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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selections(8) Taepyeong Hero (9) Seirene (4) Seongsil Yeongung (3) Austin Leader
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 10
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 1)

December’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a newcomer although there is a caveat. (9) HANEUL EUTTEUM trialled up nicely at the start of November, running a very close 2nd in a quick time and racing on pace. However, he had previously failed several trials for manners – weaving all over the home straight in one and abruptly stopping in the early stages in another. If those issues are fixed and he brings his latest trial form to the races, he is a chance. He’ll need to be taken on trust though and the probable favourite is (1) SAENAE HIT. He was favourite on debut as well after a good trial and ran a fair 5th over this distance. He will be on the speed here and should have come on for the experience. (5) SEOBU VISION took two goes to qualify but posted a quick time second time around and is another newcomer who can be on the speed. (6) SANGIM BOLT and trial winner (10) GLOBAL SPURT others to consider.

Selections(9) Haneul Eutteum (1) Saenae Hit (5) Seobu Vision (6) Sangim Bolt
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) SHINE FOREST was a quick 3rd on debut over 1000M in September before following up with a 2nd place when tried at this distance for start number two on October 29th when she sat behind the early speed and ran on, stopping the clock in a good time. She can go one better here. (8) DAY BY DAY is yet to finish in the top three but has ended up in 4th of 5th in each of her last five outings. Along the way she has posted the fastest time of any of these for the distance and she should be securing a best to date finish here.  Solitary debut-maker (7) ROAD TO PARTY was an on-pace 2nd in his trial in a good time at the end of October. This isn’t stiff company to debut in, so he has to be given a chance first-up. (10) RED JASPER and (5) CHOEGANG WEEK among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Shine Forest (8) Day By Day (7) Road To Party (10) Red Jasper
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

(11) GRAY QUEEN came out of the same wide gate she draws today to close from well off the pace for 2nd place at start number two over 1200M on November 3rd. She was a full ten-lengths behind the winner, Running Tree, but the additional half furlong should suit, and she will be doing her best work late on again. (8) VALHALLA is probably worth another chance. He weakened badly on debut over this distance on November 10th, but it was just a week after he exerted himself plenty in winning a trial. He has had three weeks off this time and may reproduce his trial form. (5) THE BIG SHOT comes in off a couple of 4th place finishes, most recently behind Gray Queen in that November 3rd race and she should be there of thereabouts. (7) DORAON ZETTA and (3) SKY YEONGUNG – who was dreadful on debut but had previously hinted at ability in trials – are others who should be in the frame.

Selections(11) Gray Queen (8) Valhalla (5) The Big Shot (7) Doraon Zetta
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(4) CHARMING BEST comes up in class having broken through at the fifth time of asking, winning a quick race over 1200M in fine style on November 5th. He draws nicely to get on pace again and he can measure up in this company. (9) FABULOUS BEATER is yet to win in seven starts, but comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance n October 27th when settling midfield and finishing off well. It was a quick time and while he comes up slightly in the weights, he can potentially go one better here. (10) DONGNAM WINNER got her maiden win two starts back with a brisk score over this distance. She ran a fair 5th of eleven on her first try at this class in a similarly quick race on November 5th and she shouldn’t be far away here. (11) JEONGMUN LEGEND and (6) CHAS PALPAL among others to keep safe.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 26)

No Graded or Listed races this Sunday but still plenty to get stuck into 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:

Late autumn at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one having raced at least once before. (8) YONGAM MARENGO has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 3rd on October 29th when coming from well off the pace and he shapes to be a hot favourite. (10) BLACK BELT dead-heated for 3rd place on debut over 1000M in July before following up with a standalone 3rd at this distance on October 28th when coming from well off the pace. He has proven able to finish off his races well so the wide draw isn’t a problem, and he can be a danger. (12) LUCKY PARTY has raced three times and has never been worse than 4th. He was sent off as favourite on his latest over 1300M on October 22nd, leading for most of the way before ultimately coming home 3rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but could well be market leader again (2) GALSAEK DOJEONJA and (1) CHEONHAENGCHAT others in the frame.

Selections(8) Yongam Marengo (10) Black Belt (12) Lucky Party (2) Galsaek Dojeonja
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens. (4) STUNNING SKY wasn’t fancied at all on debut, but nobody told him that as he pulled off a very solid runner-up finish over this distance having sat handy and then briefly led in the straight stopping the clock in a time for the distance faster than any of the others here have managed. He should have come on for the run and he can go one better today. (5) CHEONGRYANGSAN ran 3rd on debut before following up with a 2nd place at start number two over this distance three weeks ago when racing handy throughout. He should be on pace here and is a big danger. (11) DONGJIN TEUKGEUP has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place at this trip on October 22nd. He came off the pace to secure that so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can be doing his best work late again. (1) SEONGSIN CHEONHA and (2) ROYAL BEST didn’t disgrace themselves on their respective debuts and can improve second-up.

Selections(4) Stunning Sky (5) Cheongryangsan (11) Dongjin Teukgeup (1) Seongsin Cheonha
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start2, 5, 11, 12

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

Decent maiden. (9) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA has made steady progress across five starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on October 22nd when on pace throughout and setting a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled the distance before have achieved. He should be on the early speed again, and this time can go one better. (4) BRIGHT WINNER was a much-improved 2nd at start number six over this distance on October 28th, settling just behind the speed and running on well. He draws nicely for Jo In-kwon to be able to pick his spot, probably behind the speed again, and he can run on and threaten. (5) TAENGGEURI was 4th behind Bright Winner in that October 28th race, his best finish so far. He can settle back and run on here and can go even closer. (8) SHOUT KURO and (3) WONDERFUL WELLS among others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(9) Seoul Choegangja (4) Bright Winner (5) Taenggeuri (8) Shout Kuro
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with one of those first-timers and (11) DRAGON PUNCH. He trialled up very well, settling behind the speed and running on well. He was nine-lengths behind Korea Sprint runner-up Beolmaui Star but there is nothing wrong with that and he had plenty in hand on the rest. Handily, the three with prior experience debuted together over this distance on October 20th. (2) RAINBOW ROAD was the best of them, coming home in 2nd place having settled midfield and run on, but he was only a head in front of (3) SAMAKUI KKOT, who came from well back for 3rd. It may be hard to split them again. Only another head behind Samakui Kkot was (1) TROUBLEMAKER, who defied big odds to run a strong 4th. All should have benefited from the racing experience. Returning to the first timers (8) SKY ROAD came through the same trial as Dragon Punch and didn’t do much wrong positing a similarly quick time.

Selections(11) Dragon Punch (2) Rainbow Road (3) Samakui Kkot (1) Troublemaker
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start5, 8, 11, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) PERFECT TIARA has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes in three starts so far, most recently when returning from three months out over 1200M on October 15th. She has raced close to the pace in her outings so far and draws very nicely to do the same here, with every chance of winning. (3) JEONGSANG HIT started her career well but seemingly lost her way slightly across the summer, but she returned to some semblance of form when 3rd over this distance in a similar all filly maiden on October 28th. That wasn’t a quick race, but she previously posted a good time for this distance and from a good gate, she can be a contender here. (8) GLOBAL CHUKBAE did nothing on debut back in May, but she looked well when leading for most of the way in a trial earlier this month. She could well be a different proposition this time around.  (11) JERAQUEEN and (1) TAEPYEONG VISION others who could feature in the finish.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 25)

After a mild weekend last week, temperatures have plummeted once more but it should at least be dry and clear for the Saturday meeting at Seoul which has 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports winner Nut Play returns to action on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with six of the twelve racing for the first time. Plenty will be tempted by first-timer (9) CROWN HAMSEONG. She won a trial just last week when sitting handy throughout and finishing off well. She makes a fast debut here, but Moon Se-young is up and there isn’t too much to fear in this field. (10) HIT FLY ran 4th on debut back in September m showing at the front and stopping the clock in a quick time. She won’t need to improve much on that to be in the finish today. (5) QUERER ran 2nd over 1000M on October 21st, sitting handy before running on and she too should have come on for that run. (12) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (11) RUBY PORT are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(9) Crown Hamseong (10) Hit Fly (5) Querer (12) Homyeong Queen
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start 5, 6, 9, 10

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

(1) NAEGILUI WINNER is the one to beat here. He comes in off a last start 3rd place over this distance on October 15th when settling midfield and running on. He has proven able to race on pace as well when 2nd on debut and from a good draw, he can get an easy run to the lead and potentially make all.  (5) PLAN B comes in having run 2nd and 3rd in her latest two both over this distance and most recently as beaten favourite on November 11th when well positioned but not kicking on. She looks nicely in again in this company and can get closer today. (3) FIRST CHOUX is yet to finish in the top two, but he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and from a good draw can be a factor. (6) HANGANG GLORY and the solitary debut-maker (2) URUS KHAN are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Naegilui Winner (5) Plan B (3) First Choux (6) Hangang GLory
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

(9) RAON THE COBRA shapes as a warm favourite here. His sole win to date came over this distance back in May and after a couple of 5th place finishes, he enters off a 3rd at his class and distance on October 29th when he raced on pace throughout and had a couple of today’s rivals back down the track behind him. In this company he should be on the early speed, and he may take some beating. Second favourite will be (2) PURPLE WINK. He comes in off a somewhat plain effort over 1200M on October 28th when 6th of ten but he has placed at this class and from a good draw, can be given another chance today. (11) ARGO MUJEOK is another who will need a line drawn through his latest. He does have plenty of experience at this level though and has the joint fastest time among these for the trip. (7) BARO CHAMPION is up in class following a win over 1200M on October 21st, and along with (10) BANFF, also up in class, is another place chance.

Selections(9) Raon The Cobra (2) Purple Wink (11) Argo Mujeok (7) Baro Champion
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

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

(11) KOREA GOLD ran out an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on November 4th, coming from off the pace and finishing very pleasingly. The overall time wasn’t quick, although the final furlong was, and while he comes up in class and in trip today, neither should be a major issue and he can win again. The main danger – and probable favourite – is (9) AREUMDAUN SAI. He may have only won once in eighteen attempts, but he comes in having run 2nd in his latest two, both at this class and distance and both times having raced close to the speed. He will surely be close again here. (5) SAENAE KHAN mixes his form, but he placed at this class over 1300M two starts back and having drawn well to get a forward position, should be a factor in the finish. (1) VELVETY and (3) NAOL SKY among other place chances.

Selections(11) Korea Gold (9) Areumdaun Sai (5) Saenae Khan (1) Velvety
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

After a couple of shaky efforts on her first tries at this class, (7) MUNHAK EAGLE looks to be coming back into form with a good 2nd place at class and distance on October 22nd when prominent throughout. She has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and in this company can sit just behind the speed and prove too strong. (8) RAON THE TAP used up plenty of energy in that October 22nd race to get to the lead from gate eleven, ultimately weakening and finishing midfield. That was only his third start and his first at 1200M and he should have benefitted from the experience. He stays lightly weighted, comes into a slightly better gate, and he should have a better time of it today. Both will need to overturn the form on (1) BICHUICA, who won that October 22nd race at odds in excess of 90/1. He comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights but warrants more respect here. (10) FIJI BLADE and (2) BEST CLONE among others to consider for the places.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 24)

The weekend of racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews

No real reason to show this picture again – other than Winner’s Man is based at Busan and this is a great picture (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) BIG WILD is the most promising of the newcomers. He ran on pleasingly in his trial finishing 2nd in a good time, albeit seven-lengths behind Have A Good Day, who won last weekend. He draws wide but the 1300M may suit first up and he can win. (4) UNJU TOP ran well for 4th on debut over 1000M on October 6th. He should have come on for the run and from a good gate he can sit on or close to the speed and can go closer this time over the extended trip. Expect him to be the betting favourite. (10) WORLD WINNERS MAN was totally unfancied on debut over 1200M on October 20th but beat a couple of these on his way to a creditable 5th. Debut-makers (12) VOLCANO GRIT and (2) BEOLMAUI ACE are other possibles having both hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(11) Big Wild (4) Unju Top (10) World Winners Man (12) Volcano Grit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive maiden. (4) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M and both times racing on pace. He draws nicely here for a soft run to the lead and while he like most of these he tackles the seven-furlongs for the first time, he can win. (9) ROAD TO TOP also has a 2nd place on his record, recorded at start number two in August when slowly away but running on. He followed it up with 4th place at 1300M on October 15th and the additional half furlong may be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough. That will mean overturning the form on (5) CHRYSOL SIERRA, who was 3rd in that October 15th race. That was just his second start and was a marked improvement form his debut showing. He too has been doing his best work late on and the 1400M can suit. (7) SPRIT FIGHTER and (1) MAX THE CAT among plenty of others in the placing frame. 

Selections(4) Wonderful Cherokee (9) Road To Top (5) Chrysol Sierra (7) Sprit Fighter
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(10) SKY JILJU enters off a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over 1400M when racing handy throughout. He draws a touch wider than ideal but with a bit of luck at the start, he can find a position on or close to the pace and he can win. (11) LIGHT BROWN ran 3rd behind Sky Jilju in September before repeating that finish again over this distance on October 27th. He gets an even worse draw, but he can follow Sky Jilju across to sit behind the speed and then run on. (4) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH is yet to win in eleven tries but enters with recent form reading well. He has posted some good times at this trip and from a good draw, he has every chance of going close here. (5) GUKDAE HERO and (6) WIND MAGIC are others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Sky Jilju (11) Light Brown (4) Yeonggwanguitouch (5) Gukdae Hero
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

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

(1) HWANG YO is yet to win in five attempts but has never been worse than 4th and he already has a runner-up finish to his name at this class and distance, two starts back, when racing on pace. He comes into a better gate than the one he had when 4th last time out at 1300M and from the inside gate, he can get a soft run to the front. He will be a short-priced favourite to score. (8) GANGSEO BULPAE is similarly winless but comes up in class following two runner-up finishes and one 3rd at class 6 level at 1200M and 1400M. She likes to race on pace, she comes down in the weights, and she can measure up in this company. (3) BEST CHAMP has raced three times with a good win over 1300M sandwiched between two plainer efforts when she has been too far back. She comes into a much better gate today and can be given another chance. The up in class (9) MASTER YODA, along with (4) DIABLO QUEEN are others to keep safe.

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Winner’s Man Claims G1 Grand Slam and Record Earnings in President’s Cup Coronation

Winner’s Man eased away from his rivals and casually wrote his name into Korean racing lore at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as in winning the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) in emphatic fashion, he became the first horse ever to win four different Group 1 races in the country. He also became the highest earning Korean racehorse in history.

Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man acknowledge the crowd after making history on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

The so-called Grand Slam is an almost impossible task. To begin with a horse must win a Korean Derby – and of course they only get one crack at that. They must also win a Korea Cup (or a Korea Sprint; nobody is requiring both) where they will most likely need to overcome strong overseas opposition, and they must also conquer the stamina-sapping Grand Prix Stakes with the grueling Seoul sand making the 2300M in sub-zero December equivalent to significantly further on less demanding surfaces.

The President’s Cup, restricted to Korean-bred horses (foreign bred horses can’t win a Grand Slam no matter what they do) and, unlike the Derby, with horses able to run in it for as long as they are racing, and in temperate mid-November is arguably the easiest of the four to win. Triple Nine did it four times. But he didn’t win a Derby or Korea Cup. Winner’s Man has won both, as well as a Grand Prix Stakes.

Last year he could only manage 3rd but this time around it was easy for Winner’s Man in the President’s Cup. While Minister’s Cup runner up Speed Young set the early pace along with Jeongmun Sai and Derby-winner Global Hit, jockey Seo Seung-un eased Winner’s Man into a position midfield and one off the fence, keeping out of trouble but always within striking distance. As the field rounded the final turn, Winner’s Man moved ever closer and once they straightened up, Seo pulled the trigger, and the result was a foregone conclusion.

The margin on the line was seven-lengths to Global Hit in 2nd and Speed Young in 3rd. 2022 winner Simjangui Godong was gallant as ever in 4th while the mare Eodigana pulled off a super run to come from well off the pace and finish 5th.

Winner’s Man defeats Global Hit and Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

“I need to thank all the staff of our stable” winning trainer Choi Ki-hong told in house broadcaster KRBC. “They have worked so hard to prepare Winner’s Man for this and it is a great honour for him to win this title. At the start he settled back, which was no problem, as he had experienced a lot of sand in the KRA Cup Classic and then when he improved around the 3rd corner, I was very confident.”

“I was sorry to his fans that we couldn’t win this race last year, so I am relieved and thankful we did it today.” As for what is next for Winner’s Man: “We go back home, and we prepare for the Grand Prix.”

“I am finally able to relax a bit” quipped Seo Seung-un to KRBC after piloting Winner’s Man into history. “I felt pressure going into the race, but it was on behalf of the horse, not myself, because of what he deserves, but fortunately we did him justice.”

“He has won everything now, except for the Korea Sprint, and he has won more prize money than any other horse (in Korea). But he still has a lot of potential for more so I will work hard with him, and we will prepare for next month.”

Winner’s Man was 7 lengths clear on the line (Pic: KRA)

Winner’s Man’s winning time was the quickest of any President’s Cup to date. He is only five years old but has now overtaken Triple Nine as the highest earning Korean racehorse of all time. By Musket Man and out of the Volponi mare Winner’s Marine, he has now won seventeen of twenty-seven starts.

A Grand Slam isn’t out of the question for Global Hit. No Derby winner has won the President’s Cup in the same year – the three-year-old winners of the race have all tended to be slightly later developers – but Global Hit, if he stays sound, looks to be the type that can have a big four-year-old campaign and beyond. For him the Korea Cup – with top line Japanese horses now targeting the race – will probably prove the toughest ask. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit and another three-year-old, can’t win a Grand Slam, but he has every chance of returning to this race next year as well as targeting the Grand Prix and Korea Cup.

(Pic: KRA)

As suspected, the President’s Cup proved a race too far after a demanding campaign for the Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong. The filly is already a star and can be a multi-year talent with connections surely opting out of putting her through a Grand Prix next month. Defending champion Raon First faded after being close to the early pace but another mare, Eodigana, sent off in excess of 160/1, flew home almost as quick as Winner’s Man did in the final two furlongs, ending in 5th and may be an each-way chance in the Grand Prix.

Winner’s Man will be at the Grand Prix. And having overtaken him in terms of career prize money, he will be targeting Triple Nine’s record of five Group 1 wins (four President’s Cups and one Grand Prix in Triple Nine’s case). While the imports will be there, on today’s form and that of last month’s KRA Cup Classic, who is to stop him? The big race is at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday December 17th.   

President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan (November 19)

Winner’s Man will attempt to complete a “Grand Slam” of local G1 events in the President’s Cup at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. https://korearacing.live/2023/11/18/winners-man-bids-for-g1-grand-slam-in-presidents-cup/See here for a full horse by horse guide to the big race which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday Seoul card which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here is the race-by-race:

Winner’s Man comes in off KRA Cup Classic success last month (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) FRESH MAN is the one to beat having run 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 7th racing on pace throughout. He draws well, the step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go one better this time. (10) MOMO K debuted at this trip on October 14th and came from off the pace to run a fair 3rd. He should be better for the run and can go close again. Among the first-time starters, (8) BEOLGYO CHADOL looks the best. She went through two trials, improving in the second of them when 2nd across the line in a decent time. Bringing that form to the races will see her go close. (2) BEST WHIZ and (11) PASALUBONG others who can enter the frame.

Selections(4) Fresh Man (10) Momo K (8) Beolgyo Chadol (2) Best Whiz
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

Standard maiden here. (5) MIGHTY CAP ran 4th on debut over 1000M before stepping up to today’s distance to run 2nd on October 14th having led almost the entire way around. She draws nicely to lead again, and she will be hot favourite to score here. The rest of the exposed form is not great, although (7) THUNDER GALLOPER will probably be second favourite on the strength of his last start 4th place at this distance, his best to date. A repeat of that run could see him get closer in this company. Given the paucity of quality opponents, debut-maker (2) SLAM DRAGON has to be given a chance. It’s hard to judge his trial as it was run slowly but he finished off pleasingly enough and draws nicely. (3) CLOVER PARTY and (11) GOLDEN LINE are the other logical place chances.

Selections(5) Mighty Cap (7) Thunder Galloper (2) Slam Dragon (3) Clover Party
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

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

Two standouts here. (1) SAENAE VIVA led almost the entire way around last time out on October 9th only to be taken down by the favourite late on. That was her first start since April, and she should strip fitter for the run and from a nice draw can go one better here. The main danger is (2) POWERFUL VISION. She has shown steady improvement across four starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on October 7th when handy throughout. She too should be on the speed and really it is a toss-up between her and Saenae Viva for favourite status. (6) STEALTH PARK will be third favourite He was 5th behind Saene Viva on October 9th and at the start before ran 2nd, well back behind a good winner, but having raced on pace, over this distance. He can sit handy and run on here. (4) MACH YEOJE and (10) GEOMUI JEONSEOL are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Saenae Viva (2) Powerful Vision (6) Stealth Park (4) Mach Yeoje
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

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

Very tricky maiden to open at Busan. (7) YONGBI CHEONWANG improved at start number three when tried at this distance for the first time on October 13th, racing on pace throughout. There could still be some improvement in the tank, and he can get to the lead here and potentially go all the way. (5) BEST LEADER secured a runner-up finish two starts back having almost managed to lead the whole way around. She followed it up with a 5th place in a decent time over 1200M on October 20th when this time coming from off the pace. The additional half furlong can suit, and she should be close. (9) STORMING MAGIC has a couple of 4th places among four outings to date including the fastest time in the field for the distance and she can be close here. (3) BEST PRIME and (4) DAESEUNGNIJA others to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Yongbi Cheonwang (5) Best Leader (9) Storming Magic (3) Best Prime
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) MIRAE TOWER comes in off a runner-up finish over 1200M on October 22nd when for the first time he was ridden to lead. He comes up in trip but Moon Se-young stays aboard and similar tactics can be expected here. (5) WONDERFUL SEEKING has raced just twice improving to 4th place at start number two when running on from midfield. She can continue to get closer today. (4) POWER ETCHED beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over 1200M on October 21st when coming from off the pace. He already has a runner-up finish to his name over this distance and in this company can be on speed and in this a long way. (6) TRES VITE and (11) SHARP SUNSHINE look to be the other place chances.

Selections(3) Mirae Tower (5) Wonderful Seeking (4) Power Etched (6) Tres Vite
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

(8) ARA NURI enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at 1200M, first from racing handy and then from closing well. In this inauspicious company, she can be expected to be ridden on pace and while any top three placing will see her exit class 6, it should really be with a win. (2) HAVE A GOOD YEAR looks the second best. He has a 2nd place on his resume over this distance and while he races for the first time since June, he won a trial in late October in a fast time making all and if he can bring anything like that form to the races, he shouldn’t be far away. (7) TAEPUNGI CHUKJE has a 3rd place to his name, recorded prior to a five-an-a-half month layoff. He returned underwhelmingly earlier this month but should have come on for the run and can be closer here. (5) MAGIC Q and (1) STORMY DAY possibly the best of a limited rest.

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