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

What with there being racing on Christmas Day, there is only a short 7-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 13:10 to 18:00 (there will also be simulcasting from the pony racing on Jeju Island). Here are the previews:

It’s cold at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Tricky maiden to begin with but (5) MOMO K just about gets the nod. He’s finished 3rd in both starts so far, both at 1200M and while his times haven’t been especially quick, he’s shown enough to suggest that there can be more improvement in the tank. From a good gate he should be on pace and in this a long way. (9) DRAGON SQUARE won a November trial and then finished a fair 3rd on debut over 1400M on December 10th, settling back and running on. He finished off well in the trial too so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can match or better that 3rd today. (11) JANGGUN GARAM races for the first time since being given his chance in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in early October. He finished down the field but the 2nd and the 3rd prior that led him to that opportunity suggest he should be very much in this. (1) SMART CLAIR and (6) SEONGSIN CHEONHA others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Momo K (9) Dragon Square (11) Janggun Garam (1) Smart Clair
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

(5) SEONGSIL DAERO will be favourite here. After a plain debut, she ran a strong 2nd over this distance on November and followed up with a 4th place, again at the distance, on December 3rd. She likes to race on pace and draws well to get forward and she will take some beating. (3) STEALTH PARK’s recent races have been slow, but he too has a 2nd and a 4th to his name over today’s trip. He also goes best when on pace and should be a contender here. (11) JEONGSEONG VICE enters off a much-improved runner-up finish over tis distance on November 11th. He faces the challenge of the widest gate here but in this company, shouldn’t be dismissed. (4) ON THE ROCKS and solitary debut-maker (8) EAST KING STONE are others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(5) Seongsil Daero (3) Stealth Park (11) Jeongseong Vice (4) On The Rocks
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) RAON THE FANTA. He got his maiden win at start number two over 1000M in September and has since run 2nd on both his tries at this class and distance, racing handy both times and stopping the clock in good times. He does come up a couple of kilograms in the weights, but he gets a great draw, and it would be a big surprise were he not to win this. (9) TAEPYEONG VISION is up in class following her maiden win over this distance on November 26th when she sat midfield and ran on. That marked a big improvement from her previous three efforts, but she won with enough in hand to suggest she can measure up at this level. (6) LADY CODI has put in two fair runs at this class since getting her maiden win in September. She was 4th behind Raon The Fanta two starts back and while she may not overturn that form here, she can be close. (3) SPEAR GOLD and (2) DONGHAENG FIRST are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Raon The Fanta (9) Taepyeong Vision (6) Lady Codi (3) Spear Gold
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(3) CITY KING got his maiden win at start number two on November 18th, making all over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he has every chance of a repeat and will start a warm favourite. (5) CUPID CHAMP will be the clear second favourite. She is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five top-three finished including his latest at this class and distance on November 19th when 3rd having raced midfield and finished off well. She remains lightly weighted and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) MISS HIGH FLY ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back before running a fair 5th in marginally better company than this last time out and that’s enough to see her in the mix here. The returning (2) JJARTIHAN JAYU, along with (8) STORM BREAKER, are others who can enter the calculations.

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

The first of four days of Christmas racing is on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. (There will be 7-race programs at Seoul on Saturday and Sunday with Busan also contributing 10 races on Sunday before Seoul hosts a standalone 12-race Christmas Day meeting on Monday). Here are Friday’s previews:

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

Jockey Choi Eun-gyeong had a field day last Friday and she can keep her good run going here with (5) GREAT MAN. After a nondescript debut in August, he had three months off and then looked much better when stepped up to this trip and running 4th on November 5th having led throughout. His time was much quicker than anything else here has managed and he should be on pace and can go all the way. (2) SEKWANG CHOEGANG has been slow away in both starts do far but has shown a good turn of foot. He draws nicely here and if he can be a bit closer a bit earlier, he can be a danger. (10) BREEDO WIZARD was well fancied on debut having trialled well and he put in a fair performance in 4th place over this distance on October 20th. He comes in here fresh and can build on that today. (8) FLYING ACE has been back to trial since his poor debut and could be a different prospect this time. (11) ARION KING another in the frame.

Selections(5) Great Man (2) Sekwang Choegang (10) Breedo Wizard (8) Flying Ace
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

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

(5) BEAT DRAGON will be a short-priced favourite here. He ran 4th on debut over 1200M in October before being 2nd at 1400M on November 17th when settling back and running on well. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard and from a good gate he can settle behind the speed and go one better this time. (2) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE comes in off best finish to date o f2nd over 1200M on November 19th when midfield and running on well. He comes up to the 1300M for the first time and it can suit. (1) YONGBI CHEONWANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance racing on pace both times. There isn’t much early speed in this race so from the inside gate, he should get an easy run to the lead, and he can be in this a long way. The form falls off significantly after those three, with (8) TWOTWO MONEYGUN and (7) SPRIT FIGHTER perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Beat Dragon (2) Taepungui Chukje (1) Yongbi Cheonwang (8) Twotwo Moneygun
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) WISE KING ran once, all the way back in January, and won very easily over 1200M. He has been through two trials, in October and in November, finishing 2n din both in quick times. He should therefore be match fit enough, he draws nicely, and he can win first-up here. (3) BEST CHAMP got his win at this distance back in September. He was back in the pack when slowly on his first try at this class in October but returned to form with a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 24th. The start is important for him and if he can be on or close to the pace, he has every chance here. (9) BEST LEADER comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number five at this distance on November 19th when on pace throughout. Her time was good, and she can measure up in this company. (6) ACHIMUI HUIMANG will need to be taken on trust racing for the first time since August but along with (4) BURUI JEWAMG, is another to consider.

Selections(1) Wise King (3) Best Champ (9) Best Leader (6) Achimui Huimang
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(7) AUTUMN BREEZE is the one to beat here. She made her breakthrough at start number five on November 17th when she made all over this distance, scoring aby a full ten-lengths and stopping the clock in a fast time. She comes up in class here, but that win had been coming and the manner of it suggests that she has plenty more in the tank. This isn’t an especially strong race for the level and that means (6) SANGIM STAR, a distance runner-up to Autumn Breeze in that November 17th race, could get closest again. She comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at this distance and under a light weight, she has the potential for more improvement having only raced four times. (4) HAVE A GOOD YEAR is another up in class. He returned from five months off on November 19th to make all over this distance and from a good gate can be on pace and in this a long way. Among those with experience of this class already. (8) GLORY SONG and (1) BEST WIND are probably the best of a limited set.

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Winner’s Man Beats Global Hit in Grand Prix for the Ages

Winner’s Man became only the fourth horse in forty-one-years of the race to successfully defend the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But those who had taken the favourite at odds of 1.2 had the fright of their lives as Korean Derby winner and champion three-year-old Global Hit put up an epic feat of resistance, requiring the Horse of the Year elect to summon every last ounce of effort before prevailing by a nose in a photo-finish.

Winner’s Man and Global Hit go nose to nose (Pic: KRA)

On a bitingly cold day in the capital city where temperatures failed to go higher than seven degrees below zero all afternoon, Winner’s Man was heavily backed to repeat his success of a year ago when he saw off Raon The Fighter by a length with Tuhonui Banseok a close 3rd. With Raon The Fighter on the long term injured list, Tuhonui Banseok was among the leading contenders to dethrone the champion this time around, although few truly believed it was possible.

Remote of one of the best ever finishes to the Grand Prix (Pic: Hong Jong-woo/KRA)

It was almost possible, but not by Tuhonui Banseok. Winner’s Man settled just behind the early leaders and back on the fence as Jeongmun Sai and Fantastic Man set the pace. That pair gave way very early leaving Tuhonui Banseok out in front and Winner’s Man with clear track ahead to join him before the end of the backstraight. All the time, Global Hit was in close attendance and as they entered the home straight, the three of them, along with Success Macho were clear.

Tuhonui Banseok was the first to have run his race and to most observers that meant Winner’s Man was surely set to cruise away. But Global Hit would not lie down, and the pair came close together and began a duel. The three-year-old briefly struck the front inside the final furlong only for Seo Seung-un to lift the champion up from off the canvas for one last drive. They crossed the line together and it went officially to the judges, but Winner’s Man had it by a nose. Success Macho was just over a length back in 3rd.

The official photo

The pre-race buzz locally had been around Haengbok Wangja, the 2021 winner having snapped a run of desperate form with 5th in the Korea Cup and 3rd in the Cup Classic. Moon Se-young being booked to ride did nothing to dampen that enthusiasm and he ran well for 4th with Tuhonui Banseok in 5th. They were the top-five in the market, and that elite level of horses were a cut above the rest. The remaining eleven were, as anticipated, in a different race with nine lengths until the next best.

Speaking to YTN News after the race, winning jockey Seo Seung-un was both happy and relieved: “His condition coming in this week was so good that I really was confident that we would win comfortably, but the other horses have clearly improved a lot, especially Global Hit, and if (Winner’s Man) had not been at his best, we would have lost. Fortunately, he was, and we were able to win.”

Seo was questioned about the tactics in the race that saw Winner’s Man getting kickback in the early stages. “Winner’s Man likes to run on the outside, so it was a bit uncomfortable when I got stuck inside around the 1st and 2nd corners, but then we got through those corners, and things opened up in front and outside and I was able to attack. That made the difference.”

As for the future: “(Winner’s Man) will only be six years old (in 2024) but the most important thing is his health and so long as he is sound, we will be back for a go at a third Grand Prix this time next year.”

Winning trainer Choi Ki-hong told in-house broadcaster KRBC that the close nature of the race only enhanced his delight at the result: “Actually, I think my joy is doubled because it was such a thrilling win.  The track condition was good and Global Hit ran a great race against us. I want to thank the owner but also the jockey for a great ride and my stable crew for all their hard work to get Winner’s Man to this point.”

Kim Hye-sun, who became the first female rider to win the Korean Derby in June with Global Hit, came within a nose of repeating the achievement in the Grand Prix and in the immediate aftermath, her thoughts were of what might have been: “It’s actually disappointing to lose by a nose. When Tuhonui Banseok (was beaten) but we stayed with Winner’s Man, I realized that we had a chance. We came so close together (with Winner’s Man) that I couldn’t even use the crop and I just feel regretful that maybe we lost our opportunity.”

Kim though quickly saw the bigger picture about what Global Hit had achieved: “Overall I think Global Hit ran really well and the more I think about it, the more I am amazed. He is three years old and racing 2300M for the first time and he caught up with Winner’s Man. So, I am excited about next year and quite emotional about this horse.”

Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

It was the first time ever that two Korean Derby winners have finished 1st and 2nd in the Grand Prix, with Winner’s Man having won the jewel in the three-year-old Crown in 2021. Power Blade and Winner’s Man are the only two Derby winners to go on and win a Grand Prix. A year from now, Global Hit may follow. Winner’s Man may have something to say about that though.

That’s the end of Group races in Korea for 2023 but there is still plenty of racing to come before the year end including a four-day program of races next weekend beginning on Friday at Busan and culminating with 12 races at Seoul on Christmas Day. There will also be another three-day program from December 29th and concluding on New Year’s Eve.

Grand Prix Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 17)

It’s Grand Prix Sunday and it’s going to be cold! See here for a full preview of the big race. It’s free entry to both Seoul and Busan Racecourses with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Triple Nine won his 5th G1 – and only Grand Prix – in 2018 (Pic: KRA)

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

(1) GROUPER has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over this distance and the former in a good time. He draws nicely to be on pace again here and he should be exiting the lowest class of racing with a win. (5) ANYANG TSUNAMI has made progress across three starts so far culminating in a 5th place in a fair time over this distance on November 11th. She has raced handy in her latest two and should do similar here and in this company, she won’t need to improve by very much to get close. (2) BEOLGYO CHADOL was sent off as favourite on debut following a positive trial showing. She finished back in the pack but should have benefitted from the run and can be given another chance here. (3) DREAM CARD and solitary debut maker (9) JANGBI DAEUN are others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Grouper (5) Anyang Tsunami (2) Beolgyo Chadol (3) Dream Card
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

(8) PERFECT TIARA has raced four times and has finished no worse than 5th. Her best so far is her latest on November 26th, when she settled midfield and ran on for 2nd in a slowly run ace over 1200M. She comes up to the 1300M for the first time, and it can suit. (1) ARNOLD QUEEN came from off the pace on debut over 1200M on October 28th to run a fair 5th. She should have come on for that run and can get closer here. (3) FIRST CHOUX loves coming 5th, something he has done on each of his last four outings, but he does have the fastest time among these for the distance and from a good draw can get closer today. (11) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (5) GIANT FORCE are among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(8) Perfect Tiara (1) Arnold Queen (3) First Choux (11) Saebyeok Bulbit
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) BRIGHT HANSEN stalked the leader on debut over this distance on November 5th, before striking the front with just over a furlong to go and running on to win comfortably. She comes up in class as a result, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and she is the one to beat again here. She will be the hot favourite with (2) SPARK THUNDER the second pick. The latter was an equally dominant winner at start number two on November 11th, racing on pace throughout. She too comes up in class but should be on the speed again and will surely be in this a long way. (10) HIT FLY was a little less visually impressive when getting her maiden win at start two on November 25th. The time was solid though and she too should be competitive in this company. As for those with previous experience of class 5, (8) YEOWANG SOCKS and (1) WIDAEHAN HANMA look the best.

Selections(4) Bright Hansen (2) Spark Thunder (10) Hit Fly (8) Yeowang Socks
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 9

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

(4) RAINBOW ROAD will be favourite. She ran 2nd on debut in October before posting a 4th place on November 26th, both times settling behind the speed and running on. She draws nicely and, in this company, will probably be ridden on pace. She should have too much. (7) SEUNGNI TAKEN raced a couple of times this spring without distinction but returned after seven months out on November 24th and came from off the pace to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance. He should strip fitter for the run and can be a danger here too. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE has been knocking on the door in his latest three, including a 3rd place over 1300M. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can run into some money again. (3) ANY SINGS and (2) WONDERFUL KAYLAN others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Rainbow Road (7) Seungni Taken (10) Captain Charlie (3) Any Sings
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(1) DRONE KILLER was a winner on debut over 1200M in October before running an on-pace 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on November 11th, going down narrowly. From the inside gate, he should be on pace from the start and has solid claims here. (4) HERE I AM is up in class following an emphatic win over 1200M on November 12th, making all and pulling out of sight late on. The win had been coming, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he may well start as favourite here. (3) LEGENDSUN was an also-ran in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy for juveniles last month but returns to shallower waters here and should be in the frame. (9) DREAM SKY and (6) JEONGMUN PAPAGO, 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on November 19th, re among others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Drone Killer (4) Here I Am (3) Legendsun (9) Dream Sky
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

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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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