Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 19)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) GOLDEN STELLA was an on-pace 2nd on debut in a good time over this distance. She was well beaten by a good winner but should have come on for the experience and from a good draw, she should be on pace again and this time can go one better. (10) MASARANGGIL recorded a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts at the beginning of the year, coming from off the pace both times. She hasn’t races since that 3rd back in February, but she looked well in a trial last week and so long as she didn’t leave her race there, she can be a danger late on. First time starter (8) TREE MORE won a trial last summer but didn’t make it to the races. He has since been gelded and requalified in fine fashion when 2nd in a quick trial in April. If he brings that form to race day, he can put in a bold showing first up. (2) UNJU BONNEUNG and (7) KING ANYDAY others in the placing hunt.

Selection(5) Golden Stella (10) Masaranggil (8) Tree More (2) Unju Bonneung
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(9) GEUMA STARRY raced twice last autumn, finishing 2nd and 5th, both over this distance. She returns for the first time since November and looked good when 4th of nine in a quick trial at the end of last month. She draws a touch wide but if she can get to the lead, she may take some passing. (11) GOLDEN CAMP comes in off a best to date 2nd place when settling midfield and running on over this distance on April 28th. She remains under a light weight and should be close again. (7) BARBELL QUEEN beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th over this distance on April 23rd. She won’t need to run any better to get closer in this company. (3) JUST BE HAPPY raced once without distinction at the end of last year but looked better when trialling up again in April. She led her trial and from a good gate can lead here. (8) TURBO YEOGEOL another potential improver.

Selection(9) Geuma Starry (11) Golden Camp (7) Barbell Queen (3) Just Be Happy
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

Competitive maiden with plenty looking ready to win. (8) GASOK JEIL looks close to figuring things out and comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over this distance on April 16th. He was ridden further forward that in his previous starts and with similar tactics today, he can win. (3) WONDERFUL IMPACT was 3rd in that April 16th race, finishing in that position for the second consecutive time. From a good gate, she can sit handy and run on strongly. (5) HAENGBOKHAN GIL has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 4th two starts back. That was his best finish to date but in this company, he should be aiming to match or better it. (2) USEUNGMUPAE and (10) SOLEDAD are others in at least the placing frame.

Selection(8) Gasok Jeil (3) Wonderful Impact (5) Haengbokhan Gil (2) Useungmupae
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2. 9. 6. 10

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

(5) PURPLE LINE made all to get his maiden win by a full ten-lengths over this distance at start number four on April 16th. He comes up in class today, but the manner of that win suggests that there is more to come, and he is the one to beat here. (4) NAMHAE MISO took just two goes to get her maiden win, scoring over 1300M on April 16th. Her times haven’t been quick but the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be measuring up at this level. (3) WONDERFUL OCEAN is yet to win in eleven attempts but has proven competitive at this level with two 3rd places. She likes to sit handy and run on and she has a strong finish on her. (9) PATRIOT and (8) ZET CASH are others who can enter the calculations.

Selection(5) Purple Line (4) Namhae Miso (3) Wonderful Ocean (9) Patriot
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

(4) JANGSAN DEFI had an undistinguished juvenile campaign but returned from six months off to win over 1200M on April 21st. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but should strip fitter for the run, and can measure up. (1) JEOLDAE BOSS is yet to win but has several near-misses with five top-four finishes from seven starts. He has run consistent times and from the plum inside gate, he should be on or close to the pace and can be in this a long way. (9) HELLO SUNSHINE got his maiden win on April 9th when making all over 1200M. He comes up in both class and slightly in distance here but shouldn’t be out of his depth among this field. (8) MILK DAY and (10) RUBY STORM are among others in the frame in what shapes as one of the most competitive races of the day.

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SBS Sports Sprint, Ttukseom Cup & Exchange Race Sunday – Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (May 14)

It’s Ttukseom Cup and SBS Sports Sprint day at Seoul on Sunday. See here for full preview of the two races. There are also six reciprocal Trophy Exchange races. Busan hosts Trophies for OSAF (South America), the Jockey Club of Turkey and the Selangor Turf Club. At Seoul there are Trophies in honour of the Royal Western India Turf Club, the China Horse Industry Association and Tokyo City Keiba. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the Previews:

Raon First and Choi Bum-hyun will aim to defend the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive maiden to open with. (10) DAEHEUNG CLASS enters in off his two best performances so far, a 2nd and a 3rd both over this distance when settling back and running on. His style is such that he doesn’t need to lead so the wide draw isn’t a problem and he should be finishing off well. (2) ARGO MUJEOK also comes in following his best performance to date, when 2nd at 1200M on April 16th when handy throughout. He steps up to this distance for the first time and from a good draw, it may well suit. (1) MIGHTY ANN returned from almost six months out to run 3rd over 1200M on April 8th. She should strip fitter for that run and can match or better it here. (9) WONPYEONG SKY and (11) LAST PITCH are among plenty of others with minor money hopes.

Selections(10) Daeheung Class (2) Argo Mujeok (1) Mighty Ann (9) Wonpyeong Sky
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens and not an especially strong race. Despite the wide draw, we’ll side with (11) HAENGUN BARAM, who after a return to trial after an inauspicious February debut, was much better on April 8h when running 2nd at this distance and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She settled midfield and finished well and while the time wasn’t quick, it was faster than any of the others here have managed. (3) NAOL DAEWANG likewise wasn’t exactly a speedster when 3rd on debut over this distance on April 9th. He was slowly away but finished well and with some natural improvement, can be in this. (10) DAMJAENGI ARGO was 4th behind Haeungun Baram on April 8th, her second 4th place in a row. She draws wide but with a bit of luck can get a forward or handy position which will put her in the hunt. (5) MILLION PARTY and (2) HEART K are others to consider.

Selections(11) Haengun Baram (3) Naol Daewang (10) Damjaengi Argo (5) Million Party
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

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

Another maiden and (7) LEGEND SOCKS will be favourite. Since returning from eleven months off, he has two 3rd places and a 2nd from three starts back, all at this class and distance and each time racing handy. He’ll be close to the speed again and this time should be going one better. (5) GRAND POWER remains a maiden after fifteen attempts but has four runner-up finishes, including at this class over 1400M two starts back. The drop back in trip may suit here and he should be on pace and in this a long way. (8) MAGLE DAY got his maiden win three starts back at 1300M and has since finished 5th in two tries at this class. He too comes back slightly in trip and should be a factor. (11) FINAL JILJU comes up in class after a maiden win at this distance on April 15th. The time was good, and he can measure up in this company. (3) LEGEND K was never a factor in his latest but has won at the distance and can be given another chance.

Selections(7) Legend Socks (5) Grand Power (8) Magle Day (11) Final Jilju
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

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

(7) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT shapes as a warm favourite here. That’s based on her latest outing which was also her best when 3rd over 1200M on April 23rd. She has raced at this distance before too, posting a time quicker than any of the others have achieved and she won’t need to improve very much to win here. (1) DIA SPIRIT has left himself far too much to do in his races so far but rattled home well for 3rd over 1200M on April 7th. He gets his best draw since his debut; an apprentice keeps the weight down and the extra half furlong can work in his favour. (10) ECTON POWER is yet to finish in the top two in twenty-eight starts. He has though picked up plenty of minor checks including a 4th place last time out when finishing well at 1200M. He should be matching or bettering that here. (6) KELLY QUEEN and (3) RUNNING FASHION others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Gijeogui Geumbit (1) Dia Spirit (10) Ecton Power (6) Kelly Queen
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight A / Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million

The first of a lot of trophy races today, this one equivalent to class 3. It’s a tricky puzzle. (7) WOLF PLAY has won two of his latest three with defeat sandwiched between those wins being in the Sports Seoul Classic Trial. His latest was at this distance at class 4 level in a quick time on April 15th and while this is undoubtedly harder, he comes down in the weights and can measure up. (5) YELLOW CAT has eight top-three finishes from ten starts. Most recently she was 2nd over 1400M at class 3 level coming from off the pace but she has won at this distance and from a good draw should be very dangerous. (1) TAP QUALITY carries his fair share of weight here but he is a front runner who is coming back in trip and into a very good gate.  Ultra-consistent, he won’t be far away. (8) FARCIARZ and (3) SAENAE QUEEN among plenty of others who enter in good form and who can have a say.

Selections(7) Wolf Play (5) Yellow Cat (1) Tap Quality (8) Farciarz
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(8) TOP FRIEND beat four of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on April 7th when overcoming the widest gate to settle back in the field and then finish strongly. He carries the same weight today but comes into a slightly better barrier, and after three runner-up finishes, he can make the breakthrough at start number eight. (9) HWANGWOO MONEY was 3rd in that race, a length-and-a-half behind Top Friend having led for much of the way. His draw isn’t as good today, but he still looks to be the main danger. (4) ETTEUMI was 5th that day having been slowly away from a wide draw and finding it hard to get a good position. His draw is better today, and he should get closer. (10) WONDERFUL BOBCAT and (2) NOBLE COWBOY are other possibles.

Selections(8) Top Friend (9) Hwangwoo Money (4) Etteumi (10) Wonderful Bobcat
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1600M) Special Weight A / China Horse Industry Association Trophy / KRW 150 Million

This Trophy race is at class 2 level and has attracted the maximum safe field size of ten for the mile start. (6) SPOT FLATTER ran out a very good winner over this distance at class 2 on March 19th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. That was his first start back following an eight-month absence and he was at a big price. He will be much shorter today but can win again. (2) BEST LUCKY was 3rd in that race having settled midfield and run on. Like Spot Flatter, the set weight scale does him no favours, but he won under 56kg at class 3 level over this distance two starts back and from a nice draw can go close. (4) RAON BEAT came home 4th in that March 19th race having been slow away and settling right back. He has the fastest time in the field for the distance. The ultra consistent (9) YONGAM BOSS, as well as (7) ACE HAMSEONG are among those who didn’t go in the March 19th race who can enter the calculations.

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RAON THE FIGHTER HEADLINES DOUBLE-STAKES SUNDAY AT SEOUL

There’s a double helping of Group race action at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday as both the Sprint Series and Queens’ Tour hold their second legs.

Raon The Fighter won the Busan Ilbo Sprint (Pic: KRA)

Eight of the eleven-strong field for the SBS Sports Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) ran in the first leg of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint on April 2nd, among them all top-six of that day’s finishers. That of course includes RAON THE FIGHTER, last year’s Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes runner-up, who has dropped back to the sprinting ranks this term and crushed the field in Busan last month, winning by five-lengths. The five-year-old Bayern entire will be a short-priced favourite to prevail again.

Korea Sprint winner EOMA EOMA was the disappointment in Busan. Sent off at only marginally longer odds than Raon The Fighter, he was handy in the early stages but didn’t respond in the home straight and finished in 6th place, nine-lengths behind the winner. With Moon Se-young suspended, Yoo Seung-wan climbed aboard and the winner of this race two years ago will once more be sent off as second favourite.

Eoma Eoma is not the only previous winner in the field. In fact, MORFHIS has won this race twice, in 2020 and in 2022 both times, as is his style, coming from off the pace to rattle home strongly. Johan Victoire, who rode him to both those victories is aboard again and while he hasn’t raced since running 3rd behind Eoma Eoma and Jangsan Laser in February, Morfhis can never be ruled out in the SBS.

Eoma Eoma (Pic: KRA)

BEOLMAUI STAR was 2nd in the Busan Ilbo, leading for most of the way before being powerless to repel Raon The Fighter in the final furlong and a half. He will be supported on a place line again while SSONSAL and YES PERFECT, 3rd and 4th last month are others from Busan who have travelled to the capital with solid placing chances.

Just over an hour earlier, fourteen of the top fillies and mares in the country will go in the second leg of the Spring and Summer portion of the Queens’ Tour, the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2). The first leg, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M on April 9th was won by EODIGANA, giving jockey Lee Dong-ha his first big race win. Unfortunately for the young rider, a broken collarbone suffered the following week means he doesn’t get the opportunity to keep the ride and Antonio Da Silva climbs aboard for the first time.

Raon The Spurt and Choi Bum-hyun have time to celebrate (Pic: KRA)

Eodigana warrants respect but she won’t be the favourite. That status will probably belong to RAON THE SPURT. She skipped the Donga Ilbo in order to take her chance against Winner’s Man in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) on April 16th, running a creditable 4th. She was a very quick winner at this distance in March and while the draw is a touch wide, she may take some beating here. Lim Gi-won, who also rides Raon The Fighter, has a big chance of big double.

The main danger to Raon The Spurt may be her own stablemate. (11) RAON FIRST began the year as the undisputed top filly or mare on the country having won the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) against the boys last November and while ratings-wise that is still true, she showed that she isn’t invincible in the Filly and Mare only ranks when running 2nd to Eodigana in the Donga Ilbo Trophy. She won this race last year though and a repeat would be no surprise.

FLAT BABE ran disappointingly in the Donga Ilbo but was a strong winner at class 1 level over 1800M in February when she beat Winner’s Man in the latter’s tune-up for the Herald Business. While further distances may be her forte, she’ll be in with a chance here. Perhaps the most intriguing entrant is three-year-old CARPE BABEL. Thomas Gillespie’s Carpe Diem filly has raced just five times, winning her latest two and from a great draw, she also gets a weight allowance.

The Ttukseom Cup is race 8 on Sunday with a local post time of16:10. The SBS Sports Sprint is race 10 with a start time of 17:30.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 14)

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

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

Three-year-old maidens with two colts and nine fillies and five of them racing for the first time. One of these first timers will be the favourite. (5) LOVE COWGIRL (who for the benefit of those smirking in the back, is by Cowboy Cal and out of Love Minister) fairly bolted up in her trial, leading all the way and crossing the lengths fifteen-lengths clear of the rest. That was back in February, and it is fair to say that those she beat have not exactly caught the eye since, but the time speaks for itself and while it has been two and a half months, she will be eagerly anticipated here. Of the experienced ones, (9) GOLDEN FLYING is the only one to have placed. That was on her improved latest start when 3rd over this distance back in January. She’s been off fifteen weeks but should aim to match or better that in this company. (10) BARO CHAMPION looks to be close to figuring things out too with a 5th and a 4th from her latest two. She too won’t need to improve much to go close. (3) KING GO TAEYANG and (1) MUNHAK EAGLE are other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Love Cowgirl (9) Golden Flying (10) Baro Champion (3) King Go Taeyang
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

A regular maiden here. (4) HIGH BORN ME shapes as the one to beat following back-to-back 3rd place finishes from his latest two starts at 1300M and this trip. From a kind draw, he can sit just behind the speed and may prove too strong. (11) JANGHEUNG CLASS has shown improvement in his latest two, including a 2nd place over this distance last time out on April 23rd. He raced handy that day and while he does have the challenge of the widest gate, with a bit of luck at the start, he can go close. (5) JEONGSANG LUCKY came back to this trip and back into some kind of form on April 16th when close to the pace all the way for 3rd place. Kim Hye-sun, in town for Sunday’s group races, takes the mount and she should be a danger. (2) MY ONE and (7) BEST PLAN, the latter with the fastest time of any at the distance, are others to keep safe.

Selections(4) High Born Me (11) Jangheung Class (5) Jeongsang Lucky (2) My One
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Back to three-year-old maidens, with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) CHEONJI SKY improved at start number two on March 11th when 3rd over this distance when settling midfield and running on. In this company and from this gate, he can be on pace here and has as good a chance as any. (2) PURPLE SHINHWA ran fairly for 5th on debut at this distance on April 9th when racing on the speed. He should have some natural improvement for that run and from a very nice draw, could get a soft lead. He’ll be in this a long way. (3) SHARP SUNSHINE has shown some progress in her latest two most recently when 4th of eleven on April 16th. In the process she set a time for the 1200M quicker than any of the others here have achieved and that alone puts her in the frame. (7) GEUMSEONG REVERE and (10) CUPID CHIC, who came home 3rd and 4th when racing one another last time out on April 1st, are others who can enter the calculations. 

Selections(4) Cheonji Sky (2) Purple Shinhwa (3) Sharp Sunshine (7) Geumseong Revere
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(11) FLY DAY will be a hot favourite. He enters off his best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on April 15th, having settled back and run on. That was his fourth start and his second in the places so any top-three finish will see him up at class 5 next time. He has the fastest final furlong average time but with there not being much early speed in this race, we may see him close to the pace than usual and he should prove too strong.  (6) CUPID CHAMP also has two top-three finishes and while he has seemingly lost his way in his most recent two, again in this company he can be ridden on pace and may see his fortunes take a turn for the better. (3) FEDERAL PRESS has hinted at ability across four starts so far with a best of 5th. He has finished off his races well enough so the slight raise in trip can suit. (1) DIVINE PYEONGHWA and (9) GWANGCHIGI other potential minor money hopes in afield with not much depth.

Selections(11) Fly Day (6) Cupid Champ (3) Federal Press (1) Divine Pyeonghwa
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

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

Competitive race featuring four last start winners. We’ll side with the up in class (7) HAEUNDAE GALMAEGI who got her maiden win at start number three over 1200M on April 16th leading every step of the way. She had previously run well at 1300M so the rise in trip may not be an issue, and she can make it two in a row. (1) DAERYUN SIDAE also comes up in class, in her case following her maiden score at start number six.  On April 15th when leading all the way. She comes up in trip but into a nice gate and is down in the weights. On the same day, (10) BEST JEONSA finally made his breakthrough at start fourteen. Unlike the other last start winners, it was at this class and distance and while he comes up 3.5kg in the weights, a repeat can’t be ruled out. (4) STAND BY ME, up in class and slightly in trip, is next best along with (9) BULUI NALGAE.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 12)

The weekend’s racing gets underway in Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. After a couple of fair showings as a juvenile, (9) HONOR LORD has his season curtailed by injury and finally returned, gelded, in March. He ran well on his return for 3rd place over this distance on March 19th and should have come on for that run/ In this field, he should be on pace and can win. (8) RUN TO KING beat a couple of these when coming from off the pace to be 4th over this trip on April 14th. He doesn’t have an apprentice claim today but should be in the mix. First-time starter (7) LADY VADER looked good when winning a trial three weeks ago. This is a nice race to debut in and if she can get a good start, she should be in this a long way. (3) EVERY KING IJI and (4) PIMI others to consider.

Selections(9) Honor Lord (8) Run To King (7) Lady Vader (3) Every King Iji
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. We’re going to need to give (4) MIRACLE ONE a pass on her last start showing over 1300M when from a wide gate, she was never a factor and finished well back. Her prior form at this distance was good though and she draws a much better gate to get to the lead and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, she can be given another chance. (3) B.K. NUMA has been unspectacular but consistent across her seven starts so far. She has a strong finish on her and can sit behind the speed and run on here. (5) QUEEN ROMANCE has shown improvement in her latest couple, most recently when 2nd over this distance on April 14th. She’ll be on pace and can go well again. (7) WONDERFUL SMARTY and (8) MORO other minor money hopes.

Selections(4) Miracle One (3) B.K. Numa (5) Queen Romance (7) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

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

(5) SEOGWI FLASH will be favourite here. She comes in off a strong 3rd place over this distance on March 24th when she went back and ran on strongly. She stopped the clock in a time faster than any of these have managed for the 1300M and while she can leave herself a bit too much to do, she should be too quick here. (6) PURPLE STAR will be second favourite. She enters off a runner-up finish at this distance on March 24th when handy throughout. She should be on the speed here and can be a big danger. Dead-heating for 3rd place in that March 24th race were (7) KICK’N RUSH and (8) FLYING AARON and while the pair of them have a length-and-a-half to find on Purple Star, both can go close again. (4) I’M KING IJI is another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Seogwi Flash (6) Purple Star (7) Kick’N Rush (8) Flying Aaron
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

(11) STAR FURY has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far and enters off a solid 2nd place at class and distance on April 23rd. He was the beaten favourite that day and he does have the challenge of the widest gate, but he doesn’t need to lead and if he can find a handy position, he can win. (3) NICE DAY ran out a winner at class and distance on April 9th when on pace throughout. An apprentice claim means he stays under a light weight and from a good draw, he can be at the front again and a repeat isn’t impossible. (5) SPECIAL HERO has been working back into form with a 4th and two 3rd placed finishes from her latest three. She is nicely in here and can maintain that run, probably sitting behind the speed, and running on. (8) FANTASTIC WOMAN was an unexpected winner at this distance on April 7th and while she comes up in class, she warrants respect. (4) MULTI HIT another to keep safe.

Selections(11) Star Fury (3) Nice Day (5) Special Hero (8) Fantastic Woman
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

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Tiz Barows Is The Chosun One

Tiz Barows unleashed a burst of acceleration that none of his twelve rivals could match as he fully justified his odds-on status to run away with the Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Tiz Barows won the Sports Chosun with plenty to spare (Pic: KRA)

Having finished 4th in last year’s Korean Derby and entering off two strong wins from his last three outings, Tiz Barows was sent off at odds of 1.5 locally for the Sports Chosun, which was restricted to horses rated 80 or less, and under in-form jockey Antonio Da Silva, the four-year-old obliged in style.

Jeongmun Bolt set the early pace, but Tiz Barows was always handy and once Da Silva squeezed the accelerator in the home straight, the response was instant and devastating as the pair quickly left the field in their wake to win by a full four-lengths. Queens Tour, the only filly or mare in the race and the only runner to have won at the ten-furlong distance before, closed strongly for 2nd, half a length ahead of Choego Black in 3rd.

(Pic: KRA)

For Tiz Barows, who is by Tizway and is out of the Jambalya Jazz mare Kaylan’s Rose, it was a fifth win on his eleventh start and his third from his last four. Trained by Seo In-seok he is owned by Japanese owner Inokuma Hirotsugu, whose colours were famously sported to victory by Roger Barows in the Tokyo Yushun – Japanese Derby – in 2019. While Tiz Barows hadn’t quite reached his peak when he had his own Derby shot, he looks class 1 bound at the very least.

Antonio Da Silva speaks to in-house broadcaster KRBC after the Sports Chosun (Pic: KRA)

While all but one of Seoul’s Saturday races were lost to a flooded track, on Friday at Busan, in similarly wet conditions, a former double Classic winner did make a somewhat unexpected return to form. Hit Yegam beat Winner’s Man in both the KRA Cup Mile and the Minister’s Cup in 2021 and ran second to the future Korea Cup winner in the Korean Derby.

Since winning that Classic, which was held in December of 2021 due to pandemic restrictions earlier in that year, Hit Yegam had drawn a blank in nine consecutive outings and had finished no better than 10th in any of his latest four. With Friday’s track conditions heavily favouring front-runners though, jockey Choi Eun-gyeong took full advantage of Hit Yegam’s inside draw and early gate speed and he led from gate to wire in the class 1 1200M handicap, holding off the closing pre-race favourite Daemangui Gil by half a length to record his tenth win from twenty-one starts.

Next Sunday there is a double helping of Stakes race action at Seoul.  Raon The Fighter and Eoma Eoma renew their rivalry in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Sprint series, while stablemates Raon First and Raon The Spurt headline the second leg of the Queens’ Tour, the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2).

Sports Chosun Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 7)

Sunday sees racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00), and at Busan (6 races from 11:50 to 16:35). It is a rare Sunday without any Graded races but there is a Trophy race at Seoul in the shape of the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. Saturday’s rain should have long since stopped but the track will still be very wet. Here are the previews:

Tiz Barows could be the one to beat in the Sports Chosun (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens. (6) BEST CLONE will be favoured having shown promise across five prior starts culminating in a runner-up finish on April 9th when on pace throughout over this distance. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will take some beating at what will probably be a prohibitively short price.  (8) SEUNGNI GONGJU ran 4th behind Best Clone in that April 9th race. That was a big improvement from her debut and if she continues to make progress, she can get closer today. (7) GLORY AND HONOR hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has got a little closer in her latest two, with a 3rd place last time out. She should be joining Best Clone at the head of the race early and can match or better that 3rd here. (3) HAYAN TAEYANG and (5) DAONDI others in the money hunt.

Selections(6) Best Clone (8) Seungni Gongju (7) Glory And Honor (3) Hayan Taeyang
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

The second division of the three-year-old maiden. (3) GHANA DREAM has raced twice, improving significantly in the second of them on April 1st when running on from midfield to finish runner-up at this distance. She can settle behind the speed here and can go one better this time. (6) NEW POINT is the main danger. She ran a solid 5th of eleven on debut in a quicker time than Gana Dream did. She doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time, but Antonio’s services should compensate for that, and with some natural improvement, she will be right in this. There are a couple of Debut-makers and (2) NURI TAEYANG qualified well at the second time of asking in a fair time and a close finish on April 14th. She did her best work late and the 1200M first-up may suit. (4) VISION POWER and (1) MOONHAK EDEN other potential improvers.

Selections(3) Ghana Dream (6) New Point (2) Nuri Taeyang (4) Vision Power
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) WONPYEONG CHUKJE will be a hot favourite to score here. He has been working towards a win in recent starts, culminating in an on-pace runner-up finish over this distance on April 1st in a time quicker than any of the others here have clocked. He draws well, he should be on pace, and he should have too much. (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL has picked up in his latest couple and enters off a career-best 3rd over this trip on April 8th. This is no harder and he can be competitive again. (4) DALMAJI also hinted at improvement on his latest on April 15th when coming from midfield to run on for 4th. He comes up slightly in the weights but draws well and may be ridden a little further forward a little earlier today. (6) MAGIC MOCCASIN and (2) EURO GANGJA among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(1) Wonpyeong Chukje (5) Saeroun Bitkkal (4) Dalmaji (6) Magic Moccasin
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Weak maiden to kick off the south coast action. (4) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG didn’t exactly pull up trees on debut over this distance on March 24th, but he ran well enough for 6th of twelve in a time a full second faster than any of the others have achieved for the 1200M and that’s enough to make him the pick here. (2) WORLD BEST CAT showed improvement when 5th at start number two over this distance on April 7th. She has raced on pace in both her starts so far and from a good gate, she can do the same here. There is two debut-makers and (7) LUCKY BAND put in a fair trial three weeks ago. He couldn’t ask for a softer race to debut in and can be considered for a money finish first-up, probably racing on the speed. (8) HAPPY BRIANNA and (5) NAMYANG DORI may improve.

Selections(4) Yeonggwanguihamsung (2) World Best Cat (7) Lucky Band (8) Happy Brianna
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(8) CLAIR BEST has seven top-five finishes from nine starts and enters off a smart 3rd place at this class over 1200M on April 1st. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but could well be on the speed here and can potentially go all the way. (3) HUIMANG OREUM too comes in off a last start 3rd, in her case over this distance and defying odds of in excess of 30/1. She carries the same weight, draws well, and will warrant more respect here. (9) YONGCHEON JISANG is another last start 3rd. He was a winner at this level over 1200M two starts back, and while he carries 3kg more than when he won, he can settle back and be a danger late on. (2) KKANGDORI and the up in class last start winner (7) ACE TIARA are among others to keep safe.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 6)

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

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

Seven fillies and a colt in this maiden. (1) SMARTY GLORY led for much of the way around on her latest start in February over 1300M, ultimately finishing 3rd. She has since been back to trial which she won in good style in late March. She comes slightly back in trip and has solid claims here. (2) SONGAM NURI enters after a best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on April 8th when settling midfield and running on. She continues under a 4kg allowance so is nicely in again and can aim for a repeat. (7) SAMBA ZONE races for the first time since last November. She has the fastest time among these to her name and while she didn’t offer too many clues when trialling in mid-April, on her old form she should be competitive in this company. (8) SHOOT UP SPARK and (5) TAEPYEONGMU other placing chances.

Selections(1) Smarty Glory (2) Songam Nuri (7) Samba Zone (8) Shoot Up Spark
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens. (1) SSEULMO looks to have figured things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times having led for much of the way around. He should be on the speed again and can go one better here. (9) CHEONJI SKY ran an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on March 11th. He settled midfield and ran on that day but in this company may be able to get a more forward position and can go close again. (2) MY ONE has hinted at ability in his latest two outings, running on well for 4th and 5th over this distance. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and should be a danger late on. (3) GEUMSEONG REVERE and (8) PURPLE SHINHWA others who have shown encouraging signs.

Selections(1) Sseulmo (9) Cheonji Sky (2) My One (3) Geumseong Revere
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

(3) EVERY CHARM ran out a good winner over this distance on March 18th, stalking the leader throughout before finishing well. She comes up in class here but comes into a better gate and there could be more to come. (2) WALGADAK got her maiden win over 1200M in January and comes in off a 3rd place at this class over that same distance on April 9th when from a wide gate she sat right at the back for most of the way before making good progress late on. From a much better draw, she should be much closer this time and is a danger. That will mean overturning the form on (7) HANGANG HERO, who ran 2nd in that April 9th race, running on from midfield. That was an uptick in form on recent starts and while she remains a maiden, she looks nicely in again here. (5) TOGETHER WAY and (4) BARAMGWA HAMKKE, the latter having trialled nicely twice since his latest appearance, are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Every Charm (2) Walgadak (7) Hangang Hero (5) Together Way
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

(9) K N GOLDEN KING got his maiden win at start number three over this distance on April 8th when making all. He was favourite that day after two decent showings in his first two starts, and while he comes up in class here, he will be fancied to win again. (5) MAUIWAY got his maiden win in dominant fashion back in January and has since acquitted himself well with a 5th and a 3rd in two tries at this class. He has raced well from on pace and from behind, and he should be going close again. (10) SMARTY FIGHTER is another up in class following a last start maiden win, in his case over this distance on April 2nd when stalking the lead and running on. He too should measure up at this level. (1) DONGHAENG FIRST remains winless but comes up in class after near-misses in each of her first four appearances. From a good draw, she can be on pace and competitive. (6) DESK TAP among others in the minor money frame.

Selections(9) K N Golden King (5) Mauiway (10) Smarty Fighter (1) Donghaeng First
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(6) PERFECT GUN MAN ran out a class and distance winner on April 1st, settling just off the pace before finishing strongly. He had three of today’s rivals behind and as he only comes up 1kg in the weights, he is the one to beat again. (11) FEDERAL KING ran 2nd in that April 1st race, settling right back and then finishing well. The wide draw isn’t an issue as he’ll go back anyway, and he can be running on strong and into the money again. (7) GOMANARU was 3rd in that race having also settled back in the field. There was barely a length between the three of them and the rematch today could be just as close. If you don’t like the form from that race, then (1) THUNDER HORSE, 2nd two starts back at class and distance, and (3) BUL HWASAN, are among alternatives.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

May’s racing kicks off with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:55 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(3) HWANGWU JANGSA won a pair of trials before running 3rd on debut over this distance on April 9th, sitting handy and finishing off well having overcome a wide gate. He draws better here, should have come on for the run, and is the one to beat. (7) HAPPY TAEYANG has the fastest time for the distance among these, recorded two starts back when 2nd. She weakened a little over 1300M last time out but back down in trip and kindlier drawn, she is a danger. (5) ARION QUEEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far including a last start 3rd place at this distance. She should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) NEOGA CHOEGO and first-time starter (6) HERO J are among others to consider.

Selections(3) Hwangwu Jangsa (7) Happy Taeyang (5) Arion Queen (8) Neoga Choego
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

It’s hard to go too far past (4) SPECIALIST here. He enters off a 2nd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three, two of them at this distance and from a good draw can sit on pace or handy and should prove too strong. (7) ADELE HORANGI has only missed the top-five once in nine prior starts. He tends to sit back and can leave himself too much to do but he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance, and he should be going close. (3) ROCKS has mixed his form but going on his 3rd place at this distance two starts back, he should be right in this from a good draw. (1) PINHOLE EYE and (8) SPECIAL FACT are others who in this company can aim for a place.

Selections(4) Specialist (7) Adele Horangi (3) Rocks (1) Pinhole Eye
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(5) WONDERFUL APPEAL got her maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 9th when sitting handy throughout and then finishing off well in a quick time. She comes up in class but carries a light weight and from a good gate, she can measure up in this company. (1) MONEY CASE comes back in trip following a couple of spins around a mile which included a runner-up finish two starts back. He can be on pace here and should benefit from the shorter distance. (2) GOHEUNG CLASS will need a line drawn through her latest when she was slowly away from a wide draw and finished well back over 1400M. She comes into a better gate today and with a better start, should be much closer. (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI and (8) TAEWANG SINGI others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Wonderful Appeal (1) Money Case (2) Goheung Class (7) Doctor Kongdoli
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(1) GOLDEN WAVE is yet to finish any worse than 3rd in four career starts. Her win came at this distance in a quick time back in February at class 6 level when she led all the way, and she has more than held her own in two subsequent starts at this class. From a great draw, she should be on pace and can lead gate to wire once more. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (2) HANEUL JEWANG overcame the widest draw to win at class and distance in March and then followed up with a decent 4th, again drawn wide on April 2nd. He carries 3kg more than when he won but that is balanced by coming into a batter barrier, and he can go close again. (6) SKY JEJUHYANG is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has plenty of near misses and Seo Seung-un climbing on will attract interest. (5) ROSE FIGHTER and (3) DAMYANGUISIN are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Golden Wave (2) Haneul Jewang (6) Sky Jejuhyang (5) Rose Fighter
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(11) WORLD CLASS CAT remains a maiden after six attempts, but she has finished in the top-three in her latest five and looks to have as good a chance as any here. She has a strong finish on her so doesn’t need to lead and the step up to 1400M for the first time can be exactly what she needs. (1) ROAD TO GLORY got his maiden win with an all the way score over this distance on March 31st. He comes up in class but draws very well and he can be competitive in this company. (2) PEGACORN is also up in class. He is still a maiden, but he has five top-four finishes to his name at the lower level including a runner-up at this distance. He comes down in weight, draws well, and should be in the mix again. (9) VEREUDA and (6) SKY MOUNTAIN others in the placing frame.

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“IDOL HORSE” BETELGEUSE SHINES BRIGHTEST IN TRIPLE CROWN OPENER

Fan favourite Betelgeuse justified his favourite status as the snared the first jewel of the 2023 Triple Crown with a two-length win in the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Betelgeuse downs Something Lost in the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Boasting a resume more complete than any other in the sixteen-strong field with a higher rating and experience defeating older horses at both a mile and around two turns as well as winning Busan’s Classic trial, Betelgeuse was sent off as the 2.4 market leader. From a kind draw, while not the quickest away, the striking grey was able to set up camp in a handy position while Choice Run and Dokki Bulpae set the pace.

Seoul’s principal raider, Something Lost, who entered the race with the only intact unbeaten record and who had won the Seoul Classic trial last month, quickly joined them on the speed and took himself to the front as they began the long turn for home. Under Choi Si-dae, Betelgeuse would improve before drawing level with Something lost a furlong out and then pulling away in the closing stages as his rival tired.

Betelgeuse and Choi Si-dae return to scale (Pic: KRA)

It was an eye-catching win in a time identical to that set by Captain Yankee a year ago, although slower than those set in the race in 2020 and 2021, which were both run at a different time of year due to pandemic enforced fixture changes. Betelgeuse moved on to seven wins from nine starts and the Concord Point colt, who is quickly amassing as many fans for his looks as for his ability – and there is plenty of both – heads into the Derby as the favourite.

The winner aside, the form from Seoul’s Classic trial, the Sports Seoul Trophy, held up better than that of Busan’s Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, with Something Lost staying on for 2nd and chased home by Dragon Star and Nut Play, who reprised their fast-finishing Sports Seoul 3rd and 4th places. Back home in the capital, and up at 1800M in the Derby, with the way they finish off their races they may pose more of a danger to Betelgeuse. The next best Busan-trained horse was World Legend in 5th.

Busan’s “tifo” still needs a bit of work but a game effort nonetheless (Pic: KRA)

Most of the field ran to expectations with the only below par performance of the race came from last year’s champion juvenile Speed Young. The second favourite loomed up at the top of the home straight but then didn’t run on, ultimately finishing in 7th place. Breeders’ Cup winner Speed Young is proving hard to catch, with his strong win over a mile at class 3 last month, preceded by a lacklustre effort the time before.

Fantastic Kingdom was relatively well-backed but ran like a horse returning from the twenty-one layoff that he was. Dokki Bulpae was sent off at a similar relatively short-priced 11/1 and used up all his energy getting on the speed from an unlucky draw.

For winning jockey Choi Si-dae, it was a first KRA Cup Mile albeit a twelfth Group win in total. Similarly, trainer Baik Kwang-yeol sent out his first Cup Mile winner but his fifth Group winner. Trainer and jockey paired up to win the 2015 Korean Derby with Yeongcheon Ace. That was for the same owner as Betelgeuse, Lee Jong-hun.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on June 11th, before the concluding Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2), also in the capital, on July 11th.  Put the plushie factory on overtime if Betelgeuse can win both of those.