Grand Prix 2023 – Full Preview

A month ago, Winner’s Man became the first horse to win four different Korean Group 1 races. On Sunday at Seoul Racecourse, he seeks to win the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) for a second time and in doing so match Triple Nine’s five Group 1 successes.

Winner’s Man

The Grand Prix is the oldest, and in the eyes of most Korean connections, the most prestigious race on the calendar with it first being run at Ttukseom Racecourse on Boxing Day 1982. Since 2005, the distance has been set at 2300M – the longest distance in use in Korea – and since 2009, it has expanded to include horses trained at Busan as well as Seoul. In the thirteen runnings of the so-called “open era”, (there was no race in 2020) Seoul has won five times and Busan has won eight times.

Three horses have won it twice, Pogyeongseon in 1985 and 1986, Ka Shock Do in 1990 and 1991, and Dongbanui Gangja in 2008 and 2009. Winner’s Man, the 2022 champion, will be hot favourite to emulate them in 2023.

Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

Korean Derby winner Global Hit will aim to become the first three-year-old to win the race since Bold Kings in 2015. The youngsters used to triumph regularly; Bold Kings was the 5th three-year-old to win in eight runnings following Dongbanui Gangja, Mister Park, Gamdonguibada and Indie Band. Gamdonguibada was the last filly or mare to win when she triumphed under Joe Fujii in 2012. Ony one, Eodigana, lines up this time, while Global Hit is the only three-year-old.

Along with Global Hit, Success Macho, who ran 4th in the Korea Cup and then 2nd in the President’s Cup, and Tuhnonui Banseok, who downed Winner’s Man twice this summer, are set to be the other leading contenders. Haengbok Wangja, the 2021 victor also goes, bidding to be the first two-time winner to score in non-consecutive years. Here is a full run-down of the field (jockey/trainer):

1. TIZ BAROWS (KOR) Antiono Davielson Da Silva/Seo In-seok – Well back in both KRA Cup Classic and President’s Cup this preparation. Looked to have a load of potential when winning the Listed Sports Chosun in May but hasn’t kicked on since. Jockey won the race in 2019.

2. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) Seo Seung-un/Choi Ki-hong – The best in the country despite his mid-season stutters behind Tuhonui Banseok. Those seem to be behind him now and at anything like his best, he will win again.

3. EODIGANA (KOR) Yoo Seung-wan/Kim Yoon-seop – The only filly or mare in the race and a big run shouldn’t be discounted. She flashed home for 5th in the President’s Cup and the 2300M should suit. Not a winning chance but a minor money hope.

4. CHIEF INDY (KOR) Johan Victoire/Park Jae-woo – Well back from a wide gate in the President’s Cup but ran 5th and 3rd in two class 1 races over this distance this year. Can be doing his best work late here.

5. FANTASTIC MAN (KOR) Kim Dong-young/Moon Hyeon-cheol – First start since running 2nd to Galaxy Road over 2000M in September but looked well in a trial just last Saturday. Big ask first-up though.

6. JEONGMUN SAI (KOR) Park Tae-jong/Hong Dae-you – Likes to be on pace so a potential early leader here. Comes in off a fair 7th in the President’s Cup and can be in this a long way. Not a winning chance though.

7. GLOBAL HIT (KOR) Kim Hye-sun/Bang Dong-suk – The Derby winner is this year’s champion three-year-old, and he finished off the President’s Cup very well. He will be on or close to the pace and he is the main danger.

8. BLACK MUSK (KOR) Jo Sang-beom/Choi Yong-goo – His last five starts have been in Group company at distances between 1200M and 2000M, but he has finished midfield or worse in all of them. Tactically versatile but hard to have on this year’s form.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 16)

The weather is about to take a turn for the cold in Korea. Steady rain but mild temperatures throughout Thursday and Friday is set to be replaced with a plummet down to sub-zero so it could make for challenging conditions for Sunday’s Grand Prix Stakes. On Saturday there are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit will be among the Grand Prix contenders on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. The experienced few are favoured though. (5) SUMMER PARTY ran well for 3rd place on debut on November 18th in a good time over this distance. She is half-sister to the great Triple Nine, among plenty of other winners, and she can get off the mark here. (8) SHACKLE POINT sat midfield on debut over this distance on November 5th before running into 3rd place in a fair time. Like Summer Party, she should have come on for that run and Moon Se-young’s presence aboard may mean she starts as favourite. (9) MISS CONCORD ran 4th on her debut over 1000M. She finished off well and can match or better that today. Among the fist-timers, (11) ALL EYES ON ME and (7) TAP DIA trialled together, coming home 1st and 2nd and they look the pair most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(5) Summer Party (8) Shackle Point (9) Miss Concord (11) All Eyes On Me
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 12

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

Imported juveniles here and while four race for the first time, there is a winner already among the others. That’s (11) MORNING DAOL who led every step of the way on debut over this distance on November 18th, stopping the clock in a quick time with three of today’s rivals back down the track. He comes in under the same weight and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he should repeat. (4) YEONGUNG BUHWAL was actually sent off favourite for that race having blitzed a September trial. He finished well back, but it the time was fine and what with there having been two months between trial and race, he should strip fitter here.  (10) MAKING STORY came from off the pace to run 3rd in his debut on October 9th. He too should have derived benefit from that and can match or better it here. Among the first timers, (2) FLYING CRUISER won his trial and draws nicely first-up. (8) GLOBAL CLASS also hinted at ability.

Selections(11) Morning Daol (4) Yeongung Buhwal (10) Making Story (2) Flying Cruiser
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

More imported juveniles, this time with five making their racing debuts. Once more there is a previous winner, and she will be a prohibitive favourite. That’s (5) ÉCLAIRFURY who, having won an October trial, debuted over this distance on November 18th and stalked the leader before taking things up in the straight and running away to win well. She won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win again. She’s hard to oppose but a couple of the newcomers might provide some interest. (12) NICE CHEETAH won her trial leading all the way around and crossing the line comfortably to the good. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but the Bolt D’oro filly looks to have potential So too (10) ROCKY KINGDOM. He came from midfield to run on for 2nd in is trial and 1200M may suit first-up. Returning to the experience, (3) DALKONG and (4) MGHTY SHONE both improved in their respective second starts and can continue to make progress here.

Selections(5) Eclairfury (12) Nice Cheetah (10) Rocky Kingdom (3) Dalkong
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) BEOLGYOWISU drew gate twelve on debut over 1200M on November 18th and settled back before racing home well for 4th place. She should have come on for that run, she draws much better here, and she will be strongly savoured to score. (9) STUNNING CHAMP looks the clear second pick. After running 5th over 1000M on debut in October, she improved to 2nd over this distance on November 11th, settling right back and running on. Seo Seung-un, in town to ride Winner’s Min in Sunday’s Grand Prix, climbs on, and can be a danger here. (8) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG has been slow away in both starts so far but ran on pleasingly enough for 4th last time out and can be considered for improvement again. (6) SUNGANUI CHANCE and (7) WONDERFUL PASS, who debuted together on November 5th, are others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 15)

It’s Grand Prix Stakes weekend with the big race at Seoul this Sunday afternoon. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday though with a 9-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Tuhonui Banseok will be one of the Busan contenders in the Grand Prix on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile fillies with all twelve racing for the first time. (12) NAMHAE YEOGEOL went fastest in trials leading for most of the way before a six-time winner (Road To V) cruised by late. She has the challenge of the widest gate but on that form, she warrants a serious chance. (2) CHIMING RUN sat handy and wide in her trial, responding well when asked for an effort and finishing off nicely in a good time. She draws well and that will probably be enough for her to start as the favourite. (6) PASSION trialled up fairly in a quick heat. She is a half to plenty of useful runners and the 1200M should suit first-up. (8) FLYING BABY and (7) BAEKPAL BOEUN, the latter having been through three trials, are among others who can go well first-up. As ever in this type of race, keep an eye on the market.

Selections(12) Namhae Yeogeol (2) Chiming Run (6) Passion (8) Flying Baby
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 12

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

Imported juvenile maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Five of the experienced ones faced each other in a very similar race on November 17th. Having won a trial, (7) BIWOL was the best fancied among them and he ran well for 2nd place, having sat handy throughout and is probably the one to beat here. (8) WINNABLE EDITION was a touch slow out of the gate in his trial but was ridden up to the lead and then ran on very nicely to cross the line in front in a quick time. He won’t need to improve much on that trial to go close. (5) BEOLMAUI JEONSA looked very useful on debut over this distance on October 27th, leading for much of the way and ultimately coming home 4th in a good time. He should have come on for that and can be on pace again here. (1) LOVE KING IJI and (12) MASTERY MAN came home in 3rd and 4th place in that November 17th race, and they too can come on here. 

Selections(7) Biwol (8) Winnable Edition (5) Beolmaui Jeonsa (1) Love King Iji
Next Best12, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) BEST PRIME has improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on November 19th when handy to the speed throughout. He comes in under the same weight, he draws well, and he can go one better today. (3) GUKDAE HERO has one howler over 1400M sandwiched between two creditable performances when 2nd and 3rd, both at 1200M. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be doing his best work late again here. (11) RUNNING FASHION has mixed her form across three six starts so far but her 3rd place at this distance two outings back suggest she can be in the mix here. (4) TODAY QUEEN and (7) AMAZING MOVE other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Best Prime (3) Gukdae Hero (11) Running Fashion (4) Today Queen
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

After a fair debut, (4) HANEUL MANJEOM was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on November 12th when close to the pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He draws well, he should be on pace again, and third-up he can be peaking fitness wise. (1) MORPHEUS led for part of his debut on October 20th, ultimately coming home in 5th place in what was a slowly run race. He should have benefitted from the experience and from a great draw can be on the speed here and in this a long way. (5) B.K. WARRIOR was an improved 2nd at start number four on November 3rd settling handy and running on to only go down narrowly. She remains under a light weight here and can be close again. First-time starter (10) UNJU LEGEND, along with (2) TENGRE, are others to consider.

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Breeders’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-by-Race Preview (December 10)

It’s Breeders’ Cup day at Busan where the champion juvenile of 2023 will be decided while the extended Queens’ Tour finally comes to a conclusion too. See here for a full preview of the two big races. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:50 to 17:00 while at Seoul there are 10 from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong has had a long and hard season yet the Triple Tiara winner is asked to go again on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) BUNDANG TSUNAMI in the opener. Following a plain debut in July, he has run 3rd and 4th in two subsequent starts, most recently on his first try at this distance on October 29th when he led for much of the way. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from the inside gate, can be on pace again and this time can go all the way. There are three first-time starters, and of them, (8) RUN WILD looks the best. He came from off the pace in his latest trial, crossing the line in front with plenty of hand in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be close. (2) MIGHTY BOM shouldn’t be dismissed either. He overcame gate ten to sit handy in his trial, ultimately running 2nd. The time wasn’t quick, but he was within himself and from a good draw can put in a bold showing first up. Returning to the experienced ones, (11) THE SUN FIGHTER and (7) ÉCLAIR STAR look the clear next bests.

Selections(1) Bundang Tsunami (8) Run Wild (2) Mighty Bom (11) The Sun Fighter
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) MY KHAN has raced twice for a 5th and most recently a 3rd place over 1200M on November 11th when coming from off the pace. The additional half furlong can suit and third-up, he can be peaking fitness-wise. He is hard to oppose but (1) STUNNING MONEY has hinted at ability across three starts so far. He too has been doing his best work late on and should be running on strong at the business end here. (2) SOLAIRE has raced just the once going right back after a slow start and running on for a fair 6th of ten. The time wasn’t quick, but he should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement, he can get closer here. (4) METIS THUNDER and (10) YONGBICHEON others with potential to challenge for the minor money.

Selections(8) My Khan (1) Stunning Money (2) Solaire (4) Metis Thunder
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Not an especially strong maiden, so with a 5th and two 4th place finishes from her latest three, (2) LOVE MUNMAK will probably start favourite. She has the fastest final furlong average time among these by some margin, and she should appreciate the step up in trip here.  There is one first time starter. (3) DRAGON SQUARE went through three trials, ultimately getting the job down at the third time of asking, settling right back before rallying to cross the line in front in a fair time. The 1400M can suit first up and he can go right into the mix here. (1) SAVANA CHARLIE returned from three months off to finish in midfield on November 25th. He should strip fitter for that run, and he has plenty of money finishes to his name already. (5) JECHUK ILHO and (7) LAST PITCH are others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Love Munmak (3) Dragon Square (1) Savana Charlie (5) Jechuk Ilho
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(10) MACH MAN has a couple of 5th places to his name including in a quick race over this distance last time out on November 5th. That gives him the fastest time among these over this distance by a considerable margin and while he may need a bit of luck early from the wide gate, he can win this. (6) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG has raced just the once when a fast 4th over 1000M back in August. He trialled up fairly in November and can be in the mix first up here, most likely racing on the pace. (2) RAON VIBE MAN came from off the pace to run a good 4th on debut over 1200M on November 12th. He should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (7) THUNDER MACHINE races for the first time since August and put in a fair trial performance last month. He along with (5) POWERFUL DASH can be considered for improvement.

Selections(10) Mach Man (6) Kwaehan Yeongung (2) Raon Vibe Man (7) Thunder Machine
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (6) EINSPANNER was a winner on debut a year ago and ever since has been working her way back into contention. She comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from her last two starts at 1200M and 1300M, both times having led almost the entire way around and today she can go one better. (10) SINUI HAMSEONG got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M before running a fair 4th over this distance on his first try at this class on November 11th when he went right back and ran on. He should have benefited from that experience and can get closer here. (7) ECHO ZONE was 5th behind Sinui Hamseong in that November 11th race and can match or better that today. (8) GOOD CABO and (4) LONDON ACE others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(6) Einspanner (10) Sinui Hamseong (7) Echo Zone (8) Good Cabo
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) SUCCESS BAEKPA is set to be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. He has steadily improved across three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place in a quick time over 1300M on November 10th. In this company, he can set up camp behind the early speed and he should prove too strong at the business end of the race. (3) DAESEUNGNIJA has similarly shown promise across his three appearances so far. He has settled back and run on but there is a total absence of known early speed in this race so from a good gate, he may be ridden closer to the front this time and should be in this a long way. (9) WIN STING is yet to finish in the top two in twenty appearances, but he has posted some decent times for this distance, and this is the kind of company in which he can record a money finish. (2) BLACK FALCON and (6) ALLURE other minor money hopes.

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Hangang Class, Nice Time, Lala K Vie for Champion Juvenile Crown While Wonderful Slew Heads Breeders’ Cup Queen Field Sunday

Busan hosts its final big races of the season on Sunday and it’s a double header as the countries best juveniles come together for the first time to contest the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie. An hour later, the older fillies and mares get a final chance in 2023 to run for a big prize in a new race on the calendar for this year, the Listed Breeders’ Cup Queen.

Hangang Class (Pic: KRA)

A full field of sixteen will take their chance in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) HANGANG CLASS has earned his probable favourite status. He ran 4th behind Baekduui Kkum (who last week easily confirmed her Champion Juvenile Filly Status) in the Rookie Stakes before storming away with the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy in a Korea Sprint worthy time on November 5th. He seems to be getting better with every run and trainer Gu Min-sung’s exciting galloper will be expected to be on the pace here with every chance of going all the way.

LALA K comes in having won three of his four outings, that last to first score in the Rookie Stakes in August being the highlight. After defeat to Nice Time in Munhwa Ilbo Trophu, he bounced back into form with an off the pace score in the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy. His running style certainly suggests that as the distances get longer, so can he, and Song Moon-gil’s charge should relish his first crack at further than 1200M.

Lala K (Pic: KRA)

That step up in trip can help DOCTOR KINGDOM too. While he only has one win to his name, he ran 2nd in all three of the Rookie Stakes, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. He has five-lengths to make up on Hangang Class, but that extra furlong can be in his favour.

NICE TIME is three for three with the highlight being his off the pace win in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, when he swooped home late to deny Eclipse Berry and Lala K and secure a first big race win for second-year trainer Moon Byeong-ki. He hasn’t raced since so comes in fresh off a nine-week layoff and it’s not impossible that he could maintain his 100% record.

Alongside Nice Time, MEGA DRAGON and RAON TIMOTH are both unbeaten in two starts apiece. Both face much stiffer tests than anything they have previously experienced here. Accordingly, it might be Doctor Kingdom’s stablemate in the Baik Kwang-yeol barn, DOCTOR BOWN, who skipped the opening Juvenile Series races but was a super all the way winner over a mile at class 4 level last time out, who has the best chance of causing an upset.

The Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M KOR-Listed) attracts a strong field for its inaugural running, but three-year-old WONDERFUL SLEW looks hard to beat. Luigi Riccardi’s filly ran 3rd in the Korean Oaks and 2nd in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final two legs of the Triple Tiara, but got her stakes race reward when winning the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup over 2000M at this track on October 29th, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. Still lightly raced, there looks to be plenty more to come.

Wonderful Slew (KRA)

The Triple Tiara was swept by JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG, and she is still perhaps the most talented in the field. She has had such a hard season though. After winning the Tiara, she beat the boys at Class 1 level in August before a dominant win in the Jeju Governor’s Cup in September. While she was 3rd in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup behind Wonderful Slew in October, it looked a race too far. Not as far as the President’s Cup did three weeks ago although she still ran a creditable 8th of sixteen behind Winner’s Man.

Jeulgeounyeojeong is asked to go again here and while it would take a heroic effort after such a season, her class may see her through. Seo Seung-un gets back aboard for the first time since having to climb off her on the morning of her Triple Tiara first leg win.

SUCCESS TIME split Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup and should be a factor again, while Ttukseom Cup winner RAON THE SPURT isn’t to be dismissed either.

The Breeders’ Cup Rookie is race 5 at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:00 while the Breeders’ Cup Queen is race 6 at 17:00.

Saturday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (December 9)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) SAHARAMOND has a 3rd and two 4th places from three starts so far, settling back on debut while racing closer to the pace in the latter two. He draws a better gate this time and should get an easier run to the front and can win. (7) MAGIC STRONG is the main danger. He has been getting closer across his five starts, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on October 29th when on pace throughout and in doing so recorded the fastest time any of these have achieved at the distance so far. Expect him to be on pace again and to be in this a long way. (6) ACRO MARINE completes the top line of favourites. He was a beaten favourite when 5th last time out at 1300M but ran 2nd two starts back over this distance and on that form should be a danger. (11) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN and (10) HAKSAN DAESE the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Saharamond (7) Magic Strong (6) Acro Marine (11) Naegilui Captain
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies. (1) MISS FINAL looks to be the one to beat having raced consistently if unspectacularly across her four outings so far. Her best was a 4th place at this distance two starts back and from a good gate, a repeat of that form can see her win in modest company here. (7) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL enters off a close 3rd place in a very slow race over this distance on November 4th when coming from off the pace. The difficulty level is similar here and she should be doing her best work late. (10) CHAMJOEUN INYEON didn’t quicken when well fancied on her latest appearance on November 11th, finishing well down the field. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 3rd place two starts back which can put her in contention against this lot. (8) NEXTLEVEL and solitary newcomer (3) POETIC NUBI are others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Miss Final (7) Gangcheol Yeogeol (10) Chamjoeun Inyeon (8) Nextlevel
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) STORM GUY got his maiden win at the third time of asking on November 11th, when making all over 1200M and stopping the clock in a good time. He comes up in class here as well as by a furlong in distance, but he has every chance of winning again. (7) SEMYEONG LADY was a 50/1 winner over this class and distance on November 25th racing on pace throughout. That was her maiden win on her fourteenth start so lightning may not strike twice but she only comes up 1kg in the weights and will warrant more respect here. (4) INDIANUI BYEOL is yet to win but comes in off back-to-back 5th place finishes at this class at 1200M and 1300M. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and given his running style, it may suit. (1) EXPECT is one-paced and it is not a quick pace, but he may plod into some money here. (5) BRAVO HANSEN another in contention for the minors.

Selections(8) Storm Guy (7) Semyeong Lady (4) Indianui Byeol (1) Expect
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

This is a weak race for the level. That means we can forgive (6) RAON AIR FORCE for his latest on November 5th when he was sent off as favourite over class and distance and led before running out of petrol in the home straight. He had previously stuck to his task well so can be given another chance to be on pace and this time go all the way. On the subject of forgiveness, we shall extend the same courtesy to (4) GLOBAL CHANGA who has finished 8th in her latest two when racing prominently both times. She already has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at this class and in this company, she should be challenging Raon Air Force for the lead from the start and for much of the way around. (2) GEUMAK STAR remains a maiden but comes up in class following two 2nd places from her latest three with the 3rd being when she finished back in the field in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. She won’t need to improve much to measure up here. (3) KARIZMA and (9) SSING SSING SSING others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Raon Air Force (4) Global Changa (2) Geumak Star (3) Karizma
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ONE SPEAR got his maiden win three starts back over 1400M and has proved competitive in two outings at this level, finishing 3rd both times over 1300M and coming from well off the pace. He comes up to two turns for the first time and it may well suit. The main danger is (2) P N S AI. It’s been a while since his solitary win, but he has placed at this class and distance and enters with recent form reading well. (9) K N TIZWON returned from almost seven months off to finish midfield over 1400M on November 12th. Despite being a non-winner, he has some good performances on his record, and he should strip fitter for that run last month and go closer today. (1) GEUMA STEADY and the up in class (8) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA others in the frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 8)

This weekend sees the penultimate big races of the season with the Breeders’ Cup Rookie, the champion juvenile race, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Queen, for fillies and mares at Busan on Sunday. That means plenty of Seoul-based jockeys are also in town as the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ttukseom Cup winner Raon The Spurt, along with jockey Lim Gi-won, will be in action at Busan this weekend (PIC: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Juvenile fillies in the opener and it should be competitive. (11) SMART SMILE has made progress across three starts so far, most recently a 2nd place over this distance in a similar all-filly race on November 10th when settling right back after a slow start and running on well. She has also posted the fastest time among these for the distance and has every chance of making the breakthrough here. (6) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA ran 4th on debut over 1000M in September before repeating that finish when tried at this distance for the first time on November 3rd. In this company she can be ridden on pace, and she looks a danger. (1) UNJU JILJU raced once in July finishing a fair 6th over 1000M in a decent time. She looked well in a November trial and can be competitive first up here. (9) ALICE MARINE and (2) GREEN CHIEF others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Smart Smile (6) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (1) Unju Jilju (9) Alice Marine
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(6) HI WINNER has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently over 1400M on November 17th when handy throughout. She can sit behind the speed again here and with a bit more natural improvement, she can win this. (5) HEUIMANG FLYING ran 3rd on debut over 1000M before overcoming the widest gate to finish a fair 5th in a very slow race on November 12th. The pace should be a little more honest this time around and she can get closer. (2) BURUI JEWANG comes in off a 5th and a 6th place from her latest two, both at this distance. She draws nicely and a similar run can see her get closer today. (8) HERE THE QUEEN and (7) GWANGSOKMA, the latter who shouldn’t be judged on his debut in that November 12th race when they went at a crawl, are others to consider for improvement.

Selections(6) Hi Winner (5) Heuimang Flying (2) Burui Jewang (8) Here The Queen
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

More maidens with the four widest drawn all racing for the first time. None caught the eye in trials, so we have to side with the experience, even though that form is patchy itself. The favourite will probably be (3) BROWN FALCON who has finished between 4th and 6th in her three starts so far, settling back and running on. Form a good draw and with a lack of early speed in this race, she may well be ridden further forward today, and she has a smart finish on her. (4) GLOBAL WEEK ran three times in the spring and the early summer with a useful 4th sandwiched between two very plain efforts. He steps out for the first time since July and if he can bring his November trial form to the races, then he should go well. (1) CHRYSOL HERO has the fastest time among these for the distance and that’s enough to put him in the hunt for the minors here. (2) WHITE FALCON and newcomer (9) TRIPLE AXEL perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Brown Falcon (4) Global Week (1) Chrysol Hero (2) White Falcon
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) KOHINOOR has shown steady improvement across four starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on November 12th. She likes to settle back and run on and the step up to this trip for the first time can be to her benefit. (3) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE was a significantly improved 3rd over 1300M on November 10th when settling midfield from a wide agate and running on. He is another for who the additional distance can be a plus and he should be in this. (8) YONGBI KHAN beat thee of these on her way to a best finish of 3rd over this distance on November 10th and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (5) GOOD KING MAN and (2) AQUARIUS others to keep safe on a place line.

Selections(9) Kohinoor (3) Yeonggwanguiprince (8) Yongbi Khan (5) Good King Man
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9
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Geoljak One, Baekduui Kkum Secure Juvenile Filly Crowns

Juvenile fillies had their big day at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoon and while hot favourite Baekduui Kkum produced a professional performance to take the honours on the south coast, there was a surprise in the capital as 23/1 chance Geoljak One came home on top.

Having gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Lala K and Nice Time in the Rookie Stakes and Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, Eclipse Berry was sent off as the even-money favourite in Seoul’s Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed). From a wide gate, Eclipse Berry jumped out well and Moon Se-young was happy to sit wide and handy on the favourite throughout the early exchanges, entering the home straight a few lengths back but with clear track ahead.

Early front-runners Gibunjoeunmal, Starter and Uwaryung saw their challenges falter but there were still plenty in the frame as the field entered the final furlong. Ultimately, while Eclipse Berry was motoring, there was one who was quicker. Geoljak One had been settled midfield by jockey Lee Hyeok and he unleashed his filly at the right time to score by half a length from Eclipse Berry with 30/1 chance Wonpyeong List a close 3rd.

Geoljak One is by Cowboy Cal and out of the Vicar mare Joy Lucky. Joy Lucky did her racing in Korea winning ten of her twenty starts, including the G3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup over 2000M in 2013. She was campaigned by Geokjak One’s owner Park Deok-hui and trained by Geoljak One’s trainer Park Youn-gu.

At Busan, the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) was slightly more straightforward. Baekduui Kkum had been a good winner of both the Rookie and Areumdaun Jilju Stakes against the boys before running 3rd in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy a month ago. That was a CV superior to any of her nine rivals and it was proved.

Baekduui Kkum and Franco Da Silva go clear at Busan (Pic: KRA)

Sent off as the 1.3 favourite, Baekduui Kkum staled the lead under Franco Da Silva throughout the early stages before cruising by in the home straight to win by three-lengths. 18/1 chance Perfect Action was 2nd with 50/1 outsider Road Star a further four-lengths adrift in 3rd.

Baekduui Kkum concludes her juvenile campaign with four wins from six starts. She is from the first Korean crop of new KRA stallion Uncaptured and is out of the Discreet Cat mare Baekdu Cat. She is owned by owner/breeder Hong Kyung-pyo and is trained by lee Sang-young.

While they do take the best fillies away from the Breeders’ Cup race, which takes place at Busan next Sunday, both the Gwacheon and the Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo Trophies are, unlike next week’s overall juvenile championship, open to imported foreign bred fillies as well as the locals. Ultimately this year there was only one import in the Busan race and three in the Seoul one where Gwanaksan Tiger in 6th, was the best of them.

Next Sunday the juvenile colts will have their chance to shine. Lala K and the rest are set to assemble at Busan for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G3). They are joined for a new feature race by some of the best local fillies and mares in the Breeders Cup Queen (1800M KOR-Listed). Group winners Raon The Spurt, Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wondeful Slew are among the early entries.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 3)

Juvenile fillies have their big day at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday. At Seoul, the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy headlines the 11 race card, which runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan, the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy is the highlight on the 6-race program from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Baekduui Kkum will be favourite to win the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with half the field racing for the first time. (7) GEUMAK JINJU began her career with a 3rd and a 2nd over 1000M but could only manage a lower midfield finish when tried at this distance for start number three. She is the most experienced of these, she can be on pace here and this time she can stay on. The main danger is set to be a debut-maker. (8) BUGANGJILJU was a close 2nd in his heat stopping the clock in a fair time having led for most of the way. If he brings that form to the races, he will go close and Moon Se-young’s presence aboard may mean he starts as the favourite. (2) SEOBU TEUKSONG and (6) SAENAE PARK both trialled up fairly, positing promising times and can make an impression first up. Returning to experience, (4) THUNDER SPEED didn’t exactly show a lot of speed on debut on November 4th, but he did finish 4th of ten and that entitles him to a chance here.

Selections(7) Geumak Jinju (8) Bugangjilju (2) Seobu Teuksong (6) Saenae Park
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies and (2) CHAMJOEUN JILJU will be the hot favourite. She didn’t do an awful lot in her first two outings but was significantly improved at start number three over this distance on November 5th when she sat handy before running on for 2nd in a quick time. From a great draw, expect to see her on pace from the start and she won’t need to improve much to win. (4) SEONGSIL DAERO will be the second-favourite. She improved at start number two on November 11th when a close 2nd at this distance having shown on the speed and she will be battling it out with Chamjoeun Jilju from the start. (6) MYUNGJINBULLPAI has hinted at ability across two starts so far, coming from well off the pace both times. She can be a danger late on here. (7) MENI SHARK and (10) YEJIMONG others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Chamjoeun Jilju (4) Seongsil Daero (6) Myungjinbullpai (7) Meni Shark
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Two standouts here. (6) HAKSAN MACHO has shown steady improvement across four starts so far culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 5th when he overcame a middling star from the widest gate to sit handy. He can settle behind the early speed again and can go one better. (1) GIPPEUM HAMSEONG is the danger. He has a 5th and a 3rd from two starts so far, the latter coming over 1200M on November 4th when settling back and running on. Exepect similar today with every chance of improvement third-up. (4) BEST WHIZ ran out of steam having led on debut two weeks ago. He still managed to finish 5th of eleven and should have come on for the run so can be given another chance here. (9) GREAT STORM and (5) TOJONG GLORY among others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Haksan Macho (1) Gippeum Hamseong (4) Best Whiz (9) Great Storm
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

The opener at Busan looks like a battle of the two widest drawn. (10) KING FIGHTER is the pick with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over 1200M on November 5th when settling midfield and then running on. He had raced on pace in outings prior to that and while he may need a little luck to find a forward position here, if he can get to one, he can win. (11) SINCHEON FIRST will probably also try to get across. He has a 4th and a 3rd from his own latest two appearances, racing on the speed to beat a couple of today’s rivals in a quick time on October 27th. He too may need some early luck but has every chance. The form of the rest is a bit patchy. (7) NONSTOP DUTY comes in off a plain effort third time out behind Sincheon First but if we go on his two previous 4th places in August and September, he has a chance. With the rest of the early speed on his outside, he is in pole position to lead. (5) FLYING DIA and (4) WONDERFUL ONE will also need their respective latest outings forgiven but have shown ability previously.

Selections(10) King Fighter (11) Sincheon First (7) Nonstop Duty (5) Flying Di  a
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start4, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) VINCERO CAVALLO ran a smart 4th in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, the first leg of the Juvenile Series, before weakening late in the second led, the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy, last month. He skips a trip to Busan for next week’s series finale and instead returns to much more amenable waters here and should lead all the way. (6) ORAEDAHAMKKE came from off the pace to run a solid 3rd at this distance and distance on November 4th. Moon Se-young climbs on here and he can be in the finish again. (1) STAR RUSH has two 3rd places from his latest three, most recently on October 22nd when coming from well back at this distance. He has posted quick times for the distance and only Oraedahamkke has a fast final furlong average time. (3) SILVER PURGE and (8) SONGAM ARCHGIRL are the other place chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 2)

The capital track hosts its first meeting of what will be a busy December on Saturday with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience goes on top though in the shape of (10) GEUMAK DIA. After winning a trial, he ran a good 2nd on debut, well beaten by a strong winner but positing a decent time of his own over this distance. He’ll be on pace here and won’t need to improve much to win. (5) MAX GOLD also ran 2nd on debut over this distance on November 4th. It was a much slower time than that of Geumak Dia and a much slower race, but he should have come on for the run and can go close again. Turning to the first timers and (7) GANGNAMBULCHUNGGAK (half brother to this year’s Triple Tiara winner with an equally difficult name) went through two trials, winning one and running solid 2nd in the second when he came from off the pace and stopped the clock in a decent time. He can go well first-up. (9) BREEDO GIRL and (8) ENTROPY others who hinted at ability in their heats. 

Selections(10) Geumak Dia (5) Max Gold (7) Gangnambulchunggak (9) Breedo Girl
Next Best8, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(7) MAX MA has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place finish over this distance on October 29th when he overcame gate ten to lead for much of the way around. He draws better here, he should be on pace again, and he can go one better today. The main danger is (10) GOLDBERG. She’s raced on pace for a 3rd and a 4th in two appearances so far at 1000M and 1200M having previously won a trial. She too will be expected to get close to the lead early on and she can be in this a long way. It’s hard to go past those two for the quinella, but (1) WONDERFUL SPIRIT debuted fairly on November 5th, coming from off the pace to run 5th. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go closer here. (9) BEST KINGDOM and (5) FEDERAL PRESS are other placing chances.

Selections(7) Max Ma (10) Goldberg (1) Wonderful Spirit (9) Best Kingdom
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) WALTZAUI YEOWANG will be a warm favourite here. She ran 3rd on debut over 1000M before improving to 2nd when stepped up to this distance on October 21st when she led until the closing stages. She can lead again here and this time she shouldn’t be caught. (2) NEMO SPIRIT comes off a narrow defeat over this distance on November 4th when coming from well off the pace and just failing to get across the line on top. It was a slow race, but she has gone quicker in the past and she can be a danger late on here. (4) JANGGUN MARU similarly comes in off an improved 2nd when racing handy at this trip on October 28th. He has made steady progress across three starts so far and can be in the mix here. Those three look to be head and shoulders above the rest, with (6) MARU STAR and (1) EUNPA JOY potentially others who could improve.

Selections(8) Waltzui Yeowang (2) Nemo Spirit (4) Janggun Maru (6) Maru Star
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden. (1) SLAM DRAGON has raced just the once, settling midfield and running on fairly for 4th over 1200M on November 19th. He should have come on for the run, the step up to 1400M can suit, and he has as good a chance as any. (11) HEART K has raced four times and comes in off his best finish to date when 3rd at 1200M on October 29th. A previous go at this distance didn’t go well but he could be ready for another crack and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (9) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished off both prior starts well. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise, and he is another who may appreciate the extended trip. (6) HEY MAMA and (2) WONDERFUL RULES others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Slam Dragon (11) Heart K (9) Heunghaeng Bulpae (6) Hey Mama
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) TAEPYEONG HERO is yet to win in four attempts but has finished no worse than 3rd with his latest runner-up finish being his first try at this class and distance on November 5th when he settled back and ran on well. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can make his breakthrough here. (9) SEIRENE too remains a maiden after four tries. She comes up in class here following a good 2nd place over 1200M on October 28th when settling just behind the speed and running on. She is nicely weighted, and the additional furlong may well suit. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and (3) AUSTIN LEADER both come up in class and in distance having scored their respective maiden wins over 1200M on their latest appearances. Both can measure up in this company. (2) GLOBAL JINGYEOK another to keep safe.

Selections(8) Taepyeong Hero (9) Seirene (4) Seongsil Yeongung (3) Austin Leader
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 10
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