Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 22)

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

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

Ten previously unraced juvenile fillies debut here so we must take our chances with the trial videos. (1) JOSE was the best of them running 4th in her trial in a fair time, settling midfield and running through the line well. She draws nicely and can be the special one first up. (7) ECO WORLD ran fairly in her heat finishing off well from midfield and won’t need to improve much on that to go close in this company. It took (10) GEOSEN YEOJE two goes to qualify but in the second of her trials, she posted the fastest time among these and that should stand her in good stead. (6) DAESEUNGMA and (8) ANDAMIRO were others who registered times not much slower.

Selections(1) Jose (7) Eco World (10) Geosen Yeoje (6) Daeseungma
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

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

Maiden fillies but three-year-olds this time. (9) BARO DANAEUN debuted all the way back in February and ran 3rd over 1200M having briefly struck the front late on. She hasn’t raced since so comes in off seventeen weeks out and hasn’t trialled, but there was previously a long time between her trial and debut so first-up shouldn’t be a problem. (11) EAST RISING did nothing on debut but has since run 2nd and 4th in two appearances at 1200M and 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but with a little luck at the start, she can get a forward position and can be in this a long way. (2) ORION ALPHA debuted all the way back last August with a promising 3rd. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well when running 2nd in a good time in a May trial and from a nice draw can be a danger. (8) SILVER MOON and (5) GOOD FIGHTER, that latter having trialled well twice since his debut las November, are others that can be considered.

Selections(9) Baro Danaeun (11) East Rising (2) Orion Alpha (8) Silver Moon
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (6) SUNSHINE QUEEN has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name at this distance and while she struggled last time out when sent up slightly in trip to 1400M, she looks nicely in here amongst this very ordinary set of opponents. (1) THUNDER YEOGEOL comes in off a best to date 2nd at this distance on May 26th when racing handy and running on well. She draws very nicely for an easy run to the front and should be in the finish again. (7) CHOGANGBULPAE is another with a 2nd place on her resume already and while she has got a bit far back in her latest couple, in this company, she can be further forward early and is not without a chance. (4) DAEMYEONGJANG and (2) ARGO GUY are other place contenders.

Selections(6) Sunshine Queen (1) Thunder Yeogeol (7) Chogangbulpae (4) Daemyeongjang
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (4) MAGIC PRINCE here. He has shown steady progress across three stars so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1700M on May 26th. He has run a good time at this distance already and in this company can settle behind the speed and prove too strong at the business end. (2) GANGCHEOL DRAGON enters off a 3rd place over 1300M on May 25th when coming from off the pace and running on after a slow start. He comes into a better gate this time and can be a bit further forward. (5) ARNOLD QUEEN looks to be on the right trajectory with a 5th and a 3rd from her latest two and from a better draw today can get closer. (8) CLAIR GOLD and (6) SINUI UNMYEONG are the other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Magic Prince (2) Gangcheol Dragon (5) Arnold Queen (8) Clair Gold
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 21)

No Stakes races this weekend but plenty of action nevertheless, getting 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 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

A maiden for juvenile fillies and all nine race for the first time, so it’s to the trial videos that we head. We’ll go with (1) JULGEOUN DONGHANG. She went through two trials, running steadily in both and stopped the clock in good times. She draws nicely, she has the top trainer and jockey combination, and she should be just right for this. (4) BRIGHT MARINE went through just one heat but looked good, running 2nd in a quick time having led for most of the way. She should be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) FANTASTIC HIT beat a couple of these when winning a trial on May 25th and looked equally well in a further tune up early this month. (8) EMPIRE DAY and (2) MOTHER POWER, the latter 2nd to Fantastic Hit in that May trial, are others who caught the eye.

Selections(1) Julgeoun Donghang (4) Bright Marine (6) Fantastic Hit (8) Empire Day
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(1) WE LIKE MONEY has shown steady improvement across her seven starts, culminating in a close runner-up finish over 1300M on June 7th when coming from off the pace and running on strongly. She tackles the 1400M for the first time and it may be just what she needs to get over the line in front. (7) YONGBI CHEONWANG has also been showing progress with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 2nd. In this company he can be ridden on pace and has every chance. (10) BIG MUSICAL STAR ran a fair 5th on debut at 1000M on May 31st. He should have come on for that run and the extended trip may be more suitable. (3) HANEUL SINHWA and (5) MUNMAK USANG other placing chances. 

Selections(1) We Like Money (7) Yongbi Cheonwang (10) Big Musical Star (3) Haneul Sinhwa
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

One debut-maker in the field and he will be the favourite. (6) GRAND DREAM may already be four years old, but he looked competent when winning a trial on June 1st, leading the whole way around and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. It isn’t an especially intimidating set of opponents. (4) DONGBU CHOEGANG is perhaps the best of the rest, at least based on his last start 4th place over 1400M when he was ridden further forward than in previous starts. Expect similar tactics here and he can be a danger. (3) CHRIS MORE raced twice, badly, last year and was then put away. He returned having been gelded and looked much better when trialling at the end of May and he can be a different prospect this time around. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP and (8) WORLD ANGEL CAT others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Grand Dream (4) Dongbu Choegang (3) Chris More (9) Ocean One Tap
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

(6) WONDERFUL BIDDER was a winner on debut over 1200M on May 19th when settling midfield and finishing off well. He comes up in class and in trip here but is down in the weights and he can go for two for two. (2) BLACK EAGLE got his maiden at this distance at the beginning of Mar and while he was slowly away on his first try at this class on May 31st, he can be given another chance here at what should be at least each-way odds. (1) META PRINCESS is already a winner at this class. She comes in off back-to-back 5th places and should be doing her best work late here. (4) OVER THE TRIPLE and (5) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG are others to consider.

Selections(6) Wonderful Bidder (2) Black Eagle (1) Meta Princess (4) Over The Triple
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Success Baekpa Adds Minister’s Cup to Cup Mile in Triple Crown Finale

There may be no Triple Crown winner, but Success Baekpa confirmed his place on top of the three-year-old ranks with a commanding nine-length victory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Added to his win in the KRA Cup Mile and 3rd place in the Korean Derby, Success Baekpa ran out the winner of the Triple Crown series by almost 600 points.

Success Baekpa goes clear (Pic: KRA)

True the task was made somewhat simpler for Success Baekpa at the start when World Dragon, who was set to jump as third favourite in the betting market, reared in the gate, crunching jockey Seo Seung-un into the machine. With the field backed out for a reload neither horse nor jockey was passed fit to race. That left fifteen in the race.

Hangang Class was sent off as the favourite at marginally better than even-money once World Dragon was removed from the pool, but it was outsiders Great Winner and Miracle Marine who set the early pace while Success Baekpa, the 4.5 second favourite sat behind the leaders alongside Nice Time, who began third in the market.

Into the home straight, jockey You Hyun-myung asked Success Baekpa for an effort and the Purge colt cruised clear, putting the result beyond doubt a full furlong from home. Nice Time crossed the line in 2nd place, a full nine-lengths adrift, while a further four-lengths back, Doctor Kingdom edged out the Derby winner Eunpa Sarang by a nose.

“I made a few mistakes (in the Korean Derby) but this time we were very well prepared” winning jockey You Hyun-myung told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The draw didn’t really matter and there were no opponents that we were afraid of here. The pace was a little fast, but he showed no signs of fatigue.” When quizzed on what was next for the colt, You replied: “The aim is to come back here and win the President’s Cup.”

The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is the richest race restricted to Korean bred horses that is age open and Success Baekpa can expect to come up against Global Hit, last year’s Minister’s Cup winner. This year it will take place on October 13th. Connections may well be tempted by a tilt at the international Korea Cup in early September, although that will be a far harder ask.

You Hyun-myung salutes the crowd after the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). He was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. He moves on to a record of five wins from nine starts.

In the final standings for the Triple Crown series, Success Baekpa finished on top with 1600 points with Eunpa Sarang in 2nd with 1030. His Minister’s Cup runner-up finish saw Nice Time jump up two places to 3rd overall with 700 points.

There is no Stakes action next week in Seoul with the next big race being the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) on June 30th. The early entries comprise an intriguing mix of stayers and sprinters with Tuhonui Banseok and Eoma Eoma, as well as unbeaten import Sky Wind among twenty-two still in.

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 16)

There won’t be a Triple Crown winner this year with the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby having been won by Success Baekpa and Eunpa Sarang respectively, however, there is plenty to look forward to on Sunday as a full field of sixteen contest the final leg, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Eunpa Sarang saluted in the Derby. He returns for Sunday’s Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (5) RUN WILD, who raced twice across the turn of the year with a very close 2nd on debut at this distance followed by a midfield finish over 1300M. He trialled up fairly at the end of May settling back from a wide draw before running on and back at 1200M first up, can win. The best of the debut makers is (3) COING. It took him two trials – in consecutive weeks – to qualify, but he was much better in the second of them, winning it ahead of none other than Run Wild, leading all the way. He draws nicely and can put in a bold showing from the front here. (7) WITH DIS KURO ran 3rd on debut at this distance in April. It wasn’t a quick race but nine weeks on, he can have derived benefit from the experience and should be in this (2) SAEROUN GUY is next best but after that it is a struggle to make a case for another. Perhaps (6) COMMAND BLUE who trialled fairly could sneak a minor money finish.

Selections(5) Run Wild (3) Coing (7) With Dis Kuro (2) Saeroun Guy
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(11) MR. POWER enters off a much-improved 3rd place over this distance back in March when slow out and coming from well off the pace. He has had fifteen weeks off since then, so he comes in fresh, the wide draw won’t matter, and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today can be the day. (5) KHAS was a useful 4th on debut back in April. He has since been back to trial, coming through it in fine style, and he can be a danger here. (6) HANGANG CAPTAIN has shown progress across his three outings to date, most recently a 5th place on May 25th over this distance. That was his first appearance since January, and he can strip fitter here. (2) SMART NOTION and (9) YEONGWON GIANT are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Mr. Power (5) Khas (6) Hangang Captain (2) Smart Notion
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) BINNANEUNGIL has raced four times, all of them last year and registered a 2nd place and three 4th place finishes despite racing very erratically on a couple of occasions. He has since been gelded and returns here having trialled up well in April. With better manners, he will take some beating. (8) SKY ARCH will be the second favourite. While only ordinary in her latest, she has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name as recently as April and she can settle back and be a danger late on here. Best of the first timers is (3) OASIS GREEN. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (which as a voluntary trial, may not appear in all racecards) when on pace and crossing the line 3rd in a fair time. From a good gate she can be on pace and in this a long way first-up. (6) WHITE OIL similarly trialled well enough and can be considered. (4) BORA CHAMP another of the experienced ones who can go well.

Selections(2) Binnaneungil (8) Sky Arch (3) Oasis Green (6) White Oil
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN VIVACE enters off a 3rd place in a similar class and distance filly only race on May 18th when she drew gate ten and worked hard to get on pace. She comes up slightly in the weights but into a better gate and in this company should get a much easier run to the front and can win. That will mean overturning the form on (9) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL, who won that May 18th race coming from off the pace. She comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but she warrants respect here. (6) BIG BRIDGE is yet to win but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1200M and under a light weight she can measure up in this company. (5) TESTA RUBY and (3) BEAUTYWONDERFUL, also both up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Green Vivace (9) Gangcheol Yeogeol (6) Big Bridge (5) Testa Ruby
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Small but competitive field. (6) CHEONHA SARANG is yet to win in five but comes in having run a close 3rd over 1300M in his first try at this class on April 19th. He comes up 3kg in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, but Choi Si-dae climbs up and the colt has run well at this distance before. (1) OVER ENERGY is the main danger. The same apprentice who rode Cheonha Sarang last time gets on, keeping his weight similar to when he ran 2nd in a quick race at 1300M at this class on May 12th. He’ll be on pace and in this a long way. (3) DOCTOR WICKY is the other winning chance. He defied long odds to run 2nd at 1300M on May 26th having briefly led in the straight and warrants more respect today. (2) NAMDO ILDEUNG and (7) ZET CASH are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) Cheonha Sarang (1) Over Energy (3) Doctor Wicky (2) Namdo Ildeung
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

It’s about time (5) RAON THE MAN returned to winning ways. Having won two of his first four to get promoted to this level, he is zero for five at class 4. He hasn’t run badly though with two 2nd places and two 3rd places and with CC climbing on, today can be his day. (1) CHAMJOEUN JILJU is the main danger. She comes in having beaten three of these on her way to 2nd place behind Baden Baden at this class and distance on May 18th when slightly slow away from a wide gate and then racing on pace. She carries the same light weight today but draws much better, and she should be in the finish. After two ordinary efforts at this level, (2) PURGE KING ran an improved 2nd when only narrowly defeated at class and distance on May 11th. He comes into a better gate today and Harry Kasim, who rode him for the first time that, day stays on. (9) YONGAM MARENGO and (8) DAEBAK STAR others in the frame.

Selections(5) Raon The Man (1) Chamjoeun Jilju (2) Purge King (9) Yongam Marengo
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

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

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

Twelve previously unraced juveniles so it’s time to fire up the trial videos. They will point us in the direction of (12) GEOLJAK SIDAE, who went through two trials, qualifying in the first of them in April when a close 2nd having led for most of the way, and then going through a voluntary one on May 23rd when he led all the way, stopping the clock in a quick time. He did that from the same wide draw he gets today if he can bring that form, he will take some beating. (1) HANGANG PERFECT was 2nd in his trial, coming from off the pace and finishing off well in a decent time and shapes as the main danger. (10) CHEONGUNG STROM came through the same trial as Hangang Perfect, finishing 4th and looking ready to race. (9) CHEONGSAN JILJU and (6) HANMADIMALDO others who could have a say first up.

Selections(12) Geoljak SIdae (1) Hangang Perfect (10) Cheongung Storm (9) Cheongsan Jilju
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 12

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

(11) ASSI JANGGUN has been knocking at the door for a while now and enters with a 3rd and a 4th place from her latest two, both at 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but the slight step up in trip may be what she needs. (1) EAST QUALITY has shown progress over three starts to date, with his latest being her best. That was a 4th place over 1300M on May 5th when settling back and running on, but in this company and from the inside gate, he can be expected to be further forward, and he will probably start as the betting favourite. (5) B.K. BELLE is another who should be challenging for the early lead. She has mixed her form across eight outings but has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record and should be in the mix here. (10) LEGEND TAP and (2) MARUBYEOL look the other place chances.

Selections(11) Assi Janggun (1) East Quality (5) B.K. Belle (10) Legend Tap
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden and a couple enter ready to win. Chief among them is (4) TOHOMARKET, who comes in off a best to date finish of 2nd over this distance on May 19th when settling midfield and finishing off well. That gave her the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance, and from a better draw today, she can go one better. That time is shared by (2) CALIPH who similarly comes in off her best performance when 2nd over this distance on May 12th. That was a big uptick in form and from a good gate, she can keep her momentum going here. (11) CLOUD HEART and (8) GREEN CONCORD both come in off back-to-back 4th places from their respective latest two, and both should be aiming for career best finishes here. (10) SAHARAMONG another in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Tohomarket (2) Caliph (11) Cloud Heart (8) Green Concord
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(4) NAOL INDY got his maiden win at start number four over this distance on May 26th when leading from gate to wire. That win had been coming and while he comes up in class here, he is down in the weights and from a good draw can get to the front and lead all the way again. (6) SONE SONJABGO got her maiden win at start two at the end of March and immediately followed up with a 10/1 score on her first try at this level at 1200M on May 12th. She only comes up 1.5kg in the weights and only 100M in trip and a hat-trick isn’t impossible. (2) TRAUM KING could only manage 6th on his return from seven months out on May 11th. He should strip fitter for that run, and he has placed at this class and distance. (7) GEUMAK DIA and (8) EUREKA among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Naol Indy (6) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Traum King (7) Geumak Dia
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

The final leg of the Triple Crown series, the Minister’s Cup, highlight’s the weekend’s action at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, things get underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card 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 this maiden with four of the ten racing for the first time but one with experience goes on top and based on her last two starts, (5) DEUMULEO may be hard to beat. After a few very ordinary showings, she was much improved when 3rd over this distance on May 3rd and backed it up with a 2nd place on May 24th, both in quick times. She’ll be on pace and won’t need to improve much more to win here. A couple of debut-makers follow. (6) BACK TO THE LADY led every step of the way to win her trial in a fair time on May 25th. She responded well when asked for effort and can go well first up. (7) SCORPION QUEEN won a heat on May 18th, similarly, leading all the way. Her time was quick and unfashionable connections may mean she starts longer than she should (2) GUKDAE MIRACLE and (10) WORLD PINK CAT other money chances.

Selections(5) Deumuleo (6) Back To The Lady (7) Scorpion Queen (2) Gukdae Miracle
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) OAK RIDGE shapes as favourite. He has five top-five finishes among eight starts so far and comes in off a smart 2nd place over this distance on May 17th when close to the pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and he can go one better. (5) BEST BOY ran a close 3rd in that May 17th race, his second consecutive 3rd place finish and he looks the main danger. Solitary debut maker (1) BREEDO SHOOTER went through two trials, the second of which may not appear in all race cards as it was a voluntary trial. This is unfortunate because she showed significant improvement, running on for 2nd from a wide draw in a good time. She draws nicely here and can go well first-up. (10) PRIME PARK and (2) GWANGSOKMA among others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Oak Ridge (5) Best Boy (1) Breedo Shooter (10) Prime Park
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in eight attempts but has five top-five finishes including a last start 5th over a mile at this class on May 19th. He has generally finished off his races well, and the step up to two turns can suit. (1) BLUE POINT is similarly a maiden, in his case from five starts, getting promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes over a mile in March and April. He ran 6th behind Seobu Vision in that May 19th race and both can be closer today. (6) YEONSEUNG BRAVO led that May 19th race before capitulating. He was racing for the first time in almost six months though so can be forgiven and he has placed at this class and distance. He should strip fitter here. (2) DAEHOMA and (9) QUEEN’S ROAD others in the minor money frame.

Selections(8) Seobu Vision (1) Blue Point (6) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Daehoma
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

(7) CHARON TODAY returns to racing for the first time since September last year. Her win came and this distance and she followed up with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. Having looked well when 2nd in a late May trial in a good time, she can be supported first up. (3) RUBY STONE is yet to finish worse than 5th and got her win in a quick time at this distance. She comes in off a slightly disappointing last start on May 24th when on pace and weakening, but from a good draw is worth another chance today. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SANGIM BOLT, who got his maiden win at this class and distance in that May 24th race when racing handy and running on. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is possible. (11) TRIPLE DREAM and (6) TAURUS KING, the latter another out of that May 24th race, are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Charon Today (3) Ruby Stone (10) Sangim Bolt (11) Triple Dream
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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SEIRENE STUNS IN TRIPLE TIARA SHOWDOWN

There will be no Triple Tiara winner this year as Seirene, the longest but one shot on the board – and a maiden to boot – stormed through late to claim glory, and a first ever race win, in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Seirene (PIC: KRA)

Having won both prior legs of the Triple Tiara, the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks, Eclipse Berry was sent off as the hot favourite for the Gyeonggi, ahead of Global Taeyang, who had run 3rd in both races, getting especially close when Moon Se-young dropped his crop on Eclipse Berry in the Oaks, but still went down by a nose.

In the final leg of the Tiara, Global Taeyang began badly and was always chasing while Eclipse Berry set the pace under Moon Se-young. You Hyun-myung rode Global Taeyang up to be on the heels of Eclipse Berry in the back straight, but it was quickly apparent that the Luna Stakes and Oaks runner-up had very little left in the tank.

The favourite quickly capitulated as Flying Star first struck the front and then Seirene set out in pursuit. Flying Star would put in a special effort, but Seirene, the second longest shot on the board, would pick her off in sight of the line.

Son Jin-ha, representative of the Gong I Gong Pal ownership group of the 70/1 chance Seirene, had taken the unusual step of leading his filly around the parade ring while sporting a full replica jockey silk. He was still wearing it after the race.

“I cheered until my voice was hoarse” Son told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “As they got to the 4th corner, I was thinking that we might manage to come 3rd. But suddenly (the leaders weakened) and I thought we might get 2nd. And then the end. It was thrilling. I can’t believe it!”

When asked about his parade ring appearance (it wasn’t the first time he has worn his silks in the parade ring) Son said: “I think it is important to show the happiness an owner can have.”

“We have been doing this for just eight years (the Gong I Gong Pal club), but we have shown it is possible – we went into this race with a maiden filly and now she has won a Group 3!” Seirene was the only one in the race yet to break her maiden. But how she broke it! When I bought her, I assumed she would be better at long distances. My hope is that she can continue to race at these distances for years to come.”

Owner Son then poked fun at the English translation of his filly’s name noting that he had intended it to be “Siren”: “Because they lure foolish men onto the rocks.”

Whether the Korean racing registry will take note is yet to be seen.

The rest of the connections were just as forthcoming: “This is just the second time I rode her, and I tried to stick as close to the leaders as possible” winning jockey Jang Chu-youl told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “Flying Star went to the lead in the home straight and she was going so well that she looked like she wasn’t going to stop. I just asked Seirene to give as much as she could, and she just wouldn’t give up. It felt so good.”

“I think (Seirene) has the potential to go further and challenge for the Queens’ Tour races later this year.” Jockey Jang then reflected on a personal note. “We always want to win the best races and for me it has been a long time since I did, (the 2012 G3 SROA Chairman’s Sprint was his only prior Group win) so I am grateful, and I will work harder in future.”

“I didn’t expect this at all. I never even thought about it, really.” trainer An Hae-yang told in house broadcaster KRBC. And he didn’t say any more as the notoriously shy – and somewhat old-school trainer ushered his assistant to answer the remainder of the questions on his behalf. For An, it was a fourth Group win in a twenty-five-year career, having won the 2001 Minister’s Cup with Mubidongja and then two Koreans Oaks with Amaranth in 2003 and Uaryung in the Covid hit 2020 season.

It’s another big winner for sire To Honor And Serve. The stallion attracted Korean notice with his imported champion Cheongdam Dokki. That alerted Korean breeders and they bought him. Along with Seirene, he is the sire of locally-bred superstars Global Hit and Beolmaui Star.

Bred by Kim Sang-wook, Seirene was bought by her owners, the 0208 or “Gong I Gong Pal” group for KRW 25 Million at the December 2022 Mainland Yearling Sales. Race Video: https://youtu.be/vZxd3xfuz7s?si=uaE8mww9LhYyryhl

Triple Tiara Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

The Triple Tiara Series for three-year-old fillies concludes on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse with Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and Eclipse Berry will be the favourite to complete a clean-sweep of the series having already won the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks. The big race is race 8 on a 10-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry (KRA)

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

It’s hard to go past (9) CUPID MIR in this maiden. He has no fewer than six top-four finishes from seven attempts, including his latest over 1200M on May 18th when slow away and settling right back before running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and in this company, he should be on pace and will take some beating. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished in either 4th or 5th place in all seven of his starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can be aiming for better here. Solitary debut-maker (4) WONDERFUL TECHNO trialled up well and from a good draw shouldn’t be ruled out first up. (2) DAEMUL SOCKS and (1) SCALE KING the other major place chances.

Selections(9) Cupid Mir (3) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Wonderful Techno (2) Daemul Socks
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(1) SUNSHINE QUEEN comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times finishing off well. She comes up to 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, Jo Jae-ro can pick his spot behind the speed and she has solid claims here. (8) MK LEE has shown good progress across four starts so far and was a close 4th over 1300M last time out. He too comes up to the 1400M for the first time and in this company can be on or close to the pace and can be in this a long way. (3) RAON THE KLAMMER was 5th behind MK Lee at his last start. He draws better this time and can be a danger, (11) TRES VITE and (6) SMILE GOLD others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Sunshine Queen (8) MK Lee (3) Raon The Klammer (11) Tres Vite
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

One of two debut-makers in the race, (5) QUEEN SOPHIA looked very well when winning a trial as easily as she pleased in a quick time on May 18th, sitting behind the leader before pulling clear. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (8) SEOGWI STAR is yet to finish outside of the top-five and comes in off her best finish so far when 2nd at this distance on May 17th. She carries a light weight here and can be a danger. (1) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE likes to race on pace and today draws very nicely for a much easier run to the front. Franco climbs on and she should be in this a long way. (10) GREEN BULLDOZER and (3) PURE DANCE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queen Sophia (8) Seogwi Star (1) Yeonggwangui Rose (10) Green Bulldozer
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

Competitive race. (10) AMAZING STAR has two 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far racing handy on each occasion. She draws a touch wide here but should be able to find a relatively forward position and today can be her day. (8) BLACK SPECTER ran 3rd on debut in March before following up with a close 5th on May 4th, both times over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be a threat here. (7) SEONGSIL CHEONHA has trialled twice since his latest run and looked much more assured in the latter of those on May 23rd (may not appear in all racecards) when a close 2nd in a quick time. He can be in the mix first-up here for his first race in sixteen weeks. (5) ALL NUT and (1) MAX PARTY among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(10) Amazing Star (8) Black Specter (7) Seongsil Cheonha (5) All Nut
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Open race with plenty of chances. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER is yet to win but got promoted to this level having placed in each of his first three starts. He then ran a solid 5th over this distance on his first try at this level on May 10th when he had to overcome gate ten. He draws much better today and under a light weight, he can win. (6) STRIKE ZONE has never finished any worse than 5th in seven attempts with his win coming at 1300M. He races for the first time since running 3rd in a quick race at this class over 1400M in January, but he looked well in a May trial and can go well first-up. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off a 4th place at class and distance on May 10th coming from off the pace and he can be a danger late on again here. (8) MOST RAPID and (9) GOLDEN AIR others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wonderful Fever (6) Strike Zone (7) Majestic Dancer (8) Most Rapid
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

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 with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though, and (5) YEONGUNG JARYONG, who ran a close 5th on debut at this distance on May 18th, racing handy throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time. He had previously shown plenty of speed in his trials and with some natural improvement from that first start, should take some beating. (3) X-FACTOR ran 2nd at big odds on debut on April 13th. The time wasn’t quick but that showing is enough to make him the second pick here. (4) ULTRA MANGCHI improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on April 27th leading for much of the way around and should be on pace again here. The debut-makers are probably better watched first-up so (9) P N S OHOH and (1) SERGEANT LIGHT are the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Yeongung Jaryoung (3) X-Factor (4) Ultra Mangchi (9) P N S Ohoh
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Competitive maiden. (9) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has been getting closer across seven starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has been finishing off his races well and the step up to 1700M, as well as CC climbing aboard, could be what he needs. The main danger is (8) COSMO KING. He has a 2nd, a 4th and a 3rd in his last three starts, all of them at this distance and with some of today’s rivals behind him on all three occasions. He can settle midfield and run on and should be in the mix again here. (2) TWO TWO THUNDER ran 4th to Cosmo King’s 2nd when they raced at this distance on March 16th. He comes in fresh following twelve weeks out and is a place hope here. (5) GOLD MUNGCHI and (4) GANGCHEOL POWER others in the minor money frame.

Selections(9) Galsaek Dojeonja (8) Cosmo King (2) Two Two Thunder (5) Gold Mungchi
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) VIVA CHEONGSU remains a maiden having been promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes in her first two starts but has shown she can measure up at this level with a 4th and a 3rd from two tries at it, most recently over 1300M on May 4th. She remains very lightly weighted here and today can be her day. (3) QUERER got her maiden win in the weakest race imaginable back in January but has, perhaps surprisingly, worked herself into competitiveness at this level, culminating in a close 2nd at class and distance on May 12th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely to be on pace and should be close here. (1) STUNNING LADY enters off a smart 2nd place at 1300M on April 27th and can be competitive here. (7) DREAM SKY and (9) HAPPY ICTUS among other placing chances.

Selections(5) Viva Cheongsu (3) Querer (1) Stunning Lady (7) Dream Sky
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG came back into form with a very close 2nd place at this class and distance on May 11th when close to the pace throughout. He comes up a full 3kg in the weights here, but he has every chance of going one better. (3) NAVY CHROME is the danger. A winner at class 6 level two starts back, she ran 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on April 20th, coming from off the pace. In this company and from a good gate, she can be expected to lead, and she has every chance. (2) SPACE RUBY comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number two over this distance back in February. She hasn’t been seen since but has scope for more development and can measure up in this company. (8) BEST THOR and (6) HEART SIGNAL are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Seongsil Yeongung (3) Navy Chrome (2) Space Ruby (8) Best Thor
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

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

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

Having been through several trials, (3) DREAMING BOY made his debut over 1200M on May 10th settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have come on for that experience, he draws nicely and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) HAERANG JINJU enters having run an improved 2nd place over this distance in an all-filly maiden on May 10th. She can settle just behind the speed here and can be a danger late on again. (7) DORAON ZETTA has the fastest time among those here who have previously tackled the 1300M. Franco climbs up and she should be aiming to go better than her previous best of 4th place. (9) WE LIKE MONEY and (2) GOLDMASK are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Dreaming Boy (8) Haerang Jinju (7) Doraon Zetta (9) We Like Money
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

A very underwhelming maiden. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG hasn’t raced since running 3rd over this distance back in February but including that result, he has three top-four finishes. He gets the verdict here having run a very quick 2nd in a May trial and if he brings that form to the races, he could be hard to hold out. There are two debut makers and (3) BREEDO KELLY performed fairly in her trial. She draws nicely and with Franco booked, she is worth a chance first-up in this limited company. (1) HOMYEONG JILJU ran fairly for 5th place over 1400M on May 12th, his best finish to date and from a good gate – and with absolutely no early speed in this race – can be further forward earlier and bettering that here. (4) GLOBAL SPURT and (8) MY WAY are the other placing hopes.

Selections(9) Haerang Yeongung (3) Breedo Kelly (1) Homyeong Jilju (4) Global Spurt
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

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

(5) BLAZING MAN has been getting closer across his five starts so far and comes in following the best of them to date when stepped up to a mile for the first time on May 10th and running a solid 2nd place with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. In this company, expect him to be on or close to the pace, and he can go one better. He will be a prohibitive favourite. Second favourite will be (9) SEOBU CAPTAIN. He ran 5th behind Blazing Man in that May 10th race when on pace and weakening late. He comes in under the same weight and in slightly weaker company, he should be closer. (1) SUPER KANEL ran 3rd over 1400 at his last start and this is the kind of race the twenty-one-start maiden can find some money in again. (3) AMAZING CURLIN and (2) NANGMAN DAERO are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Blazing Man (9) Seobu Captain (1) Super Kanel (3) Amazing Curlin
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

Tricky one but we’ll go with (7) YEONYEIN. He has mixed his form in three starts at this level since getting his maiden win at this distance but his 3rd place two starts back in a decent time is enough for him to go on top. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (4) SUCCESS BATTLE broke through at big odds at the eleventh time of asking over this distance on May 5th. It was a fast time, and he overcame the widest gate to do it and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he warrants more respect this time. (3) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TOO CUTE GIRL enter having run 3d and 4th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on May 12th and both can be in the mix again here with the former more favoured. (10) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH another to consider.

Selections(7) Yeonyein (4) Success Battle (3) Blue Captain (1) Too Cute Girl
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

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

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