the front early on, faded from the scene early and finished well back. Instead, it was the veteran Eoma Eoma, showing he is far from done yet, who was a fast-finishing 2nd, three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

Beolmaui Star was unable to run in the Busan Ilbo as his quarantine period on his return from his disappointing Dubai sojourn meant that he wasn’t able to return to work in time Local punters didn’t care about that and also ignored those Dubai results and his latest start in Korea, when missing the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November, and they made him 2nd favourite behind Something Lost. 

“I was actually nervous” winning trainer Baik Kwang-yeol told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The first time I have ever been nervous before a Group race.”

Eoma Eoma made a late bid but couldn’t get there (Pic: KRA)

Baik didn’t talk much more about the race but expanded on his chastening experience at the Dubai Carnival with a horse he felt, given the times he had run at 1200M – and having finished just four-lengths behind international superstar Remake – should have been competitive, but was not:

“I thought we prepared well for Dubai but ultimately, I felt like that frog in the well (who knows nothing of the sea). He can (run the times necessary to be competitive) but just couldn’t adjust to the pace and tempo of the race there. If we can’t adjust to that then (Korean racing) will never be any better, I feel good and fortunate to have won today, but I will not just be satisfied with this.”

Beolmaui Star seems to love racing at Seoul. After the Korea Sprint and before his Dubai disgrace, he also messed up the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy in Busan last November, but this time, back in the capital, there was no mistake.

“(Beolmaui Star) has just one drawback” winning jockey Seo Seung-un explained to KRBC. “He can get anxious in the gates, and he is a lead horse so if he makes a mistake at the start, he simply won’t get a result. So, we trained a lot to get the start right and he did and then we were able to carry out our plan effectively.”

(Pic: KRA)

As for the Dubai expedition, Seo, who travelled over to Meydan to ride his first race, didn’t have much of an explanation and quickly moved on. “There wasn’t a particular problem with the horse, he just didn’t run well. Next month is the SROA Chairman’s Trophy over the same 1200M distance so if the horse is in good health and condition then there will be a high possibility that we will be here.”

Like Moon Se-young two weeks ago, Seo also noted the demographics among the racegoers. “When I come to Seoul, I feel like I can receive a lot of support because the crowd is so big. The number of younger fans has increased a lot, so the atmosphere makes it feel like the culture has changed a lot compared to just ten years ago. It is really nice to see.”

The final leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday May 19th. Next weekend, the focus shifts back to the Korea Cup lead-up with the Stayer Series and Global Hit heading the field in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

SBS Sports Sprint – Sprint Series 2nd Leg: Preview & Form Comments

When the four-year-old pair of Raon The Point and Something Lost flashed to the front in the final furlong of the Busan Ilbo Sprint a month ago, it seemed to show a generational change was finally taking place among the one turn elite. At Seoul on Sunday, they have to opportunity to confirm it as a full field of sixteen line up for the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Sprint Series. SEE HERE FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

At this point it is fair to acknowledge that part of the reason for the generational change is because of the absence of the biggest older star. Raon The Fighter won this race last year before suffering an injury that was confirmed this past to week, to have ended his racing career. But the new set are exciting, nonetheless.

Raon The Point and Something Lost have raced just nine times apiece. The former has won seven and the latter five, but they won’t necessarily come home in the same order as in the Busan Ilbo, when Raon The Point got the better of their late duel by a neck. Something Lost comes into a much better gate this time around, and he will probably start as the market leader.

Don’t rule out the old order striking back. Chief among those of course, is Eoma Eoma, who won this race in 2021 and then went on to claim the big one, the international Korea Sprint in 2022. He had an ordinary 2023 for the most part but came back into form when winning the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M at Busan last November and that provides some hope that he can bounce back from his 5th place in the Busan Ilbo last month.

The wildcard is Beolmaui Star. He temporarily shot to the top of the sprinting ranks by leading the 2023 Korea Sprint, only being passed by eventual winner, the world class Remake. It’s all gone a bit wrong since though. He missed the start in the Kookje Shinmun and then travelled to the Dubai Carnival where he scarcely featured in two disappointing efforts. He won a trial in fine fashion in March and if the Beolmaui Star of last year’s S   print shows up, he can win.

1. PREEMAX – Has long since lost his form. 9th over 1400M on season reappearance in February and is a big outsider here.

2. DOCTOR CAESAR – An excellent 3rd place in the Busan Ilbo having led from gate 1. Draws well again to be on pace and can be in this a long way, although others favoured.

3. SSONSAL – Won the G3 SROA Chairman’s Trophy at this distance here last June but has shown patchy form in three starts since. 6th in the Busan Ilbo and that would be par here. Regular jockey Da Silva staying in Busan may be a clue.

(more…)

SBS Sports Sprint & International Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, takes centre stage on Sunday, but there are plenty of other valuable races spread across both the capital and Busan with Trophy Exchange races for the Singapore Turf Club (evidently for the final time), Jockey Club of Turkey, Tokyo City Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club and the China Horse Industry Association. There is also a big money race to mark the end of the Cherry Blossom season. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the opening leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) SEOBU CHAMP comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on March 16th when settling back and running on strongly. She comes in here carrying the same weight and has every chance of coming out on top this day. It’s a competitive maiden though. (4) TAP DIA has a 2nd and a 3rd among her own three starts so far. In this company, she may be further forward than in those races and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) PROCEED showed improvement to run 3rd at start number two over 1300M on March 2nd. He too may like the increased distance and CC Wong climbs up. (3) EUMSEONG POWER and (10) ALL EYES ON ME among others capable of at least challenging for the places.

Selections(5) Seobu Champ (4) Tap Dia (8) Proceed (3) Eumseong Power
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and it’s hard to go past (3) APPLE QUEEN. Having run 4th on debut, all the way back last June, she didn’t race again until this March 16th when she was an on-pace 3rd over 1400M. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly fancied to lead from gate to wire. (6) SHINE BOLT has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1200M on February 24th over this distance. She comes into a better gate here and can continue to get closer. (8) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places among her four appearances. That means that any top-three finish will get her a rating and see her at class 5 next time and she could well match or better. (4) SMILE GOLD and (7) BYLONG STAR, the latter having been back to trial since a chastening debut, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Apple Queen (6) Shine Bolt (8) Complete Party (4) Smile Gold
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4 ,7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive opener. (10) GANGSEO PRIDE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on March 8th, when on pace throughout. It wasn’t a quick time, and he was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, he has as good a chance as any here. (9) GIANT MARINE raced three times without distinction up until July last year. He was then put away and returned on March 15th this year and ran much better, finishing 3rd in a decent time over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (11) ONE WAY ROAD has been getting steadily better in recent outings and can continue his upward trajectory here. (5) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) DREAM WAY others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Gangseo Pride (9) Giant Marine (11) One Way Road (5) Choegang Chongal
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) LOVE COWGIRL returns to action for the first time since last September. After winning on debut, she finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd in three subsequent starts before her layoff and going by her all the way trial win two weeks ago, she can pick up from where she left off. (8) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA got his maiden win at this class and distance on March 3rd, settling handy and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights today, but he can be competitive again. (6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win at this distance three starts back and has since run 4th and 5th in two tries at this level, most recently over 1700M. He looks nicely in here and should go close. (4) SINUI YEOJE and (11) GOOD SEONGBONG the other logical place chances.

Selections(3) Love Cowgirl (8) Seoul Choegangja (6) The Sun Fighter (4) Sinui Yeoje
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(5) I AM LEGEND got her maiden win two starts back over this distance before running 2nd at big odds on her first try at this level on March 8th settling right back and running on. She seems to be hitting her groove and she can win this. (3) RAON THE TANGO enters off a useful 3rd place at this class over 1400M on March 8th. The same apprentice jockey keeps the edge off his carried weight and from a good draw, he can go close again. (11) HANEUL EUTTEUM scored a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 15th. He comes up 2lg in the weights and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he should be running on to be a danger once more. (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS are others who can enter at least the placing calculations.

Selections(5) I Am Legend (3) Raon The Tango (11) Haneul Eutteum (2) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

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

(more…)