Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 23)

Saturday’s action is at Seoul with a 12-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

2019 Korea Cup and Grand Prix winner Moonhak Chief has been retired (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile fillies in the opener and all twelve are racing for the first time so we must head to the trial videos. The fastest time was set by (8) SAMAEBEONJJEOK. She only finished in 6th of ten, but she broke well, showed on pace, and was given a very easy time of it with her jockey not asking a question. She can lead here and can win (1) GOLDBERG sat midfield in her heat before easing away from her opposition in the straight. She looked assured, stopped the clock in a fair time and has every chance of going well first-up. (9) DREAM TIME is another who can be on pace. She ran on well in her heat and is another to keep safe. (4) PUNGUNJIMA had an injury issue after her July trial in which she impressed. She has been back in work since the start of this month and Moon Se-young aboard catches the eye. (12) WHIZ LOVER went through two trials improving in the second of them and is another possible.

Selections(8) Samaebeonjjeok (1) Goldberg (9) Dream Time (4) Pungunjima
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

Imported juveniles here with nine of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience though and (6) HERO FIGHTER has raced twice, running 4th on debut in July before making all to win in a quick time over 1000M on August 5th, He comes up in trip but should be just a bit more forward in his development than the rest here and will take some beating. The other experienced one is (8) WORLD VARIANCE. He was slowly away on debut over 1000M in July but finished off very well and the step up in trop can suit. Of the first timers, (2) WHIZ RUNNER has been through two trials, improving in the second of them (which may not appear on all race cards because it wasn’t a mandatory trial) and stopping the clock in a time faster than any of the other debutants have. If he brings that form to the races, he can go close. (11) THUNDER DREAM won his trial in a quick time and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, warrants respect. (7) JEONGSANG ACE another who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(6) Hero Fighter (8) World Variance (2) Whiz Runner (11) Thunder Dream
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

(11) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM shapes as the best here. After a ropey start she has shown she is figuring things out with a 4th and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. She has the challenge of a wide draw here but should be equal to it. (3) MULLEBANGA has finished 6th in all three of his starts so far but at his latest on August 27th, his first at this distance, he showed on pace and wasn’t far away from the placings. He comes into a much better gate today and should be aiming to improve. (8) TAEPYEONG HERO has been 3rd in both his appearances at 1000M and 1200M. In this company, he is another who will be expected to be on or close to the pace and can match or better those 3rds. (5) PURPLE SHINHWA and (10) SUPER ONE among others in the frame.

Selections(11) Baedari Kwaegeom (3) Mullebanga (8) Taepyeong Hero (5) Purple Shinhwa
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) BLUE INDY will be a warm favourite. He has just the one win but has finished between 3rd and 5th in no fewer than eleven occasions including his latest six. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance by a considerable margin and a repeat of his recent showing should be enough to get him across the line on top here. (5) RED TAEPUNG comes up in class having won at this distance on August 26th when on pace throughout. The time wasn’t quick, but he comes down in the weights, draws well, and can measure up. (9) EXPECT didn’t measure up on his first try at this class over a mile in August. He comes back in trip, Franco climbs on and he can be given another chance today. (11) LUXURY KING and (3) GHANA DREAM the other placing chances.

Selections(10) Blue Indy (5) Red Taepung (9) Expect (11) Luxury King
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

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

(8) DAEHEUNG CLASS remains a maiden but comes in foo a strong of near misses including runner-up finishes in his latest two, both at this class and distance. He settles midfield and runs on and today, he may pass them all. Should he find one too quick yet again, it could be (6) FLYING ZEST. He comes up in class having secured his maiden win at this trip, coming from off the pace, on August 27th. This isn’t a strong race for the level, and he will probably be ridden closer and should be very competitive. Furkan Yuksel was in fine form last weekend and in (11) HEALING HAVEN he looks to have if not a winning chance, then certainly a placing one. The filly has the fastest time among these for the distance and is in softer company than recent starts. (1) HWIPARAM and (2) AKKAENGI others in the minor money hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 22)

Next week will see the annual Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) break so that means this week there are a lot of races. The action begins at Busan on Friday with a 10-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. The three that have raced once before all showed ability though and they’re going on top. (3) GEUMA DISTINCTION is the pick having showed well in trials and then finished 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 13th, settling midfield and stopping the clock in a quick time despite being a long way behind a good winner. The additional furlong can suit, and he’ll take some beating. (11) STRIKE ZONE similarly came from off the pace and ran 4th on debut in a quick time over 1000M. He too should appreciate the step up in trip and while he has the challenge of a wide draw, can be a danger. (6) NONSTOP DUTY debuted at this trip and warrants consideration after a solid 4th place in a decent time. Of he debut-makers, (10) RUNNING TREE is the pick having led for much of the way in his trial and finishing 2nd in a fast time. (7) GUKDAE HERO another who caught the eye in his heat.

Selections(3) Geuma Distinction (11) Strike Zone (6) Nonstop Duty (10) Running Tree
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

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

A regular maiden with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (1) RISE THE THRONE has raced twice, improving to 2nd at his latest on August 27th when handy throughout over this trip. He draws nicely to be on pace again and he could go all the way. (11) HWANGGEUMSEONG won a trial and then finished an on-pace 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 13th (beating Geuma Distinction from race 1). The only concern is the wide draw, but he shapes as a possible favourite here. (2) PURE DANCE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and can continue on the right trajectory here from a better gate. (8) STORMING MAGIC and (6) DIA GRIT look potentially the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Rise The Throne (11) Hwanggeumseong (2) Pure Dance (8) Storming Magic
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

Another standard maiden and while they may need some luck at the start, the two drawn widest could be disputing it. (12) FANTASTIC DREAM was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on September 1st over 1200M. The wide daw shouldn’t be an issue, and the additional half furlong can be in his favour. (11) SUCCESS FLYING debuted in January, finishing midfield but didn’t race again until August 20th. Newly gelded, he showed on pace over 1400M only weakening to 5th late on. He should strip fitter for the run and can go close here. (6) BATTLE CRY ran a fair 6th of twelve on debut with the margins not huge and he can be considered for improvement. (8) DOCTOR LICA and (2) YONGBI STAR among plenty of others with minor money chances.

Selections(12) Fantastic Dream (11) Success Flying (6) Battle Cry (8) Doctor Lica
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start3, 8, 11, 12

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) CHARON TODAY did nothing on debut last year but returned nine months later to make all at class 6 level in July over 1200M. She stayed at that distance for her first go at this level and ran 2nd to Jeongmun Specter on September 1st. She doesn’t face anything like that calibre of opposition today and she should win. (11) DAMOA was a gutsy winner at start two on August 20th coming from behind the speed to score in a good time at 1200M. She is up in class here and has the challenge of the widest gate, but she has a nice light weight, and she can measure up at what will probably be an each-way price. (9) WAITING FOR YOU has just the one win in fourteen starts but it was at this class, and she rarely runs a bad race. She should be in the mix again. (4) ROAD TO THUNDER and (1) SAMBA STEP others in the placing hunt.

Selections(6) Charon Today (11) Damoa (9) Waiting For You (4) Road To Thunder
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 11

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

It’s hard to go past (5) HANGANG CLASS here. So, we won’t. The favourite was a winner on debut over 1000M in July before running a good 4th on his first try at this class and distance on August 27th when close to the pace throughout. That day’s time was significantly quicker than anything else here has recorded for the distance and from a good draw, he will take some beating. (11) NUMBERONEPICK was a good winner at start number two over this distance on September 1st. He overcame the same gate eleven that day and he should measure up at this class. (4) BEOMHAN GOLD is yet to win in three attempts but comes up in class after back-to-back runner-up finishes, both behind decent winners. He’ll be on or close to the speed here and isn’t to be dismissed. (6) AMUR and (2) MAGIC SWEETIE others to keep safe.

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Nut Play Lands Ilgan Sports Trophy

Nut Play franked the form of this year’s Triple Crown races by winning the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Nut Play wins the Ilgan Sports Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Nut Play (by Colors Flying) was 4th in the KRA Cup Mile and then 3rd in both the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup, an overall 2nd place in the Triple Crown series behind double Classic winner Global Hit

Nut Play (Pic: KRA)

On Sunday Nut Play joined several others who came out of the Triple Crown, including Derby runner-up Naol Sniper, contesting the Ilgan Sports Trophy over the same Derby distance of 1800M.

Nut Play and Antonio Da Silva in the Ilgan Sports Winner’s Circle (Pic: KRA)

Under Antonio Da Silva, Nut Play, who raced much more prominently than he had in the Classic races, proved too strong late on, finishing three-quarters-of-a-length in front of the fast-finishing Yongam Boss with Ultra Galaxy in 3rd and Naol Sniper, who had led for much of the way, in 4th.

Next weekend Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong is expected to be in action as the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter series gets underway with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 17)

There are Sunday cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6) races from 11:50 to 16:35). The highlight is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul over 1800M, which features several of the capital’s better three-year-olds taking on older horses. Here are the previews:

It’s unlikely any of the Ilgan Sports Trophy contenders will complete the 1800M as quick as Crown Pride did last week (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with seven of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll put experience on top though and (4) GEOLJAK SKY, who debuted on August 12th, running 4th of eleven over 1000M (that race’s winner, Blue Lemon is scheduled to have been in action on Saturday). She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, is the one to beat. (2) RAON TIMOTH won his trial in good order settling handy and going clear, beating a couple of today’s rivals in a fair time. He’ll probably start as favourite. (9) SAHARAMOND trialled up 2nd behind Raon Timoth, two-and-a-half lengths in arrears but showed enough to suggest he can go well first-up. (3) MIGHTY CAP was just a neck behind in 4th and she too can be considered. Returning to the experienced ones, (5) ILINX has raced twice, improving in his second outing, and can continue to make progress here.

Selections(4) Geoljak Sky (2) Raon Timoth (9) Sharamond (3) Mighty Cap
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

Maiden fillies and a couple of standouts. (4) HAENGBOK YEOWANG has raced eleven times without breaking through but enters with her recent form reading well including a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. Her times haven’t been quick, but she might not need to be too quick here and from a good gate, can sit off the speed and then grind away in the straight. The main danger is (10) ARCH CLASS. She has raced just twice, improving to 2nd in the most recent on August 26th when handy throughout. She may have more potential for improvement than Haengbok Yeowang and while she has to contend with the wide draw, can go one better. (2) RAON SPIKE raced twice last year, finishing 3rd on debut. She returns here after forty-nine weeks out, but trialled fairly last month and this is a nice first-up assignment. (1) YEJIMONG and (9) MO CHUISLE others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Haengbok Yeowang (10) Arch Class (2) Raon Spike (1) Yejimong
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 10

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

(1) HAENGUN BARAM has hinted at ability across five starts to date. Her best was a runner-up finished back in April, but she comes in following a useful 4th place at 1300M on August 27th when, as is her style, she went right back, before running on. The step up to 1400M can suit, and she has as good a chance as any here. (2) SAVANA CHARLIE is the main danger. He is yet to finish in the top-two but has been in the top-five on nine out of ten starts (including a remarkable seven 4th place finishes). From a good draw, he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) SAEROUN BITKKAL beat Savana Charlie as the pair ran 2nd and (where else?) 4th at this distance on August 20th. He can go close again. (6) FIRST CHOUX and (7) HEART SIGNAL others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Haengun Baram (2) Savana Charlie (8) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) First Choux
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) WITH STAR comes in having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two at 1400M and a mile, beating a few of these in the process. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong at the business end of the race. (4) WISE BOY returns to action for the first time since March. He has a runner-up finish to his name over this distance and looked well when leading an August trial, ultimately finishing 2nd in a quick time. He will need this but can be close first-up. (8) FLYING AARON was 6th to With Star’s 4th when they raced one another at a mile on August 25th. Franco climbs on here and he can go closer. (3) LUCKY BRAND and (2) AQUARIUS are among plenty of others with minor money claims.

Selections(9) With Star (4) Wise Boy (8) Flying Aaron (3) Lucky Brand
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) THEME TANSAENG has steadily improved across six starts so far culminating in a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two over 1200M and 1400M. In those two, he has raced on or close to the pace and similar tactics can be expected here. He is the one to beat. (11) BANFF has shown promise across five starts so far with the best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in March. He has consistently posted good times at the shorter distance and has a smart finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can challenge late. (1) BRIGHT WINNER has two 4th places among four outings. She draws nicely here and will probably be on the early pace with prospects to stay in it a long way. (4) GREEN BULPAE and (10) GEOMOON among others with placing chances.

Selections(5) Theme Tansaeng (11) Banff (1) Bright Winner (4) Green Bulpae
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden and it’s hard to go past (1) POCKET MILLION. She ran 4th on debut in July over 1000M and then followed up by beating some of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on August 20th. She raced on pace both times so draws very nicely to get the lead again and she will take some beating. (9) QUEEN AND SERVE will be the second pick for most. She ran 3rd at start number two before finishing 4th behind Pocket Million in that August 20th race. She was only a head in arrears so while she draws wide and Pocket Million appears to have more potential for immediate improvement, she can be taken seriously. (2) DAY BY DAY has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest couple and can go close. (4) YONGBI KHAN and (3) FIRST MENI the other minor money hopes.

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

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

It’s a week since Remake won the Korea Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time with the remaining seven having appeared once each. We’ll side with experience and (5) SPEED ONE was sent off as favourite over this distance on August 18th but was slowly away before rallying well for 2nd. With a better start he can go one better today. (7) GEUMSE raced on pace throughout his own debut on August 26th, leading until the closing stages when he was overhauled and had to settle for 2nd. It was a quick time, and he should be on pace again here with every chance of winning. The pick of the first timers is (9) UMAPOY. He sat handy in his trial, finishing off well to cross the line 1st in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he should have a big say first-up. (8) IRISH MAN and (2) MYUNGJINBULLPAI others who hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(5) Speed One (7) Geumse (9) Umapoy (8) Irish Man
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens and while the field is small, it’s competitive. (3) VINCERO CAVALLO ran 5th on debut over 1000M in June before stepping up to this trip on August 5th and running an on-pace 2nd in a good time. He draws nicely to be on pace again and he won’t need to improve much to win here. (5) LUCKY PARTY was a solid 3rd in debut over 1000M on August 26th, settling midfield and running on pleasingly. The step up in trip can suit and he should have benefited from the experience. (2) NAEGILUI WINNER ran 5th behind Lucky Party in that August 26th race. He had previously run 2nd on debut and steps up to 1200M for the first time with Moon Se-young staying aboard. (1) PURGE KING and (8) YEONGWON GIANT others with the potential to improve.

Selections(3) Vincero Cavallo (5) Lucky Party (2) Naegilui Winner (1) Purge King
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens and once more, all have raced either once or twice before. (6) DOKKI DRAGON beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut on August 13th when overcoming gate eleven to race handy. The step up in trip can suit and he shape as the one to beat. Plenty of the others have shown ability though. (1) MIRAE TOWER has finished 4th in both his starts so far, both at 1000M and both times running on well and most recently in that August 13th race behind Dokki Dragon. Furkan gets the ride today and he should thrive with the additional trip. After two less than impressive trials (3) GEOLJAK EUTTEUM was totally unfancied on debut but ran a fair 5th of eleven. The presence of Moon Se-young will ensure he has plenty of backers. (4) NAEGILUI LEADER, who debuted over this trip, and (8) KNIGHT CHARM, another who comes out of the August 13th race, are others in the frame.

Selections(6) Dokki Dragon (1) Mirae Tower (3) Geoljak Eutteum (4) Naegilui Leader
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

After running 5th on debut, (4) WINNER JERIN was an improved 2nd over this distance on August 6th racing on pace, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He draws very nicely to get to the lead again here and this time, he can go all the way. (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far which have included two 4th place finishes. He steps up to further than 1000M for the first time and given that he has finished off two of his three races well, it may suit. (7) DAONDI comes in off a good 3rd place over 1300M on August 19th when settling back and running on and should be in the mix again here. (2) HAEJE YEOGEOL and (9) MUNHAK CENTRAL are other placing chances.

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

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

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener and all twelve are racing for the very first time. A couple caught the eye in trials, principally (3) MOTO MOTO and (2) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST. They both posted the same quick time in their respective heats, and both ran close to the pace throughout. They draw nicely and it’s a toss up between the pair of them. We’ll side with the Power Blade colt Moto Moto for no specific reason. (6) BLACK FALCON went through two trials, finishing 3rd in both and posting useful times. The experience should stand him in good stead, and he can put in a bold showing first-up here. (7) BROWN FALCON and (9) OH JJANG are others who didn’t disgrace themselves in their trials, the latter winning his heat.

Selections(3) Moto Moto (2) Yeonggwanguifirst (6) Black Falcon (7) Brown Falcon
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) LOUD COLOR has nine top-five finishes from twelve starts so far and comes in with recent form reading the best of these with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1300M and 1400M. She is up 3kg on those performances, but she should be able to overcome that, and is likely to be on pace and to take some beating. (8) GREEN PAPAGO doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but she has plenty of experience at this level and comes back to a trip at which she has been consistent. She can settle midfield here and can run into some money at what should be an each-way price. (3) SOUTHERN SUPERONE has been well-backed on both starts so far and while he has finished 5th and 7th in them, they were at 1200M and both times he drew wide. The additional trip can suit, and he gets a much better gate this time around. (4) HAVE A GOOD DAY and (2) LOKI BLISS others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(6) Loud Color (8) Green Papago (3) Southern Superone (4) Have A Good Day
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

Small but competitive field for this maiden. (6) FABULOUS BEATER has improved across five starts so far, culminating in a very close 2nd place over this distance on August 13th when he overcame gate eleven to sit midfield and then ran on well in a quick time. He carries the same weight but draws a better gate, and he could go one better. The main danger is (2) HEUIMANG GARAM. He has only raced once before and showed promise, running through the line well for 4th place in a quick time over 1000M. He should have derived plenty of benefit for the experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he should be a danger. Thos two will fill out almost everybody’s quinella but (9) U PING has hinted at ability across six starts so far and can be aiming for a place here. (3) ARION KING showed nothing on debut but previously trialled well and carries a light weight with an apprentice claim. (7) ARA NURI the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Fabulous Beater (2) Heuimang Garam (9) U Ping (3) Arion King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG looks the most likely here. He has picked up well in his latest two, running 2nd and 4th, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles, once from on pace and the other from behind. In this company, he can settle behind the early speed and the additional half furlong can see him home on top. The main danger is (4) BUGYEONG LION. He finished well back in a very quick race on August 27th, but he previously ran a strong 3rd on debut, both of them at this distance. He draws nicely here, and he won’t need to improve much to be in the finish. (6) BEST CHAMP too an age to get into gear on debut over 1000M but he finished off well enough to suggest that the additional trip here can suit. (7) WHITE FALCON and (5) ACE RUN others in the placing frame.

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Korea Cup & Korea Sprint – Form Comments

The Korea Cup and Korea Sprint take place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. See here for a guide to all 16 races across Seoul and Busan. Here is a horse by horse guide to the two big races:

KOREA CUP

1. SIMJANGUI GODONG – 10th in this race last year, he comes in having run 3rd behind Tuhonui Banseok and Winner’s Man in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) in July when, as is his style, he raced handy. Reliable but will struggle to beat the best of these.

2. THE GUMPU – Enters in career-best form having won two of his latest three and running 2nd in the other. Tactically versatile, he can go well on pace or settle midfield and run on and while he doesn’t look a winning chance here, a top half finish is more than possible.

3. HAENGBOK WANGJA – Never really kicked on from his 2021 Grand Prix Stakes win, he was 5th in this race last year and spent part of the winter in Dubai where he was well beaten in two starts. Returned to domestic action with 6th place in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) in June. Likes to settle back and run on but plenty to find here.

4. GLOBAL HIT – The winner of the Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup, he is this year’s outstanding Korean three-year-old. Likes to settle midfield and has an explosive finish, this is a significantly sterner test, but he does get a weight allowance for his age. Don’t rule out a big run.

5. BRIGADIER GENERAL – Returned from seven months out to finish down the field over 2300M at class 1 in July. He should strip fitter for that, but he hasn’t troubled the scorers in Group company in the past and that probably won’t change here.

6. MOONHAK CHIEF – Won this race in the absence of Japanese competition in 2019, and has performed sporadically since, but he has struggled for form this year and has been beaten by plenty of today’s local rivals in recent starts. Outsider.

7. CRAZY CONTI – 7th in this race last year, he enters off back-to-back class 1 wins, most recently a dead heat with Calm Strong on July 30th. Likes to settle midfield and then run on, he should be finishing strongly and can pass plenty late on.

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Korea Cup & Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 10)

It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint Day. The big features are races 7 and 8 on a 10-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:50 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma will attempt to defend the Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the ten racing for the first time. The exposed form isn’t great, so we’ll side with first timers. (4) SPALTA was much improved in the second of two trials, crossing the line in front having led all the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he did what he needed to and if he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance first-up. It’s a similar story with (7) DANCING GANGJA, who failed to qualify first time around but led all the way at his second attempt. He too didn’t post a fast time but won’t need to improve much to be competitive here. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has raced twice, finishing 7th on both occasions. They were both at 1000M and he can improve third-up here. (8) GEUMAK STAR and (1) LADY CODI others with potential to get better.

Selections(4) Spalta (7) Dancing Gangja (10) Hampyeong Jangmi (8) Geumak Star
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) SPECIAL FORCE will be a hot favourite, having only gone down narrowly on debut in a quick race over 1000M on August 12th when she was handy throughout. She previously made all in a trial and the step up in trip can suit. She is favoured to lead all the way this time. (6) ANYANG CHEONDUNG only really started to run on when the race was gone on debut over 1000M on August 13th. She should have come on for the run and may appreciate and extra furlong to get stuck into. (4) LOVE MUNMAK trialled up behind Special Force and then debuted behind Special Force, running 7th of eleven on August 12th. She began slowly but did find some late speed and with some more maturity and an additional furlong, she may go better. (5) HAPPY ICTUS and (3) WONDERFUL PAGO others who may improve.

Selections(8) Special Force (6) Anyang Cheondung (4) Love Munmak (5) Happy Ictus
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

Wide open maiden. (3) COLITAS has mixed his form across six starts so far. He has a bit of a tendency to get too far back in his races, but he does run on. He draws well here and if Kim Yong-geun can have him in contention at the top of the straight, he has as much chance as any. (1) DINSI CHAMP and (8) EFFEL TAP came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at this distance on August 12th. For Dinsi Champ that was a sharp improvement while Effel Tap is generally consistent, and both should be among the main chances here. (10) SHARP SUNSHINE is another who is unspectacular but consistent. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and can run into some money. (4) GRAND SILVER among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Colitas (1) Dinsi Champ (8) Effel Tap (10) Sharp Sunshine
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

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

Two standouts in this maiden. (6) SKY JILJU will probably be favourite. He has raced twice so far, both at 1000M, improving in the second of them in terms of both time and finishing position. Both times he did his best work late suggesting that the step up in trip can suit. (5) MADE HEEMANG has also raced twice but in his case, over this distance. He too improved in the second of them, running 3rd and why Sky Jilju may have a little more potential for improvement at this stage, he can be a danger again. What form there is, drops off after this two but (4) LIGHT BROWN ran well enough on debut behind Sky Jilju over 1000M. She was slow away but ran on well and there could be some progress in the tank. (7) GREAT INDY and (9) DREAM BIGGER others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(6) Sky Jilju (5) Made Heemang (4) Light Brown (7) Great Indy
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (8) FLYING LIGHT is a form-mixer but based on his latest, when a strong 2nd at class and distance on July 23rd having overcome gate ten to settle midfield and run on well, he must be given a very good chance here. He can sit behind the speed again and run on. (4) SILVER BOOSTER beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this class over 1300M on August 12th. He comes up slightly in the weights, but draws well, and can be considered again. (10) GEUMSEONG SIDAE is yet to win in eleven starts but has finished in the top-four on no fewer than eight occasions including an on-pace 2nd over a mile last time out. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a little luck at the start can get to the front and should be in this a very long way. (1) STAR RUSH and (3) ARGO GONGJU among others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Flying Light (4) Silver Booster (10) Geumseong Sidae (1) Star Rush
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) COLONEL FLYING shapes as a warm favourite here. That’s based on his latest effort on August 20th when he came from well off the pace to run a very close 2nd at this distance, in the process recording a quicker time than any of the others here have done for the 1400M. He draws well and in this modest company, can win. (6) EONJENA YEONGUNG mixes his form, but he has also posted a quick time for the distance and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, he can go close today. (8) UNMATCHED was slow away last time before running 6th behind Colonel Flying. There is little in the way of early speed here so if she can get a better start, she may be able to get on pace and if she does, she has a chance. (9) BLUE CAVIAR and (4) MIRACULUM the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Colonel Flying (6) Eonjena Yeongung (8) Unmatched (9) Blue Caviar
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

Tricky one. (7) BIG BLED may not have the most attractive of names for a racehorse (with the greatest respect to Slovenian lakeside resort towns) but she has shown ability. She was a good winner in a quick time at 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before finishing midfield on her first try at this level on July 23rd. She likes to sit on or close to the pace and she can win here. (4) BEST CLONE is yet to score in eight but has a 4th and a 2nd in two tries at this class, both at 1200M. She’ll be on the speed here and she steps up to 1300M looking set to be close again. (11) TANGJA has plenty of experience at this class and has been a model of consistency of late, positing quick times at this distance. While he has the challenge of the widest gate and he may once more find one or two too quick, he will be there or thereabouts again.  (1) V QUEEN and the up in class (5) SAEBYEOK ANGAE others in the hunt.

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Seoul Trophy Race Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 9)

Saturday is the eve of the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint and there are six trophy races on the 10-race card which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener, with three of the ten racing for the first time. Among those with experience, the standout is (9) EXCELLENT MATTA. Following a fair trial, he ran a solid 5th of eleven in a decent time over this distance on debut on August 12th when racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement is the one to beat. A couple of the first timers have promise. (5) JERAQUEEN won her trial having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t fast, but she did everything she needed to do and if she brings that form to the races, she’ll go close. (4) MISS CONCORD showed handy in her heat and while a long way back behind the experienced trial winner, she held her own against the rest and can put in a bold first-up showing. Returning to the already tried ones, (6) HAKSAN MACHO and (8) BUNDANG TSUNAMI can improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(9) Excellent Matta (5) Jeraqueen (4) Miss Concord (6) Haksan Macho
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 9

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

(1) BOREUM DALBIT will be a warm favourite here. She’s run 4th and 3rd in two starts so far, most recently over this distance on August 12th when settling back and running on well having had to overcome gate eleven. From the inside gate this time, she should be much closer to the speed, Moon Se-young climbs on, and she will take some beating. (9) FINE DAY looks the only credible danger on form. She comes in off a close 3rd place on August 13th when getting up to sit on pace. In this relatively small field, she should have enough early speed to get to a forward position again and she should be in this a long way. (6) TIZ ROCKET mixes his form but going on his close 4th two starts back and given he gets a 4kg apprentice claim, he makes for a place chance here. (4) FEDERAL PRESS and (5) CHEONGPAUI KKUM others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Boreum Dalbit (9) Fine Day (6) Tiz Rocket (4) Federal Press
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TROPHY / KRW 150 Million

(3) RAON GIANT comes in off disappointing runs in first the Korean Derby and then the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the latter the 2000M final of the Triple Tiara. She was 4th in the Luna Stakes over a mile in April and comes back to a sprint trip for the first time in a while. She draws nicely to lead and in this shallower company the three-year-old, who still boasts a 50% win-rate, can return to winning ways. (12) COSMO is the main danger. She too came unstuck when tried in Graded Stakes company two starts back but was a super winner over this distance at class 2 level in April. She carries 5kg more than she did that day, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she should be in the frame here. Whenever (7) SOBERANIA gets off to a good start, she goes close, and she looks nicely in here. (1) ACHIM GISANG and (9) RAON THE ARIA, the latter up in class after an eye-catching win at 1400M last start, are among plenty of others with at least a placing chance.

Selections(3) Raon Giant (12) Cosmo (7) Soberania (1) Achim Gisang
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / MACAU JOCKEY CLUB TROPHY / KRW 150 Million

(3) RAON FOREST is only behind Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong in the three-year-old filly standings, having run 2nd in both the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks and then 3rd in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. The last time she raced at this distance, she won at it, back in March at class 4 level and down in weights and drawn very nicely, she is very much the one to beat. (7) TROTTING RILEY is ultra consistent and enters off a close 4th at class 2 level over 1200M on August 26th. He’s gone well at this distance too and should be on or close to the pace here and has a big chance of going close. (5) GLOBAL BOBAE has a 3rd and two 2nd place finishes, all over this distance since being promoted to class 2 (which is essentially the level of this race). He likes to settle back and run on, and he should be doing his best work late here. There is plenty of depth in terms of place chances with (2) QUICKLY RUN and (8) SURE WIN among them.

Selections(3) Raon Forest (7) Trotting Riley (5) Global Bobae (2) Quickly Run
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / GOLD CIRCLE TROPHY / KRW 150 Million

(4) RAON THE POINT is a perfect four for four and hasn’t been behind a horse at any point in his races so far. He has won up to class 1400M and class 4 level; this is the equivalent of class 3, and while he is set to face by far his sternest test so far and carries his fair share of weight, he can continue on his merry way today. (11) S.I. COCO has won four of his latest five, most recently at 1300M in a very quick time on August 5th. He has to contend with a wide draw, but he has overcome that before and he is a more than credible danger to Raon The Point’s record here. (8) SUPER FINISH is another on a streak having won his latest two at class 4 level, both over 1400M. He can race on pace or come from behind and he too can measure up in this company. Plenty more can enter the calculations with (10) SUN DRAGON and (5) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS chief among those to be considered for at least the minors.

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

It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint weekend! The biggest races of the Korean season will be run at Seoul on Sunday and we will have a full preview over the next couple of days. In the meantime, the weekend’s action kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and after two very good trials, (1) SEVEN DRAGON was sent off as hot favourite on debut over 1000M on August 11th. After being slightly slowly away, he was ridden up to rejoin the field before running on for a solid 3rd. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong can suit, and with a better start this time, he is the one to beat. That will mean overturning the form on (6) HWANG YO, who was 2nd in that race. That was his second outing having been 3rd on debut, also in a good time, and the way he ran through the lines suggests he can be a big danger again. (2) BINNANEUNGIL came from a long way back to run 4th on debut at this distance on June 25th and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. Among the debut makers, (4) LEMON PIE is the pick while (7) THE BIG SHOT did nothing on debut but has subsequently been back to trial and looked much better.

Selections(1) Seven Dragon (6) Hwang Yo (2) Binnaneungil (4) Lemon Pie
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

An extremely modest maiden with none of the eleven having finished better than 7th in their respective latest starts. (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY goes around for the thirty-eighth time. She does have fifteen top-five finishes and two starts back registered a career best 2nd. It’s not impossible she could break through here. (3) SAVAGE GIRL hasn’t done much in six starts but she comes in fresh having last raced in April and she looked well when positing a quick time on an August trial. If she can bring that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (9) WORLD ROYAL CAT has been ordinary in her latest two, but she has a 3rd place to her name as recently as June and in this limited company, that’s enough to put her in the frame. (11) DAEJI MULGYEOL and (6) GREEN LEGEND other potential improvers.

Selections(8) Wonderful Smarty (3) Savage Girl (9) World Royal Cat (11) Daeji Mulgyeol
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

Another modest maiden, this one involving nine fillies and one colt. (3) VELOCIRAPTOR shapes as the one to beat. Yet to finish in the top two, she has run between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eight occasions and has the fastest time among these for the distance by almost a full second. She likes to settle back and run on but in this company should be a little further forward than usual, and she should prove too strong. The solitary colt is (1) EVERY KING IJI. He has a 2nd and a 3rd among his eight appearances so far and has run fair times. He draws well and should be in this a long way. (5) RED JASPER hasn’t done much in three starts so far although she did post a good time at 1200M at the end of July. She has since been back to trial where she raced on pace and stopped the clock in a good time. That brings her into contention here. (9) SSING GA and (4) ILCHUL GOLD others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Velociraptor (1) Every King Iji (5) Red Jasper (9) Ssing Ga
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) OK DREAM was an all the way winner over this distance on debut in April before running 2nd, having raced handy throughout, on her first try at this class over 1300M on May 25th. She has had over three months off since then, so she comes in fresh, and she is the one to beat here. (5) BURNING PASSION comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, both at this class, over 1200M and 1300M. She likes to race on pace and should be challenging for the early lead again and can be in this a long way. (2) HWARANG SHINHWA got her maiden win three starts back and then proved she can compete at this level with a smart 2nd over this distance on July 30th when she led for much of the way around. She comes up 2kg in the weights but draws well and should be competitive again. (3) FIRST STAR and (8) TWO TWO LIME others in the hunt.

Selections(6) OK Dream (5) Burning Passion (2) Hwarang Shinhwa (3) First Star
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) FUSAICHI returned from over six months out to run a good 2nd at class and distance on August 20th when he settled a long way back before running on very strongly, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but he should strip fitter second-up, the wide draw won’t be an issue, and he can win. The big danger is (2) DOCTOR WICKY He comes up in class having got his maiden win when stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 25th and making all. He comes down slightly in the weights, he draws well, and he can measure up. (3) TOP FRIEND was 5th behind Fusaichi in that August 20th race and while he is yet to win, he has been consistent over this distance and can place again. (5) NALA and (6) NAMDO ILDEUNG among plenty of others with placing chances.  

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