Jeulgeounyeojeong Completes Triple Tiara Sweep

For the second year in a row the Triple Tiara series has been swept as Jeulgeounyeojeong emulated Golden Power by adding to her Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks successes with a resounding victory in the final jewel, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) under the lights at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday evening.

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Franco Da Silva win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)/

Sent off the odds-on favourite in a thirteen-strong field, Jeulgeounyeojeong was kept handy in the early stages by jockey Franco Da Silva as Raon Giant and Doctor Oscar set the early pace over a distance at which all were tackling for the first time. At the top of the home straight, those leaders started to tire and with minimal urging, Jeulgeounyeojeong cruised by and put the race to bed a long way out.

The margin on the line was four-lengths with Wonderful Slew, a revelation when 3rd in the Oaks at just her fourth career start, getting the closest to Jeulgeounyeojeong. Raon Forest, 2nd in both the Luna and the Oaks, completed a hat-trick of Tiara placings, coming home in 3rd place.

“Anywhere internationally for a horse to be a Triple Tiara winner, it takes a good one.” Winning jockey Franco Da Silva told KRBC immediately after the race. “Thanks to the owner and the trainer for giving me a chance and now the pressure is all off because we are done. We proved that she is the best and everything is perfect.”

“This horse is just getting better and better.” Da Silva continued. “Today the only things I was worried about were the track condition and that we had travelled from Busan (for the first time). But she never lost weight, she was happy, and she was very professional. I was just a passenger; I just had to sit and wait for the straight.”

(Pic: KRA)

Trainer Kim Young-kwan also noted the challenge of winning a Triple Tiara series. “In a Triple Crown or a Triple Tiara, the races come very quickly with short intervals between them. So, health and fitness are just as important as ability if you want to win all three.” Kim, who is Korea’s all-time leading trainer in terms of both career wins and Group race wins, told KRBC.

“At the Breeders’ Cup (Korea’s Champion Juvenile race, where Jeulgeounyeojeong was a short price but finished 9th), she had some respiratory issues, so we took great care to fix that, and she has stayed healthy and sound since.”

(Pic: KRA)

Although he recently passed the compulsory retirement age for trainers, Kim has been granted an extension in recognition of his record over the years which includes the Triple Crown with Power Blade in 2016. “It is great to add a Triple Tiara to Power Blade’s Triple Crown. I would like to thank the racing fans for accepting my extension.”

Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and is out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo) and was bred by owners Nasca, of Eoma Eoma fame, at their farm. She moves onto six wins from twelve starts.    

The big question now is what is next for Jeulgeounyeojeong and just how good is she? Winning trainer Kim noted that after sweeping last year’s Triple Tiara, Golden Power endured a scoreless end to 2022, being outclassed in two Queens’ Tour races. She finally returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since her Gyeonggi victory, this past Friday evening. In the meantime, Raon The Spurt, who Golden Power vanquished comfortably in the Tiara, is a Group 2 winner this year and firmly ensconced at the elite level.

(Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong is not necessarily Golden Power, but the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter series would be the logical next item on her agenda.

Next Saturday at Seoul, there is another floodlight big race engagement with the final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There is no Triple Crown on the line, but Korean Derby winner Global Hit is expected to head a full field of sixteen in the final three-year-old Classic.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

Sunday sees daytime racing (albeit with a start and finish time one hour later than usual) at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races in Seoul from 11:35 to 19:00 while there are 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. Three of those who do have prior experience debuted together on June 3rd and (1) THE PLAYER came out the best of them running 3rd over 1000M having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest that he has a win in him sooner rather than later, Moon Se-young climbs on, and he will be a warm favourite. (7) SMART CAT also ran 3rd on his debut which came over 1000M on June 17th when settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and can be considered for improvement here. Among the first-time starters, (6) PURGE KING is the pick. He showed brightly across two trials, improving in the second of them when he settled handy. With some more natural improvement, he can put in a big showing first-up. (5) BAEKDU DAEMUL was 5th behind The Player on debut and can aim to improve while (9) GEOSEN BANGYEOK ran fairly in his first race on June 24th and is another who can expect to have benefitted from the experience.

Selections(1) The Player (7) Smart Cat (6) Purge King (5) Baekdu Daemul
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(1) STEALTH PARK showed good improvement when 3rd at start number two on May 28th, settling back in the pack and finishing strongly over this distance in a fair time. Third-up he should be peaking and from the inside gate, he is the one to beat. (10) LUCKY HONEY took a few goes to figure things out but she enters having shown good results from her latest three with two 4th places and most recently a close 2nd at this distance. The time wasn’t quick and it was back in April so she comes in following fourteen weeks out, but she can go close. (11) PURPLE WINK has hinted at ability across his three appearances to date. He can settle back and has a strong finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can challenge late on here. (9) PATHOS and (2) BANDO HUIMANG others in the frame.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (10) Lucky Honey (11) Purple Wink (9) Pathos
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

(6) BOB AND JOY ran fairly on debut, racing just behind the speed and finishing 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on June 25th. She should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat here. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK ran a much-improved 2nd at start number four on June 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but draws nicely here and can maintain her momentum. (10) ROAD TO MAGIC won an April trial in a quick time before finishing midfield on debut over this distance on June 2nd. He raced on pace that day and in the trial so the wide draw is perhaps not ideal here but with a touch of luck at the start, he can be a danger. (11) ACE RUN and (9) DOCTOR WICKY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Bob And Joy (1) Choegang Week (10) Road To Magic (11) Ace Run
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) HANGANG HERO enters off a good 2nd place at class and distance on June 17th when settling midfield and then running on well. She was sent off at big odds but that was her second runner-up finish in her last three stats and while she is a seventeen-race maiden, today could be her day. (3) ICE CREAM has taken a few goes to get to grips with this level but she seems on the right trajectory, having led for much of the way around in a similar race to this on June 11th, ultimately finishing 4th. She draws well to be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (9) SOARA MEME us up in class and marginally in trip following a maiden win at 1200M on June 4th. She can measure up here. (7) GLOBAL CHANGA and (2) ZIRCON others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Hangang Hero (3) Ice Cream (9) Soara Meme (7) Global Changa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

Weak maiden here. (7) SAMBA STEP has picked up across her latest couple of outings with a 5th place most recently over 1200M on June 16th when racing handy throughout. She comes up to 1300M for the first time, she should be on pace, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) MOST RAPID has been anything but rapid in four starts so far but is potentially getting better having beaten a couple of these on his way to 6th in a better maiden than this back in April. He comes in fresh and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back. (10) LUCKY BAND has a 3rd place to his name and while a mile didn’t suit last time, this looks a more suitable assignment. (2) EVERY KING IJI and (5) STORMY DAY other possibles.

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

The twilight racing season comes to Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00 including the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Tiara. Here are the previews:

Floodlight racing is back

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

Juveniles here with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN and (4) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA debuted together on June 17th and came home in 2nd and 4th respectively. The time was not quick, but the real race experience should be beneficial, and they shape as the leading two contenders here with Naegilui Captain favoured to score, potentially leading all the way. Of the debut-makers, (11) RAON THE TAP won his trial, leading for most of the way around. He isn’t done any favours by the draw, but if he brings that form to the races, he has at least solid placing chances. (7) YONGBI POWER went through a rare quick trial. She was a long way behind the winner but that is enough to put her in the frame first-up. (3) HANGANG GLORY is another who hinted at ability in his trial and can be considered.

Selections(6) Naegilui Captain (4) Seoul Choegangja (11) Raon The Tap (7) Yongbi Power
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 11

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

(2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. She has rarely found herself in such amenable company as this and from a good draw, she can be on pace and can perhaps go all the way. (9) GHANA DREAM has a 2nd and a 3rd among her four starts so far. She needs to be given a pass on her latest when she got too far back but she generally has a strong finish on her and if she is in striking distance at the business end of the race, she will a danger late on. (11) NEMO SPIRIT comes in having run an improved 5th on her latest appearance on June 11th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she is another who can be doing her best work late on here. (6) YEJIMONG and (3) JEONGSANG HIT don’t inspire much confidence, but both have shown themselves capable of running a good race in this kind of company.

Selections(2) Haengbok Yeowang (9) Ghana Dream (11) Nemo Spirit (6) Yejimong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

(1) SHARP SUNSHINE has picked up in her latest three with two 4ths and a 3rd, that latter finish coming over this distance on June 17th. Her times haven’t been special but there is not much pace here and from a good gate she can lead and potentially go all the way. (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG showed a sharp uptick in form when 2nd at start number four over 1200M on June 18th, settling back and finishing well. A similar run here will put her in the finish again. (6) EXPECT has mixed his form across five starts so far but going on his 3rd place over 1400M at the end of April, he should come into the calculations here. (7) GOLD MIGHTY, with a 2nd to his name is another, while (8) SMART SOCKS has also hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Sharp Sunshine (10) Binnaneun Geumseong (6) Expect (7) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(2) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK enters in good form with a 2nd two starts back over 1200M followed by a 3rd place at today’s trip on June 17th when she led for much of the way and only went down narrowly. She beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process and from a good gate she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (8) LUCKY POWER had a hard time when stepped up to 1700M last time out, showing close to the pace and then weakening. He may be happier back at one turn here and he has a smart finish on him. (5) ORCHID VALLEY has four top-three finishes from six stats so far including last time out when a solid 3rd at this class over 1200M. In this company he can be on pace and in this a long way. (1) LEMON BLADE comes up in class following a maiden win at start number seven over 1200M. He comes down in weight and from the inside gate can measure up. (11) GRAND POWER another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Haengbokan Munmak (8) Lucky Power (5) Orchid Valley (1) Lemon Blade
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(5) SINUI BANJEON is a ten-race maiden, but she has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest start at this class and distance on June 4th when, as is her preferred style, she was on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she really should have the measure of this field and she is the one to beat. (6) CLUB D is also a maiden, but he has been finishing off his races well and the step up to two turns could well suit him. He can go close. (3) P N S AI comes back up to two turns for the first time since a shy at the stumps in last year’s Minister’s Cup (it missed). He has been steadily working back into form across recent starts, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M last time out and he can be in the mix again here. (7) GREEN FEELSTAR and (2) STAR K are others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday – Twilight Racing Begins: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

A short season of twilight racing begins this weekend. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener so we head to the trial videos (1) BLACK SPRING won his trial, racing in midfield from gate eight and then producing a strong effort in the closing stages to pull away under only minimal urging. The time wasn’t quick, but it was on a very dry track, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him win here. (2) CONTROLLER posted the fastest time in trials when running 2nd in a June heat, settling handy and then running on without the jockey needing to use his stick. He draws well and a repeat performance will see him in the mix first-up here. That fastest time will probably mean he starts the betting favourite locally. (6) HANGANG CLASS was an on-pace 3rd in his heat, and along with (3) YONGBI CHEONWANG and (10) BEST PRIME, can go well.

Selections(1) Black Spring (2) Controller (6) Hangang Class (3) Yongbi Cheonwang
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) DOCTOR KANE here. After a good trial, she debuted in an all-filly juvenile event on June 9th and sat behind the early speed before running on 2nd. She was eight-lengths behind the odds-on favourite winner, but five-lengths clear of the rest and with some natural improvement, she will be hard to beat. (3) COLUMBIA CHAMP debuted in that same race, initially settling back before working home well for 4th place. She has plenty to make up on Doctor Kane, but she too should have derived benefit from that run and can be a contender at this slightly extended trip. (5) MAGIC ELEVEN has a 3rd place to her name and among those who have tackled this distance before, by far the quickest time. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she should be close. (9) THE ONE and (4) HOTFLEX others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(1) Doctor Kane (3) Columbia Champ (5) Magic Eleven (9) The One
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) HAMA has been getting closer across her five starts so far culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on June 16th when racing behind the leaders and running on well. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and she can make her breakthrough here. (3) B. K. HUNTER returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on June 23rd. He should strip fitter for that run and can go close again. (7) KELLY QUEEN came home 4th when sent off at big odds over this distance on June 30th. She returns quickly here and, in this company, should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) HAEUNDAE JEONSEOL and (5) CHOICE ROAD will need their respective latest starts overlooked but, in this field, can be competitive.

Selections(9) Hama (3) B. K. Hunter (7) Kelly Queen (8) Haeundae Jeonseol
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME comes up in class having notched his maiden win at start number two on June 18th when he was on pace throughout and crossed the line a cool ten-lengths to the good. He is up in distance as well but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again here. (7) VERLUC took a couple of goes to figure things out, but he too comes up in class following a 2nd place in May and then an all the way four-length score over 1300M on June 16th. He’ll be challenging Success Show Me for the early lead and he can be in this a long way. (2) NAMYANG BOLT beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place over 1300M on his first try at this class on June 18th. He holds a win at this trip and from a good gate can be a danger here. (10) WAITING FOR YOU and (1) MORNING MUSE among others in the hunt.

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SUCCESS MACHO TAKES OWNERS’ CUP GLORY

Success Macho finally delivered on his early promise and got a Stakes win on the board as he came through late to beat Yes Perfect by a head to win the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Success Macho (left) beats Yes Perfect in the Busan Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

In a race devoid of big-name headliners, Daehan Jilju was sent off as favourite, somewhat surprisingly at odds-on among the sixteen-strong field. He would attempt to lead from gate to wire but favourite, who has shown his best at shorter distances, was quickly beaten once they reached the home straight. Success Macho meanwhile was ridden patiently and wide by jockey You Hyun-myun, who was returning to action after a four-month injury absence and the pair stormed through late to beat fellow fast-finisher Yes Perfect, with Heunghaeng Jilju in 3rd.

“(Success Macho) doesn’t like kickback and over the 1600M there are two very long straights” winning jockey You Hyun-myung told KRBC.  “During the race, I wanted to go nearer to the fence, but I followed the trainer’s instructions to stay out of the kickback.”

Success Macho, a five-year-old gelding by Macho Uno, who was imported in-utero, made an electrifying start to his career, winning nine of his first ten starts with his only defeat in that period coming in this race in 2021. But while he ran 6th in last year’s Korea Cup, he suffered an injury that kept him off the track from last October to this June when he returned underwhelmingly, only beating two home over the same mile distance at class 1 level.

“His last race was his first back after a long break and while I didn’t have high expectations that day, he was even worse than I expected but he needed that” trainer Min Jang-gi told KRBC. “He is small, but he is robust, and he doesn’t want to give in. The jockey knows him very well and he knew what to do, and it all came off.”

That You Hyun-myung was returning to action following a shattered collarbone in a fall earlier this year. He had already been on the scoresheet on Friday winning race 1 on his first ride back. He had ridden Success Macho in eight of his nine previous wins.

“The horse wasn’t doing terrific during trackwork, but the owner had so much faith in him, so we are happy to win” You continued. And on his own situation: “To my fans, I am back now, and I pledge to do my best.”

Trainer Min was non-committal about Success Macho’s next assignment. “I am not really keen to run him in handicaps because after this his rating will go up so I will see if I can find some more suitable feature races.”

With defending champion. Winner’s Man seemingly joining Raon The Fighter on the absentee list for the Korea Cup, another trip to Seoul on international weekend could therefore be on the cards for Success Macho as while he is unlikely to trouble the Japanese visitors, he would have a real shot at some lucrative minor prize money.

Next weekend the Triple Tiara (filly Triple Crown) concludes with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) which, unusually for Korean Stakes races, will be run at Seoul on Saturday as part of the first weekend of twilight racing when the card will run from 2pm to 9pm.

Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) takes centre stage this Sunday when a full field of sixteen face off on the south coast. The big race is race 6 of seven on the card which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. At Seoul there is a 10-race card from 10:35 to 18:00.

Daehan Jilju is the probable favourite for the Busan Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies only with six of the eleven racing for the first time. The only one of the remaining five to have raced twice is the favourite and that’s (6) GEOLJAK ONE. She debuted in 4th place in a quick race on a wet track on May 28th and then followed it up with a 2nd place, going down very narrowly, on June 10th having raced close to the pace both times. It should be third-time lucky here. (1) PERFECT TIARA debuted in that June 10th race having shown little in trials but ran a good 3rd, coming from the middle of the pace. She has three-lengths to make up on Geoljak One but should have come on for the experience. (5) ECLIPSE BERRY debuted in the May 28th race and overcame the widest gate to run 6th. She too should be going closer this time. As for the first timers, (7) HAMPYEONG JANGMI and (10) SEIRENE were perhaps the best in trials.

Selections(6) Geoljak One (1) Perfect Tiara (5) Eclipse Berry (7) Hampyeong Jangmi
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(11) KING GO TAEYANG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on June 11th, albeit well beaten by the winner. He has the challenge of the wide gate here but the step up to 1300M can suit and he is the one to beat. (1) MENI SHARK showed signs of figuring things out when stepped up to this distance on June 11th and running a best to fate 4th. Her time that day was quicker than any of the others who have tackled this distance have managed and from a good gate, she can go closer today. (6) GOLDEN SNIPER also comes in off a best to date finish when 2nd on June 4th at this trip. He can sit behind the early speed here and can be in the finish. (4) BRAVO HANSEN and (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL among others who can dispute the minors.

Selections(11) King Go Taeyang (1) Meni Shark (6) Golden Sniper (4) Bravo Hansen
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

(1) RAON THE AGAIN will be one of the banker favourites of the day. After a quick trial, she ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 2nd having settled back and run on strongly to only go down narrowly. She draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (6) KALJABI is the obvious second pick. After running 4th on debut, he led for much of the way around second-up on May 28th, again over 1200M, ultimately coming home in 2nd. He should lead again here and can hold off the favourite for a long time. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but the final place is up for grabs. (8) CHEONGMAUI JILJU ran an improved 4th last time out at 1200M and can maintain her positive momentum again here. (3) ILCHUL GOLD and (2) UNMATCHED are others who can compete.

Selections(1) Raon The Again (6) Kaljabi (8) Cheongmaui Jilju (3) Ilchul Gold
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(3) LONDON MYEONGGA had seemingly lost his way a little but came back into form with a strong 3rd over this class and distance on June 4th when on pace throughout. He draws well here to be on or close to the pace again and has every chance. (5) GLORY K remains winless but enters with recent form reading well with two 3rd place finishes from her latest three, most recently when leading most of the way around over 1400M on June 10th. She is under a very light weight, she draws well to lead again, and it would be no surprise if she made the breakthrough here. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG comes up in class after three consecutive 3rd place finishes, the most recent two over this distance. His times have been competitive enough and he comes down significantly in the weights. (7) LEGEND K and (9) KKANGDORI others to consider.

Selections(3) London Myeongga (5) Glory K (4) Challanhan Pokpung (7) Legend K
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (11) ACE A MOCA has improved across three starts so far, most recently an on-pace 3rd over this distance on June 16th. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the widest gate here but she as good a chance as any. (9) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL comes in off a much-improved 3rd on May 19th when settling handy and running on. In this company she can be on the pace and while in the absence of an apprentice claim she comes up in weight, Choi Si-dae climbs aboard and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) HERO J has only raced twice and was an improved 3rd in the second of them when she came from well off the pace. She draws better today and comes into contention. (5) YONG GUN and (8) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ace A Moca (9) Yongsan Keunbyeul (4) Hero J (5) Yong Gun
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

(8) SUNGAN TOUCH had a slightly disappointing day at the office when well supported over 1300M on June 3rd but finishing 6th of ten. He was going very well at this distance prior to that though with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class, and he will be a warm favourite to score here. (2) FIRST USER remains a maiden but comes up in class after two runner-up finishes at class 6. She likes to run on pace so she is drawn very nicely and the 2kg drop in carried weight can help her be competitive here. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE comes in having run 3rd at a big price at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but running on really well. She will warrant more respect this time around. (7) LONDON QUEEN and the up in class (5) SEOUL SPURT among others to consider.

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

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

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (3) TRAUM KING. The To Honor And Serve colt led every step of the way in his trial on June 2nd, crossing the line four-lengths clear of anything else in a decent time. From a good draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (4) JANGGUN GARAM is one of the two who have already races. He came home 7th of eleven in a quick race on a very wet track. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer today. That applies too to (11) MULLEBANGA who ran fairly on his debut and with some natural improvement, can be in the placing hunt. Returning to the first-time starters, (2) RAON THE MAN led his trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. It wasn’t quick but he showed enough to suggest he can go well first-up. (10) ILINX was a trial winner and while done no favours by the draw, can’t be ruled out either.

Selections(3) Traum King (4) Janggun Garam (11) Mullebanga (2) Raon The Man
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / 75 Million

Eleven young imports with ten of the eleven racing for the first time. The one who we have seen before, (9) SPURT BIT, was impressive. Having won a May trial, he debuted on June 10th and sat on the heels of the leader before taking things up in the straight and running on to win by four-lengths. He won’t need to improve much on that to win again. (8) KLIMT WORLD trialled up in that same May heat behind Spurt Bit and he came home just half a length in arrears. It’s taken him a while to get to the races, but based on that trial, he can be a danger first-up. (11) GOOD HAPPY went through two trials, first to qualify in which he was slow away and underwhelming, and then a voluntary trial (which may not appear in all race cards) two weeks later at the end of May. He was a big improver in that one and can be considered here. It’s a similar story with (2) SINUI EREUM, whose official qualifying trial in April didn’t catch the eye but he has subsequently been through two more (again, these may not be on all race cards so do be aware) and improved in both, from wide gates. He draws nicely here and should go well. (10) NANO MASIN won his solitary heat and that’s enough to put him in the frame.

Selections(9) Spurt Bit (8) Klimt World (11) Good Happy (2) Sinui Ereum
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Standard maiden here. (5) BANFF probably warrants favourite status with a 3rd, a 2nd and a 5th from his three starts so far, all at this distance and all in fair times. In this company he should be on or close to the pace, and he can win here. (3) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI raced three times last summer and autumn, improving each time with a 3rd the best of them over this distance. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up on June 23rd and from a good draw should be on the speed and in this a long way. (9) TIZ ROCKET has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 4th last time out on what was admittedly a very fat track. He can aim to match or better that 4th here. (8) MOON DUST and (1) TESTA BLUE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Banff (3) Baekdu Meotjaengi (9) Tiz Rocket (8) Moon Dust
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

It’s hard to go too far past (10) GEOSEN CHAMP here. He’s been knocking at the door across his six starts so far and comes in off his best finish so far when 2nd over 1200M on June 18th when he overcame the same gate, he has today to race handy. Like all but two of these, he comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (8) SATURDAY finished off pleasingly enough over 1300M last timeout for a best to date finish of 5th. He is another who may appreciate the slight step up in trip today and can go closer. (3) PURPLE SHINHWA has three 5th place finishes from three starts so far, all over 1200M. He has been a touch one-paced but in this company and from this gate he should be on the lead early and “one-pace” could be enough pace to at least place here. (4) BEST PLAN and (5) RED TAEPUNG the best of an ordinary rest.

Selections(10) Geosen Champ (8) Saturday (3) Purple Shinhwa (4) Best Plan
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

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

(2) MORNING PEARL remains a maiden but has no fewer than four placings at this class, most recently when 2nd over 1300M back in February. She hasn’t raced since then but she looked well in a trial just last week when she wasn’t asked to do too much and while she will evidently need this, she has a chance and should be available at an each-way price. (8) DALGEUM is also a maiden, in her case after eight attempts. She comes in off a very narrow defeat at this class and distance on May 27th and shouldn’t be far away again. (9) BEST JEONSA and (3) STAND BY ME came home 4th and 7th respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on June 10th, the latter performing below expectations but had been going well previously. Both should be aiming to improve here. (1) SMART BLUE comes in off a class and distance 3rd and is another in the hunt in a small but competitive field.

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 7-race program from 12:30 to 18:00. Jockey You Hyun-myung is back following a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury while Lim Sung-sil has transitioned from the weighing room to the trainer’s room and he sends out his first runner in the concluding race. Here are the previews:

Jockey You Hyun-myung is back in action (Pic: KRA)

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener. (2) SINCHEON FIRST made all to win his trial on June 10th stopping the clock in a fair time on a dry track. That’s enough to make him favourite here from a good gate. (11) CORNER ONE was 2nd in that same June 10th trial, just half a length in arrears having settled just behind the pace. He is done fewer favours by the draw, but a repeat of that effort should put him in the frame. (3) SKY JILJU is another trial winner, coming from midfield to cross the line in front back in May and he shapes as the clear third favourite here. Another heat-winner is (6) NUMBERONEPICK who was a little slowly away on June 3rd but then went quickly to the lead and ran on. He may not be the number one pick, but he can put in a bold showing first up. (8) PERFECT ACTION among others who could go well.

Selections(2) Sincheon First (11) Corner One (3) Sky Jilju (6) Numberonepick
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

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

(5) DOCTOR KINGDOM will be a warm favourite here having run 2nd on debut on May 26th when settling behind the speed and running on over 1000M. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he may take some beating. (3) LEMON BULPAE offered little in two appearances in December and February. After a spell he returned to trial on June 17th and blitzed his heat crossing the line six-lengths to the good in a quick time. He will be expected to be close here. (9) UNJU GLOBAL has mixed her form so far, but she does have a 2nd and a 4th to her name at this distance as well as the fastest time among these and she looks promising at a probable each-way price. (10) BORIS MARINE and (1) FIRST MENI others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Doctor Kingdom (3) Lemon Bulpae (9) Unju Global (10) Boris Marine
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (4) HAENGBOKHAN GIL enters with his recent form reading well with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip when he has been ridden much further forward than in previous starts. He draws well to do similar today and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, he comes down in he weights. Today can be his day. (1) POWER RIDE didn’t do much in three starts across the turn of the year but after almost four months off, he returned to action with a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 9th when on pace throughout. He should have derived benefit from that run and can be a danger here. (2) SOLEDAD comes in off a best finish of 2nd over this distance on June 2nd and from a much better draw can go close again. (10) RUN TO KING and (6) WONDERFUL IMPACT are the other placing contenders.

Selections(4) Haengbokhan Gil (1) Power Ride (2) Soledad (10) Run To King
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(7) HONOR LORD got his maiden win over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before leading on his first try at this class on June 16th over 1400M, ultimately being passed in the closing stages and finishing 3rd. He only comes up slightly in the weights but the drop back in trip can be in his favour and he can lead all the way this time. (11) BABEL HEART ran 4th in that that June 16th race, her best finish at this level. She has more than two lengths to make up on Honor Lord but comes in nicely weighted and she has a good finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (3) FIRST STAR is very experienced, and this is the kind of race where she can pick up some prize money, as she did when 2nd over 1200M last time out coming from off the pace. (8) PILGRIM and (1) SANGSANGGEUISANG others in the hunt.

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Jockey Kim Gui-bae Retires After 44-Year Career

Kim Gui-bae, one of very few jockeys around the world to have ridden winners in six different decades, has retired. The veteran rider reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 last December and accordingly was unable to extend when his license expired at the end of June.

Kim Gui-bae at his retirement ceremony (Pic: KRA)

“I always said I would go on until 60.” Kim said at his retirement ceremony at Seoul Racecourse last week. “I could do 65 or 70 were it not for the limit.”

Kim Gui-bae debuted as a sixteen-year-old in April 1979 at the old Ttukseom Racecourse. It was at that track where he enjoyed the most successful part of his career, especially when guiding Pogyeongseon to win the Grand Prix Stakes in 1986 – “he was so easy to ride” Kim recalled. That would be the only Graded winner of Kim’s 44-year career. He assumed the mantle of oldest jockey in Korea more than twenty years ago.

Kim’s overall figures reflect the era in which he qualified. Up until the 2000s, jockeys were restricted to a small number of race rides each week (as few as five), and while that system changed, Kim did not, riding sparingly but doing plenty of trackwork. Over the 44-years he rode 328 winners from 4568 rides. His final winner came on June 4th on four-year-old filly Complete Time in a class 3 handicap. HIs final ride was 4th place on Star Princess in a class 5 handicap on June 25th.

“I’ve worked hard to keep up with the younger riders and they are always very considerate to towards me. I started out 44 years ago knowing nothing but I have picked up a few things along the way and have grown to love being a jockey. I will stay around horses.” Kim said. As for the question as to if he could go back to 1979 and do it all over again, would he? Kim thought for a while, smiled, and said “No.”

Kim Gui-bae presented with a bouquet from punters after his last ride on June 25th (Pic: KRA)

TUHONUI BANSEOK DOWNS WINNER’S MAN A SECOND TIME

Tuhonui Banseok got back up from off the canvas to deliver a second knockout on Winner’s Man as the YTN Cup winner followed up in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.  

Tuhonui Banseok and Jung Do-yun (Pic: KRA)

Following Raon The Fighter’s injury earlier in the week, the Mayor’s Cup was expected to be a match-race between Tuhonui Banseok and Winner’s Man. Despite Tuhonui Banseok’s eleven-length demolition job on him in May, local punters sided marginally with Winner’s Man, sending him off as the 1.8 favourite with Tuhonui Banseok at 2.1.

Under jockey Jung Do-yun, standing in for the suspended Park Jae-I, Tuhonui Banseok got a great start from the inside gate and was quickly into the lead. Winner’s Man meanwhile was on the end of a slight bump exiting the gate but was quickly up on the pace with Seo Seung-un aboard and the two rivals quickly set about living up to match-race expectations.

Tuhonui Banseok led into the straight but unlike in Seoul in May, this time he didn’t pull away. Instead, Winner’s Man nosed into the lead with two furlongs remaining and by the time they reached the furlong pole, had put a length and a half between them. Tuhonui Banseok didn’t give up though and with Winner’s Man wavering a little in the last one-hundred metres, Jund was able to launch a counterattack up the inside and Tuhonui Banseok recaptured the lead at exactly the right time.

The winning margin was half a length while Simjangui Godong got surprisingly close in 3rd, less than two-lengths behind Winner’s Man.

Jockey Jung Do-yun, speaking to KBS N Sports, paid tribute to his mount’s resilience. “The start was good, I wanted to sit in front, but Winner’s Man was better than I expected. But Tuhonui Banseok was persistent and while we were struggling in the home straight, he didn’t give up.”

“It was such an exciting race, I always wish to do better, and I want to give my special thanks to jockey Park Jae-I, who has helped me a lot.”

It was a second Group win for jockey Jung following his victory on Touch Star Man in the 2020 KRA Cup Mile. For trainer Bart Rice it was also a second Group win following Tuhonui Banseok’s YTN win.

“The strategy was for the jockey to dictate the pace at the front. We knew that Winner’s Man was the danger and he hit the front in the home straight, but we were able to beat him in the end.” Rice told KBS Sports. “It was the first time (Jung Do-yun) had ridden the horse but he’s a very talented jockey and he rode a fantastic race.”

“I have to say thank you to the owner and their loyal support to our stable and also thank you to my staff. They do a good job.”

Quizzed by KBS on his own situation, Rice was unequivocal. “I have settled down in Korea now, it’s my second home – or even my first home now. I can’t complain about anything, it’s nice to work here and it’s nice to train horses here.”

Tuhonui Banseok is a five-year-old American bred entire by Verrazano and out of the Street Sense mare Sense Of Beauty. He was a $13,000 purchase at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He and Winner’s Man are expected to renew hostilities in the 1.6 Billion Won international Korea Cup at Seoul on September 10th.

Meanwhile Raon The Fighter’s injury was confirmed as a sesamoid fracture. The five-year-old will undergo surgery this week and then faces a minimum ten-month recovery and rehabilitation period.